Hey all!
I love finding new places to go with my daughter be it a park, store, amusement, restaurant, transportation, etc we're always looking for something new to do.
Because of that, I've started a huge (actually, what I've discovered to be a ginormous) undertaking. This task involves contact all suburbs in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties for assistance in locating all the kid-oriented establishments within their borders. (such as those listed in the above paragraph).
Can you help me? You know your area better than I, so if you would be helpful in providing me with a list these kid-oriented establishments in your area, I would be extremely grateful. Here's what I'm looking for:
* parks (with bathrooms)
* restaurants
* amusements
* transportation depots
* stores (clothing, toy, gear, resale, etc.)
I'm looking toward anything appropriate for kids age birth-10. Whether you enjoyed the place or not does not matter. Please help in this matter.
Please direct all information to my email address at jkogan@prodigy.net.
Thanks again,
Jeff
Re: Activities in Your Suburb
Jeff,
As you organize this information, feel free to cull anything you want from my posting, "train-accessible activities." Those were all contributed by dads who responded to a request for ideas. As far as kid-friendly activities and places go, do you need anything for Chicago? I assume you know all of the usual suspects -- the museums, aquarium, planetarium. As far as Chicago goes, would you be looking for things that are less well-known?
(Posted on previous ChicagoDads.com site by cliftonm)
Re: Activities in Your Suburb
I am also going to send this via email but thought I would post it here also....
Here goes my list...regardless of season or locale...
First off...spent a night with my family here a week ago..
http://www.blueharborresort.com/waterparks.aspx
Sure the water is majorly clorinated and everyone is freakishly pale (it is in Wisconsin) but it is fun for the kids and there are deals to be had during the week. It was about 2 and 1/2 hours from me so it would be less for most of you.
Back to local haunts..
Up north...
As some of you know, I loved a park in the new 'Glen' in Glenview. During the summer there is a splashpad that is fun. There are bathrooms and water fountains but not a tree in sight so sunblock is in order. It is on Patriot Blvd.... you can't miss it.
There may still be a restaurant on Chestnut in Winnetka (I can't find it and don't remember the name) right across the street from the post office that had decent food and the added bonus of a large TV and viewing rotunda for the crappy days and a Little Tykes town outside for the nice days. On those nice days you can even eat outside next to the homage to plastic.
There is also a Sweet Tomatoes salad buffet place in Glenview. Usually has some type of pasta that the kids will eat along a self serve soft ice cream machine. You can eat the salad if you like. It is on Willow near the Target.
In Northbrook Mall there is a neat play area for the little ones that is free. I would think a 5 year old would be about as old as you would want to go. It is great for rainy days but the nanny quotient is incredibly high and English is not the native tongue. You WILL be the only dad there and god help you if you actually play with your child as all the other kids will want to join in….
…and for the best fries I have ever had, the Chuck Wagon located in the tiny area known as downtown Wilmette is the place. Down and dirty is the word and it ain’t kid friendly but man those fries are good…
But I digress…on to the south side…
There are a few splash pads..
One is in Oakbrook Terrace and is free
http://obtpd.org/splashpad.php
There is a new one that will be opening in May in Oakbrook. Not free but pretty big.
Also one in Westmont that was built by the guy who makes Beanie Babies. Lots of fun..$4 for kids, free for adults.
http://www.wpd4fun.org/parks/tywarner.htm
In Pleasantdale at Soehrman park there is a small free splash pad.
http://www.pleasantdaleparks.org/our_parks.htm
On dry land there is…
Little Red School House
http://www.fpdcc.com/tier3.php?content_id=27&file=env_27c
Graue Mill and Museum
http://www.grauemill.org/home.htm
Darien Sportsplex…indoor skating rink that has open skate…I don’t remember the schedule though and it is not online..call for times.
http://www.dariensportsplex.com/skate_school.shtml#sch
Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanical Garden-one is north and the other is south. Lots of space and flowers. Great way to spend a spring or fall day with a picnic.
http://www.mortonarb.org/
http://www.chicagobotanic.org/
I saved the best for last… Food!
In Hinsdale…Zinglemans. Cheap. Lots of cartoon characters on the walls (in fact, nothing but). Bread for the kids sandwiches that can range in color from green to blue to rainbow. Decent matzoh ball soup.
In Western Springs…Snackers Café.. solid greasy spoon food with an occasional odd special that is great. Several doors down from an Oberweis.
I am sure I will think of more to put down but that’s it for now..
Dave
(Posted on previous ChicagoDads.com site by DLux)
Re: Activities in Your Suburb
A place my kids love is "The Children's Farm" in Palos Park. The kids go into the animal pens and hold a chicken, brush the pigs, hug the sheep, ride a pony, etc. Farm fun without the chores.
12700 Southwest Highway * Palos Park, IL 60464
(708) 361-3650
www.thecenterpalos.org/farm
Bill Grason
(Posted on previous ChicagoDads.com site by BillG)