Things To Do
in Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights is a suburb located in Illinois, United States, approximately 25 miles northwest of Chicago. It is known for its vibrant downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The community is home to several parks and recreational areas, offering opportunities for outdoor activities.
Arlington Heights is also recognized for its excellent schools and family-friendly neighborhoods, making it a desirable place to live for many residents.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a peaceful walk at the Arlington Heights Park District, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful scenery. Bring your morning coffee to sip while basking in nature.
Visit the Arlington Heights Historical Museum to learn about the local history. Take a stroll in the nearby downtown area for some shopping and lunch.
Wind down with dinner at a local restaurant. Enjoy some live music at a nearby venue to conclude your day.
Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, which is just a short drive away, to see masterpieces from various artists. Take your time to soak in the creativity and inspiration.
Return to Arlington Heights and check out the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. Enjoy a light meal at a nearby café before catching a matinee show.
Dine at an upscale restaurant featuring local cuisine. End your evening with a nighttime stroll around the beautifully lit streets.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong community feel with friendly neighborhoods.
- Good schools and educational institutions.
- Access to numerous parks and recreational areas.
- Diverse dining and shopping options.
- Well-connected by public transportation, including Metra train services.
- Higher cost of living compared to some nearby areas.
- Potential traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
- Variable property taxes depending on the location.
- Cold winters with significant snowfall can be challenging.
Best Activities in Arlington Heights
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a relaxing picnic at North School Park with its beautiful surroundings and open space.
Explore the local history and culture by visiting the Arlington Heights Historical Museum.
Experience the natural beauty of the area by walking or biking in the Busse Woods Forest Preserve, which offers scenic trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tours
Uncover the best of Arlington Heights with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Arlington Heights
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a scenic outdoor setting with historic buildings and gardens, perfect for photography and enjoying the views.
Beautiful park with a picturesque gazebo, lush greenery, and water features, providing ample opportunities for photography and enjoying the natural surroundings.
The rooftop garden provides stunning views of the surrounding area and an excellent spot for capturing photos of the cityscape.
Food in Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local favorite, the Chicago-style hot dog features an all-beef frankfurter topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all nestled in a poppy seed bun. Recommended place: Jimmy's Red Hots or Portillo's.
Must-Try!
This iconic dish features thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef soaked in its own juices and served on an Italian roll, often topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera. Recommended place: Johnnie's Beef for an authentic taste.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Arlington Heights better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open during the spring and summer months, the farmer's market provides a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and specialty food items. It's a great spot to sample local treats and enjoy a variety of street food offerings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Arlington Heights, it's important to respect people's personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when conversing.
Punctuality is valued in Arlington Heights, so it's important to be on time for social and business appointments.
Arlington Heights is a diverse community, so it's important to be respectful of different cultures, traditions, and beliefs.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Arlington Heights with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Arlington Heights
Ensure a smooth experience
In Arlington Heights, tipping is a common practice in the service industry. It is customary to leave a gratuity of around 15-20% for restaurant servers, bartenders, and other service providers.
Payment in Arlington Heights is primarily done using cash, credit cards, or mobile payment apps. Most businesses and service providers accept major credit cards, and contactless payment methods are increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Arlington Heights.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Arlington Heights with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. You can expect outdoor festivals and events.
Ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. Warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. Expect vibrant greenery and busy parks.
A beautiful time with colorful foliage. Pleasant temperatures and various outdoor activities like apple picking and fall festivals.
Snowy and cold with opportunities for winter sports and holiday events. Expect a festive atmosphere and cozy indoor activities.
Arlington Heights at Night
Hiking in Arlington Heights
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large forest preserve featuring a network of trails, scenic views, and a variety of wildlife.
Offers numerous trails for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature, with options for both short and long hikes.
A beautiful lake surrounded by walking paths and nature trails, perfect for a peaceful hike.
Features paved walking paths, natural landscapes, and easy access to several recreational facilities.
An expansive preserve with trails winding through woods and wetlands, suitable for hiking and bird watching.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Arlington Heights through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Arlington Heights by plane.
Located approximately 20 miles northeast of Arlington Heights, O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Situated around 30 miles southeast of Arlington Heights, Midway primarily serves domestic flights but also offers some international travel options.
Located just 6 miles west of Arlington Heights, this airport mainly handles general aviation, but it offers some charter and private jet services, with limited international connections.
Approximately 70 miles north of Arlington Heights in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this airport provides a mix of domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Arlington Heights, accounting for approximately 74% of the population.
This group represents about 14% of the population, with significant communities from Indian, Chinese, and Filipino backgrounds.
Making up around 8% of the population, this group includes individuals from various Latin American countries.
About 4% of Arlington Heights' residents identify as Black or African American.
This category encompasses people who identify with multiple racial backgrounds, constituting approximately 3% of the population.
This group is quite small, representing less than 1% of the population.
A very minor demographic group, also accounting for less than 1% of the population.
The Soul of Arlington Heights
Discover the essence of Arlington Heights through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular summer sport in Arlington Heights, with local leagues and a rich community tradition.
High school football games are a significant event in the community, fostering school spirit and local pride.
Youth soccer programs are prevalent, promoting engagement and skills development among children.
Ice hockey is popular, especially during the winter months, with local rinks hosting various leagues.
Both beach and indoor volleyball are enjoyed recreationally and competitively in the area.
Basketball has a robust presence with local parks offering courts and organized leagues for all ages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Arlington Heights.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Arlington Heights, many restaurants offer varied vegetarian and vegan choices, including plant-based protein alternatives and creative vegetable-based dishes. Places like Mago Grill & Cantina and Egg Harbor Cafe provide dedicated menus for these dietary preferences.
Those with gluten sensitivities can find accommodating options at various establishments throughout Arlington Heights. Egg Harbor Cafe, for instance, offers a range of gluten-free breakfast and lunch items, and Mago Grill & Cantina also provides a selection of gluten-free dishes.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Arlington Heights with these cultural adventures.
