Playing It Safe, Carle’s free annual safety fair, features more than 50 activities and exhibits that focus on safety awareness for the entire family. Between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., the first 1,500 guests will receive a free sample sandwich courtesy of Jimmy John’s. Learn about safety education, including games, entertainment, child identification kits, prizes, inflatables and more. Saturday, May 18, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Leonhard Recreation Center, 2307 Sangamon Dr., Champaign.
Summer’s almost here! Not quite, we know, but May heralds the early signs that the best months of the year are squarely in our sights. Between high school and college graduations, Mother’s Day and Memorial Day, it’s terribly easy for some things to fall through the cracks. So we’re here to present 17 fun things for your family to do in May.
Urbana High School Presents NEWSIES!, May 1-5
The Urbana High School Theatre will present the Disney musical NEWSIES! for multiple performances. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students.
Illini Baseball Bleacher Bum BBQ, May 3
The game starts at 6 p.m. but get there early: the first 500 fans get free Hickory River barbecue! Also: inflatables, facepainting and postgame fireworks. Free admission and parking.
Swan Lake Presented by CU Ballet, May 3-4
Champaign Urbana Ballet presents Swan Lake, the ultimate ballet. This romantic fable of ill-fated passion and forgiveness is told through beautiful choreography amid magnificent sets – a timeless classic. All performances include the full ballet.
Urbana’s Market at the Square, May 4
It’s Opening Day! The Urbana market sets the standard for farmers markets. (One word of caution: Given the lousy weather we’ve had, vegetables might not be as prevalent as usual.)
This fundraiser for Wake-A-Wish features a long list of family friendly activities (the theme is May the Fourth Be With You), but the key part is a walk to celebrate the wishes granted to kids in our community and state.
This free event, hosted by Recreation, Sport and Tourism students from the University of Illinois, is desgined for ages 4 to 10 to participate in bide riding safety and training.
Get Mom in the Picture Sponsored by Christie Clinic, May 5
Join Chambanamoms for a FREE afternoon of “mom and me” activities complete with a fun photo opportunity to be behind the scenes with your kiddos. There will be a small craft, story time, and more!
Kids ages 8 to 17 are eligible for a free airplane ride at the Tuscola Airport, courtesy of the EAA Chapter 29’s Young Eagles Rally from 9 a.m.-noon.
Mother’s Day at Monticello Railway, May 12
We have recommended this before, so if you haven’t had a chance to take advantage, we highly recommend you do so. Take mom on a relaxing ride on a vintage train. Of course, there are other things to do on Mother’s Day weekend that will make mom feel appreciated.
This is one of our favorites because we know your toddler will love it. Suited for ages 2-5 (hey, the older ones are in school, aren’t they?) the free event takes place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Centennial Park in Champaign. Tow truck, fire trucks, police cars … now that’s pretty cool.
13 Thursdays is a series of events to showcase Campustown, with good eats, good shopping, good entertainment and more. Learn more here. Each Thursday you can explore Campustown with fun activities and special deals. Continues through Aug. 8.
Fun AND educational, Carle’s Playing It Safe event has become a community staple. Kids can learn interactively, getting hands-on experience that they’ll long remember. And it’s FREE.
Now this sounds pretty cool: Take a guided hike through Busey Woods on the night of the full moon. Listen for owls and other nocturnal creatures, and learn how they survive and thrive.
Summer Reading Kickoff Party, May 19
The Champaign Public Library gets the summer reading season started right! Face painting, balloon art, DIY kids crafts and other fun things will get you in gear to read, read, read this summer.
Sounds at Sunset Concert Series, May 19
It is a telltale sign that summer is here (or nearly so). The six-date series of concerts (through July 28) at area parks kicks off today at Clark Park with Jean Rene Balekita and Bomoyi Music.
The Champaign Park District’s in-town farm is a kids’ favorite. See more than a dozen types of animals. Make sure you wear closed-toe shoes!
Pool Openings, Memorial Day weekend
Dive in! The Urbana Park District’s Family Aquatic Center and the Champaign Park District’s Sholem Pool open this weekend. There’s an opening day extravaganza at Sholem. Pssst: Don’t forget the sunscreen.