5 Summertime Activities in Oak Park and the Surrounding Areas

With the warm summer season comes opportunities for fun and entertaining events with family and friends. Who doesn’t look forward to picnics in the park, outdoor family reunions and weekends at the lake?

If you’re a family caregiver, this season of increased activity isn’t always good news, especially since a loved one might be apprehensive about going out. If you’re an older adult tired of being cooped up, you might have a different view. Getting back in action could be higher on your priority list.

A little pre-planning can help make it easier for an older adult to take part in summer festivities. If you or a loved one is looking for engaging activities, check out this list of local things to do in Oak Park and River Forest.

Top 5 Things to Do with a Senior this Summer in Oak Park and River Forest

Start your Saturday with fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers and old-fashioned cake donuts! FREE parking available in the Oak Park River Forest High School parking garage on Scoville Avenue, north of Lake Street.

Location: 460 Lake St. (Pilgrim Church Parking Lot)

Hours: Open from 7 AM - 1 PM every Saturday till October 29th.

Senior Transporation is available through the Oak Park Township to and from the market. 

Spend the evening in the park listening to live music or by watching a movie. There will be a throwback movie on Aug 18th-- Babe the Gallant Pig. FREE to attend!

Location: 800 Lake St.

Dates/Times: Concerts are 6-7:30 PM on Sundays till Aug. 28th

Movies are on Thursdays ( July 21st, Aug .18th, and Sept. 15th)

Detailed Schedules: for Concerts in the Park, for Movies in the Park

Hearing Impaired Assistance is available at the information booth for the concerts.

Take in the historic architecture of Pleasant Home at your own pace through a self-guided tour of the first floor. 

Location: 217 Home Ave.

Hours: FREE self-guided tours of the first floor ONLY, every Thursday from 11AM-4PM. No appointment necessary.

The first floor is accessible for wheelchairs. Email Pleasant Home at info@pleasanthome.org to make arrangements to use their wheelchair lift.

Walk along the trails and then learn about local wildlife and their habitats as you explore one of the six Nature Centers of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. FREE entry and FREE parking.

Location: 738 Thatcher Ave. (at Chicago Ave.)

Hours: Through October, 9AM - 5PM, closed Fridays.

Accessible indoor bathroom is available.

Enjoy lush flora and fauna as you explore 3 indoor showrooms (Mediterranean room, Tropical room, and Desert room) or observe Illinois native ecosystems and relax in the outdoor gardens. FREE entry.

Location: 15 Garfield Street (at East Ave.)

Hours: Tues-Sun, 10 AM-4PM