Activity: Toys R Us Adventure Pop Up

We splurged on a pop up experience created by Toys R Us, popping up in Chicago through January 26, 2020. The Toys R Us Adventure is a ticketed experience, where you purchase for a specific day and time.

There were not many other people there at the day and time we selected (I took a vacation day and our kids are out of school due to a strike - so their schedule was WIDE open), so we felt like it was a nearly private experience with ample time to roam in each room. Each room had a unique theme, starting with a “train ride” to get them to the special land.

As the train kicked off, I was concerned my boys would be too old for this experience (they are 7 and 9), but they LOVED it. Five stars! Five stars! We ran into two families we knew while we were there (all from 1st-3rd grade) and they were also having a great time!

Noteworthy:

• The highlights for the boys were a zip line and an enormous ball pit (we spent over an hour in there alone). 
• We zipped through some rooms and spent quite a while in others. It seems like you are able to take each room at your own pace.
• The only bathroom (unisex, 1 stall only) is in the basement. Be sure to make the kids use it if you are planning to stay a while in the ball pit. (And yes, you will be staying a while in the ball pit). It’s not an easy trip to get there again, as you have to be escorted. 
• The staff is incredibly welcoming and friendly. 
• There is candy given in every room. 
• There is a toy section of all the sponsors of the exhibit, in case you are looking to spend more money while there. 

Age Recommendations:
It seems best for kids 7 and younger, but my 9 year old truly loved it. Not sure I would recommend for kids much older, though.

Cost Savings:
To me, the cost is too high. Especially the price for adults, as we can do very little there.
Price info found here: https://www.toysrusadventure.com/chicago-visit

Location/Transportation:
830 N Michigan Avenue, on the north end of the Magnificent Mile.
El is convenient- red line Chicago stop; numerous bus routes available
Parking info is on their website

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
The kids had a great time! They zipped through a few rooms, but had a great time in the first room (larger than life toys), the zip line, a snow room, and the ball pit! Too expensive for me, but glad they enjoyed themselves!

Activity: Jack’s Pumpkin Pop up

If you are looking for a fall pumpkin experience without driving to the suburbs, we may have found your #1 option!  Jack’s Pumpkin is a pop up near Goose Island with a good selection of pumpkins, corn maze, bars (yes, adult drinks!), carnival games, food trucks, and so many Instagram worthy shots you may run out of storage on your phone.

Noteworthy:

• We went during the day and at night would imagine it is great as they have a lot of lights set up throughout the area. 
• The location has great views of the skyline
• Carnival games and arcades cost extra. 

Age Recommendations:
All ages

Cost Savings:
Purchasing tickets online provides the best price and quickest entry.

Location/Transportation:
1465 North Elston
Located near Goose Island

Parking is available along the street

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
Kids had a great time, lined the decor and corn maze and spent a long time on some circle swings we had never seen before.

Love having an “in city” option!!

Activity: Codeverse

Photo credit: from the Codeverse website

With desire of my boys to play video games every moment they are awake, it was a natural step to test out their interest in coding -- to program the back end of a video game and create their own characters, apps, and games.

Enter Codeverse.

My 7 year old took a trial class and had such a great time. In the 70-minute class he was able to code his own astronaut and create a way to duplicate him and move him around. The staff then texted his project to my phone, where he can play and show off the game he created!

Noteworthy:

• The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.
• The space is inviting and comfortable with a variety of seating options ranging from bean bags, cushions, tables, and the largest futon-y couch I wanted to nestle in. Even a few astronaut helmets for kids to wear!
• New children are given "space buddies" to ensure they have someone to show them around and help them become comfortable in the space.
• Members receive the website links/information that they can continue to work on at home and much more - check the site for details!

Age Recommendations:
6-13 years old

Cost:
This is a membership driven organization, where a monthly fee (depending on the plan) will allow for a certain number of classes per month and an allotted number of "Kids Night Out" sessions. Check here for details*.

*The price on the website was too expensive for us, given we live on the south side and this is located in Lincoln Park (New City area near North/Clybourn), but on the phone they provided a lower tier option - it's worth a call to find out more.

Kids are welcome to take a free trial class! Details here.

Location/Transportation:
Current Locations are Lincoln Park, Wilmette, and Naperville

Lincoln Park: 819 W Eastman
On the same block as Pump it Up (I feel like all of us have been here), next to New City.

Driving: There is street parking (often limited) and several garages in the area.
Public: The North/Clybourn Red Line Station is only a ~5 minute walk.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
Our son had a great time and was so excited to show off his work!

