Summer Fun Guide from 22nd Century Media

For 51 more, see the special section in your May 22, 2008 publication.

1. Summer Reading Programs

Visit your local library for a way to expand your mind this summer by joining the summer reading program. Most libraries have programs for both children and adults. So pick a book and have some fun!

2. Backyard Barbecue

A simple and low cost option guaranteed to be a good time. Invite your friends and family over for an afternoon/evening of hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. Try grilling sweet corn for a unique twist and flavor on a traditional summertime food. Make it a potluck and have everyone try a new dish.

3. Stepping and Striding in Tinley

Run or walk in the Stars & Stripes 5K Step & Stride. This annual event is held at 8 a.m. on July 4th, starting at McCarthy Park, 16801 S. 80th Ave. Advance registration is only $16 per runner. Prizes are awarded in eight age categories, for both men and women.

4. Dining al fresco

Meet friends for dinner and drinks at any one of the patios topping off some of New Lenox's popular restaurants. Bluestone, Charleston's and Charleyhorse all offer ample space and just the right atmosphere for a summer night out. Eat on the patio of Courtyard Bistro in Frankfort. On a brisker summer night, owner Tony Glavas lights the fireplace outside, creating a warm glow over diners. Or swing into Orland Park and enjoy dinner under the stars at Champps, Houlihan's or Rock Bottom Brewery before doing No.

5. Catch a summer blockbuster

See your favorite stars hit the big screens at Marcus Theatres in Orland Park or at the Kerasotes New Lenox ShowPlace 14. Gather the guys for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (May 22). Get the girls together and take in Sex and the City (May 30) on the big screen. Other big summer releases include The Incredible Hulk (June 13), Get Smart (June 20), Wall-E (June 27), Hancock (July 2) and The Dark Knight (July 18) among others.

6. Play date at the park

Enjoy the summer sunshine at one of your town's local parks

Spend a day at Centennial Park in Tinley Park, enjoying the 55 acres of walking trails, picnic facilities, playgrounds and basketball courts.

7. No need to be "board"

Every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon and every Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Homer Township Public Library, 14320 W. 151st Street, Homer Glen, the library will host Open Games Days. Kids of all ages are invited to Open Game Days. The library will have a variety of games including: Apples to Apples, Checkers, Monopoly and Bingo. Play with your own group or members of our Youth Activity Committee will be available to play with you.

8. Hit the links

Several area golf courses, including Silver Lake Country Club in Orland Park and Woodbine Golf Course in Homer Glen, play host to several golf outings each summer. Or visit your local course to sign up for lessons. You'll be ready to take on Tiger Woods in no time!

9. Putt-Putt

Kill two birds with one stone as you play miniature golf at Tinley Junction Mini Golf and Batting Cages, featuring a garden model railroad running through the course. Open daily from 4 p.m. 9 p.m. Beginning June 2, Tinley Junction will be open daily from 10 a.m.

Tinley Junction is located at 16801 S. 80th Ave.

10. Just splash around

The Splash Park at Commissioners Park, 80th Avenue and Laraway Road in Frankfort opens May 24 - Stop by to cool off! It's open from noon to 4:30 p.m.

11. Hoop it up at the Nothing but Net-Basketball Camp

8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. from June 16 to 20 for five sessions at The Oaks Recreation Center, 10847 LaPorte Road, Mokena. Camp times are grades 3-5, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and grades 6-8, 10:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. An extensive all around basketball camp will have a new and innovative approach. Registration deadline is June 13. Fee $99. Non residents pay an additional $5.

12. Community Concert

3 p.m. Sunday, June 1 at the First Church of the Nazarene, 12725 S. Bell Road, Lemont. The Southwest Community Band will perform a free concert showcasing the hits of the late American composer Leroy Anderson. The band will perform classics including "Syncopated Clock," "The Typewriter," "Blue Tango," Serenata" and "Bugler's Holiday." The band will also play several selections arranged by local musician James Wetherbee. The next concert will be at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 8 at Circle Park, 97th and Homan, Evergreen Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. For more information, call (815) 773-4159 or visit www.swcommunityband.com

Picnic on Breidert Green

Centrally located in downtown Frankfort, with plush grass, quiet surroundings and beautiful landscaping, the Green is a great place to head on a nice day.

