Summer is notorious for having its boring days. Whether you think there’s just nothing to do, or the things you want to do are too expensive, it’s no secret that there will be times where this season is a drag. However, there’s a great service that has tons of great things to do for low prices: your local park district.

Naperville:

Millennium Carillon – Riverwalk – $3 a person
Climb a 158 foot tower that houses Naperville’s Grand Carillon. Given as a gift to the city for the new millennium, this instrument is only 1 of 4 in the United States. Not to mention, at the top of the tower, you can see all of Naperville and the surrounding towns, and on a clear day a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline.
Every Tuesday at the Carillon there are concerts by carillonneurs, both local and from around the world. They are running June 7-August 23, and they start at 7 o’clock. Post concert there will be moonlight tours in the Carillon.
Centennial Beach and Paddle Boats – Riverwalk – $8 for residents, $12 for non-residents
This is the best place to cool off on a hot day. Once filled with natural spring water, this quarry is the go to swimming hole for locals. It features a zero-depth-entry, a sand area, shady places in the grass for lounging and a grill with delicious food.
The paddle boats rentals are located at the second quarry in the park, and by far the deepest. This 75-foot deep body of water has both paddle boats and kayaks that you can rent for an allotted amount of time (depending on how much you pay). These are a great thing to do with family or that special someone.

Glen Ellyn:

Holes and Knolls Mini Golf – Marynoll Park – $6.75 a person
This mini golf course features 36 holes of mini golf in a beautiful part of Glen Ellyn. Whether you go to crush your high score, or enjoy the local scenery, it’s sure to be a fun filled day.
Sunset Pool – Southwest Glen Ellyn – $9.75 for residents, $12.75 for non-residents
This zero-depth-entry pool is the perfect way to cool off after a long day. It features a playground both in the pool and in a sand area for kids, as well as tons of diving boards and water slides for the older kids and adults. The always relaxed atmosphere ties the whole experience together, and I promise you will not forget it.

Lisle:

Sea Lion Aquatic Park – Off of Short Street – $9 for residents, $13 for non-residents
This park is an adrenaline rush waiting to happen. It features two 50-foot body flumes, two drop slides, and a vortex pool for the older kids and adults. For the younger members of the family there is a splash playground, sand and water play areas, and a family zero-depth-entry pool. The nice thing about this aquatic center that differs from the others in the area is that there is a teen pool, so the teens aren’t pulled out when it’s time for adult swim.
River Bend Golf Course – Off of Rt. 53 – $20-22 a person, depending on the time and day
Rated one of the top three 9-hole public courses in Illinois, this golf course is a local favorite. People from all over the surrounding towns travel to play here, and it’s as much to do with the scenery as it does with the game. The course is surrounded by stunning wetlands, and you can see a variety of animals while you’re working on your game.