The Chicago-area network of Jewish Community Centers traces its roots back to the earliest years of the twentieth century when a group of young West Side Jewish men raised $250 to provide services that would help the approximately 75,000 Jewish people who had recently settled in Chicago, having escaped the pogroms in Eastern Europe. Bernard Weinger JCC is one of eight locations which now continue that tradition, offering recreational and learning activities for children and adults.
The Northbrook Park District's Leisure Center is located near the intersection of Walters Avenue and Landwehr Road. The building formerly housed Indian Ridge School, which was closed in 1982 due to declining enrollment. The building became a center for recreational programming, including general recreation classes, Sunshine Preschool, special events, birthday parties and rentals. In 1986, the Park District added the Northbrook Theatre. The building also houses the Senior Center and the Performing Arts Department.