Splish, Splash Your Way to Fun in the Chicago Southland

Things are heating up in the Chicago Southland, but if you want to keep cool, you’ll find plenty of ways to do so. Splash pads and aquatic centers offer a reprieve from the scorching summer sun. 

If you just enjoy being near water, you can drop a fishing pole in the water or hang out at some local spots where the water can calm nerves, reduce stress and take you to a place of tranquility or hop in a canoe or kayak to explore and burn a few calories.

On June 1, you can enjoy a one-of-a-kind activity at Lagoon Park in Oak Forest. At Lagoon Fire on the Water you can sit back an watch the glow of fire and the reflection in the water as the sun goes down.

Have you always wanted to kayak, but weren’t sure how to get started? Attend Kayak College at the Monee Reservoir on June 4, led by the American Canoe Association certified instructors. Learn safety tips, how to exit, variety of kayak types and then try out the sport of kayaking on flat water.

Are you a fishing novice? Or never held a pole before? Take advantage of Free Fishing Days for Father’s Day Weekend on June 14-16 to get your feet wet. For this weekend only, no fishing license is needed and dad get a free container of bait. House poles are available on loan for free, too.

Celebrate the first day of summer on the water at the Forest Preserve of Will County’s Monee Reservoir. At the Summer Soltice Paddle on June 20, you can participate in a recreational paddle tour as the sun sets followed by roasting s’mores by the fire. Tandem kayaks and canoes will be available or you can bring your own.

Bring the kids out for Get a Kid Hooked on Fishing Day on June 22 at Prairie Park in downtown Frankfort. Prizes will be awarded for most fish/biggest fish in different age brackets at this catch and release event.

Enjoy live music at the Surf-n-Turf concert on July 13 at Monee Reservoir where you can sit lakeside in a chair or watch from the water. Rent a kayak or bring your own to listen to music by the Sting Rays. Food trucks will be on hand, so you can purchase dinner to enjoy while you rock.

Don’t let the kids have all the fun! Millennium Park in Homewood will host Grown Up Night at the Splash Pad on August 9. Feel the fun of being a kid again. Have water fights and play games like giant pong and bean bags.

Click here for more on aquatic attractions and here for a list of fishing spots. 

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