Chicago's Underrated Suburb Boasts Shopping Boutiques, Nature Parks, And Family-Friendly Fun

As one of America's largest cities, Chicago is full of charming neighborhoods and suburbs for as far as the eye can see. No matter where you go in the Windy City, it seems like there's always a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Nestled between one of the world's busiest airports that's gone 100% carbon-free, and one of the five best places to get a hot dog in Chicago, is Mount Prospect.

As far as suburbs go, Mount Prospect has a bit of everything. First, there are shopping centers where you can browse boutiques and shop until you drop. Next, as with much of the Chicago metro area, this neighborhood has some incredible parks and green spaces where you can take on scenic trails, watch your little ones enjoy the playgrounds, or hit up a basketball court. 

Finally, Mount Prospect is a fabulous family-friendly area where you'll find tons of great restaurants and fun centers for all ages. Overall, if you're looking for a quintessential Chicago experience but don't want the hassle of wading through crowds, Mount Prospect is a wonderful choice.

First, let's begin with the shopping scene in Mount Prospect. While the area has plenty of storefronts, including department stores and specialty outlets, the best place to browse and buy a wide variety of items is Randhurst Village. Located on the northern border of Mount Prospect, this shopping center offers a chic, breezy experience with a diverse selection of stores. It's home to a Costco, a movie theater, and some incredible restaurants.

Next, let's break down the natural wonders of Mount Prospect. For those unaware, Chicago was designed to be a "city within a garden."So, every neighborhood and suburb is full of incredible green spaces. For Mount Prospect, the best options include Lions Park, which has an aquatic and recreation center, Robert T Jackson Clearwater Park, which has a lake and sports courts, or Melas Park, which has sports fields, a dog park, and an art studio. Many of the smaller parks throughout the city have playgrounds and picnic areas, making them perfect for family outings.

Although a day out to the park already guarantees family-friendly fun, there are plenty of other options in Mount Prospect, just in case the weather is too cold or wet. Some of the top highlights include Ball Factory, The Zone, which has indoor sports fields and activities, and The Playroom Cafe, which is an upscale indoor playground. Mount Prospect is also close to other major attractions like Medieval Times, The Water Works Indoor Water Park, and LEGOLand Discovery Center.

If you're looking to visit this adorable suburb, you can rest easy knowing that Mount Prospect is very close to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. In fact, travel time between the two is only 20 minutes. As far as hotels, Mount Prospect doesn't have too many options, but there are tons of hotels close to the airport and in nearby neighborhoods. That said, there are many more vacation home rentals within the Mount Prospect if that better suits your needs.

To ensure you can take advantage of Mount Prospect's nature parks, the best time to visit is between spring and early fall. Winters in Chicago can get brutally cold, so outdoor activities are not as much fun. Plus, spring is the perfect time to explore Chicago's "green rooftop revolution" and visit multiple rooftop parks dotted throughout the area.

Beyond shopping, walking, and playing, Mount Prospect also has an incredible restaurant scene. No matter what kind of cuisine you prefer, you're sure to find it in this neighborhood. Some top options include Mr. Kimchi All-You-Can-Eat Korean BBQ, Karachi Chatkhara, Quilinarnia, Jameson's Charhouse, the Red Barn for comfort food and drinks, and Joe and Guisseppe Restaurant for Italian favorites.