Program Information
DEPARTURES: Trips depart from the Grant Park Recreation Center in Northlake. Return times are approximate and can change due to road conditions, weather, etc.
CANCELLATIONS: If the park district cancels a trip due to low enrollment, participants are notified and can get a refund or transfer the money to a credit or another trip. Cancellations for personal reasons can be made up to 10 days prior to the date of the trip. If a cancellation is made after this date the participant must find a replacement or will be charged a 50% surcharge.
Currently Offered
Please check our Fall 2026 Program Guide for more information.
Signature Lunch Cruise & Navy Pier Shopping
Date: July 30
Day: Thursday
Fee: $111
Location: Chicago, IL
Departure: 10:30 AM from Grant Park Recreation Center
Return: after 5 PM
Set sail on the City Cruises Chicago Signature Lunch Cruise for a relaxing afternoon on Lake Michigan. Enjoy a delicious lunch, stunning views of the Chicago skyline, live music, and a chance to dance. After the cruise, explore and shop at Navy Pier, making this a perfect day of relaxation, music, and fun!
Registration deadline is July 22.
Moderate walking required.
Acquaviva Winery Tour Tasting and Luncheon
Date: August 6
Day: Thursday
Fee: $110
Location: Maple Park, IL
Departure: 10 AM from Grant Park Recreation Center
Return: 3 PM
This summer, join us for a visit to Acquaviva Winery in Maple Park. We’ll enjoy the beautiful views and take a guided tour to learn about their home-grown grapes, how the wine is made, and what goes into the process. After the tour, we’ll sample a variety of award-winning wines paired with specialty cheeses. We’ll wrap up the day with a lunch and time to browse the wine market. Fee includes motor coach transportation, lunch, tour & wine tasting.
Registration deadline is July 30.
Moderate walking required.
Chicago Botanic Gardens
Tour & Lunch
Date: September 10
Day: Thursday
Fee: $105 (fee includes coach bus, admission, tram ride and lunch)
Location: Glencoe, IL
Departure: 9 AM from Grant Park Recreation Center
Return: After 4 PM
Registration deadline: September 1
Explore at your own pace! Stroll through the beautiful gardens, or take a seat on one of the many benches to relax and enjoy the peaceful scenery. Whether you walk a little or a lot, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Enjoy a catered lunch in the private Pullman Room, featuring an assortment of fresh wraps, house-made chips, a homemade cookie, and refreshing lemonade. After lunch, take time to browse the Garden Gift Shop for unique plants, books, jewelry, ad garden-inspired treasures, and explore the gardens. Whether you’re an avid gardener or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, this trip offers something for everyone.
Strenuous walking required.
OktoberFest
German Fun, Beer & Buffet
Date: October 19
Day: Monday
Fee: $95
Location: Utica, IL
Departure: 9 AM from Grant Park
Recreation Center
Return: after 4 PM
Registration deadline: October 1
Back by popular demand – a celebration of Germany at Starved Rock Dinner Theatre! Food, beer, wine and music. Sample German wines and beers. Everyone takes home a souvenir beer stein!
Enjoy a buffet of German foods and listen to authentic German music by the Duseldorfers German Band.
Some walking required.
A Christmas Story: The musical
Fireside Theatre & Lunch
Date: December 2
Day: Wednesday
Fee: $125
Location: Fort Atkinson, WI
Departure: 8:15 AM from Grant Park Recreation Center
Return: 6 PM
Registration deadline: October 27
A CHRISTMAS STORY The Musical is the hilarious account of Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect gift ends up under his tree. Based on the classic 1983 movie, the musical features a funny and heartfelt score. A CHRISTMAS STORY The Musical captures holiday wonder with such deliciously wicked wit that it is sure to delight children and grown-ups alike!
Delicious Lunch features : Cream of Lobster Soup, your choice of Chicken Parmesan, Grilled Atlantic Salmon, Sliced Roast Beef Tenderloin, or Vegetarian Puff Pastry Pot pie, with Black Forest Cake, coffee & tea.
Some walking required.
Locations
Grant Park Recreation Center
44 W. Golfview Drive, Northlake
George A. Leoni Complex
800 N. 17th Ave., Melrose Park
Cimbalo Fitness Center & Museum
1203 N. 24th Ave., Melrose Park
Registration is required in advance for all vpd Active Adult Events.
Registration Tip
Registration can be taken over the phone, on our website, or in person during registration hours at any one of our facilities: George A. Leoni Complex, Grant Park, Cimbalo Fitness Center or Gouin Pool.
Registration Locations
Grant Park
44 W. Golfview Dr., Northlake
Phone: (708) 343-5270
Fax: (708) 492-1801
George A. Leoni Complex
800 N. 17th Ave., Melrose Park
Phone: (708) 716-4822