Turn off your screen and turn on LIFE! Screen Free Week is celebrated every year in the first week of May. This week, celebrated all over the world, is an invitation for everyone — children, adults, and entire communities — to switch off completely from staring at screens and take a well-deserved break. We are offering a variety of events this week.

All events are free but registration is required.

The Empire Bikes Back

Sunday, May 3 • 9:30-11am

Kick off Screen Free Week with a Star Wars-themed family bike event! Bring and decorate your bikes, strollers, scooters, wheelchairs-some supplies will be provided, but participants are also encouraged to bring their own. After decorating, take part in a fun, family-friendly ride along our designated route.

Ages 3+ with an adult

Location: Wayne Thomas Elementary School (2939 Summit Drive)

Mini Golf

Monday. May 4 & Tuesday, May 5 • 4-5pm

Mini golf at Highland Park’s Rivers Edge for ages 5+ (must be accompanied by an adult): Bring your enthusiasm and join us for a memorable day of laughter, camaraderie, and a “hole” lot of fun!

Location: River’s Edge Mini Golf (2205 Skokie Valley Road)

Hike with a Naturalist

Wednesday, May 6 • 4-5pm

Hike with a Naturalist at Heller Nature Center for all ages. Find the beauty in spring with a guided hike from a Heller Naturalist. Discover spring ephemerals, bird calls, and more as the forest re-awakens during spring.

Location: Heller Nature Center (2821 Ridge Road)

Chalk-a-Palooza

Thursday, May 7 • 9:30-10:15am

Chalk-a-Palooza at West Ridge Park for all ages: Unleash your colorful creativity on a sidewalk canvas!

All Ages (ages 2-8 must be accompanied by an adult)

Location: West Ridge Center (636 Ridge Road)

Open Swim

Thursday, May 7 • 4-6pm

Open Swim at the Park Fitness for all ages: Put on your swimsuits, and dive into some Aquatic fun!

All Ages (ages 2-12 with an adult)

Location: Park Fitness (1207 Park Avenue West)

Natural Areas Volunteer Day

Friday, May 8 • 9-11am

Unplug and get outside during Screen-Free Week by lending a hand in Highland Park’s natural areas. Adult volunteers will take part in hands-on stewardship projects like planting native species and removing invasive plants while enjoying fresh air, movement, and connection to the land-no screens required.

Location: TBD