Best End Of Summer Family Activities In Chicago
The summer is nearly finished and many try to find the best ways to make use of the weather while it lasts. Soon, the kids will be headed to school and won't have as much time to spend with the family. The following is a list of the best end of summer family activities in Chicago.
Bengston's Pumpkin Farm
13341 W. 151st St.
Homer Glen, IL 60491
(708) 301-3276
pumpkinfarm.com
Date: Sept. 17, 2016 - Oct. 30, 2016
Summer is ending and fall is coming. However, what better time to start the family fall activities than when it's still nice outside? Nobody want's to explore the outdoors when its 40 degrees outside with kids in tow. Bengston's Pumpkin Farm is in South West suburban Homer Glen only a little over half an hour's travel from the Loop. The Pumpkin Farm has a huge pumpkin patch for the kids to choose their favorite pumpkin, corn maze, pig racing which is always a huge hit, haunted barn for older kids, fun barn for younger kids and a pumpkin catapult. Sweet treats and rides dot the paved pathways around the popular family destination which boasts free parking and easy access to the expressway with little traffic on the surface streets. The best part is this event runs every day from September to October so those interested in going can pick the most convenient day to go rather than a one-time festival with a definitive day.
Revolutionary War Reenactment
Cantigny Park
1S151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
(630) 668-5161
www.cantigny.org
Date: Sept 10 & 11, 2016 at 10 a.m. - 5 p.m
Any history buff adults won't mind taking their kids to this event. Even better, this enriching experience is a hands-on experience for children to understand what they talk about in history class. They'll have stories to tell their classmates for years. The best news is, the event itself is free. There is a nominal fee for parking at this North suburban event located in Wheaton at Cantigny Park. Festival attendees can walk around and get a feel for what a revolutionary war camp felt like, experience a battle and have a chance to see the sights and hear the sounds from the 18th century.
Chicago Jazz Festival
Chicago Cultural Center
78 E. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 774-6630
www.cityofchicago.org
Date: Sept. 1-4, 2016
The Chicago Jazz Festival is a local favorite, occurring every year. The festival's headquarters and many activities are located in the Chicago Cultural Center, although most of the festivities occur across the street in Millenium Park. The fest is appropriate for adults, who love jazz already and those who will soon learn to appreciate it as well as kids alike, especially those who have not yet experienced one of Chicago's favorite genres of music. Performers from all races will put on exhibitions and shows to give audiences a variety of different musicians to hear.
Related: Top Summer Conventions in Chicago
Taste Of Greektown
400 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 584-6684
www.Chicagoevents.com
Date: August 26-28, 2016 at Noon-11
The taste of Greektown displays Hellenic culture and faire for all. This includes those who haven't got a bit of Greek in them. However, everyone can enjoy their food, culture and dance. The Taste of Greektown brings out Chicago's best Greek restaurants for a weekend of fun, food and family.
Bucktown Arts Festival
Holstein Park
2200 N. Oakley Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
www.bucktownartsfest.com
Date: August 27-28, 2016 at 11-7
The Bucktown Arts Fest is a festival for everyone by locals. The completely volunteer-run fest is dedicated to the neighborhood arts and showcases Chicago talent for free. Voted best art sale in 2013, the size of the fest has grown. Nearly 40,000 attend the fest every year. It's a great chance to get inspired and cultured in nearby Bucktown.
Related: Best Historical Tours in Chicago
Robert Mathius is a Chicago suburb native who currently lives in Tinley Park. He has a passion for the automotive industry in addition to journalism and works to blend his two passions in his writing. Additional automotive reporting by Robert can be found on Examiner.com.
