Concerts, kayaks and campouts – they all scream summer! Who’s ready?
For a full lineup of summer adventures, check out our Events Calendar and/or Adventure Playbook. For starters, check out these 10 events to add to your calendar.
Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race
Join paddlers of all ages and abilities as we prepare to restore an early summer tradition that dates to the 60s. Choose your division and paddle the scenic Fox River – competitively, leisurely or somewhere in between – from starting points in either St. Charles or Batavia.
When: Sunday, June 5
Where: Prisco Community Center (Race HQ)
Ages: All
Register online
Live & Uncorked
The popular summer concert series returns to idyllic Blackberry Farm for seven performances this summer! Bring a cooler packed with your favorite drinks and snacks, lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy a diverse lineup of tunes from popular Chicagoland cover bands.
When: 7 to 9 p.m., Thursdays in June and July, beginning June 16
Where: Blackberry Farm
Ages: 21+
Register online
Golf For Kids
Our Fox Valley Park Foundation’s premiere fundraiser, proceeds from Golf For Kids benefit recreationally underserved members of our community. In 2021, the Foundation awarded $75,000 to provide camps, swim lessons, nature club programs, after-school programs, support for veterans and many more programs which provide health and wellness, social enrichment and other life-changing benefits.
When: Monday, June 27. Tee times are 7:30 a.m. or 1 p.m.
Where: Orchard Valley Golf Course
Ages: 21+
Register online
Family Camp Out
Throw the tents and sleeping bags into the station wagon, er, SUV and spend the night under the stars at Blackberry Farm! Your camping adventure begins on Saturday with a scavenger hunt, family activities and s’mores. Sunday includes a light breakfast. Don’t delay – space fills quickly!
When: Saturday-Sunday, July 16-17
Where: Blackberry Farm
Ages: 1+
Register online
Bug Fest
Red Oak Nature Center’s signature event of the year! Join us for a day full of fun and bugs. Experience this carnival of critters from Lippold Park to Red Oak Nature Center with fun stops in between. Raffle, food and games await at this popular event, which features a free shuttle service to ease parking snarls.
When: Saturday, August 20
Where: Red Oak Nature Center
Ages: All
Grab your tickets
Fox Valley Amazing Race
Create a team of four adults and embark on an amazing race just like the famous TV show! In this four-hour adventure, teams are given a map and sets of clues to try and get from start to finish, completing mental and physical challenges along the way. Celebrate with awards, drinks and food at the post-race party!
When: Saturday, September 10
Where: TBD by maps and clues!
Ages: 18+
Register online
Tours, Trips & Shows
We’ll take care of the planning, organizing, driving and parking – you do the enjoying! Choose from wine tastings, coffee tours, a baseball game in Milwaukee, a cabaret at Starved Rock – and more.
When: 3 trips in June, 4 more in July
Where: Pick-up at Eola Community Center
Ages: Varies, based on event activities
See lineup & schedule
Friendly Center Club
Just as its name suggests, join our group of active adults for a weekly gathering that features an assortment of activities, entertainment and education! Club members can also enjoy a catered luncheon, typically held on the last Thursday of the month.
When: Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Prisco Community Center
Ages: 55+
More info
Birthday Parties
Let Blackberry Farm, Red Oak Nature Center, Vaughan Athletic Center or Prisco or Eola community centers play host to your next birthday kid’s bash! We’ll cater to themes, such as cooking, theater, ninja warriors, sports and more. Easy for parents, memorable for kids!
When: Year-round
Where: Various locations
Ages: All
Book your party
