Best Daycare Centers in Lake Forest, IL
Compare 10 daycare centers in Lake Forest. Average rating: 4.9/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Lake Forest, Illinois at a glance
- Daycares
- 10
- Avg rating
- 4.9/5
- Parent reviews
- 37
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 8
Lake Forest has 10 licensed daycares with 37 parent reviews averaging 4.9/5.8 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 100% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 60045 zip code, averaging 4.9 stars across 10 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Lake Forest
Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.
- 1The Episcopal Preschool INC4.62 score5(8)
400 Westminster, Lake Forest, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 40 children
The Episcopal Preschool receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise its warm, nurturing environment and dedicated staff led by director Melanie. Parents consistently report their children are excited to attend daily, thrive academically and socially, and are well-prepared for kindergarten. The school balances play-based learning with early academics while maintaining strong parent communication and enrichment programs.
Warmcaring leadership and staff - 2Winter Club Of Lake Forest4.4 score4.5(20)
956 N Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 20 children
Winter Club of Lake Forest is a recreational facility featuring ice rinks and various activities for children and families. Parents consistently praise the quality of the ice, amenities, and variety of activities available year-round, with all reviews giving 5-star ratings.
High-quality iceoutdoor hockey rinksmultiple amenitieswarm facilities
Rating Distribution
Based on 8 daycares with Google ratings in Lake Forest
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Lake Forest, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Lake Forest zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60045 | 10 | 4.9 | 8 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Lake Forest (20–159 children)
Small
up to 30 children
3
Medium
31–75 children
5
Large
76–150 children
1
Very Large
150+ children
1
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Lake Forest based on parent reviews
The Episcopal Preschool INC
400 Westminster, Lake Forest, IL
The Episcopal Preschool receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise its warm, nurturing environment and dedicated staff led by director Melanie. Parents consistently report their children are excited to attend daily, thrive academically and socially, and are well-prepared for kindergarten. The school balances play-based learning with early academics while maintaining strong parent communication and enrichment programs.
Winter Club Of Lake Forest
956 N Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL
Winter Club of Lake Forest is a recreational facility featuring ice rinks and various activities for children and families. Parents consistently praise the quality of the ice, amenities, and variety of activities available year-round, with all reviews giving 5-star ratings.
Dearhaven Childcare And Learning Center
1100 N Westmoreland Rd, Lake Forest, IL
One parent reports a positive one-year experience with no complaints, while two other reviewers offer brief endorsements in Russian and Portuguese using phrases like 'very good daycare' and 'highly recommended.'
1st Presbyterian Preschool Program
700 N Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL
One parent describes the program as an amazing play-based preschool with experienced, caring teachers and a top-notch curriculum. Another review highlights the addition of enrichment activities such as art appreciation, music, and faith building, alongside flexible lunch options.
The Children'S Center At Lake Forest
28457 Ballard Dr, Ste A2, Lake Forest, IL
Parents highlight the center's friendly staff and clean facility, noting that their children have learned significantly during their time there. One reviewer expresses such high satisfaction that they wish the center extended services up to high school.
Lake Forest High School'S Little Scouts
300 S Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest, IL
One parent describes Little Scouts as the best daycare on the North Shore, highlighting teachers who take special interest in each child and provide varied, fun activities. The reviewer notes that their daughter enjoys the program so much she wants to stay late, though the center is slightly more expensive than competitors.
Map
Daycare types in Lake Forest
Daycare Centers in Lake Forest, Illinois
There are 10 daycare centers in Lake Forest, Illinois. Below you'll find a complete directory to help you compare and choose the right daycare for your child.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Lake Forest have an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 across 8 rated facilities, with 100% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Child Daycare & Preschools facilities lead with an average of 4.9 stars. Our analysis covers 37 parent reviews.
When choosing a daycare in Lake Forest, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
All Daycare Centers in Lake Forest
Showing 10 results
One parent describes Little Scouts as the best daycare on the North Shore, highlighting teachers who take special interest in each child and provide varied, fun activities. The reviewer notes that their daughter enjoys the program so much she wants to stay late, though the center is slightly more expensive than competitors.
- Address
- 300 S Waukegan Rd, Lake Forest, IL
- Phone
- (847) 235-9670
One parent describes the program as an amazing play-based preschool with experienced, caring teachers and a top-notch curriculum. Another review highlights the addition of enrichment activities such as art appreciation, music, and faith building, alongside flexible lunch options.
- Address
- 700 N Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL
- Phone
- (847) 295-1214
The Episcopal Preschool receives unanimous 5-star reviews from parents who praise its warm, nurturing environment and dedicated staff led by director Melanie. Parents consistently report their children are excited to attend daily, thrive academically and socially, and are well-prepared for kindergarten. The school balances play-based learning with early academics while maintaining strong parent communication and enrichment programs.
- Address
- 400 Westminster, Lake Forest, IL
- Phone
- (847) 234-7980
- Address
- 400 E Illinois Rd, Lake Forest, IL
- Phone
- (847) 234-2778
One parent describes Kinderhaven as the best preschool in the area, highlighting the small child-to-staff ratio and highly educated teachers. They note that their oldest daughter developed a strong academic foundation and now enjoys school, while their youngest looks forward to attending daily.
- Address
- 400 Hastings Rd, Lake Forest, IL
- Phone
- (847) 810-3947
Parents highlight the center's friendly staff and clean facility, noting that their children have learned significantly during their time there. One reviewer expresses such high satisfaction that they wish the center extended services up to high school.
- Address
- 28457 Ballard Dr, Ste A2, Lake Forest, IL
- Phone
- (847) 367-0099
One parent reports a positive one-year experience with no complaints, while two other reviewers offer brief endorsements in Russian and Portuguese using phrases like 'very good daycare' and 'highly recommended.'
- Address
- 1100 N Westmoreland Rd, Lake Forest, IL
- Phone
- (847) 535-6175
Winter Club of Lake Forest is a recreational facility featuring ice rinks and various activities for children and families. Parents consistently praise the quality of the ice, amenities, and variety of activities available year-round, with all reviews giving 5-star ratings.
- Address
- 956 N Sheridan Rd, Lake Forest, IL
- Phone
- (847) 234-0030
- Address
- 13700 W Laurel Dr, Lake Forest, IL
- Phone
- (847) 918-1000
- Address
- 145 S Green Bay Rd, Lake Forest, IL
- Phone
- (847) 234-2350
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Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with Illinois's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Illinois)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 9 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 1 facilities