Thursday, June 28, 2012
Superdawg Drive-In
Superdawg Drive-in is a Chicago classic and we finally made it there for Father's Day this year. The original Superdawg is located at 6363 N. Milwaukee and has been there since 1948 (they also have another location at 333 S. Milwaukee in Wheeling). The novelty of ordering and eating in our car was very exciting for our girls and of course a bit messy. When we arrived we pulled into an open spot and purused the posted menu, which includes mainly hot dogs and hamburgers. There is not a separate kids menu but plenty that kids will enjoy. Our car got a mix of hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and milkshakes. We ordered through a speaker at our car like a fast food drive through (except we were parked, of course). After a short wait a waittress brought us our tray and attached it to our window. The food was decent, especially the milkshakes which were super yummy. When you are all done eating you push a button and a waittress collects your tray and you pay your bill. We all had a really good time since eating at a drive in is definitely not something you can you everyday. Depending on how messy your kid is, however, this might be the kind of activity good for kids who are a little bit older or won't get ketchup all over your car seats.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Whealan Pool Aquatic Center
We are in the midst of a hot summer. A very hot summer. The Whealan Pool Aquatic Center at 6200 W. Devon is a great place to go to cool off. The pool is run by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and, from June 9 through September 3rd, it is open from 11 AM until 7 PM. Our whole family had a great time when we went recently. The facility is really perfect for all ages. The pool is zero entry and quite shallow for a large portion. Our 3 foot tall daughter was able to run all over the place. On one side is a big spray pool for the smaller kids with lots of shooting water, a big structure to climb on, and a little water slide. There is also a separate toddler pool for kids four and under with a dedicated life guard even though the pool is only maybe a foot deep. The main pool also has a deeper (I say deeper because it is still only 5 feet deep) roped off from the shallower areas. In addition, there are two big water slides appropriate for older children or adults. They are pretty fun but my almost six year old thought they were a little scary. One side of the pool has lounge chairs for relaxing while the other side has a grassy area and is more shaded. There are multiple life guards located around the pool who keep a close watch and will definitely yell at you if you are not following the rules.
Admission into the pool is $5 per adult, $3 for children 4-12 and free for children 3 and under. A seasonal pass is also available if your family visits frequently. Food, drinks, and coolers are not allowed in the pool area. There is a snack stand available to purchase food and drinks. We were able to park right in front of the building on Devon, but there is also a parking lot located behind the building. I wouldn't say the lot is super convenient, however, so I would try to park on the street if possible.
We had so much fun at this mini water park, splashing around and going down the water slides. We will definitely be back this summer. In fact my daughters keep asking me when they can go again.
Admission into the pool is $5 per adult, $3 for children 4-12 and free for children 3 and under. A seasonal pass is also available if your family visits frequently. Food, drinks, and coolers are not allowed in the pool area. There is a snack stand available to purchase food and drinks. We were able to park right in front of the building on Devon, but there is also a parking lot located behind the building. I wouldn't say the lot is super convenient, however, so I would try to park on the street if possible.
We had so much fun at this mini water park, splashing around and going down the water slides. We will definitely be back this summer. In fact my daughters keep asking me when they can go again.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
The Honeycomb Project
Ever since I heard about the Honeycomb Project I've been waiting for an activity to come along that would be great for my family to participate in. The Honeycomb Project is a nonprofit organization that organizes volunteer events for families. The different types of activities range from beautifying a City park to packing groceries for a food pantry to packing school supplies for at risk youth, with about one offered per month.
This past weekend my family participated in a beach clean up event. A few days prior to the event I received an email reminding me that it was coming up, telling me where the group would be meeting, and what I should bring. This email was obviously very helpful when planning to go to an event with your children. When we got there we were given name tags and signed in. The event started on time and we were given a brief explanation of what we would be doing. We then went off in groups to collect and tally garbage from the beach and picnic areas. After collecting garbage for about 45 minutes we went back to the beach house to weigh how much we had collected. There were apples, granola bars, and water set out for snacking on. The event was very well organized. I only wish there was a little bit more of a sense of community or working together. Mostly it felt like we were picking up trash by ourselves.
