Events in December 2024–February 2025
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Zoom Spanish for Middle Schoolers
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Zoom Spanish for Middle Schoolers
Join us right from your living room as we explore new cultures and learn Spanish, French, Italian, or Japanese via Zoom! Younger children will learn through fun and interactive activities and music, while older children will learn phonetics to begin reading and writing in that language. Middle school, high school, and adult students will learn grammar, vocabulary, and practice conversational skills. Classes are taught live by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be e-mailed to participants before the first class.
Program will be held Mondays, 12/2-1/6 from 5:00-5:45 pm.
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Armchair Traveler
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Armchair Traveler
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Spend a few hours on an epic adventure. Experience all the sights, sounds, and culture without leaving your seat. You and your friends will enjoy a presentation on various destinations.
Theme: Holiday Food Around the World
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Visit with Santa
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Visit with Santa
Foxford Hills Golf Club6800 S. Rawson Bridge RoadCary, IL 60013Santa will be visiting the Cary Park District to hear your child’s wish list! Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the memory of your child with Santa. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
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Holiday Party with Co-Op Friends
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Holiday Party with Co-Op Friends
Join us for a lively brunch with holiday entertainment featuring Dueling Pianos of Peter and Tom while overlooking the beautiful views of Crystal Lake from Main Beach Pavilion. We will gather with friends from Crystal Lake and Barrington Park Districts, McHenry Parks and Recreation, and the Village of Lake in the Hills to ring in the holiday season. A catered brunch of sweet and savory dishes from local restaurants with coffee and lemonade, plus a cash bar will be available for soda, mixed drinks, beer and wine. Bring your dollar bills for a chance to win the Pot of Gold for the event. $1 tickets will be available for purchase the day of the event and you may purchase up to 5 tickets. You must be present to win. Do not miss out on this annual holiday event full of food, games, raffles and entertainment. Doors will not open until 10:30 am. Registration deadline is November 13 and refunds will not be issued after the deadline.
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Jaycee Holiday Tree Walk
Ongoing
Jaycee Holiday Tree Walk
Jaycee ParkKick off the holiday season and enjoy holiday trees decorated by friends, neighbors, and groups from all over the community!
Zoom Spanish for Kids–
Zoom Spanish for Kids
Join us right from your living room as we explore new cultures and learn Spanish, French, Italian, or Japanese via Zoom! Younger children will learn through fun and interactive activities and music, while older children will learn phonetics to begin reading and writing in that language. Middle school, high school, and adult students will learn grammar, vocabulary, and practice conversational skills. Classes are taught live by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be e-mailed to participants before the first class.
Program will be held Saturdays, 12/7-1/11 from 8:30-9:15 am.
Zoom Spanish for Youth–
Zoom Spanish for Youth
Join us right from your living room as we explore new cultures and learn Spanish, French, Italian, or Japanese via Zoom! Younger children will learn through fun and interactive activities and music, while older children will learn phonetics to begin reading and writing in that language. Middle school, high school, and adult students will learn grammar, vocabulary, and practice conversational skills. Classes are taught live by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be e-mailed to participants before the first class.
Program will be held Saturdays, 12/7-1/11 from 9:30-10:15 am.
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VIP & Me Paint Party - Christmas Gnome
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VIP & Me Paint Party - Christmas Gnome
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013This painting class promotes healthy bonding between a very important person (VIP) in a child’s life and that child through creative art! Join us for a special day that will leave a lifetime of memories. VIP and child each make one painting and when hung next to each other they create one masterpiece! Includes two canvases, paint, and all materials. One registration is good for VIP and child. Register to bring an additional child for only $10 more!
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Zoom Spanish for Kids
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Zoom Spanish for Kids
Join us right from your living room as we explore new cultures and learn Spanish, French, Italian, or Japanese via Zoom! Younger children will learn through fun and interactive activities and music, while older children will learn phonetics to begin reading and writing in that language. Middle school, high school, and adult students will learn grammar, vocabulary, and practice conversational skills. Classes are taught live by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be e-mailed to participants before the first class.
Program will be held Mondays, 12/9-1/13 from 5:00-5:45 pm.
Zoom Spanish for Youth–
Zoom Spanish for Youth
Join us right from your living room as we explore new cultures and learn Spanish, French, Italian, or Japanese via Zoom! Younger children will learn through fun and interactive activities and music, while older children will learn phonetics to begin reading and writing in that language. Middle school, high school, and adult students will learn grammar, vocabulary, and practice conversational skills. Classes are taught live by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor. Zoom login information will be e-mailed to participants before the first class.
