FAMILY FUN ON THE FOX YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST THE FOX RIVER VALLEY HAS TO OFFER
BY RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
IamalifelongresidentoftheFoxRiverValley.
I was born and raised in Sandwich, went to Aurora University, taught,andcoachedtrackatAuroraChristian,andhavespentthe last15yearslivingintheAuroraarea.
One of my great joys in life is exploring our area and all it has to offerwithmywifeandtwodaughters.
One of the coolest professional accolades I have received is being atwo-time"BestoftheFox"winner.
AsatopperformingagentintheFoxRiverValley,oneofmyfavorite ways to add value to the clients I serve is by sharing all of these wonderfullocaldiscoveriesandinsights.
I wrote this guide to share my discoveries and insights with anybody currently living in or considering moving to the Fox River Valley.
I hope you enjoy it and if I missed a great spot, don't keep it a secret.Iwanttohearaboutit!
Ryan Kurtz
RealEstateBroker
johngreeneRealtor 6302515386
ryankurtz@johngreenerealtorcom
watering holes When it comes to summer fun in the sun, the Fox River Valley is home to some awesome swimming holes and water recreation. Herearesomeofmyfavorite...
FOX RIVER TheFoxRiveristhemaingeographicstapleofourarea,butitserves as more than just a river on a map. In the summer it turns into a recreationalplayground.Deepenoughinspots(northofSt.Charles) toenjoyboatingactivities.
A series of dams from St. Charles to Aurora make certain sections impassable; however, south of Aurora starting in Montgomery and running to Plano the Fox River offers a wide and shallow section of water that is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Drop your watercraft of choice in at the many municipal parks and enjoyanicescenicpaddleorrow.
For the adventurers, Yorkville put in a bypass chute that navigates around the lock making the dam passable and creating a whitewaterplaygroundforkayakers.Ithasbecomeamainstapleof thedowntownYorkvillescene.
Don'thaveakayakorcanoe?Noworries,theYAKShacksitsrighton therivermakingiteasyforyoutoenjoyadayonthewater.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
Hall Quarry Beach, Batavia OneoftheFoxRiverValley'scoolest wateringholes,HallQuarryBeach, sitsrightontheFoxRiverjustsouth ofhistoricdowntownBatavia.With asandybeach,concessionstands, zero–depthentry,divingboards, andslides,yougetthebestofboth worlds:thefeelingthatyouare spendingadayatthelake,with theamenitiesofapublicpool.
Centennial beach, Naperville Ashort,butworthwhile,drivefrom theFoxRiverValleytakesyouto CentennialBeachinNaperville. Anotherfamouswateringhole developedonanoldquarrysite. CentennialBeachisaniconic summerdestinationinthe Chicagolandarea.Situatedrightin theheartofvibrantdowntown Naperville,Centennialbeachoffers visitorsasandyarea,sand volleyballcourts,alargeshallow waterpool,andadeeppoolarea completewithahighdiveanda divingplatform.Adventurerscan meandertoanadjacentbodyof waterknownas"thequarry"and rentkayaks,paddleboards,and paddleboats.
Raging Waves, Yorkville TheFoxRiverValleyishometo RagingWaves,Illinois'largest waterparkfeaturing32slides,a lazyriverandwavepool,43private cabanas,and11differentdining options.Openedin2008,Raging Wavescontinuestoexpandand attractvisitorsfromalloverthe region.
Civic Center, Oswego Oneofourfamily'spersonal favoritewateringholes,this aquaticcenterisgreatforfamilies withyoungchildrenofferinga playground,sandplayarea,kiddie slides,andplayfountains.Bigkids willlovetheflumeanddropslides.
Fox Valley Splash Country, Aurora RunbytheFoxValleyParkDistrict andco-ownedbythecityof Aurora,SplashCountry,isavery family-friendlyaquaticcenter featuringazero-depthpoolwith children'splayfeatures,Illinois' secondlongestlazyriver,asand playarea,andsandvolleyball courts.Onenicefeatureisthat outsidefoodandbeverageis allowedatthispark.
ice cream spots NothingsaysMidwestsummerquitelikeafamilytriptoalocalice creamshop.TheFoxRiverValleyishometosomeofthebestyoucan find.
