Polar-Palooza brings nature-inspired games and winter fun to Creek Bend

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County invites residents to embrace winter fun at “Polar-Palooza,” a nature-inspired, arcade-style event, on Saturday, Jan. 17, from noon to 3 p.m. at Creek Bend Nature Center in St. Charles.

Designed for all ages, “Polar-Palooza” features a mix of hands-on games, interactive learning stations, and winter crafts, with activities located both indoors and outdoors. Guests can move at their own pace through themed stations, earning tickets along the way that can be redeemed for prizes.

Indoor activities focus on wildlife, habitats, and seasonal survival strategies. Families can test their knowledge by matching animals to their winter adaptations, identifying which birds build different types of nests, or tossing bean bags to place animals in the correct Kane County habitat — prairie, wetland, or woodland.

Another popular game challenges participants to “knock out” invasive species while learning how non-native plants and animals impact local ecosystems.

Outdoor stations add movement and adventure to the experience. Visitors can take part in “Animal Olympics,” comparing their speed, strength, and agility to wildlife experts of the natural world, or try “Migration Headache,” a life-size game that simulates the challenges birds face during seasonal migration.

Families can also explore the preserve through a winter scavenger hunt or follow clues on a letterboxing adventure to uncover hidden stamps along the trail.

Creative stations invite guests to slow down and make something to take home. Winter-themed crafts and a pinecone bird feeder activity encourage participants to support wildlife beyond the event, while warming up near outdoor fire features.

Hot chocolate and light refreshments will be available while supplies last. Activities are suitable for all ages, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Polar-Palooza will be held at Creek Bend Nature Center, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. Admission is free, and no registration is required.

For more information, contact Creek Bend Nature Center at (630) 444-3190, visit www.kaneforest.com or find the District on social media by searching @forestpreserve.