Special Events
When Does Registration Begin?
Registration for all 2024 summer events and programs begins Monday, April 15th at 9:00am for residents, and Monday, April 22nd at 9:00am for non-residents.
How Do I Register?
The Wildwood Park District offers multiple ways to register, including online, email, fax, mail, and in-person. Registering online is always fastest. For more details on registering, or to register once registration opens, please visit:
How Quickly Do Spots Fill?
Fast! Summer is our busiest season for events and programs, so spots tend to fill quickly, especially for resident favorites like swim lessons, summer camp, and adult yoga. We recommend viewing our website and 2024 Summer Brochure (hard copy and digital version coming beginning of April) prior to open registration and having all your favorite events and programs picked out ahead of time so you can enroll as soon as registration opens.
Park Appreciation Day (POSTPONED TO 5/4 FROM 9AM-12PM AT RULE PARK)
Volunteer during Earth Week and join the Wildwood Park District as we clean Rule Park of trash and brush! Together we will give back to our community by making our parks cleaner and more enjoyable for all to use. We will begin at 9am at Rule Park- please bring gloves and garden tools. Free pizza and refreshments will be provided at noon.
No pre-registration required!
| Location | Rule Park | Day | Saturday |
| Time | 9:00am-12:00pm | Date | 4/27 |
| Min/Max | N/A | Instructor | Park District Staff/Volunteers |
| Fee | FREE | Class ID: | N/A |
18th Annual Carp Fishing Derby
Anglers of all ages are welcome at the free 18th Annual Carp Fishing Derby, sponsored by Gages Lake Conservation Committee and Gagewood Lions Club, in cooperation with Wildwood Park District. Prizes will be awarded for each age group. Basic fishing instructions are provided for beginners. Registration will take place at the Willow Point Park Pavilion. Some fishing poles will be available for use or bring your own. An Illinois Fishing License is required (if 16 years of age and older). Children must be supervised by an adult.
No pre-registration required.
| Location | Willow Point Park | Day | Saturday |
| Time | 9:00am-12:00pm | Date | 6/1 |
| Min/Max | N/A | Instructor | GLCC/Park District Staff/Volunteers |
| Fee | FREE | Class ID: | N/A |
Movie in the Park featuring Elemental
Come out to Rule Park and watch Elemental on the big screen! Bounce house, concessions, and Tropical Chill Ice Cream Truck open at 7:30pm, movie begins at 8:45pm. Concessions are cash only and include popcorn, chips, candy, soda, and water. Bring blankets, chairs, and bug spray! In case of severe weather, the reschedule date is Friday, June 14th.
Please register by Monday, June 3rd using Class ID 2427.00.03
| Location | Rule Park | Day | Friday |
| Time | 7:30pm- bounce house, concessions, and Tropical Chill Ice Cream Truck
8:45pm- movie begins |
Date | 6/7 |
| Min/Max | N/A | Instructor | Park District Staff/Volunteers |
| Fee | FREE | Class ID: | N/A |
Blues Soiree in the Park featuring GOOROOS
Join us at Willow Point Park for some free rhythm and blues music by GOOROOS!Enjoy live music at the lake front pavilion or anchor your boat and catch the tunes from the water! The Blues Soirée event is Mardi Gras themed, so wear your best Mardi Gras attire, and don’t forget to bring your chair or blanket, bug spray, and money for food truck!
No pre-registration required!
| Location | Willow Point Park | Day | Friday |
| Time | 6:00-8:00pm | Date | 6/21 |
| Min/Max | N/A | Instructor | Park District Staff/Volunteers |
| Fee | FREE | Class ID: |
Family Campout
Grab your tent and sleeping bag and spend the night with friends and family under the stars at Rule Park! Enjoy a campfire with s’mores, stargazing, bounce house, games, and more! Dinner (grilled hot dogs, chips, soda and water) and breakfast (assorted bagels with cream cheese spread, water, orange juice, and coffee) is included in the registration fee. In case of inclement weather, the reschedule date is July 26th.
Please pre-register using Class ID 2427.13.01 by Monday, July 15th.
| Location | Rule Park | Day | Friday |
| Time | 7:00pm-9:00am | Date | 7/19 – 7/20 |
| Min/Max | N/A | Instructor | Park District Staff/Volunteers |
| Fee | $25 per family (resident)/$35 per family (non-resident) | Class ID: | 2427.13.01 |
National Night Out featuring Logan Ramey- A Tribute to the King
Join the Wildwood Park District and neighbors as we gather for National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnership and neighborhood camaraderie to make Wildwood a safer, more caring place to live. We will have the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Auxiliary Deputy squad car, live music by Logan Ramey- A Tribute to the King, bounce house, kid’s activities, crime prevention and personal safety tips, and more!
No pre-registration required!
| Location | Rule Park | Day | Tuesday |
| Time | 6:00pm | Date | 8/6 |
| Min/Max | N/A | Instructor | Park District Staff/Volunteers |
| Fee | FREE | Class ID: | N/A |
Paddle the Lake
Join us for some summer fun on Valley Lake! Challenge your kayak, paddle boat, and paddleboard skills in our friendly races! Prizes will be awarded to winners. Refreshments and treats provided.
Please pre-register by Wednesday, August 14th using Class ID 2427.24.01
| Location | Valley Lake South | Day | Sunday |
| Time | 1:00-2:30pm | Date | 8/18 |
| Min/Max | 7/20 | Instructor | Park District Staff/Volunteers |
| Fee | $12 Resident/$18 Non-Resident | Class ID: | 2427.24.01 |
