A little history and fun....

Take your kids back into history and help them learn.

Volkening Heritage Farms in Schaumburg IL is a historical working farm circa 1880's. Witness life back then with costumed docents guiding the path. Tour the house, farm and other parts of the grounds. See farm animals, nature and explore. There are picnic areas for snacks/lunch. Seriously a fun way to spend your day. Visit http://www.parkfun.com/spring-valley/heritage-farm

Cuneo Mansion and Gardens in Libertyville, IL was the home of John Cuneo Sr. The home was built by a General Electric executive Benjamin Marshall in 1918 and housed a dairy farm called Hawthorne Melody years ago no longer in existence. The home and gardens are open for guided tours. Make sure to check out their summer concert series it looks pretty nice with cover bands ranging from Billy Joel music to Abba. Visit http://cuneomansion.org/

The Grove in Glenview, IL is on the National Register of Historic places. There is many fun and interesting things to do and explore.

Tour the restored 1856 Gothic Revival House built by Dr. John Kennicott

Attend a wedding or host a party at the historic 1929 Redfield Estate

Perform pioneer chores in an authentic Log Cabin

See how Pottawatomie really lived in the Native American LonghouseTake part in a class in a replica of the original Grove One-Room Schoolhouse

Learn about native plants, animals and natural history at The Grove Interpretive Center

Discover the delicate balance of wetland ecosystems in the Wetland Greenhouse

Visit http://glenviewparks.org/index.php/facilities-parks/the-grove

Museum Adventure Pass Partnership with Local Libraries

A GREAT program and some wonderful museums to support. Definitely a win win!! While picking up your passes at the library...sign your kids up for the summer reading program too.

Visit http://museumadventure.org/

See a Family Movie at a GREAT price!!

A big shout out to mommy friend Margo who shared this great tip.

Davis Theater in Chicago has a host of great family movies for get this....$1.00 a person!! Like what you see? Check out the link and be amazed..... Visit http://www.davistheater.com/davishw.pdf

Favorite Hair Salon For All Kids

I don't typically like the kiddie hair salons because you end up debating with your kids about not wanting to purchase a toy in addition to the cut. My favorite salon Pigtails and Crewcuts is a franchise salon. We love the Glenview/Glenn location.

Our favorite stylist for good reason...

My sensory challenged child who has bangs and used to fight to get them trimmed with me holding her back is now calm when getting her hair cut. She loves going to HER salon and I even get a trim there too (they cut parents hair too - and it's good). Our favorite stylist is Ja'net who is not only hilarious, fun and great with kids but specializes with special needs children too. Ja'net is a friend and my girls and I love her. She had over 10 years experience in working with special needs children in a previous career so she understands and knows how to work with your child. Be prepared to have fun, watch a Shrek movie (her favorite) and giggle also Ja'net is a new mommy herself to a beautiful little girl.

Bob Farster the franchise owner and the other stylists are all great too. Definitely worth checking out. Make sure to check out their birthday parties for little ones too.

Visit www.pigtailsandcrewcuts.com/glenview

Cantigny Museum and Gardens - Wheaton, IL

What a great place!! Located in Wheaton IL the 500 acre weekend home of Colonel Robert McCormick former Editor and Publisher of the Chicago Tribune who built the Tribune Company from a single newspaper to a media giant by creating radio and television stations and building newsprint factories. 

What makes Cantigny special? As mentioned, Mr. McCormick lived quite an interesting life with connections to a major publishing company, political aspirations, war time affiliations and decorations, ties to Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism and an interest with nature and animals. The 500 acres contains an education center, two museums (Robert McCormick's home and First Division wartime museum, golf course and acres upon acres of nature at it's finest and MORE. The grounds and public areas are very well managed and maintained.

