What kid — or adult — hasn’t dreamed of stepping into a giant game of Candy Land?
To help fulfill this sweet craving, the Tinley Park Park District is hosting a Life-Size Winter Candy Land event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 19 at the Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center.
“This new event is taking place on the last day of winter as we bring the game of Candy Land to life with a wonderful winter theme inside the gym,” said Erin Cortilet, recreation supervisor.
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Get ready for a sugary stroll with plenty to do — and eat.
“Before participants start on their sweet adventure, players will color their own spinner (then) participate in different Candy Land themed activities, meet costumed characters and receive special treats along the way,” Cortilet explained. “Each time they spin, the color will determine their next move along the life-size game board laid out on the gym floor.”
Players will follow the familiar route of rainbow squares, complete with candy décor and yummy locales.
“Participants will stop at five sweet destinations that will include meet-and-greets with costumed characters and play a game, sing, dance and/or receive a special treat,” she said. “Once players complete the entire game board, they will enter King Candy’s Castle bounce house and slide their way to the exit.”
The confection-themed stops include the Peppermint Forest, with a character meet/greet; Cotton Candy Corner; Licorice Lagoon, with a beanbag toss and prize giveaway; Lollipop Palace, with a pick-a-pop and character meet/greet; and Frosted Palace, with a character meet/greet, game and prize giveaway.
“(Players) receive special treats along the way including cotton candy at the Cotton Candy Corner sponsored by Gold Medal Products, lollipops at the Lollipop Palace sponsored by Raffy’s Candy Store and ice cream at the Frozen Palace sponsored by Plush Horse Ice Cream,” Cortilet said.
Organizers expect about 300 players total, divided into 15-minute time slots of 25 players each, designed to keep the game from getting too crowded. Players should arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled game time.
“We anticipate approximately 45 minutes for overall event/game experience, and attendants should follow the state orders for wearing a mask and social distancing,” she said.
All in all, the colorful game should make quite a spectacle — and provide plenty of photo ops.
“We are very excited to offer a new event that offers kids and families an afternoon full of fun,” Cortilet said. “We hope we can continue to offer it annually in the future.”
Life-Size Winter Candy Land
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 19
Where: Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center, 8125 W. 171st St., Tinley Park
Tickets: $10-$13
Information: 708-342-4200; tinleyparkdistrict.org
Jen Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.