Free Family Fun
What could be better than a day of free family fun? Living just outside Chicago, we don't take advantage of all the phenomenal public parks nearly as often as we should. But we made a plan and spent a day playing in the famous Millennium Park.
Parks like these are great for the whole family. There is room to run around, all kinds of areas to explore, things to learn and expand your cultural and art awareness/appreciation. Best of all, it's free to roam as you please. Pack a picnic and make a day of it for priceless memories and endless photo-opps.
The kids and I have made a plan to spend a day at a park at least once a week for the rest of the summer. It is so easy to get stuck in the house. Between housework, blogging, cooking, cleaning, video games, TV and computers, getting outside is less and less common. We are trying to incorporate a much more active lifestyle everyday by spending more time outdoors.
We are definitely going to be checking back here often. They have free concerts all the time! That's free family fun at it's best!
Being outside is great for everyone. It keeps us moving and exposes us to so many new things and experiences. According to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), parks provide health and wellness benefits as well as economic perks.
- Children that have easy access to a playground are approximately five times more likely to have a healthy weight than children that do not have easy access to a playground.
- It is estimated that U.S. urban park trees alone remove 75,000 tons of air pollutants annually.
- In 2010, there were approximately 455,000 local and state employees in parks and recreation according to the U.S. Census Survey of Public Employment and Payroll.
- Parks also make the local community a safer place to raise a family.
The NRPA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 20,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy lifestyles, recreation initiatives, and conservation of natural and cultural resources.
Did you know that July is National Park and Recreation Month? This year the theme is “Get Wild” which encourages families to play outside and enjoy all the benefits that local parks have to offer. For a calendar of local events, visit the NRPA website, Take the Get Wild Pledge and get information on the Get Wild Geocaching Contest; where you can win one of 5 Magellan GC eXplorist GPS devices!
Make sure to check out their Facebook page too and share your free family fun in the park experiences!
Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of National Recreation and Park Association and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.
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Sarah @ East9thStreet says
Oh, you’re making me jealous! I’m deciding tomorrow whether or not to accept a position in Chicago. I love Millenium Park!
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
I haven’t been to Chicago in FOREVER! I think the last time I was actually there was at least a year or two ago o.O It really is nice to just hop on the train and make the trip in-It’s such an interesting city!
I applaud you and the kids for making that commitment to get outside at least once a week 🙂
Chrysa says
We were just in Chicago in June. The weather was nice so we got to spend time in the parks. I love your pictures!
Ronni Keller says
I grew up in Naperville and I MISS CHICAGO so much some days it hurts!
Well, until the freezing, slushy snowing starts!!
🙂
Janell Poulette says
That looks like so much fun!
Steven Epstein says
gorgeous pictures.
Julie Wood says
How lucky you are to have such a beautiful park to go to! I think it is such a pretty place to visit and take the kids. I would love to visit this park. The buildings look amazing, and I could get some good exercise while walking around and admiring the scenery!
polly says
chicago is a city i have always wanted to visit…i live about an hour from s.f. and there are so many wonderful places to visit in the city…so great for kids to see & learn!
Janet W. says
Those are great pictures! I’ve never been to Chicago but would love to visit!
Tara says
I love Millenium Park! It’s been forever since I visited, I think I was a kid, too. I bet your kids had a great time.
Naomi Osborn says
Getting the kids outside can be so hard! Thanks for the reminder!
Sharon Jackson says
I would really love to take my grandkids to Millenium park.
Micaela Petty says
I love the pictures! I’ve only recently been to Chicago, and I LOVED it! I didn’t get to see all of these things though, I’ll really have to go back!
Dena Sablotny says
There are a lot of playgrounds and parks in my town, but you rarely see any kids out playing. I am not sure why, I loved playing outside as a kid.
cathy henatyszen says
looks like some nice places to see… nice pictures too !!
Great to get outside as often as possible
Lynnette Watkins says
Great pictures! Your right I have lived in Chicago for a long time and I don’t explore the city like I should. My friends say I should be a tourist during the summer with the kids.
Rachael Henzman says
Sounds like a ton of fun! I wish we lived in a big city too 🙂