Worried about summer going by too quickly? Don’t be! There’s still plenty of time to have fun with your kids. Spending time together helps you both make the most of the remaining days of summer and also make memories that will last far into the colder months and beyond.
We found six great places everyone in the family will love.
PJ Masks Live at the Chicago Theatre
Get ready to shout hooray! The PJ Masks are on their way, into the night to save the day!
You may have seen Catboy, Gekko and Owlette on Disney Junior, and now you can see them leaping and flipping live in person when their acrobatic live-action show takes the Chicago Theatre stage.
“There’s a great, pumping music that’s a lot of fun,” says producer Josh Blackburn of the score that is almost completely original. “Think Adam West’s Batman meets pop music. There’s a fun spy feel.”
The show also offers lessons about the power of teamwork and using your gifts and abilities to help the community as a whole.
There will be six shows Sept. 30-Oct. 1 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. Get tickets here.
Funtopia
Kids climbing the walls? Head to Funtopia at The Glen in Glenview where they can climb a magic beanstalk, a giant dinosaur skeleton or another one of the more than 50 individual climbing elements and activities instead.
Or check out its Artificial Caving System, which is made of molds from real rocks to fully replicate the surfaces and textures of real underground caves. Kids explore tunnels and collect treasures while learning about geology.
“We offer a wide variety of physically challenging attractions that are designed to be highly entertaining and mind stimulating,” says Zarko Drljaca, marketing manager of Funtopia.
While traditional sports are about repetitive performance, at Funtopia there is always some kind of surprise for each activity.
The Glen Town Center, 2050 Tower Drive, Glenview. Book tickets here.
DuPage Children’s Museum
The AWEsome water exhibit just opened this summer and it’s taking water play to a whole new level with a water wall where kids can alter how water flows with magnets. There’s also a sculpture with water coming from the ceiling, new bubble tables and a giant water wheel.
“It’s a little wetter than the previous water area because it’s more interactive,” explains Michelle Gonzalez, museum experience manager. She suggests bringing an extra pair of clothes, wearing sandals that can get wet and making it your last stop at the museum.
On the dry side, check out the Color Fun Weekend Aug. 12-13. Note that the museum is closed for maintenance after Labor Day.
301 N. Washington St., Naperville; dupagechildrensmuseum.org.
British Swim School
Think that swim lessons are only to get ready for summer? Think again.
“It’s never a bad time to start a program like British Swim School. We are a year-round water survival and learn to swim program,” says John Hale, marketing and operations director.
It’s also a good time to capitalize on the fun kids have had in the water this summer. “It’s like any other sport, the more you practice, the more you learn,” Hale says.
In addition to keeping safe and active, lessons at the British Swim School keep kids smiling, too, with song and games and lots of fun.
To find one of the 19 Chicago area locations nearest you, visit britishswimschool.com
CYT Theater
Did you know the nation’s largest children’s theater company is here in Chicagoland? Christian Youth Theater (CYT) has 6,000 students yearly throughout its 10 locations around Chicago and southeast Wisconsin. Formerly Spotlight Theater, the name is different, but the mission is the same.
“We are all about building community. It’s an inclusive environment for kids where they feel safe and valued. On top of that, we stage beautiful shows,” says Kim Renko, director of marketing.
Don’t miss Singin’ in the Rain at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre Aug. 11-13!
Classes start at six locations in August for kids ages 8 to 18 and all locations in September. Once enrolled, kids may audition for a Broadway-style musical. Find out more at spotlight.org.
Safari Land Indoor Amusement Park
The largest indoor roller coaster in Illinois is just one of the exciting things you’ll find in Safari Land. The 62,000-square-foot space dedicated to family fun in Villa Park has recently received a face lift that includes not only a new look but also exciting new games.
“We have something for all ages,” says Chris Troiola, owner of Safari Land.
Little ones will love the Lion’s Den soft play area that features a jungle maze and Merry-Go-Round.
Bigger kids will want to ride the Tiger Terror roller coaster as well as the bumper cars, go karts, bowling and more.
701 W. North Ave., Villa Park; safarilandfun.com.
