Just seven miles west of downtown Chicago is the small suburban Village of Oak Park. This 4.5 square mile area packs in a lot to delight residents and visitors alike - from local shops and restaurants to beautiful parks and amenities - for all ages to enjoy. Plus, extremely accessible via public transportation, this is perhaps one of the easiest 'burbs for all city dwellers to access without a car! This is one neighborhood worth visiting at least once a year, but there are plenty of reasons to go back again and again.
Here are 10 reasons to add this neighborhood to your list of places to explore this fall:
Oak Park Farmer's Market - which is held each Saturday, rain or shine, in the Pilgrim Congregational Church parking lot is a great place to find local farm goods, baked goods, freshly made donuts, and community. This Saturday, September 17th, is my favorite day at the Farmer's Market - Pie Bake-Off Day! This delicious contest is open to all bakers, professional and amateur, and of all ages.
Oak Park has many famous people attached to its history, but perhaps one of the most famous is Ernest Hemingway, who was born here in July of 1899. You can visit the Hemingway Birthplace Museum, which is the home in which he was born so long ago. You can also stroll along Oak Park Avenue in what is known as the "Hemingway District" to explore local shops and restaurants. On the third Friday of the month, these businesses host later business hours, live music, and family fun!
Another famous resident was Frank Lloyd Wright, who spent the first 20 years of his career in the Chicago area and worked from his home and studio in Oak Park. You can visit his Home and Studio for a tour (ages 8 and up) or while the weather is nice, a self-guided outdoor tour to see some of the homes and buildings Wright created. Oak Park happens to be home to the largest collection of Wright-designed buildings in the world and the tour is not only a great way to see many of them as a family, but to see more of Oak Park as well.
Oak Park Conservatory is one of the most popular historic sites in Oak Park, drawing in thousands of visitors each year to see their collection of flora and fauna in three different showrooms. Surrounding the conservatory are beautiful gardens to enjoy, especially on a sunny day and they play host to many different events, like KidsFest and the upcoming Mum & Bulb sale, Fall Festival (Sept. 25) and more!
Step inside the "secret garden" of Oak Park with a visit to Austin Gardens. This is a true oasis, with lush trees and gardens, tucked away in a neighborhood street. This park district location, which offers a walking path, and plenty of space to relax or picnic, is also home to the Oak Park Festival Theatre which brings classic tales to audiences each summer and ice skating in the winter. Also on site is the Austin Gardens Environmental Education Center which hosts a variety of programs for children and their adults all year long.
Local Businesses for Kids and Families are plentiful in Oak Park! Check out some of our personal favorites, such as:
Kidcreate Studio opened its first Chicago area location in Lakeview and recently brought the fun to Oak Park! Kidcreate Studio brings art to children of all ages in a fun and engaging way. Check out their calendar to see the drop-in or series classes they offer, plus Parents Time Out, camps, and more at www.kidcreate.com/oak-park
Wonder Works Children's Museum is a wonderful place to allow younger children to explore and watch their imaginations grow! With seven different areas designed carefully with kids in mind, including a Children's Garden and Nature Play Space, you can easily spend an entire day here. Be sure to check their calendar in advance for any special events that may be happening - like the upcoming "Tinker Works" and "Wondereen & Boo!". Also daily is a special hour known as Toddler Time with specially created Music, Outdoor, and STEM experiences for this age group. www.wonder-works.org
Geppetto's Toy Box is a European-inspired treasure of a store! With quality in mind, they have taken care to select classic games and toys with a great selection of wooden toys that will last for years. This store also embraces a "hands-on" approach and encourages play while shopping for just the right thing. Their inventory does not cater to just the youngest of shoppers, but they offer a variety for all ages and which encourages family play time together. www.geppettostoybox.com
The Book Table is a truly independent store featuring new, and used, books for sale. Lovingly created by owners (who met while working in a bookstore) this spot is great for the depth of knowledge the staff has about not only their inventory but books in general. This is a great spot to pick up a new addition for your home library, or maybe to take to one of the local parks for a relaxing read. www.booktable.net
And yes, I know that technically the Junction Diner is in nearby Forest Park, but it is so close and so cool I had to include it! This is a unique spot to grab a bite, especially if you have any train fans in the family. Created by parents who "get it" and knew that this area needed a family-friendly spot that also offered a dash of whimsy and entertainment while offering a great menu (hello! all-day breakfast is always a win!) Also easily accessible from the "L" trains (Blue and Green Lines) and the Metra - so you can really build on the train theme if you ditch the car for this adventure. www.thejunctiondiner.com
| See our map to help you plan your visit to the Village of Oak Park! |
