out & about

out & about Make Summer Vacation Plans NOW!

Summer vacation is a time when students can relax and enjoy their free time. It is a time to catch up on rest, spend time with family and friends, and explore new hobbies or interests. For many students, summer vacation is also a time to continue learning. How will you spend yours?

After the past couple of unprecedented years, kids across the nation are ready for a summer vacation spent playing with friends, participating in sports, and going on family vacations. But the learning loss these kids experienced during the pandemic is still looming over their educational future, and parents are looking for

ways to help their kids enjoy a summer vacation they deserve, while helping them catch up on subjects like science and math. What many parents don’t realize is that taking their child on vacation opens up new learning opportunities. Camping trips, visiting the beach, an amusement park, going on a road trip and more can teach kids a lot about the world of science around them. Collum, MPH, explain fun ways to turn a family vacation into an educational trip.

Camping

Campgrounds often offer campfire programs with naturalists where they teach kids about native animals and plants to the area that can help them identify regional differences.

“Science moms” and co-founders of Yellow Scope, Marcie Colledge, PhD and Kelly McChildren can learn about objects in the solar system by bringing a map of the constellations

Beach Trip

Kids can learn about high and low tides – which are caused by the moon’s gravitational force. A lot of beaches offer copies of “tide tables” that are used for tidal predication and can show the daily times and levels.

Parents can take advantage of low tides and have kids explore tide pools. These are pools of water that are trapped at low tide. Kids can find sea stars, urchins, anemones, seaweed, crabs and sometimes even small fish.

Road Trip

Road trips are perfect for teaching kids about different geological features and landscapes in states across the U.S. Plants in animals in one state look different from others. Printing out guidebooks can help kids identify what they’re seeing and learn interesting facts.

Educational items like the Yellow Scope Acids, bases & pH kit can occupy kids. While passing by different streams of water, lakes or ponds, they can use the kit to measure the different pH levels and compare areas to see which has more or less acidity and why.

National Parks

Every year, students in 4th grade can get the “Every Kid Outdoors” pass and get free access to national parks across the country. Go to the kid-friendly website; Every Kid Outdoors, and follow the instructions.

Kids can become a Junior Park Ranger, a program for kids in national parks that allows them to complete a series of activities during a visit, share their answers with a park ranger and receive an official Junior Ranger patch and certificate.

Many parks also have events specifically for kids which can be found at: nps.gov/kids/kidsyouth.htm

Amusement Park

A trip to Disneyland, Six Flags or any other popular Amusement Park can be a learning opportunity! All around the park, Newton’s laws of motion, centripetal force and potential and kinetic energy is in “motion.” Kids can explore the physics of roller coasters and other amusement park rides while they’re in line for the Superman, Gadget Go’s Coaster and more.

We get so tied up with the daily hustle and bustle that sometimes we forget to be in the moment with the people closest to us, and before we know it, a season has passed. This summer, make it a memorable one and put these places to go and things to do on your calendar now.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago

Stepping into LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago is like you’ve just jumped into the biggest box of LEGO bricks ever! With over 3 million LEGO bricks under one roof and 2 stories of EPIC LEGO play, what will you discover? To see what else we have to offer, check out www. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago/! Be sure to buy tickets online to guarantee your entry. Located at 601 N. Martingale Road, STE 130 Schaumburg, IL 60173.

Visit Kenosha

Head north of the border for adventure and relaxation in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Explore our Lake Michigan shoreline as you ride an authentic Electric Streetcar. Climb to the top of the Southport Lighthouse for amazing views of the lake. Book a charter fishing outing with the Kenosha Charter Boat Association. Get on the water aboard a standup paddle board, kayak, or duck-themed pedal boat at the Kenosha Community Sailing Center. Use www.VisitKenosha.com to find your #KenoshaFun.

This Summer Come Shop, Dine, and Play in Arlington Heights!

Arlington Heights welcomes you to come shop, dine, and play! Discover our one-ofa-kind Downtown with some of the most unique boutique shopping in the Chicago suburbs. Live music, theater, and comedy are showcased at the intimate Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. Enjoy free, familyfriendly live music at Sounds of Summer, Thursday & Friday evenings from June 16th – July 29th. And savor Chicagoland’s best outdoor dining experience with Arlington Alfresco, beginning Friday, April 29th and concluding with live music, great eats, and family fun at Harmony Fest/Taste of Arlington Heights on Sept. 30th & Oct. 1st! For more great experiences, visit DiscoverArlington.com!

