Can you believe summer is almost over?!?! Time seems to have flown by this summer. Adjusting to the new normal while trying to maintain summer fun for my family made me think I needed to create an end of summer bucket list. I wanted to have activities for my family to do together before school begins, holidays start, and we are cozy inside. Below is my “Family Fun August Bucket List.”
1. Shedd Aquarium
Mark your Calendars! Shedd Aquarium will be offering FREE admission every Thursday for the month of August. Now with 3 kids anything you hear FREE you jump. I love the Shedd Aquarium and all the amazing exhibits they have for a day filled with exploration of oceans, lakes, rivers, and reef for the whole family.
Currently they are offering Feeding the Stingrays, 4-D experiences, or Virtual Reality as extra add ons as well.
To receive your free Thursday pass register online or by phone. You can visit the website for more information or other upcoming exciting events. www.sheddaquarium.org
2. Family Bike Ride Along Lake
Before the weather turns into gorgeous fall I want to take advantage of being outside with the family as much as possible. Lake Michigan is so beautiful and the amazing bike path that spreads 18.5 miles long winding along the lakefront is the perfect activity with the family for a leisurely day.
You get to not only see the beautiful waterfront but also bike along the changing landscape of the city passing along all the neighborhoods of Chicago.
There are perfect spots along the path to stop for a bite to eat including Castaways, The Lakefront, The Dock at Montrose Beach, and Shore Club just to name a few. We plan to have a special family dinner at The Dock at Montrose Beach.
3. Family Cubs Game
If anyone knows our family you know we live, breathe, and sleep BASEBALL. With our kids baseball season just ending we now have a little more free time to enjoy baseball games other than our own all stars.
We love the Chicago Cubs! Not only is the stadium in our neighborhood but my kids love going to Gallagher Way. Gallagher Way always has family fun activities set up for everyone to enjoy before the game. We always love going to grab a bite to eat too before the game at Big Star, Happy Camper, or Crosbys Kitchen on Southport.
After our bellies are full we head to the game to watch our favorite Cubbies play while enjoying the beautiful skyline behind. Of course we stop and grab the latest cubs gear for the kids with maybe a quick stop to grab the GIANT baseball hat sundae and nachos. It’s for the kids, right ;)!
Overall a game at Wrigleyville for my family is truly one of our favorite past times year after year.
4. Carnival
Nothing feels like the end of summer than a carnival for me. With face paintings, carnival rides and games, funnel cakes, and just the joy on my kids faces makes my heart smile.
There are carnivals all throughout Chicagoland in the month of August and into September, but we are going to check out Endless Summerfest in La Grange.
August 6th-8th there will be live music like the amazing cover band Sixteen Candles, carnival rides, classic cars, beer, and local food vendors all to enjoy in the endless summer night of making memories.
Make sure to check out more details at https://lagrangefest.com/
5. Visit Harbor County
Harbor County is so beautiful and only a hour away. It feels like it is world away when you arrive at the coastal county. It is the perfect weekend or day trip outside the city. My family love exploring all the beaches, little quaint towns, restaurants, wineries, and shops that make this amazing area.
We normally head to New Buffalo to check out The Stray Dog or Beachside Scoops for a sweet treat. This next time we are going to explore into St. Joe and Sawyer to check the local favorites.
If it just a day trip or a long weekend with family and friends make sure to check out Harbor County. You will not be disappointed! Check out more details: https://www.harborcountry.org
Before the summer ends I want to make sure to complete my bucket list with my family from exploring the city, soaking up as much pool and beach time, and always having a new and exciting adventure for memories to made with my family.
Enjoy my bucket list for endless summer fun!
XOXO,
Juliana