Host of activities will keep everyone busy as they mark the unofficial end of summer
Fireworks, a giant bounce house fest, a performance by Shining Star and a look at back-to-school days in the 1890s are among the activities residents can choose from for some Labor Day weekend fun. (photos provided)
Summer has flown by once again!
It seems we just presented a list of activities for a Memorial Day roundup, and Labor Day is already here. If you're looking for something fun to day, we've got some ideas for you.
• Kick off the weekend with a trip "Back to Dogwarts" from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St.
Families can bring kids for a fun night of playing with the adoptable pups in attendance at their first day of school. Each will be sorted into its house based on Penny Wars (bring change!). Enjoy Instagram-worthy photo ops and light appetizers. Tickets are $23, $15 for kids, and include and refreshments and a drink ticket for ages 21 and up. A cash bar will be available.
Register online at http://www.thecommunityhouse.org. Questions? Call (630) 323-7500.
• With highs in the 90s forecast for this weekend, it's the perfect time for a final visit to the Hinsdale Community Pool, 500 W. Hinsdale Ave.
Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with a 5 p.m. closing on Monday. The baby pool also will be open from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and lap swimming will be offered from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Admission is $10, $7 for seniors 62 and older.
• Find out what going back to school was like in the 1890s at the Farmhouse Tour at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago.
Tours begin on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, to Sunday, Sept. 3. All ages are welcome.
Kline Creek Farm features restored farmstead structures and historically costumed interpreters operating the living history farm using the tools and techniques of the past. The farmhouse contains original artifacts and reproductions that enhance its homelike atmosphere.
Inside the Timber Ridge Visitor Center, seasonal exhibits present elements of the 1890s and the agricultural heritage of DuPage County. The center has modern restrooms, a drinking fountain and a center store where visitors can purchase beverages, snacks, farm-fresh eggs and unique gifts such as locally-produced honey and soaps, Victoriana, children's toys and games.
Admission is free, but a suggested donation of $5 a person (ages 3 and older) is encouraged.
• Enjoy one or both of the final live concerts of the season this weekend at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.
R&B and jazz artist West End 40 will perform at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3.
Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band Shining Star takes the stage at 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4.
The concerts are outdoors and feature lawn seating. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, and picnics are welcome. Concessions are available; pets and alcohol are prohibited.
Admission is free; parking is $30. For more information, visit http://www.cantigny.org.
• Bring the family to Bounce the City, the largest collection of touring inflatables, at the first stop its inaugural tour at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg through Sept. 3.
This immersive family attraction contains eight different interactive inflatables, including a 600-foot long obstacle course, a bottomless ball pit, a silent disco dome with life DJs and more.
All-access tickets start at $24 for a 90-minute pass. Events are expected to sell out, so advanced ticket purchases are encourages.
Visit http://www.bouncethecity.com for tickets and more information.
• Head into the city for the Chicago Labor Day Parade & Eddie Fest, taking place for the first time in historic Pullman.
Organized by the Chicago Federation of Labor, the parade celebrates union pride, solidarity and community togetherness. The parade will step off at noon Saturday, Sept. 2, at 108th Street and head south down Cottage Grove Avenue to 113th Street. Afterwards, stick around for Eddie Fest, featuring live music, food and family-friendly activities.
For more information, visit http://www.chicagolaborparade.com.
• Enjoy the final weekend of fireworks at Chicago's Navy Pier at 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2. Stunning views are available from the public spaces at the pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., or from nearby beaches and the Lakefront Trail. Questions? Visit http://www.navypier.org/eat-drink-and-play/fireworks.
