Summer Guide 2013: $2 Movies for Kids in Elgin and Addison

We've told you about cheap summer movies for families in Batavia & Oswego, St. Charles, Warrenville and Wheaton. Most of those series got underway last week. A few are starting this week, including the Kids Dream Summer Film Series, hosted by Marcus Theatres.

At 10 a.m. on  Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from June 18 through Aug. 15, these family-friendly films will be just $2. (There will be no movies the week of July 4.) Marcus Theatres has several locations in Illinois, including in Addison, Chicago Heights, Gurnee, Orland Park and on Randall Road in Elgin. 

Here's the schedule. You'll also find these movies listed in the Go West Calendar this summer:

June 18-20: Earth (Rated G)

June 25-27: Madagascar 3 - Europe's Most Wanted (Rated PG) 

July 9-11: African Cats (Rated G) 

July 16-18: Escape from Planet Earth (Rated PG)

July 23-25: Oceans (Rated G)

July 30-1: To be announced later

Aug. 6-8: Chimpanzee (Rated G)

Aug. 13-15: To be announced later 

Weekend Spotlight: PrairieFest, a Star Party, Cougars at Home and More

Lots of good stuff going on this weekend, so make sure to check the Go West Calendar for events that might better fit your family's schedule, interest or budget.

FESTIVAL FUN: As noted in the Go West Guide to Fairs and Festivals, PrairieFest is being held this weekend in Oswego. Admission is free, and most of the events are held at PrairieFest Park, where there is a children's tent hosting various activities all weekend long. Check the event brochure for details.

NATURE PLAY: Every Saturday in June, Red Oak Nature Center in North Aurora is hosting free, fun nature activities designed to get your family out and exploring the woods. The drop-in activities will be offered between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

STAR PARTY: Hickory Knolls Discovery Center is bringing in members of the Chicago Astronomers on Saturday night to host a star party, along with discussions and family-friendly activities. This is a free event, but you are asked to register in advance, so if you're interested in attending, call 630-513-4399 today.

COUGARS AT HOME: The Kane County Cougars are hosting the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers all weekend long, with games at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday (fireworks after each game) and Sunday at 1 p.m. Because Sunday is Father's Day, there will be picnic brunches offered (buy tickets in advance) and all fans will be permitted on the outfield grass to play catch on the field under 12:30 p.m. (Bring your gloves and a ball.) Also on Sunday, kids between ages 3 and 10 will receive a voucher at the stadium gates valid for a hot dog and small soda. 

Summer Guide 2013: Fairs and Festivals in Northern Illinois

With "Pride on the Fox RiverFest" in St. Charles last weekend, and "PrairieFest" in Oswego coming up this weekend, festival season is in full swing! The festivals below are placed in chronological order; I'll do my best to place them on the Go West Calendar, too. I've included a few notable fairs that are within a two- to three-hour drive. 

Please let me know if I've missed a fair or festival you think I should include. I'll be glad to do an update! 

PrairieFest

• Where: Throughout Oswego, with the main festival grounds located at PraireFest Park, 91 Plank Road.
• When: June 13 through June 16
• Why: This four-day community celebration is marking is 25th anniversary this year. Nearly 50,000 people attend over the course of the festival. If features main stage entertainment, children's performers, an expo village, petting zoos, pony rides, camel rides, children's activities, a parade, bed races, a touch-a-truck event and more.
• Cost: Free admission.

Photo by The-Lane-Team on Flickr.

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Summer Guide 2013: Farmer's Markets in Chicago Western Suburbs

Fruit. Flowers. Veggies. Honey. Eggs straight from the farm. Here's our 2013 Guide to Farmers Markets in Chicago's far western suburbs. If you know of one that should be added to this list, please put it in the comments section. To market, to market you go!

WEDNESDAYS

* The Aurora Farmers Market West is being held on Wednesdays, starting July 10. It runs from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will close for the season Sept. 11. 

• Location: West Aurora Plaza Shopping Center, 1901 W. Galena Blvd, Aurora, IL. 
• Hours: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• For more info: Call 630-256-4636 or visit the Friends of Aurora's Farmers Markets Facebook page.

* The Aurora Farmers Market East is being held on Thursdays, starting July 11. It runs from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will close for the season Aug. 29.

• Location: Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 701 S. Eola Road, Aurora, IL. 
• Hours: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
• For more info: Call 630-256-4636 or visit the Friends of Aurora's Farmers Markets Facebook page.

Photo by ianmalcm on Flickr.

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Weekend Spotlight: Riverfest, Green Fest, Bubblefest and More!

Woah! This is a busy weekend, so please take a look at the Go West Calendar. Below are some events that caught my eye, but you might find others that better fit your family's interests, budget or schedule.

ROLLING ON THE RIVER: The Pride of the Fox Riverfest is always one of my favorite festivals -- that massive sand sculpture gets me every single time! While the carnival has already started, the festival truly gets underway Friday and runs through Sunday at nine venues, including Pottawaomie Park and outside the Arcada. Many of the children's activities are centered in Lincoln Park, including a free showing of "Despicable Me" on Friday night. Check the schedule to get a better feel for what might appeal to you at this fest. The Dragon Boat Races on the Fox River are probably the most unique. By the way, admission is free.

Dragon Boats at the Pride of the Fox Riverfest in St. Charles. Photo by Fox Valley Voice on Flickr.

GET GREEN: The Aurora Green Fest is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Prisco Center. There will be hands-on children's activities as well as dozens of eco-friendly exhibits and speakers. 

BUBBLES!: The Elgin Public Museum is hosting its annual "Bubblefest" on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. Your children can make a bubble blower, shake hands in a bubble, stand in a bubble and make their own bubble art. This is an outdoor event, so dress for the weather. Admission is $2 per person.

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