It's no secret that childhood obesity is a major problem in the U.S. that is only getting worse. The bitter cold January we just had here in Chicago (the coldest since 1994!) hasn't helped those looking to get some exercise after the holiday gluttony.
Luckily the Chicago Park District is keeping kids active by taking Mayor Daley's Sportsfest program into the neighborhood parks with the launch of 16 Neighborhood Sportsfest events taking place between Feb. 7 and March 28. The program – designed for the entire family – is free and open to the public.
Each mini neighborhood fest includes day-long activities such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball and dodgeball tournaments, electronic game stations (wii and dance revolution, anyone?) and interactive kid zones with tots obstacle courses, tumbling, inflatables and more.
For more information, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312-742-PLAY.
Here's what you'll find on deck for the month of February:
Saturday, Feb. 7
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave., 312-746-5363
Inflatables, interactive fitness video games, Dance Dance Revolution, bike road races, arts and craft projects, free ice skating from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., sledding (bring your own sled), snowshoeing (weather permitting) and more.
Thursday, Feb. 12
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Eckhart Park, 1330 W. Chicago Ave., 312-746-5490
Obstacle course, two-ball competitions, free throw contest, open swim.
Thursday, Feb. 12
12 - 4 p.m.
Bessemer Park, 8930 S. Muskegon Ave., 312-747-6023
Inflatables, boxing, two-ball, kid fitness, dodgeball.
Saturday, Feb. 14
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave., 773-262-6314
Inflatables, indoor hockey shoot out, obstacle course, miniature golf, face painting, free ice skating from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and sledding (weather permitting and bring your own sled).
Monday, Feb. 16
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
LaFollette Park, 1333 N. Laramie Ave., 312-742-PLAY
Three-on-three basketball, inflatables, game room, dancing, fitness center, double dutch, open swim.
Thursday, Feb. 19
3:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Sherman Park, 1301 W. 52nd St., 312-747-6672
Inflatables, step aerobics, yoga, Pilates, relay races, obstacle course.
Saturday, Feb. 28
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway St., 312-742-7502
Inflatables, climbing wall, badminton, arts and crafts, carnival games, DJ, interactive fitness video games, Dance Dance Revolution and bike road races, plus lots more.