Suburb Activity: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Did you know there was a building this beautiful in Illinois? Just outside of Chicago?

We visited a Hindu Mandir (temple) in Bartlett, IL and were blown away by the beauty of the building inside and out. The staff at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is incredibly friendly and provides free tours (we booked ahead online, which I recommend).

The tour is great for adults and provides a great information on the buildings and culture within the Mandir and community. If traveling with younger children, the tour may not be necessary.  It was a bit long and we actually learned the perfect amount of information by asking questions of the staff in the gift shop (and walked away with a beautiful wooden elephant, which we learned symbolizes of wisdom)!

The community is very welcoming and we were able to participate in a religious ceremony. These happen frequently throughout the day, are roughly 8-10 minutes long, and all are welcome to attend.

As the time at the Mandir can be short, you can maximize your trip (if you traveling from the city), by adding another stop to your day. A few options nearby:

• Cosley Zoo (15 min away)
• K1 Speed - Indoor Go Karts (20 min away)
• Tom's Farm Market (30 min away)  <-- we chose this one

Noteworthy:

• Dress Code: Please be mindful of the attire restrictions to ensure access into the buildings (Mandir, Haveli, and exhibition).No Shorts, no sleeveless tops, dresses/skirts must be longer than knee length. Women can wear (provided) wraps if not dressed to code.
• Shoes: Shoes must be removed inside the Haveli and Mandir. Shoe racks are provided.
• Photo/Video Restrictions: Although everything inside you will scream to take a photo or video of the interiors of the building, please note it is prohibited.
• Snacks/Food: Save time to enjoy some good vegetarian, Indian dishes in their casual cafeteria-style area! 

Age Recommendations:
Can work for all ages, and can skip the tour for younger kids.

Location/Transportation:
Bartlett, IL (Chicago Suburb)
Free parking!

Kid's Jury: 4 stars
They didn't love the tour, but thought it was great to see the buildings and take part in the ceremony.

Road Trip: Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock State Park is such a great destination! As the cabins (our desired lodging) were always booked, we decided to make it a day trip - and are so glad we did.

We had a great time and have a few notes and recommendations:

Arrive early:
It is only an hour and a half from downtown Chicago, so if you leave in the morning, you can hit the trails before it gets hot and crowded. If you plan to arrive before the Visitors Center is open, be sure to print out maps or have them your phone - though trails are well marked.

Check Facebook:
With all the rainfall in Illinois, there were several trips we planned to take to Starved Rock, but after checking their Facebook site, knew we had to abandon the trek as they would post that the park and/or parking lots were closed due to flooding.

Trail Options:
With 18 Canyons and 13 miles of hiking trails, how do you choose? We did some research online and for our younger hikers wanted to take on the hikes to: Starved Rock, French Canyon, Wildcat Canyon and LaSalle Canyon. And we made it! However, if we were to do it over, we would have skipped Starved Rock and Wildcat to focus on French and LaSalle Canyons, as they had the best waterfalls at the end.

Guided Tours - Check with the Visitor's Center for their FREE guided tours! We took a short one for Starved Rock and it was really informative with the history of the area (and helped us gather intel for our Jr. Ranger mission).

Waterfalls:
We were most excited when the end of the hike had a waterfall, which is possible in 14 of the canyons.

While best time to see the falls is in the Spring or after heavy rains, we recommend talking to the rangers to confirm which (if any) of the canyons have waterfalls. For example, LaSalle Canyon was further for us and if it didn't have a waterfall we could walk behind/enjoy, we may not have taken that path.

Junior Ranger:
The boys earned their first Junior Ranger badges and were so excited! The workbooks are available at the Visitor's Center, or you can do what we did - printed them in advance to complete a lot of it on the drive there. It can take some time (so be prepared) and has a mix of questions around the history, animals, and nature of the park with fill activities like fill in the blank and crossword puzzles. Find more details and the packets here.

Lengthen Your Stay:
With a longer stay, you can experience all the park (and Matthiessen State Park) has to offer with camping, hikes, river tours, canoeing, kayaking, wineries, breweries, and historical tours!

The nearby town of Utica looks so charming as well and has a good amount of pubs and places to eat - and don't pass up a photo opportunity with a huge, pink Big Foot outside of Two Girls and a Cupcake!

Age Recommendations:
If you plan to do a few trails, the kids will need to be strong walkers - for us, our 6 year old did well, but lost steam from time to time. Our 8 year old was a solid hiker and could have gone longer.

