BY GINA ALTHOFF
In case you have not noticed, this summer has been one for the recordbooks– the heat recordbooks that is. Summer has left us hoarding fans and falling asleep to the hum of exhausted air conditioners. I am conflicted who I should feel worse for: the dogs I see covered in thick fur or the people obligated to walk the poor creatures in boiling temperatures.
Because of the heat, the city’s parks have not been getting the attention they deserve. When playground slides burn your backsides and hands are too sweaty to hold on to monkeybars, even kids would rather be indoors.
However, the Chicago Park District comes to life at night with the gentle glow of inflatable movie theater screens all summer long. Now in its twelfth year, the Chicago Park District’s Movies in the Parks series is a comfortable way to enjoy the city’s parks this summer without the heat from the sun. All movies are shown at dusk just as the day’s heat begins to subside.
Although movies in the park have been showing since early June, movie showings are scheduled through late October. With 176 screenings this summer at parks throughout the city, you’ll find a movie that suits your taste, with screenings in every genre from The Sixth Sense to Super Size Me and The Lorax to Singin’ in the Rain.
There are many reasons why a movie in the park should be on your summer bucket list. For one thing, all showings are free! The locations and movies have enough variety to suit every Chicagoan. Lastly, what would summer be without a lot a bit of fresh air and some stargazing?
So get out there and enjoy Chicago’s parks at their liveliest time of day! Soon they will be covered in leaves and snow again, and, in my opinion, grass makes a much better seat cushion.
View the complete schedule of listings here or call (312) 742-1134 to hear the daily movie showings and check for weather cancellations.
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