Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago, is more than just the home of the Woodfield Mall. It offers a variety of tourist attractions, shows, and natural spots for visitors to enjoy. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in Illinois and is conveniently located just a 30-minute drive northwest of downtown Chicago.
Despite being considered a village in administrative terms, it serves as an important economic hub, with many big businesses based in the area. The residents and visitors of Schaumburg can take advantage of its excellent public amenities, parks, and its proximity to O’Hare International Airport.
With its great performance venues and family-friendly attractions, Schaumburg is an ideal place to spend some time.
11. Schaumburg Boomers Stadium
For more entertainment, there’s nothing like catching an action-packed baseball game at Schaumburg Boomers Stadium, also known as Wintrust Field. The stadium, located just a short drive southwest of the center, hosts the highly successful Triple-A team playing in the Frontier League, making it a memorable day out.
Built in 1999, the traditional-style ballpark offers perfect views over the pitch from all its seats. There are plenty of food options available, and kids have ample space to run about and play between innings if they get bored.
With exciting action, affordable prices, and numerous themed nights, supporting the city’s minor league Boomers has been a popular choice for families.
10. Legoland Discovery Center
For many young visitors, the Legoland Discovery Center is the main attraction. Situated just across the street from the large mall at the Streets of Woodfield shopping center, it offers fantastic themed rides, play areas, and a 4D cinema.
Since its opening in 2008, this indoor LEGO playground has been a favorite among kids. The interactive activities, attractions, and building areas provide endless delight. The floors are adorned with amazing animal models and a perfect replica of the local area, featuring top rides like Kingdom Quest and Merlin’s Apprentice.
In addition to building and testing LEGO cars, there are slides to enjoy, countless colorful creations to build, and a fun quest trail to follow. After all the excitement, visitors can either explore the on-site shop or take a moment to relax at the cafe.
9. Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park
The Chicago Athenaeum International Sculpture Park is a peaceful and picturesque location located just east of the city center. Throughout its expansive grounds, you’ll discover numerous captivating art installations nestled among colorful flowerbeds and shaded forests.
Situated alongside the Prairie Center for the Arts, the park features delightful paths for leisurely strolls, adorned with lovely sculptures and thought-provoking pieces. From striking statues depicting body parts and religious figures to more abstract creations, the park showcases a variety of strange shapes, silhouettes, towering stone totems, and wooden arches.
In addition to the captivating sculptures, the park boasts lush lawns, flower-filled meadows, and a serene lake, enhancing the overall charm of the space with its cool public artworks.
8. Trickster Art Gallery
The Trickster Art Gallery is an intriguing destination that illuminates the rich history and culture of the region’s Native Americans. In addition to exploring its artworks and exhibits, visitors can check out the shop, attend cultural shows, and find a play area for kids.
Located in the heart of the city, the prominent white building of the gallery stands on one side of Schaumburg Town Square, surrounded by green grounds. Across its two sizable floors, numerous old artifacts and impressive artworks are on display. Some exhibits delve into the traditions of various tribes, while others share the stories of Native Veterans and acknowledge their military successes.
Beyond that, the art gallery frequently hosts music nights and community dance shows, and several splendid sculptures and public art pieces adorn the outside of the building.
7. Prairie Center for the Arts
Just a stone’s throw from the center of town is one of the area’s top entertainment venues: the Prairie Center for the Arts. At the intimate and atmospheric theater, locals and tourists alike can enjoy fantastic performances with concerts, plays and musicals taking place all the time.
First opened in 1986, the small arts center occupies a modern building overlooking a reflective lake and gorgeous green park. While all its seats offer up perfect views of the stage, the venue’s excellent acoustics also make it a great spot to catch a thrilling gig, play or dance show.
In summer, it puts on all kinds of wonderful concerts, performances and community events outside with youth choirs and orchestras performing alongside international acts.
6. Woodfield Mall
When visiting Schaumburg, it’s almost a must to stop by the Woodfield Mall, which is the largest shopping center in Illinois. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state with an incredibly large number of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Since it opened in 1971, it has grown significantly and now has around 300 establishments and eateries spread across its three spacious floors. You can find a wide range of stores, from well-known brands to specialty shops, as well as plenty of dining options including both casual and high-end restaurants.
