In order to put together my list of events for the week, each week, I have to browse the websites of park districts, libraries, stores, etc, all around DuPage. I kept coming across notices about National Night Out events. What the heck is National Night Out?
So I looked it up, and found out that National Night Out is an event that was created by the National Association of Town Watch. This organization works to get neighborhood and town watch commities, law enforcement agencies; state and regional crime prevention associations, businesses, civic groups, and individuals, working together to prevent crime. They created National Night Out as a way of spreading crime and drug awareness to entire communities, help get communities to support the police and anticrime organizations, and send a message to criminals that these communities are ready to fight back.What better way to get lots of families and individuals in on it, than to host a night of fun?
On August 3, several towns across DuPage County will be having their own National Night Out celebrations. If your town isn't having one, its not too late to start your own in your neighborhood! A Night Out celebration can come in the form of a block party, a picnic, or anything else you want it to be.
But if you prefer to go to a larger celebration, check out what these towns have planned!
Addison - Addison hosts it's Addison By the Slice Pizza Bakeoff, where people can taste pizza from all different places, and vote for their favorites. Slices of pizza will be sold for $1.00 each, as well as soda, beer and wine. There will also be a free concert, which will include a performance of "Paparazzi," and a health fair put on by Wood Dale Family Medicine. This event will take place on the Village Green, east of Village Hall, 1 Friendship Plaza in Addison. It will be from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Bartlett - This town will be celebrating National Night Out all weekend long! Friday at 6:00 there will be a tailgate party, where families can socialize with each other and members of the Bartlett Police Department. Police officers will then lead participants on a flashlight walk through the park. (Bring your own flashlight!) Kids will also be able to construct build-a-kits from Home Depot. Afterwards, participants can hang out in the pool! Then, on Saturday night, individuals will host their own block parties, with a contest to see which block is the best lit. On Tuesday at 3:30 there will be a bicycle obstacle course, and then participants can ride with the Village President to the National Night Out Picnic. The actual picnic will be full of excitement, and will include free food and drinks, the Jesse White Tumbling Team, and a performance by Hawaiian Fire Dancers! It will take place at Bartlett Park, at Oak Avenue and North Avenue in Bartlett. Click here for a full schedule of events.
Burr Ridge - This town's party is called :Bubbles, Beach Balls and Big Fun!" It will take place from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Harvester Park, 15 W 400 Harvester Drive in Burr Ridge. People are also encouraged to come early and bring picnic dinners. There will be free ice cream, a performance by Dave Rudolf, and children's activities that include hula hooping, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, beach balls, and more. Police and fire fighters will be there to meet and greet residents. It is free, but families are asked to call and register at (630) 920-1969.
Carol Stream - An event is planned for 6 p.m. to dusk, at Community Park, at the east end of Thornhill Drive. There will be a community barbecue, music and fun activities for children.
Glendale Heights - Join community members at Camera Park, 101 E. Fullerton, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. According to the Village's website: activities will include "Police canine demonstration, Police dunk tank, visit from McGruff the crime fighting mascot, emergency apparatus demonstrations by the Glenside Fire Protection District, and interactive games provided by the Girl Scouts." If you have an old computer sitting around, you can also drop it off, and the Boy Scouts will clear all of your information from it and donate it to a needy family. There will also be free hot dogs and hamburgers, soft drinks, and snacks!
Itasca - A huge party is planned! You can visit the website for a complete list of what will be there, but a few of the attractions include free open pool hours, a fire pole slide, a climbing wall, Gameworks, an X-ray van, a bike obstacle course, and face painting. This all takes place from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Itasca Water Park, 100 N. Catalpa in Itasca.
Oakbrook Terrace - A concert and an outdoor movie will be shown. Police and fire fighters will be on hand, along with their vehicles. This takes place at Heritage Center, 1 S 325 Ardmore, from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm.
Roselle - Show up at Turner Park, 81 E. Devon Avenue in Roselle, from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Visit the website for more info. A few of the attractions include free hot dogs, live music, a movie and popcorn, and a climbing wall.
Villa Park - Its up to individual neighborhoods to organize their own National Night Out parties, but if you do, you can call the police station to arrange a visit from a police officer!
Warrenville - Come to Summerlakes Club House, 2 S 020 Continental Dr in Warrenville, for an event that will include free food and drinks, free prizes, a police K-9 demo, a clown, face painting, and more.
West Chicago - Meet at Reed-Keppler Park, 129 W. National Street in West Chicago, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Festivities will include a flashlight walk through the park, an outdoor movie on the baseball field, a pool party, the chance to meet police officers and fire fighters, free food and drinks, and giveaways.
Have a great National Night Out! Have fun and stay safe!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
More Fun With Wild Wednesday!
One of my favorite parts of this summer is going to Wild Wednesday every week at Lakeview Nature Center! My little nature lovers get to interact with a new animal each week, go on a fun hike to get them moving, and even get prizes!
This week we got to meet a toucan. Did you know that, despite that giant beak, getting bit by a toucan doesn't particularly hurt? The owner said that, since the toucan had been raised by hand since he was a baby, he wasn't afraid of people, and he was nibbling us just as a greeting or because he thought we might have food. People with nail polish, or with paint or marker stains on their hands, looked particularly tasty to him!
This week we got to meet a toucan. Did you know that, despite that giant beak, getting bit by a toucan doesn't particularly hurt? The owner said that, since the toucan had been raised by hand since he was a baby, he wasn't afraid of people, and he was nibbling us just as a greeting or because he thought we might have food. People with nail polish, or with paint or marker stains on their hands, looked particularly tasty to him!
A great time was had by all!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Peck Farm Interpretive Center in Geneva
Place: Peck Farm Interpretive Center
Location: 4038 Kaneville Road. Geneva, IL
Type of Place: Natural "retreat" with natural areas, a hands-on activity room, gardens, and a butterfly house.
Secret: The play room inside Peck House is a relaxing, air-conditioned spot to take a break after a hike or bike ride around the area.
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: Free! (They gladly accept donations.)
The kids and I have a "butterfly week" every summer, and no butterfly week is complete without a trip to a butterfly house! A butterfly house, by the way, is different from the butterfly gardens that many nature centers have. A butterfly garden is an outdoor area with types of flowers and plants that attract local butterflies. A butterfly house is an enclosed area where non-native butterflies can be set free, In a butterfly house, you get to see a lot of different butterflies that you would never find at a regular nature center or in your backyard.
I know of three butterfly houses near DuPage. One is at the Brookfield Zoo, one is at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Center in Chicago, and one is at the Peck Farm Interpretive Center in Geneva.
The Brookfield zoo one costs a few dollars in addition to the zoo admission fee. The one at Notebaert is included in the price of general admission. But the one at Peck Farm is the only one that is completely free! (They do ask for, but do not require, donations.) So that is the one that we headed to!
The butterfly house is basically a greenhouse brimming with flowers of every color. There's also a stream and a waterfall. Butterflies flit about freely, and visitors can walk around and observe them. (However, you are not allowed to touch them at all! If they land on you, you should either keep still, or gently brush it away.) We liked walking around and seeing how many different butterflies we could see!
I thought it was awesome, but it didn't hold the kids' attention for too long, unfortunately. The kids were given placemats with pictures of butterflies, and for a while Little Bear enjoyed spotting butterflies in the flowers and using the placemat to identify them. Meanwhile, Rafael just sat on a bench and watched us. (It may have been because it was so hot out, and the kids were dying to go play in the sprinkler they had seen just outside the butterfly house.)
After the butterfly house, we headed for the air conditioned Peck House, where there is a nature-themed playroom.
You can look at animal bones, antlers, and pelts... which is what Little Bear and Rafael were doing, until Rafael apparently felt the need to give Little Bear the Heimlech Manuever!
You can read books about nature...
