Parents’ Night Out, a popular offering from the Northbrook Park District, is debuting a lineup of engaging themes that will make the experience even more entertaining and educational for children. The event offers childcare in a nurturing and safe environment, staffed by professionals, so parents and caregivers can relax on a Saturday evening.

The event series takes place, typically once a month, from 5 to 8:30pm at Techny Prairie Activity Center, 180 Anets Drive. The first themed Parents’ Night Out in September had a “Camp Out” theme, featuring camping-related activities and arts and crafts, said Taylor Nelson, coordinator of the Northbrook Park District’s Kids’ Corner Childcare program.

The evening’s activities included charades, flashlight hide-and-seek, an obstacle course, glow stick ring tossing and campfire stories (not scary, of course), as well as friendship bracelets, DIY binoculars, crafts related to bears and camping, and an outdoor scavenger hunt.

“It was a nice way to include the summer camp experience at the end of summer, and a nice little introduction to that for the kids who’ve never been to camp,” Nelson said.

Each monthly event typically starts with an “I spy” activity so children can look for different objects in the room, Nelson said. “This helps get new participants acquainted with the room and welcomes them in. It also is great for initially forming friendships because they love to work together to find what they need.”

Dinner will be vegetarian pizza — always vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options upon request – followed activities with prizes for everyone.

“The kids all love it,” Nelson. “We do have a wide range of ages, so we are always trying to make sure the activities are fun and engaging for all the different age groups.” The cost of each Parents’ Night Out session is $35 for residents and $45 for non-residents. Parents can pick up their children at any point during the evening.

 

Upcoming Themes for Parents’ Night Out