Back in March, I wrote a post about the best kid-friendly places along the Milwaukee North Metra Line and it was a huge hit with all of you. So I am back with some great finds along another popular Metra line that runs right through Lake County. I am sure you will enjoy these five kid-friendly stops on the Union Pacitic North Metra line as much as I do.

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Five Kid-Friendly Stops Along the Metra Union Pacific North Line 

1. Dinosaur Discovery Museum
5608 Tenth Ave., Kenosha, WI | (262) 653-4450

Downtown Kenosha is a hidden gem. With such places as Mike’s Chicken and Donut Bar, an electric streetcar that you can ride for a dollar, and the Kenosha Public Museum that is completely free, why haven’t you been? Just around the corner from the Kenosha Metra station is another museum worth visiting with little ones. The Dinosaur Discovery Museum is also free of charge (donations accepted) and offers lots of fascinating exhibits for your dinosaur lover. Every weekend from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00  p.m. there are Dino Digs, where children ages three and up get to be paleontologists and explore excavation sites. After all that digging, your child is going to be hungry so I suggest Mike’s Chicken and Donut Bar. Did you hear me, I said DONUT BAR?

2. Downtown Lake Bluff
600 N. Sheridan Road., Lake Bluff (Metra Station) 

Downtown Lake Bluff is located directly across the street from their Metra station which is good because there is so much to do in this underrated small town! Get some goods at the Farmers Market that runs from 7:00 a.m. – noon every Friday from June 10th through October 14th; wander through the Lake Bluff History Museum, grab a sandwich to go at Bluffington’s and sit in the gazebo as you people watch in downtown Lake Bluff.

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3. School of Rock
9 Prairie Avenue, Highwood | (847) 433-7625

Let your child live out their inner rock star at this cool place just steps away from the Highwood Metra station. They even offer adult rock star lessons in case you are having your mid-life crisis right about……..now. From preschoolers to pre-nursing home’rs, School of Rock is your best friend if you want to be the next Lita Ford or Eddie Van Halen.

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4. Downtown Highland Park
1700 St. Johns Avenue, Highland Park (Metra Station)

Just steps from the Highland Park Metra station is Central Avenue which is the heart of Highland Park and leads to the downtown shopping district. Beanstalk Toys and Books is a favorite in our family if only for the large teddy bear in the reading and television room. (Okay and the massive amounts of toys.) There are several great restaurants (Michael’s — which made Little Lake County’s list of Fan Favorites: Best Hot Dogs in Lake County, Country Kitchen, Once Upon a Bagel to name a few) and Frost Gelato as well as Dairy Queen because it’s always about food in my family. Check out Little Lake County’s article Indie Eats, Highland Park, for additional recommendations. The Highland Park Public Library is also a great location to visit with kids that is close to the train station.

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5. Ravinia
200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park | (847) 266-5100

If you have never experienced a live concert before, this is the place to do it. Nestled along Lake Michigan and within a grove of trees, Ravinia is a beautiful way to enjoy an outdoor concert with your family and loved ones. Summer home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as well as hosting many famous acts such as Aretha Franklin, Alanis Morissette and TLC, they offer lots of dining options such as restaurants on the premises as well as picnic boxes to eat on the lawn while listening to the music.

Where do you hop off the Metra to visit?