Northbrook's Parents’ Night Out Returns Monthly Starting In September

NORTHBROOK, IL — For residents with children looking for childcare once a month this fall, the Northbrook Park District's Parents' Night Out returns Saturday, Sept. 9 at Techny Prairie Activity Center, 180 Anets Drive. The fun runs from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The monthly activity includes a different theme, providing a fun and engaging opportunity for local kids, according to the park district. The event offers childcare in a nurturing and safe environment, staffed by professionals, so parents and caregivers can relax on a Saturday evening.

First up on Sept. 9, the theme is "Camp Out," featuring camping-related activities. Activities may include 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 and crafts related to bears and camping. There will also be an outdoor scavenger hunt depending on weather.

"It's 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," Taylor Nelson, coordinator of the Kids' Corner childcare program, said.

Dinner will be vegetarian pizza — always vegetarian, with vegan and gluten-free options upon request — and s’mores assembled by the children and cooked by staff. That will be followed by bingo with prizes for everyone.

• Oct. 21: Halloween Trick-or-Treat Candy
• Nov. 18: Around the World
• Nov. 25: Extra Special Holiday with movie, popcorn and pajamas
• Dec. 16: Outer Space
• Dec. 30: Extra Special Holiday with a movie and spa
• Jan. 13: Trains and Trucks
• Feb. 10: Carnival
• March 16: St. Patrick’s Day
• April 13: Enchanted Forest
• May 18: Beach
• June 15: Olympics

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. To register, visit nbparks.org.