Family-friendly runs and free throw contests get you moving before turkey day
The Chicago Park District is excited to offer free family fun runs, and a free throw contest to burn some calories ahead of Turkey Day! The combination of prizes, crisp fall air, and a chance to socialize with neighbors makes getting out a must this week! In addition, 13 park locations will offer Fall Break camps which include 3-day sports clinics crafts and fun. For a full list of events, visit this page.
“Everyone is invited to come on out to the parks this week and work up an appetite for Thanksgiving at our free and family friendly events,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareño.
Thanksgiving-Themed Events
Highlights include a Turkey Trot on November 18, 2023 at Horner Park, located at 2741 W. Montrose Ave., which is hosted alongside our partners, the Chicago Area Runners Association. The 5K/or 1-mile run starts at 9:00 a.m. Over 950 patrons have registered for this event, and slots are filling up fast. Families are welcome to bring strollers to run with as well! Register at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/go-run-chicago. This event will be the last of the Chicago Park District’s 2023 ‘Go Run series, which features weekly timed runs at Chicago parks between March and November.
If you loathe running, the Turkey Basketball Free Throw contest at West Lawn Park, located at 4233 W. 65th St., is a perfect opportunity for kids ages 9 to 12 to sharpen their skills at the charity stripe and exercise their competitive edge. Registration is free at this basketball bonanza event on November 18, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Fall Break Camps
Chicago p ark locations will host Fall Break Camps with the advent of Chicago Public Schools extended time off in observance of Thanksgiving. Chicago Park District camps give kids an opportunity to socialize with other neighbors, exercise their creativity, and compete in fun games! Most camps take place between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting Monday, November 20 and ending on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 or Friday, November 24, 2023. Ages vary by park, but programs cater to children ages 6 to 14. Registration fees vary as well, from free to as little as $10.00 for the three-day session. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/FallBreakCamps2023.
Online Holiday Tutorials
Children and families can get crafty this Thanksgiving week thanks to our free, on-demand workshops. With yoga, stories, and crafting tutorials, people of all ages can experience the fun in the comfort of home! Visit https://bit.ly/ChicagoParkHolidays for a catalogue of video presentations from Chicago Park District staff and partners.