2020 and 2021 have been a lot to handle to say the least. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time! There are plenty of activities you can do even if you’re not ready to jump into a crowded atmosphere. Check out our ranked list of fun activities to fill your Summer.
1. Take a Road Trip
The state has so much to offer and road trips are a classic way to enjoy a quick getaway or a full weekend vacation. We currently have multiple itineraries to choose form to make your road trip to the Elgin Area full of excitement and curated to your interests! See the itineraries.
2. Go for a Hike or Bike Trip
The Fox River Bike Trail is one of the Elgin area’s most beloved trails or hiking or biking. Click to see our Top 5 Hiking Trails or the Best Hiking and Biking Trails in all Illinois.
3. Go on a Burger Trail
With the whole season to spend, take your time and create a burger trail! We’ve gathered votes and have created a ranked list for the Best Burgers in the Elgin Area. Dine in, dine outdoors or grab pick up throughout the Summer to determine your own ranked list for the best burgers.
4. Go Golfing
The Elgin area is full of great golf courses, check out the full list of golf courses our 10 communities offer. And if you’re looking to travel to play, check out the list of the Best Golf Courses in Illinois! There are also two disc golf courses in the Elgin Area as well: Randall Oaks and Rolling Knolls.
5. Plan a Stay-cation
Believe it or not, you don’t have to go far to get away and leave stress behind. The Elgin area offers lots of activities and from this list alone you could plan a full weekend while staying close to home. And if you really want to get away, check into one of our hotels for an overnight stay!
6. Get Ice Cream
Arguably, one of Summer’s best treat and we’ve got just the list for you. We sent out a poll and compiled the results for the Top 5 Places to get a Frozen Treat in the Elgin area. Check it out and you will know no matter which one you choose you’ll have a great experience!
7. Go Camping
This Summer take out the tent and get back to nature! Pack the supplies for s’mores and hot dog roasting and head to one of our campgrounds! Check out our Summer Camping Spaces and Places to see what camping spot will fit your needs best!
8. Read/ Join an Online Book Club
Reading can be a great escape and when it’s nice outside it’s a great excuse to enjoy the outdoors. Here are some places to go in the Elgin area to pick up a good book.
Libraries
- Gail Borden Public Library, Elgin
- Gail Borden Public Library, South Elgin
- Gail Borden Public Library, Rakow Branch
- Dundee Library/ Fox River Valley Public Library District, Dundee
- Ella Johnson Memorial Public Library District, Hampshire
- Randall Oaks Library (Fox River Valley Public Library District), West Dundee
Book Stores
- BookLady’s Book Attic, Bartlett
- Barnes and Noble, West Dundee
There are many online books clubs you can join easily by just Googling, online book clubs. You can also start your own through Facebook or Zoom.
9. Go Kayaking
The Fox River stretches for many miles, making the Fox River Water Trails scenic and enjoyable. There are trails great for beginners and advanced river travelers alike. But don’t feel like you need to run to the store to purchase a kayak or canoe. South Elgin Canoe and Kayak Myak can provide kayak or canoe rentals keeping you from breaking the bank and getting you onto the river!
10. Enjoy a Picnic
With the amount of park and forest preserves in the Elgin area, there are countless places you could go for a picnic! Check out our Nature & Outdoors page to see the full list. Also, check out the Best Picnic Spots blog to find all the best picnic spots in the state.
11. Go Fishing
Did you know fishing has been proven to reduce stress? It’s a great activity to do with friends, family, or kids; making it a great option! And with miles of the Fox River stretching through our community you are sure to find a private area. And check out the Best Fishing Spots blog to see where the most recommended spots are in the state.
12. Try Bird Watching
We created a fun bingo game based on the activity of bird watching: Birdwatching Bingo! We did some research into what birds are native to the Elgin area and created this board. When you spot a bird on the list you can check it off on the bingo board. And with a mobile option that allows each board to be uniquely generated, you can create a fun competition between friends and family! Plus it’s a great way to make going for a walk more interesting or when playing inside on an especially hot day. Click here for more information!
13. Garden
2020 and 2021 generated a huge surge of interest in home gardening. Fruits, veggies and flowers alike. It’s relaxing, provokes feelings of accomplishment and spending time outdoors in the sun provides all kinds of health benefits! Klein’s Farm and Market, Platt Hill Nursery, and Prairie View Garden Center and Farm Market are all great stops to start or enhance your garden.
14. Get Crafty
It’s refreshing to get creative. If you find you have extra time at home this Summer, whipping out the crafting supplies might sound great! Side Street Studio Arts is probably the biggest artistic influence in our community. And you can be inspired without leaving the comfort of your home. Simply check out the Side Street Studio Arts Facebook page and scroll through their posts. There you’ll find countless how to guides and inspiration for a wide variety of projects!
15. Go For a Drive
Grab the keys and hit the road. There are a number of attractions and self-driven tours you can take right here in the Elgin area. Here are some of our favorite tours to go on.
Downtown Elgin Commercial District: Self-Driven Tour
The Gifford Park Association: a Self-Driven Tour
Do You Like our List?
Show us pictures of your summer activities by posting your photos and using #ExploreElgin!
