Kids & Families – Family Fun this Holiday Season
Posted by Laura Nelson on November 20, 2009
Here are some great ideas for kids’s activities this season:
Lisle Park District Hosts Holiday Activities for All Ages
Lisle Park District encourages kids and families to join a host of holiday activities, including a Candy Cane Hunt, Santa’s Workshop, Brunch with Santa, Cookies with Mrs. Claus and more.
Children ages 3-6 are invited to Santa’s Workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the Meadows Center, Lisle. They can enjoy lunch brought from home, create a gift for mom and dad, play games, watch a holiday movie, and prepare a tasty holiday snack. Register by Nov. 25.
This year’s Candy Cane Hunt takes place on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 10am. Children ages 1-10 are invited to bring a basket or sack to collect goodies in different areas of Community Park. Registration required.
The Park District also hosts a “Once Upon a Christmas” celebration on Saturday, Dec. 5, 4-8pm & Sunday, Dec. 6, from 11am-4pm. Guests can sing with carolers, make crafts, take hayrides, see glassblowing and blacksmithing demonstrations, and meet Santa Claus. Free admission. At Lisle Station Park, 921 School Street, Lisle.
Brunch with Santa is offered on Sundays, Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, & Dec. 20. Families enjoy a delicious brunch and take pictures with Santa. At The View Restaurant and Bar. Advance registrations can be made by calling (630) 968-1920.
Children ages 4-8 are invited to enjoy Cookies with Mrs. Claus on Saturday, Dec. 12, 10am-noon. Sing Christmas songs, hear stories, drink hot chocolate, and decorate and eat Christmas cookies. Register online at lisleparkdistrict.org.
All events hosted by the Lisle Park District, Lisle. For info and to register for events, call (630) 964-3410 or visit www.lisleparkdistrict.org.
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New Kids Town Play & Party Provides Imaginative, Interactive Play for Children 6 and Under
Children from infant through age 6 have a new entertainment venue in Wheaton designed specifically for them. Kids Town Play and Party opened in October to rave reviews from children and parents looking for a creative play outlet that encourages imagination and interaction between little ones.
Kris and Agnes Koc have designed a space that features thirteen separate themed play areas. The separate rooms feature colorful decor, accessories, costumes, and toys that stimulate children to pursue what interests them. They can pretend by themselves, or interact with other children or their parents.
Some of the play areas include: a stage area, complete with a ceiling-mounted monitor, which gives children performing a chance to see themselves in action on TV; a construction room, featuring tools, legos, blocks, and cars; a pet clinic, where kids can dress up as a vet, and take care of stuffed animals; a fire department complete with a fire engine, dispatch equipment; a princess place, with tea party accessories, dolls, and pretend makeup; a dancing room, featuring music and strobe lighting; a climbing area, including crawling and sliding equipment; a quiet room with a cozy fireplace decor filled with books, puzzles, and a train table.
“It’s a new concept,” says owner Kris Koc, who tested each area with his own children, ages nine months and three years.
Kids Town Play & Party also includes a party room, which may be reserved for private or semi-private events. Private parties are two hours, held after hours and on Sundays, giving the party group full access to all play areas.
Kids Town Play & Party is open for public play Monday through Saturday. Call for specific hours or check www.kidstownplayandparty.com. Admission is $10 per child. Adults, additional siblings, and children under one are free.
Kids Town Play & Party is at 1141 E. Butterfield Rd. (near Fox Bowl), Wheaton. (630) 260-8545 / www.kidstownplayandparty.com
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Happy Holiday Railway at the Illinois Railway Museum
This year’s Happy Holiday Railway takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, December 5 & 6, 12 & 13, 19 & 20. Visit America’s largest railway museum, and see the trains that Hollywood made famous. The electric cars of the Happy Holiday Railway will be decked out in seasonal decor to delight kids of all ages.
Embark on a magical train ride through spectacular holiday light displays and visit with Santa Claus and his elves at the Toy Workshop. Children on Santa’s “Good” list will receive a gift. This is a Special Fare Event. No passes will be honored on these days.
The Illinois Railway Museum is at 7000 Olson Rd., Union. Visit www.irm.org for more info, directions, and to reserve tickets.
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Sign Up Now for Winter Break Horse Camps
Winter break horse camps appealing to horse lovers of all ages are scheduled in Naperville at Fox Meadow Farm. Victoria Ellingson, well-established riding instructor and manager at the former Naperville Equestrian Center, is holding special camps to interest riders of all abilities.
Riders from beginner through advanced will learn correct riding techniques, whether for recreation or competition. There are two indoor riding arenas. Call now to reserve a spot.
Fox Meadow Farm is in southeast Naperville at 19100 Royce Rd. To learn more, contact Victoria Ellingson at (630) 740-1847 or contact the office at (630) 983-8631.
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Holly Daze Workshop and More at Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park invites guests to join the “Holly Daze” Christmas Floral workshop on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9:30am-3pm. The event features demos, talks, and excellent hands-on projects. Participants can create and take home a fresh evergreen wreath, gift tags, bows, and outdoor container materials.
The festivities continue with Children’s Snow Globes crafts for kids ages 5-8 on Tuesday, Nov. 24 & Wednesday, Nov. 25. Pre-registration is required.
Cantigny is also hosting a Poinsettia Sale, kicking off on Saturday, Nov. 28. A limited supply of top quality plants will be for sale at the Visitor Center Shop and Golf Pro Shop. See over 3000 poinsettias on display in the Cantigny Greenhouse on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 10am.
Kids ages 6-12 are invited to partake in Gingerbread House Decorating on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 4:30pm, where they can assemble and take home gingerbread houses and enjoy hot cocoa.
For details on these events and more, call Cantigny Park at (630) 260-8162 or visit www.cantigny.org.
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Winter Adventure Camp
Kane County Forest Preserve hosts a “Winter Adventure Camp” on Mon., Dec. 28; Tues., Dec. 29; and Weds., Dec. 30, from 9am-noon. Second thru Fourth graders combine indoor and outdoor fun and make new friends and new discoveries. At Tekakwitha Woods. Participate by the day, or sign up for all three. Program fee is $15 per day, or $40 for all three days.
To register, call the Kane County Forest Preserve at (847) 741-8350 or visit www.kaneforest.com.
Tags:Family Fun
