The Real Park Ridge

Top Menu

  • Home
  • Around Town
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact Us

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Around Town
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Scene
    • Feel-good Focus
    • Kid Zone
    • Park Ridge Insider
    • Recommendations
  • Eat. Drink. Shop
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • General Features
  • Interviews
  • Magazine
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • Around Town
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact Us

logo

Header Banner

The Real Park Ridge

  • Home
  • Around Town
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Scene
    • Feel-good Focus
    • Kid Zone
    • Park Ridge Insider
    • Recommendations
  • Eat. Drink. Shop
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • General Features
  • Interviews
  • Magazine
  • Shop Around the Corner: Spotlight on the new Anima Haus in Park Ridge

  • Park Ridge Insider Peter Volpe

  • Inside Scoop: Fall events galore like Sketchbook Brewing’s Oktoberfest, Rosetoberfest, Pumpkin Palooza, Chicago Gourmet, Ace Hardware’s Harvest Fest, Spirits of Park Ridge, Trunk or Treat and more

  • Inside Scoop: Private rental opportunities abound at the new Oakton Sports Complex

  • Park Ridge Insiders Kelly and Tadgie Scannell

Around Town
Home›Around Town›Inside Scoop: Family-friendly events this July & August from the Park Ridge Park District

Inside Scoop: Family-friendly events this July & August from the Park Ridge Park District

By Trent Modglin
July 13, 2026
889
0
Share:
Outdoor pool at dusk with people on inflatable tubes watching a movie on a large screen above the pool area.

For more information and to register for events, visit PRParks.org

Family Summer Concert: Kitty Orca Music & Piano
Tuesday, July 14 | 6:00pm – 6:45pm
Prospect Park, 733 N. Prospect Ave.
Ages 5 and under

Join Miss Jennifer with her guitar and ukulele for a FREE concert celebrating our favorite parts of summer! Embrace your inner child as we sing about popsicles, fireflies, bugs, parks, fishing, swimming, animals, and more! Old favorites combined with original songs, and shakers, instruments, and bubbles add to the summer fun! This sing-along, dance-along, clap-along, play-along concert will get kids and grownups movin’ and groovin’ to the sounds of summer!

Hinkley Flick & Float: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie
Friday, July 17 | 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Fee: $10R/$15NR
Hinkley Pool, 25 Busse Hwy.
All ages

Join us at Hinkley Pool as we float around and enjoy the movie The Super Mario Galaxy after dark! Bring your favorite pool float for this event to help you relax under the stars. Admission begins at 7:30pm and the movie begins at dusk. Pre-registration is not required.

S’mores, Stories, Songs, and Strolls
Friday, July 17 | 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Wildwood Nature Center, 531 Forestview Ave.
For ages 2+ with adult

Enjoy a summer night of s’mores, stories, and songs with your family. Sit around Wildwood’s campfire circle to sing and cook yummy s’mores, and head out around the pond for a nighttime stroll.

Early Childhood Expo & Kite Fest
Saturday, July 18 | 10:00am – Noon
Maine Park Leisure Center, 2701 W. Sibley St
For ages 5 and under

Parents and children, sample everything the Park District has to offer children age 5 and under, all in one place! Follow our scavenger hunt through the facility to try out our classes and activities. Drop in any time!

Schedule of Events:
10:00am-10:30am – Kitty Orca Music & Piano
10:30am-11:00am – Kid Rock
11:00am-11:30am – The Stage School
11:30am-Noon – Hot Shot Sports

Kite Fest is teaming up with our Early Childhood Expo at Maine Park! Help us decorate the hallways with colorful kites and make your own kite to take home. Kite kits are first come, first serve while supplies last. This event promotes the Park District Youth License Plate. $25 from the sale and renewals of each plate goes toward park district youth programming. Learn more at 4KIDSplate.com

Smart Cycling for Youth
Saturday, July 18 | 9:00am – 10:30am
Centennial Park Parking Lot, 100 S. Western Ave.
For ages 8-14
Be prepared for a summer of safe cycling in Park Ridge. This 90-minute on bike instruction course for youth between 8-14 years of age will cover basics of bike handling, safety, and rules of the road.

Sundae Funday
Sunday, July 19 | Noon-12:30pm or 3:30pm-4:00pm
Prospect Park Splash Pad, 733 Prospect Ave.
All ages

Enjoy a sweet ice cream treat at the Splash Pad between 12:00pm-12:30pm or 3:30pm-4:00pm at the Prospect Park Splash Pad.
While supplies last.

Regular pool admission fees apply.

Movies in the Park: The Grinch
Thursday, July 23 | 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Prospect Park, 733 N. Prospect Ave.
All ages

Grab the family and join us for a movie in the park! Movie begins at dusk. In the event of inclement weather, movies are shown indoors at the Paula Hassell O’Connor Community Building at Prospect Park.

The Grinch attempts to undermine the annual Christmas celebration at Whoville with the help of his loyal dog and reindeer. Disguised as Santa Claus he tries to steal all the presents, but his cover is threatened by an earnest young girl. Don’t miss a special appearance by The Grinch!

