Things To Do In McHenry

New releases get an old-fashioned treatment at McHenry Outdoor Theater, a 1950s-style drive-in screening two back-to-back movies every night. With a special focus on family films, the starlit screen shines across comforts including a concession stand vending burgers, brats, pizza, and hot dogs, and a dog-friendly policy to ensure everyone has someone cuddly to grab during the scary parts. While the story unfolds on screen, the theater pumps the sound through complimentary radios, and approximately half the viewing spots are equipped with vintage speakers that complete the timeless slice of Americana. Besides new releases, which are regularly updated every two weeks, the theater might show anything from golden oldies to alternative comedies to classic blockbusters.

As red inflatable obstacles shield snipers on the Speedball field, the Hyperball field's blue barrels protect players from enemy fire. Tipped-over speedboats litter the greenery of the Docks, and thickets of woods shelter the wooden walls of the Amazon and colorful fragments of children's play structures scattered throughout the Playground.

Each of the six fields hosts a variety of gaming scenarios, ranging from elimination and capture-the-flag rounds to attack-and-defend sessions or multiple flag-station contests. Laser-tag players itching to compete on terrain other than H2 Paintball's 10 acres can call upon its Mobile Command Option, wherein H2 personnel convert offices or empty basement shark tanks into miniature laser-tag arenas.

Booming top 40 hits echo throughout Just for Fun Roller Rink’s two vast arenas, amping up the entertainment as skaters glide and showcase moves in open-skate sessions and parties. The glittering of disco balls and the surreal glow of black lights transform the colored wheels of rental roller skates, speed skates, or roller blades into vibrant blurs as they spin across polished floors. While smooth movers hold hands and stack themselves into speedy human pyramids, video-game enthusiasts can get their fix at the arcade games along the side of the rink, and food enthusiasts can whet their palate with pizza, hot dogs, and snacks. Come Saturday night, the rink transforms into a live-music venue for local bands, and on holidays and special occasions such as New Year's Eve, Halloween, and Insomniac-Appreciation Day it puts on all-night celebrations.

Krussell Stables takes its name from professional horse trainer Ray Krussell, a highly decorated teacher who has produced numerous Reserve World Champion and World Champion horses and riders. Ray’s teaching style promotes learning and responsibility and preaches safety as the top priority. As such, his private and semiprivate lessons for students of all ages and skill levels are held in the discipline of english saddle seat, a safe, traditional manner of riding. A 60’x192’ arena houses each session, which parents and guests of riders can observe from a viewing window in the customer center. The center also sports WiFi and DirectTV, and the arena ensures comfortable lessons throughout the year by staying heated in the winter.

"No boys allowed," proclaims The Underground's website. If that makes it sound more like a playhouse than a gym, that's not an accident. Inside, you won't find any rows of treadmills or the latest elliptical machines. Instead, lights fit for a dance club shine as catchy music plays through an advanced sound system. In this festive space, women of all fitness levels support each other as they throw themselves into a wide range of classes, from the Latin dance–inspired cardio workouts of Zumba to the intense cross-training regimen of P90X. In other parts of the studio, they sculpt muscles via Booty Barre classes, learn to swing from aerial equipment, and work their way up dance poles in hopes of finding the hunky fire fighters at the top.

Motivating, highly trained staff and spacious facilities complement Charter Fitness's battalion of cardio machines and strength-training equipment. Huge flat-screen TVs motivate gym-goers as they lift weights, stationary bikes, and their reflections in large mirrors. Seasoned personal trainers who all hold certifications or four-year degrees in their specialty guide members through an initial personal-training session, introducing clients to the best equipment for their fitness goals. After workouts, private showers or public water fountains sluice away sweat.