Top 5 Things to do on a Summer Night

By: Jonathan Jones 07/05/2013

Everyone loves celebrating the Fourth of July, but even though it's over, that doesn't mean that the summer fun is coming to a stop!  In fact, we're just getting started.  Throughout the summer there are plenty of outdoor events,  to look forward to.  So don't pack away that blanket, or that bug spray just yet, because the summer festivities have just begun.  Here's a list of Top 5 Summer Favorites for those beautiful summer nights!

1.) Movies in the park This is honestly one of the best ways to appreciate a summer night.  Giant inflatable movie screens have allowed people across Lake County to combine two summer favorites:  movies and summer nights.  Movies include Wreck it Ralph, Avengers, Rise of the Guardians and more!  Be sure to check with your local park district! July 5: Bowen Park in Waukegan July 15 & 20:  Diamond Lake Beach (1016 Diamond Lake Road) in Mundelein July 26: Deerpath Park in Vernon Hills - "Alice in Wonderland" July 27: (See below) Movie is part of the Great American Campout 

2.) Great American Family Campout  Saturday, July 27 - 6:00pm to Sunday, July 28 - 7:30am - Hunt Club Park This should really be considered "camping lite" because I'm talking to the non-professional campers here.  There are events throughout the summer that focus on creating a family friendly camping experience for people looking to have a fun and laid back camping experience.  Like the Gurnee Park District's Great American Family Campout.  All you need to bring is your tent and blankets and they take care of the entertainment that even includes...you guessed it... a movie in the park! Register now with the Gurnee Park District!

3.) Community Bon Fire Friday, July 26 & August 30, 7-9 p.m. Gather with family and friends to celebrate and experience nature at night. Share in  campfire activities including nature stories, singing, drumming, ponding, crafts, nature hikes, night sounds and always "Marshmallow Roasting!"  Bring your favorite S’more recipe to add to their cookbook or bring a musical instrument to play! Grab a comfy blanket or chair to sit on and head out to the Greenbelt Cultural Center for this free event!

4.) Exploring Nature at Night with Acoustic Bat Monitoring Thursday, July 18, 2013, 8:30 - 10 p.m. See how the forests of Lake County come alive at night and learn how bats use echolocation to find and capture their food!  By using scientific equipment, learn which bat species are feeding in our skies. Go on a guided hike using the equipment to determine what species live in Lake County and learn the benefits of bats in our ecosystem!  Registration for this event is required.

5.) Classic Car Nights! They don't call these nights "Classic" for nothing.  Take a step back in time and check out

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="376" caption="Car show at Miller's Dog n Suds"][/caption]

cars from a different era.  Enjoy food, music and some tasty treats at countless car nights in Lake County throughout the summer.  Here's just a few upcoming shows: July 6 & July 20:  Classic Car Nite @ Miller's Dog N Suds Drive In, 517 Washington St., Ingleside July 20: Day in the Park Camaro Show @ Volo Auto Museum, 27582 Volo Village Rd,Volo

Visit our Calendar of Events for some more ideas!  

And like always, be sure to share your pictures of Lake County with us!  #VisitLakeCounty #LakeCountyIllinois