Family Travel, Outdoor Adventure & Wellness
Family Travel, Outdoor Adventure & Wellness
Published by Chicago Parent magazine- May 2015
Maybe you’ve read the “I Survived” books with your kids and talked about what it means to persevere. Or perhaps you’ve been pondering how you’ll make it through another sleepless night or tantrum-filled day.
Parenting is challenging, even under the best of circumstances. These three Chicago families faced some big challenges and made it through to tell you how.
Click here to continue reading the Chicago Parent June 2015 issue
Published by Make It Better- August 6, 2015
Parenting is not an easy gig. The endless tasks and countless responsibilities can become overwhelming. But in this digital age, there are so many tools aimed at making life simpler. These handy gadgets and apps make groceries appear at your doorstep, let you know where your kids are, check on the dog while you’re out, and even help you find your keys.
Published in Chicago Parent magazine- August 2015
A new school year can be exciting, yet overwhelming, especially for families with special needs. How can you set your kids up for a successful start?
Local experts provide tips on how to help:
Get to know the teacher and his rules
Meet your child’s teacher ahead of time to develop a rapport and get familiar with his teaching style. “Give kids a leg up by going over classroom rules, expectations, routines and curriculum in advance,” says Nancy Christian, coach and founder of Strategies to Excel.
Give the teacher insider info
Clue her into challenges and potential solutions that have and can work for your child. “Review IEPs and discuss what accommodations or goals were set, met or not met,” says Dr. Tiffany Sanders, licensed psychologist and owner of Sanders and Associates. “Articulate things that helped, like sitting in the front of the classroom.”
Partner with the teacher to help the year go smoothly for your child. “Be proactive, so they’re not spending the first month trying to figure your kid out,” says Maggi Steib, Children & Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder coordinator.
Ease back into the school routine
Return to earlier bed and wake times, start back on medications, and re-establish rewards systems, all about two weeks before the school year starts. “Slowly re-establish structure so that everything is not dumped onto the kids at once,” says Steib.
Involve your child in the preparation
Foster independence with self-help skills, like opening lunch containers. “Allow your child to focus her energies on the social aspects of eating with peers,” says Rhonda Cohen, child development and inclusion director at Cherry Preschool in Evanston.
Let her select school supplies that she really likes. “Even picking out a new notebook or crayons can stir excitement,” says Rita McGovern, occupational therapist at Solomon School in Chicago.
Initiate academic work
Review work from the end of the previous year with your child. Introduce small assignments that align with the grade they are starting. Re-establish structured reading time. “Kids have a lot of demands on them at the beginning of the school year,” Sanders says. “Help avoid a major shock to their system by getting them back in the mode for academics.”
Take active tours of the school
Visit the classroom, library, gym, lunch room, nurse’s area, social worker’s room and all places your child will go, as much as needed to breed familiarity. “Anticipating the unknown is very stressful for both parents and children alike,” says Cohen. “The more familiar the school and school day is to your child, the better.”
Make a social story
Take plenty of pictures on your school visit. Snap shots of the school entrance, lockers, librarian, etc. Create a book or video your child can review to prepare himself. Tamara Kaldor, developmental therapist and director of Play is Work, recommends Book Creator for tablets or Android and Keynotefor Macs. Visual schedules are helpful.
Be proactive about sensory needs
Collaborate with the teacher regarding tools to regulate and feed your child’s senses. “Some students might need a quiet, secluded corner to wind down,” says Ellen Sternweiler, owner of The Sensory Kids Store. “Others, with anxiety attention challenges, might need tools to increase focus.” Plan ahead for a sensory diet. “Wake earlier for play on the playground if your child benefits from movement,” says Lorell Marin, director at LEEP Forward. “Pack snacks that are calming, like a smoothie with a straw.”
Practice playground games
Learn the games kids play and practice at the school playground. “Feeling like a mini expert will help your child be more confident in unstructured times,” says Angie Escher, owner and occupational therapist at Evola Pediatric Therapy.