The museums are very interesting and different. The First Division Museum contains some of the most interesting artifacts and war memorabilia for this historian (me). The exhibits come to life and you get a glimpse of a battle scenes from the Battle of Cantigny (what the home is named after) very powerful. Walk the beaches/sands of Normandy, watch countless footage of historic moments in our wartime history on simulated boxes for army footage to navy boat scenes. Any child who learns about wartime history will find this museum compelling. We're teaching our 7 year old daughter a little about the Civil War as she's been learning about Abraham Lincoln at school. Just outside the building is an extensive collection of wartime tanks from various periods in history. My children enjoyed climbing on them and my husband who is a veteran of Dessert Storm enjoyed teaching our oldest about them.

For those who want to learn about an interesting man, the house will go into detail with an interesting movie and tour of his home. Many of the items he had in his home were considered innovative and ahead of it's time.

Lastly I felt like we truly got away for the day. My girls were wiped and my hubby and I truly enjoyed the day.

For more information about Colonel McCormick, his home, the museums and more Visit http://www.cantigny.org
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Legoland Discovery Center

I heard of the magic of this place over and over again. Finally a friend just posted some amazing photos on her Facebook page and now...it's a tip. Some of you might find the cost a bit pricey but you could make it truly a special outing that I know your kids will remember and enjoy. I'm told there might be deals/coupons to watch out for too. In the meantime, check out their site it looks awesome.

Visit http://www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/

Wimette Summerfest - July 8, 2011 - July 9, 2011

Wilmette Summerfest

Date: July 8, 2011 - July 9, 2011

Event Description

Enjoy two days of great family fun, including an art festival, live music, delicious food, children’s activities and of course the “best bargains on the North Shore”.  Activities take place in downtown Wilmette. On Saturday, we’ll feature on-going live entertainment on the main stage from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Visit the beer garden, open on Saturday from noon to 9 p.m. to quench your thirst while you enjoy the bands.

After the music ends at 9 p.m. the festival moves indoors to the Wilmette Theatre for a very special Comedy At the Mette stand-up comedy show with headliner Cameron Esposito (TBS Just For Laughs, Aspen Comedy Festival, Best Female Comic Chicago Comedy Awards nominee and more.)

Interested artists and vendors: contact the Wilmette/Kenilworth Chamber of Commerce, http://www.wilmettechamber.org/ or 847-251-3800.

Evanston Festivals

Here's a list of fun things going on in Evanston this summer.

Visit http://www.cityofevanston.org/festivals-concerts

Evanston Festivals & Concerts

• Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival July 16 & 17, 2011
• Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival August 6 & 7, 2011
• Fountain Square Arts Festival June 25-26, 2011
• Custer Street Fair  June 18-19, 2011
• It’s Thursday! Dance Nights July 14, 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18
• Starlight Concerts June 16-Aug. 23, 2011 (select dates)
• Movies in the Park Aug. 10-Sept. 10, 2011 (select dates)
• Evanston Green Living Festival Sept. 24, 2011
• Arts and Humanities Month October 2011
• Evanston Grand Prix (Bike Race) August 21

Rainy days don't get me down you can still have fun!!

Rain shouldn't ruin your fun! Visit some bowling alleys, skating rinks, indoor put putt golfing and more! Here's some ideas to get you thinking and websurfing. Have fun!

Putt Putt Golf

Par King indoor golf PLUS more! This place has been around for quite some time and I always know my turn off point for Long Grove is at the pink castle aka Par King Visit http://www.par-king.com/

Bowling Alleys

Wilmette Bowl Wilmette IL something fun and local. Visit http://wilmettebowl.com/

Pinstripes Check out mom and tot bowling M-F from 10-12:00 all kids $5 each moms bowl free!!!!!!    Visit http://www.pinstripes.com/

Indoor Pools

Splash Landings in Glenview for example has family swim times - they are:

Beginning June 11
Tues. & Thurs.: 12 pm-3 pm, 7 pm-9 pm
From 7-8 pm in the lap pool three lap lanes are available for lap swim and three lanes are reserved for an aqua aerobics class. No general use is available in the lap pool until 8 pm.
Sat.: 1 pm-5 pm
Sun.: 11 am-5 pm

