Just for Kids: Places to Go, Things to Do

Children’s Gardens at the Morton Arboretum: (see Morton Arboretum under Places to Go near Wheaton) A premiere destination and a must-see for young children in Chicagoland. Tip: bring an extra change of clothes for kids as they often get wet while splashing in small pools in the garden. (Swimsuits are not allowed).

DuPage Children’s Museum: 301 N. Washington, Naperville. 637-8000. Wonderful hands-on interactive science museum. Annual family membership or daily fee.

Enchanted Castle: 1103 S. Main St., Lombard. 953-7860. Go-karts, bumper cars, miniature golf and more.

Kelly Park: Main Street a few blocks south of Roosevelt, Wheaton. Though there are many great playgrounds around, this one is a favorite and offers something for kids of all ages.

Kids Town2: Stratford Square mall, Bloomingdale, IL. Family friendly indoor playground.

Maryknoll Park: 845 Pershing Avenue (intersection of Pershing Avenue & Route 53), Glen Ellyn. Offers miniature golf, children’s playground and new splash park.

Naperville Gymnastics Club: 1743 Quincy Rd., Naperville. 416-7114. A fully equipped gymnastics center with open gyms weekend evenings. Preschool open gym offered throughout the week. (Warrenville Gymnastics Center also ofers open gym hours.)

Play at Yorktown Center, Lombard: Lower Level in Center Court. 2,000 square-foot area that combines art, technology, and a playground to provide interactive learning opportunities for all ages. PLAY is open during all shopping center hours.

Safari Land: 701 W. North Ave., Villa Park. 630-530.4649. Indoor rides and attractions including go carts, bumper cars, bowling, and arcade games.

Safety City: 1900 Orchard Road, Wheaton, 630-871-2835. Safety City is a “miniature” downtown Wheaton, complete with buildings, sidewalks, crosswalks and traffic signals. Safety City is open to the public during the spring, summer, and fall session on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00 PM and supervised by a Safety City instructor. Children ages 3-6 with tricycles and helmets can ride free of charge. Tricycles are available for rent for $5. Please see seasonal program guide for dates and times.

Santa’s Village Amusement and Water Park: 601 Dundee Avenue East Dundee, Illinois 60118 (847)426-6751. Pay-one-price admission that includes unlimited use of all rides, shows and attractions. There are kiddie and larger family rides, barn and petting zoo, domestic and exotic animal attractions, live shows, redemption and games of skill, shops and restaurants.

Sky Zone: 87 Executive Drive Aurora, IL 60504 (331) 207-4759. Indoor trampoline park.