The North Shore has a lot to do for all age groups, but here we specifically selected things that could be fun for the whole family. If you’ve got a mixed age group to entertain, let us suggest a few options below!
As the weather outside cools off, everyone misses the joy of playing outside. Luckily, the Exploritorium is a great spot for movement for both children and parents. Many interactive stations allow young and old to explore and create together. There’s a ‘dress-up costume’ area, a music-making zone, a water play area, a climbing wall…the list goes on and on. Make reservations if you can, as this is a popular spot.
If you or your kids want it, the Weber Leisure Center probably has it. Seriously, when it comes to recreation on the North Shore, this complex has it goin’ on. It starts with Fitness First, an award-winning fitness center. It also houses a gymnasium, the Skatium ice rink, an indoor batting cage, pickleball courts, volleyball, pilates, indoor soccer, even a birthday party center.
Is your backyard feeling a little cramped? Have a visit to the Emily Oaks Nature Center. 13 acres of wide-open space, plus many interactive exhibits and trails that allow everyone to stretch out and breathe some fresh air. There are even facilities for group gatherings like children’s birthday parties and the Growing Sprouts Preschool program.
If you have some young ones in your crew, then look no further than the Kohl Children’s Museum. The Museum features interactive exhibits for kids up to age 8. KCM is set up as a sort of ‘adults’ world for kids,’ with a kid-sized grocery store, a vet’s office, and a daycare inhabited by dolls! All the installations are set up to help make learning fun and entertaining.
It’s back! After the pandemic hiatus, the North Shore’s premier live theatre company is back for its 30th season. Since 1992, the Theatre has presented interesting interpretations of classics and new works alike. Even the Wall Street Journal called WT ‘America’s finest regional theatre company.’ In 2016, they moved into a new, state-of-the-art facility that’s an experience for young and old alike. Check the program for performances suitable for both kids and adults!
Driving through Chicago and the North Shore these days, you’d never really know how years ago the whole area was simply farmland. Most of these historic homesteads are long gone, but Wagner Farm still exists to tell the story of what used to be. Wagner Farm is over 18 acres of a formerly much larger farm that began operation in the 1850s. People of all ages can get up close with chickens, cows, and draft horses. Experience a real barnyard! Of course, in October there’s one of the area’s best pumpkin patches on offer as well.
Maybe this is a no-brainer, but sometimes you don’t want to go to a park or a climbing gym. You want to order some popcorn, sit down in a comfy seat, and check out a movie. And the best film palace in the area is the Regal City North. They have IMAX + 4DX if that’s your thing, and there are 14 different cinemas inside the complex… so surely they’ll be playing something the whole family can enjoy. Pro tip: go on Mondays and Tuesdays, when the admission prices are reasonably priced.
Hope these tips give you and your whole family some ideas this fall!
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