Explore Beach Pass Program
We are excited to announce a brand-new opportunity for beachgoers to enjoy free admission to Winnetka Beaches – thanks to your library card – with a partnership between Explore More Illinois, the Winnetka – Northfield Library and Winnetka Park District!
What is Explore More Illinois?
Explore More Illinois is a free service provided by your library that provides instant online access to free and discounted tickets to museums, science centers, sporting events, zoos, park districts, theatres, and other fun and local cultural venues.
We are excited to announce a brand-new opportunity for beachgoers to enjoy free admission to Winnetka Beaches – thanks to your library card! Our new Beach Bound Library Passes will give people access to the beach, free of charge, by utilizing your local library.
Active selected library card holders will be able to reserve a Beach Bound- Winnetka Day Pass. Here’s everything you need to know to reserve your spot in the sun.
How to Reserve a Beach Day Pass – Step-by-Step
- Visit Explore More Illinois
- Use the dropdown to find your participating library and log in with your Library Card Number
- Search for Winnetka Beaches Click the “Apply” button.
- Click “Offers” to see pass details and then select “Show First Available Offer”
- Click “Reserve A Different Date”
- Dates that are already booked will appear as unavailable.
- If someone cancels a reservation, that date automatically becomes available again—no waitlist needed!
- Reserve your date, enter your email address, print your pass, and follow the instructions included on the pass for a smooth entry into the beach.
Important Guidelines
- One pass per reservation: Each pass admits a up to 4 people—Any additional guests in the group are eligible to receive resident rates on additional daily passes.
- If you can no longer attend, please cancel your reservation: Allow others to utilize the date you can no longer attend.
- Only print your pass once you have confirmed your attendance: Once a pass is printed, your reservation can no longer be cancelled.
- Bring your printed pass: Digital versions will not be accepted at the gate.
- No waitlist feature: But released passes become available in real-time—so check back often if your date is booked!
- Library access required: You must be an active member of one of these selected libraries to participate: Deerfield Public Library, Des Plaines Public Library, Fremont Public Library District, Glencoe Public Library, Glenview Public Library, Grayslake Area Public Library District, Indian Trails Public Library District, Lincolnwood Public Library District, Morton Grove Public Library, Mount Prospect Public Library, Niles-Maine District Library, Northbrook Public Library, Palatine Public Library District, Park Ridge Public Library, Prospect Heights Public Library District, Skokie Public Library, Vernon Area Public Library District, Warren-Newport Public Library District, Wauconda Area Public Library District, Winnetka-Northfield Library, Wilmette Public Library District
Why Use the Library Pass?
This is a fantastic way to:
- Enjoy a day at the beach for free
- Plan ahead for summer outings with family or friends
- Take full advantage of the resources your local library offers
- Whether you’re looking for a sunny afternoon by the lake or a spontaneous beach day with the kids, Beach Bound Library Passes give you one more reason to love your local library.