The sweet days and superb sunset-lit nights of summer are soon approaching, so I figured it was time to get off my lazy butt and roll out some summer 2010 free & cheaps for friends and family!
Please note that this list of inexpensive family-friendly summer activities in and around Evanston isnot meant to be all-inclusive...I'm just trying to provide some helpful suggestions for other families who are out to beat the heat but don't want to bust their budget.
Another thing -- I am usually a ridiculously disorganized human being but this is a lot of information so I attempted to calm the chaos by (1) splitting the list of activities into two categories: outdoor and indoor (for rainy days and heat wave days); and (2) trying to make the listing as chronological as possible.
Hope this helps!
Have a wonderful summer!
PART 1: OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Free & cheap destinations for perfect, glorious summer days and nights.
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SKOKIE POOLS
There are two pool complexes in Skokie. The larger one is called the Skokie Water Playground.
A "playground", indeed!
Nearby, a giant zero-depth pool.
They've put in an awesome new splashpad area that rivals that of Devonshire. Very fancy. And lots of fun.
The rock cave now features a waterfall, and you can still walk through its tunnel, which is even more fun then it used to be. Just beware the water cannons located on this end of the splashpad. Yikes!
The fourth, and most fun, portion of this pool complex consists of three giant water slides ending in another, separate pool. Our kiddos loved going down these things on inner tubes -- it was Ashley and I who were scared, ha ha ha!
The Skokie Water Playground is adjacent to the very-awesome and fully-renovated Oakton Park (click here for a bunch of photos and a better description in an updated posting) with its ramps, tunnels, innovative electronic play structures, and slides. A wonderful place to dry off after a pool outing!
The second, smaller, pool complex is called the Devonshire Aquatic Center.
It also has a large, zero-depth pool.
And a fantastically-fun sprinkler section.
It even has one water slide -- actually more of a drop-ramp, as water shoots through it with such pressure that you literally rocket through and are dumped in the water below at high velocity. A ton of fun (that's me at the top about to ride) but not kid-friendly, so make sure you visit this pool in pairs so one mama can ride while one babysits!
The adjacent parks complete what I refer to as the "Devonshire Trifecta". Did I mention the two-story-plus slide?? Flying down this crazy thing is a great way to dry off as well.The award-winning Skokie pools totally rule! I'm a born-and-raised beach bum but there are days when I'm just sick of sand or unrelenting sun. The Skokie Water Playground even offers a nice middle ground between beach and pool -- a huge sand-filled section with a water table and a large play structure set in the middle of it. If you frequent the pools, a season pass is by far your best bet. Keep in mind that children under 3 are free, a large part of what makes these pools so attractive for families.
Another perk -- a season pass gets you unlimited entry into both pool complexes. A Skokie or Evanston resident can purchase a season pass for $75 or pay $115 for a two-person pass if your hubby or older child is also a pool fanatic (see explanation on the joint residential agreement for beaches and pools above) but these prices are an "early bird special" -- after June 5th, you'll pay premium rates, so buy fast.
Best news of all: the Devonshire Aquatic Center offers a Parent/Tot swim every day except Saturday, prior to their regular public swim hours, where only parents and very young children (I believe it's 3 and under?) are allowed into the pool. Not only is it nice not to have to deal with much-older children -- who I love, believe me, but often accidentally mow down the wee ones in their enthusiasm -- but it's so under-advertised that you don't have to compete for parking, locker room, or pool space at all. So here are the (undercover, top secret, shhhh! LOL) hours:
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
(Please note that several summer camps are allowed access from 10:15 to 11:45 on these days, so it can actually be more crowded during that time; plan accordingly.)
Sundays: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Daily admission fees and hours of operation vary between the two pools -- basically, one is cheaper, but the other has more limited hours. Also, one opens a week before the scheduled season and the other closes two weeks after the scheduled season (confusing, I know. Ask for a brochure when you visit. It explains everything). For the Skokie Water Playground's season dates, hours, and fee schedule, including their new-this-year, discounted 5- and 10-visit Splash Passes, click here. For the Devonshire Aquatic Center's season dates, hours, and fee schedule, including their new-this-year, discounted 5- and 10-visit Splash Passes, click here. In addition, both pool complexes take turns hosting themed events -- last year they had such fun stuff as a Pirate Day, a Sundae Day, and a Hula Day. This year's "pool parties" for pass holders have yet to be announced, but they always add a little extra fun to an already generously-jolly mix, so refer back to the pool home pages above as the summer progresses and you will see events become listed as they are planned.