Cost Savings:
Free parking, Free access to the park trails.

Location/Transportation:
Located in Ogelsby, IL, Starved Rock State Park is about 1.5 hours from downtown Chicago. Free parking and access to trails!

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
The kids did really well and felt really proud of themselves after finishing, but we definitely pushed their limits (and may have each been carrying a child near the end). Definitely worth a day trip or longer!

Suburb Activity: You Pick Strawberries

Our family ventured into the suburb of Huntley, IL to experience Tom's Farm Market for our first time picking strawberries together!

Our oldest (8 years old) loved picking strawberries, while our youngest found solace in the staff's shade tent and cold water supply. We had a great time, harvested our berries quickly (it was HOT), and celebrated our "hard" work with strawberry donuts and strawberry lemonade (both we all highly recommend).

While enjoying the fruits of our labor, we enjoyed perusing the gift shop to look at the gift items, baked goods, and fresh produce & desserts.

As the picking time can be short, you can maximize your trip (if you traveling from the city), by enjoying a snack or lunch at their cafe (indoor and outdoor) and adding another stop to your day. A few options nearby:

• Stingray Bay Family Aquatic Center (5-10 min away)
• Three Oaks Recreation Area (15-20 min away)
• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (30 min away)  <-- we chose this one

Noteworthy:

• Tractor wagons can take you to/from the strawberry fields.
• While the fields are not too far away, the staff offers shade, water, and a portable toilet to help keep everyone comfortable if/when they need a break.
• With all the rain, the staff placed down hay along the rows so the field was not muddy where we stepped - which was an amazing touch for us -- no dirty shoes!
• You keep the buckets they provide, which is a nice way to keep the fruit protected on the drive home. (those that aren't eaten, of course).
• The gift shop has a lot of items: fresh produce, baked goods, fudge, donuts, and other little house decor/items.

Age Recommendations:
Walking age and up. Strollers are allowed, but tough to navigate on/off the tractor wagon and not good to have in the narrow rows of strawberries.

Location/Transportation:
Huntley, IL
Parking is free

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
Our youngest really perked up once the picking was done and thoroughly enjoyed the strawberry lemonade, strawberry donut, and shopping. Our oldest enjoyed it all! We had a great time and encourage friends to come over for strawberries while they last!

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!!

Annual Event: Macy's Flower Show

Important note: The 2019 show is over, but read up so you know what to expect for next year!

I never knew how neat the annual two-week Macy's Flower Show is in Chicago! The theme for 2019 was Journey to Paradisios - Operation: Inspiration.

For starters, Macy's website for the flower show is great. They created a short, entertaining story, had a 360 degree video tour, and nice interactive map.

Noteworthy:

• This is a fun, "we are in the area" event. We live close by so it was easy to pop in to take advantage of it (and maybe scope out some backpacks).
• The experience is enhanced for younger kids if you read the story & watch the video to get them excited for store.
• Macy's creates interactive aspects throughout the exhibits: 
• Count the Paradigms (little aliens) throughout the store [we counted 12, pretty sure we missed another 10-50]
• Selfie area at the teleporter
• Decode the Paradisian secret (we did it!!)
• The store hosts a lot of events and offers throughout the show. To name a few:
• Galactic Characters
• Floral Workshops
• Cooking Demonstrations
• Kids Camp
• Special drinks at the Walnut Room

Age Recommendations:
All ages!

Cost Savings:
FREE!

Location/Transportation:
Loop / Downtown - 111 North State
Plethora of access by L and Bus.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
The kids liked seeing the story we read come to life, looking for the Paradigms and really enjoyed decoding the alien language! Though we didn't find a backpack we liked, but can't hold that against the flower show.

Activity: Chicago Architectural Center (CAC)

The Chicago Architectural Center opened in their new location at 111 West Wacker Drive on August 31, 2018. The Center is a two level facility where you can visit and explore, register for tours (walking, boat, L, or bus), and they offer school field trips, family events, and day/summer camps.

Bonus: CAC runs my favorite annual event tradition: Open House Chicago.

Today we went to check out the new CAC digs and had a great time exploring their interactive exhibits and gallery displays.

