Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Win A Free Adult Admission To DuPage Children's Museum!
Hey everyone... Christine from Kids Of DuPage is giving away a free adult pass to DuPage Children's Museum! You have to bring at least one child in order to use it. They do not want adults wandering around the museum unattended, you know! You want to win it? Check out the giveaway!
DuPage's Own "Dog Whisperer"
Today I found out that my dogs are geniuses!
I've been worried about Clover and Lily for a while. Clover is a six-year-old maltipoo, and Lily is one of the eight maltipoo-ratterrier-chihuahua puppies she gave birth to way back last Mother's Day. They are sweet dogs, but not very well-behaved! They run out into the street and chase joggers and bicyclers, bark incessantly at anyone who enters, leaves, walks past, or runs through the house (there are four kids between the ages of 3 and 14 who live here, and two more teenaged relatives living down the street, plus all of their collective friends, so yes... people do run through our house quite a lot!) They both sneakily go to the bathroom in certain parts of the house, they fight like cats and dogs even though they are both dogs, they snatch food, and they chew stuff up around the house.
I wanted to find a way to train Clover and Lily... but in a chaotic house, it was hard to find a way to do it on my own! So I put out the word to dog trainers in DuPage, describing the problems I was having with my dogs... particularly Lily, the puppy, who has a reputation around the house for being the naughty one.
Luckily, Jennifer Tribolet, a dog trainer who lives in Lombard, answered my call!
This afternoon Jennifer came over to meet with the dogs and me, plus Monkeyboy, Little Bear and Pufferfish. We were out in the front lawn waiting for her when she got here, and as she got out of the car Clover charged at her, barking, so she got to see right away an example of what lay ahead of her!
Jennifer lost no time in taking charge. She looped leashes around the dogs and took them for a walk. At first Clover and Lily balked, yanking at their leashes to get away from her, and Clover tried to attack Lily as they walked. (Clover is always suddenly deciding she needs to kill Lily, when I take them for walks, which is why I usually walk them separately.) Jennifer only took them to the end of the street and back, but by the time she returned, both dogs were walking calmly, side by side!
When I was first trying to figure out how to train the dogs, I read lots of books about dog training, but I was never sure how to implement the ideas on my own. It was helpful to see a professional do it in real life! I was amazed at how quickly the dogs learned. It was as if they were eager to show us how smart they were. Like, all that time, they had just been waiting for someone to come along and train them!
My case was probably particularly difficult for Jennifer because of the chaos around the house. In the short time that she was with us, one of the teenagers came over, left, came back again and picked up Monkeyboy; Pufferfish had a tantrum and ran inside; and Jimmy came home from work. But she kept the dogs calm and cool, and taught us how to do the same! In that short amount of time, she also worked with us on getting the dogs to take food or treats only when they hear a signal from us instead of just snatching them, and on getting them to calm down when they were freaking out. She pointed out the reasons why they might be acting up in each situation, and showed us how important it was to make the dogs feel safe by remaining calm and taking charge.
I had been a little worried about meeting with a dog trainer because I thought it would be a little bit like "Super Nanny." I thought she would come, meet the dogs, and then scold me firmly about what a horrible dog owner I had been and how I was doing so many ridiculous things wrong. But Jennifer was nothing like that! She was very positive, explaining mistakes that many people make with dogs. I felt perfectly comfortable talking with her... and thats not an easy thing for me, since I'm easily unnerved by people!
After Jennifer left, I felt inspired to do more work with the dogs. I was determined to get these dogs to be happy, well-behaved members of the household! So after dinner, Little Bear and I took the dogs for another walk around the block. (Jennifer says that, when dogs get plenty of exercise and are worn out, they're in a great state of mind for learning.) Then, I worked a little on training the dogs to stay out of Jimmy and Diana's bedroom, where they have a tendency to poop on the bed. It worked great!
I am going to keep on working with Lily and Clover every day, and take them for at least two walks each day as well! (That will be a lot easier to do now that I don't have to walk them separately!) Once we've tackled walking as a "pack", taking treats nicely, and refraining from pooping in Diana and Jimmy's bed, though, we definitely need to work on not barking at the door, and staying in the yard!
So, if you are looking for a dog trainer, either for a new puppy, an adult dog you've adopted, or a dog you've had for a while but who needs to work on his manners, this is my recommendation! Call Jennifer Tribolet at (630) 383-9736, or email her at jnyftb@yahoo.com. You'll be glad you did! (She also offers grooming, pet massage, and pet sitting!)
I've been worried about Clover and Lily for a while. Clover is a six-year-old maltipoo, and Lily is one of the eight maltipoo-ratterrier-chihuahua puppies she gave birth to way back last Mother's Day. They are sweet dogs, but not very well-behaved! They run out into the street and chase joggers and bicyclers, bark incessantly at anyone who enters, leaves, walks past, or runs through the house (there are four kids between the ages of 3 and 14 who live here, and two more teenaged relatives living down the street, plus all of their collective friends, so yes... people do run through our house quite a lot!) They both sneakily go to the bathroom in certain parts of the house, they fight like cats and dogs even though they are both dogs, they snatch food, and they chew stuff up around the house.
I wanted to find a way to train Clover and Lily... but in a chaotic house, it was hard to find a way to do it on my own! So I put out the word to dog trainers in DuPage, describing the problems I was having with my dogs... particularly Lily, the puppy, who has a reputation around the house for being the naughty one.
Luckily, Jennifer Tribolet, a dog trainer who lives in Lombard, answered my call!
This afternoon Jennifer came over to meet with the dogs and me, plus Monkeyboy, Little Bear and Pufferfish. We were out in the front lawn waiting for her when she got here, and as she got out of the car Clover charged at her, barking, so she got to see right away an example of what lay ahead of her!
Jennifer lost no time in taking charge. She looped leashes around the dogs and took them for a walk. At first Clover and Lily balked, yanking at their leashes to get away from her, and Clover tried to attack Lily as they walked. (Clover is always suddenly deciding she needs to kill Lily, when I take them for walks, which is why I usually walk them separately.) Jennifer only took them to the end of the street and back, but by the time she returned, both dogs were walking calmly, side by side!
When I was first trying to figure out how to train the dogs, I read lots of books about dog training, but I was never sure how to implement the ideas on my own. It was helpful to see a professional do it in real life! I was amazed at how quickly the dogs learned. It was as if they were eager to show us how smart they were. Like, all that time, they had just been waiting for someone to come along and train them!
My case was probably particularly difficult for Jennifer because of the chaos around the house. In the short time that she was with us, one of the teenagers came over, left, came back again and picked up Monkeyboy; Pufferfish had a tantrum and ran inside; and Jimmy came home from work. But she kept the dogs calm and cool, and taught us how to do the same! In that short amount of time, she also worked with us on getting the dogs to take food or treats only when they hear a signal from us instead of just snatching them, and on getting them to calm down when they were freaking out. She pointed out the reasons why they might be acting up in each situation, and showed us how important it was to make the dogs feel safe by remaining calm and taking charge.
I had been a little worried about meeting with a dog trainer because I thought it would be a little bit like "Super Nanny." I thought she would come, meet the dogs, and then scold me firmly about what a horrible dog owner I had been and how I was doing so many ridiculous things wrong. But Jennifer was nothing like that! She was very positive, explaining mistakes that many people make with dogs. I felt perfectly comfortable talking with her... and thats not an easy thing for me, since I'm easily unnerved by people!
After Jennifer left, I felt inspired to do more work with the dogs. I was determined to get these dogs to be happy, well-behaved members of the household! So after dinner, Little Bear and I took the dogs for another walk around the block. (Jennifer says that, when dogs get plenty of exercise and are worn out, they're in a great state of mind for learning.) Then, I worked a little on training the dogs to stay out of Jimmy and Diana's bedroom, where they have a tendency to poop on the bed. It worked great!
I am going to keep on working with Lily and Clover every day, and take them for at least two walks each day as well! (That will be a lot easier to do now that I don't have to walk them separately!) Once we've tackled walking as a "pack", taking treats nicely, and refraining from pooping in Diana and Jimmy's bed, though, we definitely need to work on not barking at the door, and staying in the yard!
So, if you are looking for a dog trainer, either for a new puppy, an adult dog you've adopted, or a dog you've had for a while but who needs to work on his manners, this is my recommendation! Call Jennifer Tribolet at (630) 383-9736, or email her at jnyftb@yahoo.com. You'll be glad you did! (She also offers grooming, pet massage, and pet sitting!)
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Jim's Pet World in Villa Park
Place: Jim's Pet World
Location: . 701 N. Addison, in Villa Park (just south of North Avenue.)
Type of Place: Pet shop
Secret: Jim's Pet World has it's own pets, including a giant Leopard Tortoise and a talking parrot!
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: Depends on if you buy something!
Jim's Pet World will always hold a special place in my heart, because that is where I got my cat, Sammy-Joe! I had just turned twenty, and for my birthday Diana brought me to Jim's Pet World to pick out a kitten. I picked out a gray little fuzzball who grew up to be a big, muscular, beautiful, cuddly kitty!
This past week, we were learning about worms, and since I could not seem to find any for the life of me, I thought I'd buy some. When Megan reminded me that they sell live bait at Jim's Pet World, I was excited for the chance to show the kids my favorite pet shop!
Jim's Pet World is different from other pet shops in many ways. For one thing, it is family owned, and has been there since 1972. When you walk in, you get the feeling that you are walking into a small, friendly local pet shop, as opposed to a large chain shop like petland.
Another thing I love about them is that they don't keep their puppies in cages or behind glass (except for a few very young puppies who can't be out yet.) Instead, they keep them in large bins, lined with some sort of disposable bedding. (I don't know what it is, but it smells a little like wood chips or straw.) You're not allowed to pick up the puppies, probably because people would be dropping them or losing them all the time... but you can definitely reach in to play with them and pet them! The bins are high enough so the puppies can't jump out, but low enough that they can stand up on their hind legs to greet you. This way, you can see for yourself that they are clean, frisky, and happy. (Have you ever gone into a pet store where the dogs are behind glass, and some of them just look kind of sick and dirty?) They have room to wrestle and play and walk around in the bins, too, so they're not just sitting there all the time.
I have also heard that Jim's Pet World gets the puppy from local people, many who have dogs who became pregnant accidentally... not from puppy mills! So if you are looking for a puppy, you can rest assured that you are actually helping a puppy who needs a home, instead of supporting puppy mills.
Jim's Pet World also has some pets of its own, that are always there. One is this leopard tortoise! The kids thought it was so cool!
I've been reading some of the online reviews of Jim's Pet World, and they have gotten some bad reviews. It seems that everyone either loves or hates this place! Some people have said that the puppies and kittens they've gotten from there have been sick. (You have to keep in mind, though, that the place has been in business for nearly forty years, and the handful of people who have posted complaints online are probably the minority. Happy customers rarely bother to voice their opinions online... its usually the angry ones who are motivated to speak up!) Others have said that the place smells bad, which I don't agree with. It just smells like the bedding they use for the puppies and other critters. Thats much better than the smell of feces!
Another complaint I saw a lot about them was that the employees are rude. This I can kind of see. When we were there, they basically ignored us, and didn't go out of their way to be friendly. But again, you have to remember, this is a family owned business, not a corporation. These people aren't going to be going to weekly trainings on customer service or having their bosses grill them on how many pets they've sold. They are probably just people who loved animals and turned it into a business. Maybe they love pets more than they love people... and I can't really blame them!
I'd be interested in hearing anyone else's experiences with this pet shop. In the meantime, I still think its my favorite pet store!
Location: . 701 N. Addison, in Villa Park (just south of North Avenue.)
Type of Place: Pet shop
Secret: Jim's Pet World has it's own pets, including a giant Leopard Tortoise and a talking parrot!
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: Depends on if you buy something!
Jim's Pet World will always hold a special place in my heart, because that is where I got my cat, Sammy-Joe! I had just turned twenty, and for my birthday Diana brought me to Jim's Pet World to pick out a kitten. I picked out a gray little fuzzball who grew up to be a big, muscular, beautiful, cuddly kitty!
This past week, we were learning about worms, and since I could not seem to find any for the life of me, I thought I'd buy some. When Megan reminded me that they sell live bait at Jim's Pet World, I was excited for the chance to show the kids my favorite pet shop!
Jim's Pet World is different from other pet shops in many ways. For one thing, it is family owned, and has been there since 1972. When you walk in, you get the feeling that you are walking into a small, friendly local pet shop, as opposed to a large chain shop like petland.
Another thing I love about them is that they don't keep their puppies in cages or behind glass (except for a few very young puppies who can't be out yet.) Instead, they keep them in large bins, lined with some sort of disposable bedding. (I don't know what it is, but it smells a little like wood chips or straw.) You're not allowed to pick up the puppies, probably because people would be dropping them or losing them all the time... but you can definitely reach in to play with them and pet them! The bins are high enough so the puppies can't jump out, but low enough that they can stand up on their hind legs to greet you. This way, you can see for yourself that they are clean, frisky, and happy. (Have you ever gone into a pet store where the dogs are behind glass, and some of them just look kind of sick and dirty?) They have room to wrestle and play and walk around in the bins, too, so they're not just sitting there all the time.
I have also heard that Jim's Pet World gets the puppy from local people, many who have dogs who became pregnant accidentally... not from puppy mills! So if you are looking for a puppy, you can rest assured that you are actually helping a puppy who needs a home, instead of supporting puppy mills.
You can see from this picture that the bins are a lot bigger than the cages in most pet shops!
Two puppies cuddling!
Don't you just want to cuddle this little guy?
When I got Sammy-Joe, the kittens used to also be in bins, but now they are kept together in a large cage. It looks a little like a big bird cage! The kittens seem to like it because they can literally climb the walls in there!
Another is a parrot! This parrot can talk. saying things like "Hello" and "Cracker!" I think he got mad at me when I took his picture, because he stopped talking to me and started ruffling up his feathers and waddling
back and forth in his cage.
I've been reading some of the online reviews of Jim's Pet World, and they have gotten some bad reviews. It seems that everyone either loves or hates this place! Some people have said that the puppies and kittens they've gotten from there have been sick. (You have to keep in mind, though, that the place has been in business for nearly forty years, and the handful of people who have posted complaints online are probably the minority. Happy customers rarely bother to voice their opinions online... its usually the angry ones who are motivated to speak up!) Others have said that the place smells bad, which I don't agree with. It just smells like the bedding they use for the puppies and other critters. Thats much better than the smell of feces!
Another complaint I saw a lot about them was that the employees are rude. This I can kind of see. When we were there, they basically ignored us, and didn't go out of their way to be friendly. But again, you have to remember, this is a family owned business, not a corporation. These people aren't going to be going to weekly trainings on customer service or having their bosses grill them on how many pets they've sold. They are probably just people who loved animals and turned it into a business. Maybe they love pets more than they love people... and I can't really blame them!
I'd be interested in hearing anyone else's experiences with this pet shop. In the meantime, I still think its my favorite pet store!
Lakeview Nature Center in Oakbrook Terrace
Place: Lakeview Nature Center
Location: . 17 W 063 Hodges Rd in Oakbrook Terrace.
Type of Place: Nature center
Secret: There's a shallow little creek that the kids enjoyed splashing around in. Sometimes we find snail shells there!
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: Free!
I found out about Lakeview Nature Center last summer, through the Passport To Adventure program. Its a great little nature center, with tons of ammenities that make it possible to spend an entire long summer day there!
During the summer, Lakeview has a weekly program called Wild Wednesdays. It starts out with a very nice, interactive storytime led by a volunteer at the nature center. Then, staff members give a presentation on a live animal. Kids get to view and touch the animal and learn interesting facts about it. Sometimes it is an animal that actually lives at the nature center, such as a frog or a chipmunk. Other times it is a more exotic animal brought in from somewhere else, such as a toucan! This past Wednesday the kids were introduced to centipedes and millipedes. And as it turns out, millipedes are not as creepy as I would have thought! (Centipedes, with their long feathery legs, still freak me out, though!)
Wild Wednesdays take place in rainy or sunny weather. This week it was rainy in the morning, so the event was inside the nature center. That was nice, because they have a great playroom, and the kids all played for a long time after the presentation! There are also many small animals, fish, insects and reptiles, on display in the nature center for kids to look at.
But on sunny days, there are even more festivities, such as lemonade and popcorn being sold, free fishing, and $3.00 paddle boat rides!
Last week, in order to get our passport stamps, we had to go on a hike/scavenger hunt. Since it was sunny by then, we hiked over to the creek, where the kids enjoyed wading around. I am not actually sure you are supposed to do this, but I couldn't see why not... there weren't any "No Swimming" signs posted, and the water only went up about halfway to the kids' knees anyways! I'm a pretty strong believer in giving kids the freedom to enjoy nature, the way I got hill to do when I was little. It seems like, often, these days people are like, "We want you kids to appreciate nature, so look at it... but do not touch it! Don't climb the tree, don't walk on the fallen branch, don't pick up the frog, don't stand on the rock, don't roll down the hill, and DON'T PUT YOUR FEET IN THE WATER!" To me, I want them to be able to do all that. And if you watch the slide show at the bottom of this post, you'll see how genuinely happy the kids ar e to be outside in nature... even though we could hear the sounds of the highway in the background!
Anyway. Lakeview also has a nature-themed playground! After getting our passports stamped and collecting our prizes for doing the hike (which Little Bear, Rafael and Pufferfish all immediately lost) we headed to the playground They love the playground there, especially the rotating net. Its like a regular merry-go-round, but it is surrounded by a rope net that kids can climb on as they spin! What a thrill!
I had a lot of pictures this time, so I decided to put them into a slide show so you can see how much we enjoyed Lakeview Nature Center.
Location: . 17 W 063 Hodges Rd in Oakbrook Terrace.
Type of Place: Nature center
Secret: There's a shallow little creek that the kids enjoyed splashing around in. Sometimes we find snail shells there!
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: Free!
I found out about Lakeview Nature Center last summer, through the Passport To Adventure program. Its a great little nature center, with tons of ammenities that make it possible to spend an entire long summer day there!
During the summer, Lakeview has a weekly program called Wild Wednesdays. It starts out with a very nice, interactive storytime led by a volunteer at the nature center. Then, staff members give a presentation on a live animal. Kids get to view and touch the animal and learn interesting facts about it. Sometimes it is an animal that actually lives at the nature center, such as a frog or a chipmunk. Other times it is a more exotic animal brought in from somewhere else, such as a toucan! This past Wednesday the kids were introduced to centipedes and millipedes. And as it turns out, millipedes are not as creepy as I would have thought! (Centipedes, with their long feathery legs, still freak me out, though!)
Wild Wednesdays take place in rainy or sunny weather. This week it was rainy in the morning, so the event was inside the nature center. That was nice, because they have a great playroom, and the kids all played for a long time after the presentation! There are also many small animals, fish, insects and reptiles, on display in the nature center for kids to look at.
But on sunny days, there are even more festivities, such as lemonade and popcorn being sold, free fishing, and $3.00 paddle boat rides!
Last week, in order to get our passport stamps, we had to go on a hike/scavenger hunt. Since it was sunny by then, we hiked over to the creek, where the kids enjoyed wading around. I am not actually sure you are supposed to do this, but I couldn't see why not... there weren't any "No Swimming" signs posted, and the water only went up about halfway to the kids' knees anyways! I'm a pretty strong believer in giving kids the freedom to enjoy nature, the way I got hill to do when I was little. It seems like, often, these days people are like, "We want you kids to appreciate nature, so look at it... but do not touch it! Don't climb the tree, don't walk on the fallen branch, don't pick up the frog, don't stand on the rock, don't roll down the hill, and DON'T PUT YOUR FEET IN THE WATER!" To me, I want them to be able to do all that. And if you watch the slide show at the bottom of this post, you'll see how genuinely happy the kids ar e to be outside in nature... even though we could hear the sounds of the highway in the background!
Anyway. Lakeview also has a nature-themed playground! After getting our passports stamped and collecting our prizes for doing the hike (which Little Bear, Rafael and Pufferfish all immediately lost) we headed to the playground They love the playground there, especially the rotating net. Its like a regular merry-go-round, but it is surrounded by a rope net that kids can climb on as they spin! What a thrill!
I had a lot of pictures this time, so I decided to put them into a slide show so you can see how much we enjoyed Lakeview Nature Center.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Events Of The Week For June 21 to June 27, 2010
It may be summer break, but your kids can actually be learning more than they ever did in a day of school! Most kids learn best with hands-on projects and experiences, and this summer, DuPage is chock full of opportunities for learning! Just check it out...
MONDAY
There will be a Children's Story Hour at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Stories from the 1890's will be read to the children! The event is free, and no registration is required.
Preschool Playtime at Prairie Gymnastics in Batavia. 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm. $5.00 per child.
