Find me on www.mommybytheriver.com and on Facebook!
It’s May! Welcome to my Top Picks for the weekend of May 2 through 4, 2014. I’m still hoping it will get a little warmer and stop raining so we can go outside and enjoy some parks and playgrounds! Make sure to check my Park Spotlight feature for a few good ones in our area. I hope to add to the list here and there throughout the warmer seasons.
In my Top Picks for this weekend, you will find fun places to bring your kids in the following towns: Algonquin, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Carpentersville, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Geneva, Hampshire, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, South Elgin, St. Charles, West Chicago, West Dundee and Wheaton. Best of all, they are all FREE or CHEAP!
Please note that the following events require pre-registration: “Go Fly A Kite” (Wheaton) the “Kids Workshop” at the Home Depot stores (various locations); the Michaels Kids Club class; and “Tea Time Storytime” at Barnes & Noble (West Dundee). Please check the Special Note for each of these entries for more information. And if they ask who sent you…tell them The Mommy did!
DISCLAIMER: Information on these events and activities is obtained through press releases, word of mouth, publications and reader submissions. Although we are careful to report accurate dates and times as they are given to us, we realize that sometimes we receive inaccurate information or events may be cancelled. We strongly encourage you to confirm the information before heading out and/or to click the link that is provided for each activity to check the details.
Find out what's happening in St. Charlesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
FRIDAY
Friday, May 2, 2014
Event: Tot Time Open Swim
Town: Elgin, IL
Where: The Centre, (Adventure Island Pool) 100 Symphony Way, Elgin
Age: Kids age 6 mos. through five years with adult
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Description: Enjoy an open swim time with your little ones
Cost: $3/R or $4/NR; adult accompanying child is FREE
Information: Web site or 847-531-7030
Friday, May 2, 2014
Event: Tea Time Storytime
Town: West Dundee, IL
Where: Barnes & Noble in Spring Hill Mall, 1468 Springhill Mall Blvd., West Dundee, IL
Age: All ages
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Description: Enjoy a story, make a craft and enjoy cookies and sweet berry tea from the café!
Cost: FREE
Information: Web site or 847-426-5614
Special Note: Reserve your spots by calling phone number above. Space is limited.
Find out what's happening in St. Charlesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
SATURDAY
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Event: “Healthy Kids Day”
Town: Elgin, IL
Where: Taylor Family YMCA, 50 N. McLean Blvd., Elgin
Age: All ages
Time: 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Description: Bounce house, face painting, finger printing, demos, healthy treats and more!
Cost: FREE
Information: Facebook or 847-888-7410
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Event: “Go Fly a Kite”
Town: Wheaton, IL
Where: Graf Park (Facility of the Wheaton Park District), 1855 Manchester Rd., Wheaton (east of the fairgrounds)
Age: All ages
Time: 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Description: Bring your own kite or buy one on site and help them break a record of 843 kites in the air simultaneously. Watch the Chicago Fire Kite team perform a demonstration and enjoy kite flying activities!
Cost: FREE
Information: Web site or 630-665-4710
Special Information: Pre-register prior to arriving so they have an accurate count of participants
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Event: Pioneer Farm Baby Animals Event (*repeats Sunday)
Town: Hampshire, IL
Where: Pioneer Farm, 17N400 Big Timer Rd., Hampshire
Age: All ages
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Hold baby lambs, goats, piglet, chicks and calf. Watch sheep being sheared!
Cost: $5 per person; $12 per family of 4; $20 per family of 5
Information: Web Site or 847-683-2863
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Event: Michaels Kids Club Craft Fun
Town: Multiple store locations including: Algonquin, Bloomingdale, Geneva, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg, IL
Where: Area Michaels Stores
Age: Kids ages 3+
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (30 mins. in length starting every 1/2 hour)
Description: Create a craft!
Cost: $2 per person
Information: Web site
Special Note: It appears that you must now pre-register. Put in your zip code and select a store.
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Event: Make & Take Craft for Kids
Town: Bartlett, IL
Where: Bartlett Depot Museum, 100 W. Railroad Ave., Bartlett
Age: Kids of all ages and their families
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon
Description: Make a present for mom
Cost: FREE
Information: Web site or 630-830-0800
Special Note: Supplies are limited
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Event: Home Depot Kids Workshop
Town: Multiple Store locations including: Bartlett, Carpentersville, Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Schaumburg, South Elgin
Where: Home Depot Stores in Various Towns
Age: Kids age 5 to 12
Time: 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Description: This month’s workshop: Build a flower planter
Cost: FREE
Information: Web Site
Special Note: Registration is required. See web site to sign up!
SUNDAY
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Event: Star Wars Day
Town: Elgin, IL
Where: Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove Ave., Elgin
Age: All ages
Time: All day – Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Description: Stop by the Youth Center to pose with cardboard cut-outs/characters from the movie (bring a camera!). If you come in costume or wear a Star Wars t-shirt you will get a prize!
Cost: FREE
Information: Web Site or 847-742-2411
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Event: Awesome Art Afternoons
Town: St. Charles, IL
Where: Water Street Studios, 117 W. Main St., St. Charles
Age: 3+ with adult; teens welcome
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Art activities including drawing, coloring, pasting or painting
Cost: FREE
Information: Web Site or 630-761-9977
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Event: Pioneer Farm Baby Animals Event
Town: Hampshire, IL
Where: Pioneer Farm, 17N400 Big Timer Rd., Hampshire
Age: All ages
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Description: Hold baby lambs, goats, piglet, chicks and calf. Watch sheep being sheared!
Cost: $5 per person; $12 per family of 4; $20 per family of 5
Information: Web Site or 847-683-2863
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Event: Bargain Sundays, “The Amazing Spiderman 2″ (P-13)
Town: West Chicago, IL
Where: Cascade Drive-in,1100 E. North Avenue, West Chicago
Age: See rating
Time: 8:15 p.m.
Description: Watch a movie under the stars in the comfort of your car!
Cost: $15 per carload–BY REQUEST (i.e., you must mention ‘Bargain Sunday’ to get the deal!)
Information: Web site or 630-231-3150
Special Note: Cash only. Also please note that the more kid-friendly feature is posted, although there is a 2nd feature beginning at 10:45 p.m.
