Sun, May 18: Until further notice, the path at Millard Park is closed due to bridge damage caused by a fallen tree.

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Highland Park Summer Spectacular
Date & Time
Thu, Jul 3, 2025 - Sun, Jul 6, 2025 5:30 am - 9:00 pm

Get ready for a red, white, and spectacular weekend!

Join us for the Highland Park Summer Spectacular, a fun-filled celebration packed with excitement for all ages! From the high-energy Independence Fest featuring live music, rides, food, and attractions to splash-tastic fun at Hidden Creek AquaPark, mini golf, free yoga, nature adventures at Heller Nature Center, and so much more.

This is one summer weekend you won’t want to miss.

July 3 @ 5:30 am July 6 @ 9:00 pm

Thursday, July 3

5:30-11am: Lap Swim
11am-8pm: Open Swim

Hidden Creek AquaPark (1220 Fredrickson Pl)

Start your day with lap swim, then stick around for open swim packed with fun activities and contests all afternoon!

Non-season pass holders welcome

  • $12/17 (resident/non-resident)

10am-6pm

Rosewood Beach (883 Sheridan Rd)

Enjoy a day full of activities, lawn games, tasty concessions, and more lakeside fun for everyone!

Non-season pass holders welcome

  • $10/person

Proudly Presented by:

5:30-8:30pm

The Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave W.)

Join your friends and neighbors for an evening filled with family-friendly entertainment, rides, carnival games, and other fun activities.

Music:

Hello Weekend – Chicago’s own non-stop party cover band with a wide-ranging set from Gaga to Guns N’ Roses, Bruno Mars to The Beach Boys.

Food Vendors:

  • Da Local Boy
  • Judy’s Pizza
  • Michael’s Catering

Attractions & Games*:

  • 11 attractions including two trackless trains, and more!
  • 16 carnival games including Human Sphere, Euro Bungee Trampoline, Xtreme Fun Run, and more!
  • Face painting

*Wristbands are required for games & attractions. Avoid the lines and pre-purchase your wristbands for $10 from Monday, June 16-Thursday, July 3 at 3pm at these locations:

  • West Ridge Center • 636 Ridge Road
  • Recreation Center of Highland Park • 1207 Park Ave. W.
  • Highland Park Bank & Trust • 1949 St. Johns Ave.

Wristbands are available on site at The Preserve for $15.

Friday, July 4

5:30-10am: Lap Swim
10am-5pm: Open Swim

Hidden Creek AquaPark (1220 Fredrickson Pl)

Start your day with lap swim, then stick around for open swim packed with fun activities and contests all afternoon!

Non-season pass holders welcome

  • $12/17 (resident/non-resident)

7:30am-Dusk

Heller Nature Center (2821 Ridge Rd)

Enjoy a self-guided program where families can follow a trail or explore the Nature Center while completing festive activities and challenges. Discover American symbols, wildlife, and the environment—all while connecting with nature and each other!

8-9am

Rosewood Beach (883 Sheridan Rd)

Join us for a FREE special morning community mind/body class held outdoors on the boardwalk at Rosewood Beach. The community class will be held weather permitting & will be canceled in the event of rain. Please bring your mat, water bottle, and whatever you need to be comfortable.

Ages 13+

10am-6pm

Rosewood Beach (883 Sheridan Rd)

Enjoy a day full of activities, lawn games, tasty concessions, and more lakeside fun for everyone!

Non-season pass holders welcome

  • $10/person

7-9pm

River’s Edge Mini Golf (2205 Skokie Valley Rd)

Celebrate the 4th of July with a round of star-spangled fun! Dress head to toe in red, white, AND blue (yes, all three!) and get your game on for just $4 per round.

  • $4/person if you wear red, white, AND blue
  • Otherwise, $8 (ages 12 & under) / $9 (ages 13 & above)

Saturday, July 5

7:30am-Dusk

Heller Nature Center (2821 Ridge Rd)

Enjoy a self-guided program where families can follow a trail or explore the Nature Center while completing festive activities and challenges. Discover American symbols, wildlife, and the environment—all while connecting with nature and each other!

Sunday, July 6

7:30am-Dusk

Heller Nature Center (2821 Ridge Rd)

Enjoy a self-guided program where families can follow a trail or explore the Nature Center while completing festive activities and challenges. Discover American symbols, wildlife, and the environment—all while connecting with nature and each other!