Seeking to take part in a fun winter activity? Mount Trashmore has got you boo. Here are some fun…read morefacts about it. The hill was birthed from a former landfill from the 1960's. Two decades later, it was dedicated as a sledding hill for recreational use. This hill can be found along Oakton Avenue and lies within the confines of James Park. You can see it from a distance and during winter season, locals bring their children with sleds in tow to enjoy a fun filled day of winter thrills free of charge. On Mount Trashmore, there are two small bunny slopes on each side. The slope to the left of the mountain is for younger children (Ages 4-7). To the right, you'll find another bunny hill where older children (7+) hang out. The big kahuna out of the three hills is Mount Trashmore in the center. When the forecast over the weekend called for snow, I pulled my unused sled out of storage and went with my husband to Mount Trashmore. I did not conquer the mountain on my first visit for fear of the unknown and avoiding injury. On my first visit, I chose the bunny hill to the right. I was probably the only adult amongst a sea of preteens on this hill but I didn't care. As much as I wanted to, I didn't go all the way up. I chickened out and rode my sled a third of the way down. Despite the short ride, I did get a few seconds of thrills as I was coming down and actually enjoyed myself afterwards. After a fun morning of sledding, here are my afterthoughts. As a first timer cautious to sledding, I'll say this. #1) Start slow and do the bunny hill first. My two big issues were: *Mounting my sled at the midway point while avoiding a slip and fall. I managed this with no injury however the act was super awkward and my husband was laughing at me the entire time. *Steering my sled For you folks like myself who are new to this, here's a primer I wish I had prior to coming here: https://www.wikihow.com/Sled Once you've gained enough confidence, start going higher up the hill and then move on to Mount Trashmore. #2) Sledding etiquette. Wait your turn to come down the hill and if you're lingering at the base of the hill, be cautious and make room for those coming down so you don't become a sled-block casualty. #3) I would advise not going down the hill face first. I saw a kid doing that and it made me cringe inside. If you're reading this, sled at your own discretion. Come early on a Sunday before 11am to find free parking nearby on Oakton Avenue.

Man haven't been here since I was a kid back in the 80's. I forgot the place existed. I thought My…read moretrashnore didn't exist and was just a name of a hill I used to sled on. Can't wait to come back when it's snowing and bring my kids

After learning about this place from Stephanie C's review, I've been absolutely obsessed with…read morechecking out the Little House of Glencoe - or rather the Little House on the Prairie! Today was that day. First of all, take note...it is not the fancy looking building you see in the distance when you almost accidentally enter the Skokie Country Club. The Little House is around the corner and looks like a cottage by the river, except without the river. Mind you, this place is tucked away from most of everything, and I imagine you might encounter some wildlife visitors in the evening. Mind you, on your way to the House you'll have to pass by gorgeous multimillion dollar homes. The trip alone is worth it! It's a place to escape and get away from it all. You can camp with your family and friends, and enjoy modern amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, and fireplace. Comes with an outdoor fire pit area, a grill, and picnic tables. Little House is run by a volunteer board, and according to the website it's mission is to provide a unique meeting place in a natural setting. Rent it during the day, overnight ($190), or a few hours for an event if you like. BTW, only 4 out 5 stars because I could only steal a peek and I haven't stayed there. What a hidden gem. Just so very cool.

Stupid it says not to park in the roundabout and not to enter because is a private property????read more

I came here for a volleyball tournament and oh my god this gym is so nice the weight room alone…read moremight be enough reason for me to transfer. There's different sections specifically for different teams (oh to be D1). There's also a Protein Bar and Kitchen near the lobby, a perfect snack post-lift for the gains. Overall beautiful gym right by the water, grateful for an opportunity to play here.

I've been to a good number of gyms in my lifetime (from LA fitness to 24 Hours, even to other…read morecollege gyms), and I think SPAC is just okay. Yes, the facilities are clean and pretty spacious, but I think the machines are really limited. For example, there are a limited number of cardio machines, and they fill up really quickly if you go at peak hours. The weight/stretching area is also pretty small and can get packed fast. I've tried one of the free classes (yoga), and maybe it's because I am admittedly a bit of a yoga snob, but it was way too easy and barely a workout. I'll be sticking to LA fitness for now (even though SPAC is free for me).

This rec center isn't bad. We came by for a play date with some friends in the jungle gym. There's…read moreat least a couple large rooms for activity; when we were here there was something going on in the large room right in front of the doors and then in the other room soccer practice was happening. The jungle gym is in the room further back in the building, and most of the room is taken up with a large three or four level play structure. There's a few slides on it, some ropes to climb over, a little obstacle course, and lots of fun to be had. All the kids were loving it and we spent at least an hour and a half playing around and I think they could have gone for more. There's an $8 fee per child to go to the jungle gym, as of November 2025. They take cash or a card at the front desk. Definitely ask about wrist bans, or if you need to keep your receipt... there was a sign on the jungle gym door that was pretty adamant about having one, but no one in our group of five kids had one. They may only be for busy days but better to be safe than have to convince someone you've already paid. I also noticed that for the week of Thanksgiving they're doing open play throughout the week, taking reservations to make sure you can get in. If you'd like to find an easy way to let your kiddos expend some energy, this could be a good spot. There are a few tables for parents to sit at. No shoes on the play structure, and don't forget to bring socks!

