The St. Charles Park District is out to make this summer fun for area families with activities that won’t cost them a dime.
Summer Concerts
Free concerts at Lincoln Park take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on all Thursdays (barring June 30) through August 4.
Alternative country/rock group, Kari Lynch Band, will perform June 16. On June 23, songs from the 80s, 90s as well as current chart-toppers will ring out across the lawn as high-energy group Student Body takes the stage, and concert-goers will be treated to epic dance hits when Feel Good Party Band plays July 4. On July 4, the concert will take place at Pottawatomie Park.
Those who attend any concert are encouraged to arrive early for a chance to enjoy an assortment of picnic-style treats available for purchase from local eateries.
For the full line-up of performances, visit stcparks.org/summer-concerts.
Movies in the Park
Warm evenings and outdoor movies on the big screen make for a perfect summer combination. On June 17, all ages will sing along to Disney’s Trolls World Tour. On July 15, families can gather for a showing of Disney blockbuster “Encanto.” On August 19, the park district will feature the high-octane hijinks of Netflix’s “The Mitchells vs. the Machines.”
The movies, all of which are rated PG, will be shown at Pottawatomie Park’s Amphitheatre. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets as opposed to lawn chairs due to the slope of the seating area. “Trolls World Tour” and “Encanto” begin at 8:20 p.m. with August’s offering at 7:50 p.m. since sunset occurs a smidge earlier. Concessions will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the STC Underground Teen Center.
In the event of inclement weather, staff will share cancellation information for outdoor events on the park district’s website and Facebook page.
Spot Sunny
The young and the young-at-heart are invited to be on the lookout at St. Charles parks and park district facilities all season long. The target? One of dozens of hidden small plush foxes. Those who find a “Sunny” can keep him close at hand to take pictures with and share on social media using #stcparks. Participants can also opt to hide Sunny in a new park or facility for someone else to find.
Those who feature Sunny in publicly shared posts that use the designated hashtag are entered into weekly drawings. Prizes include free daily admission to Otter Cove Aquatic Park or Swanson Pool as well as free rounds at River View Miniature Golf.
“Programs like this allow community members to visit parks, playgrounds and facilities they may not be familiar with in the hopes they will find a hidden gem,” said Lynne Yuill, adult activity supervisor for the park district. “I frequently receive emails from community members who participate in programs similar to Spot Sunny who say they weren’t aware of a park or playground until they found it during one of the programs, and how much their children enjoyed the park and program.”
For more information about these and other park district activities taking place all summer long, visit www.stcparks.org.
