In the heart of suburban Chicago, the Arlington Heights community and its Arlington Heights Park District (AHPD) has found a thoughtful, joyful way to turn summer into a celebration: the Plan to Play Every Day! Pop-Up Events. This free, family-focused program brings local residents together through a rotating calendar of pop-up events and creative outdoor activities hosted in parks throughout the village.
More than just an invitation to enjoy the fresh air, Plan to Play Every Day! is a curated seasonal series that blends recreation, education, celebration, and connection. It's local, it's fun, and—perhaps most meaningfully—it's intentionally designed to engage families and neighbors where they live and play.
A Summer Full of Meaningful Moments
Plan to Play Every Day! does more than fill your calendar with things to do. It helps residents discover the joy that comes from spending time in the heart of their community—local parks—with the people who live around them. Whether you're new to Arlington Heights or have called the area home for decades, this initiative is a chance to participate in events that make each neighborhood park a place of laughter, learning, and shared experience.
Each event is designed with care—featuring themes that encourage imagination, creativity, physical activity, and good old-fashioned play. The programming is rich in variety and appealing to all ages, with activities that range from foam parties to butterfly planting, from kite crafting to futsal tournaments.
It's a blend of the whimsical and the practical, all set against the backdrop of some of Arlington Heights' most beloved green spaces, including Recreation Park, North School Park, Lake Arlington, Falcon Park, and more.
Highlights from the 2025 Calendar
Here's just a small sampling of this summer's imaginative programming:
Crown Creations: Kids Reign Supreme
June 10, 10-11 a.m. at Festival Park
Kids can channel their inner royalty while crafting crowns in Festival Park, kicking off the summer with a burst of imagination.
Juneteenth Jubilee: Storytime & Crafting
June 19, 10-11 a.m. at Sunset Meadows Picnic Shelter
This inclusive and family-friendly celebration at Sunset Meadows honors Juneteenth with thoughtful activities and engaging storytelling.
Summer Solstice Suds Foam Party
June 20, 1-2 p.m. at Hasbrook Park
On the longest day of the year, Hasbrook Park becomes a wonderland of foam-filled fun. It's an instant hit for kids—and one of the most talked-about events of the season.
Ice Cream Social at Falcon Park
July 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Falcon Park
A true crowd-pleaser, this evening event offers a sweet treat alongside good company. Bring your lawn chairs and catch up with neighbors between scoops.
Kite Crafting & Flying Fun
July 23, 10-11 a.m. at Miner/Windsor Park
At Miner/Windsor Park, kids get to build and decorate their own kites—and then test their designs on the breeze.
Take a Trip to Safety Town
July 24, 1-2 p.m. at Arlington Ridge Center (outdoor Safety Town)
Located at the Arlington Ridge Center, this engaging event combines fun with function, providing young children with a hands-on introduction to community safety in a kid-sized, interactive environment.
DIY Bird Feeder Workshop
July 28, 1-2 p.m. at Lake Arlington Park Picnic Shelter
Held at Lake Arlington Park, this session blends environmental awareness and creativity as kids build feeders to attract feathered friends.
And it's not just about the kids. Many events invite families to play together, including parents and caregivers. You'll find everything from volleyball and pickleball to evening kickball games under the setting sun. The complete list of events includes:
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Crown Creations: Kids Reign Supreme
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June 10, 10-11 a.m. at Festival Park
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Happy Birthday, AHPD!
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June 16, 1-2 p.m. at Berbecker Park
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Over the Rainbow Bracelet Making
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June 18, 10-11 a.m. at North School Park
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Juneteenth Jubilee: Storytime & Crafting
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June 19, 10-11 a.m. at Sunset Meadows Picnic Shelter
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Summer Solstice Suds Foam Party
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June 20, 1-2 p.m. at Hasbrook Park
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Badminton Blast
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June 23, 10-11 a.m. at Creekside Park
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S'Mores-N-More
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June 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Historical Museum
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Futsal Fiesta
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June 26, 10-11 a.m. at Greenbrier Hockey Court
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Stars and Stripes Forever
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June 30, 10-11 a.m. at Memorial Park
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Surf's Up Sand Art
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July 7, 1-2 p.m. at Cronin Park
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Pirate Publishing: A Message in a Bottle
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July 9, 1-2 p.m. at Happiness Park
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Beach Volleyball
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July 11, 10-11 a.m. at Heritage Park
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HORSE on the Court
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July 14, 10-11 a.m. at Klehm Park
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Butterflies & Bees: Plant a Pollinator
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July 16, 1-2 p.m. at Lake Terramere Park
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Ice Cream Social at Falcon Park
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July 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Falcon Park
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Pickleball - Kid's Court Craze
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July 21, 10-11 a.m. at Green Slopes Courts
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Kite Crafting & Flying Fun
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July 23, 10-11 a.m. at Miner/Windsor Park
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Take a Trip to Safety Town
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July 24, 1-2 p.m. at Arlington Ridge Center (outdoor Safety Town)
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DIY Bird Feeder Workshop
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July 28, 1-2 p.m. at Lake Arlington Park Picnic Shelter
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Kickball Kraziness
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July 31, 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Centennial Park
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Common Ground - Let's Play Together!
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August 1, 10-11 a.m. at Recreation Park
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Little Sprouts Farmers Market
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August 4, 10-11 a.m. at Prairie Park
Designed with Intention—and Accessibility
One of the strengths of Plan to Play Every Day! is its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. By rotating locations across the district, AHPD ensures that all residents—no matter their neighborhood—have easy access to these events. Each activity is free and open to the public, allowing families from all backgrounds to participate without barriers.
Additionally, the mix of weekday mornings, afternoon pop-ups, and early evening events makes it possible for a wide range of schedules to sync with the fun. Whether you're a parent with a toddler in tow or a grandparent looking to spend quality time with the grandkids, there's likely an event that fits your lifestyle.
A Park District That Builds Community
Behind the scenes, Plan to Play Every Day! is yet another example of how the Arlington Heights Park District has continued to evolve with intention and purpose. It's not just about providing recreation—it's about creating a stronger sense of place. This program reaffirms the idea that parks—including Arlington Heights' 58 community and neighborhood parks, five outdoor pools, five community centers, and countless sports, fitness, and outdoor facilities—are more than just spaces; they are where community life happens.
From thoughtfully planned crafts to engaging pop-up games, the Park District is modeling what it means to be both active and connected. The energy is grassroots, but the execution is polished—a testament to the district's long-standing reputation for high-quality public programming.
In addition, the events aren't massive or overwhelming. They're local, approachable, and wonderfully simple. They bring locals back to what matters: sunshine, fresh air, neighbors, creativity, and play. And perhaps that's the most powerful aspect of the pop-up event program—it gently reminds residents of the value of slowing down, stepping outside, and finding joy in the small things.
Discover the Best of Arlington Heights Real Estate with a Trusted Local Expert
Plan to Play Every Day! Pop-Up Events is Arlington Heights at its best—welcoming, creative, and deeply invested in local youth and the community's well-being. It's a program that doesn't just invite residents into the parks; it invites them into a more connected, vibrant way of living. It's a genuine extension of the lifestyle that makes Arlington Heights such a sought-after community to call home.
If you're interested in learning more about area recreation, things to do, or seeking information about the broader Arlington Heights luxury real estate market, contact expert broker Holly Connors of GetBurbed today to start your Arlington Heights real estate journey.