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

People of all ages enjoy this exceptional Museum dedicated to cut and polished stone. See a world class collection of Chinese jade, hard stone carvings, animal dioramas, gemstones, fossils, meteorites, rocks and minerals from around the world. Hands on displays and unique Museum Shop enhance the experience. Group tours and children’s programs are available throughout the year see the Museum’s website for more information. 1220 Kensington Road, Oak Brook. 630-833-1616, info@lizzadromuseum.org. www.lizzadromuseum.org

Camp Local!

Forest Preserve District of Kane County campgrounds are open May 1 – October 31 Big Rock Campground at Big Rock Forest Preserve. 46W499 Granart Rd., Big Rock Paul Wolff Campground at Burnidge Forest Preserve. 38W235 Big Timber Rd., Elgin Call our campground hotline at 630-4441200 or visit www.kaneforest.com

Cavalcade of Planes

Bolingbrook’s Clow International Airport’s open house event on June 4 and 5th will include static displays of all types of airplanes, Warbirds, new planes, helicopters, Fly–in, Vietnam reenactors, and others. The Museum will be open. The famous Ford Tri-motor will be selling rides, warbird T-6, and helicopter also selling rides, Food & drink throughout including the beer canteen. Folding chairs blankets allowed. No tents or pets. For more information and tickets go to www.cavalcadeofplanes.com.

Village of Lemont

Named one of the 23 Best Day Trips from Chicago by Time Out, Lemont offers local shopping, outdoor dining, and recreational amenities with a picturesque backdrop. Bike along the canal to The Forge to zipline through their world-class aerial courses. Grab a beer from Pollyanna, indulge in a pizza from Wooden Paddle, or stop by one of the locally-owned shops housed in iconic limestone buildings. No matter where you find yourself in Downtown, you’ll experience Lemont Real. Learn more at www.lemontdowntown.com.

St. Charles Fine Art Show

The 24th Annual St. Charles Fine Art Show showcases the original, juried work of over 95 fine artists in mediums including ceramics, painting, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media, and more. This year’s outdoor and free-to-the-public event is sponsored by St. Charles Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and will run Saturday, May 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. rain or shine. For more information, visit www.stcharlesfineartshow.com.

Reed’s Canoe Trips

Reed’s Canoe and Kayak Trips are an ideal recreational activity for groups of any size, from a family adventure to large church, school, or park district outing with an adventure close to home. The three trips we offer range in length from approximately 2 hours to a full 6 hours on the water, and are suitable for either new or experienced canoeists. Since the Kankakee River is located only an hour south of Chicagoland, even our longest trip will fit into a one-day outing! 907 N. Indiana Ave, Rt. 50, Kankakee, IL Call for information or reservations: (815) WE CANOE or visit: reedscanoetrips.com

Downers Grove Park District Summer Events

Join the Downers Grove Park District in celebrating the summer months ahead! The Park District has numerous FREE events for the community to enjoy. Whether it’s enjoying live music at our Summer Concert Series, or partying the day away with free activities for the whole family at our Big Bash 75th Anniversary Celebration – there is something for everyone! http://www.dgparks.org

Volo Museum

For over 60 years, kids from ages 1 to 92 love the world-famous Volo Museum’s 45 exhibits and over 15,000 historical items. From our new Jurassic Gardens dinosaur experience and giant carousel pavilion to our upcoming Train Museum and Titanic exhibit, we have something rare and amazing for everyone! Open daily 10a to 5p. Visit volofun.com for more information. Volo Museum, 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo, IL. [See our ad on the Inside Back Cover.]

