Community Corner

Buffalo Grove Park District Has Plans for You Once School Year Ends

Finding family-friendly actitvities over the summer is made easy with a wide range of free exhibits and events offered through the park district.

With the last day of school just a week away, many parents may be looking for ways to keep the kids busy this summer.

The Buffalo Grove Park District has a vast array of choices for kids of all ages--along with parents and caregivers--to be enjoyed once school lets out. 

Raupp Museum Exhibits

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Beginning June 4 through July 27, the Raupp Museum will have a Kites exhibit on display.

“The amazing history of the ultimate flying machines that are kites will be displayed-people will see they are much more than just toys,” said Kim Cashmore, Buffalo Grove Park District superintendent of recreation.

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If you’re looking for a night activity, you can drop by to enjoy Park in the Dark, where visitors can hear about local history, play games and learn about animals that come out only after
dark.  Park in the Dark events will be held from 7:00p.m. until 8:30p.m. June 27, July 11 and July 25. 

Try-It Tuesdays are scheduled each Tuesday through the summer on a walk-in basis, from 1:00p.m. to 3:30p.m. 

Activities include how to churn butter and make paper, pinwheels and indoor kites. Candle making, carving soap boats and weaving bookmarks are other fun learning opportunities available between June and August.  

If you’re looking for an outside activity, each Wednesday between June 13 and August 8, Wild Wednesdays provides a theme from nature, a related craft and a nature walk.

Locations vary throughout the summer, so call for exact locations and times to reserve your spot.

Community Events and Activities

A wide selection of contests and sports activities will be offered at Free Fun Tuesdays at .  On June 26, and July 10 and 24, activities wil include hula hoop contests, tug of war, disc golf, bocce ball, kickball and softball.

“Park district staff will be there to provide guidance and organized activities; there will be fun things for kids of all ages to come out and have a great time,” said Mike Terson, public relations and marketing manager for Buffalo Grove Park District.  

Tots in the Park at Alcott Center is held on three Fridays in July; the 13, 20 and 27.  Entertainment is open to all ages, and will include a ventriloquist, children’s musician and Mr. Steve-facilitator of fun. 

The big screen comes to Fridays at dusk with Movies Under the Stars, featuring The Smurfs July 6, Puss in Boots July 20 and The Muppets on August 3.

Eight Tuesday night concerts will make up the Lawn Chair Lyrics Concert Series at Willow Stream Park South, with music genres including the oldies, country, jazz and rock and roll.  

“There is a little something to satisfy everyone’s musical tastes,” said Terson.

National Night Out is scheduled August 7 also at Willow Stream Park South.  There will be free food, kids games, live entertainment and giveaways.  The fire and police department also have displays and interactives geared specifically toward the children.

“A lot of kids go to camp, but the concept is to provide fun, camp-type experiences for children in the community that don’t go to camp,” Terson said.

“I think we do a great job of bringing people throughout the community together in many different ways,” he said.

Visit the for more information about additional events and activities throughout the summer.


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