Special Events
Winter Events/Trips
Event: Polar Express
Date: Saturday, December 3, 2011
Time: 5:30pm - 7:15pm
Description: On Christmas Even, many years ago, a young boy took a journey to a magical place. Travel along with the Morton Grove Park District as we venture on a memorable train ride. Santa will await your arrival at the North Pole and will enjoy us aboard the train for milk and cookies. Due to the popularity of the event, a lottery for MORTON GROVE RESIDENTS will be used to process registration.
Lottery Rules and Procedures
- The Park District will accept lottery applicants from August 1 through October 3, 2011. You must apply in person and show proof of residency (Driver's license AND copy of a current utility bill).
- There will be a limit of 4 tickets per applicant. One applicant per address will be entered into the lottery.
- Lottery will be drawn on October 4, 2011 and selected applicants will then be notified by October 7th. Applicants will have 1 week to come into the park district and pay for tickets.
- Cost will be $12 per ticket (book not included).
- If an applicant fails to come in by October 14, 2011, then the next name on the list will be called.
This year if you would like to have a copy of the Polar Express book to take along for the train ride, you can purchase one from the park district for only $15.
Event: Santa Comes to Town
Date: Sunday, December 4, 2011
Description: The Morton Grove Park District and the Village of Morton Grove proudly present Santa Comes to Town. Santa will ride through the streets of Morton Grove from 12pm - 3pm passing out candy for all the good boys and girls of Morton Grove. Some of these pieces of candy will be specially marked as prize winners. Santa will be greeting children and redeeming prize candy at the Morton Grove Moose Family Center, 6419 Chestnut (across from the Metra Train Station) until 3:30pm. This event is co-sponsored by the Morton Grove Family Moose Center
Click here to download maps of Santa's route
Event: Letters to Santa
Date: November 7th - December 16th
Description: Its that time of year when kids have the opportunity to mail a letter to Santa and let him know how good he/she has been this year and what they are hoping for under the tree on Christmas morning. Be sure to mail your letter off by the deadline so Santa has plenty of time to reply during his busiest time of the year. Please mail your letter (including a self-addressed stamped envelope) to:
Santa, North Pole
c/o Morton Grove Park District, 6834 Dempster St, Morton Grove, IL 60053
Event: Father Daughter Dance
Date: Friday, February 3, 2012
Time: 6:30pm - 9pm
Description: Every winter the park district offers a special night for Dads and their daughter(s). You and your date can get dressed up and join us for a night of dancing. Our D.J. will play a wide variety of songs along with organizing some fun games throughout the evening. Snacks and refreshments will be served. You will also receive a special photo momento to take home at the end of the evening. This event is geared for girls ages 5+Yrs and should be accompanied by a male adult. More information can be found in our Winter Activity Guide.
Event: T.G.I.F. Family Night (for Morton Grove Residents)
Date: January 20, 2012
Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Description: Bring your family in to Prairie View Community Center for an evening of fun! Enjoy some entertainment, a tot play area and other organized activities. This event is free but parents must accompany ALL children.
Event: Mom and Son Adventure Night
Date: 2012 Date TBA
Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Description: Join us for a night of fun as moms and sons spend a special evening together. There will be food, entertainment and more. This event is geared for boys ages 4+ with mom. More information can be found in our Spring Activity Guide
Spring Events/Trips
Event: Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt
Date: Friday, April 6, 2012
Time: 11am
Description: Children ages 3-10, join the Spring Bunny as you hunt for eggs in Prairie View Park. The hunt is divided into three age categories: 3-4 years, 5-7 years and 8-10 years old. All ages are to report to the tennis courts by 11:00am. Children must be accompanied by a parent. Please provide your own basket. Register your child(ren) by calling 847-965-1200 before the deadline. Morton Grove residents only. Small toys and candy are contained in the eggs. Parental discretion is advised. This is a free event will be held at Prairie View Park. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside the Prairie View Community Center.