14. Sweet treats

Stop at your local ice cream shop (for ideas, see our Quick Bites story in the Summer Fun Guide) and try a new flavor or stick with your signature ice cream cone. Or get some change and when you hear the familiar tune, pick up a popsicle from the ice cream man in your neighborhood.

15. Go fish!

This area has a plethora of fishing holes

Skate away

Visit Extreme Skate Park (16801 S. 80th Ave.) in Tinley Park and take a ride on the ramps and rails. The park is open daily until dusk at no cost. Swing on over to Orland Park's Grinding Edge Skate Park which is 25,000 square feet of concrete. The park is open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 2 through Aug. 17. Cost is $1.

17. Blue versus Red Charity Softball Challenge

4:30 p.m. June 14 at Main Park, 10925 W. LaPorte Road in Mokena. Home Run Derby is at 4 p.m. before the game. Cheer for the guns or the hoses as the Mokena Police Department takes on the Mokena Fire Protection District.

18. Say no to crime

Join your local police department for it's Night Out Against Crime. The Frankfort Police Department will host their event from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 5. Breidert Green hosts this local version of a national event meant to educate citizens and children on crime and also give them all a chance to play safely for a night.

19. Vacation Bible Schools

Local churches offer daily camps to teach children about their faith. Sign up your child to strengthen their faith and also to make new friends at the camp.

20. Take a dip

In Tinley Park, cool down at White Water Canyon Water Park & Spray Ground. Open daily beginning May 31 from noon to 8 p.m. Resident admission: $6; after 5 p.m. $3. White Water Canyon is located at 8221 W. 171st Street. Centennial Park Aquatic Center in Orland Park, located at 15600 West Avenue, provides hours of water fun from noon to 8 p.m. daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Complete with slides, a lazy river and sand volleyball, the fun never stops. Cost for daily until 5 p.m. is $6 for residents and from 5 p.m. to close it is $3. Non-residents pay $12 for either time.

21. Shady Oaks Camp benefit

Shady Oaks Camp will hold its annual Poker Run on Sunday, July 27. The cost is $15 for riders and $10 for passengers. All proceeds will benefit the camp. Registration is at the camp from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The first bike will leave at 11:00 a.m. Pre-registration can be made by credit card by visiting http://shadyoakscamp.org/2008_fundraisers.htm

A post party at the Colosseum in Mokena starts at 5 p.m. A Kikker 5150 motorcycle will also be raffled at the event. Raffle tickets are $10 and can be purchased by credit card. For more information, contact Geno Francione at geno60477@yahoo.com. All proceeds from the event benefit Shady Oaks Camp.

22. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack

Head to your local ball field and catch an evening game of little league baseball and softball. Snack on ballpark favorites like hot dogs and peanuts.

23. Chicago White Sox Baseball and Girls Fastpitch Camps

Registration deadline is June 2. Baseball Camp, Travel Player Camp and Girls Fastpitch Camp begins June 9. All camp participants receive White Sox game tickets, hat and t-shirt. Camps are at Main Park, 10925 LaPorte Road, Mokena.

24. No two left feet

Sign up for the Teen/Adult Exer-Dance. The class is from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning June 3 for eight sessions at The Oaks Recreation and Fitness Center, 10847 LaPorte Road in Mokena. Join us for an exciting combination of dance moves for fun, fat burning fitness. We'll work every major muscle group and end with a rejuvenating cool down. The class will feature a mix of exercise, ballet, jazz and hip hop all in one. Class is for ages 16 and up. Cost is $57 for residents. Non-residents of the park district will pay an additional $5.

