When you take your family out to the ballgame this summer, it’s more than just baseball, peanuts and crackerjack, but also live music, giveaways, costumes and perhaps even a chance to meet Mr. Belding from “Saved by the Bell.”

Nestled just across the Wisconsin state line at the base of a hill on the east side of Washington Park lies the oldest operating velodrome in the country

From fundraising rides to USA Cycling-sanctioned racing, the slate of biking events hitting the ‘burbs is bringing excitement not to be missed

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But Grundy isn’t the only place to get your fix of speed and excitement. Check out any of these local venues all season long:

Polo may be known as the “Sport of Kings,” but the Oak Brook Polo Club makes it accessible for anyone and everyone to enjoy

Recognized as one of the top horse racetracks since it opened in 1927, Arlington Park is an international racetrack with both a polytrack and turf course.

You’ll flip your kilt over the 32nd annual Scottish Festival & Highland Games

The best way to see the natural wonders of the area is on foot. Luckily, northern Illinois is home to hundreds of miles of trails for various abilities and interests. So grab your hiking boots and hit one of these top local trails.

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Whether you are heading out with your favorite junior golfer, your aging mom, or just looking for a bit of golf to get you through the day, an area nine-hole course may be the perfect fit.

Spring is in bloom, and if you’re a golfer, that means you’ve likely been nose-to-the-window for months, awaiting the opportunity to start swinging

Soar through winter’s chill by hill and trailOne of the most exciting winter activities is snowmobiling, and there are trails all over northern Illinois and Wisconsin where you can spend an hour, a day or even a weekend, making memories in the great outdoors.

Should you happen to spot a group of ice fishermen huddling this winter, know that warmth may not be the only motive directing the act.

But if you’re looking for a climbing challenge unique to the winter months, ice climbing is the way to go. You’ll have to bundle up and brave the cold, most likely the wind, and a slick terrain, but most ice climbing fans can’t get enough.