For the Love of Art in the Park

Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles presents a striking and engaging sculpture exhibition against the backdrop of nature’s seasonal beauty. Along the tranquil Fox River, Sculpture in the Park features sculptural masterpieces made from various mediums by artists from all over the country and an array of pieces in the permanent collection. All ages are welcome to enjoy this magnificent free exhibit of original and unique sculpture. More info: stcsculpture.org

Cruise the Scenic Fox River

Enjoy travel from the era of Mark Twain through a green corridor of scenic beauty aboard the St. Charles Paddlewheel Riverboats. Both boats have open-air upper decks for unobstructed sightseeing and the lower decks have windows that can be closed in cool or rainy weather. Public tours are reasonably prices from May to October. Enjoy recurring events, such as Kids Cruises, Sunset Cruises, and many more Private charters available, too. Purchase tickets: stcriverboats.com

Bring the entire family and join the best fans in baseball as the Kane County Cougars play their fifty game home schedule at beautiful Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva. Since 1991, the Cougars have been at the forefront of affordable family-fun, great food and fireworks. Every Cougars game is packed with exciting baseball action and between inning on-field events and contests. Select games feature post-game fireworks and free pre-game concerts in the music garden. And, the youngsters will love the Cougar’s Kid Zone. Visit KCCOUGARS.COM for more information or call 630-232-8811.

Barrington Hosts 2nd Classic Collectors Car Show on June 25th

The Barrington Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 2nd Classic Collectors Car Show on Saturday, June 25 from noon until 4:00 p.m. in downtown Barrington in the BMO Harris lot at Cook and E. Lake Streets.

This free family-family event will feature a lot full of display cars, DJ music, food, and refreshments. No day-of registration is allowed, show cars

Fun in downtown Aurora

Come have fun this summer downtown Aurora. Explore a handful of museums during Aurora Museum Week the week of June 5. Free outdoor movies for all ages on second Thursdays starting June 9 at Aurora Regional Fire Museum. Wednesdays at the Plaza features live music beginning July 13. On August 5, it’s a block party at First Fridays. Alley Art Festival returns on August 27. Follow us on Facebook at Aurora Downtown. www.auroradowntown.org

MAY 20TH CLUB MEETING

Topic: Garden Insects

WHITE FENCE FARM, ROMEOVILLE IL

MAY 21ST TOSAI AUCTION

Koi auction for members only. Membership available at auction.

PLAINFIELD, IL

JUN 4TH, 5TH, 18TH GARDEN CENTERS

MPKS table with Pond Tour Maps & Club Info

VISIT WEB SITE FOR GARDEN CENTER LOCATIONS.

JUNE 11TH CLUB MEETING

Topic: Fish Sale by Myron & Ellen of Kloubec Koi Farm

THE GROWING PLACE, AURORA IL

“YOUR LOCAL WATER GARDENING AND KOI CLUB.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON EVENTS & CONTACTS CALL 312-409-2081 OR VISIT WWW.MPKS.ORG

Sonny Acres Farm

Summer is right around the corner at Sonny Acres! Visit the West Chicago Farm in May for an unmatched selection of flowers and herbs, plants, soil and more just in time for planting season. Dates and hours of operation for Spring and Summer are listed at sonnyacres.com. A staple in the community for countless decades, Sonny Acres Farm offers endless opportunities for family fun, local shopping and event space for one-of-a-kind gatherings of any size. Boasting 22 acres of space, Sonny Acres Farm is the ideal, customizable destination for weddings, corporate events, family gatherings and other special occasions. For an extra “wow factor” at your next event, treat your guests to some of the farm’s unique seasonal offerings, including access to amusement rides, petting zoo, hayrides around the property and much more. 29W310 North Ave., West Chicago, IL 60185. (630) 231-3859 [See our ad on the Back Cover.]

Joliet Slammers

The Joliet Slammers are a professional minor league baseball team that plays in downtown Joliet at Duly Health and Care Field. The Slammers are part of the Frontier League which is a partner league of Major League Baseball. With 51-themed home games between May and September, the team is ready for a summer of fun for the entire family! Learn more at www.JolietSlammers. com or by calling 815-722-2287.

Farm & Barn Fest Mokena Park District

Join us at Farm & Barn Fest, Saturday, August 13, 9am–10pm at Historic Yunker Farm, 10824 La Porte Rd., Mokena. Free Parking and Admission! Event features: Petting Zoo, Kid’s games and activities, Contests, Free Stage Entertainment, and Food and Beer Concessions. Look for unique items at the Flea Market from 9am-12pm. The Splash Pad will be open from 10am–5:30pm. The Country Concert features MacKenzie O’Brien at 6pm and Rockstar Rodeo at 8pm. www.mokenapark.com.Midwest

Midwest Pond & Koi Society

The Midwest Pond & Koi Society, MPKS, are families with a common hobby: koi ponds, garden ponds, koi keeping, and plants. MPKS members range from the novice to experienced water gardener. The club has monthly meetings with topics about plants, ponds, and fish. Other activities include; auctions, road trips, and a pond tour. You do not have to be a member to attend a meeting. Visit our web site www.mpks.org for more information.

