Lombard, Wheaton hosting community 'play days' Sept. 12

Two DuPage communities are holding free "play days" for families on Saturday, Sept. 12.

After several years of hosting Worldwide Play Day, an event sponsored by Nickelodeon, the Wheaton Park District decided to break away and do an expanded family-friendly event that would showcase everything it has to offer.

Create Discover Play will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community Center, 1777 S. Blanchard Road. All ages are invited to attend.

"You get a little feel for everything," said Nicole Kapala, marketing manager and event coordinator. "It's going to be something different, something fun and hopefully everyone can enjoy it."

The event will feature a variety of activities that showcase both the park district's recreation and athletic programs, including early childhood activities like pottery, dancing and music, group fitness classes, unique sports like pickleball and art demonstrations.

Anyone who attends will have a chance to win a month of kickboxing or martial arts from Pro Martial Arts of Wheaton. The studio also will offer a 30-minute demonstration at the event.

The event coincides with the park district's Community Appreciation Days running from Sept. 10 through 14, during which all residents have free access to the Parks Plus Fitness Center and group fitness classes.

"We're hoping to make it bigger and have more people involved," Kapala said, adding that about 300 to 400 people are expected to attend. "It's a great opportunity to see what the Wheaton Park District has to offer."

The Lombard Park District, meanwhile, is hosting two days of family-friendly fun the same weekend, starting with a campout on Friday, Sept. 11.

Organizers expect about 60 to 70 people to come to the campout, which is being held in Four Seasons Park, near Finley Road and 16th Street. The price for participation is $7 for residents and $9 for others.

"It's basically for families that can't travel far to camp or can't do the full camping experience," said Program Manager Meri Niehaus. "They can enjoy being outside."

The campers are asked to bring their own tents, sleeping bags and other gear. Niehaus said organizers try to make the families "as cozy as possible," with access to bathrooms and grills that they can use to cook their own food. A breakfast will be provided by the park district in the morning.

Outdoor activities include a flashlight hunt for items scattered across the playground, a bonfire, late-night smores-making and yard games. Arts and crafts will take place in the park's log cabin, too.

As the campout is ending Saturday morning, the park district's third annual Community Play Day will begin at Lombard Common, 433 E. St. Charles Road. The event, which features free outdoor family activities, runs from 10 a.m. to noon.

"It's just a couple of hours of enjoying everything that the park has to offer," said Debbie Whitcher, the park district's aquatics and facilities manager.

In the first year, the event drew about 100 people. The second year brought in about 200 and Whitcher is hopeful about 300 will attend this year. Anyone who has a dog is encouraged to bring their pet along, too.

Demonstrations at the event will highlight some sports, like Frisbee golf, and fitness classes, such as yoga, tai chi and nordic walking. Whitcher said they will only last about 5 to 10 minutes, so people of any age can participate.

In addition, Jewel-Osco will offer flu shots, a couple of veterinarians will be on hand to answer questions and a photographer will snap pictures of guests and their dogs.