Step away from the electronics and discover how the St. Charles Park District can help everyone make time to recharge outdoors with some sunshine and play.
In honor of Unplug Day on Saturday, July 11 the St. Charles Park District has added several special events to help families find ways to spend time together outdoors, embracing the warm days and evenings too.
“Our parks are open every day, but these are some extra opportunities to get out with the community and have fun,” said Kara Guizzetti-Reif, recreation supervisor for the St. Charles Park District.
In her role specializing in early childhood programming with the St. Charles Park District, Guizzetti-Reif sees first-hand how beneficial play, in particular outdoor play, can be for young children and their development.
“It’s the gross motor movement, like climbing, that helps children with fine motor movement,” Guizzetti-Reif said. “It’s a concern because we are seeing delays in fine motor skills, like handwriting.”
In Illinois Saturday, July 11 is recognized as Unplug Day, promoting families to set down the electronics and screens and spend some time outdoors, with nature and together. Whether it’s an entire day or just between events, errands and naptimes, there’s plenty of great ways and locations to embrace some outdoor time together.
For families of young children make a stop at the next Park Play Date from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 11 at Artesian Springs Park, located on St. Germain Place where park district staff will have plenty of chalk on hand for young artists to help decorate the sidewalks around the playground.
Park Play Dates are designed as a way for families to drop by a playground, enjoy some playtime and meet other families of young people. There’s no reservations needed and it’s a perfect reason to drop in for a little play before running weekend errands or between sports fun.
“Invite your friends to meet you or come and meet other families,” Guzzetti-Reif said.
The Park Play Date July 25 will be at Fairview Park with popsicles on hand, while supplies last. There will be a large parachute at the Park Play Date Aug. 8 at Majestic Oaks Playground and park district staff will help littles enjoy some group games at the Aug. 22 event at Anthem Heights Park.
“It’s a great way to go around and see the different parks and their amenities,” Guzzetti-Reif said.
Stories Under the Sky is another great way for families with young ones to soak up some sunshine and enjoy an outdoor story time. In partnership with the St. Charles Public Library, Stories Under the Sky takes place at 10 a.m. at local playgrounds with a schedule that includes Cabridge Park on Wednesday, July 15, Surrey Hill Park on Thursday, July 23 and Hunt Club Park on Thursday, July 30. The event is free and no reservations are required.
The St. Charles Park District pools, Otter Cove Aquatic Park and Swanson Pool in Pottawatomie Park will feature special activities to celebrate Unplug Day with its guests. Grab a book, the sunscreen and beach towel for an afternoon in the water.
For those who prefer time on land, the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center has the Family Wellness Hike from 9:30-11:30 a.m. including simple activities to encourage children as they explore nature and enjoy a guided hike at an easy pace. Reservations requested for the hike. Make sure to stick around for Hangin’ With Hickory Friends at 11 a.m. where visitors can have an up-close visit with a resident animal ambassador. Hangin’ With Hickory Friends takes place Monday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
There’s always plenty to explore at Primrose Farm, the park district’s working farm where visitors can watch the chickens, greet the goats and check on the new calves born this spring at the farm. The farm staff is hosting Farm Fun Night on July 11 featuring a scavenger hunt, pizza making and a wagon ride around the farm with campfire s’mores for dessert. Advance registration is required for Farm Fun Night.
Taking time to unplug can be a good reset for all ages and help build in healthy habits, discover a new park and make new friends too.