Schools Out For Summer

Summer is a time to relax, be lazy and just lounge by the pool, right?  Wrong!  Maybe if your kids are older your summer is a time to do those things, but for those of us with younger kids summer can be daunting. 

Trying to keep them entertained without spending too much time in front of the TV or playing video games all day can be quite the challenge.  Add to that trying not to break the bank just to have a little fun and you can see where the challenge begins. 

If your kids are anything like mine, they start the day asking “What are we going to do today?”  At times, I feel like I’m stuck in an episode of the Disney show Phineas and Ferb.  If only my children could create “Swinter” and build a rocket ship in the back yard my job would be so much easier.  Well, I don’t live in a cartoon world with a super-hero platypus as a pet so I actually have to have an answer or some sort of plan when I am asked the inevitable question, “What are we going to do today?”

This week is the first of a two-part series of different activities to do with your children this summer.  This week we are going to focus on places close to home that make for a fun morning out of the house without having to travel too far.  I’ve added phone numbers or websites to make your planning even easier, so be sure to follow up with the location before heading out to make sure times and dates are correct. 

Hit the Park!

• – enjoy fishing, picnicking, and playing on the playground in this picturesque and mostly shaded park.
• Indian Camp Creek – check out this parks eco playground, trails, fishing and large playground.  Be sure to wear a swimsuit and pack your shovels, this is the place for some messy, wet fun!
• Brommelsiek Park – just a few miles from Winghaven off of Hwy DD, this park have many playgrounds, a dog park and the pavilions have water faucets which are great to use for filling up water guns and mini-pools.

Go for a swim!

• Alligator’s Creek – Boasting 2 water slides, a lazy river and a zero-depth entry for the smaller swimmers, Alligator’s Creek in O’Fallon is an oasis for families on a hot summer day.  Open daily at 12:00 Monday-Thursday and Sunday.  The aquatic center opens at 10 am on Friday and Saturday.
• – This indoor pool offers a play area and water slide for kids of all ages.  Don’t let a bad sunburn or bad weather keep you out of the pool, just head indoors!  Hours vary so be sure to call ahead, 474-2REC.
• Wappelhorst Pool in St. Charles – This pool has a 5-story speed slide that is perfect for the thrill seeker.  There is a children’s play area as well as a general swimming pool and multiple waterslides.  There is also a “Tot Time” swim every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-10:30 am for children 5 and under.  At only $2.50 per person this is a great way to let the little ones swim and beat the heat of the day!

Other Activities...

• Miniature Golf – and
• The Painted Pot – Paint your own pottery for the creative child.
• Summer movie series – check out or for FREE movies this summer.  Concessions are available. 
• and Rec Just for Kids programs.
• St. Charles City-County Library – be sure to check out the latest schedule, from story hour to craft time to the FREE Summer Reading Program, there is something for everyone at the library this summer.
• River City Rascals - You don't have to go far from home to catch a baseball game. The home field is at the right here in O'Fallon.  Kids run the bases after every game and the tickets are a steal.

I hope this list gives you some ideas for fun with your kids this summer.  Be sure to check back next week when I’ll give you some ideas of summer fun not so close to home.  We are fortunate to live in area with so much to do, so get out and make this a summer your kids will never forget!