You can play games... (although the games were all missing pieces)
You can be a scientist...
You can play with the giant magnet board...
Or you can just hang out!
Finally, I let the kids play in the sprinkler in one of the flower gardens for a while, although thats not officially one of the attractions at Peck Farm.
This is a really cool place, but I would recommend going on a day that is not so hot and humid. There is a lot of sun and not a lot of shade, and you may end up with complaining kids on your hands! This would be an especially nice place to visit if you live close enough to walk or ride bikes here as a family, or even if its a short drive away. I, personally, loved the butterfly house and the beautiful gardens, but I'm not sure the kids thought it was worth the forty-five minute car ride.
By the way, Peck Farm participates in the Passport To Adventure program!
Location: 4038 Kaneville Road. Geneva, IL
Type of Place: Natural "retreat" with natural areas, a hands-on activity room, gardens, and a butterfly house.
Secret: The play room inside Peck House is a relaxing, air-conditioned spot to take a break after a hike or bike ride around the area.
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: Free! (They gladly accept donations.)
The kids and I have a "butterfly week" every summer, and no butterfly week is complete without a trip to a butterfly house! A butterfly house, by the way, is different from the butterfly gardens that many nature centers have. A butterfly garden is an outdoor area with types of flowers and plants that attract local butterflies. A butterfly house is an enclosed area where non-native butterflies can be set free, In a butterfly house, you get to see a lot of different butterflies that you would never find at a regular nature center or in your backyard.
I know of three butterfly houses near DuPage. One is at the Brookfield Zoo, one is at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Center in Chicago, and one is at the Peck Farm Interpretive Center in Geneva.
The Brookfield zoo one costs a few dollars in addition to the zoo admission fee. The one at Notebaert is included in the price of general admission. But the one at Peck Farm is the only one that is completely free! (They do ask for, but do not require, donations.) So that is the one that we headed to!
The butterfly house is basically a greenhouse brimming with flowers of every color. There's also a stream and a waterfall. Butterflies flit about freely, and visitors can walk around and observe them. (However, you are not allowed to touch them at all! If they land on you, you should either keep still, or gently brush it away.) We liked walking around and seeing how many different butterflies we could see!
I thought it was awesome, but it didn't hold the kids' attention for too long, unfortunately. The kids were given placemats with pictures of butterflies, and for a while Little Bear enjoyed spotting butterflies in the flowers and using the placemat to identify them. Meanwhile, Rafael just sat on a bench and watched us. (It may have been because it was so hot out, and the kids were dying to go play in the sprinkler they had seen just outside the butterfly house.)
After the butterfly house, we headed for the air conditioned Peck House, where there is a nature-themed playroom.
You can play games... (although the games were all missing pieces)
You can play with the giant magnet board...
Finally, I let the kids play in the sprinkler in one of the flower gardens for a while, although thats not officially one of the attractions at Peck Farm.
This is a really cool place, but I would recommend going on a day that is not so hot and humid. There is a lot of sun and not a lot of shade, and you may end up with complaining kids on your hands! This would be an especially nice place to visit if you live close enough to walk or ride bikes here as a family, or even if its a short drive away. I, personally, loved the butterfly house and the beautiful gardens, but I'm not sure the kids thought it was worth the forty-five minute car ride.
By the way, Peck Farm participates in the Passport To Adventure program!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Help Me With This Conundrum!
Hi, everyone! I wanted to mull something over with you.
I was invited by ChicagoNow to become a blogger on their site. This would mean moving this blog over to their site.
I would have to blog for free for the first three months. If I was able to get 10,000 viewers per month, for three consecutive months, then I would start getting paid $5.00 per 1,000 viewers.
However, I would probably not be able to use Adsense, or do any sponsored posts. (I have been attempting to get local kid-friendly business to pay me to advertise on this blog.)
On the other hand, I haven't had much luck with that anyway!
