10 Fun Things For Seniors To Do In La Grange, Il

The suburb of La Grange, IL, is around 15 miles southwest of Chicago and offers residents a ton of enjoyable things to do right in town. The following are some of the top activities seniors in the area can check out.

1. La Grange Farmer’s Market

The La Grange Famer’s Market happens every Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May through October, and is held along Harris Avenue near Village Hall. Sponsored by the La Grange Business Association, the farmer’s market welcomes local vendors who sell fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and more from around the area, including local farms. Shop here for farm-fresh ingredients and unique gifts.

2. La Grange Pet Parade

The La Grange Pet Parade has been an annual late spring community tradition since 1947. Community members and tourists hang out along a 1.5-mile route through downtown La Grange to watch community organizations, local businesses and pet owners and their pets walk down the route.

After the parade, the La Grange Business Association hosts a carnival with kid-friendly rides, carnival games and food and beverage vendors. The carnival runs the entire weekend of the La Grange Pet Parade and offers unlimited ride specials in the afternoons and evenings.

3. La Grange Craft Fair

The annual La Grange Craft Fair has been going strong for nearly 50 years, with dozens of vendors from throughout the Midwest selling their handcrafted goods. Visitors can find original artwork, jewelry, handmade clothing, soaps and accessories.

4. Chicago Attractions

La Grange is a little more than 15 miles southwest of Chicago. As a Chicago suburb, La Grange residents have access to world-class amenities in Chicago, just a short drive away.

Some of the top attractions in Chicago to check out include:

• The Second City: The Second City in Chicago is one of the best places in the United States to see live comedy. The theater hosts a unique blend of improv and sketch comedy performances, with each show offering something different and made up on the spot. Notable Second City alumni include comedians Amy Poehler, Steve Carell, Chris Farley and many more.
• Lincoln Park Zoo: The Lincoln Park Zoo is a great place to see hundreds of wildlife species, like gorillas, penguins, otters, monkeys and lions. There are also more than 850 plant species at the zoo, which includes arboretum accreditation. The zoo also hosts special events like craft beer tastings, charity runs and Adults Night Out events.
• Sporting events: Chicago is home to major sports leagues including football, baseball, hockey and basketball teams. When you want to see a professional, big-name game, head into the city.

Chicago is also home to some of the world’s most renowned restaurants, museums and shopping destinations. For those who live in La Grange, it’s fun to take a day or weekend trip into the city, which offers a whole new world of entertainment.

5. La Grange Sidewalk Sale

The La Grange Sidewalk Sale is an annual event where local shop owners clear off the shelves to make way for fall and holiday merchandise. That means big deals for shoppers, who can find discounts on items from their favorite stores for two days during the summer. It’s a great way to get ahead on holiday shopping or get something you’ve always wanted on sale.

6. Parks & Recreation

The La Grange area has around a dozen parks and recreation areas for residents to enjoy. Notably, the 13-acre Gordon Park near downtown La Grange includes:

• • • Fitness stations
    • Lighted handball courts
    • Lighted softball fields
    • Picnic shelter
    • Playground
    • Skate spot
    • Soccer fields
    • Splash pad
    • Walking/jogging path

Gordon Park also regularly hosts special events, including movies in the park, yoga in the park and a live summer concert series.

Less than 10 miles away from La Grange, the Forest Preserves of Cook County contains more than 70,000 acres of nature, for activities like:

• • • Bicycling
    • Birding
    • Boating
    • Camping
    • Canoeing
    • Cross-country skiing
    • Disc golf
    • Dog parks
    • Horseback riding
    • Fishing
    • Golf
    • Hiking
    • Kayaking
    • Model airplanes and drones
    • Nature center
    • Photography
    • Picnics
    • Running
    • Sledding
    • Snowmobiling
    • Swimming
    • Walking
    • Ziplining

There are more than 100 miles of paved bicycle trails and more than 200 miles of multiuse trails throughout the Forest Preserves. It’s a great place to get outside and enjoy nature in the La Grange area.

7. Brookfield Zoo

The Brookfield Zoo in nearby Brookfield has been open since 1934 and includes a wide variety of exhibits featuring more than 3,400 animals. Visitors can see snow leopards, sea turtles, orangutans, dolphins, polar bears and many more diverse animal species. The zoo also hosts special events focused on sustainability, as well as fun runs and a holiday lights spectacular.

8. The Vial House

The Vial House, the headquarters for the La Grange Area Historical Society, was built in 1874 and today serves as a community museum and research center. The Vial house was built by Samuel Vial, whose family members were among the earliest settlers in the La Grange area. Visitors can see special exhibits that highlight the society’s collection of period costumes and other La Grange artifacts.

9. West End Arts Festival

The annual West End Arts Festival takes place at the end of summer each year and presents a juried fine arts show featuring works from artists from around the country. In addition to meeting the artists and shopping for artworks, visitors can watch live art demonstrations, see culinary demonstrations, taste wines, take art classes and see jazz performances. There’s also an interactive area for kids.

10. Downtown La Grange

Downtown La Grange and the La Grange West End are the top places in town to find local boutiques, fine dining restaurants and unique eateries, and coffee shops. The hub of La Grange is also where lots of the community’s big events take place. You can find a complete list of downtown La Grange beauty, dining, fitness, entertainment and retail shops online.

See What Life in La Grange Can Be Like at Aspired Living

La Grange is also home to Aspired Living of La Grange, a senior lifestyle residence offering Assisted Living, Memory Care and short-term care services for seniors. It’s a welcoming community for senior La Grange residents who need a little extra help, featuring a full calendar of daily on-site programming activities for residents. For details, find out more about Senior Lifestyle, or schedule a tour today.

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