Monday Parks Playbook: First School Day Off of the Year

Much as it has been said that mothers have eyes in the back of their heads, you simply can’t go to work and watch your kids, too. So, when children have a day off from school for a teacher’s institute day or a national holiday, what are your options for day care that is within your budget and still fun for kids? Try one of the Des Plaines Park District School Day Off activities.

On Monday, October 14, Columbus Day, when children in District 62 do not have school, we are ready with two great options. Option 1: Drop your child off at the Leisure Center for our Leisure Lizards Program. Children in grades kindergarten through eighth grade can spend the day with their friends enjoying supervised gym sports and games such as gaga, basketball, dodgeball, kickball, and floor hockey. Or, they can play in the game room; we have a Makoto Arena 2, foosball, Xbox 360, electronic basketball, air hockey, and more. In our quiet room, children make crafts and play board games or watch movies and play Guitar Hero. Kids make all of their own decisions on how they want to spend they day. Have them bring a lunch, and a light jacket. If the weather permits, we play games outdoors and enjoy our playground. Preregistration is encouraged and the cost per day is far less that hiring a babysitter. 

Option 2: If your child is looking for a little more adventure, sign them up for our Kruisin’ Kids day trip. Children in grades two through eight meet at the Leisure Center, and, on October 14, travel to Action Territory on one of our Park District vehicles. At Action Territory, kids can have a ball in BallOcity, putt like a pro on the 18-hole mini golf course, practice their softball and baseball skills in the batting cages, and get their motor runnin’ on the Go Kart track. They can also pretend they are a demolition derby pro in the bumper cars, experience the extreme fun of Laser Tag, or try their skills at one of the many arcade games. Lunch is included on all of the Kruisin’ Kids trips.

Both events are staff supervised. The fun begins at 9:00am and lasts until 5:00pm, with the option of adding before and after care. A complete list of school day off activities is in the Fall Spectrum, online at www.DPParks.org or by calling 847-391-5700.  Don’t worry mom, we’ve got you covered!

See you around the parks.