Charlie’s Creamery, Downtown Aurora Anewadditiontothedowntown Aurorarenaissance,Charlie's Creamery,offersanartisantwist onicecream,servingup homemadeflavorswithanodeto Aurora'srichhistory.Onecool featureofCharlie'sistherotating varietyofflavors,includinga themedflavortomatchthe currentproductionofthe BroadwaySeriesatthe neighboringParamountTheater.
Batavia Creamery, Batavia Apersonalfavoriteofourfamily, BataviaCreameryoffersawide varietyofflavors,offeringover40 flavorsdailyandrotating betweenover150flavorsinall. Followthemonsocialmediato stayuptodateonyourfavorite flavors!
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
Cookie Dough Creations, Naperville VenturejustofftheFoxRiverValleyPathintoNapervilleforanincredibly uniqueicecreamexperienceatCookieDoughCreations.Asthename states,theirnicheishand-mixedcookiedoughservedcold.Pairitwitha scoopoficecreamoreatitonitsownforacoolanduniquetreat!
Foxy's, Yorkville Astapleicecreamstand,butwhatmakesFoxy'sstandoutisitslocation. GrabyourfavoritetreatandeatitattheparkontheFoxRiver,andtakein natureortheadventurersnavigatingthewhitewatercourseontheirkayaks.
Banana Split, Aurora Quintessential,old-schoolicecreamstandontheeastsideofAuroranextto GarfieldPark.Theyofferthreestaplesoft-serveflavors:vanilla,chocolate,and strawberry!Truetoitsname,itsbananasplitisoneofthebestyouwilleverhave.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
municipal festivals & celebrations TheFoxRiverValleyishometomany annualfestivalsputonbythelocalcities. Hereisalistofsomeofthebest.
First Fridays in Aurora
OnthefirstFridayofeverymonth,exceptfor JanuaryandJuly,thecityofAuroraputsits downtownrenaissanceonfulldisplay.First Fridaysisanightofart,fun,music,dance,and communityatlocalbusinessesandvenuesin downtownAuroraonthefirstFridayevening ofthemonth.WeloveFirstFridays!
Prairie Fest in Oswego
HostedbytheOswegolandParkDistrict, PrairieFestisanannualfour-dayfestivalthat kicksoffthebeginningofsummereachyear inOswego.Thefestfeaturesahostof activitiesincludingacarnival,concertseries, vendorexpo,parade,5k,andDogJog.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
Sandwich Fair Theysavethebestforthelastofthe fairseason.Takingplaceannuallyon theweekendafterLaborDayatthe DekalbCountyFairgrounds,the SandwichFairhasbeeninoperation since1888.TheSandwichFairattracts largecrowdsfromallovertheregion andoftenattractsmajormusical headliners.Ifyoufindyourselfatthe SandwichFair,doyourselfafavorand makeyourwayoverto5B’stentfora porkchopdinnerandthankmelater!
Sugar Grove Corn Boil
Heldannuallyonthelastweekendof July,theSugarGroveCornBoilisa stapleintheregion'sfestivalschedule. Enjoylivemusic,carnival,carshows, andsomeoftheripestsweetcornyou canimagine.
Swedish Days Geneva Startedbythechamberofcommerce ofGenevatopromotepost-WorldWar 2commerce,SwedishDaystakes placeinmid-Juneeachyearto celebratethebeginningofsummer. Thenamecomesfromthefactthat manyofthearea'ssettlerswereof Swedishdescent SwedishDaysis oftenreferredtoasthe"granddaddy ofallIllinoisfestivals".
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
fARMERS MARKETS aurora farmers market RunningonSaturdaysfromJune throughOctoberinWaterStreet Square.TheAuroraFamers Marketfeaturesfresh,locally grownfruitsandvegetables, decadentbakedgoodsand pastryitems,aselectionoflocal foodtrucksandvendors, deliciouscoffee,one-of-a-kind artisanitems,andmore!
oswego country market ShoplocalonSundays(JuneSeptember)withplentyof choicestobuyfreshproduce, meats,eggs,artisancheeses, specialtyfoodslikebakedgoods &honey,andhandmadeitemsin theoutdoor,open-airmarket.The markettakesplaceatthe OswegolandParkDistrictonMain Street.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
zoos & animals WhilemanypeoplethinktheyneedtodriveintoBrookfieldandLincoln ParktogettheChicagolandZooexperience,Iamheretotellyou aboutthreelocalanimal-themedattractionsyourfamilywilllove.
