Cantigny offers online programs for kids and families
Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton, is offering some online programs for kids and families. For questions, call (630) 260-8162. or visit cantigny.org.
DaVinci Kids
This free online “Art & Science Fun” program is for age 7 to 13.
Zoom on over for 30 minutes of science and art fun for the DaVinci Kids program at 1:30 to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 30. Cantigny educators will bring science to you and ignite curiosity and creativity through science experiments that magically intersect with art. The free program will engage participants with investigations and creative masterpieces that participants can join in to conduct at home or observe and do later. Register to be given access to the program. An email will be sent to registrants each week with materials we will be using for the experiments.
Registration is required at cantigny.org.
Registered participants will be emailed link and information about program at 10 a.m., day of program.
Dessert With History:
"Dessert with History: Tanker Talk" will be offered from 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, July 31, via Zoom. It is a free event but registration is required. It is best for second to sixth grade, but all ages are welcome. In this kid-friendly lecture series, participants create themed treats and talk about military-related history. The series begins with Command Sergeant Major Mark Bowman and his experience in the U.S. Army. Enlisting in 1979 Bowman began as a tanker and made his way through the ranks to become the most senior enlisted leader of the Illinois Army National Guard, before retiring. Making “tanker treats” with at-home ingredients, young friends can join our virtual event and hear Bowman recount his experiences in a tank, on over-seas deployments, and as a leader in the Illinois National Guard.
For those who want to make the at-home treat please have available: Rice Krispie treats (homemade or store-bought), sandwich cookies, pretzel sticks, Gummy lifesavers, and toothpicks; or half an apple, a sliced banana, pretzel sticks, and toothpicks.
Second Saturday:
This popular family program isn't ready to have in-person programs yet, so they have created a kid-friendly packet of watercolor supplies — paint, paper and brushes — that you can take home to enjoy. The supplies will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Visitors Center Backyard. Free with parking. This month's theme is paper. Colonel Robert McCormick owned and operated the Chicago Tribune for over 40 years. Normally in August, attendees make paper and learn about McCormick's paper mills. This year, staff will provide some paper related crafts.
Sketches and the Service:
Join "Sketches and the Service: Connecting Comics and the U.S. Military" from 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Aug. 10, on Zoom. Cartoons, comic characters, and comic books have been enjoyed for generations. Enjoy a fun hour of comic book history and the U.S. military. A quick discussion of the history of comics, superheroes, and their relationship to the military; friends will also learn the story about a particular comic book displayed in the First Division Museum. Then, using your imagination, create your own comic strips with positive messages and your own superheroes. Please have paper, pencils, and a black pen for the activity. Registration is required. Registered participants will be emailed link.
Guidelines
Phase 4 of the state's Restore Illinois plan is in effect. Daily hours are 7 a.m. to sunset, with capacity limits. When capacity is reached, visitor outflow will be monitored before additional guests are admitted. Cantigny's regular weekday parking fee of $5 per car applies, including weekends.
The Visitors Center and Cantigny Shop are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Capacity limits apply.
Bertie's Bistro hours are 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Table service, on the patios and inside, is available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Seating capacity is restricted and tables are arranged for proper social distancing.
Besides the Visitors Center, only Cantigny's gardens, grounds and restrooms are accessible. The playground and tanks are currently open. McCormick House and the First Division Museum remain closed.
Park events in July and August with guest capacity above 50 are canceled, postponed or will take place online. Cantigny's websites and social media channels continue to offer digital experiences including special live events and museum tours. Please check the event calendar on this website.