Spending meaningful time with loved ones doesn’t have to mean elaborate plans.
Nestled in the heart of Clarendon Hills, Illinois, The Birches offers families the best of both worlds: a warm, neighborhood feel with easy access to parks, cafés, and cultural destinations.
Our welcoming setting makes it easy for the families who choose us to share time together and create new memories.
With The Birches, you’ll discover plenty of opportunities to make each visit to our senior living community feel special.
In this blog, we’ll share our favorite things to do for seniors in and around Clarendon Hills.
Discover the charm of Clarendon Hills
Clarendon Hills is known for its tree-lined streets, walkable downtown, and welcoming local businesses, making it an easy and inviting place for senior-friendly outings.
Prospect Park, located in the heart of town, is a quiet, open space that’s ideal for a relaxed walk, enjoying the scenery, or finding a comfortable bench to sit and talk.
The Clarendon Hills Park District also boasts many other unique and lovely parks to explore. Here’s an interactive map to locate them all.
The Clarendon Hills Community Center often hosts events that are both fun and enriching. They include a social club for those aged 60 years and over.
For a cozy lunch or coffee break, The Country House restaurant offers classic comfort food in a low-key setting. And if your loved one enjoys browsing shops or visiting farmers markets, the downtown area provides many opportunities for easygoing exploration.
Clarendon Hills is affectionately known as “the volunteer city” because of its strong tradition of civic engagement in everything from core community services to local events and activities. For those called to give back, you’ll find it easy to connect with like-minded people in this community of stewards.
Learn more about how The Birches Clarendon Hills community supports meaningful family connections.
Explore surrounding areas
For families wanting to make the most of their visits to The Birches, nearby Burr Ridge, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, and Oak Brook are also wonderful places to enjoy time together.
Opportunities include:
Step outside for fresh air and gentle movement
- Graue Mill & Museum (Oak Brook) combines accessible walking paths with a touch of local history.
- Salt Creek Woods and Greenway Trail is perfect for gentle nature walks.
- Morton Arboretum (Lisle) offers paved paths, seasonal displays, and accessible facilities for year-round enjoyment.
- Hidden Lake Forest Preserve (Downers Grove) provides more than two miles of easy trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.
- Harvester Park (Burr Ridge) features open fields, walking paths, and peaceful green space for relaxed visits.
- Brookfield Zoo—this nationally recognized, accessible zoo is located just minutes away from our community, offering both indoor exhibits and senior-friendly walkways for a calm, carefree and enjoyable outing.
It’s also open year-round. - Cantigny Park (Wheaton)—this 500-acre park features beautifully maintained grounds, accessible paths, and museums, plus some indoor galleries to explore.
- Cosley Zoo (Wheaton)—this small, senior-friendly, AZA-accredited zoo is perfect for short, low-key outings and features domestic animals and native wildlife.
Enjoy cozy, enriching indoor outings
- Hinsdale History Museum and Immanuel Hall offer intimate glimpses into local history and culture.
- Hinsdale Public Library is a calm, inviting space for reading, attending programs, or savoring quiet time.
- Tivoli Theatre (Downers Grove) adds a touch of charm with classic films and occasional live performances.
- Burr Ridge Village Center blends casual dining, coffee shops, and retail in a walkable setting that’s ideal for slower paced afternoons.
- Oakbrook Center provides an easy indoor/outdoor stroll and plenty of options to grab a bite or enjoy some window shopping.
In addition to these specific locations, the Clarendon Hills area also features an abundance of beautiful art museums, which are perfect for a day of exploring and appreciating the creativity of our talented local artisans.
These nearby destinations also pair beautifully with The Birches’ Montessori Inspired Lifestyle approach, which encourages our Members and their families to stay engaged and make meaningful choices about how they spend their time together.
Discover more reasons why so many Illinois families choose our boutique assisted living community.
Taking a day trip to Chicago
Chicago is just a short Metra train ride away from The Birches Clarendon Hills senior living community and a day trip into this dynamic city can be simple and senior-friendly with the right planning.
A few favorite stops to consider exploring together include:
- The Art Institute of Chicago—this world-renowned site is also wheelchair accessible.
- Navy Pier—features wide walkways, beautiful lakefront views, events, shopping, and easy access to rest areas.
- The Chicago Riverwalk—perfect for scenic strolls at your own pace.
- Chicago Botanic Garden—for those who enjoy lush greenery and seasonal blooms.
- Shedd Aquarium—accessible indoor exhibits with restful pacing and calm viewing areas provided throughout.
- Adler Planetarium—immersive shows and accessible walkways along the lakefront. A peaceful and engaging way to spend time learning about our universe.
- Field Museum—spacious galleries, plenty of seating, and engaging exhibits for all ages. Science and natural history come alive in this accessible to all museum.
Many of these places also feature special seasonal events, so be sure to check out what’s happening when you’re planning to visit.
A day trip to Chicago can be a memorable way to enjoy new experiences together while keeping things flexible and comfortable.
The Birches’ tips for planning meaningful visits
Whether it’s an afternoon nearby or a short-day trip, some planning and foresight can make visits more enjoyable for everyone.
A few helpful tips:
Keep outings short and flexible
Choose destinations with seating, shade, or accessible rest areas
Incorporate familiar favorites like a favorite bakery, park, or coffee spot
Bring small comforts like layers, snacks, or a favorite playlist for the ride
Coordinate with The Birches team to align plans with your loved one’s schedule
Learn how The Birches supports families with innovative, open communication solutions.
Creating lasting memories doesn’t mean leaving old traditions behind. Whether you’re sharing coffee in downtown Clarendon Hills, walking through Morton Arboretum, or taking a day trip to Chicago, these shared moments help keep family bonds strong.
If your family is beginning to think about assisted living or memory care support options, our team is here to offer guidance and resources every step of the way.
Download our Smooth Transitions to Senior Living Guide to learn how to create a supportive next chapter for your loved one.
