Chicago Area Mensa 2026 Summer Picnic
Sunday, July 19th
@ 11 AM to 4 PM
Salt Creek Park
574 W. 2nd St., Elmhurst, IL 60126
Join us at the seventh almost annual Chicago Area Mensa summer picnic. We are very conscious to keep this event as inexpensive as possible. This centrally located venue has a proven track record. The event is free for first 100 who qualify† and register. Even for those who have to pay, the cost is low.
The site has a pavilion that will accommodate up to 150 people, so the picnic will be held rain or shine (unless the weather is truly awful). There are washrooms just past the baseball diamond (SE of pavilion) and a play area for younger children just north of the pavilion. Park on the west end of the park nearest to Rt. 83 (enter from W. Second St.). See the park’s map or the detailed map below to orient yourself.
Elmhurst’s Salt Creek Park Facilities
There will be horseshoes, frisbees, bocce, water balloons, checkers, chess, and balls. Feel free to bring any any additional games and equipment for outdoor activities.
Chicago Area Mensa will provide burgers, hot dogs, bratwursts, veggie burgers, many sides, condiments, snacks, drinks, fruit, and desserts, as well as plates, napkins, and utensils. If you’d like to bring a dish to share, you are welcome to do so. The park district does not allow the use of alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances on its premises.
Note: The grills will be shut down at 2 PM so arrive before then to get your hot food; there may still be grilled food available after 2 PM but it will not be hot. Although we only have the pavilion reserved until 4 PM, the park is open until dusk.
The on-site cost is $10 per adult† and $5 per child (under 18 and over 2†) with the same pricing for members and non-members alike. Children two and under† are free. We would like as many people as possible to register in advance online in order to have enough food on hand. The event is free for first 100 people who qualify† and register online no later than Saturday, July 18th! Each adult CAM member may register one adult guest† and up to 4 dependent children† for free. Chicago Area members under 18† may register up to two adult guests and up to three siblings (under 18 and over 2†) for free. Additional guests pay the on-site rate.
†At least one member of your party must be a current Chicago Area Mensa member
Registrants must furnish their full names to qualify for free entry
Age as of July 19, 2026
Adult (18 or older)
Children under 2 are free
If you have questions or wish to help, contact Bradley S. and Stacey K. via picnic@chicago.us.mensa.org .
Add CAM Summer Picnic @ Salt Creek Park
Directions
If coming from the south on northbound IL-83, turn right (E) onto W. Second St. and turn right (S) again into the parking lot.
If on east- or westbound W. North Ave. (IL-64), turn south onto West Ave. at the stop light (Bethel Assembly of God Church is on the SW corner) (located east of of Kingery Hwy. (IL-83)). Continue south to W. Second St. on your right. Turn right (W) onto Second St. Drive past most of the park until you see the gravel entrance to the parking lot to your left (S), just before Kingery Hwy. (IL-83).
If on east- or westbound St. Charles Rd., turn north onto S. West Ave. at the stoplight by the Kohl’s on the NW corner. Continue north on West Ave. to W. Second St. on your left (W). Turn left onto Second St. Drive past most of the park until you see the gravel entrance to the parking lot to your left (S), just before Kingery Hwy. (IL-83).
Register!
To ensure there’ll be enough food, register online no later than Saturday, July 18th. And as an added benefit, the event is free for the first 100 registrants (each Chicago Area Mensa member may register one guest and up to 4 dependent children); members under 18 may register two adult guests and up to three siblings).
