Posted by Laura Nelson on June 21, 2010
Great Ideas, Activities, and Events for Kids and Families…
Dance Dance Dance Offers a Potpourri of Dance in Summer Camps
Summer Camps at Dance Dance Dance in Glen Ellyn are designed to introduce new students to all forms of dance.
For youngsters, ages 3 to 6, Camp Tutu Cute features three teachers giving instruction. Favorite dances and exercises throughout the year are combined with stories and snack time.
Future Stars, ages 6-10, introduces campers to different dance styles: ballet, tap, jazz, Irish and more.
Camp Gotta Move It, age 10 and up, readies campers for high school dance-related activities: dance squad, cheerleading, musical theater and more.
Affordably priced, camps run 1 1/2 hours a day, Monday-Thursday. One and Two week Camps are available.
Besides Summer Camps, weekly lessons are available in specific dance disciplines for 6-week sessions beginning June 14. Lessons continue throughout the summer.
For details, call Dance Dance Dance at (630) 469-1991.
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Cantigny Summer Delights for All Ages
Summer events at Cantigny during June, July and August include plentiful programs for all ages. Camps, concerts, classes, workshops and special kids’ programs join ongoing exhibits, garden displays, museums, dining attractions and golf.
Camps, Day Programs and Weekly Drop-In activities for children from 18 months on are scheduled at Cantigny’s new outdoor Education Center.
Teens over 16 and adults can enjoy sessions in: Introduction to Tai Chi, Yoga in the Park, Painting With Pastels, Knitting, Soap & Candle Making, Japanese Bookbinding and more. Program descriptions are at Cantigny.org, or at (630) 260-8162.
Cantigny Golf offers many of the amenities found in private clubs. The challenging 27-hole course is open to golfers of all abilities. There is a separate Youth Links course.
Golf classes and private lessons are offered through the Cantigny Golf Academy. Focus is on the six components of golf performance: swing; properly fit, quality equipment, golf-specific physical training, mental training, practice, and course management. Youth classes, for ages 8-15, have been specifically developed to emphasize the fun of the sport in a positive and high-success environment. Details and golf specifics are at the Cantigny Golf website, www.cantigny.org/golf/
Dining at Cantigny offers four delicious choices. The Red Oak Room, open year round, is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, and stages a bountiful breakfast buffet on Sundays. Le Jardin, open April-October is ideal for casual dining. Bertie’s Coffee Shop, from February through December, offers coffee, smoothies, comfy chairs, ice cream and fresh-made baked goods. The Fareways Grill specializes in breathtaking views and casual dining during the golf season starting at 7am. until the course closes.
Special events, art shows and concerts are scheduled throughout the summer. The Navy Band Great Lakes marches in Sunday, June 27; The Wheaton Symphony Orchestra performs Saturday, July 10; and Gary Sinise with the Lt. Dan Band returns for the Rockin’ for the Troops Concert Saturday, July 17.
To note the full schedule of events, visit cantigny.org or call (630) 668-5161.
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Warrenville Park District
The Park District in Warrenville has a full schedule of summer activities for ages three through adult. Summer Day Camps include gardening, nature, arts and crafts and travel.
Children ages 3-4 can go to Safari Camp with their parents to explore the police station, Cosley Zoo, and other educational attractions. Arts and crafts, outdoor play and nature study is also included.
Kids 5-6 can attend African Safari Camp to study the animals and explore the textile arts of Africa. Making masks, puppets and artwork while exploring the diversity of the continent makes the experience both educational and fun.
Camp Travel for ages 10-13 takes kids on new adventures four days a week throughout the summer. Campers will complete a Community Service project each week.
One day Nature programs are available for many ages beginning with Gardening for Fairies, ages 4-6. Garden Leaf Casting is for ages 16 and older.
Herb Gardening is a seminar for 18 and older that teaches how, what, and where to plant an herb garden.
To learn more about Warrenville Park District programs, visit www.warrenvilleparks.org or call (630) 393-7279.
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Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois–Nation’s Largest
Equipment is chugging daily during the summer season. Explore America’s largest collection of historic railway equipment– Streetcars, Interurbans, Steam, Diesel, and Electric Locomotives, Passenger and Freight Cars. Trains operate seven days a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Special events are scheduled throughout the season. See website for full schedule: www.irm.org. Dads are admitted free on Father’s Day, Sunday June 20, when accompanied by at least one fare-paying individual. The Independence Day Celebration on July 4 features the Trolley Pageant, highlighting the museum’s annual parade of electrically powered streetcars, “L” cars, interurban equipment, and work cars. The popular Day Out With Thomas event is scheduled for August 13, 14,15, 21, and 22 with the return of everybody’s favorite, Thomas the Tank Engine.
See the trains that Hollywood made famous in “A League of Their Own” and “The Babe.” Key scenes from the movies were shot at the museum and the cars and locomotives are all on display. The museum Gift Stores are open on operating days. Food service and picnic areas are available. Main walkways are paved, allowing handicapped accessibility. Parking is free.
Details and further information at (815) 923-4000 and www.irm.org.
