A guide to things to do in Oak Park, including where to eat, shop, and play in this charming town bordering Chicago.
In 2026, I am making a point to explore more of my city and the nearby suburbs. So far, I've been venturing out for lunch breaks in different neighborhoods, starting Field Trip Fridays (once a month, friends and I meet up for lunch and a museum visit), and most recently, my family spent a weekend in Oak Park!
Explore Oak Park and Beyond invited my family to visit and provided an itinerary. It was an easy trip from Wicker Park, and we found plenty to do beyond the official itinerary. The trip was a chance for us to visit a new place and spend time together as a family. While the weekend was focused on family-friendly activities, I am planning to return with friends to learn more about Oak Park's architecture.
Oak Park is a suburb on the western border of Chicago, mainly known as the site of Frank Lloyd Wright's home and studio. The largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world can be found here - twenty-five structures in total. While the town is associated with Frank Lloyd Wright, I found beautiful architecture throughout the town.
How to Get to Oak Park:
Getting to Oak Park from Chicago is easy. It's about a 30-minute drive. It's also accessible from both the CTA and Metra! There are two Green Line CTA stops in Oak Park: Oak Park and Harlem/Lake (which is where the Green Line ends). The Blue Line has an Oak Park stop near the Oak Park Conservatory.
Where to Stay in Oak Park:
The Carleton of Oak Park Hotel
1110 Pleasant St
The Carleton of Oak Park is a charming and conveniently located hotel. It was built in 1928, and in 2000, it expanded to take over the Plaza Hotel next door.
The Plaza was built in 1892 for the Columbian Exposition, and this section of the hotel (where we stayed) has been lovingly restored. The Arts and Crafts style staircase is stunning.
The hotel is located right in downtown Oak Park, near shops, restaurants, and parks. It is just two blocks from the Harlem/Lake Green Line stop.
Things to Do in Oak Park:
We visited in February, and while the weather was warm for the time of year, we focused primarily on indoor activities.
Places to Go:
Oak Park Conservatory
615 Garfield St
The conservatory is free to visit, and it was a highlight of our time in Oak Park. There is something invigorating about being surrounded by plants in the middle of winter. The Edwardian-style glass conservatory is home to over 3,000 plants.
My daughter had a blast searching for plants on the bingo sheet, which provided a great tour of the conservatory. We got to see Sara the parrot, the fish pond, cacti, fruit trees, and flowers.
The Oak Park Conservatory is a short walk from the Oak Park Blue Line CTA stop.
Rehm Park
515 Garfield St
My five-year-old loved the large playground at this park just around the corner from Oak Park Conservatory. In the warmer months, children can play with the hand-powered trains that loop around the playground.
Wonder Works Children's Museum
6445 W North Ave
This children's museum, with exhibits that encourage creative play, is perfect for children up to age 8. There is a tiny town, a working stage with a video monitor, an arts-and-crafts room, and more. The calendar is packed with events including themed story times, toddler yoga, dance classes, music classes, and science labs.
My daughter immediately made friends and formed a pirate crew. She played here for 90 minutes and was sad when we had to leave.
Dining in Oak Park:
I kept visiting more coffee shops and bakeries as friends on Instagram sent recommendations. There are some exceptional bakeries in Oak Park.
Candy Shops, Coffee Shops and Bakeries:
Candycopia
717 Lake St
Candycopia is a candy shop/cafe with a selection of candies from all around the world. A drinks menu includes dirty sodas and flavored sparkling waters. My husband was incredibly impressed with the massive selection of gummy candies. Meanwhile, I bought some of the trending candies, including Taylor Swift's favorite gummies.
Kids can explore the shop by participating in a scavenger hunt - my daughter loved this.
Broken Tart
1108 Chicago Ave
This bakery came highly recommended and lived up to the hype! We tried the bacon and blue cheese scones and a ricotta chocolate chip bread.
Spilt Milk
811 South Blvd
A bakery/coffeeshop near the Oak Park Green Line CTA stop that sells breakfast items such as quiche, croissants, and cinnamon rolls, as well as pies, cookies, sandwiches, and soups. The cookies were very good - oversized and with just the right amount of crunch.
Wise Cup
1018 Lake St
I tried the Kashmiri latte with cardamom and loved the cafe's welcoming, cozy vibe.
Oak Park Restaurants:
Kettlestrings Tavern
800 S Oak Park Ave
This classic American tavern had great cheese curds and burgers. I loved the Kettlestrings Burger with bacon jam, truffle aioli, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, and fried onions.
