Wintertime Fun in Aurora - 2011

Check out these cold month possibilities for outdoor fun and more:

From Chicago Tribune: "When it comes to outdoor winter recreation in the Fox Valley Park District, spokesman Jeff Long says, children and teenagers do most of the sledding and skating, while adults focus on cross-country skiing.

Sledding in Aurora takes place at Lincoln Park, with gentle slopes suitable for children; McCullough Park, offering Fox River views; and Waubonsie Park, which has intermediate slopes. According to the district's Web site, the fastest and steepest slope in the area is a big hill on Fifth Avenue, just west of Kautz Road, in the Oakhurst Forest Preserve, managed by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County.

The Fox Valley Park District maintains two outdoor skating areas: Wheatlands Park pond on the east side of Aurora and Splash Country Water Park pond on the west.

The most popular cross-country trails are the Fox River Trail and the Gilman Trail, which have the fewest number of road crossings, Long said. The Gilman Trail goes through wooded areas and past a golf course; the Fox River Frail north of Aurora can be more challenging."

Check out New Haven Community Park near Highland Avenue in central Aurora for free ice skating. Phillips Park on the East Side is a great place for sledding. Visit Paddle and Trail in downtown Aurora (Spruce and River) for other outdoor adventures, like snowshoeing and more.

If indoor fun is more your style, then don't forget to take the kids to the Vaughn Center for indoor swimming and other recreational opportunities. A hot chocolate at River's Edge Cafe is also a nice wintertime treat. Or how about some soup at Tecalitlan Restaurant on the corner of Downer and Broadway?

There are a ton of fun ways to stay active, and enjoy the cold months. Happy Winter!

Aug 27: Bug Fest

NORTH AURORA – Insects and the fascinating world of bugs will take center stage from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, when the second annual Bug Fest is held at Lippold Park and Red Oak Nature Center.

The free, family-friendly event will feature fun and educational activities with a swarm of bug-related games, demonstrations and crafts. In addition to Lippold Park and Red Oak, the event will utilize the one-half mile stretch of the Fox River Trail that connects the two facilities.

Visitors can park and begin their exploration at either Lippold or Red Oak site. ark. Each site will have Bug Fest guide books available, live music and snacks. Overflow parking is available on Bond Drive – just north of Red Oak and Lippold on Route 25 across from Glenwood Park – with free shuttle service provided.

Children and adults alike will learn about the benefits of bugs and the important roles they play such as pollinating plants and flowers, aerating the soil and serving as a major source in the food chain.

“Bugs hold a bit of intrigue for everybody, and they’re often misunderstood,” said Red Oak facility supervisor Margaret Gazdacka. “They’re actually pretty amazing creatures that play a huge role in nature.”

Red Oak will feature hourly presentations by bug videographer Tony Gustin, creator of the DVD “Who Wants To Be An Entomologist?” Also at Red Oak, Cosley Zoo will be on hand with a collection of live animals from 10 a.m. to noon at the “Predator Pavilion.”

At Lippold, Anderson Pest Control will return with its ever-popular insect zoo, and the Morton Arboretum will have information on Emerald Ash Borer beetles and the destruction they have wreaked in so many parks and neighborhoods.

For more information on Bug Fest, visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org or call Red Oak at 630-897-1808.

Sept: Free park district 7-day pass for fitness

AURORA – The Fox Valley Park District is running a “Fall into Fitness” promotion throughout the month of September by offering a free seven-day pass to any of the District’s three fitness centers.

New visitors who take advantage of the free week-long trial will learn about the many health benefits that result from being a fitness club member. The offer is available to guests age 16 and older.

A free seven-day pass can be redeemed at the Eola Community Center (555 S. Eola Road), Prisco Community Center (150 W. Illinois Ave.) and the Vaughan Athletic Center (2121 W. Indian Trail).

For more information, call any fitness center or visit the Park District website atwww.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

June 18: Splash Bash *free w/ pass purchase

AURORA – The summer fun season will be running at full blast at Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center and Splash Country Water Park on Saturday, June 18, when celebrations are held simultaneously from noon to 3 p.m. at each water park.

Phillips Fest and Splash Bash will feature giant inflatables, interactive dancing, water games and a live DJ. All activities are included with the daily admission fee. It’s also the 20th birthday celebration for Phillips Park, which opened in 1991.

A special one-day sale on season passes also will be held at both water parks. Visitors who purchase a season pass between noon and 7 p.m. will have that day’s admission fee subtracted from the price of the season pass.

For more information, call Phillips Park at 630-851-8686, Splash Country at 630-906-7981 or visit the District’s website at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

May 13 & 14: Community-Wide Garage Sale!

Park District to host community-wide garage sale May 13-14

AURORA – Shoppers are invited to take advantage of great deals and savings at the Fox Valley Park District’s Community-wide Garage Sale that will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 13 and 14, at the Prisco Community Center parking lot in Aurora.