On the organization's website (thehoneycombproject.org) there is a calendar of upcoming events and also a place to sign up for the newsletter. Registration for each event is done on the website and opens about a month prior to the event. Some events can be tough to get into and will fill up on the first day of registration. The first event I tried to sign my family up for was a work day at a park and registration was full by the end of the first day and we were not able to sign up. There is usually a wait list you can add your name to. When you sign up you are encouraged to donate some money towards the event. They have suggested donations to cover snacks or other materials that will be utilized during your activity, starting around $15. You do not need to give money in order to participate, however. The registration details generally provide a suggested minimum age for kids but you should keep in mind that you need to watch your kids during the entire time. Children will not be entertained in any way and should come prepared to participate.
My daughters may have been a bit young for the beach clean up event but I really want them to be exposed to volunteer work at a young age. Their favorite part of the day was when we were done and they got to go play on the beach but I still think it was good for them. I definitely recommend the Honeycomb Project if you are looking for a way for your family to do volunteer work together.
This past weekend my family participated in a beach clean up event. A few days prior to the event I received an email reminding me that it was coming up, telling me where the group would be meeting, and what I should bring. This email was obviously very helpful when planning to go to an event with your children. When we got there we were given name tags and signed in. The event started on time and we were given a brief explanation of what we would be doing. We then went off in groups to collect and tally garbage from the beach and picnic areas. After collecting garbage for about 45 minutes we went back to the beach house to weigh how much we had collected. There were apples, granola bars, and water set out for snacking on. The event was very well organized. I only wish there was a little bit more of a sense of community or working together. Mostly it felt like we were picking up trash by ourselves.
On the organization's website (thehoneycombproject.org) there is a calendar of upcoming events and also a place to sign up for the newsletter. Registration for each event is done on the website and opens about a month prior to the event. Some events can be tough to get into and will fill up on the first day of registration. The first event I tried to sign my family up for was a work day at a park and registration was full by the end of the first day and we were not able to sign up. There is usually a wait list you can add your name to. When you sign up you are encouraged to donate some money towards the event. They have suggested donations to cover snacks or other materials that will be utilized during your activity, starting around $15. You do not need to give money in order to participate, however. The registration details generally provide a suggested minimum age for kids but you should keep in mind that you need to watch your kids during the entire time. Children will not be entertained in any way and should come prepared to participate.
My daughters may have been a bit young for the beach clean up event but I really want them to be exposed to volunteer work at a young age. Their favorite part of the day was when we were done and they got to go play on the beach but I still think it was good for them. I definitely recommend the Honeycomb Project if you are looking for a way for your family to do volunteer work together.
Monday, June 4, 2012
National Hellenic Museum
I was super excited when I heard that we have a new museum in town, especially one that is kid friendly. I think the museums we have in Chicago are amazing with really interesting and ever changing exhibits but it is always nice to see something new. The National Hellenic Museum in located in Greektown at 333 S. Halsted St. The museum building is a really cool, modern looking structure that completely differentiates it from the surrounding buildings.
The Museum is four stories high. The first floor is currently dedicated to a temporary exhibit called Gods, Myths, and Mortals, which is perfect for children even as young as mine. My daughters actually spent a lot of time going through the whole exhibit, which is very hands on. They were able to crawl through a Trojan horse, arm wrestle a Greek wrestler, put on dress up clothes, and, their very favorite, sing into a microphone karaoke style. Luckily, the museum was pretty much empty when we were there so they were able to sing their hearts out. I'm pretty sure at least one of them is destined for the stage. The girls had a really good time in this exhibit.
Unfortunately there is not much to the rest of the Museum, yet. The second floor is a preview to the permanent exhibit, In Search of Home. It is supposed to show the process of creating the permanent exhibit but mostly it looks like empty warehouse space with information on the walls giving some details of what will actually be there when the exhibit is finished. The third floor is the library, which I assume you would only use if you were doing research, and the fourth floor is a rooftop terrace. You can get a great view of downtown from the fourth floor and it would be a great location for a private party or event.
Admission into the museum is $10/adult and $7/child. I think this seems a little high given that the museum is only partially finished. I don't know if the price will go up when it is completed. I highly recommend the Gods, Myths, and Mortals exhibit but be prepared for that to be really the only thing that engages your child. Through the summer the museum will be offering a story hour on Saturday mornings and arts and crafts on Thursday mornings. The Museum is closed on Mondays. Metered street parking is available or there are several parking lots nearby that are relatively reasonable. The Museum is also located a block from the UIC-Halsted Blue Line stop. While you are there don't forget to sample some awesome Greek food in Greektown!