Do your kids complain about having to do chores on their summer break? Visit Kline Creek Farm, at 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago, and try out the types of chores kids in the 1890's had to do around the house and farm! Show up at 1:30, 2:30 or 3:30 pm. The event is free and no registration is required! On Thursdays you can help Dad, and come back on Monday to try helping Mom!
TUESDAY
The AMC Theater at Yorktown Mall will host "Summer Movie Camp" every Tuesday at 10:00 am, for the rest of the summer.
The Cinemark Theaters in Woodridge and North Aurora will host a Summer Movie Clubhouse every Tuesday at 11:00 am, for one dollar per ticket. (A package of ten tickets can be purchased in advance for $5.00.)
Story Time at Pottery Barn Kids in Oakbrook Mall, 11:00 am. Kids who attend five times get a special gift! Kids can also play in the store before and after the story time!
Picture Book Picnic at Lufkin Park, 1000 S. Ardmore in Villa Park, from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm. Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch to eat while enjoying a storytime presented by the Villa Park Library!
From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, kids and caregivers can stop into the Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave in Elmhurst, to do a magic-themed craft project. This will take place on Tuesdays throughout the summer! To participate, visit the Education Building at the museum. The cost is $2.00 per child.
WEDNESDAY
Classic Cinemas will be hosting Wednesday Morning Movies for kids, each Wednesday at 10:00 am, throughout the summer. The doors will open at 9:00 am on these mornings, and there will be games, character meetings, etc, before the movie starts. Admission is just one dollar! Check the website to see which movie is playing each Wednesday at the Classic Cinema closest to you.
Marcus Theater will host Kids Rule summer movies on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10:00 am, for $2.75 per person. The price includes popcorn!
Story time at Bloomingdale Barnes and Noble, 10:00 am.
Preschool Playtime at Prairie Gymnastics in Batavia. 10:15 am to 11:30 am. $5.00 per child.
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in Batavia, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. $5.00 per child.
Story time at Oakbrook Terrace Barnes and Noble at 11:00 am.
Its time for Wild Wednesdays at Lakeview Nature Center, 17 W 063 Hodges Rd in Oakbrook Terrace! Children will get to participate in a story time, and then meet an animal up close and in person, for free, each Wednesday! The event takes place several times throughout the day: at 10:15 am, 11:00 am, 11:45 am, and 1:00 pm. While you're there, you can go fishing, go paddleboating, play on the playground, and more! Lakeview Nature Center also participates in Passport To Adventure.
Or, try out a different Wild Wednesdays program at Cantigny! (1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton.) Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, you can gather in the backyard of the Visitor's Center for a hands-on, nature exploration program for kids ages three to ten years old. This event is free, and no registration is required, but you still have to pay for parking at Cantigny. ($5.00 per car.)
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. $5.00 per child
Outdoor summer concerts will take place every Wednesday night in downtown Clarendon Hills, starting at 7:00 pm. Bring chairs or blankets to sit on! No coolers or glass containers allowed. Food will be sold starting at 6:30.
THURSDAY
Marcus Theater will host Kids Rule summer movies on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10:00 am, for $2.75 per person. The price includes popcorn!
Story time at Land Of Nod in Oakbrook Mall, at 11:oo am.
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. $5.00 per child.
York Center Park District, 1609 S. Luther Ave in Lombard, hosts a free Kids Klub every Thursday at noon, throughout the summer. Different events and performances will be taking place each week. This week, we'll be meeting Irish Billy! Seating is on the ground, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs if you'd like. There will also be concessions for sale.
Don't let your kids' brains go numb over the summer! Help them get a nice history lesson with History Alive! every Thursday at the First Division Museum at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton. Each week, a different war will be presented, and kids will play games and do crafts based on that war. Kids are welcome to dress up like soldiers, as well! This is a free event, and no registration is required.
Do your kids complain about having to do chores on their summer break? Visit Kline Creek Farm, at 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago, and try out the types of chores kids in the 1890's had to do around the house and farm! Show up at 1:30, 2:30 or 3:30 pm. The event is free and no registration is required! On Mondays you can help Mom, and come back on Thursdays to help Dad!
The Carol Stream Carnival will take place starting at 6:00 pm tonight, and continue throughout the weekend. You'll find it at Ross Ferraro Town Center, at the SW Corner of Gary Ave. and Lies Rd in Carol Stream.
FRIDAY
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, 10:00 am to 11:00 am. $5.00 per child
Open Gym And Moon Jump Friday at Gymnasti in Carol Stream, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. $5.00 per child.
Preschool Playtime at Prairie Gymnastics in Batavia. 1:15 pm to 2:30 pm. $5.00 per child.
Story time at Bloomingdale Barnes and Noble, 7:00 pm.
SATURDAY
A flea market for kids will take place from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Armstrong Park, 391 Illini Drive in Carol Stream. Kids can come buy used toys and sports equipment from other kids!
Bartlett's Art Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, at the Bartlett Town Center on Main and Railroad Ave. The event will include children’s art activities, storytelling by the Bartlett Public Library, henna art and drumming circles, as well as a wine tasting, free Italian ices, free lemonade and cookies, a sidewalk sale, dance performances, games, etc. Forty artists will also have their work up for show and sale. Check here for a schedule of events!
Willowbrook's Family Fun Day will take place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Willow Pond Park, at Adams and Plainfield Rds in Willowbrook. The day will include free hotdogs for all, bean bag games, a fishing derby, and a moonwalk for kids.
Story time at the Oak Brook Borders at 2:00 pm.
Cantigny will host Dave Rudolf's Beach Party from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. The event is free except for parking fees. ($5.00 per car.)You'll limbo, hula hoop, jump rope, do a conga line, watch the bubble machines, and listen to great tunes from Jimmy Buffet, Harry Belafonte, and Dave’s own original hits! Bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.
SUNDAY
Little Friends Inc's Second Annual Step Up For Autism Walk-A-Thon will take place in downtown Naperville! Its not too late to register to participate for a walk and "fun run," including a mile long kid-friendly route. Besides the walk, there will be a resource fair, interactive displays, face painting, moon jumps,. and entertainment for all, including a hospitality tent for pets! (You can bring your friendly dog on the walk if you want! But don't bring an unfriendly one!) There will even be picture schedules available for people with autism to use... or download one ahead of time here. Participant registration will start at 8:30 am.
Bartlett's Art Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, at the Bartlett Town Center on Main and Railroad Ave. The event will include children’s art activities, storytelling by the Bartlett Public Library, henna art and drumming circles, as well as a wine tasting, free Italian ices, free lemonade and cookies, a sidewalk sale, dance performances, games, etc. Forty artists will also have their work up for show and sale. Check here for a schedule of events!
The Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave in Elmhurst, will host the Magical History Tour Open House Spectacular from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. You'll see magical performances, meet the Bozo Show's Wizzo, and make ice cream disappear. This event is free!
Have A Great Week, everyone!
MONDAY
There will be a Children's Story Hour at Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. Stories from the 1890's will be read to the children! The event is free, and no registration is required.
Preschool Playtime at Prairie Gymnastics in Batavia. 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm. $5.00 per child.
