25 Things to Do This Weekend in Will County

Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, family fun, date night ideas, or solo activities, Will County has something for everyone. Here are 25 great ways to spend your weekend.

Outdoor & Nature Activities

1. Hike the I&M Canal Trail

Walk or bike this historic trail following the Illinois & Michigan Canal path. The Lockport section offers beautiful views, historic lock structures, and interpretive signs about the canal's history.

2. Explore Plum Creek Nature Center

Visit this Will County Forest Preserve nature center featuring exhibits on local wildlife, hiking trails through prairie and woodland, and educational programs for all ages.

3. Bike the Old Plank Road Trail

This 22-mile paved trail from Joliet to Park Forest is perfect for biking, rollerblading, or long walks. Stop in Frankfort's downtown along the way for refreshments.

4. Visit Hammel Woods

Popular forest preserve offering fishing, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a model airplane field. Great for a relaxing afternoon in nature.

5. Play Disc Golf

Several Will County forest preserves feature free disc golf courses. Rock Run Rookery and other locations provide fun outdoor challenges.

Family-Friendly Activities

6. Joliet Slammers Baseball Game

Catch affordable family fun at DuPage Medical Group Field watching the Joliet Slammers minor league baseball team. Perfect summer weekend activity.

7. Visit Your Local Library

Will County libraries offer more than books - kids' story times, craft programs, movie screenings, and community events throughout the year.

8. Explore Settlers' Park - Plainfield

Beautiful park featuring walking trails, playground, fishing pond, and plenty of open space for flying kites or playing catch.

9. Go Bowling

Numerous bowling alleys throughout Will County offer family fun. Many feature cosmic bowling on weekend evenings with music and lights.

10. Movie Afternoon

Catch a matinee at local theaters including AMC Showplace Joliet, Cinemark Bolingbrook, or Marcus Cinema at nearby Orland Park.

Shopping & Dining

11. Browse Frankfort's Village Square

Charming downtown area with unique boutiques, gift shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. Perfect for leisurely Saturday strolling.

12. Shop Promenade Bolingbrook

Outdoor lifestyle center featuring national retailers, local shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Great for combining shopping with dining.

13. Farmers Market Morning

During growing season (May-October), visit farmers markets in Joliet, Plainfield, Frankfort, New Lenox, and other communities for fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts.

14. Downtown Joliet Dining

Explore revitalized downtown Joliet's restaurant scene. From Italian to Mexican, casual to upscale, diverse dining options available.

15. Coffee Shop Tour

Visit local coffee shops throughout the county. Try different communities and find your new favorite spot for weekend morning coffee.

Entertainment & Attractions

16. Rialto Square Theatre Show

Check the schedule at this beautiful historic theater for concerts, comedy shows, or Broadway productions. Even if nothing's playing, building tours sometimes available.

17. Old Joliet Prison Tour

Take a guided tour of this National Historic Landmark (seasonal). Famous from "The Blues Brothers" and "Prison Break," it offers fascinating history.

18. Hollywood Casino

Gaming, dining, and entertainment at Hollywood Casino Joliet. Even non-gamblers enjoy the restaurants and live music.

19. Visit Isle a la Cache Museum

Learn about French fur trading history at this Romeoville museum on an island in the Des Plaines River. Walking trails and outdoor exhibits included.

20. Local Craft Brewery Tour

Will County's growing craft beer scene offers several local breweries to explore. Many feature taprooms, food trucks, and live music on weekends.

Fitness & Wellness

21. Golf a Round

With numerous golf courses including Bolingbrook Golf Club, Mistwood, Tamarack, and Water's Edge, golfers have plenty of weekend options.

22. Park District Fitness Classes

Many park districts offer weekend yoga, Zumba, or fitness classes. Check your local park district's schedule.

23. Swimming

During summer, visit community pools and aquatic parks like Bolingbrook's Hidden Lakes Aquatic Park or New Lenox Community Park District facilities.

Unique Experiences

24. Attend a Community Festival

Most Will County communities host annual festivals - Plainfield Fest, Lockport Old Canal Days, Frankfort Fall Festival. Check event calendars for upcoming celebrations.

25. Take a Day Trip

Use Will County as your base for exploring nearby attractions: Chicago (40 miles), Starved Rock State Park (45 miles), Indiana Dunes (50 miles), or Wisconsin (60+ miles).

Seasonal Activities

Spring & Summer

• Outdoor concerts in parks (many communities host summer series)
• Fishing at forest preserve lakes and ponds
• Kayaking or canoeing on Des Plaines River
• Outdoor movie nights (various park districts)

Fall

• Visit pumpkin patches and corn mazes at local farms
• Enjoy fall colors on forest preserve trails
• Attend harvest festivals and craft fairs
• Halloween events and haunted attractions

Winter

• Ice skating at community rinks
• Cross-country skiing in forest preserves (when snow permits)
• Holiday light displays and winter festivals
• Indoor recreation centers for swimming and activities

Weekend Planning Tips

Check Before You Go

• Verify hours for attractions and facilities
• Check weather forecasts for outdoor activities
• Look for special events happening this weekend
• Make reservations for popular restaurants

Stay Local

• Discover your own community's hidden gems
• Support local businesses and restaurants
• Attend community events and festivals
• Meet your neighbors at parks and activities

Mix It Up

• Try new restaurants and cuisines
• Explore different forest preserves and trails
• Visit communities you haven't been to
• Participate in new activities and hobbies

Resources for Finding More Activities

• Will County Forest Preserves: reconnectwithnature.org for trails and nature centers
• Municipal Websites: Each community posts events and activities
• Park District Websites: Programs, facilities, and event calendars
• Local Newspapers: Weekend event listings
• Social Media: Follow local communities and businesses for updates

Make the Most of Your Weekend

Will County offers diverse activities whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, family time, or date night fun. The key is getting out and exploring what your community and neighboring towns have to offer.

Don't let weekends slip by watching TV or scrolling through your phone. Get out there and discover what makes Will County a great place to live!