Cosley Zoo, Wheaton
LocatedashortdrivefromtheFoxRiverValleyinWheatonisCosley Zoo.ManagedandoperatedbytheWheatonParkDistrict,CosleyZoo beganoperationinthemid-1970's.IttrulydeservesthenameZoo, havingbeenaccreditedbytheAssociationofZoosandAquariums (AZA)andhometoover50speciesand200animals.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
Phillips Park Zoo, Aurora Locatedintheheartoficonic PhillipsParkontheEastsideof Aurora,isthePhillipsParkZoo. ThePhillipsParkZoohasarich traditiondatingallthewayback to1916.Awidearrayofbirds, mammals,andreptiles.The reptilehouseisalocalfavorite andahitwithkids.
Blackberry Farm, Aurora LocatedonAurora'sfarwest side,acrossfromSplashCountry Waterpark,sitsBlackberryFarm, alocalfamilyfavorite.
BlackberryFarmisaliving historymuseumcelebrating earlysettlersandpioneersinthe region.Thereisfunforallwith plentyofchildren'sactivities fromacarousel,totrainand ponyrides.Adultswillenjoythe antiqueandliveexhibits.
BlackberryFarmisagreatspot duringtheholidayswhenit transformsintoawinter wonderland.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
frisbee golf Eagle Ridge Park, Oswego ParkattheCivicCenterintheOswegolandParkDistrict.A nice,challenging18-holecoursewithacombinationofopen spaceandseveralholesthatweavethroughthewoods. Somechangeinelevationalsomakesthiscourseattractive.
Knoch Knolls Park, Naperville TheDisccourseatKnochKnollsisattachedtooneofthe mostscenicparksinthearea,nestledalongtheDuPage River.Averypopulardiscgolfcourseifyouarelookingto meetupwithotherenthusiasts.
Jericho Lake, Montgomery PartofthesprawlingStuartSportsComplexmaintainedby theFoxRiverParkDistrict,JerichoLakeoffersoneofthebest discgolfcoursesinthevalley.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
biking TheFoxRiverValleyisbuiltforbikerswithmilesandmilesofwell-maintained, inter-connectedtrailsystems.
Gilman Trail Anawesomepavedtrail,12.2milesin totalthatextendsfromtheeastsideof AuroraallthewaytoWaubonsee CommunityCollegeinSugarGrove
Fox River Trail TheFoxRiverTrailoffersanamazing 44.6-milescenicbikeridealongtheFox Riverthatyoucantakeallthewayfrom OswegotoAlgonquin.Somany amazingnaturecentersandvibrant downtownsarenestledalongthetrail youcanmakeanentiredayoutof spottingnestingbaldeaglesand stoppingforagreatbitetoeator coffee
Prairie Path Trail ThePrairiePathrailsystemincludes3 branches;main,AuroraandElginwith twospursinGenevaandBataviathat allowcyclingenthusiaststoexplorea vastridethroughouttheChicagoland region.Oneofthewonderfulthings aboutthePrairiePathisthatitlinksup withtheGilmanandFoxRiverTrails allowinglocalriderstoexploreavast arrayoftheFoxRiverValley.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE
hiking ThescenicFoxRiverValleyistheperfectgeographyformanystate andmunicipalparksandforestpreservesofferingyousomeamazing hikesinnature.
Silver Springs State Park, Plano LocatedinPlanoalongtheFoxRiverValley,SilverSpringsStateParkis runbytheIllinoisDepartmentofNaturalResourcesandoffers activitiesforalloutdooradventurers.Hiking,boating,fishing,and huntingareallavailableatSilverSpringsStatePark Theparkoffersa scenicfour-milehikingtrailthatisarguablythebestintheregion.For horselovers,a7-mileequestriantrailawaits.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
Saw Wee Kee Park, Oswego ManagedbytheOswegoland ParkDistrict,SawWeeKeePark isalocalhiddengem,asits locationistuckedbackalong theFoxRiverattheendofa residentialstreet.Aparkonthe FoxRiverprovidesascenicspot forapicnicortodropincanoes orKayaksontheriver.SawWee KeeParkisalsooneof Chicagoland'sfewplacesfor mountainbiking.Tuckedalong oldstripmines,thetrailsmake upatight,technical,and challengingrideforeventhe mostexperiencedmountain bikers.
