We're Bored, Please Help!

First thing you need to do is join a local mommy group! I have one based in Warrenville, but we do a lot of stuff in Naperville. We have SAHM playdates and events, as well as stuff in the evenings and weekends for the moms and the whole family. Here's our group website:

http://workwmn.meetup.com/300/

If nothing else, maybe you'll enjoy having daytime playdates at Kelley's house (she organizes our SAHM) events. Hope to meet you soon!

we always like the Bass Pro shop. They have the big fish tank, and lots of "stuffed" animals. Not really "hands-on," but it is somehting different for an hour - most importantly - it's free! Something that is not free - buying a Garmin or similar navigation device - it has a section on there for parks and recreation, so you can go to a place in a different town for an errand, and just run to a near-by park so the whole day is not wasted in the car. Be careful though - they are a hot theft item - I am on number 2 already! I love it though!

Alot of the libraries have lap reads, there is Art in Your Eye this weekend and while it is outside and a nice weekend to be there there are some crafts for little ones, but walking around and looking at adult art outside is the nice part with music in the background. Naperville Children's museum. Morten Arboretem(SP?) by route 53. There are alot of Gym's having either open gym or trial gymnastic classes the next couple of weeks to see if you like them. The park district often offers either Mommy and me type classes or offers Mommy's Day out, gives you a few hours to go and get a manicure or haircut or shop without a baby in tow or just go take a nap. There are also fairs and festivals the next few weeks Elburn Days, Dekalb cornfest, Sandwich Fair, Batavia Birthday celebration, Naperville end of Summer festival. Opening of some of the area apple orchards is coming up in a week or so. Check out the various Moms groups out there and see what they are up to. I know it can get long when you always have a child in tow.

Hi J.

I have a word doc with a ton of things to do in Chicagoland area. I've shared it with other mamasource mom's to. Just send me an email and I will send it to you. ____@____.com

S.

I know exactly how you feel! I took my boys to the Dupage Children's Museum. They had a really good time there. I did too (surprisingly). There is an entrance fee ($7/ea.--I think.)I also want to try Blackberry Farm in Aurora. They have a train ride, wagon ride, ferris wheel, animals, etc. I think they're only open until 3:30 p.m. during the week. I wish I had more ideas. Looking to see how others respond to your request.

Registrations have started at Community Christian Church in Naperville for Kindermusik classes. They are great and my daughter loved them and it is something you do together, while interacting with other kids and parents. That may be something to consider. Call ###-###-#### for info. The other possibility might be the DuPage Children's Museum. Can't remember what all they have for that age group, but very hands on and the kids love it. Everything from bubbles, water play, to building and such.

There is the Children's museum in Naperville, I think it is sponsored by Kohls. There is also the arboridum in Aurora. My cousin went there with her then 2 yr old and they loved it. Also walking the downtown Naperville riverwalk is fun too. There are lots of things to see and do with statues and "games" on the sidewalk. Great exercise as well.

Cosley Zoo in Winfield, Herick Lake in Warrenville are both free. Naperville gymnastics club has a open gym time for preschoolers about $8 for an hour or two. Cantigny in Winfield is nice. Bouncy places may be fun, St Charles mall has a nice indoor play area (bring your socks) and carosal (for like $1). The sprinkler places are nice too, there's a free one in Roselle (but that's a bit of a hike).

How about the Dupage Childrens Museaum in Naperville.

Good Luck.

Hi J., I'm part of a great non-profit Mom's group called Mother's and More - you can check out our website at dupagemothersandmore.org They are always coming up with great ideas for activities. Check it out! S.

You've good suggestions here.

I got this idea from a nanny - We like to visit local pet shops (it's free & close) and my daughter will spend lots & lots of time looking at kittens and puppies and fish. If your little guy is gentle enough, most will let him play with a puppy in a little petting room. Just be careful not to give in to the temptation to bring a new puppy home... ;-) Tell him it's a petting zoo.

We also have fun visiting our local floral & garden center as they have a huge Koi (Koy)? pond there where you can feed the fish.... and we usually bring home a small plant to put into a pot at home.

just a couple rainy day ideas - have fun!

W.

Check out Airtastic Play land in Aurora. They are open 7 days a week. It's a huge jump place. They charge $7.65 for 1 hour 8.65 for 1 1/2 hours or 9.65 for 2 hours. I think on Tuesday they have it buy one admission get one free, so u could bring a friend????
www.airtastic.com

:)

There's Bounce Town in Oswego. I'd check out their website to see which days and hours they have open bounce. The Vaugn Athletic Center in Aurora also has an indoor park that costs $2.00 per hour, it actually has stuff that little ones can go on. Eola center does not have a play set geared towards toddlers, so if yur closer to that one don't bother. The OSwego Public Library has a lot of story hours/crafts that you can do with your little ones. Check out their website as well, becasue you have to register for a lot of these classes in advance. I know these are not inside, but may be fun just the same...Red Oak Nature Center in Batvia is great, as is Blackberry Farm in Aurora.