Children from military families face a different set of circumstances than most. Over 1.8 million school-aged children of servicemen and servicewomen endure frequent moves, separation from parents, and the need to re-establish friends and social networks on a regular basis. In an effort to celebrate the resilience, courage, and character of these young people, the month of April honors military children, their achievements, and the unique set of circumstances and sacrifices they encounter.
Lake County is home to the Naval Base Great Lakes, the largest military installation in Illinois, and the Navy’s largest training center. Take a moment to say thank you to your neighboring military family, but be sure to remember the youngest family members for their sacrifices, too. Below is a listing of activities and local businesses that offer ongoing discounts or special promotions during the month of April for military families. And be sure to wear your purple on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, in support of military children nationwide.
Activities:
Kid’s Rank 2016 Inaugural Kids Rank Ball
Saturday, April 16, 2016, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Siver Place at the Waukegan Yacht Club, 199 North Harbor Place, Waukegan
Registration Required/Tickets are $15
Kids Rank is a 501(c)(3) organization based out of Highland Park, not affiliated with the armed forces, that provides support to military children through activities and connecting them to other military families.
US Department of Defense Education Activity Month of the Military Child Artist Spotlight Art Competition
This art contest is open to current DoDEA students and is held on the DoDEA Facebook Fan Page. April’s competition is based on the 5-2-1-0 Healthy Military Children public message. Submissions are due by April 15, 2016.
USO of Illinois Tickets for Troops Program
The USO of Illinois partners with organizations in order to provide tickets to cultural, theatrical and sporting events to military personnel and their families.
Artist@Heart
344 N. Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville | (847) 816-4865
Artist@Heart is offering a 20% discount off all Open Studio art for kids through April 30, 2016, upon presentation of military ID.
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe | (847) 835-5440
The Chicago Botanic Garden offers active duty U.S. military personnel and/or their families, reservists, and former POWs free parking with a military ID presented at the gatehouse (one car/van vehicle per entry, ongoing discount).
Gurnee Mills Mall
6170 W Grand Ave, Gurnee | (847) 263-2414
More than 30 retailers at Gurnee Mills will display “Military Discount Offered Here” decals on their store windows during the month of April. In addition, military parents with identification can pick up a kid’s goodie bag filled with treats at guest services. The month-long initiative also features the mall’s shuttle bus service, which provides sailors a round-trip ride between Gurnee and Great Lakes, free of charge, during weekends.
Kohl’s Children’s Museum
2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview | (847) 832-6600
The museum offers a buy one admission, get one admission for free for military families (ongoing discount).
Lambs Farm
14245 W Rockland Rd, Libertyville | (847) 362-4636
Lambs Farm offers a 20% military discount with military ID (ongoing discount), but through April 30, 2016, Lambs Farm is offering a 25% discount at the Farmyard.
Restaurants:
Chick-fil-A
701 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 360, Vernon Hills | (847) 247-8000
Chick-fil-A offers a 20% discount off of the entire check when a military ID is presented (ongoing discount).
Culver’s (multiple locations in Lake County listed below)
Culver’s offers a 10% discount off of the entire check when a military ID is presented (ongoing discount).
Buffalo Grove
450 McHenry Rd, Buffalo Grove | (847) 229-1123
Grayslake
1239 N. IL-83, Grayslake | (847) 548-1025
Gurnee
1505 Nations Dr., Gurnee | (847) 662-9666
Libertyville
803 E. Park Ave., Libertyville | (847) 816-9580
Mundelein
220 Oak Creek Plaza, Mundelein | (847) 566-6900
Uno Pizzeria & Grill
6593 Grand Ave., Gurnee | (847) 856-0000
Pizzeria Uno offers 10% off of the entire check when military ID is presented (ongoing discount).
Mainstreet Libertyville/Downtown Libertyville
Mainstreet Libertyville retailers salute the men and women who serve our country. Visit the website for a complete list of participating retailers that offer discounts when presented with a military ID (ongoing discount).
Is your family celebrating the Month of the Military Child? Tell us how in the comments section below.
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