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Glendale Heights Park District–A Hub of Summer Activities
The Glendale Heights Park District facilities at the Sports Hub is a complete recreational complex. There are preschool rooms, gymnasiums, dance studios, indoor soccer arenas, a fitness center, meeting rooms and aquatic center.
Summer sports and enrichment camps are plentiful.
Weekly Teen Leadership Camps are designed to build leadership skills. Campers will explore the city of Chicago, have fun, and hang out with other teens. Camps run weekly from June 7 through August 13, from 7am to 5pm. To learn more, contact the Glendale Heights Sports Hub at (630) 260-6060.
The Glendale Heights Sports Hub is at 250 Civic Center Plaza, Glendale Heights. www.glendale heights.org/parksrecreation
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Summer Camps Foster a Lifelong Love of Music
Wheaton Yamaha Music School has been introducing youngsters to the world of music for 38 years. Children ages 3 through 8 have musical adventures with singing, rhythm, movement, ear training, keyboard and piano activities.
Children play to learn, and their natural abilities flourish, forming a solid foundation for a lifetime of music appreciation. Many classes involve a parent or caregiver as a partner. In addition, private piano lessons are offered to students completing Wheaton Yamaha courses.
Summer Camps begin in June, July, and August.
Wheaton Yamaha Music School is at 935 W. Liberty, Wheaton. (630) 682-1334 and wheatonyamahamusic school.com
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Free Weekly Golf Skills Challenge at Lockport’s Prairie Bluff Golf
Test your golf skills on Thursdays from June 3 to July 22 from 6-8pm at Lockport’s Prairie Bluff Golf Club. Competition includes putting, chipping, and closest to the pin contests. The challenge is for all ages and skill levels and is a free event sponsored by Harris Bank.
A male and female winner is chosen each week, with cash and prizes awarded. Weekly winners are eligible to compete for $1,000 cash against WJOL’s Scott Slocum.
Prairie Bluff Golf Club is a facility of the Lockport Township Park District located at 19433 Renwick Rd., Crest Hill. For information, call Steve Lunde at (815) 836-4653 or visit www.prairie
bluffgc.com.
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Sycamore Speedway–Dirt Track Racing for Family Fun on Fridays and Saturdays
Race to Sycamore this summer and feel the rush at the Sycamore Speedway.
The “family fun track,” the oldest family-owned clay venue in Illinois, features the spectacular Demolition Derbies on Fridays at 8pm.
Special summer events include the Joe / Nick Memorial Classic on Saturday, June 19; the Firecracker 35, along with a big fireworks display on Saturday, July 3; Kane County Championships, all classes, Saturday, August 14: Vintage Car Nationals, Sunday, August 22 at 3pm. See the complete schedule at sycamorespeedway.com.
Sycamore Speedway is located on Illinois State Rte. 64, just east of Sycamore, 15 miles west of St. Charles. Adults, $12; Children 5-13, $5; free for children under 5. Pit pass is $30. All time trials begin at 7:15pm; races start at 8pm. Call ahead for weather reports. (815) 895-5454 or (815) 895-5800.
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Fox Paintball: Walk-on Play and Scenario Games
For intrigue, fun, and camouflage in the woods, head out to Fox Paintball in Millington, Illinois, for a day of competition. The field of play is located about 35 minutes from the Aurora Fox Paintball store.
Plan to wear camouflage or earth-tone colors. Layers are suggested, and no shorts are allowed.
Fox Paintball offers open play, or walk-on recreational play for all ages and skill levels. Private games and group outings are also available for bachelor parties, church groups, business groups, birthday parties, and family outings. Children must be at least ten years old to participate.
Equipment may be rented. Paintballs may be purchased through Fox, or brought in separately. Food may be brought into the park, and cook-outs are allowed. Group outings must be planned in advance.
More details are available through the main office and store at 1891 N. Farnsworth Ave., Aurora. (630) 585-5651 or at www.foxpaintball.com.
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Stay Cool With Hot Summer Fun at Wheaton Bowl
Bowling, of course, is the main activity at Wheaton Bowl. Summer offers league play, birthday party plans, and special rates beginning June 1. League spots are still available, for all ages and skill levels.
For young adults, 18 and older, Bags Tournaments are held every other Wednesday at 7pm. With a $5 entry fee, player’s names are drawn randomly for competition. Three rounds determine a winner, with all money collected distributed as prizes. June tournaments will be held Wednesday, June 2, 16, 30, at 7pm.
Karaoke Fridays crank up the entertainment volume after 9pm. Laser Bowl is Saturday evenings.
For more information, or to reserve a lane, call (630) 668-4102. Wheaton Bowl is on Gary Avenue at Geneva Rd., Wheaton.
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Arabian Knights Farms–It’s Party Time at the Barn!
Arabian Knights Farms in nearby Willowbrook is a beautifully-wooded ten acre venue with three entertainment components. It’s a facility for private parties, an equestrian education-training facility- farm, and an entertainment center featuring concerts and theater productions.
Perfect for picnics, country weddings, meetings, reunions, birthdays and more, there’s a wide choice of activities that will keep party guests entertained. Parties can include music, line dancing instruction, pony rides, face painting, magic shows, games.