Program will be held Mondays, 12/9-1/13 from 5:30-6:15 pm.
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Lunch-Out Group
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Lunch-Out Group
Join us for good food and great socialization at area restaurants. Participants will order off the menu and self-pay. Reservations are for 11:45 am. Transportation by Park District bus is available for $5 (n/r $6), and leaves the Community Center at 11:15 am. Return time is approximate. Advanced registration is required for all participants whether riding the bus or driving yourself. The registration deadline is one week prior to the event date and refunds will not be issued after the deadline.
Restaurant: Wild Onion in Barrington
Magic Class–
Magic Class
Amaze family and friends with tricks that involve cards, ropes, coins, mind-reading, and more. All materials are provided and each child receives a magic kit to take home. Children are grouped by age and always learn tricks that are age-appropriate. Additionally, you can sign up for this class again and again since brand new tricks are taught each session. Class will be held at the Rotary Building, 431 Walkup, Crystal Lake.
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Holiday Lunch, Shopping & Tea in Antioch (Co-Op)
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Holiday Lunch, Shopping & Tea in Antioch (Co-Op)
Be part of our holiday journey to Antioch! We will start our day at Lovin’ Oven Cakery for a glimpse of the bakery. Then we will proceed to the Dickens & Kringle Showroom for a guided tour or explore on your own. For lunch, indulge in a delicious meal at Rivalry Alehouse. Choose from meatloaf with mashed potatoes, Swedish meatballs with egg noodles, or chicken parmesan with pasta. All meals come with seasonal vegetables, rolls, and a choice of coffee, tea, or soda. During lunch, guests will enjoy a brief “behind the scenes” talk of Dickens, Kringle, and holiday music. After lunch, browse the local boutiques and stores downtown. Round out the day with a cup of coffee or tea at Lovin’ Oven Cakery before heading to the Shiloh House for a docent led tour of the estate. Transportation is by Park District bus. Moderate to extensive walking involved with this trip. Registration deadline is November 22 and refunds will not be issued after the deadline.
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Ornament Painting Create & Play
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Ornament Painting Create & Play
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Learn various techniques to paint ball ornaments. Techniques include painting on the ornaments with acrylic paint and paint pens, to pouring paint in the ornaments and swirling them. Each painter will receive two ornaments, additional ornaments will be available for purchase.
Park Board Committee MeetingPark Board Committee Meeting
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013All regularly-scheduled Board Committee Meetings are held at the Cary Park District Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary, Illinois beginning at 7:00 pm unless otherwise posted. The agenda can be found in the Park Board Meeting section or posted outside of the Community Center.
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Senior Blood Pressure Checks
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Senior Blood Pressure Checks
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Nurse Carol will be available for consultations between 8:30-9:30 am and blood pressure checks between 9:30 - 10:30 am.
All Aboard the Holiday Express–
All Aboard the Holiday Express
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Sing, create, and play with Miss Carol. We’ll start with professional storyteller, Thom Lange, telling the story of a magical train ride to the North Pole. Next we will make holiday crafts and finish with hot cocoa and cookies. Please wear your PJs and bring your favorite stuffy.
Holiday Souper Duper, Money Grab Bag & Birthday Bingo–
Holiday Souper Duper, Money Grab Bag & Birthday Bingo
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013It’s the most wonderful time of the year and our favorite Souper Duper Friday! The Money Grab Bag and Bingo starts at 10:00 am. At the break lasagna soup and ricotta dumplings will be served with bread and green salad with dressing. Thank you to the Souper Duper sponsor, The Pointe at Eastgate in Algonquin. Registration deadline is December 6 and refunds will not be issued after the deadline.
Souper Duper Fridays w/ Birthday Bingo–
Souper Duper Fridays w/ Birthday Bingo
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Enjoy soup and celebrate monthly birthdays with free bingo at the Community Center. Bingo begins at 10:00 am; soup served at break. Registration required. Registration deadline is one week prior to event. Sponsored by The Pointe at Eastgate.
Santa's Workshop - Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen–
Santa's Workshop - Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen
“All Aboard!” Take a train to Santa’s Workshop where Santa will be waiting to hear your wish lists. A lunch buffet is served at Santa’s request. After the meal, enjoy a visit with Santa. Then board the train back to Cary. Fee includes activities, meal, and train tickets. Registration deadline is November 1.
