Arlington Heights is truly a unique gem to visit and live in. It’s a vibrant village with a downtown area and a short drive to Chicago, making it easily accessible to the city. Whether you’re a local or not, it’s one of the top-rated Chicago suburban neighborhoods worth exploring.
From family-friendly activities to local attractions, discover the best of Arlington Heights in this local travel guide.
Where is Arlington Heights, Illinois?
Arlington Heights is a village in northwestern Illinois. The commute from Arlington Heights to Chicago is only a 30-minute drive, making it one of the closest suburbs to the city.
What County is Arlington Heights, IL, In?
Arlington Heights is located in Cook County, IL.
Top Things to Do in Arlington Heights: A Local Travel Guide
Looking for fun things to do in Arlington Heights? Below are some of the most popular activities and places to eat with public transit directions.
Explore Downtown Arlington Heights
Downtown Arlington Heights is a walkable area filled with local history and businesses. It has plenty of attractions for all ages and is a must-see destination when visiting.
If you’re traveling from the city, it’s also easily accessible by public transit. The Arlington Heights Metra is in the heart of downtown, with several routes that take you to the Chicagoland area via the Union Pacific Northwest (UP-NW) Line.
Go Shopping at Local Stores
Credit: Chicago Tribune
With over 30 local stores and boutiques, you can find many unique retail options when checking out the Arlington shops downtown, such as:
•A La Mode Collections: A French fashion and gift boutique crafted by local artisans. They offer handmade jewelry, handbags, accessories, candles, and more.
•Arlington Heights Antiques: A local antique store offering one-of-a-kind secondhand items, like pottery, clothing, and furniture.
•Fast Food Anime: A retail store with a selection of anime, manga, video games, and Japanese snacks.
Have a Night Out in the Entertainment District
Credit: Big Shot Piano Lounge & Restaurant
Downtown Arlington Heights also has its own entertainment district. From live music to piano lounges and bowling alleys with bars, you can enjoy a night out on the town.
Some of the top-rated places to go out with friends or on date night include:
•Arlington Ale House: A bar featuring live music and over 10,000 square feet of beer, wine, whiskey, liquor, and food from local eateries.
•Arlington Lanes: A bowling center with a bar, billiards, and professional leagues with tournament events.
•Big Shot Piano Lounge & Restaurant: A gourmet local restaurant in a speakeasy setting with a piano bar and free live music every night.
Enjoy Seasonal Community Events
Credit: Chicago Tribune
No matter what time you visit downtown Arlington Heights, there are always family-friendly seasonal events year-round that bring the community together, including:
•Chicago Northwest Restaurant Week: An annual dining event with over 25 local restaurants featuring special events and menus from February to March.
•Arlington Heights Farmers Market: Enjoy seasonal produce, artisan home goods, and specialty foods from local vendors from May to September.
•Autumn Harvest: A family-friendly event with free crafts, a scarecrow decorating competition with prizes, live music, and more in October.
•Sounds of Summer Concerts: A weekly outdoor summer concert with live music at Harmony Park from June to August.
Soak in Summer Activities at Lake Arlington
Credit: Illinois Fishing Hub
Celebrate the start of summer with waterfront activities at Lake Arlington. It’s a 50-acre lake with boat rentals, a two-mile walking/biking path, picnic areas, outdoor tennis/pickleball courts, and even a sensory garden.
Lake Arlington is located at 2201 N Windsor Dr. The closest public transit option is the Arlington Heights train station via the UP-NW Line, and is a 10-minute drive.
Attend a Live Performance at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
Credit: Event Tickets Center
The Metropolis Performing Arts Center is a major destination in Arlington Heights. It’s a live performance venue, seating up to 329 people, with diverse entertainment. From musicals to comedy nights and magic shows, it hosts hundreds of performances year-round on a stunning stage.
It’s located in the heart of downtown Arlington Heights and is a convenient three-minute walk away from the Arlington Heights train station via the UP-NW Line.
Tee Off at the Arlington Lakes Golf Club
Credit: Arlington Golf
The Arlington Lakes Golf Club is a beautiful 18-hole course across 90 acres for all skill levels. Tee off with family and friends with lakefront views and picturesque greenery. It also has over 30 golf leagues directed by PGA professionals and a banquet for events.
It’s located on New Wilke Rd and is an eight-minute drive from the Arlington Heights train station via the UP-NW Line.
Find Family-Friendly Activities
Credit: First Ascent
Searching for family-friendly Arlington Heights activities? From climbing gyms to community district parks and museums, the village has several options for all ages, including:
•First Ascent: A 25,000 square foot climbing gym featuring a 52-foot wall, over 100 unique boulders for all skill levels with guided sessions, and kids’ programs.
•Hello Art Studio: A children’s art studio for ages 3 to 13 with weekly classes, workshops, summer camps, and birthday parties.
•The Empty Corner: A contemporary art gallery featuring exhibits from Chicagoland artists and local high school students, plus weekly events and classes.
Eat at Delicious Local Restaurants
Credit: Jameson’s Charhouse
Arlington Heights is home to delicious, diverse cuisine. Indulge in some of the top-rated local restaurants, including:
•Jameson’s Charhouse: A family-owned American chophouse with a full bar and upscale dining.
•Mago Grill & Cantina: A family-owned restaurant with award-winning chefs serving authentic Aztec Mexican dishes.
•Johnnie’s Beef: A local staple known as the best Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches in Arlington Heights.
Your Perfect Arlington Heights Apartment Awaits: Discover Suburban Chicago Living
Living in Arlington Heights is the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the perfect balance of suburban living with convenient proximity to the bustling city.
At TLC Management Co., we have two Arlington Heights apartment communities with unique amenities for diverse lifestyles:
•Arbor Lakes: Live alongside winding creeks and scenic waterfalls with award-winning one to two-bedroom apartment floorplans.
•Dunton Tower: In the center of Downtown Arlington Heights, enjoy high-rise living with studio to two-bedroom floor plans.
Ready to call Arlington Heights or nearby suburbs home?
Check out our Chicago suburban properties or contact us at info@chicagorentals.com to start touring apartments today!
