It’s never easy to motivate yourself to get out and exercise during the long, cold winter. It can be even harder to get your kids to do it, especially with those darned computer games always calling their names. The Chicago Park District understands your troubles; that’s why, starting this weekend, it will be offering 16 Neighborhood Sportsfest events around town. These (largely indoor) events, happening everywhere from Bessemer Park on the far South Side to Hamlin Park in Roscoe Village, include mini-tournaments with soccer, floor hockey, basketball and dodgeball, obstacle courses, fishing ponds, tumbling and more. For those kids who just can’t tear themselves from electronic companions, there will also be Wii and Dance Dance Revolution games at some parks.
The schedule is after the jump. Not every activity is available at every park, so make sure to call (312-742-PLAY) or visit the Web site for full details before heading out.
Saturday, February 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Riis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton
Thursday, February 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Eckhart Park, 1330 W. Chicago
Thursday, February 12, noon-4 p.m.: Bessemer Park, 8930 S. Muskegon
Saturday, February 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Warren Park, 6601 N. Western
Monday, February 16, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: LaFollette Park, 1333 N. Laramie
Thursday, February 19, 3:30-7:30 p.m.: Sherman Park, 1301 W. 52nd
Saturday, February 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N. Broadway
Monday, March 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: McGuane Park, 2901 S. Poplar
Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Dunham Park, 4638 N. Melvina
Friday, March 13, 4-8 p.m.: Harris Park, 6200 S. Drexel
Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Hamlin Park, 3035 N. Hoyne
Monday, March 23, 3:30-7:30 p.m.: West Lawn Park, 4233 W. 65th
Thursday, March 26, 3:30-7:30 p.m.: Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood
Friday, March 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Homan Square Park, 3559 W. Arthington
Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Fosco Park, 1312 S. Racine
Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose