10 Summer Activities to Enjoy Before School Starts
- 13 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Summer in St. Charles always seems to fly by. It's hard to believe that children are already halfway through summer break! While the start of the school year is getting closer, there's still plenty of time to enjoy everything this city has to offer. To help you make the most out season, we've rounded up 10 can't miss activities in St. Charles for families to enjoy during the second half of summer.
Visit a Water Park
Photos Courtesy of the St. Charles Park District
Looking to make a splash before school is back in session? St. Charles is lucky to have two amazing public water parks in Swanson Pool and Otter Cove Aquatic Park. Both pools are great choices to beat the summer heat - each having their own attractions to make your time there even more fun.
Attend an STC Live!
Who doesn't love free live music? STC Live! offers you just this, as there is live music on the 1st Street Plaza and local businesses on Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. You still have plenty of time before the season ends to find your new favorite musician - so come on out, enjoy St. Charles, and listen to some very talented local performers.
Cool Off with Ice Cream
Photo 2 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography
If you haven't already enjoyed thie sweet, cool taste of ice cream this summer, then this your sign to run to the nearest spot in town to grab this beloved treat. In St. Charles, there are plenty of places where you can satisfy your ice cream craving that hit the spot every time. Take a look at some great places below to get this cold treat:
Dine on an Outdoor Patio
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of Drew Pertl Fine Art Photography
Don't let summer slip away without enjoying a delicious meal on a outdoor patio! There are tons of restaurants in town that allow for dining al fresco, with great views and even better food to savor well taking in the fresh air. From riverfront views to expansive patios, St. Charles has it all.
Take a Staycation in St. Charles
Photo 1 Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography. Photo 2 Courtesy of @Rachel_Kawate
You don't have to travel far to have a memorable getaway. In fact, you can have a blast being a tourist in your own city. Spend a day or two exploring new shops and restaurants that you've been meaning to try out. Or, visit one of the many attractions that call St. Charles home. Plus, St. Charles has plenty of incredible hotels, such as the historic Hotel Baker, where you can stay to take this staycation to the next level.
What's Your Favorite Way to Enjoy the Fox River?
Fishing
Paddlewheel Riverboat
Kayaking
Boating
Go to the Kane County Fair
A Kane County tradition for 156 years, St. Charles is home to the annual Kane County Fair and Festival at the Kane County Fairgrounds. Running from July 15th - July 19th, attendees can experience an array of live music, bullriders, carnival games and attractions, a demolition derby, and so much more. Make your plan for this year and click below to find more information today.
Ride Your Bike on the Trails
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography
Trust us when we say that experiencing St. Charles by bike is second-to-none. This city makes it easy to hop on two wheels, with plenty of bike routes in local parks and forest preserves, and even regional trails to explore. Gather all your friends and family and make a day out of it - exploring all the beautiful natural beauty and fantatic businesses along the way. Need some inspiration? Click below to start riding.
Enjoy a Paddlewheel Riverboat Cruise
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman of Nomadic Soul Photography
Looking for the very best view of the Fox River? Before the summer ends, make you sure you get on the water by taking a Paddlewheel Riverboat. This experience gives you an amazing, unique view of the Fox River - and is a perfect way to celebrate the summer. Located at Pottawatomie Park, these rides are ideal for the whole family to enjoy.
Admire Public Art
Photos Courtesy of Brigette Burgman Photography
Just about everywhere you look in St. Charles - you're bound to stumble upon public art. From exceptional statues to vibrant murals, there is plenty of art to admire in this city. A good place to start is Mt. St. Mary Park, where they have their Sculptures in the Park on display in the summer with works of art from artists all over the country. You can also find a FREE Public Arts Tour hosted on our Travel St. Charles App, too!
Participate in the Be You Rock Hunt
On Friday, August 7th starting at 9:00 AM, the St. Charles Business Alliance will have their annual Be You Rock Hunt, right in time before school is back in session! There will be 20 hidden rocks throughout downtown St. Charles. If you're lucky enough to find one, bring it back to the St. Charles Municipal Building to claim your prize. Learn more about this upcoming event below.
Treat yourself this summer and discover all the wonderful retail that calls St. Charles home! From home decor to apparel and everything in between - that perfect purchase is waiting for you right here in this city.
