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The New, Centennial Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier opened for riders on May 27, 2016.
The 196-foot Ferris wheel made its grand debut over Memorial Day weekend to kick off Navy Pier’s centennial celebration. The New Ferris Wheel is nearly 50 feet taller than the previous one and is able to accommodate 180 more passengers. These bigger and better improvements also come with other improvements such as climate-controlled gondolas, TV screens, speakers and more comfortable seats.
BEAT THE HEAT with these awesome discounts and coupons from some of the Best Outdoor Waterparks Near Chicago.
Find the Best Water Park that fits your needs this Summer or put it on your “bucket list” to visit them all.
School’s out for the summer!! We can’t think of anything better to do on a hot, humid summer day than to beat the heat by visiting a local waterpark.
Here are our picks for some of the best ones in the Chicago area.
Take a Virtual Tour of Blackberry Farm in Aurora Illinois.
Blackberry Farm is a living history museum where pioneer life is re-created through educational demonstrations and hands-on fun. Admission to Blackberry Farm includes unlimited rides on the train, hay wagon, pedal tractors, paddle boats, carousel and ponies.
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The recently modernized Blackberry Farm is extra special. All the traditional favorites like the steam-engine replica train, carousel, hay wagon rides and pedal tractors remain intact, accentuated by new features and amenities that make each visit all the more exciting.
Even the historic museums and interpreters (blacksmith, potter, seamstress) have a few new wrinkles with a series of interactive exhibits available this year to help truly experience the “real” pioneer life.
At the top of that list is the revolutionary “Adventure Playground,” which has drawn rave reviews all around.
It’s an extensive network of climbing decks, slides, ropes and catwalk-style bridges connecting an array of playhouses on multiple levels, bringing a 21st century twist to the historic pioneer village. A 70-foot zip line alongside provides added excitement for youth thrill-seekers.
“More than a playground, it’s a unique combination of interactive features; a hands-on farm museum where children go from deck-to-deck answering questions and learning about the history of pioneer life,” said Gilmer. “Most children have never experienced something like this.”
Other highlights include a 2,500-square-foot picnic shelter that serves as a performance stage for live entertainment – featuring the “Live and Uncorked” series of outdoor concerts enjoyed with adult beverages (beer and wine).
Nearby, on the shore of Lake Gregory, a nautically themed boathouse shelter/pavilion and dock are home to a fleet of paddle boats available to visitors during designated times.
Group picnic shelters have been expanded throughout the park – ideal for larger gatherings.
Blackberry Farm makes for an enchanting venue for special events – weddings, reunions, fund-raisers, corporate outings and the like. Also, birthday parties at Blackberry are all the rage – just ask the kids.
June to August
Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
September – Open Friday through Sunday
Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
October
Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day (Oct. 10): 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: $Non Resident: Adult $8, Kids and Seniors $7; Resident: Adult $5, Kids and Seniors $4.50; Kids Under 2 Free.
Take Virtual Tour
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Directions
View Map of Blackberry Farm
Throughout the season, an exciting lineup of events is in store, and we’re talking a huge list. Every day is a shin-dig at Blackberry Farm; the resident chickens, donkey, ponies and pig should realize they’re living the good farm life.
Antique Car Show
Su, July 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join us for our annual car show featuring the area’s most unique and amazing cars!
Call 630-892-1550 for more details. Free with admission.
Olivia’s Barnyard Blast
Su, July 10 at 1 p.m.
Celebrate National Barn Day with Olivia and friends
Summertime Family Fishing
Su, July 24 from 10 a.m. to noon
$5 – Stay and enjoy the park after fishing! Bait will be available. Non Resident fee: $7
Family Bash
Sat, July 30 at 7 p.m.
$5 – Enjoy the show at Blackberry Farm with rides, games and more! Arrive early for a shot at the dunk tank. At dusk, watch Toy Story outdoors! Bring blankets, picnic baskets and lawn chairs.
Raging Rivers Water Park in Grafton Illinois features eight attractions that are sure to keep guests cool when the summer heat sizzles.
Come relax at the waterpark with a great view of the Mississippi River while enjoying fast-paced rides or relaxing and soaking up the sun. Learn More…
Talk About A Bear Claw!!
 Join The Chicago Fun Coupons Private Facebook Group and start receiving exclusive discounts, coupons and deals in your newsfeed. This is a great place to find and share info related to saving money on fun things to do, party planning services, special events, travel and other activities.
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Downers Grove Park District is excited to offer a full lineup of our popular Summer Camps in 2025!
Traditional Full-Day Camps
Save 53% Off Tickets Chicago Boat Rentals Pontoon Boat Rental on the Chicago River for 8, 12, or a Corporate Outing
Now’s your chance to try something new, fun, and exciting with help from Chicago Boat Rentals. Soak in some sun on a pontoon boat — a unique way to spend an afternoon or evening on the Chicago River
About These Rentals
The Chicago River rentals give you access to your own pontoon boat, where you can bring food and drink aboard and spend a few hours basking in the sun. You’ll be the captain of your boat — they’re simple enough for anyone age 21 or older to drive.
Here’s The Deal
• $139 ($300 value) for a two-hour pontoon boat rental for up to 8 people
• $219 ($500 value) for a two-hour pontoon boat rental for up to 12 people
• $399 ($650 value) for a three-hour pontoon boat rental for up to 8 people
• $1,500 ($3,000 value) for a four-hour private pontoon corporate outing rental with soft drinks
Don’t Miss Out: Calendar booking for unguided pontoon boat rentals begins on April, 2016, and will be done on a first-come, first-served basis.
Where has the time gone? We are now in the THIRD month of 2016; March! You know what that means… No, not St. Patrick’s Day (even though that is also a lovely holiday). No, not Daylight Savings Time (boo, we lose an hour of sleep).. I’m talking about Spring! The time where the sun is out longer, the air gets warmer, and the flowers become prettier. The first ‘official’ day of Spring is March 20th, which is around the time when the kiddos are being let out of school for Spring Break. We understand that not all of us can be so fortunate as to plan a week-long getaway to somewhere exotic and tropical, but no worries, we got you covered.
Adventure Falls Sprayground, Mini Golf and Sports Courts in Downers Grove is a great place to spend a couple hours out in the sun this summer!
The Downers Grove Park District’s 2025 resident season passes for Adventure Falls Sprayground are underway. Passes are valid from May 24 through Sept. 1, offering unlimited admission all summer long.
Passes can be purchased at dgparks.org through May 23.
[Read more…] about Adventure Falls