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Outside-the-Box Birthday Party Venues

Those looking for a party that is anything but run-of-the-mill need not look any further. St. Charles Park District facilities, Primrose Farm and Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, both offer out-of-the-ordinary birthday party packages. Birthday parties at Primrose Farm are offered on weekdays and Saturdays all year long. These 90-minute celebrations include a tour of the

From Chorus Frogs to Bald Eagles

Spring Wildlife Thrives in St. Charles Parks Taking a springtime stroll through the trails in St. Charles offers moments of serenity and great wildlife sightings, like catching an egret fishing for its lunch or listening to a serenade from chorus frogs. Within the St. Charles Park District community, it’s possible to visit wetlands, woods and

Celebrating 60 Years of Easter Traditions in St. Charles

When children line up with their baskets and bags for the annual St. Charles Park District Easter Egg Hunt at Pottawatomie on Saturday they aren’t just vying for the treats. They are taking part in a community tradition that marks its 60th anniversary in 2026. “Generations of families have grown up with the Easter Egg

Host Your Next Get-Together on the Fox

Planning a party? Consider a venue that is not only fun but really sets a special occasion apart. That’s just what’s on offer with a private charter of a paddlewheel riverboat. “Riverboat cruises offer a shared experience that feels truly special and out of the ordinary,” said Tera Harvey, manager of cruise operations for the

Step Back in Time and Learn a New Skill

Primrose Farm Classes for Adults 50+ In these modern times, there’s something truly satisfying about creating something entirely from scratch. Primrose Farm allows for this unique experience with a wide range of classes and programs, including upcoming classes featuring cooking, baking and soap-making specially geared to adults 50 and older. “Many of these classes are

Early Childhood Learning

When Geneva resident Karen Laukaitis retired from her role as an elementary school teacher she wasn’t quite ready to give up her classroom. She still wanted the joy of helping young ones discover the magic of sounds, shapes and colors and has found it as an instructor for the St. Charles Park District’s Early Childhood

From First Twirl to Final Bow

Dance Classes Designed for Youth Time to twirl, spin and move those feet as the St. Charles Park District invites children to dip their little toes into the dance world exploring movement and creativity as well as begin understanding ballet terminology in its seasonal dance sessions. These programs are perfect as first-time exposure to exploring

Fun and Convenience Before & After School

Parents and caregivers whose schedules conflict with school times can find a solution close to home with the before- and after-school programs offered by the St. Charles Park District. Before the Bell begins at 7 a.m. and takes place at Bell Graham, Davis, Ferson Creek and Munhall schools “Before the Bell is a more quiet

Ready – Set – Code

Coding is the foundation of robotics, creating mobile applications and many more elements in our everyday lives and through the St. Charles Park District’s great partnership with the locally based company children as young as 6 can engage in hands-on learning. Children can explore the elements of coding from robotics to designing new apps with

Fitness for Every Age & Schedule

Staying active doesn’t have to involve contracts, commitments, or complicated sign-up processes. Across St. Charles Park District facilities, drop-in fitness programs are removing barriers and making movement accessible for everyone—no registration required and at rates designed to fit real life. From toddlers to teens to adults, there’s a place to move, play, and connect at

Learn about Great Seasonal Jobs

Hot, sunny days at the pool may feel far off, but the St. Charles Park District is getting ready for just that with the upcoming Aquatics Hiring Fair. Taking place from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 11 at Pottawatomie Community Center, the event will give individuals the chance to learn about open positions at

STCU: Connection, Creativity & Community

This year marks a significant milestone for the STC Underground Teen Center as it celebrates 25 years of empowering young people in the St. Charles community. Since opening its doors in 2001, STC Underground has served as a safe, welcoming place where teens can learn, grow and connect. What began as a simple gathering spot

Sports: Beyond the Team

Behind every high school athlete is the parent who remembers how that same child once played in the dirt and thought the best part of sports was the post-game ice cream. Youth sports is as much about fun as it is helping each child learn the mechanics of the game, and whether they’re ready for

AAC for STC Parks

Wisdom doesn’t automatically come with age but knowing where to find answers can certainly help and that’s the goal for Lynne Yuill, the supervisor for the Adult Activity Center at the St. Charles Park District. Known as the AAC, it was designed for adults ages 50 and older. With each season Yuill creates a calendar

STCU’s Zone Just Got Bigger

It’s the place where teens can hang out with friends, play games or try some crafts and even cram in some study time too in St. Charles. And now, it’s open to open to teens beyond the School District 303 boundaries. The STC Underground Teen Center, operated by the St. Charles Park District, has expanded

