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The Chicago Wilderness alliance is celebrating June "Leave No Child Inside Month" by promoting events which highlight the importance of outdoor play to the healthy development of children.
In 2009, the Illinois General Assembly passed a joint resolution supporting the Chicago Wilderness Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights and officially designating June as "Leave No Child Inside" month in the State of Illinois.
Chicago Wilderness members are collaborating on a series of free, family events featuring simple, fun, and guided activities -- like catching-and-releasing fish, playing with mud, and building a fort -- that promote wholesome, balanced development of cognitive, emotional, and physical aptitudes.
The events are also geared towards helping parents and caregivers feel more comfortable guiding outdoor play and recreation at home and during future trips to local parks, preserves, and nature areas.
June Month Kick-off: Family Adventure Day, Saturday, May 22, Northerly Island, Chicago
Get Outside Days
- June 5: James Pate Philip State Park, Bartlett
- June 19: William Powers Conservation Area, Chicago
- June 26: Illinois Beach State Park, Zion
- June 9-13: Family Fun Tent Festival at Millennium Park, Chicago
- June 12: National Get Outdoors Day at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago
- June 12: Family Fishing Day at McHenry Dam
- June 19: Father's Day at Kankakee River State Park
June and Beyond: Leave No Child Inside Explorer Days!
Chicago Wilderness members and partners are also collaborating on a series of "Explorer Days" events in June and continuing through August 21. These free events feature fun, hands-on outdoor activities inspired by the lives of insects and are designed to nurture a child's sense of wonder and appreciation for nature. Explorer Days are primarily targeted at families with children six and under.
- June 6: Greenbelt Cultural Center, North Chicago
- June 12: River Trail Nature Center, Northbrook
- June 19: Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake
- June 23: Greenbelt Forest Preserve, North Chicago
- July 8: Greenbelt Forest Preserve, North Chicago
- July 10-11: Morton Arboretum, Lisle
- July 14: Nippersink Forest Preserve, Round Lake
- August 1: North Park Village Nature Center, Chicago
- August 21: North Park Village Nature Center, Chicago
Complete details, including event descriptions, hours, and directions to the events, can be found on the Leave No Child Inside website, http://kidsoutside.info.
"Developing the next generation of conservation leaders starts with encouraging simple, fun experiences in nature. We hope these events will inspire a life-long connection to the natural world," said Melinda Pruett-Jones, Executive Director, Chicago Wilderness.
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