Hi everyone! With spring and the hope of warm weather here, I've been trying to compile a list of "things to do" in and around the western suburbs (Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, Aurora, Naperville, Wheaton, and surrounding areas) and would love any suggestions of places you've been or heard of that are family friendly and cheap or free! I have 3 girls, ages 6, 2-1/2 and 1 year. We love animals, nature, water, etc.
Thank you everyone for your great ideas! I had some of these on my list already, but found some great new places to visit that I didn't know about!
We recently went to Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora and had a great time. Not many animals, but the wolves there were worth the trip (about 1/2 hour for us). There are 4 wolves that kids can actually see, unlike the wolves at Brookfield Zoo who are too hard for little ones to find in the exhibit. There was also a great playground there with about 5 play structures. The reptile house was also a big hit (there were about 6 alligators/crocodiles, some large snakes and several turtles and tortoises.)
Thank you again for all your ideas!
Once the weather improves, there is Blackberry Farm in Aurora on Galena and Barnes Road. they have a nice train ride, pony rides, carousel, animals etc. I don't know the cost. There is also Luigi Pizza on Prairie. a real casual place with indoor arcade. it can get a bit loud in there, but kids love it!
I don't think anyone has mentioned Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles yet. It's along the river, on the east side of St. Charles. It is a huge park with quite a few playgrounds, a very cool mini-golf course, paddle boats and a riverboat ride. You can also walk along the river right into downtown if your kids aren't too little and they stay away from the edge. My niece used to come visit us in the summer and this park was the one thing she always requested. It's about 1/2 mile north of Main Street (Hwy. 64) on North Second Street. They have bathrooms and good parking and acres and acres to run. I also like Klein Creek Farm on County Farm Road just south of Hwy. 64 (North Avenue). It's kind of boring for little kids, but very educational and enjoyable for older ones. It's a working historical farm. Willowbrook Wildlife Preserve is also very cool. It's at 525 South Park Blvd. in Glen Ellyn. It's free but they take donations. It's a good way for kids to see how they can help wildlife -- by giving a little donation. There are rehabbed animals there and a nice little inside museum with birds and the occasional tiny baby animal being hand fed by caretakers.
One of the best tresaures you have nearby is the Cosley Zoo in Wheaton. Good for a range of ages. Mostly farm animals with lots of waterfalls, but my daughter, almost 4, loves going there. And the best part? It's free!
Cosley Zoo, Sprinkler Park in St Charles, Children's Garden at the Morton Arboretum, Centennial Beach in Downtown Naperville, Cantigny Park, Walk along the Riverwalk in Naperville.
-Cosley Zoo in Wheaton
-Bouncetown in Oswego
-Jump N Jiminy in St. Charles
-Blackberry Farm in Aurora
-Tekakwitha Woods Nature Center in St. Charles
If I think of any more, I will let you know! :-)
There is a butterfly house in Geneva. Here is the web address for info. They are not opening until May, but I went with my children last year and they really enjoyed it. http://www.genevaparks.org/butterflyhouse.html
Hi L.- I am a SAHM of 4 ages 8-18monthes. Here are some things we do
Cosley Zoo in Wheaton-It's free
Geneva Library- Very kid friendly-free (Batavia also has a nice library
Peck Farm-Geneva- free
Vaughn aquatic center (great zero entry indoor spring swim facility in Aurora
Blackberry farm- Aurora
Free splash park in Geneva East of the river
Sunset pool- Geneva
Phillips Zoo- Aurora-free
Campton splash park- bigger but not free
Mill Creek pool
Jumping Jimminy (never been there but heard good things)
Dupage Hands on Museum
Mortom Arboretum (Lisle)
Hope it helps- If you need more info about any one send me a message and I will try to help you out!
Beth
