PEORIA (May 9, 2024) – The Peoria Park District will host the 11th annual PNC Worldwide Day of Play from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday May 11, at Glen Oak Park in Peoria. The family friendly, free event is dedicated to bringing children and their families together to learn, play and interact.
This year’s event includes a special opportunity for fans of all ages to meet costume characters Daniel Tiger and Katerina Kittycat. The appearance is funded by the PNC Foundation, through its PNC Grow Up Great® early childhood education initiative, to celebrate neighborliness and kindness through Be My Neighbor Day. The event is inspired by Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, the beloved PBS KIDS series from Fred Rogers Productions, as seen on Peoria’s WTVP television.
“For 20 years, PNC has supported opportunities to enhance early childhood education across the country including here in Peoria. This wonderful event helps bring together children and their families and caregivers to spark curiosity and learning,” said Brian Ray, PNC regional president for central Illinois. “We’re thrilled to have our volunteers and our friends from Fred Rogers Productions welcome the little learners as they enjoy the outdoors and interactive events planned for the day.”
Children will also have a chance to explore face-painting, play carnival games, jump in bounce houses, run obstacle courses, visit the Discovery Barn, Touch-A-Truck and participate in the Clyde West Fishing Derby at the Glen Oak Park Lagoon.
Families and caregivers will have the opportunity to explore the Early Childhood Children’s Resource Fair to learn more about available resources, including options for educational support from local organizations.
New for this year is the opportunity for guests to explore our Be: Anything! Career Expo! Meet professionals, explore careers and learn how you can Be Anything! with our online auction. Be Anything! is an innovative program that propels “Take Your Child to Work Day” to a new level, by helping a child explore the careers that excite them. The online auction runs from May 5 – May 11 and allows children (and adults) the chance to experience a day in the field with a professional and explore careers that excite them! All proceeds from the auction will help support the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum and their mission of providing children with the tools and inspiration they need to be explorers and creators of the world!
“On behalf of the thousands of children who have enjoyed PNC Worldwide Day of Play over the last decade, we are grateful to PNC Bank and their commitment to our community and support for activities that help create a vibrant place to live, work and play,” says Emily Cahill, Executive Director of the Peoria Park District. “It is one of our favorite events of the year, and we thank them for helping us make it a success.”
Guests will also enjoy various entertainment including performances by local dance groups. As an added value, all visitors of PNC Worldwide Day of Play will receive a discount on general admission ($3 per person, per venue) to explore The Peoria Zoo and Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, both conveniently located in Glen Oak Park.
PNC Bank has been the presenting sponsor of Worldwide Day of Play since its inception. Launched in 2013 by Nickelodeon and The Big Help, the event continues to inspire children to be more physically active and encourage positive, healthy, and playful lifestyles for families worldwide.
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