Part of the Chicago Northwest region, Schaumburg is located approximately 30 miles northwest of Chicago. From nature trails to galleries, parks to performing arts, farmers markets to sports, shopping malls to festivals, Schaumburg has a lot to offer. Favorite tourist attractions include the Prairie Center for the Arts, the Schaumburg Park District, Woodfield Mall, International Sculpture Park, Trickster Art Gallery, and more.

Visit the Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park

Visit the Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park

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Established in 1988, the Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park is America’s only independent museum of architecture and design. The museum’s mission is to cultivate public appreciation for the ways in which design and architecture have beneficial effects on humans and their environment. Along with the main campus in Chicago, the Athenaeum operates branches in both Schaumburg and Galena.

The International Sculpture Park in Schaumburg consists of 20 acres of greens and forest, with sculptures artfully placed to blend with the park’s natural habitat. The sculptures are sourced from renowned American and European artists, and the museum has hosted exhibitions of contemporary art both locally and abroad.

Address: 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg, Illinois 60193, Phone: 815-777-4444

Have dinner at Chicago Improv

Have dinner at Chicago Improv

© Chicago Improv

The go-to spot to watch stand up comedy, Chicago Improv offers a dining option for the first show of the night, as well as late shows on Friday and Saturday. Diners for first shows must arrive 90 minutes before show time, but Chicago Improv has a comfortable, large waiting area and bar where patrons can pass the time.

The club does have a two-item minimum for all customers, and that priority seating is granted to dining patrons. Chicago Improv can accommodate events and parties of up to 400 people, and has a private party room onsite.

Address: 5 Woodfield Rd Woodfield Mall Store K120B Schaumburg, IL 60173, Phone: 847-240-2001

Take the kids to FireZone

Take the kids to FireZone

© FireZone

FireZone is a kid-friendly spot that caters to adults too. Whether it’s for an all-inclusive party or drop-in time slot, kids enjoy some safe, interactive fun, like exploring fire trucks, sliding down a fire pole, or whooping it up in the Fire Station playhouse, all supervised by in-house firefighters.

FireZone also gives field trips for up to 90 children ages 2 to 12, where kids learn valuable fire safety tips and participate in fire-fighting related activities. And adults can get in the fun too: FireZone provides team-building programs in association with Chicago Fire Truck Rentals.

Address: 1100 National Pkwy, Schaumburg, IL 60173, Phone: 847-824-3473

Spend a fun afternoon at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Spend a fun afternoon at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center

© LEGOLAND Discovery Center

Schaumburg is home to the Chicago area’s LEGOLAND. The LEGOLAND Discovery Center caters to children aged 3 to 10, with all the exhibits and attractions being kid-sized, so except for adult only evenings, you’ll have to bring along a child in order to gain admission.

LEGOLAND has build zones, one-of-a-kind LEGO exhibits, two interactive rides (Kingdom Quest Laser and Merlin’s Apprentice), and even a 4D cinema. Visitors also can tour the LEGO factory, peruse the LEGO shop, and enjoy a snack in the LEGOLAND cafe. Birthday rooms are available for parties and on Toddler Tuesdays, kids age 5 or younger can partake in special activities.

Address: The Streets of Woodfield, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173, Phone: 847-592-9700

Watch a show and have dinner at Medieval Times

Watch a show and have dinner at Medieval Times

© Medieval Times

One of nine locations in North America, Medieval Times transfers guests back to the Spanish middle ages courtesy of an 11th century style four-course feast served while knights, horses, swords and falcons are all on display in a tournament of skill.

For historical accuracy, the banquet is eaten sans cutlery, as was done in 11th century Spain. Before the show, wander in the Hall of Arms, where lush medieval decor, coats of arms, and weapons are on display. Or, if you’re feeling brave, take a look through the Museum of Torture, replete with replicas of medieval torture devices.

Address: 2001 N Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60195, Phone: 847-882-1496

See a concert at the Prairie Center for the Arts

See a concert at the Prairie Center for the Arts

© Prairie Center for the Arts

The Prairie Center for the Arts is a performance venue boasting local and international acts on its roster. The venue seats 442 patrons and affords each of them excellent sightlines and acoustics in an intimate concert setting. Free outdoor concerts are a highlight of the summer season, and the annual schedule has music, dance, and theater offerings for every taste.

The Herb Aigner Gallery contains exhibits that change monthly. The center offers youth programming in music (orchestra and choir) and dance, as well as summer theater. Meeting and performance space is also available for rent, and when the weather is nice, explore the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center grounds.

Address: 201 Schaumburg Ct, Schaumburg, IL 60193, Phone: 847-895-3600

Watch a baseball at Wintrust Field

Watch a baseball at Wintrust Field

© Wintrust Field

Wintrust Field is home game central for the Schaumburg Boomers, a professional Frontier League baseball team. The stadium can accommodate 7365 fans, with flow over space for 900 more fans designated on the green space along the foul lines.

The stadium offers multiple areas to choose from for your next group outing, including luxury suites (for 18, 25 or 35 people), the Miller Lite Deck (100-200 people), and the Schaumberg Club. All area rentals include an all-you-can-eat buffet or banquet and have excellent views of the field. Catered picnics for groups of 25 or more as well as birthday packages are also available for purchase.

Address: 1999 South Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg, IL 60193, Phone: 847-461-3695

Hike in Spring Valley

Hike in Spring Valley

© Spring Valley

With 135 acres of green space, Spring Valley has been dubbed a “living museum.” The park boasts a nature center, over three miles of hiking trails, a replica 1880s farm, and a log cabin. The visitor center features seasonal exhibits on natural history, a library, and an observation tower.

Heritage farm gives a glimpse into life in the rural German farm community of 1880s Schaumberg, complete with historically dressed guides and 15-minute wagon rides. Birthday party packages are available, and you can rent a fire pit at an hourly rate for your next picnic or the log cabin or nature center for your next event.

Address: 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, Phone: 847-985-2100

See an exhibitions at the Trickster Art Gallery

See an exhibitions at the Trickster Art Gallery

© Trickster Art Gallery

The Trickster Art Gallery is a locus of contemporary Native arts and multicultural programming, including touring exhibitions, speakers, and workshops. The gallery has three spaces with work on display, with the permanent collection containing art from the post-1960s period, and a garden path displaying traditional medicinal plants.

The gallery’s library features books authored by indigenous persons, with a 50’ television playing Native media. School tours give students of all ages (first graders through college) a chance to learn about indigenous culture and history, including the historical role that Natives have played in the American military.

Address: 190 South Roselle Rd., Schaumburg IL 60193, Phone: 847-301-2090

Learn about history at the Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology

Learn about history at the Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology

© Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology

The Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology presents a comprehensive set of resources on anesthesiology. The museum contains books, photographs, multimedia, equipment, and artifacts on display and in special exhibitions, and it provides reference services through multiple channels, including email, phone, and in person.

The main library focuses on the history of anesthesiology and houses not only books and scholastic journals, but also images and biographical works. In the John W. Pender Living History of Anesthesiology multimedia collection, visitors can peruse the interview collection and audiotapes. The rare book room is a closed area, but visitors can enter if they make prior arrangements with the museum manager.

Address: 1061 American Lane, Schaumburg, IL 60173, Phone: 847-825-5586

Go fishing in Busse Woods

Go fishing in Busse Woods

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Also known as the Ned Brown Forest Preserve, Busse Woods is a 3,558-acre section within the Cook County Forest Preserve system. It is one of the biggest, and most diverse, portions of the preserve. Busse Woods is also home to unique sections of nature like a lovely elk pasture, close to 13 miles of paved recreational trails, and ancient upland forests. Additionally, the Busse Woods features some of the largest waters for fishing and boating in the entire county. With all of this to offer and more, it’s no surprise that Busse Woods has become one of the most popular recreational and natural destinations in all of Illinois.

Address: Rolling Meadows, Illinois 60008; Phone: 800-870-3666

Paint your own ceramic piece at Art Fuzd

Paint your own ceramic piece at Art Fuzd

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Explore your creativity, stretch your imagination, and create with friends or newly found ones at Art Fuzd, the city’s premier social art studio. With nearly five years in the business, this small business is a great place to try out fired arts and pottery painting. Their most popular activity is their Pottery To GO studio where visitors can choose from a number of ceramic pieces that they can then paint and decorate according to their preferences. Seasonal pottery items are also available so you can plan for occasions like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and create your home décor. Walk in at your desired time and day as no reservations are needed to Art Fuzd, the place where fun and art fuse together.

Address: 1457 W. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, Illinois 60194; Phone: 800-278-3893

Have fun at The Dinner Detective, a murder mystery-themed dinner show

Have fun at The Dinner Detective, a murder mystery-themed dinner show

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If you’re a fan of theater, murder mysteries, and delicious food, The Dinner Detective is a must-visit while in Schaumburg! As the largest interactive comedy and murder mystery-themed dinner show in the country, The Dinner Detective beckons guests for a memorable and entertaining evening. Guests will watch as a hilarious murder mystery unfolds right before their eyes – and their dinners – as performers track down the culprit that’s hiding right in the dining room with all the guests. Take a guess at who the culprit could be and beware of having the finger pointed at you! Snag a ticket to the show ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Address: 1939 N Meacham Road, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173; Phone: 866-469-0535

Have lunch at Pilot Pete’s

Have lunch at Pilot Pete’s

© Pilot Pete’s

For many people, an airport is likely the least of places to expect a city’s beloved eatery, and yet in Schaumburg, this is exactly the case. Located inside the Schaumburg Regional Airport is Pilot Pete’s, a popular flight-themed eater with great service, a great selection of made-to-order meals, and a great view of the airport runway to boot. Try best sellers such as their Caribbean BBQ Baby Back Ribs served with a side of steamed vegetables and a baked potato, the new Jalapeno Cheese Curd Burger, or for those looking for a more heart-friendly option, the Lemon Butter Grilled Chicken Breast. Meanwhile, Pilot Pete’s also has regular drink specials, food specials, and other great deals to enjoy.

Address: 905 W Irving Park Road, Schaumburg, Illinois 60193; Phone: 847-891-5100

Test your skipps at Mastermind Escape Games

Test your skipps at Mastermind Escape Games

© Mastermind Escape Games

Discover hints, find clues, and solve puzzles to break out of a locked room before the clock runs out when you visit Mastermind Escape Games. At Mastermind Escape Games, visitors can four different themed rooms, each with a time limit of sixty minutes. One of the newest rooms here is “The Shed”, where you and your teammates will have to figure out the secrets your neighbor is hiding before he gets back. Another room to try is the “Sorcerer’s Secret” wherein teams will visit a magic shop to find out why he disappeared. Foil the plans of the enemy and escape a magic lair before the evil sorcerer gets you as he did your uncle. Other rooms include “Outbreak: Find the Cure” and “Bank Heist”.

Address: 1015 E State Parkway, Suite 200, Schaumburg, Illinois 60173; Phone: 847-453-4348