Come out and play! Chicago Park District

It's Earth Day in Chicago and one way to celebrate is with FREE Divvy Bike rides. Just go to any of the more than 400 Divvy bike stations around the city (their website has a map), swipe your credit or debit card at the kiosk for a FREE 24-hour pass. Then take unlimited 30-minute rides. Be sure to check your Divvy bike in at a station every 30 minutes to avoid charges.

Welcome to the 16th installment of ChicagoFreeForAll.com where I tell you about all the FREE activities in Chicago. This week I am showcasing the Chicago Park District whose slogan is “Come out and play!”
 
The Chicago Park District encompasses “8,000 + acres of open space, totaling more than 570 parks, 31 beaches, 50 nature areas, and 2 world-class conservatories and host thousands of special events, cultural, nature, sport and recreational programs…” You will definitely find something that interests you for FREE.
 
Start on the Chicago Park District website where you can search by Park and Facilities or click on Find a Facility. There you will select from 85 services and pursuits ranging from archery to the zoo including: nature centers and conservatories, fishing areas and boat rentals, playgrounds and beaches, skate parks and volleyball courts, art galleries and cultural centers, dog friendly areas and picnic grounds just to name a few. When you make your selection(s) you will find a description, the location, an internet link, phone number and any specifics for that activity / location.
 
Back at the homepage you can also search for Programs and Events . Today more than 10,000 activities are listed!
 
Remember many of the Chicago Parks are open not only during the day. Night Out in the Parks is an initiative offering more than 1,000 activities year round. You can watch movies, take dance lessons, attend festivals, listen to a concerts and much, much more for FREE.
 
Park Points  is a loyalty program offering you a chance to earn and accumulate Park Points and use them to bid on and (if you are the highest bidder) win special experiences. Earning Park Points is as easy as “checking-in at some of the most popular locations, 'liking' one of our new programs on Facebook, tweeting about your favorite Park activity, or sharing a photo from' one of our partners.” Anyone who resides in the City of Chicago or nearby areas is eligible as long as you are 18 years of age or older or 13 years old and have your parent’s permission.
 
If you don’t have access to a computer, you can find out about what’s happening in the parks using the FREE app called My Chi Parks. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices. You can also follow the Park District on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, Foursquare and Pinterest.


Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner. It's time to "Come out and play!" So join us at one of the thousands of activities and events offered by the Chicago Park District for FREE! Note: some programs require Chicago residency and a fee to participate.


All information was correct at the time of this post, but before you come, please check the website to get the most up-to-date information.
 
Thanks, again, to volunteer Chicago Greeter Bill Feldman for his feedback.
 
Want to receive announcements of new posts? Send your email address to chicagofreeforall@gmail.com  and I will notify you of new posts on ChicagoFreeForAll.com.
 
If you know of a free event in Chicago you’d like me to share, email me at chicagofreeforall@gmail.com
 
Don’t forget to sign up for a free Chicago Greeter visit (see 1/1/2016 post) at 
 
Next week I think we will head to the near West Side and see what's Free For All. Until then, I hope to see you in Chicago!