Park District News

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

Hickory Knolls Discovery Center in St. Charles Illinois

Free Admission! Grounds Open Daily Dawn to Dusk Weather & Conditions Permitting.
Building Hours: Monday-Saturday • 10am to 4pm

Featuring Fox Valley’s natural treasures! Nestled at the edge of 130 acres of oak woodlands, wetlands and prairies, the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center offers a unique blend of rustic nature and contemporary comforts. Learn about Ice Age land forms, Saving Snakes & more! Live animal displays, including [Read more…] about Hickory Knolls Discovery Center

River View Miniature Golf Course St Charles Illinois

River View Miniature Golf Course St. Charles Illinois

Open May 7th – September 25th 2022.
Fun ‘fore’ everyone at River View Mini Golf Course! The layout of this popular 18-hole miniature golf course will intrigue even the most elite golf connoisseurs. Enjoy the naturally-landscaped greens and scenic views along the Fox River while encountering a multitude of obstacles. This par 42 challenging course has an interactive babbling brook, waterfall, sand traps, windmill, [Read more…] about River View Miniature Golf Course St Charles Illinois

Experience Farm Life At Primrose Farm in St Charles IL

Experience Farm Life at Primrose Farm

Free Admission!
Explore restored farm buildings, visit with farm animals and agricultural interpreters, or enjoy a stroll through 100+ acres of historic and modern rural landscapes. Exciting and educational activities await you in the Primrose Farm Farmyard!

Grounds Open Daily Dawn to Dusk Weather & Conditions Permitting. Office Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am to 3pm. [Read more…] about Experience Farm Life At Primrose Farm in St Charles IL

Naperville Park District Centennial Beach

Jump into Summer at Naperville’s Centennial Beach! This historic former quarry-turned-swimming hole isn’t a pool or a lake, but a swimming experience like no other. Wade into the zero-depth entry and swim to depths of 15 feet. Enjoy the sand beach area, water play features, slide and diving complex.

It’s a great place to meet friends, gather with family, or simply relax and enjoy. Pack a picnic, or order a meal or treat from Centennial Grill. Play sand volleyball or bags or bring a book to read and enjoy the day.
[Read more…] about Naperville Park District Centennial Beach

St. Charles Park District Primrose Farm Autumn Hayrides

Hayride Fun For All! St. Charles Park District Primrose Farm Autumn Hayrides.

October calendars can quickly fill up with autumn festivals, costume parties and pumpkin carving, so why not slow down to enjoy the beauty of the season with an old-fashioned hayride and bonfire at Primrose Farm in St. Charles?

Moonlight hayrides are offered on Fridays at 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7:30pm or on Saturdays at 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:30pm, 6:30pm and 7:30pm beginning October 2 through October 24.

Register in advance at https://stcparks.ticketleap.com/hayrides2020/. Due to COVID-19, hayrides are sold per wagon this year. The fee is $120 per 8-12 people and $200 for 13-20 people Ages 1 and under are free. Primrose Farm is located at 5N726 Crane Road in St. Charles. For more information, call Alison Jones at 630-513-4374.

The 2-mile, 30-minute ride on Primrose property is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with family; or enjoy a night out with your church groups, Scouts and other organizations, as the modern John Deere tractors pull two wagons each.

Breathe in the crisp evening air, taking in the 100-plus acres of rural landscape. Gaze at the visible stars and the moon lighting the way as the hayride travels along the soybean field, into the hayfields, towards Ferson Creek and then follows the tree line back to the barn.

The ride is family friendly without haunted decorations and effects, which is what draws many people to this annual event.

“It’s hard to find Halloween activities for younger kids who don’t want to be scared or children with special needs who may have sensory sensitivities,” said Alison Jones, Manager of Farm Programs and Interpretive Services. “Our ride is not scary. It may be dark, but it’s not spooky.”

Once the ride is complete, head over to the bonfire and roast marshmallows and drink hot chocolate and hot cider provided by Primrose staff. Or add your own chocolate bars and graham crackers to make s’mores. Better yet, make a night of it by bringing dinner to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables. And don’t forget to say hello to the friendly farm animals including donkeys, sheep, goats and cows.

“Having a bonfire and being able to see the animals really sets us apart from other hayrides in the area,” Jones said. “The moonlight hayrides are one of our most popular programs, and it’s fun to see many repeat guests from the same groups each year.”

For more information, call 630-513-4370 or visit primrosefarmpark.com.

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St. Charles Park District Ice Skating Lesson Opportunities

Snow Plow Sam classes are filled with fun, games and ice-safe toys to help preschool-aged children learn basic skills of proper falling down and getting up techniques, marching, gliding and forward swizzles.

Youth and adult classes develop the basics of figure skating, both forward and back movements, and balance techniques. Participants will practice falling, getting up, marching, foot glides, forward swizzles, backward wiggles and beginning snowplow stops. At an individual’s pace, progress will be made toward one-foot glides, two-foot turns, forward slaloms and beginning two-foot spins.

There’s also ice hockey classes for those who wish to maneuver a little faster and enjoy some competition. Students will learn proper sports skating techniques and develop successful game situations. Required equipment: hockey skates, gloves and certified hockey helmet (ice approved). Pucks will not be used.

Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings or Saturday mornings. For specific program details, visit the St. Charles Park District’s website at stcparks.org.

Mittens or gloves and bike helmet are recommended. Skate rental is $2/class. You may bring your own skates. All classes include a free skate on day of lesson when available. Missed classes can be made up anytime within the session depending on class availability.

For all Skate School programs, you must register with both the St. Charles Park District and Fox Valley Ice Arena’s Skate School. First, register with payment to the Park District. Second, register with the Skate School via their website at www.fvia.us to set up an account, pay an $18 annual skills registration fee and sign the waiver prior to class.

For more information, contact Recreation Supervisor Rosie Fasching at 630-513-4334.