Whether it's the weekend, the kids have a day off or you're visiting from out of town, we've got a few ideas for where to go, what to eat and what to do in Downtown Evanston!
If you start in the center of downtown at Fountain Square, you can head north on Orrington Avenue to browse the aisles at Bookends & Beginnings with a selection of books for kids of all ages, puzzles and toys including Playmobil sets. And if it happens to be a Saturday, check out their event calendar for Saturday Storytime. If you're looking for more graphic novels or comics, visit Comix Revolution which also carries adult books, pusheen and squishmallows!
Take a walk down Sherman Avenue to meet Jessica the parrot at The Alley Gallery and find the large painting of the parrot in the alley. Speaking of art, use the Art Encounter Mural Map to find other murals in and around downtown. When you get to the murals on Church Street near Maple Avenue, make a stop at Evanston Games & Cafe to learn a new board game and pick up a pack of Pokemon cards.
Upstairs from Evanston Games & Cafe is Skyzone Trampoline Park where you can let the kids run around while you rest! Next door is AMC Theaters if you've got time for a matinee or first grab dinner at nearby Devil Dawgs ($7 kids meal!), Big Wig Taco or Chilis or Noodles & Company before you catch a film.
There are a handful of other kid-friendly spots in downtown including the classic Potbelly Sandwich Shop with a few kids meal combos (think mac 'n cheese, PB & J, ham 'n cheese). Dine inside or bring your meals outside to the plaza on warm days. Just down the block is Epic Burger with tasty, burgers, fries and shakes! If you don't go for the shake, stop at Coldstone or Kilwin's for an ice cream cone or other sweet treat at Bennison's Bakery, one of Evanston's oldest businesses! If you're kids are more adventurous eaters, find all the dining options here.
Depending on the weather, you could also grab lunch to go for a picnic at Raymond Park, just outside of downtown at Chicago Avenue & Grove Street, or if you're up for a walk, continue east down Grove Street to the lakefront to explore Arrington Lagoon, Burnham Shores Park and the beaches.
We hope you enjoy your visit to downtown Evanston! Check out some of our festive kid-friendly events below. Find us on Instagram and Facebook if you need other recommendations.
If you start in the center of downtown at Fountain Square, you can head north on Orrington Avenue to browse the aisles at Bookends & Beginnings with a selection of books for kids of all ages, puzzles and toys including Playmobil sets. And if it happens to be a Saturday, check out their event calendar for Saturday Storytime. If you're looking for more graphic novels or comics, visit Comix Revolution which also carries adult books, pusheen and squishmallows!
Take a walk down Sherman Avenue to meet Jessica the parrot at The Alley Gallery and find the large painting of the parrot in the alley. Speaking of art, use the Art Encounter Mural Map to find other murals in and around downtown. When you get to the murals on Church Street near Maple Avenue, make a stop at Evanston Games & Cafe to learn a new board game and pick up a pack of Pokemon cards.
Upstairs from Evanston Games & Cafe is Skyzone Trampoline Park where you can let the kids run around while you rest! Next door is AMC Theaters if you've got time for a matinee or first grab dinner at nearby Devil Dawgs ($7 kids meal!), Big Wig Taco or Chilis or Noodles & Company before you catch a film.
There are a handful of other kid-friendly spots in downtown including the classic Potbelly Sandwich Shop with a few kids meal combos (think mac 'n cheese, PB & J, ham 'n cheese). Dine inside or bring your meals outside to the plaza on warm days. Just down the block is Epic Burger with tasty, burgers, fries and shakes! If you don't go for the shake, stop at Coldstone or Kilwin's for an ice cream cone or other sweet treat at Bennison's Bakery, one of Evanston's oldest businesses! If you're kids are more adventurous eaters, find all the dining options here.
Depending on the weather, you could also grab lunch to go for a picnic at Raymond Park, just outside of downtown at Chicago Avenue & Grove Street, or if you're up for a walk, continue east down Grove Street to the lakefront to explore Arrington Lagoon, Burnham Shores Park and the beaches.
We hope you enjoy your visit to downtown Evanston! Check out some of our festive kid-friendly events below. Find us on Instagram and Facebook if you need other recommendations.
