Boys and girls alike enjoy saving the world and vanquishing evil, all while sporting a mask and cape. Superhero play helps kids to navigate their fears and give them a sense of power and control in an often scary world. So how does a parent help their child to achieve their superhero dreams? We may not be Metropolis, but your child’s imagination can soar in Lake County!
How to be a Superhero in Lake County
Run Like a Superhero
Your child can pretend he or she is The Flash for at least one day at one of the upcoming Family-Friendly Races in our area. Run as a family or the kids can register on their own in one of the children’s categories.
But if they really want to maximize their superhero muscle (and get some extra wear out of their superhero Halloween costume) then the place to be is Super Saturday with the Gurnee Park District!
Super Saturday: 1-Mile Superhero Sprint
Saturday, November 5, 2016, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Hunt Club Community Center | 920 N. Hunt Club Rd., Gurnee
Register for the Superhero 1-Mile Sprint in advance for just $5 or on the day of the event for $7. Meet some of your favorite superheroes and get some free superhero training from the staff at FitNation. Aside from the race, kids can use the rock climbing wall and other fun activities. Costumes are strongly encouraged!
Train Like a Superhero
Parkour and Ninja Training (Ages 13 and up)
The Gymnastics Factory
888 E. Belvidere Rd., Suite 202, Grayslake | (847) 223-1555
“Parkour” is the sport of moving rapidly while negotiating obstacles by running, leaping and climbing. Remember Daniel Craig as James Bond in that amazing chase on foot during Casino Royale? That’s parkour! The Gymnastics Factory is the only training facility in Lake County that offers Parkour classes.
Ninja Zone (Ages 3 and up)
Libertyville Gymnastics Academy
2610 Commerce Dr., Libertyville | (847) 816-6618
Perfect for your child with boundless energy. Ninja Zone classes incorporate obstacle courses, gymnastics, street dance and martial arts to build strength, agility, discipline and impulse control. Lively instructors keep the class constantly in motion with a healthy dose of entertainment. Every child receives a Ninja Zone headband which adds to the fun!
Circus Kazoo (Ages 3 and up)
Circus Kazoo at Movement Arts Space
100 S. Atkinson Rd, Suite 102, Grayslake | (847) 986-5615
What does The Boy Wonder, Robin, have in common with supervillian Harley Quinn? They are both circus acrobats! Whether your child wishes to use their powers for good or for evil, they can hone their circus repertoire with classes and workshops at Circus Kazoo. The Circus Arts help your child develop fitness, confidence, social connections and help them to regulate in a fun and unconventional way. Classes are also available through the Grayslake Park District.
Youth Climbing Classes (Ages 7 and up)
Libertyville Sports Complex
1950 N. Highway 45, Libertyville | (847) 367-1502
In order to scale tall buildings or be a wall-crawler, you’re going to have to master the art of climbing. Would-be superheroes can challenge themselves weekly at the Libertyville Sports Complex’s Climbing Mountain, which also features a bouldering cave. All participants receive a practice card so they can come back during open climb hours. For more rock wall climbing opportunities, check out our listings in Rock Climbing for Kids.
Read Like a Superhero
A superhero needs to use his or her brains as well as their brawn, and what better way than a trip to the library?
Mini Comic Con 2016
Saturday, November 12, 2016, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Vernon Area Public Library | 300 Olde Half Day Rd., Lincolnshire
This program is FREE for all ages and no Library Card is required to join in this celebration of fandom! Drop in to make crafts or for the photo booth, technology petting zoo, open gaming lounge, and artist alley. You’ll get to meet the real-life superheroes in Lake County, our area’s local first responders.
To power up your Con experience, register in advance for one of their many workshops such as the Superhero Training Academy, Superhero Drawing, Japanese Anime & Manga Drawing or Monster Makeup.
Fly Like a Superhero
Chad and Jennifer know just what it feels like to be Superman (or woman) thanks to iFly Chicago. It’s for thrill seekers ages 3 to 103, and is worth the trip to Lincoln Park, Naperville or Rosemont to be able to take flight without the fear of a fall. Check out Chad’s story about iFly Indoor Skydiving.
Sing-along like a Superhero
The Queen of Children’s Music recently released her new album, and Jessica G. says it was worth the 8-year wait! Titled Superhero, Laurie Berkner explains,
To me, Superhero is about self-empowerment–being our best selves and discovering the superhero in all of us.
You can learn more about Jessica G.’s thoughts about this new CD in her Superhero album review.
Be a Real-Life Superhero
The truth is, your kids don’t need any kind of special super powers to be a hero in real life. We have lots of ideas of how you and your children can volunteer together to be of service to your community.
In fact, we happen to be well-acquainted with a few Junior Superheroes in Lake County already….
Our newly expanded Kirby’s Kids program, in partnership with Great Lakes Credit Union, recognizes the extraordinary young people (up to age 15) who are serving as role models in our community. Through acts of kindness great and small, they are helping to inspire everyone to reach out and give of themselves.
Do you know of a child who is making an impact and inspiring others through their good deeds? Nominate them to be our next Kirby’s Kid!
Who is your child’s favorite superhero? Tell us in the comments!
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