Forest preserve offering free summer programs
Due to ongoing construction for improvements at St. James Farm in Warrenville, the May 26 Family Field Day will not take place this year.
Instead, families are invited to enjoy a variety of other nature-inspired programs and activities offered this summer by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
Work on the indoor riding arena improvements at St. James Farm will bring the building up to code so it can be used for public activities such as horse shows, exhibitions, riding clinics and classes, therapeutic riding programs, plant sales, indoor archery events and receptions.
Once the work is completed, the area around the arena will need to be graded and seeded, and then given time for the grass to grow back.
Trails, picnic areas, fishing and a variety of sculptures and artwork at the nearly 600-acre preserve are remaining open.
In the meantime, the district will offer a variety of other free programs and activities throughout the summer.
Here's a sampling:
• Just for Kids Fishing Derby 8 a.m. to noon June 10 at Blackwell Forest Preserve near Warrenville. Bring the family to this friendly fishing competition just for kids ages 15 and younger. Free. Register online, at the event, or at (630) 933-7248.
• Celebrate the Fourth from 1:30 to 8 p.m. June 30 at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago. Experience the excitement of one of the country's first holidays. In the afternoon, play baseball using rules from 1887, make crafts, and watch model hot-air balloon launches. Stay into the evening for a reading of the Declaration of Independence followed by a leisurely ice cream social. All ages. Free. No registration. Call (630) 876-5900.
• Discover Mayslake from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 21 at Mayslake in Oak Brook. Take a self-guided tour of the mansion, enjoy live music, dabble in art, try archery or take your camera on a photography walk. All ages; younger than 14 with an adult. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 206-9566.
• Archery Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 4 at Blackwell. Drop by this open house and try the basics with a certified instructor. Equipment provided. All ages; younger than 18 with an adult. Free. Call (630) 933-7248.