Cookies with the Congressman

A unique field trip opportunity to kick off back-to-school season.
Cookies with the Congressman!
When: Tues. August 13th 10-11:30am

What: Meet Congressman Randy Hultgren (a homeschool dad), tour the legislative office in Geneva, hear what a Congressman does, and ask him a question or two! Open to all homeschool families, so spread the word. No cost. This event is an open house, so come and go as you please.

Where: 1797 W. State Street Suite A, Geneva, IL 60134

For further questions please call Susan Russell 847-508-7492 or email me at suzrussell1 @ gmail . com

Staycation 2013

Two years ago I posted my first Chicago staycation post and have really enjoyed revisiting this theme each May highlighting some of the limitless opportunities in the Chicago area for a family on a budget.

Since I could never attempt to represent all of the amazing outings available, each year I try to uncover something new.

If you have missed earlier posts:

– The first year I posted in fives (5 genres, 5 favorites, 5 free trips, etc.)

– The second year centered around activities geared to help you Get Active; Grow ‘n’ Learn; and Give Back.

While those posts easily gave you enough fuel for conversation around the family campfire and fun from June through August, I want to make sure you don’t overlook some of the attractions that you have to come to Chicago to enjoy. These places we “locals” too often miss (or forget to bring our kids to!) because we walk by them everyday and don’t realize the gems right under our noses. Some of these might exist elsewhere, but we have the good fortune of living just down the tracks from them, so don’t miss ’em!

Food:

You can take a tour of various food venues in Chicago, but you can also just pick a couple favorites to enjoy while you are there. Here are some don’t miss icons if you want to eat Chicago style.

Portillos

Ed Debevic’s

Eli’s Cheesecake. Tour and taste delicious!

– For pizza, check out Giordano‘s, Pizzeria Uno, or Gino’s East

– Or, sample it all at the Taste of Chicago July 10-14 in Grant Park

Free:

Chicago’s Air and Water Show – Coming to the lakefront on August 17th and 18th. We love sneaking a peak the day before the official start. No crowds, and perfect viewing for an amazing show. You never know what you’ll get the day before, and most people prefer to go on a day off work. It’s definitely a show worth fighting the crowds for though.

Money Museum

Federal Reserve — a recent find of ours. We enjoyed a little field trip to this quiet Money Museum near the Board of Trade. Kids can take their picture in a two dollar bill, design their own, catch the counterfeits, and see a million bucks (in ones, twenties, and hundreds). And, don’t forget to grab your free bag of shredded money. As the tour guide said, it’s $364 dollars, some assembly required. Be sure all adults entering bring a state issued photo ID for entrance.

Millennium Park — In addition to the “bean” and water play, they have loads of free activities throughout the summer. The best way to get there is the Metra on the weekend. $7 round trip for each adult and a limited number of kids ride free with you. Cheaper than parking in the garage next door. Millennium is an easy one mile walk from the stations.

Fireworks — of course on the Fourth you will find them all over the place, but every Saturday and Wednesday they are free at Navy Pier as well.

Shops — While you might not manage to leave without spending any money, you just have to make it to the American Girl store and the Lego Store are just two of many unforgettable shopping experiences.

Unforgettable:

Chicago has some amazing places that will cost you a little more, but thanks to groupon, coupons, reading incentive programs, and various deal sites you can include these in an affordable family staycation as well

Brookfield Zoo — Lions and Tigers and Bears, and penguins, and okapi, and giraffes, and wombats. Brookfield has long been a favorite in our family. We even splurged on a family pass this year instead of sticking to the free days. We can easily enjoy a whole day watching the animals and laughing over their antics. The Hamil Family Play Zoo is great for both sunny and inclement weather, so the zoo fits our agenda no matter what. Of course, Lincoln Park Zoo is free, and also worthy of a visit, so take your pick with two great zoo choices.

Medieval Times — Another overpriced entertainment venue if you go in paying full price, so don’t! Summer time they have lots of deals for free dads, grads, half price for everyone, kids in free, etc. (not all at the same time) Sometimes my kids got passes from the library reading program and with the other discounts we got 5 people in for less than $60. Every summer is different, but keep your eyes open if you have not yet enjoyed this dinner theater that only has a few homes across the nation.

Six Flags Great America — yes, this is almost as bad as Disney in terms of affordability, but if your kids do the Read to Succeed program and you try to get in earlier in the season (before July 4th) you can usually strike a deal. As a child I used to camp out nearby with my family and make a weekend of it. That’s when twickets were only a couple bucks, but you can still find affordable ways to enjoy this legendary theme park.

– Tour some of our local attractions for behind the scenes perspectives at places like Wrigley, the Board of Trade, be a trainer for the day at the Shedd,  or other favorites

Further away:

Jelly Belly Factory – not in Chicago, but a fun trip and tour. If you haven’t done it before, enjoy it once.

Amish Country in Indiana – another relaxing day trip with a unique backdrop without driving to Ohio or Pennsylvania.

However you decide to spend your summer vacation find something local that you have not enjoyed as a family and set a date to build some memories together. As my oldest approaches college age I see more and more clearly the need to treasure these years that pass so quickly. Enjoy the times together running through the sprinkler in the backyard and roasting marshmallows, and check out local attractions that won’t break the bank or require days off work for travel. There is so much around us to enjoy.

What are your local family favorites?

Upcoming plays for youth at Pheasant Run

Spring & Summer Field Trips 2013 Tickets: $8

Charlotte’s Web: The Musical
May 10 & 17, 2013; 9:30am & 11:30am

June 19, 2013; 9:30am & 11:30am
For Grades K – 5 ; Running time 55 minutes

This is a beautiful, knowing musical about friendship that will give your students an opportunity to see one of the best children’s books of all time come to life!

The BFG

May 13, 2013 @ 9:30am & 11:30am
June 28, 2013; 9:30am & 11:30am
Running time 45 minutes

When orphan Sophie is snatched from her bed by a Giant, she fears that he’s going to eat her. But the Giant has no intention of harming her. He is THE BIG FRIENDLY GIANT! Together, they’ll have to come up with a plan to defeat the other nasty giants and save the children of England from getting eaten like popcorn. Adapted from the Roald Dahl book,

The Diary of Anne Frank

May 15, 2013 @ 9:30am & 11:30am

For Grades 5-8; Running time 1 hour

This important book is brought to life in this moving play. Your students will get to hear Anne’s words first hand in this important part of your Holocaust studies.

The Giver

April 22, 23, 24, 26, 2013 @ 9:30am & 11:30am  |  May 9, 2013 @ 9:30am & 11:30am

For Grades 5-8; Running time 75 minutes

In a utopian community where “love” , “choices”, and “pain” are things of the past, 12-year-old Jonas is chosen to become the new Receiver of Memory, the one to bear the collective memories of a society where “Sameness” is the rule. He discovers the lie that his community is built on, and decides to rescue himself and Gabriel, the new child trusted to his care. Based on the prize-winning book by Lois Lowry.

Fractured Fairy Tales

April 29, 2013 @ 9:30am & 11:30am
May 6, 2013 @ 9:30am & 11:30am

July 10, 2013 @ 9:30am & 11:30am

For Grades K-8; Running time 50 minutes

Jack and the Beanstalk, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Henny Penny, The Tortoise and the Hare, and three other stories get the Chicago-style improv treatment in this wild and wacky show!

The Jungle Book

May 1 & 8, 2013 @ 9:30am & 11:30am | For Grades K-4; Running time 1 hour

This exciting new musical full of Music, Dance and Percussion will introduce your students to Rudyard Kipling’s Classic Tale.

50 States in 60 Minutes

May 3 & 14, 2013 @ 9:30am & 11:30am

For Grades 3-8; Running time 1 hour

Hold on to your hat for this breakneck tour through 500 years of America’s story! Columbus, the Pilgrims, the Salem Witch Trials, the founding of the Republic – and everything since then gets covered in one energetic fun-filled hour.

Number the Stars

April 30, 2013 @ 10:00am| For Grades 5-8; Running time 55 minutes

When Nazis start rounding up Jewish families in Copenhagen for relocation, 13 year-old Annemarie Johannsen finds her courage tested as she and her family work to smuggle Jewish families out of Denmark into Sweden. An adventure story based on real-life history, adapted from Lois Lowry’s book.

Fabulous Fable Factory  – NEW!

May 3 & 14, 2013 @ 9:30am & 11:30am| For Grades K-5; Running time 55 minutes

July 12, 2013 @ 9:30am @ 11:30am

The Fabulous Fable Factory tells the story of Monroe; a 12-year-old boy who wanders into an abandoned factory and accidentally trips a lever activating the living factory of fable creators owned by Aloysius A. Aesop.  Monroe must help Aesop find a “Moral Maker” in order to recreate some of his famous fables including “The Ant and the Grasshopper,” “The Tortoise and the Hare,” and “The Lion and the Mouse.”

The Wizard of Oz

July 26, 2013 @ 10:30am| For Grades K-8; Running time 60 minutes

Prepare to be transported “over the rainbow” by the FVR Youth Ensemble! Join Dorothy and Toto on their quest on the Yellow Brick Road to see the wizard. You’ll see all of your favorite characters including the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrow brought to life on stage.

Call Now for $8 Group Tickets

Your affordable field trip includes:

  • CHAPERONE ticket(s)
  • FREE PARKING for buses
  • Printable STUDY GUIDES (for select shows)
  • Optional interactive STUDENT WORKSHOPS

Call Morgan at 630-770-7699 or email sales@foxvalleyrep.org for reservations!

Don’t see a date/time that works for you? Please call to discuss flexible scheduling.

Mark your calendar for Legislative Days!

ICHE Legislative Days March 19 – 21, 2013

Capitol Day on Wednesday March 20

Come be a part of making homeschool faith and freedom history in Illinois!

A Call to Faith and Freedom

Come to Springfield and learn how your state government works AND meet your local representatives. “Legislative Days” is a great opportunity to show government officials the many beautiful faces behind homeschooling. We’re the only group that comes to Springfield and ASKS FOR NOTHING except to be left alone! Plan to come and make your homeschooling presence known!!!!!

Wednesday, March 20, will be “Capitol Day” with singing and prayer IN the Capitol building Rotunda at NOON. Bring cherry pies which will be delivered in the afternoon to senators and representatives. This year, homeschool families will have the opportunity to have display boards for the day in the Capitol Building. The theme is “Faith and Freedom,” what homeschooling does to strengthen families, communities, and the state of Illinois.

On Tuesday and Thursday, March 19 and 21, there will be workshops in the Capitol and tours of the highpoints of Springfield. This will be a great learning field trip with plenty of time for fellowship. Come one, two, or all three days!

More details coming soon!

www.iche.org

info@iche.org

(847) 603-1259

Research 4 Reptiles

Wanted to share with you about an amazing organization — Research 4 Reptiles.

Research 4 Reptiles, LLC. is a privately-owned company, founded by Holly Zak, whose mission is to provide challenging, hands-on, field-based programs for participants ages 12 years to adult to inspire enthusiasm for and understanding of native Illinois reptile and amphibian species.

This is not your ordinary outdoor education program!

What makes their programs different from the usual outdoor education classes ?

  • Participants assist in real herpetological research whereby they help survey areas for species.
  • Participants help to identify species, mark them for identification, measure them, and record information about each animal capture.
  • Participants learn through critical inquiry, delving into research with inquiring questions!
  • Every class is limited to 8 students.
  • All classes are held outdoors at prairie/pond sites within Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington, Illinois (approximately 15 miles south of Joliet).
  • Species conservation and environmental protection is emphasized.
  • Best of all, the data collected from research is compiled and given to biological staff at Midewin for species’ management purposes!
3 juvenile painted turtles at Buttonbush Pond

Other opportunities you can find on their website:
If you have a herp lover they have gift certificates available that might make a great Christmas gift.

Also, be sure to check back in January to find  OPEN ENROLLMENT for summer programs!

Contact info: Research 4 Reptiles, LLC.
508 Pheasant Chase Drive
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
Email: research4reptiles@comcast.net
Phone: 630-337-0757
Website: www.research4reptiles.biz
This is a sponsored post from a paid advertiser with our site. For more information about advertising with the Chicagoland Homeschool Network, please email me at info@chicagolandhomeschoolnetwork.com.

LEGOLAND Homeschool events

Where learning comes to life + teachers go free!Where learning comes to life + teachers go free!

Homeschool Days

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center invites Illinois and surrounding Homeschool states to reserve a field trip on select Mondays and Wednesday this Fall.

For just $8 per person you receive admission to the Center and an educational workshop. Families must register individually. Due to high demand, payment is due at time of booking.

Annual Pass Members are FREE with registration. Not an Annual Pass Member? Click here to purchase your pass and gain access to all our featured workshops!

Workshops are available at 2 different times each day. (1:15pm and 2:00pm) You may choose a workshop time when making your reservation.

Available Dates & Featured Workshops

September:

  • 10th and 12th Race Car Workshop (9 – 12 yrs)
  • 17th and 19th Tall Towers Workshop (6 – 8 yrs)
  • 24th and 26th Pablo Picasso Workshop (7 – 12 yrs)

October:

  • 1st and 3rd Chicago Skyline Workshop (7 – 12 yrs)
  • 15th and 17th Animal Workshop (6 – 8 yrs)
  • 22nd and 24th Bridge Workshop (7 – 12 yrs)
  • 29th and 31st Balancing Act Workshop (9 – 12 yrs)

November:

  • 5th and 7th Race Car Workshop (7 – 12 yrs)
  • 12th and 14th Tall Towers Workshop (6 – 8 yrs)
  • 26th and 28th Partner Workshop (7 – 12 yrs)

December:

  • 3rd and 5th Animal Workshop (6 – 8 yrs)
  • 10th and 12th Bridge Workshop (7 – 12 yrs)

Homeschool Booking or Questions:

Reservations must be confirmed at least 10 days prior to workshop date. Please contact Group Sales to make a reservation at 847-592-9708 or groupsalesch@legolanddiscoverycenter.com

*Homeschool Days will also be featured this Spring 2013. Dates will be posted after December 17th of this year.

Check out more details about homeschool days and the facility in general at the LEGOLAND Website.

Free Admission to a Public Garden

Found out about a great opportunity coming up this week from Kristi Boss of the Homeschool Resource Center (www.fofchomeschool.org)

Click on the Get Coupon button on their site and you can get a coupon for free admission to a number of public gardens. You do need to give your name, email, zip code, pick your garden, and indicate the number in your party. The coupon is good for 2 admissions, but the site says to print as many as you need for your group.

In Illinois, included in the list are:

  • Cantigny
  • Chicago Botanic Garden
  • Elmhurst College Arboretum
  • Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
  • Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens
  • Rockford Park District
  • The Morton Arboretum
  • University of Illinois Arboretum

More all across the country, so share with your in and out of state friends as well. 🙂

The weather here in Chicago is supposed to be gorgeous on Friday so grab the sunscreen and a picnic lunch, and enjoy a field trip!

Field Trip Fridays

Often in our homeschool as we head into these last weeks we are wrapping up our books and regular requirements in most subjects. As a result, we find ourselves with some extra time to enjoy the activities that are abundant in this area and the weather often allows us a chance to get out of doors as well.

This begins what will hopefully be a new feature here. Not every week, but a couple times a month on Friday I will share some of our experiences with field trips in the Chicago area with tips on setting up your own.

To kick it off, lets start with a place that we just visited recently, Cantigny in Wheaton (but I always think of it as in Winfield . . .)

What you will find there:

Cantigny offers two museums including a house open for touring and a museum centered around the First Division. They also have beautiful grounds that are beginning to bloom. They are beautiful in each season, especially if you have nature lovers in your group.

We are currently studying the American Revolution and they had a great sample of a revolutionary soldier and various artifacts on display to help my kids really visualize all of what we have been learning, reading about, and discussing lately. If you are studying more recent American history you will find even more to complement your studies, but even going back to the beginning of our nation you will find something.

The Tanks! It’s what I remember from childhood visits, and it’s what my kids look forward to on each return trip as well. Whether they are imagining they are a soldier on a mission of their own, or pretending it is a hideout, or just climbing for the sake of climbing, the tanks are a big draw for kids of all ages. Of course, climb at your own risk, and be careful. These are real tanks. You will want to pick a day with decent weather so you can get a good climb in.

Classes and tours. You are free to roam the grounds and enjoy the signs, information, and displays on your own time and with your own focus, or you can sign up for a field trip or one of their many classes. They offer homeschool classes periodically (look for these to start up again in the fall) for additional fees. They cover various subjects including art, science, nature study, and history. See their calendar of events on their website for more details.

If you are going:

The grounds do have a per vehicle fee, but if you go to your library you can use your card to get a Museum Adventure Pass and get in for free. We chose this option and it was quick and easy and saved us $5.

There are often school groups touring as well. However, we found them fairly easy to avoid so we could enjoy the museums, tanks, and walkways without a crowd.

Cantigny Park Hours:

Feb: Fri-Sun, 9am to Sunset*
Mar-Apr: 9am to Sunset*
May-Oct: 7am to Sunset*
Nov-Dec: 9am to Sunset*

*The in-bound park gate closes one hour prior to sunset.

1S151 Winfield Road
Wheaton, IL 60189
630.668.5161

Cantigny offers a great field trip destination for a mixed age group. Lots of run around space and climbing action, and then opportunities to settle in and really learn from the informative and high quality displays throughout the facilities. My younger kids were a little scared at first of the First Division Museum displays. It is dark and has war sounds in the background. They are really well done though, and you learn so much on your walk through. If you need to split your group to enjoy it, do so, but kids of all ages can really learn quite a bit from the walk through.

And, be sure to bring your picnic lunch to enjoy at their tables near the parking area. We had a full, fun morning packed with new learning opportunities and conversation prompts. Definitely a field trip destination for every couple years or so.

Farm tours available

I enjoyed a CSA from this farm quite a few years ago now, and here they are with tours of their facilities. Great way to kick of the outdoor growing season and add a unique field trip to your schedule.

From Erewhon Farm:

Visit Our Farm – Learn How to Garden Organically

Edible Farm Tours — 2012 Schedule

February/ March, 2012, Maple Sugaring Tour! (Dates will depend on the weather)

See how we tap the maple trees, collect the sap, and boil it down to make the most delicious, all natural maple syrup!  Also, we’re planting and transplanting spring crops in our hoop houses!  We’ll show you how to start seedlings for your home garden.

April 28, 2012 @1:30

Early spring crops are growing in our hoop houses and you can taste anything you like.  We’ll show you how we grow seedlings indoors, how we fertilize them, and how we transplant them into our garden beds.  We’ll show you how to make a low-cost cover for your garden crops so you can start earlier in the spring.  Robin Migalla will demonstrate easy ways to cook kale and Swiss chard. Yum!

May 26, 2012 @1:30

We’ll show you how we prepare our growing beds and some techniques for minimizing weeds in the garden.  What’s growing in our raised beds and how we make them. Guess how hot is our compost pile.  Is anything blossoming in our edible forest garden?  We’ll taste a variety of salad greens and share a garden salad. Robin Migalla will demonstrate easy ways to cook kale and Swiss chard. Yum!

Please let Gayle Riley know you’re coming:  (630)776-1700 Cost: $10.00 per person, children under 12 are free! CSA subscribers $5.00.

Private Farm Events

Especially designed tours for school field trips, boy and girl scout troops, and individuals from clubs or organizations. This one hour tour will be themed for the specific time of year and your interests.  Vegetable tasting encouraged.

Cost per person $7.50 with a minimum of $50.00

Please contact Gayle Riley to plan your event.  (630)776-1700.

We can also organize more in-depth farm visits.  Contact Tim Fuller (timf7@yahoo.com or 630-485-9963) for more info.

Farm Location:

40W248 Hughes Rd. Elburn, IL 60119

Mailing address:  Tim Fuller, 968 Pattee Av., Elburn, IL 60119

www.erehwonfarm.com

Enjoy it!

Finding ways to enjoy this weather? You know it will be a L-O-N-G time before we see a stretch like this again so I hope you are taking every possible advantage of it. It’s supposed to stay gorgeous through Tuesday, so there is still time to take those lessons outside, grab a good book (or science class . . .) and picnic at the park, plan a spontaneous field trip, bike ride, or let your kids decide. Of course, lots of schools are off for an extra long weekend, so you won’t have the place to yourself like usual, but you can’t complain when it’s 75 in October in Chicago.

What are you planning or already done to enjoy these days?


If you need a few ideas . . .

– Grab your library card! Not to actually check out books, although that would be fine, too — rather to use the Museum Adventure Pass. These can get you into some great outdoor spots:

Chicago Botanic Garden

With its world-renowned plant collections and displays, it is one of the country’s most visited public gardens and preeminent center for learning and scientific research.
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe IL, 60022
Hours: 8 am – sunset, everyday. Extended hours early June – Labor Day 7 am to 9 pm. Christmas Eve – close at 3pm.
Website: http://www.chicago-botanic.org/
Admits 1 Vehicle – Limited to one car per use. No commercial vans or buses

Brookfield Zoo (Chicago Zoological Society)

A world leader in animal care, conservation, and education, Brookfield Zoo is celebrating 75 years of fun this year!
First Ave. and 31st St.
Brookfield IL, 60503
Hours: Jan. 1: Daily 10 to 5; April 4: Weekdays 10 to 5, Weekends 10 to 6; Memorial Day thru Labor Day: Daily 9:30 to 6 (7:30 pm on Sundays); After Labor Day: Weekdays 10 to 6, Weekends 10 to 6; October 25: Daily 10 to 5.
Website: http://www.czs.org/czs/Brookfield/Zoo-Home
Admits 2 (Passes are valid for Brookfield Zoo only and does not include parking or admission to any internal exhibits or attractions, such as Dolphin Show, Butterfiles Children’s Zoo, Temporary exhibits, Motor Safari, etc.)

Cantigny Park

In addition to vast formal gardens and picnic and camping grounds, Cantigny offers two history-rich museums: the Robert R. McCormick Museum and the Cantigny First Division Museum, fascinating for children and researchers alike.
1S151 Winfield Road
Wheaton IL, 60189
Hours: 10am – 5pm (Memorial Day – Labor Day); 10am – 4pm (Labor Day – Memorial Day): Closed December 24, 25 and 31 and all of January.
Website: http://www.cantigny.org
Admits 1 vehicle – Limited to one car per use.

Two others that are only partially outdoors, but both are situated on land with walking trails as well:

Graue Mill and Museum

An operating water wheel gristmill and homestead dedicated to maintaining a bridge between past and present.
3800 York Road
Oak Brook IL, 60523
Hours: Open in 2010 through November 14. Tuesday though Sunday 10am to 4:30pm. Mill closed for the winter season. Reopening on April 12, 2011 through end of program.
Website: http://www.grauemill.org
Admits 4 (2 adults and 2 children)

Lake County Discovery Museum

Offers the fun of a big city museum, close to home with its permanent and temporary exhibits including an 11-foot Mastodon and the world’s largest collection of picture postcards.
27277 N. Forest Preserve Road
Wauconda IL, 60084
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.lcfpd.org/discovery_museum
Admits 2 (passes are valid for general admission only. Not valid for use during public programs and special events where special admission rates apply)

Morton Arboretum — We just spent a memorable day here with my parents. Unfortunately it is no longer a part of the museum adventure pass program, but I would recommend it as a field trip, although not a cheap one. We were able to enjoy the day with their annual membership which also got us a free tram ride. I could fill a whole blog post with this great trip. This location used to be for gardeners and tree lovers. Not so anymore. My kids love the children’s garden and could spend all day climbing around the tree fort, the rope “spider-web,” splashing in the streams, getting lost and found in the maze, and chasing bugs. If you go — bring a change of clothes and a maybe even a towel for each of the kids if they are the adventurous sort. Also, this was my first time on the tram ride and really enjoyed it. It is an hour long (don’t know cost . . .) and gives some great tips about what you should be sure to see and do while there. If you take the ride grab a map and take notes during the tour so you will remember all the info the guide shares and where he tells you to come back and when. Great info, but no way I could retain it all.


Klein Creek Farm: Corn Harvest, Oct. 8-10, 2011 | 10:30 am – 3:30 pm

Help to pick, shock, shuck, shell and store the corn that will feed the farm’s cows and sheep over winter. Activities ongoing. All ages. Free. Registration not required. Call (630) 876-5900.

Lake County Forest Preserve is having a free Fall Festival: with guided walks, games and wagon rides surrounded by some of Lake County’s loveliest fall color.

Meet at Ryerson Welcome Center.

When: October 9, 2011
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Ryerson Conservation Area (Riverwoods)
Ryerson Woods Welcome Center
(Riverwoods)
Who: All ages
Cost: Free

No registration required.


Hopefully that gives you some inspiration in addition to orchards and pumpkin patches that are always fun (and mobbed) this time of year as well. Whatever you choose, enjoy making the most of these next few days!