From its parks to its museums to its retail, Glenview is kid-tested, parent-approved. “It’s a fun and family-oriented place,” shop owner Stella Chun told us.
We heartily concur. Here’s how to spend a day in Glenview.
For breakfast, try…
Orange
Known for their egg dishes (the Eggs Benedict and specialty omelets are favorites), they also have an impressive and imaginative array of sweet breakfasts. Perhaps most inventive is the “Frushi” plate, a platter of fruit sashimi and maki roll, complete with fruit-infused rice and coconut, drizzled with strawberry and mango coulis.
Spend the morning…
Playing!
Glenview Park District
Glenview is home to over 700 acres of parkland great for exercise, exploration, and enjoying the outdoors. The Grove is a 123-acre nature preserve and national historic landmark that offers family programming throughout the summer. If you like to fish, try out one of the many designated spots around Lake Glenview at Gallery Park, or take the kids to one of its colorful playgrounds.
Kohl Children’s Museum
Dedicated to engaging children from birth through age eight in learning and play activities, the Kohl Museum is a wonderland of 
educational and social fun. We found young Owen Gottfred happily conducting toy trains as mom Molly, of Arlington Heights, and grandma Becky, of Palatine, looked on.
Glenview Golf Courses
For grown-up play, hit the links at one of Glenview’s two public golf courses, the Glenview National 9 and the Glenview Park Golf Club.
For lunch, check out …
Sweet Dreams Organic Bakery & Café
Organic doesn’t mean Spartan at this comfortable eatery where you can get authentic, hand-pulled strudel, courtesy of owner and native Croatian Mary Sopcik’s recipes. The spinach and ricotta version is excellent, with light and flaky dough and delicious ricotta cheese that they make in-house. Try to save room for a chocolate espresso brownie or the ricotta-rich tiramisu, or any of the other sinful desserts staring seductively out of the pastry cabinet.
Spend the afternoon…
Shopping!
The Glen Town Center
Located on the site of the former Glenview Naval Air Station, The Glen is a community of retail shops, restaurants, offices and residences. In addition to the Von Maur department store and several stores geared toward moms and kids, we liked the Book Market and Stella + Grace boutique.
The Book Market at Hangar One
Open since August 2009, this inviting shop is an affiliate of Barbara’s Bookstore and a destination for locals and families with kids. “We want to be a community gathering place,” says salesperson Nancy Helman.
Stella + Grace
Stella Chun and Grace Yoon bring a youthful and modern style to Glenview with their girly-meets-urban chic aesthetic. “We’re fashion forward while still being practical,” says Chun, who also notes the store’s wide range of prices and high-quality items.
In the evening, catch…
Dinner and a Movie
Leave your car parked and grab dinner at one of the Glen’s many restaurants. Mitchell’s Fish Market has both surf and turf options and a large patio for alfresco dining. Try out Flight for small plates or entrees with a pan-Asian flair, paired with recommended wine flights. If you’re in the mood for margaritas, stop by El Jardin Norte, the Chicago Mexican institution’s North Shore outpost. Or hit Bravo Cucina Italiana for pasta and pizza options.
Afterward, watch the latest summer blockbuster at the Regal Glen 10 Theater, which offers 10 theaters with stadium seating, the better to see all those explosions.
Don’t miss Glenview’s…
Farmer’s Market
Saturdays, June 26–Oct 9 / 8am–12pm
1510 Wagner Rd.
Glenview Art Fair
July 24 – 25
Art at the Glen Town Center
August 7 & 8
