We live a solid 11 hours away from my parents, which stinks on so many levels, but there is only one time of year when it doesn’t stink: spring break.
Bounce house fun!
Every year we have an instant cool spot to go to for a getaway vacation. It’s a loving place to stay with warm beds to sleep in and beautiful scenery to gaze upon.
And if we are lucky, it will be above 60 degrees there the whole time we are down there.
WE BETTER BE LUCKY.
Heh heh heh.
Sorry, long winters do that to us testy Chicagoans.
Don’t have a Mamie and Papa that live in Tennessee?
Not to fear!
I have you covered right here in Lake County this spring break.
There are lots of fun things to do with the kids right under your noses, you just need to do some investigating and lucky for you, I have done most of the work.
Bella’s Bouncies
Bella’s Bouncies is probably a name you are familiar with if you live in Lake County and have ever been to a child’s birthday party in the last 15 years.
In the past two years alone, my daughter has been to six, yes SIX, parties at the indoor place in Lake Villa.
This does not include all the jumping that she has done in bouncy houses owned by Bella’s in backyards all over the Lake County metro area.
Bella is one rich woman.
Is Bella even a person over there?
Hey, there is a spring break project for a bored dad!
Find out that factoid.
Dad’s love junk like that!
Once you become a parent you will learn one thing: kids love to jump.
All day long, jump. And bounce. And jump. And bounce.
It’s the alternating between bouncing and jumping that can make even Tigger a little nauseous.
The inventor of the trampoline/bouncy house was one smart mother.
Literally, I am sure it was a mother.
The great thing about Bella’s is that they are open ALL DAY LONG during spring break. (Mon. through Fri., 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.)
Bella’s Bouncies is located at 1600 N. Milwaukee Ave. (Rte. 83) Lake Villa.
It is in an industrial park off the road a bit tucked back, so keep your eye out for it. The phone number is 847-546-7000.
If you have a child who loves to draw on the walls or carpets, why not turn that negative into a positive?
Artist at Heart
Artist at Heart in Libertyville is a cool little art studio for kids to paint their own creations in a creative environment. They offer mosaics, mixed media and painting.
If you know you are going ahead of time, they offer classes in such things as drawing, painting, pottery and more.
The greatest thing about this place is that they encourage walk ins.
PERFECT FOR SPRING BREAK, Y’ALL!
There are two locations, Grayslake and Libertyville and both have different hours.
Check out the website before heading to the studio.
The Grayslake location is at 10 N. Lake St. Unit 105 and the Libertyville location is at 344 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago Botanic Garden
On the border of Lake and Cook counties is the Chicago Botanic Garden.
It is tucked away and a nice getaway with the kids, especially if you can find a good weather day during your break.
This is the thing, it is a little pricey at $25 per car (unless you are a member*) but this is where the old drive-in theater plan works.
FIELD TRIP!
Go in with the neighbors/family/friends/playgroup, load up the car, bring snacks, everyone pitch in a few bucks and it turns into a very affordable day to see the outdoors, plants, butterflies, birds and nature!
Or just sit in your backyard with a fly swatter and a tuna fish sandwich and that annoying kid from the cul-de-sac.
You know the one.
Your call.
The Chicago Botanic Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe. For more information, call them at 847-835-5440. *Membership is $90 per year.
I have one more cool idea to keep the fun going on even AFTER spring break.
Because I know you will be on this bouncy house/botanic/tuna fish high.
I got you covered!
Chicago Parent Playdate
The Chicago Parent Playdate at the Accelerated Center located at 1900 Old Willow Road in Northbrook on April 26 is sure to be right up your alley. Mark it on your calendars.
With a climbing wall, BOUNCY HOUSES!!, train rides, food and visits from characters as well as sports events, this playdate is sure to please every child in your family!
Admission is only $15 for the entire family or $5 per child ages 2-14; kids under 2 are free, as well as adults. Tickets are $8 at the door.
Right now I am running a giveaway for a two lucky families to win, two (2) family four-packs of tickets!!!
Just leave a comment here and I will pick two winners at random by March 26!
So don’t just sit there in your lawn chair in the driveway watching the world go by!
NO!
You got places to go!
Tuna fish sandwiches to pack!
Bouncy houses to visit!
Just eat the tuna fish sandwiches after the bouncy house.
