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 2025 Trips
Patty Waszak at White Fence Farm on Wednesday, July 30, 10am-3:45pm
Patty Waszak’s music variety show is the longest running variety show in the Great Smoky Mountains and she’s back this summer performing at White Fence Farm Restaurant for a limited time. Her high-energy, heart-warming show features a wide variety of music including big band favorites, polkas, country, disco, show tunes, current hits, and some of her original songs. The day will also include lunch with your choice of White Fence Farm’s “World’s Greatest Chicken” or Fried Shrimp, served with homemade corn fritters, Cole slaw, cottage cheese, kidney bean salad, pickled beets, baked potato, homemade chicken gravy, and one non-alcoholic beverage. Registration deadline is June 25. (Ages 21 and up). Minimal Walking.
Chicago Air & Water Show on Friday, August 15, 9am-4pm
We’re boarding the newly renovated Spirit of Navy Pier for an unforgettable afternoon on the water. Our cruise will depart from historic Navy Pier and travel the lakefront where you’ll not only have spectacular views of downtown but will also be able to watch the Air & Water show practice overhead. You can’t get any closer to the planes flying over than you can from the water! A signature lunch buffet will be served on board which includes a variety of salads, sides, and main dishes such as salmon, pasta, chicken, and pork, and a variety of individual desserts. Upon our return to Navy Pier, you’ll have some free time to look around and shop. Fee includes transportation, cruise, on board entertainment, lunch buffet, and coffee, tea or hot tea with lunch. Soda and alcoholic beverages may be purchased on your own. Registration deadline is July 22. (Ages 21 and up). Some Walking.
Chinatown Adventure on Friday, September 5, 9:15am-4:15pm
Experience the distinct sections of New Chinatown and Old Chinatown on this guided tour, offering a unique perspective on the area’s history and vibrant community. Our guide will immerse us in the rich culture and cuisine of Chicago’s Chinatown. We’ll visit the fascinating Chinese American Museum and enjoy a guided tour of a beautiful Buddhist Temple. We’ll also indulge in two savory tastings – traditional Dim Sum and regional Chinese cuisine, followed by sweet treats from a renowned local bakery. There will be moderate walking on this tour and participants must be able to enter/exit the bus multiple times during the day. Fee includes transportation, tour, food/drink mentioned above along with gratuities at each of the restaurants, admission to the Chinese American Museum and Buddhist Temple. Registration deadline is August 19. (Ages 21 and up). Moderate Walking.
Fall 2025 Trips - Registration opens Saturday, August 2
Come From Away on Wednesday, September 17, Noon-5:30pm
9/11/2001... 38 airplanes, 6,579 stranded passengers from 100 countries, 1 small town in Newfoundland. Before they have a clue what's happening, thousands of passengers are diverted to the town of Gander, doubling its population and putting the townsfolk to the test. Based on astonishing true events and hundreds of hours of interviews with the townspeople and the "Come From Aways" (aka stranded passengers) who were welcomed with open arms, you'll experience the spirit of small-town generosity that helped the healing begin. Full of songs that celebrate kinship and grit, Come From Away's message is simple and significant: in this day and age, it's more important than ever for kindness to reach across the borders. Fee includes transportation and main floor seating at Paramount Theatre. Registration deadline is August 26 (Ages 21 and up). Minimal Walking
Mules, Mansions, & Mimosas on Friday, September 19, 9:30am-5:30pm
Experience a relaxing and educational mule-drawn boat ride on the I&M Canal, then kick back with mimosas while
enjoying the Boat Captain's Lunch in the I&M Canal Visitor Center's Vintage Room. After lunch, we'll venture to the
Reddick Mansion and explore the 22-room Italianate mansion along with the estate's specialty gardens. Captain's Lunch includes Tuscan Chicken, mixed greens salad, green beans, mashed potatoes & gravy, apple cake, and a mimosa. Fee includes transportation, boat ride, lunch, mimosa, and guided tour of Reddick Mansion. Registration deadline is August 28 (Ages 21 and up). Some Walking
Fall Foliage at Anderson Japanese Gardens on Tuesday, October 21, 10:30am-5pm
Surround yourself with nature and the beauty of fall colors in an outdoor setting that inspires the mind and energizes the soul. Upon arrival you'll enjoy an artisan lunch buffet including salad, sandwiches, fruit, and dessert, prepared by Fresco at the Gardens. After lunch, participants will enjoy a docent-guided tour along the beautifully manicured trails of the gardens. There will be time for a quick stop at the gift shop before heading home. Fee includes motor coach transportation, guided tour, and lunch. Registration deadline is October 6 (Ages 21 and up). Moderate Walking
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas on Wednesday, November 19, Noon-5:30pm
Pageantry and spectacle come to life in this iconic holiday production. WWII is over, former GIs Bob and Phil have
become a highly popular song and dance team who meet an equally talented up and coming sisters act. The men travel to a quaint ski resort in Vermont to watch sisters Betty and Judy perform. But once there, they realize the mountain resort is owned by their former General, who is about to lose it all. Plans begin to help save the beloved General and his business, which culminates in a show filled with epic dance numbers, spectacular costumes and a finale rendition of "White Christmas" that will make you a believer. Fee includes transportation and main floor seating at Paramount Theatre. Registration deadline is October 28 (Ages 21 and up). Minimal Walking
Kris Kringle Bakery Bus - Racine on Thursday, December 4, 9am-6pm
Our annual bakery bus is back with a twist. This year we're heading to Racine where, in addition to visiting at least four bakeries and shops, we'll learn everything there is to know about the infamous Racine Kringle, the official Wisconsin State Pastry. Our step-on guide will provide a fully narrated tour including an explanation of how Racine came to be known as "Little Denmark", entertaining stories of Danish holiday customs and traditions, Racine history, and more. You will also enjoy a sit-down meal at one of Racine's most popular downtown restaurants. This trip will involve getting on and off the bus multiple times and standing at the bakery locations. Fee includes transportation, step on guide, samples at the bakeries, and lunch. Registration deadline is November 18 (Ages 21 and up). Moderate Walking