In every other way, I would be allowed to keep my writing exactly the same, and blog about what I want to blog about. I would probably also get a lot more readers, since ChicagoNow is a popular local site! I would also possibly get the opportunity to be a guest on a local radio station.
What do you think? Do any of you have any experience with blogging for another website? Do you think it would be worth, at least, a trial run?
I know most of you are new readers and don't know me from Adam (or Eve) but I would really appreciate your input!
Thanks! I can't wait to hear from you.
I was invited by ChicagoNow to become a blogger on their site. This would mean moving this blog over to their site.
I would have to blog for free for the first three months. If I was able to get 10,000 viewers per month, for three consecutive months, then I would start getting paid $5.00 per 1,000 viewers.
However, I would probably not be able to use Adsense, or do any sponsored posts. (I have been attempting to get local kid-friendly business to pay me to advertise on this blog.)
On the other hand, I haven't had much luck with that anyway!
In every other way, I would be allowed to keep my writing exactly the same, and blog about what I want to blog about. I would probably also get a lot more readers, since ChicagoNow is a popular local site! I would also possibly get the opportunity to be a guest on a local radio station.
What do you think? Do any of you have any experience with blogging for another website? Do you think it would be worth, at least, a trial run?
I know most of you are new readers and don't know me from Adam (or Eve) but I would really appreciate your input!
Thanks! I can't wait to hear from you.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
2Toots Train Whistle Grill In Glen Ellyn
Place: 2Toots Train Whistle Grill
Location: 450 N. Main St, Glen Ellyn (on the northwest side of the intersection where Main St meets the railroad tracks.
Type of Place: Train Themed Restaurant
Secret: Go at around 1:30 pe 2 pm... the lunch crowd has left, and the dinner crowd isn't there yet. You'll have the place to yourself! If you get there any earlier or later, it will be crowded and noisy, and you'll have to wait in line to eat.
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: $3.65 - $3.95 for a kid's meal including a drink; adult meals range from about $5.00 - $7.00, not including drinks.
Both Little Bear and Pufferfish have summer birthdays... Pufferfish turned 3 in June, and Little Bear will turn 7 in a few weeks. I signed them up for 2Toot's Birthday Club a while ago, and I recently got both postcards in the mail, letting me know that each of the girls could get a free kid's meal and birthday cupcake. So, yesterday, I piled all the kids into the car, and off we went!
We got there at about 1:00. It was really crowded at the time, and we had to wait in line for a while. The kids didn't seem to mind, though. There was oldies music playing, and we danced to it to pass the time. And Pufferfish liked taking a ride on the mechanical horse!
The diner is designed so that the counter goes around in a circle, with the employees in the middle, and the customers seated around the outside. The first thing I noticed was that the employees were very energetic, cheerful and attentive, even when the diner was swamped. They worked hard to seat everyone as quickly as possible. So we didn't have to wait long before we got a table.
There wasn't a ton of choices on the menu, but all of the items sounded tasty. There were several different burgers, plus a basic selection of hot dogs, sandwiches, and salad. The kid's menu had six different very kid-friendly options. It didn't take us long at all to make up our minds.
And imagine the kids' delight when their baskets of food were delivered by train!
The food was delicious, too!
After the meal, the kids still had another surprise coming,,, dessert! Little Bear and Pufferfish both got a free birthday cupcake with their meal, so I ordered Rafael a cupcake too... and Monkeyboy convinced me to let him get ice cream. The girls' cupcakes came with candles on them, and the soundtrack at the restaurant changed to a birthday song! All three cupcakes also had plastic train whistles on them, for the kids to keep.
All of the kids had a great time. They've been here a few times before, and its definitely a favorite. During the school year, I also like to make trips here after school, when the places is nearly empty, for milkshakes or rootbeer floats. I especially like to do this as a treat when I manage to only have one of the kids with me. And we sit up on the counter at the stools. It makes for a fun, cozy, old-fashioned bonding experience, sitting side by side at a lunch counter while listening to oldies music and drinking shakes. Give the kids each a quarter to get a trinket out of the machine by the door, and let me tell you, they feel like their lives are complete!
