Editor’s Note: The following on the Week of the Young Child is a sponsored post brought to you by the Wheaton Park District.
Early years are learning years, and the Wheaton Park District is committed to helping every child succeed. During the Week of the Young Child (April 21-28, 2017), the park district is offering 39 special events, programs, and activities for kids 8 and under and their families—for free!
Take a look at some of their awesome opportunities below:
Night at the Museum Party
April 21 | 6:30 p.m.. to 8:30 p.m.
DuPage County Historical Museum
Your kids have seen the movie; now let them have their own night at the museum!
At the DuPage County Historical Museum’s Night at the Museum Party, take part in a flashlight scavenger hunt, games, crafts, and snack buffet, plus see the HO gauge model trains run on their tracks and watch “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.” It’s an exclusive after-hours event showing the Museum in a new light.
Admission is free for Explorers Club members and $10 per nonmember. Explorers Club memberships can be purchased for $20 per child at dupagemuseum.org/membership.htm and include benefits like early access to Santa Express tickets, one extra hour on Train Saturdays, one-hour early admission to the semiannual LEGO exhibit, and more.
To learn more and register, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/wotyc or call 630.510.4941.
Fun Run in Color
April 22 | 9 a.m.
The day after the Night at the Museum Children’s Party, come back for Wheaton’s signature color run: Fun Run in Color!
This family friendly 5K darts through the streets of downtown Wheaton and around Northside Park, passing through four color stations and finishing at Memorial Park for an after-party with post-race refreshments, vendors, DJ, sponsors, and a final color throw to paint the town yellow, orange, blue, and pink.
You don’t have to be a runner to participate, either; Fun Run in Color is untimed and open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities! Kids six and up will receive a short-sleeve race shirt to commemorate their colorful day, too. Children under five are free!
Registration is $35 per person through April 18, although you can save $5 by using the code GWYM. The fee increases to $40 per person on April 20 (packet pick-up) and 22 (race day). Team rates of $30 per person through April 18 are available. Must have at least four runners to qualify for team rate. To register, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/funrun.
Sensory Garden Park Party with Go West Young Mom!
April 28 | 10 a.m. to noon
Take the day outside again with a FREE Go West Park Party at the Sensory Garden Playground!
Stop by the Musical Mare, a sensory-integrated sculpture at the playground’s entrance, and tap its different pieces, from doorknobs and grill covers to bicycle parts and xylophones. Then explore the facility’s first phase, including a playground for two-to-five-year-olds, sound and fragrance gardens, central gathering area, and walking paths with your tot or toddler.
Meet new friends or make plans to gather your local group for this free, fun morning outdoors. The first 50 families will receive a Wheaton Park District giveaway!
The Sensory Garden Playground is accessibly designed to meet the needs of children of all abilities, particularly those on the Autism spectrum or living with other special needs. All ages are welcome. Register at wheatonparkdistrict.com/wotyc.
Ice Cream Social
April 28 | 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wheaton Park District Community Center
Close out the Week of the Young Child with an Ice Cream Social at the Wheaton Park District Community Center! Enjoy a free cup of ice cream and activities in the gym, plus learn more about their great programs for young children throughout the year.
All ages welcome. Register at wheatonparkdistrict.com/wotyc.
But wait, there’s more!
Don’t forget about the 35 other options during the Week of the Young Child, like Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays at Arrowhead Golf Club, Party for the Planet at Cosley Zoo, Draw DuPage at the DuPage County Historical Museum, free rounds of mini-golf at Clocktower Commons, Wetlands Exploration at Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, and much more!
You can see and register for everything at wheatonparkdistrict.com/wotyc.
Questions? Contact Jamie Martinson, Preschool and Camp Manager, at jmartinson@wheatonparks.org or 630.510.5138.
Jim Gill is going to be performing at the Wheaton Library on Saturday, April 22! Fantastic concert to attend!