Visit http://glenviewparks.org/index.php/facilities-parks/splash-landings

More freebies

Don't forget our library cards can get us into some great museums too for FREE! You have up to 4 tickets per patron and up to a week for use. Visit http://museumadventure.org/museums.php

Roller Skating

Go back to the days when roller disco was in style. A girlfriend of mine has found this to be a total blast for her active boys - bring out the Farrah hair and leg warmers (just kidding of course)! This place is one of many Mainstreet USA Skating in Streamwood IL Visit http://www.mainstreetusaskating.com/

Ice Skating

Look into public skating hours. Near me is:

Centennial Ice Rink, Wilmette Visit www.wilmettepark.org/ice/schedules
Skatium in Skokie is under renovations this summer Visit http://www.skokieparks.org/

Jumping places

Pump it Up some locations have a pop in and play program. In Glenview from 1-4 you can jump and play. Visit http://www.pumpitupparty.com/

My all time favorite rainy day activity....bake cookies, pop in a classic old movie or play a fun board game!

What Fruits Are At Risk For Pesticides

I received this information from Sesame Street Parents - Seriously interesting and worth reviewing.

Eat your fruits and vegetables! The health benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables outweigh the risks of pesticide exposure. Use EWG's Shopper's Guide to Pesticides to reduce your exposures as much as possible, but eating conventionally-grown produce is far better than not eating fruits and vegetables at all. The Shopper's Guide to Pesticide in Produce will help you determine which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide residues and are the most important to buy organic. You can lower your pesticide intake substantially by avoiding the 12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables and eating the least contaminated produce.

Visit www.ewg.org/foodnews/summary

Donley's Wild West Town, Illinois Railway Museum, McHenry County Historical Society and Museum, KOA Campground - Union, IL

I had a number of friends tell me this is a great blog addition.

Donley's Wild West Town in Union, Illinois is the Old West come to life. Here you can experience life in the style of the Wild West where gunslingers have showdowns, and a narrow gauge train whistles past the Blacksmith's Shop, Print Shop, Jail, Saloon and Sweet Phyllis Gold Mine.

Only 40 minutes from Chicago's O'Hare Airport in beautiful rural McHenry County, Illinois, Donley's Wild West Town is packed with activities for families. Other nearby attractions in Union include the Illinois Railway Museum, the McHenry County Historical Museum and a KOA Campground adjacent to the park. Donley's Wild West Town is also available for banquets and company picnics for up to 2000. The park is conveniently accessible for the handicapped.

Visit

Donley's Wild West Town www.wildwesttown.com/welcome.htm

Illinois Railway Museum http://www.irm.org/

McHery County Historical Society and Museum http://www.mchsonline.org/

KOA Campground http://koa.com

Special Needs - Special Gifts Theatre

This wonderful tip I received from the co-owner of Growth Spurts. What a great concept for special needs children...music, theater and FUN all in Northbrook.

Mission Statement - To provide children and teens with special needs, a unique, creative drama experience enabling personal growth while breaking down stereotypes related to disabilities within the community at large

Ultimate Goal - Our ultimate goal is to create specific opportunities for children and teens, with and without special needs, to work together. Mainstreaming is encouraged whenever students i have developed the appropriate social and artistic skills necessary to succeed. Based on this premise, SGT’s goals include developing creative abilities, building friendships and providing disability awareness by breaking down stereotypes about disabilities.

Children between the ages of three to 21 years old may participate in one of our programs. The enrollment process commences late Spring to begin evaluating children for our programs. We do have a waiting list for our programs, so we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can put you on that list. The cost for participation varies depending on the program. If you would like to participate or obtain more information, contact us and we will respond to you promptly. You may also call the theatre at 847.564.7704. Participation in the program is based on a first come, first served basis. Theatre resources determine maximum student enrollment. If there is not availability in the program, we will gladly add your name to our mailing list and will contact you next season.

Early Childhood Program (3-6 years old) , Creative Drama Program (7-9 years old) and Musical Theatre (10-21 years old)

Registration is NOW!!

Visit www.specialgiftstheatre.com

Wagner Farms, Glenview IL

Wagner Farms in Glenview IL One of our favorite places we take our children - often . This place has something for everyone. Indoor farm exhibits where the children can see what it's like to lift a bail of hay, take eggs from chicken's nests, milk a pretend cow and feed a pretend pig along with learning what a grocery store circa 1920 was like. Additionally, you can get an ice cream treat (what it was like in a 1920's ice cream parlor - Homer's Ice Cream) and witness a cow milking at 5:00 daily. Out doors you can run around, have a picnic, look at the chickens in their coop, see a pig or two, some sheep, work horses and our beloved cows!! We know Snowball the white cow well and say hello whenever we pass the farm. Additionally for the history buff, occasionally they have the house open for a docent guided tour. A great find, wonderful outing and tons of fun. If you're seeking a fun place for a birthday party it's HIGHLY recommended. We did a party there and loved it.

Visit www.wagnerfarm.org

Why pay full price?

Sometimes this can be a hit or miss but many times I find discounts to restaurants I enjoy, movie theaters I like to support, ice cream places (who doesn't like to support that - great excuse and discounts for admission to some of my favorite family outings. Also, some of these sites offer great discounts for vacations too. If you haven't checked them out yet...do! These sites aren't just in Illinois they're offered in other states too. The other great thing is to give them as gifts too. I've given quite a few away to family and friends.

Here's some of the most common ones, visit:

Groupon http://www.groupon.com/
Living Social http://livingsocial.com/
Mulamu http://www.mulamu.com/

Free Days at Chicago Museums and how to get discounts

Free Museum Days usually can be a hit or miss. The hit is going and the miss is the crowds. My suggestion, play your cards right and choose times that might offset all the busy-ness. I've learned if you go right when the museum opens, typical lunch times and what is commonly nap times or late afternoons you can avoid some of the craziness.

So, now here's some of the big Chicago Museums offering free days.

Visit www.chicagohotblog.com/chicago-museum-free-days

Don't be concerned about not financially supporting the museums. Museums often get sponsored for these days by corporations. Many need people numbers to help their not for profit requirements especially with typically slow months like January, June, September, etc.. Lastly, they help offset the loss at the front by the back end which is gift shops and restaurants. We need to support museums all the more with these challenging economic times and the most important lesson is what your kids receive in terms of a learning experience.

Make sure to check Groupon, Living Social and Mulamu. These discount sites many times offer discounts to memberships or admission. I recently received a great deal for the Morton Arboretum and we had a great family day.

Visit

Groupon www.groupon.com

Living Social http://livingsocial.com

Mulamu www.mulamu.com

Favorite Chicagoland Beach - Gillson, Wilmette IL

I don't have to go far thankfully to relay my favorite Chicagoland beach. Gillson Beach in Wilmette has many of the factors I deem important for a fun day.

Gillson Park offers 60 acres of beautiful lakefront property, ideal for picnics, bicycling, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and many other spring and summer outdoor activities.

Dogs on leash are allowed in Gillson Park EXCEPT during special events such as Independence Day. Leashes must not exceed 10 feet in length and owners are responsible for clean-up. Dogs wearing Beach Permit tags are allowed off-leash in the fenced Dog Beach area located between the pier and the harbor mouth at the south end of Gillson Park. Dogs are NOT allowed on the public swimming and sailing beaches.

Public swimming and wading are allowed in the buoyed swimming area only.

Langdon Park Beach is open for swimming and operates under the same rules as Gillson Beach. Season Passes or a Daily Admission fee are required for admission.

No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park or on the beaches. Great picnic areas throughout.

Check out Wallace Bowl for their free summer concerts and watch the best firework display and fun family celebrations for the 4th of July.

Visit

Wilmette Gillson Park information www.wilmettepark.org/lakefront/gillson-park

Starlight Theater/Wallace Bowl www.wilmettepark.org/performingarts/starlight

Fun Run and 4th of July Festivities www.wilmettepark.org/node/896

Special Needs - Inspirational Person Jenny Unrein

One of my favorite things about my blog is when I can share a great person with all of you.

My sister Wendi's daughter Jenny Unrein is an amazing person and artist. Jenny is quite talented as you'll see plus she happens to have Williams Syndrome a rare genetic handicap. This doesn't slow her down, in fact this revs her up. Both Jenny and Wendi have devised an amazing business called Jennilu Designs. Their story has been inspirational for those wondering what children with special needs can do once they are in their 20's and no longer receive services. Wendi and Jenny have been crossing the country attending various conferences spreading their news, selling their wares and inspiring many. Their message has literally taken off where Jenny's been featured on local news outlets in Kansas, Kansas newspaper features and presented at countless schools. I'm incredibly proud of them both. Visit http://www.jennyludesigns.com/ to learn more of Jenny's amazing art!

Special Needs - Wilmette man learns from daughter with Down syndrome

Please read this loving article featured in this week's Wimette Beacon. A perfect example of a loving family who have a child with special needs and are doing what they can in terms of support not only her but the countless others with this syndrome.

Once you discover you have a child with needs it is unbelievable on many levels. One of the true benefits is when you meet and work with other families, organizations, therapists and schools. I've discovered through my journey alone that there are many, many gems out there waiting to be found. People that work with special needs children are amazing. Wilmette schools has been a true blessing and I'm incredibly grateful my daughter is here.

I truly believe it takes a special heart to want to reach out and educate others in how to work with disabled individuals. I applaud Patrick Crawford, Marjorie Beto and my own dear sister Wendi Unrein and her dear daughter Jenny for doing what they do in helping educate others from their hearts. Some of you know how I feel about Temple Grandin and Carly Fleishman who are trailblazers in helping us understand the complexities of their needs. That said, I love when I see articles like this one. I have to say, I know Katia Crawford and she is one special child who adores our family dog and has a heart and smile that always makes me happy. We can all learn from these special people.

Visit www.wilmettebeacon.com/Articles-c-2011-06-08-222818.114133-Wilmette-man-learns-from-daughter-with-Down-syndrome.html

Exploring nature with your kids

I recently experienced the gift of life with my girls. We were fortunate to have a nice mama and daddy Robin who have lovingly managed their three baby birds. We so enjoyed witnessing the process from nest creation to parents scrambling to feed their kids interesting and not too different from us humans.

I'm constantly reminded how miraculous nature is and a great learning opportunity for our children in respecting the many wonders that nature presents. Enjoy exploring the little things this summer with your children.

Growth Spurts - Fun Kids Place in Wilmette

This is a program I'm 100% behind. Some of my favorite people that work with children are involved and I KNOW this will be great. The program will have many great offerings for children from enrichment/music/art programs, cafe, birthday parties and play groups. The age group is up to 6 years of age. Two moms are running the program with education backgrounds and ran or was a part of the successful Summer Stuffs Camp Program so you know they will have moms and kids in mind - they get it! Please visit, spread the word and help support a program where our children and their parents will benefit.

Beginning in fall they will offer enrichment programs definitely - be sure to check back to get those offerings. Just GO!! Visit http://www.agrowthspurt.com/

Top 4 Horseback Riding Stables in the Chicago Suburbs

Make it Better Magazine just featured the Top 4 horse riding stables in the surrounding area. My girls LOVE horses and I'm sure your kids will too. Have fun!!!

Top 4 Horseback Riding Stables in the Chicago Suburbs
www.makeitbetter.net/entertainment/outings-a-travel/3058-top-4-horseback-riding-stables-in-the-chicago-suburbs