Besides shopping, you can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee, go bowling, or play games in the mall’s spacious lounge. The mall also offers attractions like the Legoland Discovery Center and Peppa Pig World of Play, which are perfect for younger visitors, while adults can enjoy the mall’s comedy club for a night of laughter.
5. Spring Valley
After experiencing all the tourist attractions, shopping, and entertainment, it is highly recommended to take an afternoon to unwind and connect with nature. Spring Valley is a beautiful location where you can enjoy leisurely walks on its charming trails and explore a farm from the 1800s.
Despite being close to downtown Schaumburg, this large park with its meadows, forests, and wetlands creates the feeling of being in a completely different world. As you stroll along the curved paths, you will often spot various birds, deer, and waterfowl.
The exceptional nature center provides valuable information about the local plants and animals. Moreover, there is an impressive arboretum and an enjoyable Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground.
Additionally, make sure to visit the historic buildings of the Volkening Heritage Farm, where you can learn about the life of a German farming community in the 1880s through exhibits and guides dressed in period costumes.
4. Septemberfest
One of the most enjoyable times to visit Schaumburg is during the fall season when Septemberfest is happening. This event, which has been held every September since 1970, offers a fantastic mix of entertainment options.
There are three outdoor stages that provide excellent performances, an impressive arts and crafts show, a thrilling carnival, and a mesmerizing fireworks display. The festival has grown over the years and now covers a vast area next to the Prairie Center and sculpture park.
People from both Schaumburg and other states come in large numbers to soak in the festival’s lively atmosphere, watch the vibrant float-filled parade, and enjoy the free shows.
In addition to admiring the unique handmade crafts and indulging in delicious treats, visitors can also have fun playing games at the fair and witness a stunning fireworks show on the festival’s final evening.
3. Schaumburg Township District Library
The Schaumburg Township District Library is a significant institution located on one side of the beautiful town square. You can use the internet, borrow books, and relax in the snack bar while admiring the various public artworks. Since its establishment in 1962, it has become the second largest public library in the state.
There are now branches in Hoffman Estates and Hanover Park as well. In addition to its extensive collection of books, magazines, and articles, the library also offers well-equipped meeting rooms and quiet areas for the community to use. On-site, you can explore an interesting gallery of illustrations and admire a glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly.
There is also a large fireplace and a magical area for children. The friendly staff members will make you feel at home and assist you in finding whatever you need.
2. Medieval Times
Medieval Times is a unique and enjoyable show that families love in Schaumburg and the surrounding area. You can have a delicious four-course meal while watching knights in armor riding on horses, jousting, sword fighting, and competing for the queen’s favor.
The venue is easily recognizable with its castle-shaped building and large indoor arena located on the outskirts of town. This family dinner theater is one of ten locations in the United States and Canada, and it is highly rated for its exciting performances and impressive horsemanship.
As you enjoy your tasty banquet and sip drinks from traditional goblets, you can cheer or boo the knights as they gallop, joust, and battle. In addition to the thrilling spectacle, you can also witness falcons soaring and meet the talented performers.
Before leaving, you have the opportunity to visit the gift shop and explore the museum featuring medieval torture devices.
1. Chicago Improv
You should definitely check out the hilarious stand-up comedy night at the popular Chicago Improv. It takes place in a cool venue located inside the huge Woodfield Mall. The show features top-class acts and headliners who will leave you in stitches. You’ll also get to see up-and-coming comedians working on their skits.
While waiting for the show to start, you can grab some food at the on-site restaurant or enjoy a tasty cocktail at the trendy bar. The seating arrangement is great, with plenty of tables and seats that provide a clear view of the stage. You can feel the anticipation and excitement in the air as show-time approaches.
The warm-up acts help to get the crowd pumped, and the superb sound and soft lighting create a fantastic atmosphere. You’re almost guaranteed to have a great time, so don’t miss out on the Chicago Improv when you’re in town.
