Sunday, February 11, 2018

Road Trip: Ski Lessons (Wilmot Mountain)



Ready to embrace this winter weather and challenge your kids (or yourself) with some downhill skiing?  Try out this nearby mountain...

We took a quick road trip to Wilmot Mountain for a kid's half day lesson (9:30 am - noon).

It was our 7 year old son's first time on skis and first time seeing a ski resort. The resort is cozy and easy to maneuver with (resort map) a ski school, rental area, main chalet (food, drink, lounge, small store, etc), and trails.

The ski school check-in is efficient, and they quickly had us signed in and on our way to pick up our rentals (see Rentals note below). Instructors were easily visible, good at directing us to the next steps, and patient answering my numerous questions.

Once rentals were in hand, we were running late, and the ski instructors were great about quickly joining our son with the rest of his class on the mountain (i.e. bunny hill).

The school is strict on their parent drop-off policy, keeping anxious moms (me) and dads at a distance so the kids can focus on learning the ropes. I tried to watch for a bit, and then couldn't figure out which kid was mine and sought solace at the nearby (warm) chalet.

From what I saw of the lessons, the kids receive good instruction and by the end, Chase was able to go down the full bunny hill unassisted and successfully maneuvered himself through narrow cones!

Noteworthy:
  • Rentals: If you need rentals, arrive with plenty of time.  It took us a full 30 minutes to get our boots, skis, and helmet - and we had pre-registered online. The area is TIGHT and difficult to figure out the first time. That said, staff was incredibly helpful and did their best to keep lines moving.
  • Goggles: Rentals do not come with goggles, but would highly recommend you borrow/purchase some. 
  • Viewing Lessons: It is difficult to get a good view of the kids in lessons, depending on where they are on the mountain. And the fact that every kid looks the same size and is most likely wearing the identical black and gray colors and matching rental helmets. 
  • Food: Walt's Tavern is on property, with a fire pit outside. The cafeteria has a mix of comfort foods and snacks.
  • Tubing: They have a large tubing hill (which we didn't experience), and it looks amazing.

Cost Savings:
You probably know this, but skiing isn't cheap.
  • If your family gets the ski-bug (much better than this year's flu bug), be sure to review their website for deals on season passes, bulk discounts, or Epic passes (deductions at Colorado destinations and more).  
  • Groupon may have deals for ski resorts in the area as well.

Location/Transportation:
Other Locations near downtown Chicago with ski lessons for kids:
All locations are closer to downtown, though classes look more expensive

Kid's Jury: 4 stars
So while my son gave it 3 stars, I added a star as his rating is very misleading. His only complaint was that he didn't get to do harder aspects of skiing.  Everyone has to start with the basics, so he got a little bored and I should have set expectations on the first lesson teaching basic skills; not going down a black diamond.

Random Recommendation: For first time skiers, I recommend starting with a private lesson (if affordable) to get a sense of skill level. I wish we would have done this to make it is easier to determine his skill level for future group lessons (avoiding boredom or over-taxing on either end of the spectrum).

Friday, February 2, 2018

Activity: Magic Tree House Musical


With CPS giving students the day off, I had the opportunity to take my boys to a musical at Apollo Theater in Lincoln Park: Magic Tree House: Showtime with Shakespeare

While the boys have had a taste of performances in the past through Broadway (in Chicago) and Cirque, I was excited for this, as it is based on one of the Magic Tree House books by Mary Pope Osborne: Stage Fright on a Summer Night. 

Our family loves these books - the wild adventures of Jack and Annie, while learning about various people and places throughout history.

We weren't disappointed! 

The boys were thrilled to be in a theater and enjoyed the full Hamilton-influenced performance from beginning to end (runs about an hour). 

You better snag tickets now!  The show only runs through Feb 25, 2018!

Noteworthy:

  • Was glad to have read the book prior to seeing the musical, to understand a few elements prior: who is Shakespeare; what play was he showcasing, etc.
  • Had a kids program, where we could play a Jack and Annie version of Mad Libs.  Loved it.
  • The show was packed with families and students on field trips, ranging from 5-12 years old.
  • After the play, the actors interacted with the audience by asking questions based on the story and let the kids ask questions of the cast.  The kids loved it (and had great questions).
  • There are a few dining options near the theater, we really enjoyed the tacos and environment at Broken English Taco Pub.

Cost Savings:
There are discounts with field trips and larger groups.

Location/Transportation:

  • Apollo Theater in Lincoln Park
  • We found $3 parking right across from the theater for the full afternoon (Spot Hero).
  • El stops and bus stops are nearby as well.


Kid's Jury: 5 stars
Kids had a great time, and I love to see them enjoy theater and great stories with themes to which they can related.

"Mad Libs" while you wait?  Yes, please!