Arabian Knights Farms is also an equestrian education and training facility. There are sixty large stalls, two indoor arenas, an outdoor track and reviewing stands. Concerts, theater presentations, country line dancing, and square dancing round out the entertainment line-up.
Arabian Knights Farms is at 6526 Clarendon Hills Rd., Willowbrook. For directions and more, call (630) 327-7399 or visit www.akfentertainment.com.
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Summer Fun Getaways–Close to Home at Country Inn & Suites
Two Summer packages at Naperville’s Country Inn & Suites offer Summer Fun and Relaxation. Take the family far away, while staying close to home–or let Country Inn & Suites entertain your out-of-town guests for a day at local attractions.
The Waterpark Package includes two admission tickets to Yorkville’s Raging Waves with one overnight stay at just $89. A complimentary hot breakfast, indoor heated pool & whirlpool complete the amenities included.
The Babymoon Package is designed for moms and dads-to-be. A weekend of pampering includes:
• Complimentary Suite Upgrade
• Special turn-down service
• Sparkling cider for two
• $50 gift card to White Chocolate Grill
• Surprise Gift for Mom-to-be
• Full hot breakfast buffet
• Babies R Us coupons
• VIP coupon book to Chicago Premium Outlet Mall
Country Inn & Suites is at 1837 Centre Point Circle (just off Diehl Rd.), Naperville. (630) 505-3353 and www.countryinns.com/napervilleil
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Explore Dance with Naperville Park District Programs
The Naperville Park District Dance Academy has many great summer opportunities to try a new dance style, with 4-week sessions in Dance & Poms, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Tap, Ballet, Jazz, etc, along with a new Choreography Workshop for ages 15 and up.
Dance Camp is offered for students ages 7-12. Camp explores multiple dance styles and students learn all about dance performance, terminology, history and more. Toddler and Adult summer dance classes are also available.
For more information and registration, visit www.napervilleparks.org or call (630) 848-5000.
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Lisle Park District–Summer Camps & More
The Lisle Park District offers a diverse slate of activities to keep kids busy this summer. Popular programs include camp Summer Quest, for grades 1-6, featuring field trips and fun in the sun with outside-based sports, games and activities. Camp No Name is for teens entering grades 6-9. The camp features field trips, swimming at Sea Lion Aquatic Park, a mix of arcades, museums, laser tag, bowling, mini golf and more!
Lisle Park District also plays host to a summer concert series in Community Park, Lisle. All shows are free, presenting live music.
For more info, call (630) 964-3410 or visit www.lisleparkdistrict.org.
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Homeschool Expo Set for August 5-7 in Schaumburg
By Randi St. Denis
The three-day Chicago Homeschool Expo will present hundreds of workshops and exhibitors geared toward parents who are interested in, or are actively involved in, homeschooling.
The Expo is a whole family event with hundreds of exhibits featuring thousands of products. Parents can review and purchase the latest curriculum, hear expert speakers who give practical encouragement, and receive personalized help and answers to any question.
Workshops especially emphasize the practical aspects of working with children to promote their educational, social and emotional growth. Whether working with gifted children or struggling learners, experts will be presenting suggestions and demonstrations on how to homeschool to fit different family lifestyles.
Parents interested in homeschooling should attend the Homeschooling for Excellence 101 Conference August 5th. This one-day conference is an introduction to homeschooling, including homeschool laws, schedules, de-stressing and transitioning children from public school, and more.
The Chicago Homeschool Expo will be at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg, 60173 (847) 303-4100.
To learn more, visit ChicagoHomeschoolExpo.com or call (888) 553-8914.
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College of DuPage Continues Summer Registration
College of DuPage is the largest single-campus community college in the nation outside California. It is the second-largest institution of higher education in Illinois, serving more than 31,000 students each semester. COD provides more than certificate programs, occupational degrees and transfer pre-baccalaureate programs.
While others are taking the summer off, students can attend classes at College of DuPage to get ahead. The school offers a wide range of courses in general education, career and vocational programs, and personal enrichment. Both for-credit and non-credit courses are available at a fraction of what students would pay elsewhere.
To accommodate a wide range of students, COD offers six sessions throughout the summer. Registration is still available for many sessions and for the Adult Fast Track program. Non-COD college students home for the summer can pick up core classes and transfer the credit back to home institutions.
Summer and fall registration is going on now. Prospective students may call (630) 942-3000 or complete the application online at www.cod.edu.
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Learn to Ride–Summer Classes
Summer riding lessons at Fox Meadow Farm in Naperville provide instruction for teach horse lovers of all ages and abilities. Top-flight instructor Victoria Ellingson conducts lessons for students from 8 years to adult.
Riders will learn correct riding techniques, whether for recreation or competition in the Hunter/Jumper circuit. Two indoor riding arenas are available.
Fox Meadow Farm is in southeast Naperville at 19100 Royce Rd. For further information, call Victoria Ellingson at (630) 740-1847 or (630) 983-8631.
The front entryway to your home deserves some careful thought; it’s the first impression people have of your home.