Noteworthy:

• The Chicago Gallery was where we spent a majority of our time as it included a(n):
• Quick video with an Overview of Chicago 
• Interactive Model of the City where you can see the Chicago Fire spread, watch the water turn green for St. Patrick's Day (without battling drunk people everywhere you turn), and find my home at the South end of the map!
• Push "pin" map to mark where you live in the City and/or where you would like to visit.
• Renderings and models of future projects for Chicago.
• Check the site for the timing of their Mobile Architectural Lab - a small desk with an activity and CAC staff member to talk about the day's theme. We learned about Bungalows (did you know there are 80,000 bungalows in Chicago? That's a LOT) and walked away with new artwork for our wall.
• The kids sped through the Rotating Gallery (which looked interesting but had a lot to read). [sad face]
• The Drake Skyscraper Gallery was impressive, though the kids didn't need much time in there. It showcases impressive buildings from around the world and highlights a few in Chicago (rotate based on current projects).

Pro Tip: You receive small "clips" to wear for access to the different rooms. Knowing my children lose everything in a speed that defies logic, I took a picture of them wearing the clips as backup. And the photo ended up being necessary.

Age Recommendations:
All ages welcome, though probably best for kids 5 and over.
There were interactive activities and maps for kids (and adults) and interesting information to read (if the kids allow you the time).

Cost Savings:
Visiting the CAC is very affordable (assuming you are able to get out of there without purchasing anything from their very tempting gift shop).

Click here for current pricing and discounted rates for kids, depending on age.

Location/Transportation:
Downtown Chicago / Loop: 111 West Wacker Drive
As the building is located at Wacker and Michigan, there is a plethora of public transportation available to get there.

Click here for parking and transit information.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
They had a good time and we enjoyed walking around Michigan Avenue and hopping into a few other places while we were out and about!

They desperately wanted something from the gift shop and I don't blame them. The shop has great books about Chicago (adult and kid options), great city centric shirts, bags, anything you can think of.

Activity: Navy Pier Tips

Navy Pier is the top tourist destination for people visiting Chicago, and I can see why - it has a lot for families with the Children's Museum, a large variety of restaurants and shops, boat tours and cruises, 3D movies, Shakespeare theater, the sparkly new Centennial Wheel, and more.

But bring your wallet. Or, if possible, someone else's wallet.

If you haven't been in a while, Navy Pier is sporting a fresh new look, which has really energized the venue and given our family more incentive to visit.

Not everything at the Pier is expensive. They do a great job of having free art installations located along the pier and within Polk Bros Park.  Polk Bros Park is the entry point of Navy Pier and has a large fountain the kids love to play in (during the summer, so we didn't hit it up today). For Summer 2018, there was a huge bubble-foam machine -- straight from kids' dreams -- fingers crossed that returns in 2019!


Amazing Chicago (year-round):
This afternoon, we went to experience the Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze and their smaller activities: Time Freak and Atomic Rush.

Note: Although the website for Amazing Chicago says "this attraction is not recommended for children under 5...," what they really mean is 10.  When we showed up, the cashier asked their ages and then said they shouldn't go in. 

Which isn't awesome since that was our main reason for going.

However, we competed in several rounds of Time Freak and Atomic Rush and had a blast. While the kids loved this, it didn't take up much time, so is better as an "add on" aspect of your trip to the Pier, as opposed to the reason for your visit.


Chicago by Boat (Summer):
There are all types of boat options:

• Architectural Cruises - great views of the city and great information 
• Cruises - dinner dates on Lake Michigan with beautiful views of the city 
• Seadog - a mega fast boat with little to no information on the city 
• Water Taxi - no information but an inexpensive way to get a view from the river

We did the Seadog once and were disappointed.  We prefer the water taxi or any of the architectural tours.


Centennial Wheel (year round):
While the cost of the ferris wheel was an incredible shock to my ears, I later looked up prices of similar views/experiences to compare.  While it still feels expensive, the cost is cheaper than tickets to the John Hancock and Willis Tower and the view (in my opinion) from the Wheel is much better.

Regardless, here was the conversation in our family after stepping out of our ride:

Kids: "Can we go on that again?"
Me: NO
Kids: "Not today, like again in our life?"
Me: Still No.


Restaurants:
Honestly, you will have a much better dining experience anywhere outside of Navy Pier and would recommend you only grab snacks or a light lunch so you can have a more economical, pleasant, and better tasting eating experience later in the day. The city is known for amazing cuisine, so don't limit yourself to the pier!

Age Recommendations:  All Ages

Cost Savings:
Buying online will save a few dollars per ride.
Check online for more information on rates.

If you plan to visit the Chicago Children's Museum more than 1 time in the calendar year, consider purchasing a membership as certain levels offer free parking (WHAT?) and you will most likely make your money back within 2-3 visits.

Location/Transportation:
Public Transportation options are best via the bus as the L Stops require significant walking (and whining) if accompanied by children. Check the Navy Pier website or app for transportation options.

