Fox Valley Park District will be offering a variety of camps for spring break, March 24-31, including special programs at its indoor aquatic park at Vaughn Athletic Center in Aurora.
With spring break just weeks away, local museums, park districts and forest preserves are gearing up for big crowds and big fun.
From underwater Easter Egg hunts, to egg drops, outdoor adventures, science, STEM and athletics, kids can choose from a variety of activities to make their week off worth it.
“People are always itching to get outside this time of year, so we expect to see a lot of people out on our trails,” said Jeff Long, Communication’s Manager for the Fox Valley Park District. With over 48 miles of trails to traverse, the pathways are perfect for bike riding, bird watching and casual strolls.
Expanded programing and hours at the park district’s Vaughan Athletic Center Aquatic Center, combined with additional offerings at the Red Oak Nature Center in Batavia also make for great ways to get out and about. There are programs offered every weekend for kids of all ages. The Fox Valley Park District is also offering several camps during the week of March 26-March 30. A chess camp, and engineering camp, a culture camp and athletic camp are each options on the table.
SciTech Museum in downtown Aurora has multiple special events planned for the week of March 24-31. (Photo courtesy of enjoyaurora.com)
At SciTech Museum in Aurora, formal camps aren’t being offered, but plenty of exploring is available to be had. The museum is hosting more than a half-dozen events over the next few weeks, all focused on science and learning.
On Good Friday, March 30, more than 100 people are expected to gather at the downtown Aurora museum for the annual Eggcellent Egg Drop. Participants purchase an engineering kit for $5 and create a protective capsule that will keep their eggs from splatting following a 40 foot drop.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to get concrete hands on an engineering project that’s good for all ages,” said Larissa Melton, SciTech Marketing Manager. “SciTech is one of the few places in the Chicagoland area where all ages are welcome to come explore hands-on activities that will fascinate everyone from infants to adults. You’ll always find something to discover.”
On March 24, the museum will participate in Earth Hour in conjunction with the Aurora Green Fest. Doors will open from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for a free family event featuring not only all the museum exhibits, but yoga, meditation, craft projects and a traveling coral reef exhibit.
Children can have fun with hands-on learning through many events being offered at the DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville over spring break, March 24-31. (Photo courtesy of DuPage Children’s Museum)
On March 31, explore STEM women during Super Scitech Saturday where up to four children’s admissions are free with an adult ticket.
More outdoor fun will be had at the Kendall County Forest Preserve properties where summer camp and daily adventures await.
Animal lovers will enjoy the Amazing Animals camp for ages 4-6, held from March 26-28 from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will get a closer look at the animals that call Illinois their home through games, hands-on activities, and crafts. Campers will get the opportunity to meet some of these native animals.
Those who enjoy science can participate in the preserve’s Full STEAM Ahead camp.
This camp will enhance the problem solving skills of your curious explorer using fun, hands-on, STEAM based activities. Each day will include different science, technology, engineering, art, math and team building activities.
“Of course, we always recommend getting out and enjoying the forest preserves,” said
Kendall County Forest Preserve District will give students on spring break the opportunity for outdoor exploration through special camps and daily adventures. (Photo courtesy of Kendall County Forest District)
Kendall County Forest Preserve District Director Dave Guritz. “At Ellis House and Equestrian Center, kids can try their hand at horsemanship lessons. We offer individual and semi-private lessons individually, and in 5-lesson packages that we prorate for each session if there are mid-session registrations.” A perfect solution for Spring Break.
Through different programing, participants can also learn about everything from skunks to syrup to worms.
All things creepy and crawly will make their way to the DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville where there are dozens of events taking place over Spring Break.
Enjoy the DCM Bug Bonanza on March 31 and enjoy a special appearance from creepy crawlies provided by Men in Black Pest Control Services.
Create your own bug accessories from wearable wings to awesome antennas and more at the museum’s bug-themed Mini Makers station. Additional programing includes music time, story time and block building.
Local libraries are also great places to scour for fun Spring Break offerings.
For more information visit:
—- Plenty of places, activities to keep kids busy on spring break —-