Facilitate social interactions
Find out which students will be in your child’s class. Meet at the park or arrange playdates before school starts. “Having a friend in class can help your child feel more comfortable,” says Kandor.
“Request lunch bunches or social support groups,” Escher says.
Get excited about extracurricular activities
Read about clubs. View pictures of sports. “Help kids realize the potential of what the school can offer,” says Sanders. Building excitement can increase participation for kids with social or emotional challenges.
Free mornings from decisions
Develop a staging area in your home, where the child’s backpack, shoes, coat and everything she needs are placed the night before. “Make the morning as simple as possible,” recommends Christian. “Kids make decisions all day long at school. Have clothes picked out, lunch and breakfast already decided.”
Discuss the family calendar
Once a week, review weekly activities with the whole brood. Point out which days Dad will be working late or when the child has a baseball game. “Knowing what to expect will help the week go smoother,” says Christian. “You will also model good organization skills.”
Be your child’s advocate, but try not to be adversarial
Have regular, open and honest conversations with school staff. Don’t forget to express appreciation for their efforts on your child’s behalf.
“I’ve been amazed about how flexible and open to parent suggestions staff can be if they’ve already established a positive relationship with a parent,” says Cohen. “When the parent assumes the worst and begins the relationship from an adversarial standpoint, school personnel often feel threatened, instinctively defensive and less cooperative. Make your child’s teacher and case manager your friend. You’ll be thrilled to see how much you can achieve together on your child’s behalf.”
Remember, it never hurts to bring cookies to a meeting.
Published by Make It Better- July 2015
What do Shakespeare and rap have in common? A lot more than you might initially think—at least according to the Q Brothers. GQ and JQ, a pair of clever, creative Chicago brothers, have traveled the world writing, directing and performing witty, entertaining shows. From musical hip-hop “add-RAP-tations” of Shakespearean plays to freestyle kiddie concerts about fruit, the Qs are an inspiration for kids and adults alike.
Check out their unique sound:
“It may seem outlandish at first,” says GQ, the writer, actor and older of the two, both of whom are in their late thirties. “But the best hip hop artists are the ones who tell stories through musical language and poetry, just like Shakespeare did. We’re taking classic tales and telling them through the lens of culture today.”
Headed to Lollapalooza with kids in tow? The Q Brothers hip-hop workshop at Kidzapalooza is the place to go. The family-friendly festival within a festival is free for kids 10 and under. For the past decade, the Q Brothers and friends have shown kids how to rap, scratch and beat box. Songs are made up on the spot and mini musicians go home with their track (an MP3 is emailed to the parent).
Each child is asked what he or she would like to make a song about. “Kids usually say something like soccer…and peanuts,” laughs GQ. “We’ll try to make it as funny as possible.”
The Q Brothers also perform on the main family stage at Kidzapalooza on Friday, July 31 from 3:15-3:40 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 2 from 1:30-1:55 p.m. They open with a song from their “Feel Good Album of the Year.” (Download it for free on their website.). Then they freestyle, taking suggestions from the audience.
“It really spikes our creativity,” GQ says.
The audience’s imaginations are fostered too. During one rainy performance, the kids and the Qs conceived the song “It’s Raining on My Elephant.” While these freestyle sessions don’t incorporate Shakespeare, they show kids different art forms, as well as how to think on their feet and go with the flow.
A talented team, the Q Brothers have many music and acting credits between them. They recently returned from Australia, Abu Dhabi and New Zealand, touring “Othello: The Remix.” Their version, commissioned by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, presents the tragedy in today’s rap music world, with wise, poetic lyrics and dashes of humor, in rhyming couplets. In development, they have an epic hip-hop version of Homer’s The Odyssey, featuring 250 Chicago Children’s Choir voices, as well as a musical hip-hop version of Frankenstein for the Steppenwolf Theatre.
You can also experience their unforgettable blend of entertainment yourself with “The Q Gents,” a hip-hop adaptation of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” currently running at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Normal. If you missed “A Q Brothers Christmas Carol” at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater this past holiday season, it was a witty, music-thumping version of the Dickens classic. GQ played a hunched-over Scrooge in love with his money sack, while JQ hysterically embodied countless roles—from a Rastafarian Jacob Marley (get it?) to a sentimental Tiny Tim.