Do your kids complain about having to do chores on their summer break? Visit Kline Creek Farm, at 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago, and try out the types of chores kids in the 1890's had to do around the house and farm! Show up at 1:30, 2:30 or 3:30 pm. The event is free and no registration is required! On Thursdays you can help Dad, and come back on Monday to try helping Mom!
TUESDAY
The AMC Theater at Yorktown Mall will host "Summer Movie Camp" every Tuesday at 10:00 am, for the rest of the summer.
The Cinemark Theaters in Woodridge and North Aurora will host a Summer Movie Clubhouse every Tuesday at 11:00 am, for one dollar per ticket. (A package of ten tickets can be purchased in advance for $5.00.)
Story Time at Pottery Barn Kids in Oakbrook Mall, 11:00 am. Kids who attend five times get a special gift! Kids can also play in the store before and after the story time!
Picture Book Picnic at Lufkin Park, 1000 S. Ardmore in Villa Park, from 11:30 am to 12:15 pm. Families are invited to bring a picnic lunch to eat while enjoying a storytime presented by the Villa Park Library!
From 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, kids and caregivers can stop into the Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave in Elmhurst, to do a magic-themed craft project. This will take place on Tuesdays throughout the summer! To participate, visit the Education Building at the museum. The cost is $2.00 per child.
WEDNESDAY
Classic Cinemas will be hosting Wednesday Morning Movies for kids, each Wednesday at 10:00 am, throughout the summer. The doors will open at 9:00 am on these mornings, and there will be games, character meetings, etc, before the movie starts. Admission is just one dollar! Check the website to see which movie is playing each Wednesday at the Classic Cinema closest to you.
Marcus Theater will host Kids Rule summer movies on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10:00 am, for $2.75 per person. The price includes popcorn!
Story time at Bloomingdale Barnes and Noble, 10:00 am.
Preschool Playtime at Prairie Gymnastics in Batavia. 10:15 am to 11:30 am. $5.00 per child.
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in Batavia, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. $5.00 per child.
Story time at Oakbrook Terrace Barnes and Noble at 11:00 am.
Its time for Wild Wednesdays at Lakeview Nature Center, 17 W 063 Hodges Rd in Oakbrook Terrace! Children will get to participate in a story time, and then meet an animal up close and in person, for free, each Wednesday! The event takes place several times throughout the day: at 10:15 am, 11:00 am, 11:45 am, and 1:00 pm. While you're there, you can go fishing, go paddleboating, play on the playground, and more! Lakeview Nature Center also participates in Passport To Adventure.
Or, try out a different Wild Wednesdays program at Cantigny! (1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton.) Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, you can gather in the backyard of the Visitor's Center for a hands-on, nature exploration program for kids ages three to ten years old. This event is free, and no registration is required, but you still have to pay for parking at Cantigny. ($5.00 per car.)
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. $5.00 per child
Outdoor summer concerts will take place every Wednesday night in downtown Clarendon Hills, starting at 7:00 pm. Bring chairs or blankets to sit on! No coolers or glass containers allowed. Food will be sold starting at 6:30.
THURSDAY
Marcus Theater will host Kids Rule summer movies on Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 10:00 am, for $2.75 per person. The price includes popcorn!
Story time at Land Of Nod in Oakbrook Mall, at 11:oo am.
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. $5.00 per child.
York Center Park District, 1609 S. Luther Ave in Lombard, hosts a free Kids Klub every Thursday at noon, throughout the summer. Different events and performances will be taking place each week. This week, we'll be meeting Irish Billy! Seating is on the ground, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs if you'd like. There will also be concessions for sale.
Don't let your kids' brains go numb over the summer! Help them get a nice history lesson with History Alive! every Thursday at the First Division Museum at Cantigny, 1S151 Winfield Road in Wheaton. Each week, a different war will be presented, and kids will play games and do crafts based on that war. Kids are welcome to dress up like soldiers, as well! This is a free event, and no registration is required.
Do your kids complain about having to do chores on their summer break? Visit Kline Creek Farm, at 1N600 County Farm Road in West Chicago, and try out the types of chores kids in the 1890's had to do around the house and farm! Show up at 1:30, 2:30 or 3:30 pm. The event is free and no registration is required! On Mondays you can help Mom, and come back on Thursdays to help Dad!
The Carol Stream Carnival will take place starting at 6:00 pm tonight, and continue throughout the weekend. You'll find it at Ross Ferraro Town Center, at the SW Corner of Gary Ave. and Lies Rd in Carol Stream.
FRIDAY
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, 10:00 am to 11:00 am. $5.00 per child
Open Gym And Moon Jump Friday at Gymnasti in Carol Stream, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. $5.00 per child.
Preschool Playtime at Prairie Gymnastics in Batavia. 1:15 pm to 2:30 pm. $5.00 per child.
Story time at Bloomingdale Barnes and Noble, 7:00 pm.
SATURDAY
A flea market for kids will take place from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Armstrong Park, 391 Illini Drive in Carol Stream. Kids can come buy used toys and sports equipment from other kids!
Bartlett's Art Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, at the Bartlett Town Center on Main and Railroad Ave. The event will include children’s art activities, storytelling by the Bartlett Public Library, henna art and drumming circles, as well as a wine tasting, free Italian ices, free lemonade and cookies, a sidewalk sale, dance performances, games, etc. Forty artists will also have their work up for show and sale. Check here for a schedule of events!
Willowbrook's Family Fun Day will take place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Willow Pond Park, at Adams and Plainfield Rds in Willowbrook. The day will include free hotdogs for all, bean bag games, a fishing derby, and a moonwalk for kids.
Story time at the Oak Brook Borders at 2:00 pm.
Cantigny will host Dave Rudolf's Beach Party from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. The event is free except for parking fees. ($5.00 per car.)You'll limbo, hula hoop, jump rope, do a conga line, watch the bubble machines, and listen to great tunes from Jimmy Buffet, Harry Belafonte, and Dave’s own original hits! Bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.
SUNDAY
Little Friends Inc's Second Annual Step Up For Autism Walk-A-Thon will take place in downtown Naperville! Its not too late to register to participate for a walk and "fun run," including a mile long kid-friendly route. Besides the walk, there will be a resource fair, interactive displays, face painting, moon jumps,. and entertainment for all, including a hospitality tent for pets! (You can bring your friendly dog on the walk if you want! But don't bring an unfriendly one!) There will even be picture schedules available for people with autism to use... or download one ahead of time here. Participant registration will start at 8:30 am.
Bartlett's Art Festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm, at the Bartlett Town Center on Main and Railroad Ave. The event will include children’s art activities, storytelling by the Bartlett Public Library, henna art and drumming circles, as well as a wine tasting, free Italian ices, free lemonade and cookies, a sidewalk sale, dance performances, games, etc. Forty artists will also have their work up for show and sale. Check here for a schedule of events!
The Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave in Elmhurst, will host the Magical History Tour Open House Spectacular from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. You'll see magical performances, meet the Bozo Show's Wizzo, and make ice cream disappear. This event is free!
Have A Great Week, everyone!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Kids Klub at York Center!
If you're going to spend your summer with children in your care, right about now you're frantically trying to come up with an armory of ways to keep your kids busy, without spending a ton of money.
Here's something I am planning into our weekly routine, and I think you should, too!
Every Thursday throughout the summer, you can bring your kids to York Community Center, 1609 S. Luther Ave in Lombard. Come at around noon, and gather on the blacktop behind the building. There will be a different performer or activity going on each week!
Today the entertainer was Irish Billy, a sweet old Irish dude who entertained the kids with magic tricks, goofy puppets, juggling, and more.
It was a nice little show, and all for free! Little Bear and Pufferfish both said they loved watching Irish Billy's show!
We brought water bottles and snacks with us, but a lot of people chose to come early and bring entire picnic lunches. Next week we'll probably do that. You can also buy concessions, like soda, candy, cotton candy and snow cones, inside the building!
July 1 - York Center Fire Department
July 8 - Dave Rudolph
July 15 - TBA
July 22 - Balloon Show
July 29- Jim Nesci’s Cold Blooded Creatures
Aug. 5 - Jason Kollum: Juggle Show
Aug. 12 - Yo-Yo Show
At Lake Yelenich Park, where the Community Center is located, also has a playground and a beautiful lake. Little Bear and Pufferfish loved looking for ducks, fish, and alligators. (I tried to tell them that alligators can only live in places where it is hot out all the time, but Little Bear theorized that an alligator could have been in a box being shipped somewhere, fallen out of a truck, and wandered to the nearest pond.)
You can easily make a whole day of this event... for nothing! Maybe we'll see you there next week!
Here's something I am planning into our weekly routine, and I think you should, too!
Every Thursday throughout the summer, you can bring your kids to York Community Center, 1609 S. Luther Ave in Lombard. Come at around noon, and gather on the blacktop behind the building. There will be a different performer or activity going on each week!
Today the entertainer was Irish Billy, a sweet old Irish dude who entertained the kids with magic tricks, goofy puppets, juggling, and more.
Little Bear and Pufferfish wait patiently for the show to begin.
Irish Billy's giant card tricks!
???
We thought this raccoon was real, at first!
Pufferfish said this bird puppet was her favorite part of the show!
Kids jump for the chance to be picked as "volunteers" in the show!
My favorite part was when Irish Billy said only the best player of the freeze dance game (there were eight kids picked to volunteer) could keep an inflatable guitar. He said how much he hated to disappoint children, but that there were just too many kids. He made it very realistic and kept telling the kids, "I'm sorry, I can only give away one of these today." Then at the end, when he had to pick the winner, he said, "All of you!" And all eight little volunteers got to keep their guitars!
Irish Billy does some juggling!
Pufferfish's attention span isn't as long as the big kids!
At the end of the show they played some Hannah Montana music, which Little Bear danced to until she saw me trying to take her picture!
It was a nice little show, and all for free! Little Bear and Pufferfish both said they loved watching Irish Billy's show!
We brought water bottles and snacks with us, but a lot of people chose to come early and bring entire picnic lunches. Next week we'll probably do that. You can also buy concessions, like soda, candy, cotton candy and snow cones, inside the building!
Here's the schedule for the next several Thursdays!
June 24 - Wacky Game Show ChallengeJuly 1 - York Center Fire Department
July 8 - Dave Rudolph
July 15 - TBA
July 22 - Balloon Show
July 29- Jim Nesci’s Cold Blooded Creatures
Aug. 5 - Jason Kollum: Juggle Show
Aug. 12 - Yo-Yo Show
At Lake Yelenich Park, where the Community Center is located, also has a playground and a beautiful lake. Little Bear and Pufferfish loved looking for ducks, fish, and alligators. (I tried to tell them that alligators can only live in places where it is hot out all the time, but Little Bear theorized that an alligator could have been in a box being shipped somewhere, fallen out of a truck, and wandered to the nearest pond.)
You can easily make a whole day of this event... for nothing! Maybe we'll see you there next week!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Passport To Adventure
I don;t know if everyone knows about this, but each summer the Kane-DuPage Regional Museum Association puts on a program called Passport To Adventure. Kids can pick up a passport booklet at any one of the participating museums. The booklet has a page for each museum. Whenever you go to the museums (many of these small, local museums are free or very cheap) kids can get the page for that museum stamped. When they've gotten at least five stamps, they can pick up a certificate and a prize!
The kids and I did this last summer, and it was very cool. Some of the museums plan special activities for the kids who are participating. Other museums have turned out to be unexpected treasures, with their kid-friendly ammenities! We discovered a lot of new places last summer, and this summer we'll be reviewing many of them in this blog. I hope you'll participate along with us! What a great way to learn more about our community!
WE HAVE A GREAT SUMMER AHEAD OF US!
The kids and I did this last summer, and it was very cool. Some of the museums plan special activities for the kids who are participating. Other museums have turned out to be unexpected treasures, with their kid-friendly ammenities! We discovered a lot of new places last summer, and this summer we'll be reviewing many of them in this blog. I hope you'll participate along with us! What a great way to learn more about our community!
WE HAVE A GREAT SUMMER AHEAD OF US!
Events of the week for June 14 - 20
Hi everyone! Sorry I missed the event listing for last week... its been a CRAZY week! First Monkeyboy got run over by a car on Sunday night... seriously! He's fine though... just a sprained ankle and a lot of deep tissue bruising on his legs. He needs to be on crutches but he's walking a little better, at least!
Then, I had an "intensive class" at school. That is a class that, instead of meeting regularly all semester long, meets all day, every day, for just one week. A whole semester of work is wedged into one week! So every morning I had to be at school by eight am, be in class from 8 am to 3:30 pm, spend 3:30 to 5:45 in the computer lab trying to get a ton of hefty assignments done, and then be back in my evening classes from 6 to 9:15 pm! Crazy, right?
Luckily, thats over, and this week its back to business as usual.
Unluckily, I lost a week of pay (babysitting Rafael) this past week because I was in school, and I'm losing another week of pay this coming week because Rafael's big sister is watching him to work off a debt to her mother. So, I am FLAT BROKE! If anyone needs a babysitter, please let me know... I even have a website, http://www.wix.com/angelnicki/nicki-babysits ... if you need more info. Please email me (I'll check my email regularly) because I think my phone is going to be out of order this week since I can't even afford to pay the bill!
And now... here are the events for the week! Things are getting more and more awesome now that summer is here!
MONDAY
Preschool Playtime at Prairie Gymnastics in Batavia. 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm. $5.00 per child.
TUESDAY
The AMC Theater at Yorktown Mall will host "Summer Movie Camp" every Tuesday at 10:oo am, for the rest of the summer. Today they'll be showing "Shrek 3!"
The Cinemark Theaters in Woodridge and North Aurora will host a Summer Movie Clubhouse every Tuesday at 1):00 am, for one dollar per ticket. (A package of ten tickets can be purchased in advance for $5.00.) This week they're playing Monsters Vs. Aliens!
Story Time at Pottery Barn Kids in Oakbrook Mall, 11:00 am. Kids who attend five times get a special gift! Kids can also play in the store before and after the story time!
