Things To Do This Weekend April 11-13, 2025

By: Jonathan Jones 04/07/2025

It's the weekend and everyone's invited! The land of lakes has a ton of things to do, but we have to keep it limited to a top five things to do this weekend April 11-13.

Myriad family adventures and cool experiences are happening all through April like the opening of Six Flags Great America, live theatre entertainment, Easter hoppenings and more.

Whether its snapping something enticing, flipping through the air, becoming an egg sleuth or selecting dozens of delights at the market, this weekend is jam-packed with tons of things to do this weekend April 11-13 and the time to plan your trip to the land of lakes is now! 

Here is your weekly dose of the Lake County Weekend Watch.

1. #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest

Visit Lake County launches its fifth installment of #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo. Photographers are encouraged to showcase the beauty of Lake County. With six categories, including outdoor scenes, family/people photography, dining and libation experiences, events, videos and other travel culture (i.e., architecture, drone, downtown areas, photo manipulation, shopping and more), participants can submit up to five photos for a chance to win the grand prize of a $100 gift card. Participants who win other categories could win a $25 VISA gift card for winning one of the six categories. Winners will be featured in tourism marketing materials, celebrating Lake County's natural landscapes, vibrant communities and cultural richness. Interested shutterbuggers can submit via the Visit Lake County or by utilizing the hashtag #LetsSnapLakeCounty on Instagram. Share your perspective and explore Lake County’s wonders through your camera’s lens. Head to VisitLakeCounty.org/Lets-Snap-Lake-County-Photo-Contest for more details and to submit your photos. The contest runs through Monday, June 30.

Friday-Sunday, April 11-13; Various locations around Lake County.

2. Circus Vazquez at gurnee mills

"(S) He'd, (they'd) fly through the air with the greatest of ease. A daring young (wo)man on the flying trapeze." All these talented individuals from the Circus Vazquez perform spectacular flips, turns, jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, aerialists, a live orchestra and more, with a splendid light show to match. For over 50 years, the Vazquez brothers have passed this Latinx tradition to the family. The circus event occurs outside Gurnee Mills by Bass Pro Shop. After seeing contorted humans soar through the air, take a stroll at Gurnee Mills Mall. For tickets and more information about the show, head to CircusVazquez.com.

Friday-Monday, April 11-14; Fri. and Mon.: 7 p.m., Sat.-Sun.: 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Tickets: $30-$65 per person. Gurnee Mills, 6170 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee.

3. Paulus Park Egg hunt in Lake Zurich

Hopping down the Paulus Park bunny trail? Visitors and residents are invited peruse the Lake Zurich park for a wonderful egg hunt. The festivities include four different areas segmenting youngsters by age groups, like ages 11+, ages 7-10, ages 4-6 and ages 2-3 to find old “Peter Cottontail’s” surprises. The hunt kicks off at noon. If kiddies find a rainbow egg, they can redeem a prize at the stage. Following the egg hunt, your little ones can pose for a snapshot with the bunny himself. Donuts and hot drinks are available for purchase onsite from Kiki’s Cotton Candy. DJ Dave Chicago will also be in attendance spinning the wheels of steel for some background tunes. Candy can be traded out following the conclusion of the hunt if there are concerns for allergies. To learn more about the event, continue to LakeZurich.org.

Saturday, April 12; noon. Free admission with adult present. Paulus Park, 200 S. Rand Rd., Lake Zurich.

4. Egg-citing egg hunt and bunny breakfast in fox lake

The Egg-citing Egg Hunt and Bunny Breakfast occurs on Saturday at the Lakefront Park Building in Fox Lake. The Bunny Breakfast kicks off at 8 a.m. highlighted by pancakes, eggs, sausage links, coffee, milk and juice, while the Egg-Citing Egg Hunt starts at 10 a.m. for children ages 10 and under. The event is also highlighted by photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Families of egg hunters and breakfast diners are encouraged to bring donations of used glasses, hearing aids and cell phones during the event. For further details, visit FoxLake.org.

Saturday, April 12; 8-11 a.m. Egg Hunt: Free. Bunny Breakfast: $7-$12 per person. Lakefront Park Building, 10 Riverview Ave., Fox Lake.

5. elawa winter market in lake forest 

Every Friday and Saturday, residents and visitors a like can head to Elawa Farm’s Winter Market. The Lake Forest farm highlights locally-sourced produce and eggs from their farm partners, along with specialty pantry items from small businesses. The market provides a curated selection of unique tableware, home décor, gift items and more. The Elawa Farm event is located in grounds’ visitor center. The Winter Market runs Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. through April 26. For more information, visit ElawaFarm.org.

Friday-Saturday, April 11-12; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Elawa Farm, 1401 Middlefork Dr., Lake Forest.

For mor things to do this weekend April 11-13, continue here. Click here to learn more about the #LetsSnapLakeCounty Photo Contest