Wheaton Park District Celebrates 2017 Week of the Young Child with Free Activities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2017

Wheaton, Ill.—The best childhood is a well-rounded one, incorporating athletics, arts, dance, nature, music, and more. Between April 21 and 28, the Wheaton Park District will provide activities focused on those themes and others during the Week of the Young Child.

Most opportunities are free, but require registration at wheatonparkdistrict.com/wotyc.

“The goal of [the] Week of the Young Child is to promote early learning and encourage children and families to try new activities, meet new friends from their community, and experience some of the great programs we offer, free-of-charge,” said Preschool & Camp Manager Jamie Martinson.

The week starts with Night at the Museum on April 21, 6:30-8:30P, where guests can explore the DuPage County Historical Museum (102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton, Ill.) after dark. Activities include a flashlight scavenger hunt, screening of Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, movie-related crafts, games, and the museum’s HO gauge model railroad.

The following day, April 22, 9A, everyone’s welcome at Fun Run in Color 2017, a family friendly 5K featuring four color stations and an after-party with post-race refreshments, vendors, DJ entertainment, and a final color throw. Register at wheatonparkdistrict.com/funrun.

During the week, learn the art of clay with Jr. Pottery on April 24, 11A-12P, bond with baby at Buddha Baby on April 25, 9:45-10:30A, sing along at Music Together Demo Class on April 26, 10:30-11:15A and 11:30A-12:15P, and discover the wonders of Lincoln Marsh’s wetlands with Wetlands Exploration on April 27, 1-2P. More programs are available each weekday.

On April 28, 10A-2P, take the day outside again at the Sensory Garden Playground (2751 Navistar Dr., Lisle, Ill.) for the Sensory Garden Park Party. Talk with Go West Young Mom founder Tara Burghart, explore the facility’s first phase, meet new friends, and check out the Musical Mare, a sensory-integrated sculpture. The first 50 families will receive a giveaway.

That evening, close out the Week of the Young Child with an Ice Cream Social at the Wheaton Park District Community Center (1777 S. Blanchard St.) on April 28, 6-7:30P. Enjoy a free cup of ice cream and activities in the gym, then learn more about the district’s programs for young children throughout the year.

All week, kids can play a free round of mini-golf alongside a paying adult at Clocktower Mini Golf & Skate Park (100 N. Naperville Rd.). Children 12 and under can also eat free with a dining adult on April 26 at Arrowhead Golf Club (26W151 Butterfield Rd.).

Every activity is a way to increase community engagement, according to Martinson.

“We celebrate [the] Week of the Young Child because we want to encourage the families in and around our community to keep their young children actively engaged in programs and activities to promote and foster early learning,” said Martinson.

To learn more and register for activities during the Week of the Young Child, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/wotyc. Contact Jamie Martinson, Preschool & Camp Manager, at 630.510.5138 or [email protected] with questions.

The Wheaton Park District will offer more than 30 early learning activities—from athletics, arts, and dance to nature-based classes, parent-tot sessions, wellness programs, and an ice cream social—during the Week of the Young Child, April 21-28. Most opportunities are free and require registration at wheatonparkdistrict.com/wotyc. Photo © Wheaton Park District 2016.