How did all this get started? With fluid, young minds and a unique idea, propelled by the dream to entertain and have fun. Raised in the Wildwood neighborhood of Chicago, GQ and JQ attended Loyola Academy during its last years as an all-boys school. Although GQ had been a successful lacrosse player, he tried out for the school musical, in hopes of meeting girls. He won the role of the scarecrow in “The Whiz.” His dynamic performance awarded him best actor in a musical, as voted by his peers.
Faye Ryan was chair of the Loyola Academy Fine Arts Department and director of the show.
“Part of the job of a high school teacher is to give kids the opportunity to find themselves—to help them discover things about themselves they might not have known,” Ryan says.
At college, a reading disability caused GQ to rethink his anthropology major. He transferred to the Experimental Theater Wing at NYU, where two teachers encouraged deep exploration of Shakespearean language.
“It could drive someone mad,” GQ says. “I hated Shakespeare growing up, but something clicked in my brain. I realized there is nothing Shakespeare would be today but a rapper.”
As his senior project, GQ developed “The Bomb-Itty of Errors,” an independent project based on Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors.” JQ joined him to produce the music and learn theater business on the fly at 19 years old.
“It was hard, but it gave me a sensibility,” JQ says. “It was the best thing that ever happened.”
The show went bonkers Off Broadway, and was featured on “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.” MTV offered them a deal to develop “Scratch and Burn,” a TV show that still has a cult following on You Tube today.
While their take on Shakespeare through today’s cultural lens is compelling, the best parts of their performances are often the Q Brothers’ ear-to-ear grins. Their energy and enthusiasm can be contagious.
“GQ and JQ are such warm, giving people,” Ryan says. “Their hearts are in the right place.”
Want to spark kids’ interest in the classics or creative expression? Teachers have so frequently requested the Q Brothers help in making Shakespeare entertaining for their students that they are now patenting their school workshop. What advice can they offer?
“Pursue your curiosities,” JQ says. “You’d be surprised how learning something seemingly unrelated to what you want to do might tie itself back in, like hip-hop and Shakespeare. Never stop learning.”
Published by Make It Better- July 2015
Cortney Fries and her husband Tom on their wedding day. Wedding Photos by Jennifer Girard Photography.
“Love is the biggest predictor of human happiness,” says psychologist Arthur Aron. “More so than wealth or success. Relationship quality is even a bigger predictor of human health than smoking or obesity.”
How do you view your love life? Continue reading “Can 36 Questions Reignite a Relationship?”
Published on WTMX Moms in the Mix- June 2015
My 4-year-old daughter, 6-year-old son, our friends (a mom and two kids of similar age) and I were so excited to see Robot Revolution at the Museum of Science and Industry. And it didn’t disappoint. But that’s just one of many entertaining and educational reasons to visit MSI this summer. There are so many interactive and interesting exhibits, we always delight in discovering new subjects and experiences. Here are our latest favorites:
We went to Flight School, upstairs in the Transportation Gallery, for the first time and thoroughly enjoyed the Ride Simulator. You can choose from several different adventures to take on your private eight-passenger trip. Our group selected the racecourse, and felt like we were driving a racecar in the best of video games. As the door closed, the kids got a little nervous, but as soon as the engine revved up, the car peeled out and started whipping around turns, there was nothing but continuous giggles. In fact, they woke up the next morning delighted from dreams of driving fast cars.
The Mirror Maze as part of the Numbers in Nature exhibit, a dark maze of mirrors that appear to go on for infinity, is both challenging and fun. I instructed my kids to put their hands out in front of them, to avoid walking directly into the wall, and to stick together. They had such a good time, they insisted on going through three times in a row.
The Toymaker 3000 exhibit has a rock wall that teaches children about climbing your way to success in business. Not only did my 6-year-old love climbing the wall, but teenagers also were taking turns and learning about the tough terrain companies face during the year one investment phase.
