Are your local parks average or Outstanding?

[KimRaye]

The Chicago Park District has a gazillion parks and, many programs at the larger ones. I'm trying to find something for 5yo DD to do this summer and, the choices for her age are not real impressive. She's a very...how can I say this....BUSY girl? She's good and attentive at PreK but, she likes to be DOING something most of the time. She calls watching Veggie Tales, or any video at school, boring time. She likes 'work time'.

I have 3 parks near me with programs but, it's really only a small part of any day and, maybe not for her. I'm looking at Arts & Crafts; Drawing (but it's not offered at her age); Fun & Games; Recreational Tumbling; and, Play Group. That's about it for a 5yo.

So, how are your local parks? (Not the playground equipment )Do you use their programs at all? Did you like them? What do they offer?

Thanks.

 

[mamajoan]

I live in a small town so the Park and Rec is growing. We have a new YMCA in town so the selection of programs is getting better.
We have all kinds of sports for all ages. A decent Senior program and a fair amount of activities for the under 12 set. We are sorely lacking in Teen activities and programs. We are a one high School town.. altho there is 2500 in the HS. The HS does offer A ton of stuff for the kids.

Do you think dd would be interested in a Science Day Camp? They are fabulous. Here in Ca they run half and full day programs for 3-4 week sessions. Science appropriate for the age group. My kids loved them as they were not boring. There was physical and mental activities the entire time. Sometimes regular daycamps do not have enough scheduled activities for some kids.
How about a Theather camp.? those are great for kids who like to play act. Gymnastics camps can be fun for the active kids too.
Check the Y, and church camps in your area.. I bet they will have something dd would just love.
Oh ya.. has she done the whole Red Cross swimming lesson thing yet?

 

[Nutsy]

Very average around here mate

There's a good one for littlies about 20 mins away, but around here, they are very very average & boring

 

[KimRaye]

Hi Joan & Ratbag ( )! Thanks!

We also have YMCA's and, I once used them for a summer day-care camp for DS. Not what I want or need for DD though. Not sure if they offer what yours do, Joan. Although, the swimming is always an idea which she hasn't done!

Science camp sounds interesting but, I'd have to find something like that around here.

And, I'm leaning towards even a small gymnastics class, just to wear her out now and then! LOL

Thanks!

 

[mamajoan]

Kim, Just thought of something.... usually the counselor's office at the kids school gets lots of information regarding programs aroung the city.. at least when we were in San Jose they did.

Sometimes the Junior Colleges or Universities will offer programs in Theather, dance and science for kids. Usually the the grade schools know about these programs. You are right in starting to do a search for the best available activity now. The good classes fill up fast. You may want to check with the Art Institute in C'go. They may offer satelite programs in your burb.

The only thing with swimming lessons is they usually only last for a half hour or so and offer little in socialization between the kids.

Cam was the same way your Kelly is.. they need some kind of structured activity or they get bored quickly. Having a summer plan is a REALLY GOOD IDEA!