Family Fun

Take a ride on the Acorn Express!

This open air tram takes visitors around to the many gardens, woodlands, wetlands and a prairie to see what summer time has put on display at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. The Arboretum is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset.

There’s also an opportunity to see wildlife in native habitats. Half-hour and one-hour tours available; prices range from $3-$6, with discounts for Arboretum members.

Call 630-968-0074 for times.

For information, visit www.mortonarb.org.

This is the World’s Largest Corn Maze, but don’t let the size scare you.

Get the family together as you weave in and out of Richardson World’s Largest Corn Maze. The maze is designed in sections of smaller mazes so you can do as much as you want and then get out easily. The smallest part has quiz questions to help guide you through and usually takes under half an hour to complete. The mazes are not one way in and one way out. The trails loop around and connect so it’s relatively easy to get out of even our most complex maze. Finding all the checkpoints is the real challenge!

This year's maze will be Celebrating 100 Years of Scouting.

The maze is open from Aug. 7 to Oct. 31. Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays; 3 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; and noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Last admission is two hours before closing. On special Maze 'Til Midnight dates to maze will close at midnight.

Cost is $12.95 for those 13 and older; $9.95 for kids ages 4 to 12; and free for kids three and younger. Group rates are available.

Picnic and campfire site reservations are available for $25 for the first table and $10 for each additional table.

Group wagon rides are available at $4 per person with at $80 minimum. Wagon rides are 30 minutes.

Kids and adults can enjoy Zip Line rides at $15. Weight requirement is 70 to 270 pounds. Waivers are required.

Features for Richardson World’s Largest Corn Maze include the following:

5 mazes, 33 acres of maze fields

Finger Fortune Maze Game

50-foot tall observation tower

Zip Line - 30-feet high and 700-feet long

50-foot long slide

Beautiful wooded picnic area

Free Campfires

Three wooden bridges

Pedal carts

Pedal trikes

Feed the Goats

Corn Cabin (shelled corn sandbox)

Concessions for sale (weekends starting Labor Day)

Free Wagon ride to the 5-acre maze (weekends)

Private Group wagon rides

Glow sticks and flashlights available for sale

Pumpkins and Mums for sale in season

Larger Field of Pumpkins

Expanded fenced-in Kid's Play Area

Free Parking

And now serving its own Home Brew Beer

For information, visit www.richardsonfarm.com.

Summer is not over just yet. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend with this end of summer festival!

The Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset Festival will be Sept. 3 to 5 at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road in Lake in the Hills.

Enjoy rides, games, food, and much more!

The following are the days events:

3 to 10:30 p.m.: Food Vendors and Beer Garden

3 to 10:30 p.m.: Carnival

3 to 7 p.m.: Carnival Ride Wristbands

6 to 10 p.m.: Car Show

6:30 to 10:30 p.m.: The Main Stage

7 p.m.: Sunset 5K

For information, visit www.summersunsetfest.com.

C'mon down to view this 10-acre puzzle with the theme of "Down on the Farm."

Meadow View Farm in Harvard has fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Roam through the 10-acre corn maze, visit the 2-acre pumpkin patch, enjoy hayrides, moonwalks and much more!

There also are other fun activities:

Fall food and other seasonal treats

Fall decor for sale

A hay maze for younger children

Hay pile for climbing

Corn kernel sensory tables

Camp fire sites for groups by reservation

The corn maze is open from Aug. 6 to Nov. 1. Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. on Fridays; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays; noon to 10 p.m. on Sundays; and by appointment Monday through Thursday.

Prices are $10 for adults; $8 for children ages 4 to 12; $8 for seniors 65 and older; and free for kids 3 and younger.

For information, visit www.meadowviewmaze.com or call 815-482-0908.

Take a step back in time when you see these cars!

Each Friday from May 28 to Sept. 10 enjoy dozens of the finest collector vehicles come out for Richmond Cruise Night at 6:30 p.m. on Route 12 north of Route 173 in Richmond.

There is a different theme each week such as street rods, British sports cars and a night for each of many other popular types of vehicles.

The schedule is as follows: May 28 Imports; June 4 Chevy; June 11 Mopar; June 18 Corvette; June 25 Truck/Motorcycle; July 2 Pontiac; July 9 Sports Car/Muscle Car; July 16 Pro Street Vintage Race Car; July 23 Olds; July 30 Street Rod; Aug. 6 Kit Car; Aug. 13 Studebaker/Orphan Cars; Aug. 20 British; Aug. 27 Ford; Sept. 3 Buick; Sept. 10 Antique 1980 or older.

Brooke Barrettsmith has returned to McHenry County.

Brooke will perform at 7 p.m. Sept. 3 at Springbrook Community Church, 10115 Algonquin Road in Huntley.

The former "American Idol" contestant and native from Spring Grove will present this free concert.

For information, visit www.springbrook.org or visit www.myspace.com/brookebarrettsmith.

Get your running shoes on for fun running event!

The Lake in the Hills Summer Sunset 5K Run/2-Mile Walk will be Sept. 3 at Sunset Park, 5200 Miller Road. Race-day registration and packet pick-up is from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. and the race begins at 7 p.m.

This evening race is flat and fast. All participants will receive a limited-print, short-sleeved technical shirt. They also will receive fruit, a beverage and a festival food voucher.

Pre-registration can be completed through the Lake in the Hills Parks and Recreation Department or online at www.lith.org and www.signmeup.com.

Awards will be distributed at the Sunset Festival Main Stage about 8:15 p.m.

For information, visit www.summersunsetfest.com.