As the school year begins to wrap up, it's time to start brainstorming some fun summer plans that will be enjoyable for both you and your kids. To make this task easier, we've put together a list of top summer activities that are a "must do" before the season concludes. Keep reading below to learn more!
1.Visit the Waterparks
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District
Searching for a way to beat the summer heat? Here in St. Charles, we are lucky enough to have not one, but two wonderful public water parks! Situated within Pottawatomie Park is Swanson Pool. Swanson Pool has tons of different attractions including drop slides, diving boards, a sand play area, and much more. West of downtown at James O. Breen Community Park is where you can find Otter Cove Aquatic Park! This summer, dive in and join Ollie the Otter and his friends and take advantage of the many exciting things to do such as water slides, lazy river, and sand volleyball courts.
2. Play Mini Golf at River View Miniature Golf Course
Photo 1 Courtesy of @rachel_kawate. Photo 2 Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District
Everyone, regardless of age, loves Miniature Golf. It's fun, it's challenging, and it's great way to have a little friendly competition! Located in Pottawatomie Park, River View Miniature Golf Course is a fantastic 18 hole course filled with exciting obstacles, and a great view of the Fox River. For an extra challenge try playing Stanley's Spin-N-Play, where eight holes have a wheel that you can spin that will give you a wacky task to perform while putting, like spinning around five times, or putting with your eyes closed.
3. Attend an STC Live Performance on the 1st Street Plaza
Photo 1 Courtesy of @rachel_kawate. Photo 2 Courtesy of C & E Photography
STC Live! is back this summer starting June 5th! This year, you'll have the opportunity to witness very talented local performances on Wednesday and Friday from 6pm-7:30pm on the 1st Street Plaza, as well as at various local St. Charles businesses. You do not want to miss these free concerts, so bring your kids and make an afternoon out of it! Afterwards, end the evening with a sweet treat and get some ice cream/frozen yogurt from Kimmer's, Kilwins, or Forever Yogurt downtown. To view the schedule of upcoming STC Live! performances this summer, please click the button below.
4. Complete the Tortilla Tour
Photos Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography
While this may take more than a day to complete, this summer is the perfect chance to complete the brand new Tortilla Tour hosted on the free Travel St. Charles App (which you can download here). All you have to do is dine at 6 of the 13 participating Mexican restaurants in St. Charles over any duration of time, and check-into their location under the Challenge on the App! Once you visit 6, you can pick up a limited-edition bottle of Gindo's Hot Sauce from the St. Charles Municipal Building, Monday-Friday from 8am-1:30pm. Believe us, winning has never tasted this good. To find more information on the Tortilla Tour, please click the button below.
5. Swing by the Kane County Fair
Photos Courtesy of the Kane County Fairgrounds
Nothing says summer quite like a County Fair, and here in St. Charles, we have one that's Fox Valley's Top-Rated Summer Event, so it only makes sense that it makes this list! The Kane County Fair will take place from July 17th through July 21st, and will feature live entertainment, exciting rides, and even a professional championship bull riders and cowgirls on that Friday! To find more information on all the elements taking place at this year's Kane County, you can visit their website by clicking the button below.
Which Tour on the Travel St. Charles App Will You Complete this Summer?
Tortilla Tour
Public Arts Tour
Instagrammable Spots Tour
St. Charles History Walking Tour
6. Take a History Sunday Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise
Photo 1 Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District, Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Just because school has been let out for the summer doesn't mean that the learning has to end! You can get a breathtaking, unique view of the Fox River AND learn more about the beginnings of St. Charles by taking a Historic Sunday Cruise on the Paddlewheel Riverboats! You'll have six opportunities from May through October to take this special event ride, and there will be live and interactive commentary from the St. Charles History Museum while getting to sit back and relax while cruising on the water. Click the button below to view upcoming rides!
7. Do Hands-On Activities at Primrose Farm
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District
Primrose Farm allows for a unique experience for kids to engage in hands-on activities with farm animals! They will have a blast getting to do tasks such as feeding the goats and chickens, mingle with horses, milking cows, and more. If you stop by on Wednesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you can browse fresh produce, eggs, meat, and more at their farmstand, and take that home with you to create a fresh meal together later in the day! To view Primrose Farm's upcoming calendar events, please click the button below.
8. Listen to a Concerts in the Park Performance
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District
Every summer, the St. Charles Park District hosts exceptional concerts in Lincoln Park on Thursdays at 7pm, and the best part is, their FREE! They have some incredible performers playing this year that you do not want to miss, and you can bring food and snacks from nearby local businesses so that you can have a picnic while you enjoy the concert. So, grab some blankets, chairs, and a bite to eat, and bring the whole family out for a wonderful afternoon. To view the list of upcoming performances, please click the button below.
9. Participate in the Be You Rock Hunt
Nearing the end of the summer right before school is in session, we have another event to end the season on a high-note: the very popular Be You Rock Hunt! On Friday, August 9th, you'll have the opportunity to search for vibrantly painted "Be You" rocks all around the downtown area! If you find one, be sure to bring it back to the St. Charles Municipal Building to receive a great prize. To learn more, be sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram, as more details will be posted closer to the date of the event.
10. Capture Summer Memories with the St. Charles Mural Challenge
You've done a lot of exciting things this summer, so why not capture your summer memories in St. Charles by completing our Mural Challenge that's hosted on the Travel St. Charles App! This Challenge will take you to all 5 vibrant murals that are designed by New York artist Steffi Lynn. The murals display positive affirmations, bright colors, and even showcase elements of this city that help make it so great. When you've finished, you can stop by the St. Charles Municipal Building Monday-Friday from 8am-1:30pm to pick up your exclusive Mural Challenge water bottle!
Taking place this weekend is the 26th Annual St. Charles Fine Art Show! This free admission event will showcase works of art from over 100 fine artists available for sale, live entertainment, family-friendly art activities, and so much more!