Last updated: 2025-05-06
Waukegan’s indoor scene offers a surprising array of entertainment and cultural experiences. From historic theaters to interactive museums, the city provides engaging activities that beat the unpredictable Lake County weather and offer something for every interest.
Whether you’re a local seeking weekend entertainment or a visitor exploring Lake Michigan’s shoreline, Waukegan’s indoor attractions promise memorable experiences. Art lovers, history buffs, and families will find unique destinations just minutes from downtown.
Discover Waukegan’s coolest indoor adventures right here!
Featured Indoor Activities in Waukegan
- Gurnee Mills (Gurnee)
- Genesee Theatre
- Bowlero Vernon Hills (Vernon Hills)
- Kenosha Public Museum (Kenosha)
- Civil War Museum (Kenosha)
- Jack Benny Center for the Arts
- Great Lakes Naval Museum (Great Lakes)
- Dunn Museum (Libertyville)
- Round Lake Area Public Library (Round Lake Beach)
Bowlero Vernon Hills (Vernon Hills)
What to Expect
40-lane bowling center with comprehensive entertainment options
Description
Bowlero Vernon Hills offers a comprehensive entertainment destination with 40 bowling lanes, an action-packed arcade, billiards, and a comfortable lounge area. Accommodating all skill levels, the venue provides wheelchair accessibility, private event rooms, and free Wi-Fi for a versatile indoor entertainment experience.
Where: Vernon Hills | More Info: Bowlero Vernon Hills
Civil War Museum (Kenosha)
What to Expect
360-degree historical film presenting regional Civil War perspectives
Description
The Civil War Museum offers a unique perspective on the conflict, focusing on the upper Midwest's role through immersive exhibits and personal narratives. Visitors explore the war's impact through a remarkable 360-degree film, historical reenactments, and authentic portrayals of individual experiences from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
Where: Kenosha | More Info: Civil War Museum
Dunn Museum (Libertyville)
What to Expect
Comprehensive local history preservation and interpretation center
Description
Lake County Discovery Museum showcases regional history through interactive exhibits exploring local heritage, Native American culture, and Illinois landscape development. Visitors can engage with historical artifacts, photography collections, and multimedia displays that bring Lake County's story to life.
Where: Libertyville | More Info: Dunn Museum
Genesee Theatre
What to Expect
Historic 1926 theater with diverse performance lineup
Description
Historic Waukegan theater hosting diverse live performances including concerts, tribute shows, comedy acts, ballet, and family entertainment. Features a classic 1926 venue with modern entertainment offerings spanning music, performing arts, and community events across multiple genres.
Where: Waukegan | More Info: Genesee Theatre
Gurnee Mills (Gurnee)
What to Expect
Largest outlet shopping center in Illinois
Description
A massive outlet and value retail shopping destination featuring over 200 stores across multiple categories. The largest outlet mall in Illinois, offering extensive shopping options with significant discounts on brand-name merchandise from popular retailers like Nike, adidas, Coach, and Vera Bradley.
Where: Gurnee | More Info: Gurnee Mills
Jack Benny Center for the Arts
What to Expect
Multidisciplinary arts center with historical community roots
Description
The Jack Benny Center for the Arts offers comprehensive cultural programming in Waukegan, featuring private music lessons, dance classes, theatre workshops, and visual arts instruction. Located in Bowen Park, the center provides diverse artistic experiences through its multi-purpose spaces, including the Dr. Lynn Schornick Theatre and dedicated studios for performing and visual arts.
Where: Waukegan | More Info: Jack Benny Center for the Arts
Kenosha Public Museum (Kenosha)
What to Expect
Diverse collections spanning natural sciences and fine arts
Description
A comprehensive museum showcasing natural sciences and fine arts through extensive collections spanning 80,000+ artifacts. Exhibits explore mammoths, world cultures, Native American history, zoology, geology, and art, offering immersive educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
Where: Kenosha | More Info: Kenosha Public Museum
Round Lake Area Public Library (Round Lake Beach)
What to Expect
Community-centered library with expansive digital and physical resource offerings
Description
Round Lake Area Public Library provides comprehensive community learning resources with diverse programming. Offers extensive book collections, digital resources, and community-focused services including museum passes, remote printing, and mobile apps for convenient access to library materials.
Where: Round Lake Beach | More Info: Round Lake Area Public Library
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