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Outside Chicago

Explore Cook County's Great Outdoors

Suburban Cook County is made for getting outside. Discover the many ways to get there through Outside Chicago, the place to explore adventures, nature and fun. Find out more at outsidechicago.com.

 

Across Cook County there are more than 70,000 acres of natural outdoor space, including the incredible Forest Preserves of Cook County.

 

Outside Chicago is a Cook County initiative that highlights the hundreds of ways residents and visitors can enjoy the county’s natural areas in the suburbs. Whether it’s a long bike ride, a kayaking adventure or a serene birdwatching hike through the woods, there’s something for everyone. 

 

We invite you to meet us to explore the great outdoors and then choose your next adventure, all experiences have been curated in our articles below. There is something for everyone in the western suburbs of Chicago. 

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Animals & Outdoors

Meet us where more than 3,400 creatures from across the globe live in one place at Brookfield Zoo Chicago and where you can bike, hike, fish and kayak in the great outdoors of the Cook County Forest Preserves. 

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Food & Drinks

Meet us for a mouth-watering meal in the west suburbs. We have all the Chicago staples and more. Italian beef to pizza to tacos to BBQ and all the sweet treats you can imagine.

Entertainment & Music

Meet Us where creativity meets fun. The artistic spirit runs deep throughout the area, from performances and galleries to a full range of indoor and outdoor entertainment venues that are fun for everyone.

Arts & Architecture

Meet us where iconic architectural genius, legendary stories and fascinating tours will take you back in time. 

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Kids & Family

Meet us to cool down when things heat up this summer. From children’s museums to indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks, you’ll find lots of ways to stay engaged indoors.

History

Meet us to tour historic homes or to visit gravesites. From famous authors and architects to gangsters, this area has something for everyone. 

Shopping

Meet us for a day of shopping, either for yourself or to find unique gifts. Our independent stores offer things up for the fashionista to the foodie to the maker to the book worm and more! 

Spas & Wellness

Meet us for a day of holistic wellness or just a day of pampering. We have several hidden gems in the area you don't want to miss this summer.

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Outside Chicago is an initiative of Tourism Alive, a Cook County Bureau of Economic Development-led program supporting the hospitality and tourism industry in suburban Cook County.