Ladies Day Out Expo

Get Ready!! The Ladies Day Out Expo is excited to bring to you our 5th Vendor Expo Show, May 21 -22 from 10AM – 5 PM. Tell your friends, family, co-workers....and hey... tell the guys too! It’s something for everyone this year!! Hundreds of vendors, crafters and artists to shop, network and connect with. Jewelry, Fashion, Bags, Handmades, Home Decor, Beauty products, Health & Wellness, Vacation Planning, Rare finds and more on exhibit. FREE Expo Swag Bag. FREE admission and parking. Odeum Expo Center, 1033 N. Villa Ave., Villa Park. 800-720-9331. www. ladiesdayoutexpo.com

Discover a calendar of Chicago area festivals and street fairs for May and June. Find details on each one including what to expect when you attend. These festivals are the best way to celebrate the season.

MAY

Wine on the Fox Fest – 5/7-8. Entertainment, food and premier wine tasting. Hudson Crossing Park, Oswego. gooswego.org. Aurora Greek Fest – 5/13-15. Greek food and culture celebration. St. Athanosios Greek Orthodox Church. Auroragreekfest.com Tulip Time Festival – 5/7-15. Hundreds of tulips, entertainment, events and activities. Holland, MI tuliptime.com Chicago Critics Film Festival – 5/13-19. Acclaimed films plus appearances by directors and stars. Music Box Theatre, Chicago. chicagocriticsfilmfestival.com. Blooming Fest – View plants, artwork, live music and family activities in West Chicago 9AM-3PM. Bloomingfest.com Chocolate Festival – 5/20-22. Chocolate vendors, live music, children’s activities and roaming performers. Downtown Long Grove. longgrove.org. What’s Blooming on Harrison - 5/21. Art fair, children’s carnival, music, food, beer garden and more. Oak Park. Oakparkdistrict.com Skokie Festival of Cultures – 5/21-22. Cultural booths, folk music, dance, arts and crafts. Oakton Park, Skokie. skokieculturefest.org. Northbrook Art in the Park – 5/21-22. 85 artists in many mediums, music, food, youth art activities. Northbrook. Amdurproductions.com Renegade Craft Spring Fair – 5/21-22. Andersonville. Details TBD. Renegadecraft.com Geek Fest – 5/21. Arcade Units, bouncy castle, obstacle course, vendors, board games. 1-4PM. Carol Stream. Carolstream.org Red, White and BBQ Festival – 5/27-29. Carnival rides, attractions and games. Westmont. Wetmontbbq.com DuPage Community Arts Festival – Musicians and artists gather at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. 10AM-11PM dupagecountyfair.org Belmont-Sheffield Music Fest – 5/28-29. Local tribute bands, family entertainment, arts and crafts vendors. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. chicagoevents.com. Prairie Arts Festival – 5/25-26. Fine art show, entertainment and kids’ activities. Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center, Schaumburg. villageofschaumburg.com. Taste of Mexico – 5/31-6/2. Authentic cuisine, music, carnival rides, arts and crafts. Little Village, Chicago. chicagoevents.com.

JUNE

57th Street Art Fair – 6/1-2. 57th Street, Hyde Park. 57thstreetartfair.org. Cream of Wheaton Festival – 6/2-5. Arts and crafts fair, carnival, Cosley Zoo and food vendors. Wheaton. Wheatonparkdistrict.com Rose Festival – 6/2-5. Rose parade, rides, concessions, and games. Roselle. Roselle.il.us La Grange Carnival - 6/3-5. Rides, ferris wheel, games, concessions. Cm.lgba.com Maifest – 6/2-5. German celebration of food, music and maypole dance. Lincoln Square, Chicago. mayfestchicago.com. Ottawa 2 Rivers Wine Festival – 6/3-5. Tasting from local wineries and artisan market. Pickusottawail.com Lincoln Park Wine Fest – 6/3-5. More than 80 varietals, food/wine pairings, artists and dancing. Jonquil Park, Chicago. chicagoevents.com.

