Searching for things to do in Schaumburg, IL? Whether you’re a local planning your weekend or a visitor from out of town for a quick getaway, Schaumburg is a popular outer Chicago suburb with plenty of activities for all ages.
From immersive sculpture museums to one of the biggest malls in the U.S., here are the top attractions in Schaumburg and why they’re so popular.
Where is Schaumburg, IL?
Schaumburg is a village in the northeastern region of Illinois. It’s primarily located in Cook County, with some parts in DuPage County. Its surrounding suburbs include Hoffman Estates, Inverness, Rolling Meadows, Roselle, and Streamwood.
The Village of Schaumburg was originally a small farm community and transformed into a thriving economic center with the most businesses in Illinois than any city outside Chicago.
It was also ranked the Best Place to Live in Illinois in 2018, showcasing why residents love living here due to the higher quality of life this suburb offers.
How Far is Schaumburg, Illinois to Chicago?
The Village of Schaumburg is about 30 miles northwest of Chicago. It’s about a 40-minute drive via I-290 E. If you prefer not to drive into the city, you can also access Chicago’s public transportation options.
The Schaumburg Metra train station connects to the Milwaukee District West (MD-W) line, which takes you to Chicago’s Union Station in about an hour and a half or less.
6 Fun Things to Do in Schaumburg, IL: Exploring Events, Eating, & Entertainment
Whether you’re looking for local eats or entertainment, below are the top six things to do in Schaumburg while you’re here.
1. Explore Contemporary Art at The Sculpture Park
Immerse yourself in bigger-than-life architecture and design at the Chicago Athenaeum‘s expansion in Schaumburg—known as International Sculpture Park.
It’s an indoor and outdoor museum with 20 acres of meadow and forest featuring massive sculptures by international and American sculptors. Sculptures are placed throughout the grounds of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center.
Come for the garden and stay for a show or exhibit at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts located on the same campus. They’re dog and bike-friendly, with picnic tables to eat in a stunningly natural and contemporary artistic environment.
2. Visit the Stunning Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary
Soak in Schaumburg’s beautiful landscape at the Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary. It has 135 acres of preserved fields, forests, and marshes and offers on-site activities. These include hiking trails, a nature center, and an 1880s farm that teaches visitors about the sanctuary’s history.
3. Visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago
One of the top Schaumburg tourist attractions is LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago because it’s fun for everyone. They offer plenty of activities like Lego-building, laser rides, and the LEGO 4D cinema. Select adult nights are also available if you’re looking for fun and unique date ideas in Schaumburg.
4. Shop & Play at Woodfield Mall
Woodfield Mall isn’t your ordinary mall. It has a unique variety of retail shops, amenities, and restaurants that are perfect for families and friends looking to shop, eat, and play simultaneously! Conveniently located just off Interstate 290 and Golf Road in Schaumburg, Woodfield Mall is one of the largest shopping destinations in the U.S.
It also has attractions, like a Peppa Pig World of Play indoor playground, a PAC-Man-themed arcade with bowling, and Blocks to Bricks—the world’s first and only museum of 3D building toys! With almost 300 stores, restaurants, and specialty shops- there is no doubt you’ll find something you’ll enjoy!
5. Laugh at the Improv Comedy Theatre
Located near the Woodfield Mall, you can visit this Schaumburg staple- the Improv Comedy Theatre for plenty of laughs and a great comedy show! Check out the variety of scheduled top-notch comedic talent on the Improve Theatre website.
6. Discover Delicious Local Schaumburg Eats
You can’t visit Schaumburg without trying the delicious local eats they have to offer. Below are some of the top-rated places to try.
Fat Rosie’s
Named after an old Agave farmer’s pet donkey that Chef/Proprietor Scott Harris met during a trip to Mexico, Fat Rosie’s is a highly-rated traditional Mexican restaurant serving brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert. From slow-roasted pork tamales to three-pound challenge burritos and churro sundaes, any dish you eat will have a flavor explosion in your mouth.
Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
Not only can you grab a pie from Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, but you can also get a piece of Chicago-style pizza history. The owner, Lou Malnati, worked at Chicago’s first deep-dish pizzeria in the 1940s. He brought his expertise to the outer Chicago suburbs and opened his family-owned pizzeria/restaurant chain with multiple locations.
If deep-dish isn’t your thing, they also serve thin-crust pizzas and Italian cuisine classics, like cheese ravioli, Italian beef sandwiches, and bruschetta.
Wildfire
If you’re looking for Schaumburg date ideas, add Wildfire to your itinerary. Wildfire is a local steakhouse with live jazz music, serving top-quality steaks, chops, and seafood. You’ll surely impress your date with these delicious dishes from seasonal menu items like macadamia nut-crusted halibut and year-round beer-braised short ribs.
Home Sweet Schaumburg: Make Your Apartment Search Simple with TLC Management
Does Schaumburg sound like your new home? We can make the apartment searching process simpler for you.
At TLC Management, we own and manage over 36 properties, each with unique features around and within Chicago. As onsite property managers and building owners, it gives our tenants the best renting experience—as it should be.
Our Woodbury Place apartments in Schaumburg have exceptional amenities, including:
•Resort-style pool with a sundeck and grilling station
•Large patios and balconies
•Custom cherry cabinets, walk-in closets, and granite countertops
•Community Bark Park and monthly planned social events
Ready to make your move to Schaumburg or nearby?
Browse our Chicago suburb listings or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com for help finding your perfect place today!
