The Elmhurst Park District offers a host of trip options year-round, and the best part is that you can leave the driving to us. So gather up a group of friends, or fly solo and make some new ones and join us on our next adventure.
Refunds are made only if the space can be filled. If enrollment is low or if trips are cancelled, participants are notified and all money is refunded. All trips depart from Mary E. Kies Recreation Center (155 E. St. Charles Rd., Elmhurst), unless indicated otherwise. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and receive any materials needed for the day. Staff reserves the right to change the type of bus used on the trips. Trip start times are bus departure times. Return times are approximate.
Summer 2026 Trips - Registration now open
Wizard of Oz at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre on Thursday, July 30, 11:30am-5:30pm
We're off to see the Wizard! Click your heels three times and join The Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, Tinman, Dorothy - and Toto too, as they follow the yellow brick road in search of their heart's desires. For the first time on Metropolis' Main Stage, L. Frank Baum's tale comes to life in this extraordinary story. There will be time before the show for lunch on your own at one of the many establishments surrounding the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights. Fee includes transportation and ticket to the show. Registration deadline is July 8. (Ages 21 and up) Minimal Walking.
Chocolate & Lucy on Wednesday, August 5, 9am-5pm
Celebrate Lucille Ball’s birthday with a sweet and nostalgic day dedicated to everyone’s favorite redhead! Our day begins at Long Grove Confectionery, where we’ll learn all about the art of chocolate making, tour the production line, and enjoy time to sample and shop in the outlet store. Next, we’ll indulge in a Cuban themed lunch featuring chicken skewers over rice, roasted vegetables, rolls & butter, salad, and dessert. After lunch, we’ll head to University Center for a special presentation by Todd Hunt, who will take us on a journey back to the golden age of television. Through engaging slides, audio, and video clips, we’ll explore how “I Love Lucy” was created and discover fascinating stories about Lucy, Desi, and their castmates. This fun-filled day is the perfect way to honor what would have been Lucy’s 115th birthday! Fee includes motor coach transportation, factory tour, lunch, and private presentation by Todd Hunt. Registration deadline is July 15. (Ages 21 and up). Some Walking.
From River to Roastery: A Day Exploring Chicago on Wednesday, September 16, 9am-4pm
This day trip offers an engaging exploration of some of Chicago's most unique urban attractions. Participants will begin at Chicago's Wild Mile, the world's first floating eco-park, where they can experience innovative river restoration efforts, enjoy scenic views, and learn about local ecology and sustainability initiatives on a guided tour. The trip continues to Washington Hall, a vibrant culinary destination featuring a variety of local vendors and diverse cuisines, for lunch on your own. The day concludes at the iconic Starbucks Reserve Roastery, where participants can experience small-batch coffee roasting, specialty beverages, and the immersive design of one of Starbucks' flagship locations. This program blends environmental education, cultural exploration, and culinary discovery for a memorable Chicago experience. Trip includes transportation and guided tour of the Wild Mile. Purchases at Washington Hall and Starbucks Reserve Roastery are on your own. Registration deadline is September 1. (Ages 21 and up) Moderate Walking.
Fall 2026 Trips - Registration opens August 1
Mean Girls at the Paramount Theatre on Wednesday, September 23, Noon-5:30pm
Based on the iconic Tina Fey film, Mean Girls is a hilarious musical with heart, telling the story of Cady Heron, a sweet and smart new girl who's just moved from Africa to suburban Illinois. When she enters the wild world of North Shore High, she quickly finds herself tangled up with The Plastics, the school's most popular – and most ruthless – clique led by queen bee Regina George. As Cady tries to fit in, she learns that popularity comes with a price – and revenge can get ugly fast. A must-see for anyone who's ever tried to find their place in the crowd. The fee includes transportation and main-floor seating at Paramount Theatre. Registration deadline is August 31. (Ages 21 and up) Minimal Walking.
Roper Romp Wine Crawl on Sunday, October 11, 11:30am-4:30pm
Get ready for a groovy day of wine, wigs, and wildly fabulous caftans at our Roper Romp Wine Crawl! Channel your inner Mrs. Roper, Chrissy, Janet or Stanley and join us for a far-out adventure inspired by the iconic TV classic Three's Company. We'll be visiting three fabulous wineries for tastings at each on this unique route that offers a mix of history, urban vibes, and an estate with grapevines on-site. Along the way, our guide will share information about wine in our region. Fee includes transportation, over 10 wine tastings at Valentino, MCG, and Lynfred Wineries, delicious snacks to keep you fueled between sips, discounts on bottle purchases at the wineries, and a fun, knowledgeable tour guide from Midwest Wine Tours to keep the party vibes flowing! Participants will need to sign a Midwest Wine Tours waiver upon check in. Registration deadline is September 21. (Ages 21 and up) Some Walking.
Polonia - Chicago on Thursday, October 15, 9am-5pm
You don't have to travel overseas to visit the Old Country. Chicago boasts a thriving Polish community, and we will celebrate all things Polish. Our day will begin with a tour of a magnificent Polish church in the heart of Chicago's Polish Village. Next, we'll visit the Polish Museum of America for a docent-led tour. Afterward, we'll enjoy a sit down Polish meal complete with all the Polish favorites, including pierogi, Polish sausage, and red cabbage, along with time to shop along Milwaukee Avenue. We'll end our day with a shopping trip at a local Polish gem so we can bring home some tasty treats. Fee includes transportation, lunch, admission to the Polish Museum of America, a docent-guided tour at the museum, a step-on tour guide, and all restaurant and guide gratuities. Participants must be able to enter and exit the bus multiple times. Registration deadline is September 29. (Ages 21 and up) Moderate Walking.
A Christmas Carol at the Paramount Theatre on Wednesday, November 18, Noon-5:30pm
Christmas Carol, the timeless tale that warms hearts and reminds us all of the true spirit of Christmas. Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter and lonely miser, is visited on Christmas Eve by three ghosts who take him on a journey through his past, present, and future. Along the way, he learns to once again experience joy, compassion, and the power of generosity. Whether you're experiencing Scrooge's transformation for the first time or reliving the magic of the classic story once again, this play, enriched with live music, will leave you filled with hope and holiday cheer. Fee includes transportation and main floor seating at the Paramount Theatre. Registration deadline is October 26. (Ages 21 and up) Minimal Walking.
Bakery Bus - Milwaukee on Wednesday, December 9, 8:30am-4:30pm
Back by popular demand - don't miss out on the original Bakery Bus tour! Just in time for the holidays, we're hea ling back to Milwaukee to visit several bakeries, where you'll receive treats and samples, and have time to shop at each. En route to each location, our step-on guide will share the history of Christmas traditions from various cultural groups, including the Greek, Polish, German, Italian, Irish, and Chinese. Our adventure will also include a generously portioned, sit-down lunch at Motor Restaurant. Fee includes transportation, tour guide, lunch, samples at the bakeries, and lunch and guide gratuity. Participants must be able to enter and exit the bus several times and stand at the bakery locations. Registration deadline is November 23. (Ages 21 and up) Moderate Walking.
