Glen Ellyn Park District offers family fun activities this summer
The Glen Ellyn Park District has a full lineup of activities this summer, including Family Fun in the Neighborhood, Unplug Illinois, and the 2K Kids Color Bash Run. Learn more at gepark.org/calendar.
On Tuesday, July 9, Family Fun in the Neighborhood is offering free entertainment, interactive games, face painting, arts and crafts, and more from 5 to 7 p.m. at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave. Families are invited to pack a picnic and hang out in the park. Admission is free, and no registration is required.
On Wednesday, July 10, join in an outdoor screening of “Wonka” at 7:30 p.m. at Babcock Grove Park, 324 Linden St. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for a comfortable viewing experience. Don’t forget bug spray and your favorite movie snacks and beverages. This event is open to all ages. No registration is required, and admission is free. Arrive at 7:30 p.m. for story time in the park with the Glen Ellyn Public Library. The movie begins at dusk.
On Saturday, July 13, plug into play and ditch the electronic devices at Unplug Illinois from 10 a.m. to noon at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road. Join this community event for a day packed with fitness, games, arts, sports, and nature activities — all without the buzz of technology. Plus, enjoy treats from food trucks (available for purchase) and face painting. Admission is free, and no registration is required.
On Saturday, July 14, gear up for the new season at the Glen Ellyn Park District’s Sportswap with Go Green Glen Ellyn. It will be 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road. Refresh your athletic gear by finding “new-to-you” equipment at this community swap event. They will be accepting gently used sports equipment the week prior. Admission is free, and no registration is required.
Spend a night under the stars with a Family Campout from 6:30 p.m. Friday, July 19, to 8 a.m. Saturday, July 20, at Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave. First, enjoy the splash park, mini golf course, and join a guided nature walk. Then, settle in for an exclusive movie in the park with hot dogs or pizza, soft drinks, and snacks before getting cozy in your tents and sleeping bags. In the morning, dig into a continental breakfast in the Maryknoll Clubhouse. Please note that camping gear is not provided. This event is open to all ages. The fee is per tent; $40 or $50 for nonresidents. Sign up via gepark.org/gepdevent/family-campout-summer/.
On Saturday, July 20, take a break from cheering on the cyclists at the Tour of Lake Ellyn and go for a spin on the closed course the pros use in the “Tour of Lake Ellyn Family Fun Ride.” It will be 2:20 to 2:50 p.m. at Lake Ellyn Park, 645 Lenox Road. Decorate your bike for the ride and grab a quick snack at the Sarah Coe Design tent. The ride will run for approximately 30 minutes. Participants must wear a helmet and are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food donation for Glen House Food Pantry. The event is free to attend but registration is required online or at the Volunteer Tent the day of the event. Sign up at gepark.org/gepdevent/family-fun-ride/.
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, come together for an evening filled with entertainment, activities, and more with the Glen Ellyn Police Department in support of the Special Olympics. The National Night Out with Glen Ellyn Police Department & Park District will be 5 to 7 p.m. at Newton Park, 707 Fairview Ave. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships. Grab your picnic and chairs, and enjoy evidence tech and drone demonstrations, Touch-a-Truck, arts and crafts, and entertainment. They also will have free frozen treats and food available for purchase. This event is open to all ages. No registration is required, and admission is free.
On Wednesday, Aug. 7, join an outdoor screening of “Kung Fu Panda 4" at 7:30 p.m. at Lake Foxcroft Park, 2S540 Lambert Road. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for a comfortable viewing experience. Don’t forget bug spray and your favorite movie snacks and beverages. This event is open to all ages. No registration is required, and admission is free. Arrive at 7:30 p.m. for story time in the park with the Glen Ellyn Public Library. The movie begins at dusk.
On Saturday, Aug. 10, kids, age 4 to 10, can join in 2K Kids Color Bash Run from 9 to 11 a.m. at Ackerman Park, 800 St. Charles Road. They will be doused from head to toe in an assortment of colors at four different locations throughout the 1.25-mile course. Prizes will be awarded to the top three runners in each age group. The registration fee includes a timing bib, T-shirt, and post-race colorful events. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required for children only. Sign up by July 31 to get the early bird price of $25 or $37 for nonresidents. Regular registration closes on Aug. 10. Sign up via gepark.org/gepdevent/2k-kids-color-bash-run/.
On Friday, Aug. 23, enjoy bingo, pizza, and prizes at Family Bingo Night from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center, 800 St. Charles Road. Several rounds will be played, and prizes like gift cards and candy will be awarded at the end of each round. No registration required; just drop in! Open to all ages, but children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Bingo cards are $1 each.