There is a large, covered parking area as well. The advantage to this is being able to leave your coat in the car (if during the colder months) so you don't have to drag it around with you or rent a locker.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
They love this place and we like to go for special exhibits and events - but always have to manage expectations so we don't spend (way) too much money.

Annual Event: Bristol Renaissance Faire

Guest Blog Post by fellow Chicagoan, Carrie - view bio
----
We had an enjoyable day with friends at the Renaissance Faire, located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. This event is a reenactment of the 16^th century with kings, queens, swordfighters, jesters, even Robin Hood and more on 30 acres of land!

This annual event goes from around the second week of July thru Labor day on the weekends, Saturday/Sunday and the Monday of Labor Day.  It is a fun day get away a little north of Six Flags.

If you are looking for something different, it is an experience to go back in time. There are several kids games, rides, market places, food, shows and people in costumes to keep you very entertained for the day.

Noteworthy:

• Be prepared to bring cash or bring your debit card to use the ATM for a fee!  All food and activities are cash only. The food is great but be prepared for some lines during peak times. Non-Alcoholic Beverages are comparable to airport pricing, maybe more and depending on the day your young one can work up a thirst. 
• Check the website prior to going, you may be able to bring your own unopened bottle of water. 
• Sunscreen is highly recommended.
• I suggest reviewing the map before you go so you have an idea of a plan. However the list of their fun shows are not listed until you get there. Grab a few maps/list of events at the main entrance. Kids had fun looking at the map and picking out what they wanted to do and what area they wanted to go to. 
• Shows can get crowded, if you want a seat suggestion is to get there prior to shows starting. 
• There are porta potty privies (restrooms) and there is one set of flushable privies with a changing station.

Age Recommendations:
Best suitable for ages 5 and up. Unless you have a jogging stroller with huge wheels it will be a challenge to get around for smaller kids.

Cost Savings:
We purchased our tickets online to keep our sanity from the long lines… even with the small ticket fee it was worth it. They do have an online coupon for an adult ticket if you want to purchase your tickets at their box office. This activity can be moderate to expensive depending on how many activities you do and how much you want to eat. Each kids activity/ride (excluding shows) has a fee per child.

Location/Transportation: Kenosha, Wisconsin
Grass lot parking is easy and was affordable. The faire is ~50 miles from downtown Chicago and on a Sunday morning it took a little over an hour to get there.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
My son loved the Archery, Climbing Tower, Coin Challenge Games, Dig for Treasure, eating a giant turkey leg, and watching the Mud and the Joust Shows! 5 Stars, he would go again.

Suburb Activity: Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm -- which is not a location for berry picking -- is a living history museum of pioneer life with a lot fun activities for the kids.

We had a great time exploring our way through hands-on learning at the One-Room School House, Blacksmith Shop, and Early Streets Museum (the boys asked a lot of questions, which was fun to see). Then we took several trips through the pony, steam train, and carousel rides.  Several.

A big bonus of the park is the admission price covers everything, so you can ride that steam train 8,561 times if the kids want! 

After lunch at the Concession area (quick service with hot dogs and burgers), we hit up Adventure Playground (this was a big highlight -- a maze of houses with passageways - many parents were wandering through, looking for their children), saw farm animals at Discovery Barn, and mom enjoyed a well deserved rest on the Wagon Ride after working her legs for three people on the paddle boats.

The park is absolutely beautiful and pristine, making it so peaceful spending time there.

Noteworthy:

• The venue only has a few of the interactive pioneer stations open each day (my guess is to provide a reason for returning).
• While we there (about 4 hours), we waited in 1 line.  One.
• They have refillable water bottle stations!  Bring a refillable container and enjoy being environmental!
• Fox Valley Park District, where the farm is located, is adorable and probably a great way to spend a day or weekend, including: 
• 48 miles of trails for biking and walking
• Splash Country Water Park (across from Blackberry Farm) 
• Red Oak Nature Center, Golf, Disc Golf, etc... 

Age Recommendations: Infant - 12 years old
Based on the crowd, the average age was between 6-8 years old.

Cost Savings:
The affordable admission covers everything in the park, which is such a wonderful perk.

Location/Transportation: Aurora, IL
About a 60 minute trip from downtown with plenty of free parking.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
The boys each had a blast at the learning areas - both boys would let me know throughout the day when they could hear the blacksmith hammering her tool and our 8 year old wants to return to see the the one-room school house again!