WEDNESDAY
Classic Cinemas will be hosting Wednesday Morning Movies for kids, each Wednesday at 10:00 am, throughout the summer. The doors will open at 9:00 am on these mornings, and there will be games, character meetings, etc, before the movie starts. Admission is just one dollar! Check the website to see which movie is playing each Wednesday at the Classic Cinema closest to you.
Story time at Bloomingdale Barnes and Noble, 10:00 am.
Preschool Playtime at Prairie Gymnastics in Batavia. 10:15 am to 11:30 am. $5.00 per child.
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in Batavia, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. $5.00 per child.
Story time at Oakbrook Terrace Barnes and Noble at 11:00 am.
Its time for Wild Wednesdays at Lakeview Nature Center, 17 W 063 Hodges Rd in Oakbrook Terrace! Children will get to participate in a story time, and then meet an animal up close and in person, for free, each Wednesday! This week they'll be meeting a bearded dragon. The event takes place several times throughout the day: at 10:15 am, 11:00 am, 11:45 am, and 1:00 pm. While you're there, you can go fishing, go paddleboating, play on the playground, and more! Lakeview Nature Center also participates in Passport To Adventure.
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. $5.00 per child
THURSDAY
Story time at Land Of Nod in Oakbrook Mall, at 11:oo am.
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. $5.00 per child.
York Center Park District, 1609 S. Luther Ave in Lombard, hosts a free Kids Klub every Thursday at noon, throughout the summer. Different events and performances will be taking place each week. This week, we'll be meeting Irish Billy! Seating is on the ground, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs if you'd like. There will also be concessions for sale.
FRIDAY
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, 10:00 am to 11:00 am. $5.00 per child
Open Gym And Moon Jump Friday at Gymnasti in Carol Stream, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. $5.00 per child.
Preschool Playtime at Prairie Gymnastics in Batavia. 1:15 pm to 2:30 pm. $5.00 per child.
Story time at Bloomingdale Barnes and Noble, 7:00 pm.
SATURDAY
The Wheaton Fish-O-Rama will take place from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. its free, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! It will take place at Elliot Lake, on the corner of Gary and Prairie, in Wheaton.
Wild At The Zoo! Join the animal lovers at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Avenue in Wheaton, for a free event that will include pony rides, duck feeding, crafts, demonstrations, and way more! 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Storytime at the Oak Brook Barnes and Noble at 11:00 am.
Free Toy Story Scavenger Hunt at the Disney Store in Oakbrook Center Mall, 100 Oakbrook Center Dr. in Oakbrook, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Story time at the Oak Brook Borders at 2:00 pm.
SUNDAY
Father's Day Classic Car Show from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at Oakbrook Center Mall, 100 Oakbrook Center Dr. in Oakbrook.
Have A Great Week, everyone!
Then, I had an "intensive class" at school. That is a class that, instead of meeting regularly all semester long, meets all day, every day, for just one week. A whole semester of work is wedged into one week! So every morning I had to be at school by eight am, be in class from 8 am to 3:30 pm, spend 3:30 to 5:45 in the computer lab trying to get a ton of hefty assignments done, and then be back in my evening classes from 6 to 9:15 pm! Crazy, right?
Luckily, thats over, and this week its back to business as usual.
Unluckily, I lost a week of pay (babysitting Rafael) this past week because I was in school, and I'm losing another week of pay this coming week because Rafael's big sister is watching him to work off a debt to her mother. So, I am FLAT BROKE! If anyone needs a babysitter, please let me know... I even have a website, http://www.wix.com/angelnicki/nicki-babysits ... if you need more info. Please email me (I'll check my email regularly) because I think my phone is going to be out of order this week since I can't even afford to pay the bill!
And now... here are the events for the week! Things are getting more and more awesome now that summer is here!
MONDAY
Preschool Playtime at Prairie Gymnastics in Batavia. 12:00 pm to 1:15 pm. $5.00 per child.
TUESDAY
The AMC Theater at Yorktown Mall will host "Summer Movie Camp" every Tuesday at 10:oo am, for the rest of the summer. Today they'll be showing "Shrek 3!"
The Cinemark Theaters in Woodridge and North Aurora will host a Summer Movie Clubhouse every Tuesday at 1):00 am, for one dollar per ticket. (A package of ten tickets can be purchased in advance for $5.00.) This week they're playing Monsters Vs. Aliens!
Story Time at Pottery Barn Kids in Oakbrook Mall, 11:00 am. Kids who attend five times get a special gift! Kids can also play in the store before and after the story time!
WEDNESDAY
Classic Cinemas will be hosting Wednesday Morning Movies for kids, each Wednesday at 10:00 am, throughout the summer. The doors will open at 9:00 am on these mornings, and there will be games, character meetings, etc, before the movie starts. Admission is just one dollar! Check the website to see which movie is playing each Wednesday at the Classic Cinema closest to you.
Story time at Bloomingdale Barnes and Noble, 10:00 am.
Preschool Playtime at Prairie Gymnastics in Batavia. 10:15 am to 11:30 am. $5.00 per child.
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in Batavia, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. $5.00 per child.
Story time at Oakbrook Terrace Barnes and Noble at 11:00 am.
Its time for Wild Wednesdays at Lakeview Nature Center, 17 W 063 Hodges Rd in Oakbrook Terrace! Children will get to participate in a story time, and then meet an animal up close and in person, for free, each Wednesday! This week they'll be meeting a bearded dragon. The event takes place several times throughout the day: at 10:15 am, 11:00 am, 11:45 am, and 1:00 pm. While you're there, you can go fishing, go paddleboating, play on the playground, and more! Lakeview Nature Center also participates in Passport To Adventure.
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. $5.00 per child
THURSDAY
Story time at Land Of Nod in Oakbrook Mall, at 11:oo am.
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. $5.00 per child.
York Center Park District, 1609 S. Luther Ave in Lombard, hosts a free Kids Klub every Thursday at noon, throughout the summer. Different events and performances will be taking place each week. This week, we'll be meeting Irish Billy! Seating is on the ground, so bring a blanket or lawn chairs if you'd like. There will also be concessions for sale.
FRIDAY
Excel Gymnastics Jr. Open Gym at Excel Gymnastics in St. Charles, 10:00 am to 11:00 am. $5.00 per child
Open Gym And Moon Jump Friday at Gymnasti in Carol Stream, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. $5.00 per child.
Preschool Playtime at Prairie Gymnastics in Batavia. 1:15 pm to 2:30 pm. $5.00 per child.
Story time at Bloomingdale Barnes and Noble, 7:00 pm.
SATURDAY
The Wheaton Fish-O-Rama will take place from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. its free, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! It will take place at Elliot Lake, on the corner of Gary and Prairie, in Wheaton.
Wild At The Zoo! Join the animal lovers at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Avenue in Wheaton, for a free event that will include pony rides, duck feeding, crafts, demonstrations, and way more! 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Storytime at the Oak Brook Barnes and Noble at 11:00 am.
