Publications & Sites 
Many options for sumemr fun
Pat Lenhoff
Updated: July 22, 2012 6:21AM
Local schools are now mostly dormant, except for the ones who offer summer school to the ‘unlucky’ students chosen by their parents to sit in those classrooms for another few weeks.
My ‘unlucky’ offspring were among those students for a few summers, victims of their mother’s potential hysteria at having three close-in-age, bored and feisty children which I had to entertain, moderate, supervise and discipline. While shopping at one of the local big box stores the other day, I had a flashback to those days, as I observed mothers toting their full brood, trying to shop and keep order at the same time. These days, the ritual makes me smile. Judging from those mothers’ expressions, it doesn’t do the same for them.
That’s where summer fun comes in. We have so many options these days, besides the now-common day or sleepover camp, to keep our kids (and adults) occupied, happy and appreciative of summer’s special vibe. Matter of fact, it would be hard to fit in as much as is available, making it likely to run out of summer before running out of summer activities. With that in mind, and with a nod to Libertyville for starting out with a bang during last weekend’s Libertyville Days, here are a microcosm of choices for every family.
In Vernon Hills, the VH Park District has a new activity. The Family Campout June 23-24 offers families a chance to enjoy the great outdoors in a setting that does not include worry about bears sneaking up on unsuspecting campers (my major reason for never camping). Held at the Aquatic Center with check-in at 5:30 p.m. and check-out the next morning at 9 a.m., families can swim, enjoy the campfire and outdoor movie, and a continental breakfast, with no marauding bears a guarantee. If you prefer swimming only, mark down Friday, Aug. 3 for Summer Splash, a traditional event for VH residents that has long been a highlight of the season. Visit www.vhparkdistrict.org for info.
In addition, there are concerts on Thursday nights at the Arbortheater, Summer Celebration July 19-22 and more. Go to www.vernonhills.org/specialevents
As mentioned earlier, Libertyville got the ball rolling with Libertyville Days last weekend. But summer activities are far from over. Every Thursday morning is the highly regarded Farmers Market, and every Friday is the successful Out To Lunch program, and on Thursday evenings the Village Band entertain, all at Cook Park. Every month, the First Friday event offers shoppers and diners a chance to stroll the downtown while enjoying food, music and warm summer nights. As if that’s not enough, the weekend of Aug. 4-5 highlights the David Adler Cultural Center with its’ annual Festival of the Arts. For a complete list of activities, schedules and locations, go to www.libertyville.com. There’s something for everyone this summer, so get out and enjoy!
Send email to Pat Lenhoff at: viewfromvh@yahoo.com.
