Metra Offers Free Rides for Kids This Summer, Releases List of June Festivals Along Metra Lines

Submission by Metra

Metra announced Tuesday that up to three children ages 11 and under will be able to ride for free with an adult this Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day as part of its expanded “Family Fares” program.

“A trip on Metra is a great opportunity to spend time together as a family without having to worry about traffic and parking,” said Metra Executive Director/CEO Don Orseno. “Plus, on weekends, Metra’s $8 weekend pass gives you another reason to hop aboard the train this summer. And during this weekend, the weekend pass will be good on Memorial Day, too.”

To help families plan trips on Metra this summer, the agency released a list of June events that are easily reached by train, which can be found below.

For more information about events and activities along the Metra system and for complete station and schedule information, visit www.metrarail.com.

June Events along Metra lines

BNSF

• 70th Annual LaGrange Pet Parade and Carnival

June 4, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m., Cossitt Avenue and LaGrange Road, LaGrange

Parade of pets, marching bands, floats, and clowns. Definitely fun for the entire family and free! The LaGrange Carnival is also happening Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is a fee for the Carnival.

• Rotary Grove Fest

June 23-26, various locations throughout downtown Downers Grove

Bands, dancing, food, a handmade market, and a midway and carnival featuring rides and games to thrill and excite kids of all ages. Entry is free.

MILWAUKEE NORTH

• Annual Block Party at St. Norbert

June 11, 1817 Walters Ave., Northbrook

Kick off the summer season with family and friends. The fun begins at 8 a.m. with a Kid's Fun Run and a 5K Run. Afternoon festivities start at 3 p.m. Kid's corner with games, inflatables and DJ. Live bands all day with headliner at 8 p.m. $5 per person from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; $10 per person after 7 p.m.

MILWAUKEE WEST

• Festival of the Arts in Bartlett 2016

June 25-26, Bartlett Park, Oak and North Avenues, Bartlett

Art for all including paintings, photography, fiber, sculpture, glass, jewelry, wood and more. There will also be children's art activities in the Bartlett gazebo. Food vendors, wine/beer tent and entertainment stage are featured. Entry is free.

ROCK ISLAND

• Oak Fest 2016

June 30-July 4, 159th and Central Avenue, Oak Forest (about 1 mile from Oak Forest Station).

Fun bands, great food and carnival rides. Entry is free.

UNION PACIFIC NORTH

• 71st Annual Winnetka Children's Fair

June 10-11, Village Green, 525 Maple Street, Winnetka

Entry is free. Tickets for rides, games and food will be available for purchase.

• Midsommarfest

June 10-12, Clark Street from Foster to Catalpa in Andersonville

A dedicated kids stage will feature local musical favorites. There will also be face painting, a huge inflatable slide and a climbing wall. Suggested donation of $10, kids under 12 and seniors are free.

UNION PACIFIC NORTHWEST

• Arlington Heights Frontier Days Festival 2016

June 30-July 4, Recreation Park, 500 East Miner, Arlington Heights

Family activities including music, carnival rides, 4th of July Parade, pony rides, Arts and Crafts Marketplace and so much more! Entry is free.

• 2016 Taste of Des Plaines

June 17-18, Downtown Des Plaines

Kickoff is Friday, June 17 at 5 p.m. for this family-friendly event that features great food from Des Plaines restaurants. Live entertainment on two stages, with the main stage geared towards adults and teens and a second family friendly stage with live entertainment for all ages. Entry is free.

UNION PACIFIC WEST

• Taste of Wheaton

June 2-5, Wheaton Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton

Food, family programs, carnival rides, children's games and the Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals and Zippity Zoo Run. Entry is free.