Here's another interesting fact for people whose kids have special dietary needs and cannot eat the things on the menu. You can bring your own food with you and give it to the servers, and they will have it delivered on the train along with the rest of the food!
There is a second location in Downers Grove, which I've never been to, but I definitely recommend this restaurant for people of all ages.
Location: 450 N. Main St, Glen Ellyn (on the northwest side of the intersection where Main St meets the railroad tracks.
Type of Place: Train Themed Restaurant
Secret: Go at around 1:30 pe 2 pm... the lunch crowd has left, and the dinner crowd isn't there yet. You'll have the place to yourself! If you get there any earlier or later, it will be crowded and noisy, and you'll have to wait in line to eat.
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: $3.65 - $3.95 for a kid's meal including a drink; adult meals range from about $5.00 - $7.00, not including drinks.
Both Little Bear and Pufferfish have summer birthdays... Pufferfish turned 3 in June, and Little Bear will turn 7 in a few weeks. I signed them up for 2Toot's Birthday Club a while ago, and I recently got both postcards in the mail, letting me know that each of the girls could get a free kid's meal and birthday cupcake. So, yesterday, I piled all the kids into the car, and off we went!
We got there at about 1:00. It was really crowded at the time, and we had to wait in line for a while. The kids didn't seem to mind, though. There was oldies music playing, and we danced to it to pass the time. And Pufferfish liked taking a ride on the mechanical horse!
The diner is designed so that the counter goes around in a circle, with the employees in the middle, and the customers seated around the outside. The first thing I noticed was that the employees were very energetic, cheerful and attentive, even when the diner was swamped. They worked hard to seat everyone as quickly as possible. So we didn't have to wait long before we got a table.
And imagine the kids' delight when their baskets of food were delivered by train!
All of the kids had a great time. They've been here a few times before, and its definitely a favorite. During the school year, I also like to make trips here after school, when the places is nearly empty, for milkshakes or rootbeer floats. I especially like to do this as a treat when I manage to only have one of the kids with me. And we sit up on the counter at the stools. It makes for a fun, cozy, old-fashioned bonding experience, sitting side by side at a lunch counter while listening to oldies music and drinking shakes. Give the kids each a quarter to get a trinket out of the machine by the door, and let me tell you, they feel like their lives are complete!
Here's another interesting fact for people whose kids have special dietary needs and cannot eat the things on the menu. You can bring your own food with you and give it to the servers, and they will have it delivered on the train along with the rest of the food!
There is a second location in Downers Grove, which I've never been to, but I definitely recommend this restaurant for people of all ages.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Events For The Week Of July 12 to July 17, 2010
Doesn't it seem like this summer is going awfully fast? Be sure to make the most of it! Here are some events that can keep you and your kids busy this week!
MONDAY s
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.
Yorktown Farmer's Market is the happening place to be, every Wednesday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. In addition to fresh produce and bakery goods being sold, there will be weekly activities and free samples! This is outside the Shops On Butterfield, by Yorktown Mall, at Highland and Butterfield in Lombard,
The Hanover Park Police Department will host a COPS Day Picnic from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. It will be at Community Park, 1919 Walnut in Hanover Park. Enjoy face painting, a magic show, a K-9 demonstration, police vehicles and helicopter displays, and more!
Cool Cars Under The Stars takes place every Wednesday night in the Elmhurst City Centre from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
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. 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!
Westmont Cruisin' Nights take place every Thursday night from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, along Cass Avenue and Irving Street in downtown Westmont. There will be kids' activities, musical entertainment, raffles, and more!
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
Bartlett's Summer Fest is happening from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm at Bartlett Plaza, at Main Street and Devon in Bartlett. There will be a kids' area with inflatables and activities, a car show, a bazaar, and even a pet show!
The DuPage Children's Museum hosts hands-on activities at Yorktown Mall, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, in the center court of the mall.
