Create an unforgettable birthday party at one of our many Park District locations and leave the planning and mess to us! Parties are filled with different activities to suit many ages and interests.

NATURE CENTER

Our Birthday Party Programs are 2.5 hours and consist of 15 minutes for set-up, a 1 hour instructor lead program, 1 hour of "free time" for gifts and cake (not provided) and 15 minutes for cleanup.

Fee: $140 (includes up to 15 participants). Each additional guest will be charged $6 at the time of the party. We kindly request a two week notice. Please call the Nature Center to schedule your party.

FOSSIL FIND

If you like dinosaurs and other ancient creatures, then you are going to "dig" this party. You and your guests will examine real fossils, discover facts about dinosaurs and learn how paleontologists dig for fossils, and can take one home with you!

ANIMAL kingdom

Come discover the wonderful kingdom of animals with us! Pretend you are one of these amazing creatures as we play a game, search for something walking or crawling on a guided hike, and learn about the wide world of creatures that share our planet with us. You may even meet one of the residents of the Nature Center up close! Have a favorite animal or insect? Share your love of it with us!

CAMPFIRE CAPERS

Enjoy a wood crackling campfire with your friends while singing songs, telling stories and eating s'mores. You'll have a "roaring" time as you learn different techniques of starting fires and how to make a safe campfire. End the program by learning a little bit about the forest with a guided hike through the woods!

NATURE TOTS

We will begin with a story of your choosing. Then, we will then do an activity and a craft based on the story read. Some of our favorite stories are Bear Hunt, Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar, Ginko and Moon, Stellaluna and more! If your tot has a favorite story we would love to craft a party around it! Unsure which story to choose? Let us help by selecting one of our favorites.

explorer

Explore the world with us! Whether you are searching for treasure or trying to discover a new species this party will bring out the adventurer in you! Learn some tools and tricks of the trade and find your way through our forest with your new skills. Finish by putting your skills to the test with a challenge and find out some of the rewards adventurers can find along the way.

WOODLAND FAIRIES

We'll learn secrets about woodland fairies and explore the woods to see if we can find them! Along the way we will discover a fairy house and other surprises. We'll use what we learn to make an age appropriate fairy craft.

Magical World Birthday Party

Calling all witches and wizards! Join us for a magical time preparing potions and learning spells. Each spell caster will create their own magical item to take home with them. Come have a sorcer-ous day with us on your special day!

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LIPPOLD FAMILY GOLF CENTER

Birthday parties may be booked May-September.

All parties require adult supervision. Parties are held on either of the two mini-golf courses (Sports 'n Courts or Tees 'n Greens.) In the event of bad weather, the party will move inside. Outside decorations are welcome, but no outside food or drink (other than cake) is allowed. Reservations are required. For more information or to reserve your date, please contact us at 815.477.5401.

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COLONEL PALMER HOUSE

For 1.5 hours, the historic Colonel Palmer House staff will host you and your guests as we celebrate your birthday Victorian-era style. Luncheon includes seasonal fruit, three finger sandwiches, and three delectable desserts (cake not provided) and of course, tea! Victorian dining etiquette will be presented and lively parlor games will be played. Party times available on Saturdays and Sundays. Maximum 25 guests.

FAIRY BIRTHDAY: Be swept away into a fantasy world of fairies with our short fairy presentation and fairy-themed crafts. Available for children 4 & older.

VICTORIAN BIRTHDAY: Victorian dining etiquette will be presented and parlor games from the 1800s-era will complete the party.

Fee: $25 per person (resident or non-resident)

To reserve your party, please contact the Colonel Palmer House Facility Manager at 815.477.5873 or jfiorina@crystallakeparks.org.

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THE RACKET CLUB

Bring your guests to the area's most premier tennis facility. Our newly renovated courts and spacious lounge provides a great backdrop for any celebration. Tennis courts may be reserved indoors or outdoors (weather permitting.) Tennis pros are available to guide fun instruction and games for your party goers. No membership is required.

Fees:

$10/hour outdoor hard courts

$15/hour outdoor clay courts

$15/hour indoor hard courts

$20/hour lounge fee

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Additional PARTY ROOMS

The Crystal Lake Park District maintains many unique rooms to host your special event:

• Grand Oaks Recreation Center
• Main Beach Pavilion & Band Shell
• West Beach Party Room & Patio/Deck
• Spoerl Park Building
• Woodscreek Building
• Rotary Building
• Oakwoods Lodge

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