Hey Ladies, I am making this request on behalf of my girlfriend. She is taking spring break off on vacation with her kids. She is looking for free or cheap activities to do with them in the Elgin, Carpentersville, LITH areas. Does anyone have any suggestions or activities they are aware of? Thanks.
Good Morning ~ I suggest you start are local libraries.
They have some great things planned and is good for the
‘age range’ you mention for the kids.
Good Luck
Huntley Unlimited Gymnastics has open gym on Mon & Fri for all ages from 11:30-12:50 and Thurs & Fri for 3 and under at the same times. My kids loved it...it was $5 per child.
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They can go sledding at Randall Oaks on Randall Rd going toward Algonquin. It would be on her left hand side. They have a petting zoo there as well, but I do believe it is closed in the winter.
Then in Crystal Lake there is a company called Pump It Up. They have two days a week in which the kids can go jump in giant air filled jumpy things for $8. She can google Pump It Up in Crytal Lake and get to their website for more details.
I do believe there is a ice skating rink in Elgin...not exactly free, but I don't think it's expensive. I've heard the library there in Elgin is outstanding.
One of the biggies in Chicago is free all this week...so today and tomorrow are left..maybe Sat and Sunday. I think I heard it was the Aquarium, but it could have been the Planitarium...so a google search to their websites would direct her to the right one. Then I do believe kids ride free with a paying adult on the train during the weekdays.
Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is free. You just have to take the train. And again I do believe that kids ride free with a paying adult. So it's like $5 for the day. It's not far from the train station and if she goes on the Lincoln Park Zoo website I think they give tips on how to get to the zoo cheaply. There use to be a free tram or something from the train..so she could call and ask about that. It is a cute little zoo with many exhibits inside so they don't get too cold.
I would also just suggest Googling phrases like "cheap or free activities in Chicagoland" "fun things in Chicagoland" "sites to see in Chicagoland"....You never know what will show up.
P. - You didn't mention how old her kids are. However if they are younger I'd recommend:
The Elgin Library - they have a neat children' section with lots of toys and puzzles a climbing structure, a play kitchen area - it's like a mini children's museum and its FREE.
Mcdonald's play place - RT 25 in Cville, RT 62 in Algonquin.
There are a lot of playgrounds around. Unfortunately Randall Oaks Zoo isn't open until mid April.
We often go to the Little Village Playplace in Arlington Heights (8.25 per child - adults don't pay) which is the closest kids museum.