Story time at the Oak Brook Borders at 2:00 pm.
Have A Great Week, everyone!
MONDAY s
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.
Yorktown Farmer's Market is the happening place to be, every Wednesday from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. In addition to fresh produce and bakery goods being sold, there will be weekly activities and free samples! This is outside the Shops On Butterfield, by Yorktown Mall, at Highland and Butterfield in Lombard,
The Hanover Park Police Department will host a COPS Day Picnic from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. It will be at Community Park, 1919 Walnut in Hanover Park. Enjoy face painting, a magic show, a K-9 demonstration, police vehicles and helicopter displays, and more!
Cool Cars Under The Stars takes place every Wednesday night in the Elmhurst City Centre from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
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. 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!
Westmont Cruisin' Nights take place every Thursday night from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, along Cass Avenue and Irving Street in downtown Westmont. There will be kids' activities, musical entertainment, raffles, and more!
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
Bartlett's Summer Fest is happening from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm at Bartlett Plaza, at Main Street and Devon in Bartlett. There will be a kids' area with inflatables and activities, a car show, a bazaar, and even a pet show!
The DuPage Children's Museum hosts hands-on activities at Yorktown Mall, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, in the center court of the mall.
Story time at the Oak Brook Borders at 2:00 pm.
Have A Great Week, everyone!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
What Would YOU Like To See Reviewed?
Hi, faithful readers! I have a question for you!
I get most of my ideas for places to review from Google. But I thought that maybe I should be giving others a chance to recommend places that should be reviewed! So this is your chance to let me know about your favorite, and least favorite, places.
There are two ways to recommend a review. You can either simply let me know the name and location of the place. Or, if you are up to it, you can write a review of it yourself! Visit the place, take some pictures, write up your review, and email it to me at AngelNicki79@gmail.com. I'll post it here, and I'll definitely let everyone know that you were the "guest reviewer," with a link to your blog or website if you'd like.
So, if you have a favorite playground, nature center, restaurant, play place, or other kid-friendly venue, let me know
Thanks for your help!
I get most of my ideas for places to review from Google. But I thought that maybe I should be giving others a chance to recommend places that should be reviewed! So this is your chance to let me know about your favorite, and least favorite, places.
There are two ways to recommend a review. You can either simply let me know the name and location of the place. Or, if you are up to it, you can write a review of it yourself! Visit the place, take some pictures, write up your review, and email it to me at AngelNicki79@gmail.com. I'll post it here, and I'll definitely let everyone know that you were the "guest reviewer," with a link to your blog or website if you'd like.
So, if you have a favorite playground, nature center, restaurant, play place, or other kid-friendly venue, let me know
Thanks for your help!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
McDonalds At 75th and Janes in Woodridge
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 McDonalds I am about to review here requires me to give you a little bit of a background history!
You may remember that, in 2002, McDonalds was sued on behalf of a group of adolescents in New York, who claimed that they had become obese... and aquired related health problems... due to eatng McDonalds. The idea was that the kids were persuaded to eat so much fast food because McDonalds' marketing tactics convinced them that the food was nutritious.
The suit was dismissed, with a judge ruling that McDonalds was not responsible for what individuals chose to eat and how often they chose to eat it. But the case must have scared the McDonalds people, because in 2006 they unveiled plans for a new type of play place, called an "R Gym." The new play place would contain aerobics and sports equipment that would encourage kids to become extra active after they finished their Happy Meals.
Originally, seven R Gyms were created, including one in Woodridge, IL. If the R Gym idea took off, the gyms would replace play places in more McDonalds restaurants. However, apparently the idea didn't take off, because the traditional play places stayed in most restaurants, and no more R Gyms cropped up. But the McDonalds at 75th and Janes, in Woodridge, still has its R-Gym.
When I heard about this, I was intrigued, so the kids and I ventured to Woodridge to check it out.
The play place had a climbing structure, like most play places... but this one seemed to be on steroids!
