Lakefront Trail Maintenance Alert: Over the next several months, repairs will be made throughout the trail, one section at a time. Work will start on the south end and move north. Signage will be placed ahead of the construction site. Please be alert and safe, and avoid these active construction work zones. Learn more: Lakefront Trail Maintenance. Posted 9/15/26
Free fun and structure play on CPS' Day-off
Chicago, IL – The Chicago Park District will welcome hundreds of girls ages 6 to 12 to the seasonal Girls Day of P.L.A.Y. event at 18 park sites on Friday, September 25, 2026. Times vary by park, though activities generally take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Participants will play sports, design unique crafts, dance, and learn professional development skills throughout the day. Registration is free, and available at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/girls-play.
“By participating in a variety of athletic, artistic, and social activities, local girls are invited to explore career paths and learn lifelong skills at the parks,” said General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “The Chicago Park District is where patrons can find their passions, and Girls Day of P.L.A.Y. is a perfect example of how we connect young people with one another year-round, especially on days when school is out.”
The activities are as unique as ever! Girls from 14 southside parks will be bussed to Gately Park, 10201 S. Cottage Grove Ave., to participate in a “Pamper Party” featuring self-care activities like yoga, nail care, hair care, charm bracelet tutorials and more.
At Brooks Park, 7100 N. Harlem Ave., girls will participate in carnival games, scavenger hunts, cookie decorating, and a Halloween-themed trivia game.
Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 W. Lake St., will offer basketball, karaoke competitions, dance battles, and an entrepreneurship presentation from a community partner.
Girls at Kosciuszko Park, 2732 N. Ayers Ave., will enjoy archery, an inflatable obstacle course, kickball, and swimming.