Red Oak Nature Center, North Aurora Oneofourfamilyfavoritesfora hikeistheRedOakNature CenterinNorthAurora.Nestled ontheeastbankoftheFoxRiver RedOakNatureCenteristhe region’spremierfacilityfor natureandconservation education.Surroundedbymore than40acresoflushforestand wildlifehabitat,thenature centeristheidealdestinationfor anyonewithadesiretodiscover moreaboutthegreatoutdoors.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
Entertainment Paramount Arts Center, aurora ThehistoricParamountArts CenterindowntownAurorais locatedatthecenterofallthe action.TheirBroadwaylevel talentisonfulldisplayduringthe fourBroadwaySeriesshows performedeachyear.Becomea subscriberandgetfourshowsfor thepriceoftwo.Thewintershow istypicallyfamilyfriendlyand makesforniceChristmasgifts.
Kane County Cougars, geneva Thislocalminorleaguebaseball teamplaysatNorthwestern MedicineFieldinGeneva,IL. SummerFunneverfallsshort whenattendingaCougars game.Fireworksarecommonon FridayandSaturdaynight.Kids ofallagescanrunthebases afterthegame.Foodanddrink specialsaswellasthemenights happeneveryweek.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
River Edge Park
LocatedacrossBroadwayfrom WalterPayton’sRoundhouseand thetransportationcenteris Aurora’sRiverEdgePark.This sprawlingparkisan amphitheatervenuethatcan seatover8,000guests.Itisthe homeofBluesFestandinrecent yearshashostedartists:Willie Nelson,Alabama,Kansas,Bob Seger,SammyHagar,REO Speedwagon,andGladysKnight.
Mini-Golf
SugarGroveFamilyFun Center,SugarGrove Funway,Batavia
SportsZone,Aurora
StoneCreekMiniatureGolf, Geneva
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
pumpkin patches Avisittoapumpkinpatchisquintessential Midwestlivinginthefallaspumpkinsand cornarereadytoharvest.TheFoxRiverValley offerssomeamazingpumpkinfarmsfullof familyfun.Hereisalistofourfavorites.
Abbey Farms, North Aurora KnownasPumpkinDazeatAbbeyFarms,this isoneofourfamily'sfavoritespots.Thefarm hasbeeninexistencesincethe1940sandis ownedbytheMarmionAbbeyandsits adjacenttoMarmionAcademy.AbbeyFarms offersahostoffamily-friendlyactivitiesthey call"scream-freefun".Youwillgetthevibeof anoldcountyfair.Makesuretocheckoutthe humanhamsterraceandtheziplines!
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
Woody’s orchard, Plano Woody'sOrchardinPlanoisone ofthenewerpumpkinpatches onthesceneandisagreat additiontotheFoxRiverValley.A beautifulparcelofproperty, Woody'sislinedwithbeautiful evergreentreesandfeaturesan impressiveappleorchard.When it'stimeforfun,Woody'shasall thestaples:ziplines, playgrounds,jumppad,hay mazeandmuchmore.
Kuiper’s, Maple Park Oneofthelargestpumpkin patchesintheregion,Kuiper's,is afallplaygroundfortheentire family.Kuiper'sishometo arguablythebestappleorchard intheregionandoffersawide varietyofdeliciousapples throughouttheseason.Allkinds offamilyfunawait,butifyouare upforathrillmakesuretocheck outthemountainslide.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
sledding hills Whilethemidwesterngeographydoesnotalwayslenditselftowinter activities,whensnowdoescometotheFoxRiverValleyyoucanfind hoursoffamilyfunonafewlocalsleddinghills.Hereisalistofour favorites.