They each loved the Adventure Playground and the train, and our 6 year old rode each and every pony available (real and carousel variety).

Hands-on Learning:

Suburb Activity: Roller Skating

Apologies for the fuzzy photos - there was a smudge on my lens the whole day...

We took a trip (waaay) back in time to my childhood when visiting Fleetwood Roller Rink.  It has everything you hope for and expect: roller skate themed carpet, gaudy twinkle lights, bold paint colors, and top-40 tunes (intermixed with classics like TLC's No Scrubs).

Even one of these!

We really lucked out with the staff while there - the man working the rink took time to teach each child the basics of skating (and getting back up), and even circled back to show our oldest how to skate backward once he (sort of) mastered forward movement.

The man helping mentioned this was not officially part of his job, he just enjoyed it. A success story:

Kiefer skate from Tracy & Kevin Carlson on Vimeo.

Noteworthy:

• Training skates are provided for young skaters, which slows the turning speed of the wheels.
• Group and Private Lessons are offered at a very low rate, click here for info.
• Bring quarters if you would like to use their lockers, as bags, purses, and phones are not allowed on the rink (we learned this the hard way - but managed to get some photos first).
• If you arrive right when they open, you will have a nearly private rink experience (which is great for new skaters....and parents who have not donned skates for 20+ years).
• Food is available in their snack shop (ICEEs, Pizza, etc..)
• Remember to bring long socks for comfort!

Age Recommendation: All Ages!
If this is your child's first time, I recommend the lessons, and with the basics, they can pick it up pretty quickly.

Cost Savings:
Affordable outing, current price details and upcoming events found here.

Location/Transportation
The drive is only 20-30 minutes from downtown and there is plenty of (free) parking available.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
Both kids loved it and want to return.  Our oldest wants to take lessons, so we'll definitely make another trip back!

Activity: The Honeycomb Project (Volunteering for Families)

Our family has been excited to test out this Chicago Adventure for some time....but due to it's popularity and my forgetfulness to register - it is a tough activity to score.

The Honeycomb Project* is explained best from their site: "The Honeycomb Project is on a mission to engage, mobilize and inspire kids and their families to build stronger communities for all Chicagoans."

There is a large variety of volunteer options, each geared for families, and we selected to help shelter animals at the Anti-Cruelty Society (which has free parking). We made chew toys for the dogs, helped "socialize" some new pups, and had a tour of the facility. The best part (besides free parking) was learning about a Reading Buddy program where the kids can come back and read to the animals!!

To see the upcoming Honeycomb Project volunteer events, click Calendar of Events on their homepage. Options range from helping the homeless, under-served communities, the environment, and more. When you click on each activity, it will provide all the information you need: day, time, location, and full details on the scope/needs of the project.

Noteworthy:

• To Register: Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. (CT) on the 15th day of each month. Spaces are grabbed up quickly so set your alarm like you are registering for a park district class.  
• IE. Registration opens on July 15 for all opportunities in August. 
• Resources: To prepare for the upcoming event, their website provides great information on the issue, including questions and additional resources to discuss as a family.
• Communication: the organization is great at communicating the project and reminders as it approaches - we felt well informed going in.
• Groups: to arrange a group or company outing, email contact@thehoneycombproject.org.

Age Recommendations:
Best for First Graders to Adult.

Our 5 year old seemed to disengage on the task, so we will try a different one or wait until he is a little older.

Costs:
While the activities are free, volunteers are encouraged to donate to the organization to further the mission and capabilities.  Shirts are available for purchase as well.

Location/Transportation:
Near North / Downtown Chicago
Easy access from Red Line Grand Stop or Free Parking at their garage.

Kid's Jury: 4 stars
The kids liked socializing the puppies best and lost focus on the toy-making. Looking around the room, this seemed to be the overall trend with all the adults finishing up the project while kids were running around.


*Why the name Honeycomb Project?
(from their site) "Bees work together to make their hive a place where everyone can thrive. We believe that Honeycomb volunteers, like bees in a colony, can accomplish great things when we share our skills and work together toward a common goal."

Activity: SafeHouse "Spy" Restaurant

The SafeHouse is a unique restaurant downtown with a spy theme and we had so much fun.

We won't provide many details, as it is much better to experience in person (no spoilers below, don't worry).

The restaurant does a great job of playing up the spy theme, including: finding the store front*, providing a password to enter (or perform a series of tests if you don't know it), and an optional scavenger hunt option while you await your meal.

