Outdoor fun in Schaumburg

The Schaumburg Park District is doing its part this weekend to recognize the recent designation of June as "Leave No Child Inside" month.

The Illinois legislature has made this designation to encourage parents and caregivers to provide their children the opportunity for outdoor play and exploration of nature.

The park district will host a tour of the Gray Farm Conservation Area from 7 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, June 19.

Gray Farm is a multiuse park containing a large natural wetland that has provided a habitat for unusual birds and plants including threatened and endangered species in past years.

The free program will begin near the playground behind Blackwell School at 345 N. Walnut Lane in Schaumburg. A park district naturalist will discuss the site's ecology and how the area can be used to spark children's interest in nature.

For those who preregister, the park district is also hosting two events Saturday, June 20, at Spring Valley Nature Center, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road.

The Spring Valley Amazing Race for ages 10 to 13 will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Preregistration costs $8 for park district residents and $12 for nonresidents.

A Summer Solstice Celebration for families will be held at the nature center from 7 to 9 p.m. Taking place at the end of the year's longest day, the event offers participants a chance to hear a solstice story, walk the nature trails, enjoy a sampling of natural treats and take a firefly-studded wagon ride at twilight. Preregistration costs $15 for each resident family and $22.50 for nonresident families.

For more information on the Spring Valley events, call (847) 985-2100 or visit parkfun.com.