Go soak up the early bits of spring at beautiful outdoor locations around town

 

 

Families can choose from many events and activities happening this weekend in Champaign-Urbana

It is a busy, busy weekend in chambana. We are heading into early spring flower season as the weather warms up. While things are just beginning to green up, you can spot daffodils and other early spring flowers around town. Head to one of our favorite places to enjoy nature, like the Champaign County Forest Preserves or Busey Woods in Urbana. And while we aren’t quite there yet, we will be on “Sakura watch” for the famous cherry blossom trees at Japan House very soon!

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chambanamoms thanks Sinfonia da Camera for presenting this weekend planner

Don’t miss the most iconic masterpiece for choir and orchestra!

The REQUIEM by Mozart — written for choir, orchestra, and four vocal soloists — is as overwhelmingly powerful as it is introspectively poignant. Experience the emotional impact of 200 musicians on stage. The program also features the Choral Fantasy by Beethoven with Ian Hobson as piano soloist.

ONE NIGHT ONLY: Saturday, March 29 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

Buy your tickets now!

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A few events to check out this weekend

Looking for something to do with your family? You’ve come to the right place! Our events calendar aggregates family-friendly events happening in the Champaign-Urbana metro area. We know you’re busy and looking for a bang for your buck, so we put an emphasis on including free and low-cost events that you can plan to attend on the fly. Please note that events are subject to change without notice.

Thank you to Herriott’s Rents, Tents & Events for presenting the chambanamoms events calendar. 

Find the complete chambanamoms.com event calendar by clicking here now.

Remember, many sporting events and outdoor activities are subject to change without notice or at the last minute. Check with event organizers when in doubt before heading out to an event. 

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Small Shop Stroll

This year’s Small Shop Stroll is the first annual event promoting small locally owned businesses in Douglas, Moultrie and Piatt Counties. Thirty businesses are participating on this self guided tour. Grab the gals and come out to enjoy a day of fun shopping and give aways while supporting local business.

The event is March 28 and 29. Retail vendors hours Friday, March 28 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 29 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Follow their Facebook event for more updates and a complete list of businesses (it keeps growing).

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Check out our 2025 Summer Camp guide as you plan for this summer’s adventures!

Camp of the Week – Champaign Park District

Champaign Park District offers camps at three convenient locations for ages 6-12.

• Adventure Explorers Camp at Douglass Community Center and Leonhard Recreation Center
• Creative Kids at Springer Cultural Center

Champaign Park District also offers camps to preschool-age kids at Springer Cultural Center. Part-time or all day, build the summer preschool camp that works best for you! Preschoolers can enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, music, arts, crafts, story time, and snacks. Different activities will be provided daily.

Champaign Park District even has a unique camp for teens! Teen Trailblazers Camp (meet at Leonhard Recreation Center) Two weekly summer camps with different themes! “Pedal & Explore” and “Trips & Travel” camps will have your teen active and engaged all summer long.

Dates: June 2 – August 8

Ages served: 6-12

Location: Champaign Park District

For more information: Website

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Ready, Set, Connect! Free Developmental Screenings

United Way of Champaign County, Birth-5 Illinois, and the Champaign County Home Visiting Consortium are offering free developmental screenings for children from birth to five years old. These screenings assess communication, social, and motor skills to help families track their child’s development. Screenings will be available at multiple locations across Champaign County on the following dates:

• Urbana – Every Tuesday & Friday
• Rantoul –  April 9
• Mahomet – April 9
• St. Joseph – April 23 (Register here)
• Philo – April 24
• Thomasboro – April 28 (Register here)
• Tolono Public Library – April 2 (Register here) (Walk-ins accepted)

Please see this flyer with instructions on how to register for the screening that you would like to attend.

For more information: English or French

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Beckman Institute Open House

Friday, April 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, April 5, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Beckman Institute Open House is an opportunity for Champaign-Urbana community members to encounter the science, meet the people, and experience the impact of world-changing discovery. It offers a fun, interactive look at the interdisciplinary research happening at the Beckman Institute on the University of Illinois campus.

Learn more about the Beckman Open House by clicking here.

For more information: Website

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Smile Doctors

At Smile Doctors, their mission is to create confident smiles by inspiring the best in their patients, each other, and the communities they serve.

Confidence is a beautiful thing. Smile Doctors wants to give you the power to share it with the world through your smile. That’s why from the moment you step into a Smile Doctors clinic, they promise your smile journey will be awesome. They offer affordable monthly payment plans, easy online scheduling, remote care options with your orthodontist and more.

For more information: Website or Facebook or call (217) 356-2222

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Soccer Planet

About Soccer Planet: Lil’ Kickers classes (ages 18 months – 7 years) provide 50 minutes of fun, highly creative, high energy activities that serve as a great introduction to soccer, and help children master developmental milestones, appropriate for their age. Skills Institute classes (ages 5-12) focus on the fundamentals of player development: dribbling, passing, shooting, trapping, and how to use them effectively in a game. Weekly sessions include fundamental skill-building and competitive drills/games to build confidence and competence.

Location: North Willow Road, Urbana

For more information: Website, Facebook or Instagram

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Model Train Show

Saturday, March 29, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, March 30, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Brought to you by the Illinois Terminal Division of the National Model RR Association, this free event will be showcased at Urbana’s Lincoln Square Mall. Enjoy the Train Show featuring operating layouts in G, HO, and N scales including a layout where the public can make the train move as it switches cars on the layout. Modelers of all ages are invited to construct a Model Railroad Car which is compatible with the Brio Wooden Track System.

For more information: Click here

 

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