I got Pufferfish to give me an inside tour. But keeping up with her to take pictures was kind of like trying to chase a leprechaun through an enchanted forest! However, here's what I got...
Outside the play structure, the kids enjoyed playing air hockey. (Although, does that really count as exercise?)
They liked shooting baskets at the mini basketball court.
And there was some action-oriented video games, one with a bicycle and one with a skateboard. The exercycle seemed to be missing its handlebars, though, and the skateboard one wouldn't turn on!
The kids thought it was the coolest play place they'd ever been to. So, if you're out towards Woodridge, this might be one worth stopping for!
The McDonalds I am about to review here requires me to give you a little bit of a background history!
You may remember that, in 2002, McDonalds was sued on behalf of a group of adolescents in New York, who claimed that they had become obese... and aquired related health problems... due to eatng McDonalds. The idea was that the kids were persuaded to eat so much fast food because McDonalds' marketing tactics convinced them that the food was nutritious.
The suit was dismissed, with a judge ruling that McDonalds was not responsible for what individuals chose to eat and how often they chose to eat it. But the case must have scared the McDonalds people, because in 2006 they unveiled plans for a new type of play place, called an "R Gym." The new play place would contain aerobics and sports equipment that would encourage kids to become extra active after they finished their Happy Meals.
Originally, seven R Gyms were created, including one in Woodridge, IL. If the R Gym idea took off, the gyms would replace play places in more McDonalds restaurants. However, apparently the idea didn't take off, because the traditional play places stayed in most restaurants, and no more R Gyms cropped up. But the McDonalds at 75th and Janes, in Woodridge, still has its R-Gym.
When I heard about this, I was intrigued, so the kids and I ventured to Woodridge to check it out.
The play place had a climbing structure, like most play places... but this one seemed to be on steroids!
As you can see, there seems to be some different equipment an exercise opportunities inside the play structure,,, instead of just platform after platform for kids to climb over to get to a slide!
Outside the play structure, the kids enjoyed playing air hockey. (Although, does that really count as exercise?)
Can you see the mini running track in the background, where kids can have races?
They liked shooting baskets at the mini basketball court.
And there was some action-oriented video games, one with a bicycle and one with a skateboard. The exercycle seemed to be missing its handlebars, though, and the skateboard one wouldn't turn on!
The kids thought it was the coolest play place they'd ever been to. So, if you're out towards Woodridge, this might be one worth stopping for!
Village Green Park in Glen Ellyn
Place: Village Green Park
Location: 130 S. Lambert Road (south of Roosevelt Rd. and north of Butterfield Rd) in Glen Ellyn.
Type of Place: Park
Secret: There's a free splash park! Its small, but perfect for kids who can go back and forth, from the playground to the water, on hot summer days.
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: Free!
The latest playground I discovered was recommended to me by another blogger: Christine, who blogs at Kids Of DuPage. The playground there has the coolest jungle gym I have ever seen! Its shaped like a rocket ship (giving the park the nickname "Rocket Park") and has slides, stairs, bridges, and secret passages everywhere! Unfortunately, my camera died after fifteen minutes there, so I didn't get a ton of pictures. But this one pic may give you the general idea of how large and complicated the jungle gym is!
The next coolest thing is that there is also a small splash park! Its not huge like the other Glen Ellyn splash park where you have to pay $3.00 to get in, but it is still nice. Little kids simply enjoy it being water that they can run in and out of!
Here's Little Bear in last year's bathing suit, since her other two bathing suits were in the wash!
And same with Pufferfish! (We play in the water a lot...)
And now for the most important part... This place has nice, clean, indoor bathrooms! This is not only nice if you have kids like Pufferfish who constantly have to go potty, but it provides a place to change your kids' clothes if you want to put dry clothes on them before you head home.
We've already gone to Village Green Park several times this summer. I bring a lunch, and we can easily . spend five or six hours there! Its the perfect place to spend a lazy summer day
Location: 130 S. Lambert Road (south of Roosevelt Rd. and north of Butterfield Rd) in Glen Ellyn.
