10 Low-Stress Places to Take Your Kid in Evanston and Chicago, IL This Summer

Summer is here. School’s out, routines are gone, and now you’re left wondering what to do with your kid(s) that won’t require turning every outing into an Instagram-worthy adventure or viral TikTok moment. If you’re a mom juggling work, heat waves, mood swings (yours and your teen’s), and just trying to keep it together, hi, welcome. You’re doing great. And also, let’s make this easier. Social media is full of highlight reels showing the “best places” to take your kids. But that doesn’t always reflect what’s realistic or helpful for your actual life. Not every summer outing has to be a big event. Sometimes, you just want something simple, close by, and not totally exhausting. And that’s where low-stress ideas and even therapy for moms can make a difference.

That’s Where This List Comes In. 

These 10 local spots, mostly in Evanston with a few Chicago gems, are tried-and-true places where your kid can hang and you can breathe. Nobody has to pretend they’re having the time of their life just to keep up. Because let’s be real: keeping your kid entertained and preserving your own peace of mind are both important. This is especially true when maternal mental health becomes part of the conversation.

And if summer tends to stir up stress or emotional overwhelm, for you or your teen, it’s something to take seriously. The pressure to have a perfectly planned break can clash with the emotional whiplash of unstructured time. It’s okay to need support. Therapy for moms in Evanston, IL and therapy for teens in Chicago, IL can help you sort through the mental load, mood swings, and those “hide in the bathroom” moments. No shame. Just support.

1. The Loft at Evanston Public Library

This teen-only space is a hidden gem. It’s got gaming systems, new books, study zones, and just enough structure to keep things chill without feeling babyish. Your teen can plug into something they actually like, and you can sip a coffee downstairs or just enjoy the peace of knowing they’re somewhere safe. If your teen is working on social anxiety, a therapist for teens might suggest places like this to ease into new environments. Low-key settings like this one can support decompressing without pressure.

2. Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern University

It’s quiet, and it’s beautiful. And it feels like something out of a storybook. If your kid isn’t bouncing off the walls and just wants a calm place to talk, journal, take photos, or simply sit in peace: This is it. The flowerbeds and stone paths give off a “Secret Garden” vibe, which can be grounding for both of you. Sometimes mental health support starts with just having space to breathe, and that’s what this garden offers. It’s also a great spot for teens who need time away from overstimulation or the pressure of social interactions, giving them a peaceful environment to reset.

3. Kohl Children’s Museum (Okay, It’s in Glenview, But Stick With Me)

Especially great for younger kids, this museum offers tons of sensory-friendly, themed spaces designed to engage without overstimulating. And if you’re parenting a neurodivergent kid, this is a great place to let them explore at their own pace. You do need to make a reservation, but the discount helps, and the structure can be a lifesaver when unstructured summer days get a little too… unstructured.

4. Maggie Daley Park

Yes, it can get crowded, but hear me out! If you go mid-morning or early evening on a weekday, this park has just the right amount of energy without becoming a full-blown circus. Teens can climb, golf, wander, or sit and judge the world from a shady bench. You get bonus points if you remember snacks. And if summer brings up tension or behavioral shifts in your teen, connecting with a therapist for teens in Evanston, IL can help sort through what might be going on beneath the surface.

5. Northwestern Campus + Rock Beach

Sometimes, the best outing is just a walk. The campus is beautiful and spacious, and Rock Beach is a quiet lakeside spot where teens can listen to music, take pictures, or just hang out near the water. Bring a blanket. Let them do their thing. You’ll get a breeze and a break, and sometimes, that’s all everyone needs.

6. Adler Planetarium (Especially on Wednesday Nights)

On Wednesdays, the planetarium has free events. Yes, free! It’s one of the best under-the-radar summer outings for older kids and teens who love science, stars, or just want to get out of the house. It’s educational without being boring, and interactive without being chaotic. Low stress, big win.

7. Evanston SPACE

If your teen is into music and you want to bond over something that isn’t a deep conversation about college or chores, SPACE is a great option. It’s small, local, and has a great lineup of performances that won’t overwhelm. Think: chill, not Coachella. When kids are figuring out who they are, places like this help them feel connected in ways that aren’t about popularity or performance.

8. Chicago Riverwalk

This one’s great for a spontaneous mini-adventure. Walk. People-watch. Grab a treat. No rigid plan needed. Teens who like to move but don’t want to do anything will appreciate the freedom of this space. And it can be a low-pressure way to reconnect after a tough day or rough patch.

9. Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower

Yes, it’s touristy. But standing on the 103rd floor looking out at the city is one of those experiences that sticks. If your teen is into photography, heights, or just cool views, this is a great way to spend a couple of hours. Plus, it gives you both something to talk about besides who forgot to do the dishes.

10. Your Own Backyard (Seriously)

Hammock. Snacks. Music. A $15 inflatable pool from Target. Sometimes the best “low-stress place” is literally your own space, with no schedule and no traffic. And if you need a moment to yourself while your kid decompresses with their favorite playlist? That counts too.

Why This List Exists (and Why It Matters)

We don’t make summer lists because we think you need to fill every second. Honestly, we make them because sometimes the empty seconds are the hardest when you’re trying to be everything to everyone. Moms, if you’re feeling stretched thin, or if your teen’s emotions are all over the place, you’re not alone. When summer brings more questions than calm, therapy for moms can help. So can therapy for teens. Because mental health doesn’t go on vacation, and that doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

There’s no such thing as a perfect summer. But you can have one that feels a little less overwhelming, a little more connected, and a whole lot more manageable. And that’s what we’re here for.

Need a Little Extra Support This Summer? Therapy for Moms in Evanston, IL Can Help.

Summer can be a lot. Whether you’re parenting a teen, balancing work and home life, or just trying to keep everyone from melting down (including yourself). The pressure to “make the most” of every day can start to feel like one more thing on your plate. Therapy for moms in Evanston, IL can offer a breather. But also be a space to check in with yourself, get grounded, and talk through what’s weighing on you. Because your mental health matters just as much as anyone else’s in the house.

If your teen is also having a tough time, our teen therapists can support them, too. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, or just navigating all the big emotions that come with summer transitions, we’re here for your family. Ready to feel more supported?

• Schedule a free consultation with Evanston Counseling.
• Talk with someone who gets what this season is really like.
• Start feeling a little more like yourself again, whatever that means for you.

Other Therapy Services at Evanston Counseling

At Evanston Counseling, we support moms, teens, college students, and families with a wide range of therapy services that meet real-life needs. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, adjusting to life transitions, supporting your teen, or figuring out how to care for yourself in the middle of it all, we’re here to help. Our therapists offer therapy for moms in Evanston, IL, therapy for teens in Chicago and Evanston, and support for individuals and families working through stress, overwhelm, or just needing space to breathe. We use approaches like CBT, hypnotherapy, and even pet therapy. Because healing doesn’t look the same for everyone. And honestly, it shouldn’t have to. If you’re looking for a place where you or your family can feel heard and supported, Evanston Counseling offers compassionate care that meets you where you are.