Every Fourth of July, the town of Normal, Illinois puts on a fireworks display for its residents and visitors. It's an ideal activity for adults and children as they watch the colorful display and listen to the coordination music. The admission is free with seating available within Fairview Park. The park is located in northwest Normal just west of Illinois State University.
Anderson Park & Aquatic Center, which is owned by the city of Normal, offers an oasis for summer activities for all ages. During the summer months, residents and visitors can enjoy the large water park that has three pools, three water slides, a child water activity area and sun deck. An onsite restroom facility includes restrooms and changing areas with rentable lockers. The park also has a lighted softball field, baseball field, tennis courts and a few picnic shelters. Two playground areas provide hours of fun for children of all ages.
Every year in early July, the town of Normal hosts the Sugar Creek Arts Festival. It offers craft and art vendors from around the country, displaying and selling their wares. The festival is held the first or second week of July and has daily live musicians to entertain the guests. There are interactive displays and crafts where adults and children can test their art abilities. The festival located on the closed streets of uptown Normal offers many dining and lodging options within walking distance.
Bloomington, the neighboring city to Normal to the south, has three area spray parks. These water play areas are for adults and children alike to cool off from the hot summer heat. The Tipton, McGraw and Miller spray parks are located within a few minutes' drive from downtown Normal and have no admission fee. The parks feature various water activity centers and sprinklers that shower the area with cool water. It's an ideal way for residents of all ages to interact and cool off.