There were so many intriguing and engaging stations within Robot Revolution. The kids got a huge kick out of the robot soccer, where two bots play against each other with no human input. The Versaball squishy gripper, an inflated ball on a robotic arm that picks up objects by squishing them, got a lot of laughs. The kids copied a robot in a sequence that looked a lot like head, shoulders, knees and toes.
We always have a lot of fun at the Museum of Science and Industry. The best part is continuously discovering (and learning) new things. This visit, the kids couldn’t get enough of the robot soccer and ride simulator. Next time we’ll explore something new. No summer brain drain for this crew!
Published in Chicago Parent magazine- July 2015
With an abundance of burger options around Chicago, it’s hard to decide which ones are worth a visit from the entire brood. My clan of four checked out several Chicago-area burger restaurants to give you the 411.
Here are ones that are done right for the smallest to the tallest members of the family.
5739 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago
(773) 283-7880
5691 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
(773) 775-6650
Best for: Flavorful patties and plentiful toppings
If you’re looking for burger you won’t soon forget, head to Leadbelly. Top-quality beef and smoked pork belly are ground daily to make a smoky flavor you’ll savor. Made-from-scratch sauces and tempting toppings are plentiful. Want a sure-fire hit? Try the Gallows Pole burger, with caramelized mushrooms and onions, smashed taters, Swiss cheese and béarnaise.
Fresh-cut fries are served in kitschy mini metal fry baskets. The Polish Fry, with polish sausage, sauerkraut and horseradish mustard, is more like a meal than a side. The Garlic Parm fries are heavenly.
This hip, counter-service restaurant is a hit with the kids because of the rocking music and memorabilia.
6604 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago
(773) 654-3224
Best for: Korean burger mash up
bopNgrill’s unique marriage of burgers and Korean favorites makes it well worth the jaunt to Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Want to flirt with the fifth flavor? The umami burger is a savory sensation. Truffled mushroom duxelle, sundried tomato confit, togarashi mayo, bacon and smoked Gouda make it rich, earthy and delicious. It sent Guy Fieri on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” into euphoria.
Have adventurous eaters? Kimchi fries, piled high with caramelized kimchi, cheese sauce, bacon, scallions and sesame seeds, are a popular side. Visit on the weekends, when the Korean Philly cheese steak eggrolls are available.
Little ones hesitant to try new things? Panko breaded chicken breasts are a fresh, crunchy spin on chicken strips. The uncommon combinations will bring you back to this fast-casual restaurant again and again.
600 Lee St., Des Plaines
(847) 391-9815
Best for: Service via model train
Tasty burgers and trains in one stop? This 1950s diner is yum and fun in one. Sit by the tracks and watch model trains roll by with delicious, grilled classics. You’ll love the burgers, grilled thin with just the right amount of crispiness. Hot dogs, grilled cheese, egg salad and BLTs are available, too.
Take Metra to and from the restaurant. The Lee Street stop in Des Plaines is just one block away.
844 W. Randolph St., Chicago
(312) 491-0844
Best for: Grass-fed beef in a barnyard chic setting
Hop over to Randolph Restaurant Row for Chicago’s only farm-to-table burger bar dedicated to grass-fed beef, free-range turkey and local farm fruits and vegetables. The artful burgers are just as much of a draw as the handmade pies and fresh churned ice cream. You’ll love the relaxed, yet higher-end vibe.
Try the Berries & Brie Burger for a beautiful color and flavor explosion. Mixed berry compote, Dijon aioli and red wine balsamic reduction work wonders with the juicy beef, Brie and arugula. In a bacon mood? The Ultimate comes with Muenster, bacon, arugula, caramelized onions and horseradish aioli. Victor’s Veggie is a Panko breaded wild rice and veggie patty, while the Fruitarian is a Vegan spinach and chickpea burger. Beer pairings are suggested for each sandwich.
Feel good that the kids’ burger comes with fruit and potatoes. The Vegan chocolate pudding pie is like being snuggled in a fluffy, chocolate blanket. The brown butter ice cream will become your new favorite.