Rosemont Uncorked Wine Festival

– 6/4-5. 18 wineries, live music and more. Rosemontuncorked.com Dragon Boat Festival – Dragon boat races, music, food, drinks and more. Blue Island. Chicagodragonboats.com Chicago Gospel Music Festival – 6/4. Jay Pritzker Pavillion, Millennium Park. Cityofchicago.org

Cavalcade of Planes – 6/4-5. Warbirds on display and flying, food vendors, airplane and helicopter rides. Bolingbrook. Cavalcadeofplanes.com Ottawa Uncorked – 6/5-6 20 Illinois wineries, food, live music, outdoor arts and crafts market, more. Ottawa Pickusottawail.com

Strawberry Jazz Festival | June 5 11AM-4PM. Art, Handmade Crafts, Live Entertainment, Food Trucks, Kid Zone. Free Admission. Free Parking. Northfield Square Mall, Route 50 @ I-57 (Exit 315). Bradley, Illinois www.CommunityArtsCouncil.org

Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival – 6/4-5. 130 juried artists, food and kids’ activities. Downtown Hinsdale. hinsdalechamber.com. New Orleans North – New Orleans comes to downtown Joliet, music, local artists, food and performers. Joliet. Facebook. com/neworleansnorth Franklin Park Fest – 6/9-6/12. Daily carnival, live music, food vendors and more. Franklin Park. Villageoffranklinpark.com Old Canal Days – 6/9-12. Arts, crafts, carnival, entertainment, food, beer and wine tent. Downtown Lockport. oldcanaldays.com. Mundelein Craft Beer Festival – 6/11. Save The Date. Mundelein. Mundelein.org Global Arts Festival – 6/11-12. Multicultural music, art, crafts, dance and kids’ activities. Jim Jenson Pavillion, Bartlett. artsinbartlett.org. Family Pride Festival – 6/11. Pet parade, kids show, drag shoe, food trucks and artisan booths. Washington Park. Ottawa. Pickusottawail.com Old Town Art Fair – 6/11-12. Artists, urban garden walk, music and kids’ activities. Old Town Triangle Historic District, Chicago. oldtownartfair.org. Wells Street Art Festival – 6/11-12. Sixblock art fair with music and kids’ play area. Old Town, Chicago. wellsstreetartfest.us. Riverside Arts Weekend – 6/11-12. Juried artists, fashion show, live entertainment, kids’ activities. Guthrie Park, Riverside. riversideartscenter.com. Aurora Pride Festival and Parade – 6/12. Updates coming soon. Aurora. Aurorapride.org Taco & Tequila Fest – 6/15. Tacos, tequilainfused cocktails and dancing. Ages 21+. Lincoln Park, Chicago. chicagoevents.com. Woodridge Jubilee – 6/15-6/18. Carnival rides for all ages, food, entertainment, bingo. Woodridge. Woodridgeparks.org

PrairieFest | June 16 – 19 Children’s activities, concerts, carnival rides, pony rides, business expo, and food vendors. Free admission and parking. As seen on Food Network. Oswego. www.prairiefest.com

Libertyville Days Festival – 6/16-19. Carnival rides, arts, crafts, music and parade. Downtown Libertyville. visitlakecounty.org.

Scottish Festival and Highland Games

– 6/17-18. Traditional Scottish games, exhibits, music and food. Hamilton Lakes, Itasca. scottishfestivalchicago.org. Minooka Summerfest – 6/17-18. Save the Date, details coming soon. Minooka. Minookalionsclub.com 33rd Annual Ribfest - 6/17-6/20. Awardwinning ribs, family fun area, entertainment and more. Wheaton. Ribfest.net Taste of Des Plaines – 6/17-18. Local food vendors, entertainment, games, beer and wine area. Des Plaines. Facebook.com/ tasteofdesplaines

Grayslake Arts Festival and Wine Tast-

ing – 6/18. Whitney Street, Municipal Parking Lot. Grayslake. Grayslakechambermaster.com Solstice Hop & Vine Fest – 6/18. Entertainment, food, wine and beer. Ages 21+. Meineke Park, Schaumburg. schaumburgparkfoundation.org. Folk Fest – 6/18. Music, games, food vendors. Cantigny. Wheaton. Rside.org/event Winnetka Music Festival – 6/18. Live music, food trucks, beer and wine. Winnetka. Winnetkamusicfestival.com Chicago Pride Fest – 6/18–19. Legendary two-day street festival all about LGBTQ+ life, culture and community. Chicago.

chicagoevents.com.

Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth

Festival – 6/19. Community choir, music, vendors and parade. Flossmoor. Youmatter2.org. Craft Beer & Wine Festival – 6/20. Live music, food and more than 60 beers and wines. Ages 21+. Heritage Park, Wheeling. beerwinefestival.com. Swedish Days Festival – 6/22-26. Entertainment, carnival rides, kids’ activities and parade. Geneva. genevachamber.com. Homer Fest – 6/23-6/26. Food vendors, live music, parade and more. Homer Glen. Facebook/homercommunityfest

Rotary GroveFest | June 23 – 26 Live Music • Unlimited Rides • Food/Biz Expo. Huge Beer Garden Entertainment Area. Downtown Downers Grove. www.RotaryGroveFest.com

Wauconda Fest – 6/23-26. Carnival rides, wine tasting, car show and more. Main St., Wauconda. waucondaparks.org. Homer Community Festival – 6/23-26. Carnival, live music, parade and fireworks. Heritage Park, Homer Glen. homerfest.com Strawberry Fest – 6/24-26. Unique, strawberry-centric food, pie eating contents, carnival rides and entertainment. Downtown Long Grove. longgrove.org. Taste of Joliet – 6/24-26. Food vendors, carnival rides, kids’ zone and headline entertainment. Joliet Memorial Stadium. Tasteofjoliet.com. Pride in the Park – 6/25-26. National and local music acts celebrating the LGBT community. Grant Park, Chicago. chicagoevents. com.

Arlington Heights Frontier Days Festival June 30 – July 4 FREE ADMISSION, FREE Music Entertainment, Carnival Rides, 4th of July Parade, Food, Beer, Wine, Bingo, Family Activities, Pony Rides, 3v3 Soccer, Stampede Run 5K/10K, & more! Recreation Park, Arlington Heights. [See our ad on Page 3.] www.frontierdays.org

SAVE THE DATE

DuPage County Fair | July 29 – 31 Come One, Come All - Neighbors, Friends, and Family. Live music, carnival, food, petting zoo, rodeo, livestock show and contests. www.dupagecountyfair.org

HERE COMES

theSUN!

The Arlington Heights Park District encourage swimming as a lifelong skill. •ALL AGES from 6 months + •ALL ABILITIES •Private lessons available

Don’t let the sun go down on you and your summer fun! Sign up today at ahpd.org

AQUATICS AT THE ARLINGTON HEIGHTS PARK DISTRICT

Pioneer Pool

Arlington Heights Park District

Dive into summer with Arlington Heights Park District! Check out our latest indoor and outdoor pool schedule and aquatic programs including swim lessons, open swim, water exercise and much more! Swim all summer long at five outdoor pools and ARC (Arlington Ridge Center). 500 S. Fernandez, Arlington Heights. 847-5773035. For more information, visitwww.ahpd. org/programs/summer-2022-pool-information or @ahparkdistrict on Facebook and Instagram.

Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park

Bolingbrook Park District

Fun for EVERYONE happens right here! Pelican Harbor Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Park is Bolingbrook’s year-round place for family fun. Pelican Harbor has something for every swimmer, no matter the age or ability. You can celebrate your birthday, host a group outing, or learn to swim right here at Pelican Harbor. The indoor/outdoor set-up guarantees fun even in less-than-ideal weather. 200 Lindsey Lane, Bolingbrook. (630) 739-1700. www. bolingbrookparks.org

Water Park & Splash Pad

Bensenville Park District

Stay cool at the pool! With a 155-foot water slide, two drop slides, a diving board, a 2,527 square-foot Splash Pad, sun deck, and a full-service concession stand, the Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad, 1100 W. Wood St., Bensenville is your home for summer fun! The season opens Memorial Day, May 30. Get your season pass today! Daily admission rates, four levels of swimming lessons, and party rentals are also available. Visit BvilleParks.org /parksfacilities/bensenville-water-park for information.

Community Pool

Village of Hinsdale Community Pool

Think Summer! The Village of Hinsdale Community Pool offers an outdoor swimming facility for the entire family! Featuring a 50-meter pool with 25-meter L shape, zero -depth walk in wading pool with play features, a diving well with drop slide, two 1M diving boards and a 3M diving board. Pool passes are on sale! Also available are 10 visit passes and Neighborly Rates! Visit http://www.villageofhinsdale.org/pr for more information or @HinsdaleParks on Facebook and Instagram.