Zombie Tag at Wildwood
Thursday, July 23 | 6:00pm – 7:15pm
Wildwood Nature Center, 531 Forestview Ave.
For ages 2+ with adult

Are you ready for Wildwood’s twist on the classic game of tag? Zombie Tag, is a prairie wide invasion to escape and evade getting tagged by the group of Zombie players. If you get tagged twice, you become a full-fledge “Zombie” and you join the rest of the mob in the attack!

Country Farm Fair
Saturday, July 25 | Noon – 3:00pm
Wildwood Nature Center, 531 Forestview Ave.
All ages

Enjoy a day down on the farm! Pet cows, chickens, goats, and more in the petting zoo featuring over 20 animals. Head out on a 50¢ hayride through Wildwood and hop on a pony ($5/ride). Have a rootin’ tootin’ good time with bingo, pig races, games, activities, and crafts. During the event, cowpokes big and small can try their hand at fun free contests like pie eating, potato sack races, tug of war, and a water balloon toss. Food and drinks are available for sale.

Free family events include:
1:00pm   Pie Eating Contest
1:30pm   Potato Sack Races
2:00pm   Tug of War
2:30pm   Water Balloon Toss

Family Summer Concert: Zydeco VooDoo Band
Tuesday, July 28 | 6:00pm – 6:45pm
Prospect Park, 733 N. Prospect Ave.
Ages 5 and under

Zydeco Voodoo is an interactive, family-friendly band channeling the fun of New Orleans and the bayou! Rooted in traditional Zydeco and Cajun dance music, the band also dives deep into NOLA Funk, Swamp Pop, R & B, and reinvents modern songs with a Louisiana/New Orleans flavor. Join in the fun by dancing and playing percussion instruments that the band brings for the audience to use!

Movie in the Park: Cars
Thursday, August 6 | 7:00am – 10:00pm
Prospect Park, 733 N. Prospect Ave.
All ages

Grab the family and join us for a movie in the park! Movie begins at dusk. In the event of inclement weather, movies are shown indoors at the Paula Hassell O’Connor Community Building at Prospect Park.

A cocky hot rod gets stranded in a desert town en route to a big race, and gets a long-overdue lesson in humility. With the help of the town’s quirky car population, he learns that sometimes life is more about the voyage than the outcome of the race.

Homegrown Harvest: Midseason Garden Tune-Up
Tuesday, August 11 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Centennial Activity Center, 100 S. Western Ave.
For ages 18+

Our Homegrown Harvest series is a hands-on, seasonal gardening series to help you grow more food with less guesswork—learn what to do, when to do it, and how to keep your garden thriving from summer through fall. Each series is led by Katie Shamis of VK Gardens. Katie is a sustainability, garden consultant and educator who helps gardeners grow abundant, organic food with practical, low-stress methods that fit into real life.

TagsCentennial Fitness CenterPark Ridge family eventsPark Ridge Park DistrictProspect ParkThe Real Park RidgeWildwood Nature Center
Previous Article

Light bites perfect for patio season

Next Article

Summer getaway: We gathered a few of ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0

Trent Modglin

Related articles More from author

  • Around Town

    Inside Scoop: Park Ridge Restaurant Week runs through March 10, Rita’s offers free Italian ice March 19, Fat Rosie’s opening ...

    March 7, 2024
    By Trent Modglin
  • Around Town

    Inside Scoop: From the Vine Street BBQ fest and Park Ridge’s Trucktoberfest to Rosemont’s Family Fall Fest, Goebbert’s Farm and ...

    September 8, 2023
    By Trent Modglin
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Spring faves: We asked two local boutique owners for their favorite items in the store right now

    March 18, 2026
    By Trent Modglin
  • Interviews

    Q&A with Brian Buckman, co-founder and head brewer at Illuminated Brew Works about his brewery’s long-awaited opening in Norwood Park

    September 18, 2021
    By Trent Modglin
  • Interviews

    Q&A with Edie Boutique owner Amy DeGrazio about Marigold, her new Park Ridge gift shop

    December 7, 2020
    By Trent Modglin
  • Shop Around the Corner

    Fall fashions: A look at some of the best, most stylish seasonal items available along Prospect Avenue in Park Ridge

    September 20, 2024
    By Trent Modglin

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

You might be interested

  • Around Town

    Learning curve: Park Ridge Library, Chicago museums begin re-opening with restrictions

  • Park Ridge Insider

    Park Ridge Insider Katie Prezas on Harp & Fiddle’s cheese curds, getting pampered at Lacquer Lounge and Beautifully New Med Spa, and finding a new top at 2 Sisters Boutique

  • Around Town

    Around Town: It’s time to get fit together at the Centennial Fitness Center

  • 366
    Followers
  • 1.9K
    Likes
  • 1,598
    Followers

E-mail newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required
/ ( mm / dd )
Park Ridge e-mail list
logo

The Real Chicago — an eye-catching, family friendly entertainment magazine for active locals and tourists — originally launched in 2006. It now has a sister publication: The Real Park Ridge. Proud to be servicing our new home in Park Ridge, as well as the surrounding areas of Rosemont, Niles, Des Plaines, Mt. Prospect and NW Chicago.