1735 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview
(847) 376-8014
Best for: Quick, healthier burgers, colossal onion rings and creamy custard
Stop by for a quick, yet high-quality, burger or hot dog in a sustainable restaurant, the lone Illinois location of the BurgerFi chain.
Brandished with BurgerFi on the bun, the burgers aren’t huge, which is why many are doubles. Go for The Twenty Eight, a double 28-day dry aged brisket burger with Swiss and blue cheese and handcrafted BurgerFi sauce.
The onion rings are as enormous as they are delicious. Thick, creamy custard is the perfect end to a happy family meal.
1480 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
(773) 423-2005
Best for: Truffle, truffle and more truffle
At this contemporary burger eatery, truffle is the way to go. Start with Truffled Beet Greens with truffled ricotta and goat cheese, smoked almonds, wild baby arugula and truffle dressing. Sink your teeth into a Sunny Side Burger (aka truffle especiale) with Parmesan frico, fried egg, truffle thyme compound butter, and truffled arugula. While the truffle fries are good, be super slick and order from the secret menu. Ask for the cheesy tots, which are handmade, packed with cheese and just the right amount of crispy.
Kids love the thin fries, anime artwork on the walls and running around the corner to the Wicker Park playground.
Ivy’s Burgers, Hot Dogs and Fries
5419 W. Devon Ave., Chicago
(773) 775-2545
Best for: Merkt’s Cheddar cheese & patty melts
Serving single-sourced, all-muscle, Midwestern beef, Ivy’s is a little-known gem in Chicago’s Edgebrook neighborhood. Sit at one of the reclaimed, natural wood tree tables and enjoy Merkt’s Cheddar on a juicy burger, all-beef Black Angus hot dog and crispy, hand-cut fries. The patty melt is mouthwatering.
Even Hellmann’s mayonnaise recognized Ivy’s burger brilliance and is including it in the national Burger Route contest.
The Burger Boss
7512 W. North Ave., Elmwood Park
(708) 452- 7288
Best for: Handheld hamburgers, shakes and catering
What makes the burgers at this fast-casual spot hot is that they hug so many tasty toppings, yet manage to hang together in your hand. The Elmwood Park Boss boasts applewood-smoked bacon, all-natural Cheddar, lettuce, tomato, boss sauce, pickles and grilled onions on brioche. Mine all stayed in one place, but it didn’t last long!
Signature sandwiches and shakes are offered each month, giving you reason to go often. The kids’ shake is just the right size and Little Bosses are perfect for catering a party.
Ben Lehwald of Evanston is the 17-year-old star of ABC Family’s “Becoming Us.”
The unscripted docu-series chronicles Lehwald’s life as his parents not only divorce, but his father,Charlie, transitions to a woman, Carly.
Lehwald and his mother, Suzy Crawford, came up with the idea for the show to open eyes and some doors for kids with transgender parents. “If this shows helps one teenager,” Lehwald says, “then hopefully he’ll help someone else.”
Though the show was filmed over the course of three month last fall, the family changes began unfolding four years ago, when Lehwald was in eighth grade. The news didn’t come as a total surprise to Lehwald, who says his dad had started painting his nails and shaving his legs in the months prior. While the news came at a difficult time—Lehwald had been dealing with bullying in school for reasons unrelated to Carly—he says his friends and peers have been accepting, which helps. He also learned to lean on art as an emotional outlet.
If Lehwald was feeling abandoned, he would photograph an abandoned lot. If he was mad, he would edit a photo to show his anger. His Instagram account, @abstractive—which features pictures taken around Evanston, Chicago and on his travels—boasts thousands of followers.
“I want kids to be OK with feeling how they feel,” Lehwald says. While he is accepting of Carly’s transition and is happy that she can be the person she wants to be, he stresses the importance of kids coming to terms with their emotions. “If you’re upset with something your parent is doing, tell them,” he says. “Just do it in a polite way. If you don’t talk about your problems the situation won’t improve.”
More than anything, Lehwald hopes to spread a message of love and acceptance: Do what you want to do. Be what you want to be. Feel what you want to feel. “We’re all just trying to figure out who we are.”