Nature: Good for YOU

Casting a fishing line into the fresh waters of the Fox River or walking beneath a canopy of leaves, a dose of nature can be a great cure for calming one’s mind, improving moods and even getting a better night’s sleep. “In the world we live in, it’s good to get away from the television,

Celebrating 50 Years of Parks

As stewards of the land maintaining the parks, the team at the St. Charles Park District makes sure the grass is cut and playground equipment is in working order, as the echoes of children laugh and play while couples stroll past trees that mark the passing of time. This year the park district marks its

Mt. St. Mary Park Arboretum Honored

In addition to being a beautiful space where community members gather, walk and play, Mt. St. Mary Park in St. Charles is also officially an arboretum. The park enjoys Level II accreditation from ArbNet, an interactive, collaborative, international community of arboreta and tree-focused professionals. The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is the organization behind ArbNet, which

Prescribed Burns for Land Management

Even with outdoor temps hovering in single digits, there’s no staying indoors for Ryan Solomon, ecological restoration supervisor for the St. Charles Park District. Year-round Solomon and his crew tend to the park district’s 400+ acres of natural areas, including savannahs, wetlands and woodlands. And before the spring thaw and first buds push through the

IPRA Young Professional of the Year Award Recipient

Employee Receives State Recognition

Assistant Superintendent of Recreation Taylor Krawczyk of the St. Charles Park District was recently honored with the Illinois Park & Recreation Association’s (IPRA) Young Professional of the Year Award for her commitment and excellent service to parks and recreation. Ms. Krawczyk was recognized during the annual Soaring to New Height Conference, held at the Hyatt

Build strength, friendships at fitness classes

Flexibility, friendships and of course fun are the three staples when it comes to fitness classes offered at the St. Charles Park District. Several fitness classes in addition to monthly programs featuring educational topics, social opportunities and day trips are planned each season for those age 50 and older. One of the most popular fitness

Monarch Butterfly Taking a Sip at Hickory Knolls Natural Area

Insects’ Remarkable Journey Spotlighted in Monarchs & Mimosas

Monarch butterflies are graceful, seemingly fragile creatures. But these orange and black beauties are capable of an astonishing trek, traveling from eastern North America all the way to the mountains of Mexico in an annual mass migration. Their epic journey will be spotlighted during the St. Charles Park District’s upcoming program, Monarchs & Mimosas. Taking

Four Seats Up for Election for Park District Commissioners

Four (four-year term) positions will be up for election to the office of Commissioner of the St. Charles Park District Board on April 1, 2025. Potential candidates may pick up election information packets beginning August 14, 2024 at Baker Community Center, located at 101 South Second Street, St. Charles, Illinois during normal business hours: Monday

Teen Center Offers Connections

Imagine a rec room where teens can laugh, play ping pong and meet up with friends. There’s always someone to chat with, a comfy chair and it’s hard to be bored with games and activities around. In St. Charles, this is the STC Underground. St. Charles Park District supports the goal of having a place

Swing into Pottawatomie Golf Course for Senior Golf Days

A rolling course dotted with trees and complete with open fairways awaits players at Pottawatomie Golf Course. Dating back to 1939, the St. Charles Park District facility sits along the banks of the mighty Fox River and provides golfers with nine challenging holes. Those 60 and older who want to play through are invited to

Step Aboard for New Riverboat Events

It’s a joy to cruise the Fox River on a sunny summer day, taking in the sights on the water and along its banks, but soaking up the passing scenery from aboard an old-fashioned riverboat brings the experience to a whole new level. This season, the St. Charles Park District is unveiling several brand-new events

Summer Fun Hits the Right Notes

With live music, movies in the park and playground playdates there is always something fun and free to enjoy with the St. Charles Park District. Keep those extra pop-up chairs and picnic blankets in the car and mark the calendars for 7 p.m. Thursday nights at Lincoln Park for the St. Charles Park District’s Concerts

Seeking Before the Bell Staff

For a chance to work with a great team and start each day with a smile, join the before and after school care teams at the St. Charles Park District. St. Charles Community Unit School District 303 has implemented changes and the school day for elementary students will begin at 9:05 a.m. St. Charles Park

Aiming For Fun

Archery classes draw interest from all ages Draw back the bow, keep an eye on the target and discover the fun and challenges of archery. The sport featuring a bow and arrows has seen an uptick in interest as youth and adults. The St. Charles Park District offers beginning and intermediate archery classes taught by

Swing on in to Riverview Minigolf for Fun Events

River View Miniature Golf Course is a great place to create lasting family memories and enjoy the leisurely days and long evenings that only summer can bring. “What people enjoy most is the golf course’s stunning setting along the river, which offers a picturesque backdrop for a round,” said Cayla Greenfield, manager of the St.

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