The event was expanded to two days in order to accommodate the growing number of buyers and sellers. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

As many as 40 sellers are expected, assuring a wide selection of sale items and even better deals. The sale also will provide support for a good cause, with all proceeds from rental space benefitting the Creative Play preschool program.

“We’re holding dozens of garage sales all in one central area, so it’s a great opportunity for bargain hunters,” said recreation supervisor Rose Gloor, who oversees Prisco’s Creative Play Preschool program. “Shoppers will find great deals on all types of items without having to drive all over town.”

In the event of inclement weather, the Community-wide Garage Sale will be moved inside the Prisco Community Center.

For more information, call (630) 859-8606.

April 27: Free Resident Day at Blackberry Farm

Residents of the Fox Valley Park District can enjoy free admission to Blackberry Farm from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, as the living history museum celebrates its 42nd anniversary.

The third annual Family Fun Day will include unlimited rides on the train, hay wagon, carousel and pedal tractor course.

“This is a way of saying thanks to all our residents who have shared in the enjoyment of this park over the years,” said facility supervisor Sandy Smith. “Our residents have helped make Blackberry Farm a truly unique and special place to visit.”

Residents of Aurora, North Aurora, Montgomery and Sugar Grove are eligible for free admission. Each person must provide a driver’s license to show proof of residency.

Blackberry Farm – set amid 54 scenic acres of lakes, ponds and forest – will feature demonstrations of pioneer life with interactive displays and historical interpreters relating tales of yesteryear. Guests can visit the Discovery Barn, Pioneer Cabin, Wagner House, Pottery Shop, Blacksmith Shop, Spinning and Weaving Cabin, One-Room School House, Victorian Huntoon House and the five museums. Park concessions will be available as well.

Regular admission fee applies to non-residents: $6 for children/seniors and $7 for adults. For more information, call Blackberry Farm at (630) 892-1550.

March 19: Free maple fest

NORTH AURORA – Red Oak Nature Center will be offering an early, sweet taste of spring on Saturday, March 19, when the annual MapleFest takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Programs begin on the hour (last one at 1 p.m.) and will treat visitors to free demonstrations of how maple sap is turned into delicious maple syrup. Groups will venture into the woods to tap a maple tree, then witness the process of how sap is boiled and converted into syrup. Group taste-testings will follow.

“Early spring is the perfect time to collect maple sap because the days are getting warmer but the nights are still cold,” said Margaret Gazdacka, facility supervisor at Red Oak. “Visitors will get to witness this age-old practice of taking sap from a tree and turning it into the syrup you use on your pancakes.”

Admission is free and registration is not required. Maple-themed treats and hot beverages will be available for a small fee. Red Oak Nature Center is located on Route 25 in North Aurora, one mile north of Route 56. For more information, contact Red Oak at 630-897-1808 or visit the District’s website at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

Feb. 19: Free Fitness Fun Fair for Kids

AURORA – Families and children are invited to enjoy the free fun at the Vaughan Athletic Center on Saturday, Feb. 19, when the Fox Valley Park District will stage its annual Fitness Fun Fair for Kids.

The educational and interactive event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is free to all families and children. Children will have opportunities to take part in fun and healthy activities that include an inflatable obstacle course, KitFit demos, ZumbAtomic sessions and other activities designed to get kids moving and exercising.

“We want to encourage kids to be active by introducing them to forms of exercise they find fun and invigorating,” said recreation supervisor Tammi Cosola. “By making exercise enjoyable to them, they’re much more likely to develop healthy habits they will carry into adulthood.”

Other highlights include live entertainment, active dancing and contests, with more than 20 vendors on hand to promote personal care and healthy lifestyles.

For more information, call the Vaughan Athletic Center at (630) 907-9600.

Sept.: Free fall! Fox Valley Park District and beyond...

Fall into fitness at the park district! Commit to get fit this season and beyond. FVPD makes it easy with a free, 7-day pass to any fitness center this month. You can test out the equipment and attend group exercises classes for free. Learn how beneficial it can be to have a first-class facility to call home for your workouts! But hurry - the promotion ends Sept. 30.

First-time visitors who take advantage of the free week-long trial will learn about the many health benefits that result from being a fitness club member. The offer is available to guests age 16 and over.

A free seven-day pass can be redeemed at the Eola Community Center (555 S. Eola Road), Prisco Community Center (150 W. Illinois Ave.) and the Vaughan Athletic Center (2121 W. Indian Trail).

For more information, call any fitness center or visit the Park District website at www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

It's always free to explore the park district trails by foot or bike! Take a trip to Red Oak Nature Center and collect leaves to identify or turn into craft projects with your children. Nature and imagination - always free! The Gilman trail is a great place to enjoy a fall bike ride. Or visit Phillips Park on Aurora's East Side. Free zoo, free fun!