Looking for fun things to do in Bloomingdale, IL? We’ve got you covered. Even as a Chicago suburb, you don’t need to travel into the city to explore memorable activities and entertainment. And if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Bloomingdale is also a perfect place to wind down nearby.
Learn more about this popular community and must-see attractions for Bloomingdale visitors and locals alike.
Where is Bloomingdale, Illinois?
Bloomingdale was one of the earliest settled villages in DuPage County, founded by farmers. The area developed rapidly and became an important stop for westward travelers in the 1800’s. It’s about 25 miles northwest of Chicago (around a 40-minute commute), giving residents a small-town feel with proximity to the vibrant city. Balancing the best of both worlds, you get a slower-paced suburb with vast parks and forest preserves combined with city life within reach.
Although most residents drive, the Village of Bloomingdale has close access to Chicago public transportation options. As one of its surrounding suburbs is only five minutes away, you can easily travel into the Windy City from the Roselle Metra station. Its Milwaukee District West (MD-W) Line connects you directly to Chicago Union Station in about an hour.
The Chicago O’Hare International Airport is also only 25 minutes away, and Bloomingdale has commuter Pace buses to travel within and around Chicago’s suburbs, including Carol Stream and Wheaton.
5 Best Things to Do in Bloomingdale, IL: What to Do & See
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, below are the five top things to do in Bloomingdale while you’re here.
1. Catch Seasonal Events at Old Town Bloomingdale
In the heart of Old Town Bloomingdale, you’ll find plenty of seasonal events and year-round activities at Old Town Park. If you aren’t familiar with Old Town, it’s where the Village of Bloomingdale was originally settled, with restored buildings showcasing its local history. Old Town has vintage and modern retail stores, local businesses, and outdoor festivals.
Old Town Park hosts popular events throughout the year, and one of the most well-known is Septemberfest. It’s an annual festival on the first Saturday after Labor Day, with activities for all ages, including parades, carnival rides, stage performances, and local food/craft vendors. You can also explore Old Town Park’s natural scenery, with 1.2 acres of greenery and trails for walking, running, or biking.
Besides Bloomingdale’s Septemberfest, you can catch other seasonal events in Old Town, including:
•Tree Lighting/Kris Kringle Market
•Festival of Lights
•Old Town Brew Fest
•Movies in the Park
2. Cool Off at The Oasis
One of Bloomingdale’s top local attractions is The Oasis because it’s fun for everyone. The Bloomingdale Park District runs a full community waterpark with three areas: Cuda Cove, Mango Bay, and Adventure Island. The park offers unique experiences for families and adults.
Thrill seekers can enjoy drop slides and competitive pools at ‘Cude Cove. If you’re looking for indoor leisure from Illinois’ hotter seasons, you can relax at the zero-depth leisure pool at Mango Bay—yet it’s still entertaining for kids with spilling buckets and water slides. Adventure Island is family-friendly with its interactive water playground and water guns.
3. Explore Meacham Grove Forest Preserve
The Village of Bloomingdale is known for its rural-like landscape, even as a suburb. You can escape into local stunning nature at the Meacham Grove Forest Preserve. It has 255 total acres of mature first, savanna, and wetlands with activities for all fitness levels. These include hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, fishing seasonal fish, and picnicking in designated areas.
4. Tee Off at The Bloomingdale Golfers Club
You can “putt” your way to fun at the Bloomingdale Golf Club, no matter your skill level. They have various activities for local leagues, family-friendly golfer courses, and even banquet events, like weddings and charity contests.
After a long active day, you can cool off at their stunning 13,000-square-foot clubhouse overseeing the golf course with a cold beverage, casual fare food, or grill yourself onsite. Bloomingdale Golf Club offers a country club setting with enjoyable golf challenges and events for everyone.
5. Eat Your Way Through Bloomingdale
Bloomingdale brings diverse cuisines that’ll excite your tastebuds. Here are some of the top-rated local restaurants to try.
Jameson’s Charhouse
Searching for the best steakhouse in Bloomingdale? Add Jameson’s Charhouse to your list. They have served the finest Blank Angus steaks, chops, and fresh fish in the Chicagoland area since 1990. Their Dijon mustard-crusted lamb rack, Cajun Mahi Mahi fish sandwich, and French raspberry martini are all a must-try for a fancy lunch or dinner.
Anyway’s Pub
You can get the Chicago pub experience right here in Bloomingdale at Anyway’s Pub. They have a year-round porch, outdoor beer garden, and different beers of the month for all cravings. Their Italian beef eggrolls, Anyway’s Cosmo, and chocolate brownie obsession are all a must-try.
Its local recognition distinguishes Anyway’s Pub from your ordinary restaurant pub. They’re the most recent restaurant recipient of the Best of Bloomingdale Awards presented by the Bloomingdale Chamber of Commerce.
Dino’s Cafe
Get a unique New York-style diner experience in Bloomingdale at Dino’s Cafe. They’re a pancake house and restaurant serving American breakfast and lunch with outdoor seating available. They put a unique twist on classic diner dishes, like banana foster crepes, baby beef liver with grilled onions or bacon, and stuffed avocado salad with fresh cottage cheese.
Bloomingdale Bound: Find the Best Apartments to Rent with TLC Management
Considering making Bloomingdale your new home? TLC Management is here to help you find the perfect place to rent. As a local company, we know Bloomingdale like the back of our hand and can guide you to find your dream apartment within the area.
We own and manage over 36 properties around and within Chicago, each offering a unique mix of luxuries and conveniences for every lifestyle. As property managers and building owners, we’re dedicated to providing our residents with top-notch renting experiences—as it should be.
Our Windsor Estate apartments in Bloomingdale offer exceptional amenities, including:
•Outdoor picnic area with charcoal grills and a fire pit
•Private balcony or terrace with scenic lake views and walking paths
•Vaulted ceilings with wood-burning fireplaces and walk-in closets
•No security deposit required!
Ready to find the best apartments in Bloomingdale or nearby?
Browse our Chicago suburb listings or schedule a tour of our Windsor Estate Apartments at info@chicagorentals.com or (833) 258-0185 to kick off your moving journey today!