Presidents Day in Champaign-Urbana: 7 Things To Do With Your Family
Looking for family fun on Presidents Day in Champaign-Urbana? We’re here to help! Almost all schools, preschools, and even some daycares are closed in observance of Presidents Day. Here are some (mostly free) ideas to keep your family happy (and busy) on Presidents Day—Monday, Feb. 17, 2020:
1. Go on an Abraham Lincoln scavenger hunt. There are several Lincoln monuments in Champaign-Urbana, from Carle Park‘s statue (visible from Race Street) to the famous bust in Lincoln Hall on campus. There’s also a lesser known, newer Lincoln statue outside of the Alice Campbell Alumni Center off of (appropriately enough) Lincoln Avenue in Urbana. Lincoln Square counts. Bonus points: find the house where Lincoln supposedly slept in Urbana (404 W. Illinois St.). Have older kids? In Urbana, there is a collection of Lincoln informational signs along Main Street (around the Champaign County courthouse and at Busey Bank).
2. Go to the Museum of the Grand Prairie to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday: Exciting that Mary Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln’s wife (played by Pam Brown), will answer our burning questions about life in the White House, her family, and her famous husband. Best of all: Birthday cake will be served. Many activities for all ages at the Museum of the Grand Prairie in Mahomet. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. FREE.
3. Get out with the birds at Homer Lake. The weather might not cooperate for being outside for the backyard bird count at Homer Lake Forest Preserve, but no worry; there’s indoor events, too. Enjoy making bird-themed crafts and help count the birds at our feeders for this citizen science event. From 2-4:00 p.m., see birds up close. FREE.
4. Go to the Staerkel Planetarium and learn about the Sun and solar system. There will be two double features – OUT THERE: THE QUEST FOR EXTRASOLAR WORLDS and SUNSTRUCK (morning and afternoon). $6 adults, $5 for kids and seniors.
5. Go to Krannert Art Museum. What a treat to have a museum that is open! From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — be sure to see HIVE, the new installation that will tantalize the senses of all ages (think large inflatable art and music to go along with it). Be aware that U of I is in session, but metered parking is available. Admission is free; $3 donation per person is suggested. Here’s where to eat when on campus.
6. While you’re on campus, take a tour of a landmark. Go behind the scenes of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (read our review here) at 3:00 p.m. FREE.
7. Get active. If you’re looking for more active fun, there’s school’s out swimming at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center. Regular prices apply. Also, there’s open rollerskating at Skateland (1-4:00 p.m.) and lunchtime ice skating at the UI Ice Arena (11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.)
Don’t forget to check out our “What is Open, What is Closed” article for Presidents Day. And check out more ideas on our events calendar.)
What are your Presidents Day plans?