Meet at the Cary Train Station at 11:25 am. The train leaves the station at 11:43 am. We will travel to Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen in Crystal Lake and return to the Cary Train Station at 2:08 pm.
R/NR Fee: $26/$39 per person. 1 year and under is free.
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Santa's Workshop - Durty Nellie's
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Santa's Workshop - Durty Nellie's
“All Aboard!” Take a train to Santa’s Workshop where Santa will be waiting to hear your wish lists. A lunch buffet is served at Santa’s request. After the meal, enjoy a visit with Santa. Then board the train back to Cary. Fee includes activities, meal, and train tickets. Registration deadline is November 1.
Meet at the Cary Train Station at 10:50 am. The train leaves the station at 11:08 am. We will travel to Durty Nellies in Palatine and return to the Cary Train Station at 1:43 pm.
R/NR Fee: $26/$39 per person. 1 year and under
Santa’s Snowstorm Lab Life Coaching for Kids–
Santa’s Snowstorm Lab Life Coaching for Kids
Let’s play with winter and socialize with new friends! No snow on the ground? No problem! We will make our own fluffy, faux, scented science snow in Santa’s Snow Lab. Color it, scent it, add in snowballs, and make a bubbling SNOWCANO! Winter truly is an avalanche of wild and wacky fun! Class will culminate with making an edible snowman with marshmallows. Kids keep the faux snow they make and will learn 15 creative STEM projects they can do at home with their fluffy pile. This is a co-op program with Crystal Lake Park District and Lake in the Hills Park & Recreation Department. This program is located at Spoerl Park Program Building 7610 Pingree Road, Crystal Lake.
Grinch Goo-tastic Holiday Slime Lab Life Coaching for Kids–
Grinch Goo-tastic Holiday Slime Lab Life Coaching for Kids
Kids will have the slime of their life creating seasonal Grinch inspired slime. We will develop the soft skill of perseverance as we take the steps and patience needed to form stretchy slime. Our concoction lab will include all the colors of Christmas, Grinch hearts and “ornaments” as mix ins, along with winter scents that will make you feel like you are in the Grinch story! Imagine your slime smelling like a crackling fire, fragrant pine trees, candy canes, cranberry cheesecake, or a box of holiday chocolates. We will also play a slimy game to catch the Grinch before he steals our Christmas. This is crazy FUN to blow off some steam as kids get excited for winter break to arrive. Every participant will go home with the slime they made. Kids must be able to follow directions independently. This is a coop program with Crystal Lake Park District and Lake in the Hills Park & Recreation Department. This program is located at Spoerl Park Program Building 7610 Pingree Road, Crystal Lake.
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Ho-Ho Bingo with Lake in the Hills (Co-Op)
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Ho-Ho Bingo with Lake in the Hills (Co-Op)
Santa and his friends are popping in to play fun holiday themed games with us! Come dressed in your holiday attire for a “most festive” contest! Light refreshments, snacks, games, prizes and merriment will make this a perfect way to spend a December morning! Transportation is by Park District bus. Minimal walking involved with this trip. Registration deadline is December 10 and refunds will not be issued after the deadline.
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Park Board Meeting
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Park Board Meeting
All regularly-scheduled Board Meetings are held at the Cary Park District Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary, Illinois beginning at 7:00 pm unless otherwise posted. The agenda can be found in the Park Board Meeting section or posted outside of the Community Center.
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Holiday Potluck Brunch, Cary Canaries Concert & Bingo
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Holiday Potluck Brunch, Cary Canaries Concert & Bingo
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Eat, drink, and be Merry at the Holiday Potluck Brunch. Bring your favorite dish to share and be ready to Fa La La La with the Cary Canaries to your favorite holiday music. After enjoying a smorgasbord of holiday brunch favorites we will finish with 8-game Bingo. Registration deadline is December 13.
You've been Elfed!–
You've been Elfed!
Elf your family, friends, and neighbors with a surprise at home candy cane hunt! Santa’s elves will hide two dozen candy canes and a few extra mini candy canes in the front yard and leave a “You’ve Been Elfed” sign on the front door.
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Day-Off School programs will be offered on select days when school is not in session. The Day-Off School programs are held at the Cary Park District Community Center from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm and are a mix of scheduled field trips and/ or on-site activities. These programs have a separate registration and payment and will be advertised through the Park District website, social media, and through e-mail.
Due to program minimum/maximums, field trip deposits/ attendance confirmations, and staffing, please be aware of withdrawal guidelines for these programs:
- Refunds will only be issued if the program is canceled by the Park District for low enrollment or weather related issues.