Free Toy Story Scavenger Hunt at the Disney Store in Oakbrook Center Mall, 100 Oakbrook Center Dr. in Oakbrook, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Story time at the Oak Brook Borders at 2:00 pm.
SUNDAY
Father's Day Classic Car Show from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at Oakbrook Center Mall, 100 Oakbrook Center Dr. in Oakbrook.
Have A Great Week, everyone!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Urgent... Anyone Need A BAbysitter This Week????
Hi everyone! If anyone needs a babysitter this week, either on Monday morning, Tuesday through Friday any time before 5, or over the weekend, please send me a note! I'm in a state of desperation because I didn't watch Gabriel all this past week because of my intensive class at school, and then this week his grandma is in town to watch him, so I am FLAT BROKE!!! If you have babysitting needs this week, please keep me in mind! I live in Lombard, but I am willing to drive wherever. Thanks...
= Nicki
P.S. You'll have to email me, at least over this weekend, because my phone bill is due but I don't have the funds to pay it! [:O]
= Nicki
P.S. You'll have to email me, at least over this weekend, because my phone bill is due but I don't have the funds to pay it! [:O]
Friday, June 4, 2010
McDonalds On York Rd In Elmhurst
When its a rainy day and you're in a pinch for someplace fun and cheap to take your kids to, sometimes McDonalds Playplace is the only thing that comes to mind. At least, thats how it is for me! I don't always like to take the kids to the same old neighborhood McDonalds, though. I try to make things a little more exciting by finding new Mcdonalds to check out. You can easily find a list of McDonalds restaurants with playplaces by entering your zipcode into the McDonalds Locator.
The other day Pufferfish and I checked out a McDonalds we'd never been to before. It was at 920 N. York Rd in Elmhurst. I think the Playplace there was actually one of the cleanest McDonalds Playplaces I've ever seen! Maybe it is because York Rd is a little off the beaten path and this McDonalds is not as well known as some others. I'm not sure, but its definitely a nice one!
The play structure itself was very cool. It was tall, with lots of levels to climb around on, and a secret slide inside! At the very top, kids could climb into either a rocket ship or a helicopter, with working parts! We also liked the brightly colored seats.
Another impressive thing was the bathroom inside the playplace. Not only was it very clean, but there was a tiny toilet and sink alongside the regular sized toilet and sink. Pufferfish loved this because she could get on the toilet, and wash her hands, with no help from me. She still talks about this bathroom, saying, "Remember the time when there was a big potty and a little potty?" (Yes, I did take a picture of the bathroom this time!)
We liked taking pictures of each other with Ronald McDonald!
We ate inside the Playplace, but I saw that there was a really nice outdoor garden seating area. This would be perfect for parents who want to combine a nice meal outdoors with some time afterwards in the Playplace for kids. Plus, when you sit somewhere else, its a lot easier to tell kids that they can't go play until they finish all their food!
,
This is definitely a McDonalds we'll go back to again! Its nice to know that a clean, fun, and not overcrowded McDonalds Playplace is near by,
The other day Pufferfish and I checked out a McDonalds we'd never been to before. It was at 920 N. York Rd in Elmhurst. I think the Playplace there was actually one of the cleanest McDonalds Playplaces I've ever seen! Maybe it is because York Rd is a little off the beaten path and this McDonalds is not as well known as some others. I'm not sure, but its definitely a nice one!
The play structure itself was very cool. It was tall, with lots of levels to climb around on, and a secret slide inside! At the very top, kids could climb into either a rocket ship or a helicopter, with working parts! We also liked the brightly colored seats.
Another impressive thing was the bathroom inside the playplace. Not only was it very clean, but there was a tiny toilet and sink alongside the regular sized toilet and sink. Pufferfish loved this because she could get on the toilet, and wash her hands, with no help from me. She still talks about this bathroom, saying, "Remember the time when there was a big potty and a little potty?" (Yes, I did take a picture of the bathroom this time!)
This is definitely a McDonalds we'll go back to again! Its nice to know that a clean, fun, and not overcrowded McDonalds Playplace is near by,
Lake Ellyn Park in Glen Ellyn
Place: Lake Ellyn Park
Location: 645 Lenox Road in Glen Ellyn (on Lenox Road at Linden Avenue) in northeast Glen Ellyn.
Type of Place: Park
Secret: Very cool park with a lake, tons of trees and picnic tables, an awesome playground, and indoor bathrooms!
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: Free!
Today is the first day of summer vacation! The kids and I headed to Lake Ellyn Park to spend the day. We got there at ten in the morning and stayed until three, with the kids playing happily the whole time!
One of my favorite things about this park was that it had a lot of trees and shade. It made me feel like I was at a park somewhere in the north wood, or camping or something! The lake added to that feeling.
Doesn't it look pretty and peaceful? I liked that the kids spent some time just playing among the trees and exploring down by the lake. (They found several snail shells, a feather, some cracked walnut shells, and a dead baby raccoon. They also loved throwing rocks and sticks into the lake, and watching a family of ducks!) If you've read books like Last Child In The Woods, you know that this kind of play is something kids can't get enough of. Unstructured time in nature is something most of us took for granted when we were kids, but its an actual novelty for kids today! I'm hoping to give my three as much time in nature as possible this summer!
Aside from the natural setting, Lake Ellyn also has a nice playground, with a tot lot as well as a big climbing structure for older kids. The kids loved the bigger structure because it included a zip line and a roller slide. (The roller slide was very popular among all the kids we saw on the playground!)
The big kid climbing structure
There are baby swings and big kid swings, a sand box with those steam shovel riding toys, and a ton of benches and picnic tables that families can use as their homebases.
Another thing I really like about this park is that they have indoor bathrooms! This was extremely important to me because we were there for so long, and because Pufferfish goes to the bathroom especially often. I took a total of four trips to that bathroom... three for Pufferfish, and one for Little Bear and Rafael! The bathrooms were very clean and nice, like regular indoor bathrooms, not like your usual dilapidated bathrooms in parks. (Maybe I should have taken a picture of the bathroom!)
All in all, the kids and I really love Lake Ellyn Park, and I'm sure we'll be going back there a lot over the summer!
d
Location: 645 Lenox Road in Glen Ellyn (on Lenox Road at Linden Avenue) in northeast Glen Ellyn.
Type of Place: Park
Secret: Very cool park with a lake, tons of trees and picnic tables, an awesome playground, and indoor bathrooms!
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: Free!
Today is the first day of summer vacation! The kids and I headed to Lake Ellyn Park to spend the day. We got there at ten in the morning and stayed until three, with the kids playing happily the whole time!
One of my favorite things about this park was that it had a lot of trees and shade. It made me feel like I was at a park somewhere in the north wood, or camping or something! The lake added to that feeling.
Aside from the natural setting, Lake Ellyn also has a nice playground, with a tot lot as well as a big climbing structure for older kids. The kids loved the bigger structure because it included a zip line and a roller slide. (The roller slide was very popular among all the kids we saw on the playground!)
The big kid climbing structure
The tot lot
All in all, the kids and I really love Lake Ellyn Park, and I'm sure we'll be going back there a lot over the summer!
d