The Museum is four stories high. The first floor is currently dedicated to a temporary exhibit called Gods, Myths, and Mortals, which is perfect for children even as young as mine. My daughters actually spent a lot of time going through the whole exhibit, which is very hands on. They were able to crawl through a Trojan horse, arm wrestle a Greek wrestler, put on dress up clothes, and, their very favorite, sing into a microphone karaoke style. Luckily, the museum was pretty much empty when we were there so they were able to sing their hearts out. I'm pretty sure at least one of them is destined for the stage. The girls had a really good time in this exhibit.
Unfortunately there is not much to the rest of the Museum, yet. The second floor is a preview to the permanent exhibit, In Search of Home. It is supposed to show the process of creating the permanent exhibit but mostly it looks like empty warehouse space with information on the walls giving some details of what will actually be there when the exhibit is finished. The third floor is the library, which I assume you would only use if you were doing research, and the fourth floor is a rooftop terrace. You can get a great view of downtown from the fourth floor and it would be a great location for a private party or event.
Admission into the museum is $10/adult and $7/child. I think this seems a little high given that the museum is only partially finished. I don't know if the price will go up when it is completed. I highly recommend the Gods, Myths, and Mortals exhibit but be prepared for that to be really the only thing that engages your child. Through the summer the museum will be offering a story hour on Saturday mornings and arts and crafts on Thursday mornings. The Museum is closed on Mondays. Metered street parking is available or there are several parking lots nearby that are relatively reasonable. The Museum is also located a block from the UIC-Halsted Blue Line stop. While you are there don't forget to sample some awesome Greek food in Greektown!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Morton Arboretum
This past weekend, before the weather got really hot, we were able to go to the Morton Arboretum. It is located in Lisle, which is a bit of a drive for us so I was a little concerned that the Arboretum would be worth the trip, but it totally was. Now I wish it was closer so we could go more often! The bulk of the Arboretum is nature trails for hiking, jogging, or biking and would be awesome if you were without kids or had a small kid in a backpack or on the back of your bike, but if you are coming with your kids it's best to just do things close to the entrance.
When you first walk in there is a really cool maze with tall hedges that is fun to run through. Midway through the maze there is a lookout you can climb up to watch others fumbling through the maze or locate your run away kids. Seriously, though, if you have really small kids do not let them take off running through the maze without you or you may have a brief panic attack when you can't immediately locate them.
Once you are past the maze there is an amazing Children's Garden. It's huge, 4 acres huge, with so many fun and interesting things for kids to do. Each time my kids thought they had found the funnest thing in the garden they discovered something new and better. There are little houses, sculptures, and playgrounds for the kids to climb all over. Some of the girls favorites were Wonder Pond, where they could take off their shoes and walk along rocks in a pond full of tadpoles, the Grotto and Secret Stream, where they could also wade in the water, and a suspension bridge the went through a small wooded area. Also, tucked in the middle of the Garden was a little shaded workshop area with tables and benches. The activities set our included a collection of edible plants to see and smell, a Velcro activity that allowed the children to see what ingredients are combined to make things like pizza and salsa, and a little craft where the kids could make seed necklaces. A great way to take a break between adventures. We were at the Arboretum for about 2.5 hours and basically spent the whole time in the Children's Garden.
The admission cost is $12/adult, $9 for children, and kids 2 and under are free. The Arboretum is open every day, year round. The hours for the Children's Garden are 9:30 AM - 5 PM March through October and 9:30 AM - 4 PM the rest of the year. There is a restaurant located inside the Arboretum that serves breakfast and lunch options including sandwiches, salads, and kid stuff like chicken fingers and hot dogs. The menu is available on the Arboretum website (www.mortonarb.org). We did not eat in the restaurant so I can't comment on the quality of the food. There are also lots of good spots to set up a picnic, as well. You are allowed to bring in food and drinks. If you've got small ones, definitely bring a stroller or wagon.
We had two sets of grandparents in town this weekend for my daughter's birthday and it is always difficult to find an activity that 6 very different adults and two small kids will all enjoy. The Morton Arboretum was perfect. The girls were able to run around and the Children's Garden was interesting enough to hold the aduts' interest too. The Arboretum has lots of children's programming so definitely check the website to see what kind of cool activities are coming up. There is also a new exhibit called Treehouse Tales that opens June 15th and will include six treehouse structures. If it is anything like what is already at the Arboretum, I'm sure it will be very fun.
When you first walk in there is a really cool maze with tall hedges that is fun to run through. Midway through the maze there is a lookout you can climb up to watch others fumbling through the maze or locate your run away kids. Seriously, though, if you have really small kids do not let them take off running through the maze without you or you may have a brief panic attack when you can't immediately locate them.
Once you are past the maze there is an amazing Children's Garden. It's huge, 4 acres huge, with so many fun and interesting things for kids to do. Each time my kids thought they had found the funnest thing in the garden they discovered something new and better. There are little houses, sculptures, and playgrounds for the kids to climb all over. Some of the girls favorites were Wonder Pond, where they could take off their shoes and walk along rocks in a pond full of tadpoles, the Grotto and Secret Stream, where they could also wade in the water, and a suspension bridge the went through a small wooded area. Also, tucked in the middle of the Garden was a little shaded workshop area with tables and benches. The activities set our included a collection of edible plants to see and smell, a Velcro activity that allowed the children to see what ingredients are combined to make things like pizza and salsa, and a little craft where the kids could make seed necklaces. A great way to take a break between adventures. We were at the Arboretum for about 2.5 hours and basically spent the whole time in the Children's Garden.
The admission cost is $12/adult, $9 for children, and kids 2 and under are free. The Arboretum is open every day, year round. The hours for the Children's Garden are 9:30 AM - 5 PM March through October and 9:30 AM - 4 PM the rest of the year. There is a restaurant located inside the Arboretum that serves breakfast and lunch options including sandwiches, salads, and kid stuff like chicken fingers and hot dogs. The menu is available on the Arboretum website (www.mortonarb.org). We did not eat in the restaurant so I can't comment on the quality of the food. There are also lots of good spots to set up a picnic, as well. You are allowed to bring in food and drinks. If you've got small ones, definitely bring a stroller or wagon.
We had two sets of grandparents in town this weekend for my daughter's birthday and it is always difficult to find an activity that 6 very different adults and two small kids will all enjoy. The Morton Arboretum was perfect. The girls were able to run around and the Children's Garden was interesting enough to hold the aduts' interest too. The Arboretum has lots of children's programming so definitely check the website to see what kind of cool activities are coming up. There is also a new exhibit called Treehouse Tales that opens June 15th and will include six treehouse structures. If it is anything like what is already at the Arboretum, I'm sure it will be very fun.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Brookfield Zoo
We've been to the Brookfield Zoo on a few occasions and visited again this past weekend for Mother's Day. It was a really nice day and very busy but you don't generally feel like you are tripping over people at the zoo because it is so spacious. We all really enjoyed seeing the kangaroos, hippos, zebras, and giraffes in their nice spacious homes. It seems like whenever we go to the zoo the animals are always just laying about but this time they were very active, which was fun to see. It has been a few years since we last have been to the Brookfield Zoo and in that time a new bear exhibit has opened. As part of the Great Bear Wilderness area there are buffalo, eagles, and different types of bears. It is a very nicely organized area and I would recommend checking it out while you are there.
We did not eat at the zoo during this visit mainly because we had such a bad experience last time. The food was not good and not cheap. It seems as though a few more dining options may have opened up since we were there last time but I would still recommend a picnic or eating before or after your visit. You are allowed to bring in food and there are several large areas throughout the zoo with picnic tables where you can dine. There are two large, nice playgrounds located at opposite ends of the zoo with picnic tables next to them that make a really nice place for lunch.
My one complaint with the zoo is price. First you have to pay $10 for parking. Then general admission is $15 per adult and 10.50 per child 3 and up. That's just to see some of the exhibits. In order to see the Dolphin Show, Stingray Bay, Children's Zoo, Family Play Zoo, Butterflies and to ride the carousel you have to pay extra for each. The total price can really add up. When we went, we did not pay for any of the extras except for a couple of carousel rides ($2.50 per kid) and we were able to see plenty of interesting stuff. I'm sure the attractions that you pay extra for are really good, however it becomes really expensive for a family to visit the zoo when these costs are added on to admission and parking. As with all of these type of places, the zoo offers a yearly membership that could be a more economical option for your family if you go multiple times throughout the year.
Overall, we had a really great time at the zoo last weekend. The girls really enjoyed seeing the animals and riding on the carousel. We were there for a couple of hours and didn't come close to seeing everything so you definitely don't need to pay for the special exhibits to have a full day at the zoo. It ended up being a great way to spend the day.
We did not eat at the zoo during this visit mainly because we had such a bad experience last time. The food was not good and not cheap. It seems as though a few more dining options may have opened up since we were there last time but I would still recommend a picnic or eating before or after your visit. You are allowed to bring in food and there are several large areas throughout the zoo with picnic tables where you can dine. There are two large, nice playgrounds located at opposite ends of the zoo with picnic tables next to them that make a really nice place for lunch.
My one complaint with the zoo is price. First you have to pay $10 for parking. Then general admission is $15 per adult and 10.50 per child 3 and up. That's just to see some of the exhibits. In order to see the Dolphin Show, Stingray Bay, Children's Zoo, Family Play Zoo, Butterflies and to ride the carousel you have to pay extra for each. The total price can really add up. When we went, we did not pay for any of the extras except for a couple of carousel rides ($2.50 per kid) and we were able to see plenty of interesting stuff. I'm sure the attractions that you pay extra for are really good, however it becomes really expensive for a family to visit the zoo when these costs are added on to admission and parking. As with all of these type of places, the zoo offers a yearly membership that could be a more economical option for your family if you go multiple times throughout the year.
Overall, we had a really great time at the zoo last weekend. The girls really enjoyed seeing the animals and riding on the carousel. We were there for a couple of hours and didn't come close to seeing everything so you definitely don't need to pay for the special exhibits to have a full day at the zoo. It ended up being a great way to spend the day.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Smoque
If you like barbecue and you haven't been to Smoque, you should get up from your computer and go there now. The food is that good here. There have been a lot of barbecue places opening up in the City over the last couple of years but this restaurant was around long before it became trendy. Smoque is located in Old Irving at 3800 N. Pulaski.
As I mentioned, the food is really great and there are a lot of choices. The menu is printed on a big chalkboard that you can see when you walk in and usually the line is long enough to make your decision before its time to order. You are given a number after you order that is called when your food is ready. You then go up to the counter to pick it up. The ribs are awesome, the fries are great. There is a childrens' menu with three items on it: a mini pulled pork sandwich, a mini brisket sandwich, and mac and cheese. My finicky daughters don't like the mac and cheese there and I guess pulled pork and brisket is a little too far out of their comfort zone so last time we ordered the half chicken for them to share off of the regular menu. They loved it. They also go crazy for the corn bread and the french fries.
Inside there are a bunch of tightly packed tables where everyone sits communal style. Don't pick out a seat before you order. Someone who works there will find out how many people are in your party and find a place for you to sit while you order and wait for your food. I've been there when there has been a line out the door and also when there has been no line at all. Somehow they always seem to be able to seat everyone. The last time we were there I noticed that they have added outdoor seating as well. The restaurant also does a lot of take out.
The restaurant is really casual. It is always really noisy with lots of kids there. High chairs and booster seats are available if you need them. Smoque is located just a couple of blocks from the Irving Park Brown Line stop. Finding free parking on Pulaski usually isn't too difficult.
As I mentioned, the food is really great and there are a lot of choices. The menu is printed on a big chalkboard that you can see when you walk in and usually the line is long enough to make your decision before its time to order. You are given a number after you order that is called when your food is ready. You then go up to the counter to pick it up. The ribs are awesome, the fries are great. There is a childrens' menu with three items on it: a mini pulled pork sandwich, a mini brisket sandwich, and mac and cheese. My finicky daughters don't like the mac and cheese there and I guess pulled pork and brisket is a little too far out of their comfort zone so last time we ordered the half chicken for them to share off of the regular menu. They loved it. They also go crazy for the corn bread and the french fries.
Inside there are a bunch of tightly packed tables where everyone sits communal style. Don't pick out a seat before you order. Someone who works there will find out how many people are in your party and find a place for you to sit while you order and wait for your food. I've been there when there has been a line out the door and also when there has been no line at all. Somehow they always seem to be able to seat everyone. The last time we were there I noticed that they have added outdoor seating as well. The restaurant also does a lot of take out.
The restaurant is really casual. It is always really noisy with lots of kids there. High chairs and booster seats are available if you need them. Smoque is located just a couple of blocks from the Irving Park Brown Line stop. Finding free parking on Pulaski usually isn't too difficult.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)