- Refunds will not be issued for a withdrawal from a Day-Off School program.
- In the event of a withdrawal, a credit to your Park District account will only be issued in accordance to the specific Withdrawal By dates listed in the grid below. Credits will not be issued after the Withdraw By date.
5th Annual Holiday Party in a Bag–
5th Annual Holiday Party in a Bag
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013A special grab-n-go option that includes a catered meal and additional festive items. Must pick up meal from Community Center outside main entrance on Monday, December 23 between 11:30 am-12:30 pm. Registration deadline is December 13 and refunds will not be issued after the deadline. As in previous years we would like to offer our community, both individuals and businesses the opportunity to sponsor this event. The sponsorship fee is $20. Deadline for sponsorship is December 20.
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Community Center Hours
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Community Center Hours
The Community Center will be open between 7 am-12 pm.
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Community Center Hours
CLOSED
Community Center Hours
The Community Center will be CLOSED on Christmas Day.
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Day-Off School programs will be offered on select days when school is not in session. The Day-Off School programs are held at the Cary Park District Community Center from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm and are a mix of scheduled field trips and/ or on-site activities. These programs have a separate registration and payment and will be advertised through the Park District website, social media, and through e-mail.
Due to program minimum/maximums, field trip deposits/ attendance confirmations, and staffing, please be aware of withdrawal guidelines for these programs:
- Refunds will only be issued if the program is canceled by the Park District for low enrollment or weather related issues.
- Refunds will not be issued for a withdrawal from a Day-Off School program.
- In the event of a withdrawal, a credit to your Park District account will only be issued in accordance to the specific Withdrawal By dates listed in the grid below. Credits will not be issued after the Withdraw By date.
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Day-Off School programs will be offered on select days when school is not in session. The Day-Off School programs are held at the Cary Park District Community Center from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm and are a mix of scheduled field trips and/ or on-site activities. These programs have a separate registration and payment and will be advertised through the Park District website, social media, and through e-mail.
Due to program minimum/maximums, field trip deposits/ attendance confirmations, and staffing, please be aware of withdrawal guidelines for these programs:
- Refunds will only be issued if the program is canceled by the Park District for low enrollment or weather related issues.
- Refunds will not be issued for a withdrawal from a Day-Off School program.
- In the event of a withdrawal, a credit to your Park District account will only be issued in accordance to the specific Withdrawal By dates listed in the grid below. Credits will not be issued after the Withdraw By date.
Pay to Play Bingo–
Pay to Play Bingo
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Join us on select Fridays the month for Pay to Play Bingo at the Community Center. Cards are sold starting at 9:45 am. Please bring your own dauber and single dollar bills as no change will be given. Cards are $3.00 per card packet (3 cards/game, 10 games/packet) 3 packet max.
New Year's Dance Bash–
New Year's Dance Bash
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Join our group fitness instructors as they take turns leading a one-of-a-kind dance aerobics party! Grab your friends and have a blast working out, the class ends with camaraderie and a raffle drawing.
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Day-Off School programs will be offered on select days when school is not in session. The Day-Off School programs are held at the Cary Park District Community Center from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm and are a mix of scheduled field trips and/ or on-site activities. These programs have a separate registration and payment and will be advertised through the Park District website, social media, and through e-mail.
Due to program minimum/maximums, field trip deposits/ attendance confirmations, and staffing, please be aware of withdrawal guidelines for these programs:
- Refunds will only be issued if the program is canceled by the Park District for low enrollment or weather related issues.
- Refunds will not be issued for a withdrawal from a Day-Off School program.
- In the event of a withdrawal, a credit to your Park District account will only be issued in accordance to the specific Withdrawal By dates listed in the grid below. Credits will not be issued after the Withdraw By date.
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Community Center Hours
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Community Center Hours
The Community Center will be open between 7 am-12 pm.
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Community Center Hours
CLOSED
Community Center Hours
The Community Center will be CLOSED on New Year's Day.
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Day-Off School programs will be offered on select days when school is not in session. The Day-Off School programs are held at the Cary Park District Community Center from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm and are a mix of scheduled field trips and/ or on-site activities. These programs have a separate registration and payment and will be advertised through the Park District website, social media, and through e-mail.
Due to program minimum/maximums, field trip deposits/ attendance confirmations, and staffing, please be aware of withdrawal guidelines for these programs:
- Refunds will only be issued if the program is canceled by the Park District for low enrollment or weather related issues.
