Better late than never: It applies as aptly to potty-training success as it does to spring’s annual arrival in Chicagoland. And with that warmer temperatures come greener pastures, so get out there and take it in!Here are five regional hot spots to take in the spring blossoms, along with bike riding, nature hikes, bird watching and more.
Better late than never: It applies as aptly to potty-training success as it does to spring’s annual arrival in Chicagoland. And with that warmer temperatures come greener pastures, so get out there and take it in!
Head west, young families. Chicagoland’s biggest conservatory
and arboretum, Morton Arboretum in Lisle is the perfect respite
from the traffic and noise of the city. In addition to its
expansive grounds, which are perfect for a family picnic, the
arboretum has a line-up of quirky and cute spring events like “Make Way
for Ducklings” to “Wonderful
Wildflowers.”
Klehm’s is smaller than some of the area’s other arboretums, butit’s admission price ($6, kids under 3 are free) is smaller tomathc, and its 1.8 miles of paved paths are perfect for strollersand tiny feet.
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden
With six nature centers throughout Cook County and a brand-new”Gateway to the Preservers” event series this spring and summer,take another look at the forest preserve for free (or super-cheap)nature outings.From monthly nature hikes at Little Red
Schoolhouse Nature Center to early morning bird hikes (with
binoculars to borrow) andbeautiful showing of spring
wildflowers at Sand Ridge Nature Center,
your tax dollars are hard at work. Get more information from the
forest preserve’s online Weekend Adventurer guide.
Forest Preserve District of Cook County
Saturday mornings in the park are like a dish on Top Chef:Nature served three ways.
The Lincoln Park Conservatory and grounds are
abloom all year round, and its summer flower show,
promising a “tropical paradise”opens May 21.
Just around the corner at theAlfred Caldwell Lily Pool,
you’ll find a more serene, naturalist setting – and maybe some
ducklings if you’re lucky. There are tours available (Friday and
Sunday 1 p.m.- 4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-noon) but with little ones,
you’re better off just exploring on your own.
And finally,Lincoln park is also home to the city’sbiggest (and, we think, best) farmers market. Green CityMarket runs Wednesdays and Saturdays, May through October,
from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and has fresh produce, flowers and more from
dozens of vendors. Pick up some cut flowers or potted plants from
one of the gardening booths to take home.
Enjoy a guided stroll through the springtime woods, checking outwildflowers, bumblebees and birds. Details
Enjoy a guided stroll through the springtime woods, checking out wildflowers, bumblebees and birds. For families; trails are not suitable for strollers. Call to register.
