Celebrate new beginnings and fresh starts! We’ll reflect on our goals, celebrate our achievements, and enjoy festive games and activities—then get ready for a big countdown together at 12 PM!

The program time is 6:30a-6:00p. Children can be dropped off as early as 6:30a and picked up by 6:00p. Themed activities will take place between 9:00a-3:00pm. Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and dress for the weather (some activities may be held outside, weather permitting).

This is a non-school day for District 50 and 56 students. Minimum number of participants to run: 15

Wednesday, December 30th

Hunt Club Community Center

6:30a-6:00p

Save your spot!

Step into a time machine and travel through the decades! Explore different music, styles, and trends as we dance, dress up, and get creative. We’ll even make our own time capsule to capture memories from the day—get ready to groove through time!

The program time is 6:30a-6:00p. Children can be dropped off as early as 6:30a and picked up by 6:00p. Themed activities will take place between 9:00a-3:00pm. Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and dress for the weather (some activities may be held outside, weather permitting).

This is a non-school day for District 50 and 56 students. Minimum number of participants to run: 15

Tuesday, December 29th

Hunt Club Community Center

6:30a-6:00p

Save your spot!

Bring out your inner athlete and get ready to compete! We’ll take the fun outside for exciting Olympic-style games, friendly competitions, and teamwork challenges. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather as we move, play, and go for the gold!

The program time is 6:30a-6:00p. Children can be dropped off as early as 6:30a and picked up by 6:00p. Themed activities will take place between 9:00a-3:00pm. Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and dress for the weather (some activities may be held outside, weather permitting).

This is a non-school day for District 50 and 56 students. Minimum number of participants to run: 15

Monday, December 28th

Hunt Club Community Center

6:30a-6:00p

Save your spot!

Throw on your favorite pajamas and get ready for a cozy, relaxing day! We’ll slow things down with calm activities like reading, crafting, and building comfy spaces to unwind and enjoy together.

The program time is 6:30a-6:00p. Children can be dropped off as early as 6:30a and picked up by 6:00p. Themed activities will take place between 9:00a-3:00pm. Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and dress for the weather (some activities may be held outside, weather permitting).

This is a non-school day for District 50 and 56 students. Minimum number of participants to run: 15

Wednesday, December 23rd

Hunt Club Community Center

6:30a-6:00p

Save your spot!

Enjoy all the fun of winter without the cold! Dive into snowy science, hands-on sensory play, and creative winter activities as we build, explore, and play. We’ll also head outside for some fresh-air fun, so be ready for both indoor and outdoor adventures!

The program time is 6:30a-6:00p. Children can be dropped off as early as 6:30a and picked up by 6:00p. Themed activities will take place between 9:00a-3:00pm. Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and dress for the weather (some activities may be held outside, weather permitting).

This is a non-school day for District 50 and 56 students. Minimum number of participants to run: 15

Tuesday, December 22nd

Hunt Club Community Center

6:30a-6:00p

Save your spot!

Get into the holiday spirit with playful winter fun! We’ll be playing exciting holiday-themed games, testing our knowledge with a fun holiday trivia challenge, and working together in festive competitions full of laughter and teamwork. Get ready to celebrate the season together!

The program time is 6:30a-6:00p. Children can be dropped off as early as 6:30a and picked up by 6:00p. Themed activities will take place between 9:00a-3:00pm. Please bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and dress for the weather (some activities may be held outside, weather permitting).

This is a non-school day for District 50 and 56 students. Minimum number of participants to run: 15

Monday, December 21st

Hunt Club Community Center

6:30a-6:00p

Save your spot!

Winter – it is a special time of year. From the first snow to twinkling lights that brighten long, cold nights, the winter season can be truly magical. Despite the chill in the air, winter brings a warmth of togetherness, adventure, and beauty. Whether through visiting our outdoor parks and events or taking refuge in a new program or fitness journey, we offer plenty of ways to make this season comforting and inviting for all.

Here at Gurnee Park District, we take pride in our outdoor parks, with the winter season holding no exception. As the snow begins to fall, watch as our parks suddenly emerge into winter wonderlands, ready to be explored by all. This year, our Parks Team was excited to transform our Viking and Esper Petersen Park locations with the magic of holiday light displays, the perfect backdrop for family photo sessions, or even a quiet nighttime stroll. As the season continues, we look forward to snow days at Christine Thompson Park’s sled hill, or ice skating at the Betty Russell Park ice rink. With 28 park locations, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the beauty of winter.

Staying active during the winter can be difficult, but we have some ideas to make it easier. If you like to be outside, consider joining our GO Gurnee Walking Club. Each Saturday morning, this group of walking enthusiasts bundle up to meet at various parks and preserves in Gurnee and throughout Lake County. Each walk includes miles of warm conversation, beautiful scenery, and plenty of adventure. For those who would rather stay indoors, head over to FitNation. FitNation offers all of the tools to lead an active lifestyle year-round, including a wide range of options for all fitness levels. With adult, senior, student, and teen memberships, the whole family can make staying active a priority this winter.

Looking for more ways to get the entire family involved this winter? Visit one of our special events! After the holidays pass by, gear up for one of our favorite winter traditions – Frosty Fest on Saturday, January 4. From horse-drawn carriage rides to ice sculptures, games, and crafts, Frosty Fest promises to bring fun for the whole family to enjoy.

So, whether it be getting outside to one of our parks, staying active by trying something new, or visiting one of our winter events, make sure to embrace the beauty around you this winter season.
From all of us here at Gurnee Park District, thank you as always for your continued support. We wish you and yours a joyous holiday season and we look forward to providing more fun in the new year to come.

Susie Kuruvilla, CPA, CPRP
Executive Director

*This event is SOLD OUT*
Get ready for a wildly fun time this winter at FitNation’s jungle-themed splash-tastic pool party! Jump into an evening of exciting games, fantastic prizes, and delicious snacks and drinks. While animal print swimsuits are encouraged, they’re not required—just bring your enthusiasm! Don’t miss out on the fun—mark your calendars and join us for a roaring good time!
*All participants under 12 need to be with an adult (16+). Be sure to register everyone! Those under 3 years of age are free!

Friday, January 17
6:00-7:30pm
FitNation Indoor Pool | 1655 Nations Drive, Gurnee

Save your spot! 

Winter is here, which means it’s time to celebrate with our annual Frosty Fest event! Bundle up as we transform Viking Park into a winter wonderland, complete with outdoor sleigh rides, games, crafts, No ice “Ice Skating”, and more! Then, warm up with our hot cocoa bar in the Dance Hall followed by s’mores by the fire! This is a FREE event for all ages!

Saturday, January 4
10:30am-1:00pm
Viking Park | 4374 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee

FREE for the whole family!

Special thank you to our sponsor, Honey Orthodontics, for making this event possible!