We just had my daughter's birthday party in the Jungle Fun room. The facility is a great size,…read moreclean, and conveniently located for us. The two young men who worked at the front desk were also very helpful. There is a kitchen, private bathroom, and plenty of tables and seating. This is a great party space.

Great facility that offers gymnastics, Pickleball, soccer, batting cage, and Basketball! All of the…read morestaff are extremely friendly!

Annette at the front desk is extremely helpful. She quickly answered all my questions.read more

Update: While at first this place seems like a Godsend, unfortunately the idiotic nannies and…read moreparents combined with the almost complete lack of supervision by the Park District stopped me from returning. Here are some of the most egregious examples: two nannies let their toddlers run around with food--leaving graham crackers and other food directly on the floor on the play mats, despite the unmistakable sign on the front door saying no food or drink allowed in the gym. After bringing this to their attention, they continued allowing the kid to take food around the gym! Another mom was having the toddlers run around barefoot; later her infant was sticking a small choking hazard toy in its mouth while she chatted away oblivious to her child. When I brought this to her attention she answered, "you know, I'm okay with that!" I told her that regardless if she is okay putting her own baby in danger, that I'd rather her not do it for sanitary reasons. She ignored me. Later the same mom said she didn't care when one of her other brats pulled my son out of the play car. I did bring these issues to the attention to the manager--her response was misguided at best and mostly ambivalent. At that point I had it and haven't been back. I'd rather go to the Children's Museum or stay at home.

Review for Harrer Pool parties only: Don't. We contacted the park district 1 month prior to…read moreintended party date to pay deposit to secure the party room. After scheduling and paying deposit for the pool party and confirming we have 1 hour set up and 1 hour post party to clean up, we tried to contact the Harrer pool coordinator for room specs, table number, size, chairs and equipment availability so we know what we needed to buy or not buy..table covers wall decor and such. Nothing. Emails and phone calls not returned. Was contacted 2 days prior to party by the new coordinator only to be asked about the cake. Coordinator told my daughter, the birthday celebrant's mom, we had to be out of the room exactly at noon. We were pushed out at 1145.. why? They had their own party to go to. Will never opt for a party space that NEEDS to have a coordinator on site. Have used the field houses for parties before and will continue to use them again. OR will rent Oriole Pool party room and instead (as long as that particular "party planner" is NOT part of the deal) So terribly disappointed.

This review is purely for the 'open' volleyball Thursday nights. I've gone to the gym for years…read more The workers there are friendly and helpful. The older woman that looks to head this "open" volleyball seems to pick and choose when she would like others to take part. My friends and I have slowly started to participate in the open volleyball here, but have noticed that her attitude towards us participating is not very kind. We come from different suburbs in the Chicagoland area - not exactly close. But we're turned away because she felt that they couldn't let one more team play (even though other players told us we were welcome). Third week in a row we were given attitude while trying to take part in "open" volleyball. I would suggest MG park district try to come up with a sign up sheet or better method of signing up to partake in "open" volleyball. Because if I have to travel from far to only be told I cannot play, it should not be called "open" volleyball. We would have made other arrangements to play had we known we would be told we cannot play there. Instead we wasted 45 mins trying to arrange another court to play. Unprofessional and rude.

As a long time Evanston resident, I have been to both the original location and now the new and…read moreimproved multi-purpose facility. All the new amenities at current location are awesome: library, walking track, ice rink, gym and community rooms. I went to Robert Crown for their Kwanzaa Celebration, which had food, dancing and vendors. The community event was a success; it was great to see neighbors and friends there. I find the center organized and welcoming. An awesome family friendly community center.

What a beautifully modern and well maintained ice rink. I'm not sure if this place is funded by the…read moretaxpayers or what, but I've never been to a library, gym, and 2 sheet skating rink all in one building. Though the seating is bench style, there are plenty spots to go around. You can also view the ice from the lobby, but the temperature is controlled in the arena, so you won't feel as cold as in other smaller rinks. The locker rooms were really clean, I'm guessing that since this is funded by the city, they invest in keeping it that way. There's also a decent amount of parking in the main lot and automatic doors, which is good when you're carrying a bag of equipment. I like this place, but don't live close enough to frequent it. I'll be back when my son has another game here.

This is a great center for seniors. Lots of classes and services for seniors. The fitness rooms…read morehas number of aerobic machines and weights. Sometimes the place is crowded and others not. You have to gauge your time otherwise there can be a wait to use the more popular machines. Staff are wonderful. You feel welcome here.

Be aware that the people at the DMV department at the Levy center are unskilled . My poor husband…read morewasted half his morning going there to replace his Wisconsin plates with current Illinois plates . The woman who waited on him insisted on a social security card . Mind you he had his passport, drivers license (and his social security number memorized) . Really awful to allow this kind of ineptness.

HUGE assortment of open jumping, bouncy houses and climbing! Staff friendly when I came in w my…read morekiddos today. Reserved online and paid for and signed waivers. This will help w wait times for excited kiddos. Place is clean and again, HUGE!

This is our go to place on Fridays during cold season. Close to home and my kids love It here. I…read moreGet our tickets on groupon. Definitely worth it