Golf Links & Tips

DuPage Golf Assistant Golf Professional Vincent Mohawk The Preserve at Oak Meadows 900 N. Wood Dale Rd. Addison, IL 60101 630-595-0071 www.DuPageGolf.com

Golf Tip:

Spring Clean Your Mind The golf season is finally here! The winters can drag on in Chicago, but sun and warmer temperatures have golfers returning to the course. You grab your clubs from storage, toss them in the trunk, and get ready to hit the course.

Perhaps you were able to sneak away from the frigid winter days and play a few rounds in the sun somewhere warm, or maybe you passed the cold months swinging a club inside and waiting to take your game to the first tee. Now, you might be looking for a tip that will give you a little edge or a boost as you return to the course. My season-starting tip does not involve swing mechanics. Instead, advise you to “spring clean your mind!”

On the course it’s easy to become obsessed with technique and stress over bad shots. I challenge you to declutter your thoughts and simply stay positive. Think of every shot as a new unique opportunity to do something great. Juggling too many swing thoughts won’t help. Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. When you step out onto the first tee this season, remember the cold winter days and be joyful they’re gone. .

White Pines Golf Club Bill Roper & Andrew Godfrey 500 W. Jefferson St., Bensenville, IL 60106 | 630-766-0304 www.WhitePinesGolf.com

Golf Tip:

According to White Pines golf professionals Bill Roper and Andrew Godfrey, “Keep your head down” is a common phrase used by many golfers to all their buddies. This is NOT what you want to do when swinging the golf club. Keeping your head down during your swing will restrict your finish and you will not be able to hit it as far. Instead, think about staying in your posture until you hit the ball. Maintaining your posture through your golf swing will help your body from “lifting up” which causes you to top the ball. After you make contact with the golf ball, think about your trail shoulder (for a right-handed golfer that will be your right shoulder) naturally lifting your head to follow where the golf ball goes. This should help you from topping the golf ball.

Golf Tip:

Golf 101: Dos and don’ts for beginners DO: Work with a professional to get a proper swing foundation. You can find a PGA at Twin Lakes Golf Club DO: Learn how to grip the club properly. DO: Bend from your hips. DO: Get your lead shoulder under your chin on the backswing and finish with your face, chest and hips and facing the target. DO: Concentrate on the short game by chipping and putting before focusing on long irons DON’T: Worry about anyone else at the course. Everyone there was once a beginner too DON’T: Bend from your knees. DON’T: Stay flat-footed through impact.

Nickol Knoll Golf Club Facility of Arlington Heights Park District 3800 N. Kennicott Avenue, Arlington Heights 847-590-6050 www.ahpd.org/golf/nickol-knoll-golf-club/

Located at 3800 N. Kennicott Ave. in Arlington Heights, Nickol Knoll was built in the mid 90’s and was immediately mentioned among the best Par 3 courses in all of Chicagoland. Large bent grass tees and greens give this fun layout a big course feel. Several shots from elevated tees provide a beautiful view of the area. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, you’ll fi nd Nickol Knoll a challenging and enjoyable course to play.

Dedicated in 2000 to honor Walter Payton and his accomplishments.

In The Heights

The UAC and the City of Elgin are excited to continue their partnership to present the 2022 summer production. In The Heights tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures. In The Heights is the winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Score, Choreography & Orchestrations. Tickets may be purchased at The Hemmens Box Office, by phone at 847-931-5900 or by going to www. hemmens.org. Tickets are $20 reserved seating in advance, $25 at the door. Students/Seniors $15.00. Group rates are also available.

Overshadowed Theatrical Productions Presents Beauty and the Beast, July 8–30

With music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, the musical follows the Disney storyline of the prince rejecting to grant a beggar woman shelter. She reveals herself to be an enchantress in disguise and places a curse on him and his castle. The young prince is turned into a beast – and cursed to live out his days in that form unless he can learn to love and earn that love himself. When Belle finds herself in his castle, the Beast may have found the hope he needs – if he can learn to listen to his heart before it is too late. Located at 900 Foster Avenue in Medinah. Get your tickets at www.overshadowed.org or call 630.634.2100.