The Monday Parks PlayBook: The fun starts here, and here, and here!

Welcome to the second week of summer! This week, it's all about playtime in the parks: games, free concerts, and kids' night out. You won't want to miss a minute of it, so get out your pen and calendar. Here we go...

Our newest free summertime program is the Park It! Patrol, bringing fun and games to neighborhood parks across the district. On Wednesday, June 19, this energetic, fun-loving group will be in Bluett Park, 1408 East Thayer Street, from 6:30 to 8:00pm, with some amazing games for all ages. We have a giant Jenga. (How steady and patient are you?) Try the Tic Tac Toe Bags. (How's your arm?) Croquet anyone? (Watch those wicked wickets!) Get the family together for some beach ball volleyball. (Bump. Set. Score!) Plus, we're organizing relay races, hula hoop challenges, kids' crafts, and much more. If you live anywhere near Central and Wolf Roads, come out and play at Bluett Park for an evening of fresh air and fun that everyone will enjoy.

Our Park It! Patrol will be in: Des Plaines Manor Park, 198 E. Fremont on June 26; Eaton Field Park, 2795 Craig Drive on July 10; Cherokee Park, 1260 White Street on July 17; Menominee Park, 440 Laurel Avenue on July 24; and Mohawk Park, 515 Lyman Avenue on July 31. All free!

On Thursday, June 20, from 7:00–8:30pm, we kick off our popular Live at the Lake summer entertainment series with Mr. Meyers Caribbean Band at the Lake Park Memorial Pavilion. Mr. Myers blends the sounds of calypso and ska with the rhythms of reggae, and a touch of rock and roll, to create their own special style of music—Caribbean Rock—full of steel drums, wailing sax, searing rock guitar, percussion and vocals. Sing along with your favorite songs by Jimmy Buffet, Paul Simon, The Police, Harry Belafonte, and, of course, Bob Marley. It's beach music! Get up and dance! And, don't forget to bring your lawn chairs and pack a picnic supper so you can turn this hour and a half into a whole evening of great family entertainment. The Pavilion is located at 2200 Lee Street, between Touhy and Howard Avenues. Enjoy the beautiful sunset, cool breezes, and lots of wonderful music. All free!

Saturday, June 22, is kids' night out at Mountain View Adventure Center, 510 E. Algonquin Road. Tweens and teens in grades 5–10 are invited to Late Night in the Park from 7:00–11:00pm. For $10, kids can play unlimited rounds of mini-golf on the 18-hole course, take some swings in the batting cages, ride in the BMX bike and skate park, and hang with friends. The concession stand is always open, serving up ice cold drinks, pizza, snacks, and tasty ice cream treats. The event is supervised, and registration is not required.

Ready for fun? Find this and more all summer at www.DPParks.org.

See you around the parks!