For my perfect summer Sunday, I like to keep it hyper local and on-foot. Luckily, living in Rogers Park gives me plenty of nearby options to keep me and the kids entertained (until naptime, that is).
A place to eat
Growling Rabbit
6981 Sheridan Rd., Chicago
First, we’ll head over to the Growling Rabbit for breakfast. It’s a beloved neighborhood cafe that lives by the farm-to-table credo as closely as it can.
A place to play
Leone Park Beach
1222 W. Touhy Ave., Chicago
After lunch, I’ll take the kiddies to Leone Park Beach for a little lakeside action. When we get sick of getting sand stuck in every crevice, we’ll head over to the inland jungle gym.
A place for a rainy day
Little Beans Cafe
430 Asbury Ave., Evanston
Rainy days can be pretty grueling when you have a rambunctious toddler to keep entertained. Lucky for me, Little Beans is less than 10 minutes away. It’s a great indoor play place designed for parents and kids alike. The unlimited coffee refills keep me comfortably planted while my son runs around in circles with other kids just a few feet away.
A place to grab a treat
Joy Yee’s Noodle Kitchen
521 Davis St., Evanston
You want to know the shortest distance to my heart? Bubble tea. Specifically, taro root-flavored bubble tea. With multiple locations in Evanston and Chinatown, Joy Yee is known for its superior bubble tea magic. It’s a fast, fun and cheap way to indulge.
A place to splash
Skokie Water Playground
4701 Oakton St., Skokie
If I’m feeling particularly energetic (which is rare), I’ll get us all geared up for a visit to the Skokie water park. It’s fairly inexpensive as far as water parks go. (I just have to emotionally prep myself for tears when it’s time to head home.)