Type of Place: Park
Secret: There's a free splash park! Its small, but perfect for kids who can go back and forth, from the playground to the water, on hot summer days.
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: Free!
The latest playground I discovered was recommended to me by another blogger: Christine, who blogs at Kids Of DuPage. The playground there has the coolest jungle gym I have ever seen! Its shaped like a rocket ship (giving the park the nickname "Rocket Park") and has slides, stairs, bridges, and secret passages everywhere! Unfortunately, my camera died after fifteen minutes there, so I didn't get a ton of pictures. But this one pic may give you the general idea of how large and complicated the jungle gym is!
Here's Little Bear in last year's bathing suit, since her other two bathing suits were in the wash!
And same with Pufferfish! (We play in the water a lot...)
And now for the most important part... This place has nice, clean, indoor bathrooms! This is not only nice if you have kids like Pufferfish who constantly have to go potty, but it provides a place to change your kids' clothes if you want to put dry clothes on them before you head home.
We've already gone to Village Green Park several times this summer. I bring a lunch, and we can easily . spend five or six hours there! Its the perfect place to spend a lazy summer day
Atten Park In Wheaton
Place: Atten Park
Location: 1720 S. Wiesbrook in Wheaton
Type of Place: Park
Secret: You'll love the squishy padded ground, which is designed like a baseball field!
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: Free!
We got invited to a picnic at this park last week, and we were delighted to find an awesome new playground! This place has everything!
There is a really cool jungle gym wirh a ton of different climbing equipment!
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There is also a smaller tot lot for younger kids.
They loved playing restaurant in this little compartment.
Pufferfish and the other preschools adored this little see-saw, which just has a gentle bounce to it.
Of course they also both loved the swings! Pufferfish wanted a million underdogs! (This swing is one of those special swings for kids who can't hold their bodies up well in a regular swing, but Pufferfish loves to chill out in them. There are regular swings, and baby swings, as well!)
The large sand area is another favorite! It has diggers, and tunnels too!
I liked that the ground was very soft and squishy. It felt like the kids could fall from the sky, and they'd bounce! Of course thats probably not exactly true, but it is definitely very squishy! The ground is designed like a baseball field, which was very cute.
And the best part of all? The indoor bathrooms! Nice and clean, and a great "plus" for people who have kids with small bladders, or kids who are in various stages of potty training! There's a great picnic shelter too, so this is a place to keep in mind for playgroup get togethers and other events!
We're definitely adding this to our list of playgrounds to visit on a regular basis!
Location: 1720 S. Wiesbrook in Wheaton
Type of Place: Park
Secret: You'll love the squishy padded ground, which is designed like a baseball field!
Appropriate ages: everyone
Cost: Free!
We got invited to a picnic at this park last week, and we were delighted to find an awesome new playground! This place has everything!
There is a really cool jungle gym wirh a ton of different climbing equipment!
There is also a smaller tot lot for younger kids.
They loved playing restaurant in this little compartment.
Pufferfish and the other preschools adored this little see-saw, which just has a gentle bounce to it.
Of course they also both loved the swings! Pufferfish wanted a million underdogs! (This swing is one of those special swings for kids who can't hold their bodies up well in a regular swing, but Pufferfish loves to chill out in them. There are regular swings, and baby swings, as well!)
The large sand area is another favorite! It has diggers, and tunnels too!
I liked that the ground was very soft and squishy. It felt like the kids could fall from the sky, and they'd bounce! Of course thats probably not exactly true, but it is definitely very squishy! The ground is designed like a baseball field, which was very cute.
And the best part of all? The indoor bathrooms! Nice and clean, and a great "plus" for people who have kids with small bladders, or kids who are in various stages of potty training! There's a great picnic shelter too, so this is a place to keep in mind for playgroup get togethers and other events!
We're definitely adding this to our list of playgrounds to visit on a regular basis!
