Thank you to Illinois Athletics for sponsoring Weekend Planner.
Buy your I FUND Family Four Pack today for only $299! For more information, and to buy your I FUND tickets, click here.
Let parade and fireworks season begin! Much fun ahead as East Central Illinois gets a head start on the Fourth of July holiday festivities. Area Fairs and Festivals are also in full swing. And if you are in the mood to set down a blanket and take in the summer nights in Chambana? There are plenty of Free Outdoor Concerts around. Looking for more ideas for summer fun? Check out our list of 45 FREE (or cheap!) Things to Do in Champaign-Urbana this summer! Or, visit our gigantic Summer Fun Guide for all things summer in Champaign-Urbana, including Best Kept Secret: Toddler/ Baby Swim Times!
And don’t forget to save the date for our next FREE Summer Playdate. On Tuesday, June 26, 10-11:30 a.m.,we will be at Anita Purves Nature Center celebrating all things Red, White, and Blue.
Thanks again to Illinois Athletics for sponsoring Weekend Planner.
When: Thursday, June 21 – Saturday, June 23; Rodeo starts at 7:00 p.m. daily; Gates open at 5:00 p.m.; Saturday parade: 10 a.m.
When:Friday, June 22, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Why you should go: Enjoy Downtown Champaign with FREE street-side performances and an activity for the kids. Chances are, no matter what type of music you prefer, you’ll find interesting and enjoyable acts each Friday through Labor Day weekend.
When: Saturday June 23, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Why you should go: : Bring the family and friends out for some free fishing fun! First-timers and experienced anglers alike welcome. There will be kids’ activities, prizes, and more. Cane poles are available to borrow, and bait will be provided. Pro-tip: While there are bathrooms at Homer Lake, you might want to bring along some wipes for little (and big) hands as the fish will be biting, and you will be taking those fish off of fish hooks! Want to cool off after fishing? Check out the Homer Lake Natural Playscape (just bring along beach towels!), or the Homer Lake Interpretive Center. Looking for some lunch after your Homer Lake fun? Check out our 5 Things to Do with Kids in Homer post with our lunch recommendation. Want more Homer Lake fun? Return to Homer Lake on Sunday for FREE outdoor summer concert: Music on The Lake.
When: Saturday, June 23, 12:00-4:00 p.m.
Why you should go: Martin Luther King Jettie Rhodes Neighborhood Day was founded by the late Mrs. Jettie Rhodes. Mrs. Rhodes had a famous quote: “Who’s your neighbor?” This day is all about giving back to the community with fun, family, networking, and a diverse atmosphere. Enjoy free food (while supplies last), live entertainment, kids’ activities, raffle prizes, and a wealth of resourceful information provided by various local nonprofits.
When: Saturday, June 23, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
How much: FREE, There will also be items for sale with all proceeds going to help support the Pollinatarium.
Why you should go: Nurture your child’s proclivity for science and nature at the Pollinatarium. Face painting, Balloon animals, Games, Free Giveaways. For more on the Pollinatarium, see our post.
When: Sunday, June 24, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Why you should go: Learn valuable skills and ask all the water safety questions you’d like at this informative free clinic. Led by our veteran swim lesson instructors and award-winning lifeguards, this interactive and free event will teach children (and their parents) some valuable tips for staying safe at the pool, on the river, or by the lake. For more on Sholem Aquatic Center, see our post.