- Refunds will not be issued for a withdrawal from a Day-Off School program.
- In the event of a withdrawal, a credit to your Park District account will only be issued in accordance to the specific Withdrawal By dates listed in the grid below. Credits will not be issued after the Withdraw By date.
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Day-Off School programs will be offered on select days when school is not in session. The Day-Off School programs are held at the Cary Park District Community Center from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm and are a mix of scheduled field trips and/ or on-site activities. These programs have a separate registration and payment and will be advertised through the Park District website, social media, and through e-mail.
Due to program minimum/maximums, field trip deposits/ attendance confirmations, and staffing, please be aware of withdrawal guidelines for these programs:
- Refunds will only be issued if the program is canceled by the Park District for low enrollment or weather related issues.
- Refunds will not be issued for a withdrawal from a Day-Off School program.
- In the event of a withdrawal, a credit to your Park District account will only be issued in accordance to the specific Withdrawal By dates listed in the grid below. Credits will not be issued after the Withdraw By date.
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Park Board Committee Meeting
Park Board Committee Meeting
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013All regularly-scheduled Board Committee Meetings are held at the Cary Park District Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary, Illinois beginning at 7:00 pm unless otherwise posted. The agenda can be found in the Park Board Meeting section or posted outside of the Community Center.
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Park Board Meeting
Park Board Meeting
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013All regularly-scheduled Board Meetings are held at the Cary Park District Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary, Illinois beginning at 7:00 pm unless otherwise posted. The agenda can be found in the Park Board Meeting section or posted outside of the Community Center.
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Day-Off School programs will be offered on select days when school is not in session. The Day-Off School programs are held at the Cary Park District Community Center from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm and are a mix of scheduled field trips and/ or on-site activities. These programs have a separate registration and payment and will be advertised through the Park District website, social media, and through e-mail.
Due to program minimum/maximums, field trip deposits/ attendance confirmations, and staffing, please be aware of withdrawal guidelines for these programs:
- Refunds will only be issued if the program is canceled by the Park District for low enrollment or weather related issues.
- Refunds will not be issued for a withdrawal from a Day-Off School program.
- In the event of a withdrawal, a credit to your Park District account will only be issued in accordance to the specific Withdrawal By dates listed in the grid below. Credits will not be issued after the Withdraw By date.
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ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
–
ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Day-Off School programs will be offered on select days when school is not in session. The Day-Off School programs are held at the Cary Park District Community Center from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm and are a mix of scheduled field trips and/ or on-site activities. These programs have a separate registration and payment and will be advertised through the Park District website, social media, and through e-mail.
Due to program minimum/maximums, field trip deposits/ attendance confirmations, and staffing, please be aware of withdrawal guidelines for these programs:
- Refunds will only be issued if the program is canceled by the Park District for low enrollment or weather related issues.
- Refunds will not be issued for a withdrawal from a Day-Off School program.
- In the event of a withdrawal, a credit to your Park District account will only be issued in accordance to the specific Withdrawal By dates listed in the grid below. Credits will not be issued after the Withdraw By date.
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Park Board Committee Meeting
Park Board Committee Meeting
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013All regularly-scheduled Board Committee Meetings are held at the Cary Park District Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary, Illinois beginning at 7:00 pm unless otherwise posted. The agenda can be found in the Park Board Meeting section or posted outside of the Community Center.
-
ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
–
ET KidZone Day-Off School Program
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013Day-Off School programs will be offered on select days when school is not in session. The Day-Off School programs are held at the Cary Park District Community Center from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm and are a mix of scheduled field trips and/ or on-site activities. These programs have a separate registration and payment and will be advertised through the Park District website, social media, and through e-mail.
Due to program minimum/maximums, field trip deposits/ attendance confirmations, and staffing, please be aware of withdrawal guidelines for these programs:
- Refunds will only be issued if the program is canceled by the Park District for low enrollment or weather related issues.
- Refunds will not be issued for a withdrawal from a Day-Off School program.
- In the event of a withdrawal, a credit to your Park District account will only be issued in accordance to the specific Withdrawal By dates listed in the grid below. Credits will not be issued after the Withdraw By date.
-
Park Board Meeting
Park Board Meeting
Community Center255 Briargate RoadCary, IL 60013All regularly-scheduled Board Meetings are held at the Cary Park District Community Center, 255 Briargate Road, Cary, Illinois beginning at 7:00 pm unless otherwise posted. The agenda can be found in the Park Board Meeting section or posted outside of the Community Center.