The kids' menu was a hit with my picky kid. She loved the mac and cheese. Other options included a kids burger, grilled cheese, and chicken tenders. On Sundays, kids can eat free (one free kids' meal per adult entree).
Crepas Culichi
1101 Lake St
A French-Mexican restaurant with glam decor, which my daughter said was the fanciest brunch she has ever had! She loved that the orange juice came in a cute little bear cup, and the presentation of her meal really impressed her.
Make sure to try one of the specialty drinks. My Hello Kitty-themed vanilla latte was topped with a delicious raspberry foam.
Publican Quality Bread
211 Harrison St
This Chicago staple opened in Oak Park in 2024 and sells breakfast pastries, sandwiches, sides, and pizza.
Oak Park Shopping:
Oak Park has a variety of independently owned shops. We explored toy stores, book shops, and clothing stores. The shops listed below are all within walking distance from each other in downtown Oak Park.
Geppetto's Toy Box
730 Lake St
This toy store is just across the street from Candycopia. You can also find stuffed animals, books, games, and Calico Critters, plus lots of craft boxes.
Dandelion Bookshop
139 S Oak Park Ave
Dandelion Bookshop is a beautiful independent bookshop with a large children's section plus books from local authors, hot new releases, and an active event calendar.
Lively Athletics
109 N Oak Park Ave
An activewear store with both women's, men's clothing, shoes, and accessories.
16 Suitcases
108 N Marion St
This women's boutique has a fun selection of on-trend clothing at reasonable prices. They carry brands including Pistola, ASTR, and Cleobella.
Sugar Cup Trading Co.
110 N Marion St
I bought the most adorable dresses for my daughter at this darling shop! In addition to children's clothing, the boutique carries some toys, books, and home decor.
The Book Loft
1047 Lake St
Located across from Wise Cup, this large independent bookshop has sections devoted to local books, adult fiction, romance, and fantasy, plus classic children's books.
Anfora Wine Merchants
128 S Marion St
This wine bar and shop is just across the street from the Carleton of Oak Park. The shop sells wine and snacks.
Sea Love
121 North Marion Street
Create a candle or diffuser with your own custom scent at Sea Love.
Pumpkin Moon
1028 North Blvd
An eclectic shop that has been selling "fun and funky" items since 1995. Find things like Pez dispensers, coffee mugs, magnets, stickers, bobble heads, and games.
Architectural and Historic Sites in Oak Park
Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
951 Chicago Avenue
Learn about Prairie style architecture and Frank Lloyd Wright's impact on architecture and design by touring his home and studio. Visitors can choose to add on a tour of the Historic District, where many Wright-designed homes are located.
Ernest Hemingway's Birthplace Museum
339 N Oak Park Ave
The iconic American author spent the first six years of his life at this Oak Park residence. The home dates back to the 1890s and was built in the Queen Anne style; it was fully restored in 1992. Today, visitors can step back in time as they explore this fully decorated home.
Cheney Mansion
220 N Euclid Ave
Designed in 1913 and inspired by English country homes, the Cheney mansion spans 12,000 square feet and has two acres of landscaped gardens. Tours of the Cheney Mansion are available for adults as part of a 3.5-hour tour that also takes guests to the Oak Park Conservatory and the Pleasant Home.
Pleasant Home
217 Home Ave
The Pleasant Home, designed by George Washington Maher in 1897, is an important example of Prairie School Architecture. The 30-room home featured many architectural details inside, including art glass windows, tile work, and woodcarvings.
Sears Homes
My father and I have always been fascinated by Sears Homes. From 1908 to 1942, Sears sold homes from their catalogues. Over 350 designs were available and it's estimated that over 70,000 homes were sold. The Sears Home Kits were shipped by train, assembled on site, and made home ownership a reality for the middle class. A handful of Sears Kit Homes can be found in Oak Park. Addresses include 126 South East Ave, 1034 South Elmwood, 900 Fair Oaks, 906 Fair Oaks, 1109 Linden Ave, 1113 Linden Ave, and 1117 Linden Ave.
More Things to Do in Oak Park and Beyond:
Brookfield Zoo
8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL
This 235-acre zoo is home to 511 species of animals - including some animals that you won't find at the Lincoln Park Zoo, like koalas, kangaroos, dolphins, and tigers.
Oak Park Sculpture Walk
Discover Downtown Oak Park's 2025 Sculpture Walk is on exhibit through May 2026. Eight sculptures are included in the exhibit, including a sculpture of a heron by Emanuel Arturo Zarate Ortiz titled "Mars".
This post was created in collaboration with Explore Oak Park and Beyond.
