Swimming season is in full swing, and public pools in the area are offering a number of ways to get your feet wet, from games to movies to cardboard boat races. You might even win a little money.
Following is a sampling of summer pool events. Nearly all are subject to regular daily admission fees for nonmembers, which may be higher for nonresidents, and some require additional fees.
Blue Island
Memorial Park, 12804 S. Highland Ave., Blue Island. 708 385-2275, http://www.blueislandparks.org
Splash for Cash: 5 p.m., July 25 and Aug. 15. Admission is $5 and includes access to the pool for the evening and a chance for kids to dive and race for tokens in the pool that can be redeemed for snacks or cash. Open to all ages.
Cardboard Boat Regatta: 5 to 6 p.m. Aug. 8. Register your team in advance and try your shipbuilding skills with cardboard and duct tape instead of teak or fiberglass; $15 registration fee.
Crest Hill
Chaney Pool, 410 Rose St., Crest Hill 815-726-2299, http://www.lockportpark.org
Veterans swim free noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Cardboard Boat Race: 9:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 8. Two-person teams race their boats — made of duct tape and cardboard — across the pool. Teams must register and pay a $12 fee by Aug. 5. Age groups are 6 to 8, 9 to 12, 13 to 17 and 18 and older. Children 5 and younger may bring their own toy boats for a race of their own.
Shark Day, Aug. 9: Shark-related games and contests with prizes throughout the day. Also at Heritage Falls Pool in Romeoville.
Oak Lawn
Centennial Aquatic Center, 9400 S. Kenton Ave., Oak Lawn, 708-857-5173, http://www.olparks.com.
Fourth of July Star Spangled Celebration at Centennial Park features discounted $2 pool admission. Also, for children 3 and older there will be daytime activities from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $5 including pool entry.
Beach Blizzard: noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 30. Swimming; DJ; games on the snow hill including hula hoop contest, water balloon toss; and then ice skating at the Ice Arena next door. The fee is $7 for all activities. In case of bad weather, games and activities moved indoors to the Ice Arena. Participants should bring mittens and a bathing suit.
Orland Park
Centennial Park Aquatic Center, 15600 West Ave., Orland Park, 708-349-4386, http://www.orlandpark.org
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Luau and Cardboard Regatta: begins at 2 p.m. July 9. Luau features DJ, contests, activities and watermelon-eating contest. Cardboard regatta races begin at 5 p.m. Rules and entry forms available at the pool in advance. Participants can enter as youth, teens, adults or families.
Snorkel Treasure Hunt: 4 to 6 p.m. July 16. Snorkels and masks provided by Scuba Emporium.
Christmas in July: 2 p.m. July 23. Swim and splash with holiday music in the background and say hello to Santa Claus.
Flick-n-Float: Aug. 7. Pool stays open till 10 p.m. “Frozen” shown at dusk. Flotation devices welcome.
Palos Heights
Palos Pool, 7607 W. College Drive, Palos Heights, 708-361-1807, http://www.palosheightsrec.org
Caribbean Beach Bash, 4 to 7 p.m. July 11. Day includes family games and contests and a DJ playing Caribbean music.
Park Forest
Park Forest Aqua Center, 30 N. Orchard, Park Forest 708-747-9490, http://www.villageofparkforest.org.
Games for kids, and children admission is discounted; 1 to 5 p.m. July 10.
Sandcastle contest from noon to 5 p.m. July 18. Brainstorm with your friends or family to create a sandcastle like no other. Rent or buy buckets and shovels from the pool.
Regatta Boat Race, Aug. 7. Call in advance to purchase a kit to create your individualized model boat. Races will be divided among age groups.
Romeoville
Heritage Falls Water Park, 101 Troxel, Romeoville 815-886-6263, http://www.lockportpark.org
Veterans swim free noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Dive-In Movies, July 10 and Aug. 7. Gates open at 7:30; movies start at dusk. Bring a raft or tube, or sit on deck during the films. Contact the pools for movie selections.
Starlight Swims: Special evening hours 8 to 10 p.m. July 25 and Aug. 15. Regular admission applies.
Shark Day, Aug. 9: Shark-related games and contests with prizes throughout the day. Also at Chaney Pool in Crest Hill.
Tinley Park
White Water Canyon Water Park, 8221 W. 171st St., Tinley Park 708-342-4200, http://www.tinleyparkdistrict.org
Family Float Nights: 5 to 8 p.m., July 17 and Aug. 21. Rafts, pool noodles, inner tubes and beach balls are OK for the night during family float nights. Lifeguards have discretion to say whether flotation devices are safe and otherwise acceptable.
Paige Fumo Fox is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.