Articles

The Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery is a must-see destination for families visiting Provena Heritage Village in Kankakee, Illinois. Since 2009, the Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau has recognized the gallery as an “essential” tourism spot. This gallery is dedicated to enriching the lives of all ages in the Kankakee River Valley through the celebration of the arts. The gallery showcases the work of both local and regional artists from a variety of genres. Whether you’re an avid art enthusiast or new to the scene, the Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery is a great place to explore and discover the beauty of the arts. The gallery also serves as an advocate for both local and visiting artists, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talents. A visit to the Gretchen Charlton Art Gallery is sure to be a memorable experience for the entire family.

Parents in Kankakee Valley have an awesome resource right in their backyard: the Kankakee Valley Park District. Whether you’re looking to explore the area’s natural and historical resources, or simply enjoy the outdoors with family and friends, the park district’s dozens of parks and facilities are the perfect spot for a picnic or birthday party. With so many great sites to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for any occasion. The Kankakee Valley Park District makes it easy to plan your next gathering with the availability of picnic reservations. Whether you’re looking to plan a family reunion, a graduation celebration, or any other type of gathering, the park district can accommodate you. With access to beautiful parks and facilities, as well as recreational programs and services, you can rest assured that your event will be a success.

Are you dreaming of summer days ahead? We are, too! That's why we are so excited that Splash Valley Aquatic Park will be opening its doors for the 2023 season on Saturday, May 27. Make sure to purchase your Season Pass now to get the best deal and be ready for a summer of fun! You can purchase your passes at the Bird Park Administrative Office, located at 893 W. Station St. in Kankakee. You'll be able to access all the fun amenities that Splash Valley has to offer, from the slides and lazy river to the splash pool and water playground. It's a great way to enjoy the summer with the whole family. Don't miss out on the fun! Get your 2023 Season Passes now and look forward to a summer of splashing, sliding, and sun. Get ready for a summer of memories at Splash Valley Aquatic Park!

Golden’s Gymnastics understands the importance of physical activity for kids and strives to make the sport of gymnastics a fun, safe, and positive experience for athletes. Their mission is to educate, provide quality gymnastics programs, and develop the highest level of achievement in gymnastics. The gym offers a variety of programs designed to teach physical fitness, body coordination, strength, muscle structure, self-esteem, discipline, and personal character. Through skilled and professional coaches, they create a positive and challenging environment for children in which they can grow and learn. Golden’s Gymnastics is committed to helping their athletes reach their full potential and make the most of their gymnastics experience. The coaches strive to ensure that all athletes, regardless of age or skill level, have the opportunity to participate in a sport that promotes physical and mental development. The gym also provides a variety of competitive programs for those interested in taking their skills to the next level. At Golden’s Gymnastics, kids can learn the fundamentals of the sport, make lasting friendships, and have a great time while doing so. Their goal is to make the sport of gymnastics enjoyable and beneficial for all who participate. With their focus on educating, providing quality programs and developing the highest level of achievement, Golden’s Gymnastics is a great place for kids to get active and stay fit.

At Haigh Quarry, we offer a range of PADI scuba diving courses, from Discover Scuba Diving (an introductory course) to Instructor courses. Our PADI instructors are fully insured for your peace of mind, and are highly educated and specialize in personal safety. With small classes, our instructors are able to provide a unique, personalized experience and will work around your hectic schedule. Our instructors love what they do and live to dive – why not come and join in the fun and excitement of this life-changing sport? Haigh Quarry is the perfect place to start your scuba diving journey. With our excellent PADI courses, ranging from Discover Scuba Diving (an introductory course) to Instructor courses, you can be sure that you’re learning from qualified, experienced instructors. All of our instructors are fully insured with a focus on personal safety, and with small classes, they can work around your hectic schedule. What’s more, our instructors love what they do and live to dive, so you’ll be sure to have a great time while learning this exciting, life-changing sport. So why not come and give it a try?

. Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena is the perfect place for the whole family to have fun! Enjoy a leisurely skate on the NHL size rink, grab a bite to eat at the Breakaway Café, and rent one of four private party/meeting rooms for special occasions. Plus, with a wide variety of programming available for all skill levels, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skater, Ice Valley Centre Ice Arena has something for you.

At our bowling alley, you and your family will have a great time. You can choose from a variety of different games on our scoring system, while still enjoying traditional bowling. Our 36 lanes and huge lounge area provide plenty of space for everyone to have a blast. Plus, you can play pool, or check out our stage for entertainment, our live video gaming machines with 85 different games, the snack shop, and arcade. To top it off, we even have a golf simulator. So come on down to our bowling alley and get ready for the time of your life!

The vitality of a community is determined by its cultural resources. KVTA strives for excellence. Like all other organizations, KVTA depends on support from the community to achieve this excellence. KVTA is a volunteer, community-driven organization. It takes many volunteers and many, many, man-hours to produce one show. In our production season, we stage five regular season shows and more often than not, a summer production or a theatre camp for the local youth.

At KVTA, we understand the importance of our community’s cultural resources. We strive to achieve excellence in all of our productions. We wouldn’t be able to do this without the generous support of our volunteers and the local community. It takes a lot of dedication and hard work from our volunteers to produce each show. Throughout the production season we perform five regular season shows and frequently put on a summer production or theatre camp for the local youth. We are so grateful for the help and support of our volunteers and community members who make KVTA’s productions possible. We are proud to be a part of the vibrant and thriving culture of our community.

The YMCA provides a safe, supportive atmosphere where everyone is welcome, regardless of their background or ability level. With a mission to strengthen the community, the YMCA offers a variety of activities and programs that promote social, emotional, and physical growth. Whether it’s team sports, swimming, or after-school enrichment programs, the YMCA works to ensure that everyone is able to take part and make the most out of their experience. The YMCA is more than just a gym - it's a movement of people coming together to create positive change. Through quality programming, the YMCA provides a place for people to learn, grow, and develop into better versions of themselves. When you join the YMCA, you join a supportive community that helps you reach your goals and strive for personal excellence.

At Willowhaven Nature Center, families can explore and learn about the wonders of nature. With a full-size black bear, an albino raccoon, and even a live animal display, visitors of all ages can get up close to the amazing creatures that inhabit the outdoor world. Little ones can also get their hands on some real pelts, feathers, antlers, and stones at the center’s interactive discovery tables. Experience a fun and educational day out with the family at Willowhaven Nature Center. You and your kids can get a glimpse of the beautiful wildlife the outdoors has to offer, from a full-size black bear to an albino raccoon, and even a live animal display. Plus, the discovery tables are packed with real pelts, feathers, antlers, and stones for some hands-on learning.

At our 9000 sq. ft. facility, we have batting cages, pitching areas, and an infield workout area. At TNT Hitting, we are committed to helping your child reach their potential as a softball or baseball player. Our instructors are knowledgeable and experienced, and they strive to create a safe, challenging, and encouraging environment where your child can learn, grow, and develop their skills. Our facility also features batting cages, pitching areas, and an infield workout area, so regardless of the position, your child will be able to practice their skills and work on their game.

Located at 150 N Indiana Ave, in downtown Kankakee, the RecCenter offers a full gymnasium with an open gym for youth, teens, adults, and family time. The Kankakee Valley Park District exists to acquire, develop, and maintain parks, promote the conservation of natural and historical resources, and provide recreational facilities, programs, and services for the benefit of all District residents. The ability to accomplish our mission is made possible through the dedicated efforts of the commissioner's residents, a combination of tax dollars, fees, private donations, grants, and cooperation with other governmental and private entities.