Harris Forest Preserve, Yorkville
Oneofthebestsleddinghillsin theFoxRiverValleyisatHarris ForestPreserve,locatedjustoff Route71adjacenttotheKendall CountyFairgrounds.
Phillips Park, aurora
HistoricPhillipsParkontheEast SideofAuroraoffersoneofthe mostpopularsledhillsinthe region.Thehillislocatedsouth ofthezooandRayMosesDrive andtothenorthoftheaquatic center.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
Oakhurst Forest Preserve, aurora Anotherawesomesleddinghillon theeastsideofAuroracanbe foundatOakhurstForestPreserve. Enteroff5thavenueandmake yourwaynorthtotheparkinglot. Afunridebuttakecaution,when icyitcangetveryquick,takeit frompersonalexperience!
Centennial Park Locatedintheheartofdowntown NapervilleatCentennialparkisa verypopularsledhilllocation.The charmofthisparticularspotis thesetting,overlookingtheiconic millenniumtower.
christmas lights ExploringChristmaslightsisanannualholidaytraditionofourfamily, andtheFoxRiverValleyoffersafewcannotmissexhibits.Hereareour favorites:
Phillips Park, aurora SponsoredbytheAuroraRotary,PhillipsParkbecomesadrivethroughwinterwonderlandeveryholidayseason.Thescenicparkand coordinatedmusicaddtotheambiance.Entranceisfreebut donationsareaccepted.
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
aperville Trolley oliday of Lights Tour onicNapervilleTrolleyofferstwolights ursofhomesthroughoutNaperville.There anorthtourandasouthtour.Thesouth urpicksupanddropsoffatAurelio’sPizza akingforagreatholidayfamilynight.If ouareonabudget,werecommendalso akingyourowntourofhomes,here’san wesomemapdirectoryforyou.
LaSalle Celebration of Lights at Rotary Park Ifyouarelookingforanightlongadventure.Takethehourdrivewestonroute71 towardsStarvedRocktoLaSalle.Thecelebrationoflightsliterallytakes45 minutestotravelthewindingpathofChristmasLights.It’sthebig-papaversion ofAurora’sdisplayatPhillip’sPark.
PreviouslylocatedinElburn,theyhave relocatedtheshowtoGoebbert’sFarmin PingreeGrove.For15years,theLarsen familytransformedtheirhomeintoan absolutespectacle.Theyrebuiltareplicaof theirhomein2023.Nationallyrecognized onABC’sChristmasLightFight,this synchronizedlightandmusicshownever getsold.Ticketsarerequired.
Larsen Light Show, Pingree Grove
2 honorable mentions outside of fox valley
RYAN KURTZ, JOHN GREENE REALTOR
ice skating All seasons Ice rink AllSeasonsIceRinklocatedonNorthAuroraRoadinNapervilleisanarea stapleandavailableforiceskatingyear-round.Hometoalotoflocalhockey clubsandcompetitivefigureskating,thereisalwaysenergyintheair. Reservedhoursforopenskatingareavailableeachday
Fox Valley Ice Arena LocatedonKirkRoadinGeneva,nextto theKaneCountyCougarsbaseball stadium,FoxValleyIceArenafeatures twolargerinks,onethatisregulation NHLsizeandanotherthatisregulation Internationalsize.FoxValleyishometo manyicesportsorganizationsinthe areaandoffersavarietyof programmingincludingdailypublic openskatesandskatinglessons.
Centennial Park Duringthewinter,ifyouarelookingfora greatoutdoorskate,checkout CentennialParkindowntownNaperville. Youcanmakeadayoutofwinterfun astheiceskatingrinkislocatedright nexttothepopularsleddinghill. Afterwards,grabacupofhotchocolate atanyoftheamazingcoffeeshops nearby.IhighlyrecommendSparrowor Sweetwater.
Ihopeyoufoundthisguideusefulandthatitinspiresyoutoexplorea newlocalbusinessorattractionthatyou'venevervisited.Pleasedon't hesitatetoreachoutifyouhaveanyquestionsorwouldlikeadditional recommendationsaboutallthattheFoxRiverValleyhastooffer.
FAMILY FUN ON THE FOX YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST THE FOX RIVER VALLEY HAS TO OFFER
Ryan Kurtz john greene Realtor
