July 2013 - FAMILY DAYS AT THE TRACK
My husband doubted me; my own mother asked how the kids could possibly have fun at Arlington International Race Track. I was even coined as “starting them young”. Well I will have you know that I am not “starting them young” but am always on the lookout to entertain at an affordable price. With Arlington International’s Family Days and Junior Jockey Clubs, I can entertain as simply as I choose or as extravagantly as I choose. Every Sunday through Labor Day, Arlington hosts family days inclusive of such things as free pony rides, a free petting zoo, free face painting, free magician, free caricaturist, free juggler, free bounce houses, plus hands on activities. In addition, the winning jockeys give out two pairs of signed goggles after every race for those kids that choose to eagerly cheer them on at the winners circle. With free parking, low admission prices, plus a free cooler check-in (not exceeding 12"X12"X7" and no alcohol), this is a great full day of affordable fun. There are picnic tables you can use for free or you can upgrade and have a reserved table in the shade or with an umbrella for $15-$18, but you know me, I went with free! People setup quite nicely, yet casually with table clothes, deli trays, blankets and homemade forts for the kids. And before each race, you can bring the entire family over to the Paddock area and watch the horses’ parade around the circle and the jockeys mount just before heading to the track. The kids loved the close proximity to the horses, picking out their favorites and cheering them around the track as they raced by at great speeds. If you prefer an even more intimate setting with the jockeys and horses, join the Triple Crown Junior Jockey Club at $35/child and gain access to special Jockey Meet n Greets or Backstretch Tours, plus free Sunday admission for one child, a club t-shirt, a club water bottle, a club bag, stickers, and more. With about twenty minutes between each race, even the adults had time to enjoy the traditional aspects of Arlington International, as well as sit for a caricature drawing with their son or daughter. This was indeed an entertaining day for all ages. - Kristen Kucharski
OVERVIEW
Family Days including pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, magician, caricaturist, juggler, bounce house and hands on activities each Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Plus every Sunday, the winning jockeys will be giving out two pairs of signed goggles after every race!
Arlington International, 2200 West Euclid Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL 60006
Phone: 847-385-7500
Website: www.ArlingtonPark.com/familyday
Hours: Family Days Run Through September 2nd from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Prices: General Admission is $8/Adults, $2/Kids
