End of Summer Family Fun

Whether you’re dreading the back-to-school routine or looking forward to it, the end of Summer is inevitable. Backpacks and multi-colored two-pocket folders fill the shelves at our favorite Big Box stores, and kiddos are already asking for the latest pair of sneakers to show off in the school hallways. Just a couple of months ago, families had high hopes for Summer fun, creating long bucket lists and ready to take advantage of every warm-weathered day Mother Nature offered us. 

As a family law practice, we understand the pressures of trying to curate the perfect summer for our children. Were the top camps a perfect fit for them? Was their time by the pool plentiful? Were there moments that will stay with them forever? The good news is that whatever your summer entailed was good enough. Your children will remember a much-needed break from the social and academic stressors that the school year brought. However, if you’re looking to end your summer with a bang, here are a few local events to fill your calendar and offer your crew bonding family fun. Enjoy!

Ribfest Chicago

August 19-21st, 2022 * 5-10PM * 4000 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago. Enjoy ribs and other food and listen to bands while the kids hang out at “Kids Square,” featuring entertainment, inflatables, and games. Plus, celebrity-judged “Best Ribs” award and amateur and professional rib-eating competitions.

Event Cost: Suggested donation: $10/person or $20/family

Cantigny Park

Cantigny Park offers a variety of Summer fun for families, including outdoor movie viewings and concerts. Check out their calendar of events and bring a picnic blanket to enjoy a Summer night. 

Naperville Irish Fest

August 5th-6th * Frontier Sports Complex * August 5th, 3-10 PM and August 6th, 12-10 PM. Music, dancing, food, and fun! This family-friendly festival features live music, frosty libations, Irish cultural activities, Hurling, and much more!

Naperville Food Truck Festival

Saturday, August 13th * Naper Settlement * 11-1 PM/1-7 PM. Calling all Foodies! The Summer Naperville Food Truck Festival will feature 25+ of the area’s best food trucks, live entertainment, a beer garden, face painter, mega bubble artist, caricaturist, balloon artist, henna artist, and a vendor village featuring local businesses. This is a family-friendly event with food & entertainment for kids, and everyone can enjoy the expansive Naper Settlement historical grounds.

Chicago Air and Water Show

August 20 & 21, 2022 • FREE Admission • 10am-2pm Both Days: North Ave. Beach and along the Lakefront. The Chicago Air and Water Show, presented by the City of Chicago, is the largest FREE show of its kind in the United States. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point.

Naperville Jaycees’ Last Fling

September 2nd-5th, 2022 * FREE Admission * Follow Chicago Avenue into Downtown Naperville. The Last Fling is a family-friendly community festival that takes place over Labor Day weekend near Downtown Naperville. For many, it is the last hurrah to Summer. The Last Fling offers a wide variety of attractions for all ages to enjoy, including musicians, food and beverage vendors, a family fun area, a carnival, unique special events, a business expo, and a parade!

Can’t make it to an event? Remember, there’s always backyard camping, sidewalk chalk, and a good old-fashioned water fight. However you spend the last days of summer, we hope you enjoy them with your family.