Kids can drop in for summer fun at Cantigny

While school is out, Cantigny Park offers free weekly afternoon programs for children that aim to be fun and educational.

The summer lineup includes two new offerings: Rockin' Science Thursdays and South Porch Programs. No registration is necessary for the programs, and adults pay only for parking, $5 per car.

The programs are offered on a "drop-in" basis, meaning participants may join in for any portion during the designated hours of 1 to 3 p.m.

The following programs are available:

• History Connections on Tuesdays through Aug. 28 at the First Division Museum.

Children ages 6 to 12 will explore a different theme each week and learn something new about the country's military history.

• Wild Wednesdays on Wednesdays through Aug. 8 in the Visitors Center backyard.

Kids ages 3 to 10 will enjoy hands-on nature exploration through games and crafts. Each week will have a different theme such as bugs, water or flowers. The outdoor program will not be offered during inclement weather.

• History Alive! on Thursdays through Aug. 27 at the First Division Museum.

Children ages 6 to 12 will learn about a different military topic each week. Dress in a soldier's uniform, interact with artifacts and participate in games and crafts from the day's designated era.

• Rockin' Science Thursdays on Thursdays, June 21 to Aug. 9, at the Cantigny Education Center.

In the new offering, kids ages 7 to 11 will engage in hands-on science activities, some indoors and some out, with a new theme of investigation and exploration each week.

• South Porch Program on Fridays through Aug. 31 at the McCormick House.

The new program invites children 6 and older to enjoy hands-on activities and crafts related to the life and interests of Cantigny benefactor Col. Robert R. McCormick and his family. The outdoor program will not be offered during inclement weather.

Cantigny also offers a wide range of summer programming for children including art classes, Lego camps, military science rockets, Camp Cantigny, family concerts and Movies in the Park. Many activities and events are free with paid parking. The complete schedule of summer events, classes and concerts is online at Cantigny.org.

Cantigny is open 7 a.m. to dusk daily in the summer at 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Parking fees are $5 per vehicle on weekdays, $10 on Saturdays and Sundays. Free parking Wednesdays are July 11 and Aug. 1.