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.
Winter/Spring 2025 Trips - Registration open
Cats at Paramount Theatre on Wednesday, May 7, Noon-5:30 pm
Paramount’s creative team is re-envisioning this classic and bringing a new layer of energy to this clandestine world of the felines. You may know all the words, but you’ll have never seen this Cats before! The latest production explores timeless themes of identity and redemption, while keeping the unforgettable music. More than 40 years since its release on Broadway, Cats will enchant you all over again with its imaginative storytelling and groundbreaking theatrical flair. Fee includes transportation and main floor seating. Registration deadline is 4/14. (Ages 21 and up) Minimal Walking.
Magic Meadows Alpacas on Wednesday, May 21, 10 am-4 pm
Step into the "Magic-al" world of Suri Alpacas. Magic Meadows Alpacas is a sustainable working farmette in northern Illinois. Opening their gates to visitors in 2020, they invite you to meet fun, big-eyed alpacas and be greeted by warm welcomes of all kinds. Magic Meadows is home to 13 alpacas, and our hour-long visit will include time to feed the girls in their enclosure. After our visit, we'll head to Woodstock Square Historic District where you'll have time for lunch on your own and exploring the area's unique shops. Fee includes transportation, alpaca tour and visit. Lunch and shopping are on your own. A special waiver will need to be signed upon check in that day. Registration deadline is 5/5. (Ages 21 and up) Some Walking.
Summer 2025 Trips - Registration opens May 3
Sanfilippo Estate Tour on Thursday, June 5, 12:45-4:30pm
This is a unique opportunity to explore The Sanfilippo Collection on a private, guided tour. The property is not open to the public for daily tours, so you don’t want to miss this chance to visit the estate. Our docent-guided tour is approximately 3 hours long, and you’ll have the opportunity to visit the main residence with its collection of automated music machines, beautiful art glass-front orchestrions, Tiffany and other art glass lamps, and a large collection of Victorian chandeliers. In addition, you’ll see a recreation of a turn-of-the-century casino, a collection of antique fragrance and cologne bottles, the world’s largest theater pipe organ, and the Eden Palais Carousel. There are too many wonders to list and this tour will explore them all. Fee includes transportation, admission to the Sanfilippo Estate and tour, and pipe organ mini concert. Registration deadline is May 18. (Ages 21 and up) Moderate Walking.
Culture, Art & Cuisine - A Day in Pilsen on Wednesday, June 18, 9:15am-2:30pm
In addition to its rich immigrant history, Pilsen is a virtual outdoor art museum. Home to over 300 resident artists and nearly 400 vibrant outdoor murals, it is a community that gifts visitors with the opportunity to learn an appreciation for a people’s very intimate journey. Our day will start off picking up our step-on guide who will share stories of decades of immigrant history, contemporary muralistic art, and Chicago's earliest architecture. We will stop to view some of the most prominent murals and visit St. Pius Church before heading to the National Museum of Mexican Art where you’ll have time to view the collection on your own. Afterwards we’ll head to Los Comales for authentic Mexican cuisine before heading home. Participants must be able to enter/exit the bus multiple times. Fee includes transportation, tour, Museum, lunch & lunch gratuity. Guide & driver gratuity are at your discretion. Please select your menu choice upon registration. All lunches come with a non-alcoholic beverage. Registration deadline is June 2. (Ages 21 and up). Some Walking.
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.
