Thu, Dec 5 @ 4pm: The Fitness Floor at the Recreation Center is reopening in a temporary new location while we continue repairs to the main fitness area.  Learn more.

May 6-11: Screen-Break Week

April 26, 2024

Turn off your screen and turn on LIFE! Screen Break 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.

Intro to Baseball Hitting

Monday, May 6 • 4-5pm

Swing into Spring: Intro to Baseball Hitting at West Ridge outside on the Athletic Field for ages 5+ (must be accompanied by an adult)

Location: West Ridge Center (636 Ridge Road)

Stories and Savasana in the Park

Tuesday, May 7 • 11:45am-12:30pm

Stories and Savasana in the Park at West Ridge’s playground for ages 3+ (must be accompanied by an adult): Join author Arianna Brooks for sweet stories, stretches, and savasana in our park! Don’t forget a towel!

Location: West Ridge Center (636 Ridge Road)

Stories in the Woods

Wednesday, May 8 • 10-11am

Stories in the woods at Heller Nature Center for ages 6mo- 6 years (must be accompanied by an adult): Enjoy an interactive story with a Naturalist at Heller Nature Center. Bring the story to life on a short hike within our spring forest and partake in nature activities.

Location: Heller Nature Center (2821 Ridge Road)

Cards for Kindness

Wednesday, May 8 • 4-4:45pm

Cards for Kindness at West Ridge Center for ages 5+: Join us for Cards for Kindness, where kids craft heartfelt cards for seniors at Arbor Terrace in Highland Park.

Location: West Ridge Center (636 Ridge Road)

Miniature Golf

Mini Golf

Thursday, May 9 • 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! Two different start times are being offered.

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

Open Swim

Thursday, May 9 • 4-6pm

Open Swim at the Recreation Center for all ages. Put on your swimsuits, and dive into some Aquatic fun!

Location: Recreation Center of Highland Park (1207 Park Avenue West)

Seed Collection

Natural Areas Volunteer Program

Friday, May 10 • 9am-noon

Natural Areas Program Volunteer Workdays are held every Friday morning from 9am-noon. Winter work activities currently include the eradication of woody invasive species by cutting and burning.

Interested volunteers, please contact Liz at [email protected].

Location: The Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave West)

Chalk-a-Palooza

Friday, May 10 • 10-11am

Chalk-a-Palooza at Sunset Woods for all ages. Unleash your colorful creativity on Sunset’s sidewalk canvas! (ages 2-8 must be accompanied by an adult).

Location: Sunset Woods Park (1801 Sunset Road)

Open Gym

Friday, May 10 • 3:15-7:45pm

Shoot some hoops at the Recreation Center of Highland Park! Ages 8+ with an adult.

Location: Recreation Center of Highland Park (1207 Park Avenue West)

Hike with a Naturalist

Friday, May 10 • 5-6pm

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)

Chicago River Day

Saturday, May 11 • 9am-noon

Join us for our annual Chicago River Day volunteer workday. Activities will include trash pick-up, planting and seeding. During the clean-up, we will have Park District of Highland Park kite tails to decorate. Bring your own kite for some soaring fun!

Location: The Preserve of Highland Park (1207 Park Ave West)