Sun's Out at Gillson Beach, Wilmette

One of our summer rituals has become a visit to Gillson Beach in Wilmette. This summer, it has been pretty hot, so I was worried that we wouldn't make it (I am so not a fan of 100 degree weather!). Fortunately, this past Monday was the perfect beach day!

Our days at Gillson are fun! Kat and I set up a picnic lunch for the girls. We bring sand toys and the girls spend hours building--sometimes castles, sometimes seagull burial grounds (check out the pic). This year, they dug their own well. They were like little engineers--very precise and methodical about it. Too cute!

Need our girls to dig a well?

What we love about Gillson--it isn't far, it is beautiful, and it is clean. Plus, there are lifeguards on duty. An added plus---the lifeguards also seemed to be very on guard and were constantly trying to reel people in who were swimming outside the designated area. (The last time I went to the pool, a couple of the lifeguards were actually looking straight at the ground.)

What the girls love--digging in the sand, catching waves, chasing seagulls, and playing at the beach park. They had a blast!

The beach is a little pricey, but I think that it is well worth it. Parking costs $10 and admission costs $8.50 per person for non-residents ($4.25 for residents).  The beach is open from 9 AM - 8 PM (or as daylight permits). Admission is reduced from 6 PM - 8 PM ($4 non-residents, $2 residents).



Things to note at the beach:

• Restrooms are easily accessible near the entrance.
• There are sprays for spraying off sand.
• You cannot bring food on the beach. However, there are picnic tables by the entrance.
• There is a concession stand.
• Beach passes are available. Check here.

The beach is open until Labor Day, so there may be quite a few more beach days left! Check the Wilmette Park District for further information including water closures.

Seagull Burial Ground