Sign up now for MCCD's 'Holiday Break Adventures'
The McHenry County Conservation District offers "Holiday Break Adventures." There is no need to be cooped up or bored during holiday break. They offer a few natural distractions for your kids or family to have some fun and even start a plan for the year ahead.
Visit the district's website at www.MCCDistrict.org to view all program and event offerings or sign up to receive the seasonal magazine Landscapes. Register online, by phone for free programs only at (815) 479-5779, by mail-in and drop-off at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, or drop-off only at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road in Ringwood.
Winter Break Day Camp:
Explore Glacial Park over the course of two days over winter break from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Jan. 4 and 5, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. If there is snow, participants will sled, snowshoe, and/or ski. If no snow, they will hike, play camp games, and explore. If you are a fan of the Conservation District's spring break and summer camps, join them for our new winter camp. This Just for Kids program for ages 8 to 11 is $40 for county residents and $50 for nonresidents. Registration is required by Thursday, Dec. 21.
Nature's Puppet Shows & Tea Party:
Bring your favorite puppet or stuffed animal to join you for tea and snacks while watching various puppet shows about the wildlife of McHenry County conservation areas from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. Afterward, participants can use the puppet stage to make their own show with the stuffed animal they brought or make a sock puppet with materials provided. This Just for Kids program, ages infant through age 8 with chaperon, is $3 for county residents and $5 for nonresidents. Registration is required by Saturday, Dec. 23.
Arctic Adventures:
Ready for a day full of fun over winter break? Spend time both indoors and outdoors participating in nature-based activities, making crafts, and exploring the woods and prairie from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake. If weather permits, attendees will play in the snow, Bring a lunch and dress for the weather. This Just for Kids program for ages 8 to 11 is $10 for county residents and $13 for nonresidents. Registration is required by Tuesday, Dec. 26.
Trail Tales:
Become a nature detective while learning how animals survive the winter from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3, at Brookdale Conservation Area, Paulson Road Shelter, 2105 Paulson Road, Woodstock. Explore the trails for the tales that winter has to tell. Look for animal tracks and scat, and identify who left them behind. Search for animal homes and learn more about who lives in them. Staff will help you use exploration equipment and field guides to become more familiar with the habits of local wildlife. This Just for Kids program for ages 5 to 13 with chaperon, is free for county residents and $2 for nonresidents. Registration is required by Saturday, Dec. 30.