“Becoming Us” Premiers on ABC Family June 8 at 8 p.m. CT.
Published on Make It Better- June 2015
“Vibrating oral-facial massager” was the search term Ellen Sternweiler typed into her computer. Mother to three children with developmental differences, Sternweiler was desperately seeking a solution to her middle son’s severe sensory-seeking behavior. She didn’t know what the product was called, she just knew that he needed deep sensory input into his jaw. After three hours of sifting through a barrage of unwanted products, she had an epiphany. She decided to open The Sensory Kids Store.
“Being a parent to special needs kids is hard enough,” Sternweiler says. “Finding what you need for them should be easy.”
The Sensory Kids Store opened in 2011 inside Bellybum Boutique, Sternweiler’s now-shuttered Lincoln Square green parenting store. It was the first brick and mortar storefront offering sensory and developmental toys, therapeutic aids and clothing in a mainstream, inclusive setting. Sternweiler utilized her background in graphic design to make in-store and online shopping for items like weighted vests feel akin to picking out a pair of jeans. She wanted it clean, not clinical; bright, not boring. The response was astounding. People came from all over to see, touch and feel in person.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six children in the United States, ages 3-17, have one or more developmental difference. “Every child can benefit from a healthy sensory diet,” Sternweiler says. “Some just need more than others.” The Sensory Kids Store offers products that keep the senses in balance, so kids can regulate themselves and enhance their focus.
After living in Chicago for 24 years, the Sternweilers decided to move, to better meet the special education needs of their children. In 2014, they purposefully landed in Wilmette and could not be happier. “District 39 is fantastic,” says Sternweiler. “The special education support at Romona and Highcrest is unparalleled.” She speaks highly of Wilmette’s recreational sports community and inclusion at Northfield’s Temple Jeremiah.
“One of the biggest challenges as a mom in business is creating balance,” says Sternweiler. Relocated to Wilmette, The Sensory Kids Store now sells products online and through one-on-one product consulting to parents, schools, community groups and clinics.
Megan Kennedy, Skokie mother of two, says Sternweiler is one of the most helpful resources her family has encountered on their special-needs journey. “The opportunity to speak with Ellen personally is one of the most beneficial things we’ve been able to take advantage of.”
Sternweiler is a well-known sensory product expert. “My job is to curate, to make sure I have the best few items at a good value,” Sternweiler says. Sensorykidstore.com is organized into categories like seeing, hearing, talking and touching. Parents don’t need to learn a whole new language of terminology to shop. They just need to know what their child is seeking; then the choices can be easily drilled down from there.
Parents receiving a troubling diagnosis for their child are overwhelmed, confused and frustrated. Sternweiler helps filter data and provide support, as both a parent and a product specialist. “If your kid loves to be tickled but hates to be compressed, I’d suggest brushing,” explains Sternweiler.
Weighted and compression vests, seamless sensitivity socks and chew jewelry are some of her top sellers. Products like the Joki Swing or Big Red Top offer aesthetically pleasing and fun ways for kids to get the peace and quiet or gentle motion they crave.
Melinda Brooks, Chicago mom of two, highly recommends sensorykidstore.com’s streamlined selection. “It’s great for grandparents and gifts,” says Brooks. Her family’s favorite is Riverstones, an obstacle course that’s great for balancing, constructing, and rearranging patterns.
Sternweiler is also one of the main organizers of the Neighborhood Parents Network Developmental Differences Resource Fair and co-host of a monthly parent support group. Checktheir website for details. A North Shore parent support group is in the works.
“After years in graphic design, I needed to do something that was meaningful, and give back to the community,” Sternweiler says. “What could be better than helping support, educate and make life easier for my fellow parents struggling with the challenges of raising children with developmental differences. This is incredibly fulfilling.”
Published in Chicago Parent Going Places- Summer 2015
It’s summer—get your hands in the air! These four local amusement parks are sure to get rise out of everyone. We’ve got the 411 so you can enjoy all the fun.