25. Day Camps

Most park districts and recreation and parks departments will host a bevy of summer camps for all ages. The Mokena Park District will host a Summer Sunshine Day Camp that begins the week of June 23. There are limited openings available for two-day or four-day camps with a full-day or half-day option. Fee is $135 to $399. Kiddie Kamp will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. beginning June 23. Openings are limited for two-day or four-day camp. Camp fees range from $135 or $270. Both camps are held at Mian Park, 10925 LaPorte Road in Mokena. Activities include games, stories, crafts, music, nature and special surprises. For more information, call (708) 390-2401.

26. It's a jungle out there!

Visit Brookfield Zoo or Lincoln Park Zoo for an afternoon on the wild side. Send your photos into the paper or upload them here on our Web site to share your adventure.

27. Navy Pier

One of Chicago's biggest tourist attractions, play the role of tourist for a day and take one of the boat tours. See the city from a bird's eye view on the Ferris wheel or just enjoy the view of Lake Michigan.

28. Chef for a day

Several area restaurants and stores including Tin Fish in Tinley Park, as well as Cooper's Hawk in Orland Park (through Moraine Valley Community College) and Williams Sonoma in the Orland Square Mall, offer cooking demonstrations and classes to learn how to make more than appetizing meals. Visit these locations and you'll be cooking a gourmet meal in no time.

29. Unicorns and dragons and mermaids

The Field Museum's Mythic Creatures exhibit runs through Sept. 1. This special exhibit explores mythical creatures and opens the imagination. Admission to the exhibit is $22 for adults, $12 for children 4 to 11 and $19 for seniors and students with ID.

30. A lean, mean Machine

Lacrosse fans and sports fans alike will enjoy Chicago's newest team, the Chicago Machine

General admission and tickets to the exhibit are $23 for adults, $14 for children (3 to 11) and $22 for seniors.

32. A day at the beach

Spend the day in the summer sun (don't forget your SPF) at the Indiana Dunes or soak up some rays at North Avenue Beach in Chicago.

33. Don't be blue

Open your ears and tune into a free Chicago Blues Audio Tour. Orland Park's very own blues legend Buddy Guy narrates the history of Chicago Blues music. Visit www.downloadchicagotours.com

Sailors Wanted

Love the water? Sign up for an Introduction to Sailing course in Chicago. The class ($95 per person) is offered from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays through October. For more information, call (773) 871-7245.

35. Budding gardeners

Take a ride up to Glencoe and see the 385 acres of beauty known as the Chicago Botanic Garden. For hours and more information, call (847) 835-5540.

36. Collisions in space

Adler Planetarium's latest exhibit, Cosmic Collisions opens June 6. For admission prices, visit www.adlerplanetarium.org

Feeling blue still?

Can't get enough? Head downtown for Chicago's annual Blues Festival held in Grant Park June 5-8.

40. Taste of Chicago

Hungry? Sample some of the city's best cuisines at the festival held in Grant Park June 27 through July 6.

41. Mingle with singles

Old St. Pat's Church in Chicago hosts the world's largest block party July 18 and 19. The party is notorious for couples meeting at this event. For more information, visit worldslargestblockparty.com.

42. Thinking graphically

Graphic Thought Facility: Resourceful Design runs through Aug. 17 at Chicago's Art Institute. For admission prices and exhibitions, visit www.artic.edu

Thursdays June 19-Aug. 28 (except Aug. 14). For more information, visit the site.

46. Jazz in Chicago

Grant Park is home to Chicago's Jazz Festival Aug. 29-31. Admission is free.

47. Art Fairs

The city of Chicago will host several art fairs throughout the summer, including the Old Town Art Fair June 14 and 15.

48. Caribbean rhythms

Union Park in Chicago will host the Chicago Caribbean Jerkfest on June 7. For more information, call (773) 509-4942.

49. Tuning into Chicago

Fourth of July weekend (July 5-6) is when the Lakeview Music Fest will be held on Sheffield from Waveland to Newport. For more information, call (773) 868-3010 ext. 274.

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