Event: Prairie View 5K Run/Walk
Date: Sunday, April 22, 2012
Time: 8:05am
Description: Runners and walkers of all ages can enjoy this USATF Certified Course (IL-01109-JW). Check-in is at 6:45am. T-shirts will be guaranteed to all pre-registered participants. All participants receive entry into post race food tent. The 5K Run starts at 8:05am. Awards will be given to the 3 top in each category and overall top male and female finishers. The 5K Walk starts at 8:10am. This is a non-competitive walk and all walk participants will receive a number and participation medal. Registration is now available on-line.
Event: Spring Community Garage Sale
Date: 2012 Date TBA
Time: 9am - 3pm
Description: Join our community garage sale and clear out all the stuff you've been dying to get rid of! Rent a table and sell your surplus all at once! Selling space is limited to 20 tables. Due to the limited number of tables available, you may only reserve one table. This event is held inside the Prairie View Community Center Gymnasium. More information can be found in our Spring Activity Guide
Summer Events
Event: Summer Movies at Harrer Park
Dates: TBA
Movies: TBA
Description: Come join us this summer for three wonderful Friday Night Movies in the Park. These free movies are a great way to spend a starry-skied summer night with your family. Movies will begin promptly at dark at the Harrer Park Pavilion (north end of the park). Niles Dairy Queen will be selling frosty treats at all of our outdoor summer movies. In case of inclement weather, movies will be shown at Prairie View Community Center
Event: Summer Movies at Oriole Pool!
Dates: TBA
Movies: TBA
Description: Grab a chair and enjoy a movie on the pool deck. Swimming is prohibited during the movie. The Oriole Pool concession will be open for refreshments. You must show your pool pass or pay the evening swim rate at time of entry.
Event: Tunes on Tuesday Concert Series
Dates: TBA
Time: Concerts begin at 7pm
Bands: TBA
Description: You're invited to enjoy 7 warm summer evenings of exceptional musical entertainment and food in the beautiful surroundings of Harrer Park. These FREE concerts begin promptly at 7:00pm in the Pavillion Area at the north end of Harrer Park. Each evening, from 6:00-8:30 p.m., a different local restaurant will be featured, offering a variety of tasty and reasonably priced menu items. In addition to delicious main courses, Niles Dairy Queen will be our Premier Dessert Vendor at all summer concerts. Bring your family, bring your friends and stake out a great spot on the grass with your blanket or lawnchair for 7 evenings of outstanding family friendly fun! If you can't sit; get up and feel free to dance the night away! All concert information is subject to change.
Event: Parties in the Park/Ice Cream Socials
Dates: TBA
Dates: Time: 6pm - 7:30pm
Locations: TBA
Description: Join representatives of the Morton Grove Park District for some fun in the sun! AVON, Inc. is sponsoring this FREE family event at 3 different parks every summer. Events run from 6:00pm to 7:30pm (weather permitting). There will be music and a variety of activities for you and your family to enjoy. In conjunction with our parties in the park you can also enjoy a free ice cream cone compliments of MB Financial Bank. Ice cream will be served from 6:00pm - 7:00pm. In case of inclement weather, this event will be cancelled.
Fall Events/Trips
Event: Hoedown at Harrer
Dates: Sunday, September 25, 2011
Time: 12pm - 5pm
Locations: Harrer Park
Description: Howdy y'all! Mosey on over to Harrer "Ranch" on Sunday, September 25th for a Hoedown from 12 noon to 4pm. There will be fun and excitement for cowpokes for all ages including: arts and crafts, petting zoo, inflatable, hay rides and more. This event is free and is sponsored by MB Financial Bank.
Event: Annual Halloween Family Festival
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2011
Time: 4:00pm - 8:15pm
Description: Get dressed up and join the Morton Grove Park District at the annual Halloween Family Festival. Children ages 3-12 will be able to participate in a variety of Halloween activities at Prairie View Community Center, 6834 Dempster Street. Festival activities may include: Carnival games and attractions, prizes, refreshments, Hay Hunt and Entertainment. You can sign up for either the 4:00pm - 5:30pm party time or 6:45 - 8:15pm party time. Morton Grove residents may register their children early by calling 847-965-1200. There is a limit of 250 children per party. On the day of the event, check-in will take place in the lobby of Prairie View Community Center. Non-residents may register after October 1.