901 Leicester Road, Elk Grove Village
(847) 439-2683
elkgroveparks.org
$11, $9 resident; free adults
Best for: the littlest thrill seekers
Pirates and preschoolers alike will love this small-scale theme park targeted to kids 1-9. If they’re ready to ride solo, peewee pirates can give the 1950s kiddie carousel a whirl or splash around in the mini paddle boats. Kids can tackle the giant Pirate Plunge slide or Safari Express train on their own or go with a bigger pirate pal.
New this summer, the Soarin’ Schooners flying boat attraction is sure to take off. Kids can captain their own ship or let parents fly. Get physical on the 20-foot rock wall or the Castle of Camelot playground, plus slide down the smoke-breathing dragon and enjoy entertainment at the Fun Stage.
Buccaneer Bites is available for pizza and ice cream, or you can bring your own lunch and picnic on the 18th Century Pirate Ship. Gym shoes and socks are recommended.
Visit Fridays for special events, like Superhero or Outer Space Day. Weeklong summer camp is available for kids ages 3-9. Very Important Pirate (VIP) passes make saving a snap.
8512 S. Union Road, Union
(815) 923-9000
wildwesttown.com
$17, free kids under 2
Best for: cowboy enthusiasts
Little buckaroos unite! Union, Ill., isn’t just for Day Out with Thomas. This Old West theme park is sure to delight cowboys and cowgirls ages 12 and under.
Spend your day immersing yourself in the ways of the Wild West. Shoot ‘em up at the pop gun gallery or take aim at the archery range. Giddy up on a pony or go down the river on an adventure canoe ride. And if your dogs start barking, take a seat for one of the three Wild West shows offered daily.
The options are many: ride the Runaway Mine Cars roller coaster, C.P. Huntington Train or 1951 vintage carousel; pan for gold or try your hand at cowboy roping; peruse cool cowboy memorabilia at the Wild West Museum.
And when you’re worn out from all the rootin’ and tootin’, wrangle the gang for grub at the Snack Shop, where pizza, hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches are offered. Or you can always “tailgate” in the parking lot. Season passes are available.
601 Dundee Ave., East Dundee
(847) 426-6751
santasvillagedundee.com
$22.75, free kids 2 and under
Best for: animal encounters and summer Santa visits
This half-zoo, half-amusement park attraction is geared to kids 2-12. Parents and grandparents will love the nostalgia of the 56-year-old park, while kids will enjoy the North Pole-themed fun.
This year’s new additions include an elevation drop tower ride, Tri-Nado swirling ride, Wacky Worm kiddie coaster and trackless train.
You can interact with more than 250 animals, including reindeer, of course. Soar high into the skies in the Balloon Race ride, or grab a hose and put out a fire in SVFD Engine #3. And take a few minutes to see Santa’s summer home (with 100% less snow)—and maybe even squeeze in a visit with the Big Guy himself.
With plenty of rides geared towards those under 54 inches, this is a park has countless opportunities for little ones while older kids will have fun, too. Food and snacks are offered, but your own food is welcome.
1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee
(847) 249-1776
sixflags.com/greatamerica
$66.99, $46.99 under 48 inches, free kids 2 and under
Best for: a full day of fun for the whole family
With more than 80 rides, slides and attractions spread across 100 acres, this is the theme park to take teens and tiny adventure seekers alike. Plan to make it a full day to get the most thrills for your bills.
Start early and hit your can’t-miss rides first. Get your heart pounding with 14 coasters, including Goliath, the tallest, steepest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world. For those over 42 inches, the Demon gets rave reviews for a child’s first big ride.
Three children’s themed areas feature more than 30 rides for the little ones. The Red Baron Airplanes, Lady Bugs and other classics have been restored in celebration of the park’s 40th season.
If it’s hot, you’ll want to bring a bathing suit and $7 extra each to enjoy the 20-acre Hurricane Harbor.
Make sure to wear comfy shoes (no flip-flops) and pack a sweatshirt to beat nighttime chills. No outside food is allowed, but savvy families recommend eating in the parking lot. Discounts are available online.