Hi Mamasourcers! I've recently read some of the posts about things to do in the area and the ideas are excellent -- we've tried a bunch of those places ourselves (DuPage Children's Museum, Little Village, etc.)! But I've always had my husband along with me so that one of us was constantly monitoring one child. I'm hoping to hear from some of you Moms who have kids close in age. I'm looking for things to do, outside the house, in which I, alone, can manage a 30 month old and a 15 month old without someone getting hurt. They are both rather independent and the 15 month old is a climber who hasn't learned a healthy fear of falling yet. These days, even trips to the local park are difficult, as both children have their own agenda on where to go, what to climb, etc. It seems like all I do is "rescue" one from whatever they are about to fall from before running to the other child (and repeat over and over and over...)
So, I'm looking for suggestions on places SAFE to let both kids loose without me having to run nonstop to prevent injuries. We love the Cosley Zoo and other neat outdoor venues (farmer's markets, river walks, etc.), but I hate keeping them in a stroller all the time. They need the chance to get out of the stroller and burn off energy. Where did you let your young ones run free without any major injuries or safety concerns? Or...am I confined to our backyard until they are older next summer? Would love to hear any ideas and experiences you have!
There's an art studio in Roselle right off the train tracks (Main St) that is perfect for kids.
They can do art projects and run around the studio and you can stand / sit and watch them.
They have a water table, sand art, sidewalk chalk, crafty things. I just can't remember the name at the moment.
Hope that helps
Here's some ideas. They aren't all outside, but they will get you out of the house:
Story Time at the Library
Play Area at Charlestown or Fox Valley Mall
Bouncetown
Naperville Riverwalk
Millenium Park
Jumps N' Jiggles & Carousel
Philips Park Zoo (they have a huge park too..but, I know you are a little concerned with parks)
Blackberry Farm in Aurora
Pet Shops...just to look
Apple Orchards...it's almost the season
I hope some of these ideas help. Good luck!
Hello - I know how you feel! I have climbers, too!
Last week I took my kids to the sprinkler park at the Westmont Park District. We do not live in Westmont, so it was $4 per child. (Adult free.) It is a nice small area where the kids can run and play safely. The ground is that nice soft rubber material that helps cushion the falls.
You can bring your own snacks/lunch there. I don't know if there are any concessions there.
There is also a playground attached to the sprinkler park area - and a covered picnic area.
One note: They shut the sprinklers off from 1:30-2 while we were there. Some sort of scheduled break. Good time to eat that lunch!! So, plan your outing accordingly.
I know that the pool season is coming to an end, so if you don't try it in the next few weeks, give it a try next year!
S.
The Hub at Berens Park in the Elmhurst Park District also has a nice splash pad that is relatively easy to keep young ones occupied and contained. Friends and neighbors love to go too!
Hi there,
I feel the same way. I have a 33 month old daughter and a 13 month old son that is not walking yet so...... it's hard to go anywhere except get together with friends and let them play while we talk. Next year will be a little easier. Let me know if you would like to meet at a mall to let the kids play and we can chat.:-)
S.
Wheaton has a couple great Tot Lots that are smaller scale. I remember feeling like I could relax a little more at those parks. There is one on Illinois St. (I think) up the block from Jack Straws and one by the college ave train station. I can't think of any others off the top of my head, but the park district may be able to tell you.
I do not recommend the DuPage Children's Museum if you're flying solo. It is too easy for them to run off.
Stratford Square is great and there are two contained play places. The McDonalds both on Roosevelt in Glen Ellyn and on County Farm in Wheaton are good.
If they like water, the sprinkler park in Glen Ellyn is nice and confined and I think under 1yr is free, others are $3. My kids love the sand pit there also.
We would go to the fountain in downtown Wheaton sometimes too and walk around downtown. I had three in 17 mo and rarely used a stroller, if anything I only put the youngest one in the stroller (I had twins first and the third 17 mo later), It is a lot of work, but I just tried to relax and let them walk with me. The older two learned very quickly how to follow and stay with me.
I remember feeling the same way about having to "rescue" them over and over again, but that will pass quickly. I'm sure you're doing a great job, but it does feel constant! We went to the park almost everyday when they were young and all three had no choice but to learn how to navigate the park on their own. I just couldn't physically tend to all of them at the same time. The twins are 4 now and my little boy is almost 3. They are all very proficient climbers now and it's great to be able to relax a little bit at the park! By next summer, it will be so much easier for you!
Try looking in your Park District program book. You may find a mom-tot class that all 3 of you can take together OR your 30-month old might be old enough to do a class on her own and you can take a different one with your son at the same time. I don't know where you are, but Geneva offers ballet classes for two-and-half year olds and a "terrific twos" play class that kids attend without parents.
I know how you feel ... I have a 6 yr. old, 3 yr. old and 19 month old and just recently started going to the park with all of them. We also like to extend our park visits by packing a picnic lunch. There's usually a large enough grassy field around that we camp out in the middle of (to avoid the temptation of the playground while eating) then the kids can run off some energy.
Time definitely goes faster when you're out of the house. It is a lot of effort though to get two little kids and all their gear ready to go somewhere, so we do spend a lot of time in the backyard with a kiddie pool, sprinklers, chalk, hula hoops, tricycles, etc.
Have fun and enjoy the weather while it's here. Winter comes all too soon and stays too long when you have little ones in the house!
They have an indoor play area in Yorktown mall. It is small enough and gated so it's easy to keep track of the kids. Also the 30 month old can ride a train (6 rides for $5.00).
I used to have my daughter help me push her brother in the stroller. (Mine are over 15 months apart). I used to keep one in the swing at the park and an eye on the other at the park. They both liked the sand area. I would go to the park with neighbors or friends. We kept a little scooter type toy inside. They loved to ride it and sometimes together. Lots of luck. I am sympathetic.
Stratford Square Mall in Carol Stream has 2 cute and safe play areas. Another idea is McDonalds - there is a very toddler friendly one on Roosevelt Road in Glen Ellyn. They are both small and easy to manage.
