I didn’t like selfies very much at the beginning of the fad.
(Wait! Keep reading! Reformation is near!) Several moons ago, I perceived the act of photographing oneself for the purpose of social media to be dripping with self-obsession.
Then one day, the cynical skies parted. I realized that I look forward to seeing selfies of the people I love because those pictures let me in on a tiny glimpse of their lives. An emotion, a scene, a moment in the space-time continuum that I wouldn’t otherwise be privy to.
So, I’m a reformed seflie-ist. Selfie-enlightened, if you will. I could go on. Instead, I’ll tell you about four fun spots in the northern suburbs that are more than ready for you, your kids and a smartphone.
The Lion Head Drinking Fountain
Take a sip of water from inside this guy’s mouth, and you’ve got an unabashedly cartoonish “I’m getting eaten by a lion!” pic. Then hit up the Village Green’s playground, soccer field, baseball diamond or picnic areas for a fall afternoon outdoors.
Village Green, Shermer Meadow roads, Northbrook
Circle of Peace
A bronze statue of children at play by Gary Lee Price is a whimsical welcome to the Glenview Park District Center. Join in the circle for a stopped-in-time selfie before heading inside for a swim or fitness class or kids’ basketball practice.
Glenview Park District Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview
The Horse on Waukegan
Hitched on the south end of an Ace Hardware parking lot, this salute to the Wild West offers a selfie backdrop fit for even the toughest outlaws. Although saddling up on the horse’s back is probably not OK, strike your best bandit pose with a cowboy hat and boots … and maybe even some tumbleweed.
Waukegan Road and Pebble Creek Drive, Glenview
R. Hero
More than a sculpture, this friendly hello to Kohl Children’s Museum is an artistic tribute to firefighters and first responders. And let’s be honest: a giant Dalmatian puppy? How does that NOT scream selfie alert? Give it a shot before heading into or leaving the activity-packed museum.
Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