We decided to create our own clues for the kids to figure out how to the restaurant. It was easy and a lot of fun - we were immediately in "spy mode" and used the train and walk to get fully into character before arriving at the restaurant.

Noteworthy:

• The food is similar to bar food (and adult beverages are a-plenty) - burgers, fries.
• Kids meals come in fun containers with more "spy" work opportunities.
• There is a photo booth where you can send a photo / postcard from anywhere in the world.  We couldn't get our older son out of the booth, he loved it so much.
• In the women's restroom there is a surprise for people who pull down the hat covering the sexy door.
• A magician visits the table and he is great with the kids (and magic)!  Have a few dollars handy for a tip. 
• Leaving is fun -- you'll need a dollar or credit card handy.
• Reservations are recommended.

Age Recommendation: 5-14
My 5 and 7 year olds loved it - they have asked to go back.
Our friends have kids in grade 3, 5, and 8 - they all have asked to return to the restaurant too!

Location/Transportation:
SafeHouse is located in the River North neighborhood, making it easy to access from Red Line Grand stop.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
The boys had a blast and can not wait to go back.


*the name SafeHouse is nowhere to be seen on the exterior/from the street.

Road Trip: Saugatuck, Michigan - 3 day itinerary

We enjoyed our first weekend trip to the quaint, picturesque lake town of Saugatuck, Michigan and below are our recommendations of activities & restaurants for families with young children.

The town is very easy to navigate on foot and we recommend staying near the main street (there are some Inns and many VRBO/AirBNB offerings), so you can avoid looking for a parking spot. There is also a nice little playground in town that we frequented to let the kids run freely and to kill time while waiting for the ferry or duck boats to become available.

DAY 1

We left Chicago in the morning and arrived in Saugatuck just in time for lunch!

Mermaid Bar and Grill - American Fare (Kids Menus Available)
This restaurant sits along the water front, so the kids can watch the boats float by, and the food is good too! Servers were nice, attentive, and quick (which is key with young kids).

The Sweet Shop
We then wandered across the street to the Sweet Shop to enjoy chocolate dipped Oreo for dessert. The kids were thrilled, as was mom!

Saugatuck Chain Ferry - Crosses the River from Saugatuck to Douglas
This is a unique experience for kids - as it is the only hand-crank ferry still used in the United States! It is a small ferry, manned by college students (or high schoolers? It's so hard for me to tell nowadays) who crank a lever that pulls the ferry along a chain to the other side of the water.

Key Note: The chain ferry is often not able to run if the water is choppy. Which we learned the hard way. Twice. If you are on the other side and the ferry isn't running....there aren't a lot of easy options to get back to the other side.  Recommend riding it from Saugatuck, across the river, then riding it right back. This means you won't have to hitch hike like we did.

Mt. Baldhead Hike:
The Mount Baldhead Recreation Area most notably has a nearly 300-step staircase taking you to the top of the area to view the town and surrounding water. The hike is fun - the kids had energy to spare, which is perfect, as "sand dune jumping" awaits them at the top!

We made our way to Mt. Baldhead by the Chain Ferry, but then were stranded on the other side - would recommend taking a car and saving the chain ferry for a one-off experience.

DAY 2

Saugatuck Dunes State Park
This beach feels like your own private beach, most likely due to the hike it takes to get there. It is a beach within a state park (there is an unmanned entrance which requires a fee (cash only) - check the site here for the current Recreation Passport cost).

The hike from the parking area to the beach is a gorgeous, tree-filled forest (slightly buggy, be forewarned) - but pack light, it is about 2 miles in distance.

Center for the Arts
The local Center for the Arts has a quaint, beautiful garden mixed with art.  We strolled through it, as it was on our way into downtown and enjoyed stepping into the quiet area to enjoy the scenery.

Harbor Duck Adventure
Another family favorite - This amphibious vehicle was previously used in WWII and now provides some entertainment and information to tourists to get a land and water view of the towns of Saugatuck and Douglas.  It was a fun trip (the driver was a funny guy) and we even walked away with some good nuggets.  Kids loved getting into the water!

Key Note: When I say it sells out fast, I'm not kidding.  It only seats 20 people, so make sure to get there early. They also may have a private tour happening (this happened to us). We learned a lot about flexibility on this trip :)

Shops & Playground:
Between the town tour and dinner, the kids enjoyed the little playground downtown.  It is on the west side, near the Chain Ferry and across the street from public bathrooms. Pretty genius, truly.  Many families enjoy the little shops as well - so make sure to check those out (you can watch the waffle cones being made at Kilwins)!

