Every year, on the second Saturday of July, Unplug Illinois Day encourages people to plug into all of the recreational opportunities their local park and recreation agencies offer. Unplug Illinois Day is part of an ongoing, state-wide initiative to get communities to plug into play, plug into creativity and plug into activity. It encourages people throughout Illinois to ditch their electronic devices and plug into fun and activities at local parks and recreation agencies.
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, local park and recreation agencies across the state will host a variety of events to celebrate Unplug Illinois Day.
Benefits of Unplugging |
For all ages, unplugging has been shown to help improve quality of life, help you feel more recharged every day, help you sleep better and improve your interpersonal communication skills.
Plug Into Activity
- Getting 30 minutes of physical activity can improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reduce stress and extend life
expectancy, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Plug Into Creativity
- Taking part in creative activities can improve physical and mental wellbeing including improving chronic pain, frailty and dementia.
Plug Into Nature
- Studies from the National Recreation and Park Association show that more time spent in parks and green spaces can help individuals fight against mental health issues like depression, anxiety and stress.
Plug Into Play
- Play can help relieve stress, improve brain function, stimulate the mind and boost creativity, improve relationships and your connections to others and keep you feeling young and energetic.
Local Participating Parks |
Plug into Nature at Lincoln Marsh
Wednesday July 10
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Free
Prairie Patch Play Area
1000 W. Lincoln Ave
Wheaton, IL 60187
Fountain View Fitness Center Free Admission
Saturday July 13
6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Free
Carol Stream Park District
910 N Gary Ave
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Popsicles in the Park
Saturday July 13
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Free
Circle Park
163 Fairfield Way
Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Unplug Illinois at Ackerman Park
Saturday July 13
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
Ackerman Park
800 St. Charles Rd
Glen Ellyn IL 60137
Nature Scavenger Hunt
Saturday July 13
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Free
Four Seasons Park
800 St. Charles Road
Lombard, IL 60148
Picnic in the Park
Saturday July 13
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Free
Lions Park
27W650 Parkview Avenue
Warrenville, IL 60555
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Can't make it out to one of the local parks or town celebrations of Unplug Illinois? That's okay! We've got some great ideas on how you can unplug at home every day of the year!
- Download the official Unplug Illinois Kids Activity Guide HERE
- Have family game night outside
- Go on a neighborhood scavenger hunt
- Hold a lemonade stand
- Have the kids draw a treasure map of your yard
- Make giant bubbles and build a DIY giant bubble wand
- Wash the car! Sounds weird, but my kids like to use old socks to wash the car and keeps them occupied for a loooong time, just don't expect a perfect streak-free shine
- Go on a hike! If you're new to hiking - try joining a local group, they have meetups, great tips, and non-overwhelming ways to get started; I like Hike it Baby and Kids Who Explore
- Find some easy toddler activities with stuff you already have lying around the house - get some great ideas from two of my favorites: LowLiftFun (Beth Ann is a local mom!) and BusyToddler
However you choose to participate in Unplug Illinois, we hope that you can remind yourself and your little ones the importance of stepping away from the screens and reconnecting with nature, your health, your creativity and your community.
Have fun!
