Suburb Activity: Haunted Trails

If you are like me, you may have thought Haunted Trails was something open during the Halloween Season. But we were wrong! It is a Family Entertainment Center and open year round!

This entertainment center houses go karts, mini golf, rides, an arcade, and batting cages. There is a walk up counter style restaurant with quick service pizza, tacos, etc.

For the Go Karts, there are two levels (based on child's height) - one is a small kart the younger kids can drive (the 5-8 year olds we were with took about 534 turns around those tracks) and a larger kart and track for kids 54" or taller (or they can ride along with an adult).

This is a nice 18-hole course with a few fun experiences - of course with a haunted house theme.

The kids went a few times on the Small Roller Coaster and Crazy Cups ride (think of those spinning and turning rides that make you sick? Yep, same). Don't recommend letting them go on the Cups two times in a row, unless you want them pale and puke-y.

We wanted to maximize our time outside, so didn't spend time at the arcade or lazer room. While we didn't have time to try the batting cages, it looked like the variety of pitching speeds would have worked well for our 8 year old, but the slowest setting would have still been a bit too fast for our 6 year old.

Noteworthy:

• As we live on the South Side, this was an easy drive to the Burbank location.
• Good facility, service staff is friendly!
• Go Karts was definitely the biggest draw for us.
• Both moms got ill on the Crazy Cups. 

Age Recommendations: 5 years old+
The batting cages, mini golf, and go karts are a fit for all ages!

Cost Savings:
They sell packages/person which we took advantage of and have coupon deals on their site!

Location/Transportation:
Located in three suburbs: Burbank, Joliet, and Lombard (Enchanted Castle in this location)

At the Burbank location, there is a small parking area for cars.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
We went with a group of kids and everyone had a great time!  (again, go karts were definitely the favorite among them)

Activity: Cat & Mouse Games

If you haven't yet visited Cat & Mouse Games in the West Loop, you are missing out! This toy and game store is fantastic! It is incredibly well organized, with toys and games for every age. We actually went there to see their Beyblade options (and found the exact one we wanted!!) and were quickly sucked in to the full store experience.

What sets it apart from all other toy stores is their:

• unmatched selection of games 
• game library rental program (<- WHA??)
• craft, game, and activity area
• puzzles, so many puzzles!

Game Selection:
The store has dozens and dozens of shelves filled with games and organized by type (Best Sellers, Cooperation, Mystery, etc...). They also have a monthly list of Top Ten Games sold. Not sure what game is good for your family? Check out their game rental!

Game Rental:
I was blown away by the game rental - such a great idea. You can rent a game for two nights, with the fee based on a percentage cost of the game. And if you love it, the rental cost will be put toward the purchase!

Craft and Game Area:
The store hosts many events throughout the month, listed on their website. Included in their events are Game Night, Craft Drop In, Story time, and more.

Puzzles:
Living in Chicago, we rely on puzzles to get us through the winter and rainy weather days. Their selection of puzzles is robust. Not only do they carry our favorite brand (why yes, you can have a favorite puzzle brand), Ravensburger, but they have every "level" - 

Age Recommendations:
All. Who doesn't love board games?

Cost Savings:
Opportunities to test a game in the store or at home before you purchase!

Location/Transportation:
West Loop - 1112 W. Madison
Train - Green Line Morgan stop (3 blocks away); Blue Line Racine (5 blocks) or Street Parking

Bonus: You will be close to Big Monster Toys and can get a quick shot of yourself / the family in front of their monster-sized door.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
We plan to go back again for rentals and game nights!

Activity: Benihana

Want to have a great time at a restaurant with your kids? Then, Benihana is the place for you!

The Japanese-inspired restaurant features table-side chefs who cook on a hibachi grill with flair, fire, and knives.

Most importantly, the food is really good! Everyone in our party enjoyed the meal....with the kids begging for "seconds."

No iPads, iPhones, or any technology needed!



Noteworthy:

• The tables seat 8-9 people each, so we went with another family and had a "semi-private" feel with our own table.
• Kids are given menus that turn into Benihana hats, and our kids wore them with pride.
• The restaurant is loud, so don't plan on conversing with anyone other than the person directly next to you.
• While the ambiance of the restaurant has little to offer, the entertainment more than makes up for it!

Age Recommendations:All Ages
We had kids a variety of ages and all of them had a great time and stayed entertained throughout the meal.

Cost Savings:
Their website has promotions you can view here.

Location/Transportation:
With their location at the base of the John Hancock Center (or whatever they are calling it now), the restaurant is easy to access via trains and buses (though we ended up using SpotHero).

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
The kids can't wait to go back and honestly, neither can we!!