Saugatuck Brewing Company
Our family enjoys breweries (well, not the younger members, but you know what I mean), so this location hit the spot.  Casual with good beers and food. We had a flight of beers, which was fun and the boys enjoyed the little sports/billiards room nearby to pass time as we waited for our food.

Saugatuck Antique Pavilion
If there is a wait to get into the brewery, we heard the antique pavilion is a fun place to pass the time.  We were able to get in right away to the restaurant and never had a chance to pop over.  If you it out and let us know how it was in the comments!

DAY 3

As this was our check-out day, we packed up in the morning and headed to Oval Beach.

Oval Beach
This beach is more easily accessed than Saugatuck Dunes State Park, so it is best to arrive early to find parking and claim a place on the beach.  It is more active with people and the beach itself is nice, though a bit narrow.  Kids had a fun time!

Earl's Berry Farm
While this location is no longer open, there were several similar You-Pick farms along the road.  It was great to break up the drive home and so fun for the kids to run around picking blueberries.  They had an awesome time and a great snack for the remainder of the ride home!

Location/Transportation:
About a 2.5-3 hour drive from Chicago.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
Had a great time relaxing and enjoying a weekend of small town shops, picturesque beaches, and unique experiences. Over and above the activities, the kids really loved the time at the beaches the most.

Activity: Dragon Lights at Soldier Field

We were excited to take a walk through the special exhibit in Chicago through May 6: Dragon Lights

It was tough to rally ourselves as the weather had been so chilly and the illuminated displays are all outside. Thankfully, the warm weather appeared and we jumped at the chance to visit the event.

We arrived just before the sun set, which gave us the opportunity to take photos where you could see both us and the lights.  And the kids (and adults) enjoyed watching the exhibit transform into bright and colorful displays as the sun disappeared. 

Noteworthy:

• The nightly performance has four acts and the boys were entertained (as you can see by our youngest basically climbing onto the stage).
• There was a tunnel to see the "Year of the [Animal]" - so we found our assigned animals for each of the kids (Dragon and Tiger).
• The space was not over-crowded and there was a lot to see.
• Recommend grabbing dinner before attending, as the food vendor is one option and the line is long.

Cost Savings:
There is a family of 4 package deal you can purchase online - under $50 for everyone!
Parking for the event (covered) is $15.

Location/Transportation:
Soldier Field
Can take the Red Line to Roosevelt; Various Buses; or Park ($15)

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
The boys really liked it, especially the performance!

Activity: Funtopia

For city-dwellers, Funtopia is definitely worth a trek to the suburbs. We have now been twice and as we left the second time, the boys were already discussing what they would be doing on our next visit (which of course includes a stop to indulge in Cookies by Design  across the street - curse you, well placed sweet shop).

The "Fun Zone" includes 40 climbing walls (some with interactive components), a ropes course, a cave system, giant slide, and free fall.  There is also a jungle gym available for the youngest family members.

Funtopia does a great job managing the number of people in each session so it never feels over-crowded. There are rarely lines, so you can really make the most of your time there. 

There are a few areas that tend to have wait times, so be sure to visit these immediately or when lines are lower (many of these names are made up; photos below):

• Build Your Own 
• Ledge Jumps
• Skyscraper Walk

Age-Range:
The facility is best for kids 5-10 years old.

• Younger kids enjoy several of the climbing structures and the cave system.
• The older kids have an easier time on the walls and can try their skills at the ropes course.  
• For children under 5, there is a jungle gym area so they can have fun while their older siblings are in the Fun Zone.

Noteworthy:

• Registration can take some time - Complete the waiver online and (still) arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in and receive your harness and "training," as the queue can be long.
• The staff is incredibly helpful in helping you latch and release the pully for each activity.
• To try the Ropes Course, children must be at least 52" tall.
• You may take in snacks and drinks, as there are only a few vending machines available.
• Though there are some tables and chairs, they are a hot commodity.

Cost:
The cost includes your harness and bases the pricing on the length of stay (1, 1.5, or 2 hours) and activity options selected.

Location/Transportation:
Funtopia is in Glenview, Illinois and located in the Glen Town Center. While parking is free, allow yourself some time to find a spot.

Since we make the trip out, we like to tack on a breakfast or lunch and fit in a bit of shopping as well, given they are located near a sports store and a movie theater! And you can't escape the smell of those fresh baked cookies...

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
My kids love this place. My 5 year old could zip up the Commando Ladder and Skyscraper Walk all day (and a few more activities, but those are his favorite).  My 7 year old loves it all, even the caves.