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 GrayslakeMay 4
MayFest (Grayslake Arts Alliance)
Grayslake Heritage Center & MuseumMay 27
Memorial Day Parade (Village of Grayslake)
Lake Street & Memorial ParkMay 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 GrayslakeJune 7
Tie Die Party
Grayslake Area Public Library Front LawnJune 9
4th Annual PFLAG Grayslake Better Together Pride Parade
Center Street - Historic Downtown GrayslakeJune 9
Grayslake Community Band Performance
Central Park Performance PavillionJune 14
Children’s Summer Performances - Miss Jamie’s Farm
Central Park Performance PavillionJune 17
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom Walk
Grayslake Area Public Library & Grayslake Heritage Center & MuseumJune 18
Summer Concert: See Alice
Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)June 22
AuthorFest (Local Authors, Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum)
Grayslake Heritage Center & MuseumJune 29
Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks (Grayslake Park District)
Central ParkJune 30
Grayslake Community Band Performance
Central Park Performance PavillionJuly 13
Grayslake 5K Family Fun Run and Walk (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
Historic Downtown GrayslakeJuly 13
Gen-X Exhibit Launch
Grayslake Heritage Center & MuseumJuly 14
Grayslake Community Band Performance
Central Park Performance PavillionJuly 16
Movies Off Center: Grease
Centennial Plaza (Whitney Street)July 19
Children’s Summer Performances - Jason Kollum Juggling Show
Central Park Performance PavillionJuly 20
Grayslake Summer Nights (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
Historic Downtown GrayslakeAugust 2
Children’s Summer Performances - Dave’s Reptile Show
Central Park Performance PavillionAugust 4
Grayslake Community Band Performance
Central Park Performance PavillionAugust 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 GrayslakeAugust 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 GrayslakeOctober 24
Pumpkin Fest (Grayslake Park District)
Central ParkOctober 26
Business Trick or Treat (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
Historic Downtown GrayslakeNovember 29
Grayslake Festival of Lights & Holiday Market (Grayslake Area Chamber of Commerce)
Historic Downtown GrayslakeNovember 29
Grayslake Giving Trees
Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum