Family Favorites

The Village Center is home to many favorites among local and visiting families.

When the temperatures heat up, kids and adults alike, enjoy visiting two outdoor spots for ice cream treats including Grayslake Dog n Suds Drive-In (currently closed) and The Freeze (pictured above), both long-established spots for family fun! In addition, such activities in Central Park including the splash pad, pickleball courts, and playgrounds are perfect for a day of play. The Grayslake Aquatic Center offers the chance to cool down during the summer months featuring two water slides, a child size slide, zero-depth entry and more!

In Historic Downtown Grayslake, you’ll find the Grayslake Famers Market – an outdoor shopping experience featuring fresh and prepared foods, crafts, gifts and various children’s entertainment operating three-seasons. The Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum offers family-friendly exhibits and hosts different concerts and events throughout the year.

In addition to those offerings, and many more, the Village Center is home to numerous family-friendly events each year – with the event season kicking off in April and going all the way through November! Check out 2024’s events below and keep your family busy all summer long!

2024 Family-Friendly Events 

Below is a list of some of the Village Center events including their sponsors and locations. Bring your family and join in on the fun! Check our Event Calendar for additional events offered each month. There is always something for all ages!

  • April 13 - June 4
    Spring Farmers Market: Saturdays (10 am – 2 pm) (Grayslake Farmers Market)
    Whitney Street in Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • May 4
    MayFest (Grayslake Arts Alliance) 
    Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum

  • May 27
    Memorial Day Parade (Village of Grayslake)
    Lake Street & Memorial Park

  • May 31
    Movies Off Center: The Goonies
    Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)

  • June 5 - September 25
    Summer Farmers Market: Wednesdays (3 pm – 7 pm) (Grayslake Farmers Market)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • June 7
    Tie Die Party
    Grayslake Area Public Library Front Lawn

  • June 9
    4th Annual PFLAG Grayslake Better Together Pride Parade
    Center Street - Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • June 9

    Grayslake Community Band Performance
    Central Park Performance Pavillion

  • June 14
    Children’s Summer Performances - Miss Jamie’s Farm
    Central Park Performance Pavillion

  • June 17
    Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom Walk
    Grayslake Area Public Library & Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum

  • June 18
    Summer Concert: See Alice
    Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)

  • June 22
    AuthorFest (Local Authors, Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum)
    Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum

  • June 29
    Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks (Grayslake Park District)
    Central Park

  • June 30
    Grayslake Community Band Performance
    Central Park Performance Pavillion

  • July 13
    Grayslake 5K Family Fun Run and Walk (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • July 13
    Gen-X Exhibit Launch
    Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum

  • July 14
    Grayslake Community Band Performance
    Central Park Performance Pavillion

  • July 16
    Movies Off Center: Grease
    Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)

  • July 19
    Children’s Summer Performances - Jason Kollum Juggling Show
    Central Park Performance Pavillion

  • July 20
    Grayslake Summer Nights (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • August 2
    Children’s Summer Performances - Dave’s Reptile Show
    Central Park Performance Pavillion

  • August 4
    Grayslake Community Band Performance
    Central Park Performance Pavillion

  • August 6
    Summer Concert: Mr. Myers Band
    Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)

  • August 13
    Movies Off Center: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
    Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)

  •  August 16-17
    Grayslake SummerFest (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • August 23
    Drum Circle Jam
    Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)

  • September 7
    Exchange Club of Grayslake’s 39th Annual Pancake Breakfast
    Fire Station 1 (Hawley Street)

  • September 7
    3rd Annual Cruisin’ on Center Grayslake Car Show
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • September 28 – December 14
    Fall Farmers Market: Saturdays (10 am – 2 pm) (Grayslake Farmers Market)
    Whitney Street in Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • October 24
    Pumpkin Fest (Grayslake Park District)
    Central Park

  • October 26
    Business Trick or Treat (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • November 29
    Grayslake Festival of Lights & Holiday Market (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
    Historic Downtown Grayslake

  • November 29
    Grayslake Giving Trees
    Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum