I am looking for activities for my VERY outgoing 3 year old that's safe enough for me to be able to take my 9 week old to watch.
I just signed my son up for gymnastics in Barrington. It meets once a week and you watch from the window. I am expecting a new baby in October and I will be able to attend to the baby while watching my son from the sidelines.
If you have a Gymboree nearby, I would recommend one of their play classes for your 3-year-old. My 18 month old has been attending since she was 4 months, and she still loves it. I think it would be okay for you to bring your baby in a snugli or carseat, but call to check first. Also, you can preview a class for free by calling or signing up online.
Hi Nasha,
I'm not sure how far Woodridge is from Oak Park (geographically challenged... sorry), but there is a great children's museum here with tons of toys that are perfect for a 3 year old called Wonder Works. It's on North Avenue. Anyway, it's small enough of a place that your 3 year old can be easily watched. I went there today for the first time with my 2 year old and 3 week old and we had a blast. The offer an annual membership for $75.
Hi Nashsa,
Somethings coming up...
This weekend Thursday through Sunday is the Sandwich Fair, awesome fun for all.
Opening soon again for the fall Norton's Farm in St. Charles on Route 64 has outdoor safe obstacle course and maze, trains , pumpkin picking, hayride and a petting zoo. We went there last year for my daughter's second birthday.
October 7-10 is the Scarecrow festival in St. Charles, with lots of kids activities, a playground, and a fun fair.
I am not sure if it is still open, but the Campton Hills Park Splash park has beena godsend for me and my almost three year old daughter this summer. It has a giant sandbox and water activities, 100% safe, only water tables and fountains.
There is the uPage Children's museum, in Naperville with many sections geared for under fives, as well, and the Children's museum at Navy Pier is fantastic , as well, adnwith WTTW or NPR memebership you get 2 for 1 admission.
Good Luck!
I have been taking my three year old daughter to Kindermusic since she was a baby. She loves it! They also have classes for infants to 18 ms. old. Our teacher gives us a second child discount of 25% and they are both welcome to stay and participate in one another's classes. There are Kindermusics in lots of Chicagoland areas. You can check their monthly ad in Chicago Parent magazine to find the location in the western burbs. M.
Check with your local park district for appropriate activities.
Nasha,
I also have a three-year-old and an infant (5 months). One of the best activities, I think, is the Cosley Zoo in Wheaton. It's a small, contained (but big enough for a good long visit) farm-like zoo run by the park district, and it's very easy to keep an eye on things while your older child walks on his/her own. Not too crowded during school hours.
If your baby likes to ride in a Baby Bjorn-type carrier, the DuPage Children's Museum is also great. (And a child's membership there is a total bargain.)
I haven't been there yet, but I have high hopes for the Morton Arboretum's new children's garden. It's 4 acres and is supposed to be amazing; and once you're on the arboretum grounds, there are no cars or other moving hazzards for a busy toddler to run in front of!
If you have any ideas, I'd love to hear them - sounds like we're in similar situations!
K.
Not sure of what's available in Woodridge, but I take my 2 1/2 yr old daughter to Mom & Tot gymnastics once a week. She absolutely loves it. Once they turn 3 at our gym, they take the class without a parent, but you can view through a window...