The Real Park Ridge is printed and distributed seasonally four times per year (December, March, June and September) to thousands of Park Ridge homes, as well as more than 150 area restaurants, bars, boutiques, coffee shops, salons, spas, offices and hotels. Make sure to sign up for our e-mail newsletter and download our new digital app for the latest events, deals and feature articles.

About us

in**@**************ge.com

therealparkridge

After a long weekend of entertaining friends, it t After a long weekend of entertaining friends, it turned out to be an @easystreetpizza deep dish kind of Sunday night
Shop Around the Corner: Spotlight on the new @anim Shop Around the Corner: Spotlight on the new @animahausco in Park Ridge

Owner Renata Karkut describes her new new South Park boutique that focuses on natural beauty, quality, comfort, and a more thoughtful way of living 

“I want Anima Haus to become known for the quality of the materials we choose. … The pieces are meant to be special and feminine while still being comfortable and easy to wear in real life.”

Read the feature from our big fall issue now at TheRealParkRidge.com
The Kid Zone section from our fall issue includes… The Kid Zone section from our fall issue includes…

the quirky fun at @museumofillusions_chicago 

@playballdirect batting cages and instruction in Mount Prospect

And the last two weekends of @goebberts_ Fall Fest 

Read the feature now at TheRealParkRidge.com
"Most people are surprised at the incredible worko "Most people are surprised at the incredible workout they can get in just 15-30 minutes. It’s is a unique, efficient, and effective way to fit fitness into a busy schedule.” — @hotworxparkridge general manager Nicole Paus

Read more about HOTWORX on Northwest Highway and five other new businesses that have opened recently at TheRealParkRidge.com
A great little Bears-watching fundraiser for the @ A great little Bears-watching fundraiser for the @parkridgechamber is coming up this Thursday at @eliacafe_ on NW Highway. 

Come watch Caleb and the boys handle the Patriots with some delicious eats and fun community vibes.
Get ready for the fun annual Witches Night Out nig Get ready for the fun annual Witches Night Out night out at @ashwillowsalon and @renatasorganics in South Park tonight
We were delighted to be invited to the grand openi We were delighted to be invited to the grand opening of the beautiful new @bricktonmontessorischool location at 1695 S. River Rd in Des Plaines last month. After a two-year renovation, the finished product is something to behold, and it was difficult to decide who was more excited about the new facility: the kids, the staff or the parents. Brickton.org
Quite the working lunch today at the Edison Park f Quite the working lunch today at the Edison Park favorite @cafe.touche which included one of the best smash burgers we’ve had to date (think sautéed onions, cheddar, pickles and 1000 island). A stellar chicken salad and Cubano sandwich (with pulled pork pork, ham, avocado, pickles, gruyere cheese, and Cajun-dijon mustard) too.
Time to grab your team for the Park Ridge - Friend Time to grab your team for the Park Ridge - Friends of the Parks annual Trivia Night fundraiser

Saturday, November 14 from 6-10 p.m.
Prospect Park’s O’Connor Building
733 N. Prospect Ave. in Park Ridge
Doors open at 6 p.m. |  Trivia starts promptly at 7 p.m.
This event is adults only, 21+
$360 per team (up to eight players)

Registration includes:
* Eight rounds of trivia
* Pasta and salad from fire + wine
* Soft drinks and 24 drink tickets per team
(Drink tickets may be used for beer, wine, or hard seltzer.)

Teams are encouraged to create a team name and decorate their table. Registration closes Nov. 8 (or earlier if it sells out). 

prfriendsoftheparks.org
From our big fall issue, a spotlight on six new bu From our big fall issue, a spotlight on six new businesses in town. Welcome to Park Ridge: @brew.pkr 
@barestudioesthetics 
Mandram by @thalaivasindiankitchen @hotworxparkridge 
@hellohollyparkridge 
@ivnparkridge 

Read the feature now at therealparkridge.com
The Real Park Ridge deal of the week: By now we ce The Real Park Ridge deal of the week: By now we certainly hope you know all about the @fireandwinege half-price pasta special on Mondays, but are you aware it’s also the perfect spot to unwind for happy hour Monday through Thursday from 4-5:30 p.m. and Fridays from 3-5:30 p.m.? In the bar and lounge area, you can enjoy all of your favorite small plates at half off their regular menu price, along with a rotating selection of featured $8 wines, $10 signature cocktails, and $5 select draft beers. 
608 W. Touhy, C2 in Park Ridge
https://www.fireandwine.net/park-ridge-fire-and-wine
This Sunday, Oct. 11, check out the @parkridgepark This Sunday, Oct. 11, check out the @parkridgeparks open house at Centennial Fitness Center, where guests will have free admission all day to try out the facility and various group fitness classes. Special membership deals will be available Sunday as well.
Follow on Instagram

© Copyright The Real Park Ridge. All rights reserved.