10 WAYS TO ENJOY FREE SUMMER FUN IN THE CHICAGO SOUTHLAND

If inflation has you cutting back a little on your summer travel plans, you’ll be happy to know there’s still lots of summer fun to be had in the Chicago Southland without an admission fee or ticket price required. Enjoy some great natural and recreational spaces, attend some local cruise nights, take in a free concert or movie in the park - or one of many other activities that provide fun without spending a dime.

1) Attend a Cruise Night in downtown Crete
Each Monday through August 26 from 5 - 8 p.m., you can stroll through the main corridor to view vintage vehicles of all kinds and spend an evening stepping back into the past. 

2) Take in a Free Outdoor Movie
Several suburbs are offering free movie nights featuring family-friendly flicks. Frankfort is one of them, offering “Movies on the Green” on July 9 and August 13. They’ll even be serving FREE popcorn.

3) Explore the Grounds at Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanical Gardens
With a waterfall, prairie, gardens, children’s forest and more, it’s a beautiful place to spend time - relaxing by the waterfall, going for a hike or snapping some family photos or nature shots.

4) Take in a Free Concert
Serveral communities, including Lansing have free concerts scheduled. Make your way to Fox Pointe for their Wednesday concert series to listen to live music from a number of area bands of varying genres.

5) Bring the Family to Touch A Truck
This free event in Oak Forest will feature all kinds of emergency vehicles and big trucks. Climb on explore! There will be a 30-minute horn-free time for those with sensitive ears.

6) National Night Out
From Flossmoor to Monee to Lynwood to Homewood to more, head out on August 6 to meet local members of your law enforcement community and engage in a variety of fun activities.

7) Attend a Local Festival
A number of summer festivals offer free admission and parking with additional complimentary activities. HomerFest is one you won't want to miss. The annual four-day festival includes free, family-friendly entertainment, live music (don't forget to bring a chair) and a huge fireworks display. They also will have a veterans tribute. (Activities with cost associated include amusement rides, beer tent and food vendors.)

8) Visit a Forest Preserve
Within the Forest Preserves of Cook County and Forest Preserve District of Will County, you'll find so many spots to enjoy your natural surroundings. Take a bike ride on a paved path, drop a fishing line, see native plants and animals, set out on a hike. Also, keep an eye on the event calendar for a number of free events and programs.

9) Wander through theNate
The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, also known as theNate, is a collection of 30 master works of large-scale sculpture situated within 100 acres of prairie landscape on the campus of Governors State University. This “museum-in-the-prairie” is open for public viewing 365 days a year and is free of charge. The park provides programs for adults and children that integrate art and nature.

10) Have a Picnic Lunch
Pack up a picnic basket with lunch, roll up a blanket, bring along a frisbee and visit one of the local parks in the 60+ communities that make up the Chicago Southland. Hang out with the kids, take advantage of the playground amenities and find a shady spot for your mid-day meal.

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