Viewfinder: Day Off Solution

With overcast skies and rain falling, Jessi Bergman was looking for something to do with her children, who were home for spring break.

Luckily, the Palatine Park District had the answer: Kids Day Out, a two-hour session of supervised games and activities at Falcon Park.

Bergman carted her two children, plus two of their friends to the park where they met about 30 other youngsters, whose parents apparently had the same idea.

“This was a good idea to get the out of the house on a dreary day,” Bergman said.

That’s exactly the idea behind the program, said Cristina Lara, program director.

The park district wants to “give children something active to do when school was not in session. They have the opportunity to play soccer and football in the indoor turf and basketball, dodge ball, and other gym activities. I also include crafts and board games for those who would rather do arts and crafts.”

Another sessions is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, March 25.

The youngsters Wednesday ranged in age from 6 to 8.

Lara said attendance at the program has increased since winter.

“We started with about 12 children and we have about 30-35 children attending each program now,” she said.

 “Children need to run around and be interactive and exert their energy they have in a positive way,” she said. “Kids Day Out gives them that outlet at Falcon with the games, sports, and creative projects that the program offers.”