If you’re new to Waukegan, you may think keeping date night fun is tough. Waukegan is an hour and a half drive from downtown Chicago, making the trip doable but just long enough to be a deterrent for a night out in the Windy City. But you’ll be happy to know it’s easy to find new and fun things to do living in Waukegan! This large city has many hidden gems and exciting things to do for date night. Check out our list of things to do in Waukegan for every season.
1. See a Show at the Genesee Theatre
One of the must-see attractions in Waukegan is this beloved theater. Once upon a time (in the 1920s), the Genesee was the place to see movies in town. It’s been renovated and now hosts comedy shows, concerts, and local events.
2. Spend the Day at Waukegan Municipal Beach
Having trouble deciding what to do in Waukegan, Il? This public beach is the perfect place to relax and perhaps share a picnic or a romantic walk along the shore. Andit’s a great place to get away from the crowd and get some sun, a refreshing lake breeze, and dip your toes in the water. There is nothing more beautiful than relaxing in the sand, especially with your friends or loved ones.
3. Take a Hike at Lyons Woods Forrest Preserve
The preserve is over 345 acres with about 4 miles of trails throughout. It’s great for birding, walking, biking, and, of course, hiking! This preserve is beautiful in all four seasons and offers a lovely romantic backdrop for all of them. Enjoy the spectacular fall foliage, snowshoeing in a winter wonderland, searching out early flowers in spring, or looking for butterflies in summer – there’s something perfect about it in each season that helps set the romantic mood.
Visit the east side where there are binoculars for bird watching and don’t forget your GPS to go Geocaching. Spend a lovely day together enjoying nature and each other.
Pro tip: Go early without your date and leave a love note in a cache!
4. FORE! Time for Some Fun Mini Golf
The People’s Choice Family Fun Park is the place to go. You can even play a few rounds of putt-putt in the dark under glow lights! This fun center offers a full arcade as well, so you can win your sweetie a prize, or engage in some harmless competition. Check out the Rocky’s Vegas Strip (opens May 18th) where you can play video casino slot games and maybe win real cash (must be 21 to play). Try your luck! There’s pizza specials and cold beer available as well.
5. Go to the Light at Waukegan Harbor Lighthouse
A truly romantic spot, you’ll want to hold hands as you walk to the end, not just because it’s a sweet thing to do but to keep from falling in! Caution: There are no railings on this walk. Consider doing a stroll at sunset and you will be rewarded with a spectacular view. You can see the City of Chicago at the end of the pier.
Located at the end of the Government Pier on Lake Michigan, this is an active lighthouse used by the US Coast Guard. What a fabulous place for couple selfies!
6. Take a Shopping Trip
Some people think the perfect date would be shopping at the Gurnee Mills Mall. This place has everything that makes a mall great. There is a ton to look at, people watching, and plenty of strolling. Check out over 200 shops and grab a quick bite to eat at the food court or a sit-down meal at the Rainforest Café.
7. Find Out if You Have What it Takes at 60 to Escape
One of the most fun things to do in Waukegan is an escape room. You can challenge yourself (and your relationship) using problem-solving skills and teamwork to escape. Choose your escape from a variety of situations that each has a different theme and feel. Choose the one you and your date will most likely complete. A few themes to choose from:
- Blast from the Past: Try to find out what happened to the owner of the arcade – who was supposedly trying to “build a machine” and then disappeared. Maybe you can save him and all of us!
- Mystery Manor: Uncover the mysteries of a mysterious fortune left to you and experience some spooky paranormal activity.
- Hidden Temple: Go on an adventure to the hidden temple to capture the treasure! See if you both have the skills it takes.
These are just a few of the options available, any of which will challenge you and your date using brainpower and teamwork to complete the challenge.
8. Check into Your Inner Child and Visit Bowen Park
Plan to spend the day at this large, elaborate park that has something to offer for everyone! There are ball fields, a sports complex on one end, a hiking area with beautiful trails, and many diverse types of plants, birds, and wildlife to explore on another end of the park. And, yet, another area contains amazing playgrounds, including picnic areas and a skate park. This park has it all! You’ll also find The Waukegan Historical Society and the Jack Benny Center for the Arts at this park. Head here anytime for relaxation or sport or fun!
9. Join in the Fun at Waukegan’s Independence Day Parade
Celebrate the red, white, and blue at Waukegan’s Independence Day Parade celebrating America’s independence. Who doesn’t love a parade?
10. Take a Trip Back into the History of Waukegan
Visit the Waukegan History Museum. Located in one of the oldest homes in Lake County, built in 1843. The former home of past Mayor of Chicago John Haines, it’s now set up as a period Victorian home and incorporates photographs, artifacts, and exhibits showcasing the history of Waukegan. Don’t miss the Waukegan Top 50 Exhibit, which displays what could be the top 50 historical events in the town. Explore the history of Jack Benny, one of Waukegan’s most famous residents! This museum is one of the best Waukegan, IL attractions and is a fabulous way to spend a day with your favorite person, exploring the past!
11. Take a Run! LaceUp for the George Bridges 5K Run/Walk
It’s not just a run, you’re helping fund the Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County (SRSNLC), which assists individuals with disabilities to participate in camps, athletics, health, fitness programs, and much more. Keep an eye out for new information to come!
12. Grab the Old Bowling Shoes, Warm up Your Arms and Go Bowling
A little friendly competition is always fun, and at Sunset Bowl it’s all about the pins. All 10 of them, and who can knock down the most. Can you get a perfect 300? Better yet, join a league and have a date night every week! Their Fall League is looking for participants! Nothing beats bowling, beer, and pizza.
15. Show off Your Skills Couple Skating
If your idea of fun is whizzing around on a board or skates, you need to head to the Waukegan Skate Park and shred! It’s the perfect opportunity to teach your date about something you love if they’re a novice. With three separate sections for beginner, intermediate, and expert skaters, hone your skater skills and skate off into the sunset together!
Still wondering what to do in Waukegan, Il? This list is just the beginning of the fantastic dates to be had in Waukegan and doesn’t include any of the fabulous restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, and eateries that could be great dinner dates.
Swing by your storage unit in Waukegan to pick up your picnic basket, skates, or sporting equipment before you go out and celebrate with your someone special. It’s easy to find some unique and fun date night ideas for special times with your special someone in this busy town.
