Experience holiday family fun ‘Only in Oak Brook’ this season

Get ready to enjoy warm hospitality at one of Oak Brook’s seven hotels, each offering an unique experience. Whether you are looking for something luxurious or more affordable, you’ll find the perfect place and space to unwind with your family. With attentive staff and comfortable amenities, your family getaway will be memorable.

Day 1: Let the Friday fun begin

• Check-In at your hotel of choice: Doubletree Oak Brook, The Drake, Hyatt House, Hyatt Lodge, Le Meridien, Marriott Oak Brook and Residence Inn

• For an extra special stay, book the Santa Suite at the Hyatt Lodge. Complete with holiday decked out decor (including a Christmas tree), this special suite is only available in December. Don’t forget to pack your matching family holiday jammies to take advantage of the Santa Suite’s photo opportunities. To reserve, call (630) 581-6607 or email Noelle.Valenta@hyatt.com (Rates start at $600 per night and include a special amenity delivered for the evening and includes a bottle of wine for the adults)

• Enjoy an early dinner at the York Tavern, DuPage County’s oldest continuously operating tavern. Known for their tavern style pizza, the York also offers other tasty entrees. Visit www.yorktavernoakbrook.com.

• After dinner, head on over to the only museum in the country dedicated to the art and cutting of gemstones -- The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. Be sure to see Castle Lizzadro an amazing castle made of 18K gold and precious gems. (Special Friday extended hours in December). Visit www.lizzadromuseum.org.

• Your family will delight in Winter Lights at Central Park. This special half-mile walk through thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays, is accessible and inclusive. Walk or roll with your family and have your camera ready to capture these magic moments. Dogs on leash welcome too. The Cocoa Cabin will be available on select dates serving up hot chocolate and sweet treats. Visit www.obparks.org.

Day 2: Santa Saturday

• Start the day off with a delicious breakfast buffet at Labriola Ristorante while making a perfect gingerbread house with all the trimmings. (Advance reservations required at www.labriolaoakbrook.com/Gingerbread-house-decorating-2024/)

• Next travel nearby to Fullersburg Woods where your first stop is the Nature Center. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, families can visit the Nature Center to visit Freckles the Bullfrog who has been raised onsite or see the skeleton of a woolly mammoth from 13,000 years ago. After learning more about the native landscape, families can then enjoy a nature walk on one of the many picturesque trails. Look for white-tailed deer or red foxed in the forest or beavers near the Salt Creek.

• After working up an appetite on the walk, head to Oakbrook Center for lunch. Choose from a variety of delicious dining options including Old Town Pour House, Wildfire, and Maggianos. Save room for dessert! You can enjoy a piece of the acclaimed cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory or head to The District Food Hall at Oakbrook Center for more sweet choices such as Le Macaron, Lolli & Pops or Stan’s Donuts.

• Santa’s waiting! Head to the lawn to see the man himself, share your holiday wish list and have that special family photo taken by the professional photographer. Reservations are required at www.oakbrookcenter.com.

• The fun at Oakbrook Center is not done! With a variety of fun family experiences, choose from Build-A-Bear, Puttshack, Immersive Game Box or Sandbox. Don’t miss Escape the Room for a chance to immerse your family in another time and place at Chicagoland’s best and favorite escape game.

• Pinstripes is last for today but not least. Enjoy family bowling or bocci while you dine on favorites such as tasty sandwiches or delicious family style pasta together. Visit www.pinstripes.com.

Day 3: Sunday Funday: More Unforgettable Family Adventures To Finish Off the Weekend

• Brunch at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel is the perfect way to start the final day of this festive family getaway. On select dates in December, choose to dine with The Grinch or Santa and Mrs. Claus. No matter who the special guest is, your kids will be delighted and you will brunch favorites such as omelets made to order, a waffle station and an unlimited mimosa bar. A professional photographer will be on hand to capture this special memory. Reservations required at www.thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com.

• Next stop is the Family Aquatic Center at the Oak Brook Park District for a family swim complete with a zero-depth pool, interactive water structure and water slide. Visit www.obparks.org.

• Inspired by your favorite movies, Wonderverse will provide a memorable closing to this festive fun family getaway. Try Jumanji or Ghostbusters virtual reality as a family or any of the other amazing attractions located here. Dine here for inventive takes on American cuisine before hitting the road or head to nearby Alter Brewing for a tasty sandwich. If you want to close out your trip with one last memorable dining experience, visit Fogo de Chao where your family can delight in the culinary art of the Churrasco! The food and the hospitality will fill you up with the warm memories you made as a family this weekend “Only in Oak Brook.“