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EVANSTON BEACHES
Ayize and Lisa at the Clark Street Beach on a free Monday when he was 6 months old.
Geoff and Ayize horsing around at the Dempster Street Beach when he was 18 months old.
Ayize is now 29 months old (how time flies), and spent an afternoon earlier this week playing on a washed-up "raft" with Brianna at Lighthouse Beach.
Evanston beaches never lose their charm! There's something awesome to do for all ages, whether it's sieving for rocks, making "sand cakes" with chubby six-month-old fingers, balancing on floaty driftwood, digging trenches for trains and cars, or flying a kite on a windy day. Daily admission to the various Evanston beaches costs $8 if you're older than 11, $6 for kids aged 11 and under, and free for kids under 1 year. But starting June 12th, and until August 30th, the Clark Street Beach is free to enter every Monday, hooray! If you prefer a different beach or a different day and you're a frequent beach bum, consider saving with a season pass. The price schedule varies depending on whether you're a non-resident versus an Evanston or Skokie resident (in an agreement between the cities, the cheaper resident fees apply for residents of both when buying season passes to either the beach or the pool), and it also depends on when you purchase -- it's cheapest to wait until after August 1 to buy. Otherwise, be sure to pick up your pass before June 11 (the second-best option) or you'll be paying premium price, ick.
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ST. JOAN OF ARC CARNIVAL
Beer + cars = what could go wrong??
You know you're at a Midway carnival when the 9/11 carousel comes out.
The very fun Central Park playground which abuts the St. Joan of Arc schoolgrounds along its southern perimeter. Two fun play structures, diggers, swings, and an awesome new toddler's fire truck play area to boot!Every year, Skokie's St. Joan of Arc School holds a four-day-long carnival in their parking lot. It's their annual fundraiser and has been around for at least ten years, if memory serves. This year, the carnival will run from Thursday, June 10th to Sunday, June 13th. It's free to enter and you can either pay per ride or buy an all-day wristband. There's actually a lot to do for all ages, even the very young (providing they have a dash of derring-do!) and of course, just walking around inhaling the cotton candy and people-watching is entertainment all in itself. It's worth it to note that this carnival is big -- you can't miss it if you're in the area. Not your typical school carnival with bouncearounds and games...they hire a full-fledged carnival company (Midway) and put up a ferris wheel, a small rollercoaster, a tilt-a-whirl, a haymaker, a swinging pharoah boat, a drop ride, bumper cars, and even something called the Hang Glider which you literally ride in hang-gliding position, lying on your stomach, strapped in. Daily hours are listed here as the date draws closer so check back before heading over; their usual routine is to open up shop in the late afternoon on Thursday and Friday and then have longer hours over the weekend, but this is the first year they're holding the carnival after the school year has ended so they may have changed it up. There's plenty of free residential parking around the school and the carnival grounds are adjacent to the very fun Central Park playground, so you have a built-in area to tone the kids down after their exciting outing.
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STARLIGHT CONCERT SERIES
A glorious summer evening for a Starlight Concert at James Park.
The adjacent castle playground. Always a good time to be had here, and especially fun when your kid is running himself ragged while you chill on a nearby bench with friends, enjoying the live music floating by on a summery sunset breeze.
Climbing the James Park baseball fence by the bandstand.A typical Starlight Concert night at Dawes Park along the lakefront. My kid almost got run over by a bike, but hey...at least he would have died happy.
Any Starlight Concert at Dawes Park worth its salt includes a sunset stop to the dog beach, either during or (as in this case) before the concert.
Crucial ingredients for a successful Starlight outing at Dawes Park: the dog (fresh from the beach), the brown paper bag Potbellys dinner, and the stroller (to cart the food in, and to tie the dog to, while you and your toddler dance around like fools -- see video above).Every summer, Evanston plays host to the free, and always fun, Starlight Concert Series. This year, the outdoor shows will be held on various Tuesday and Thursday nights between June 17th and August 15th and they go from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The majority take place at Dawes Park and James Park. We try to hit every single one that sounds at all interesting, picnic dinner in tow, and dance and sway and eat and play as the summer sun sets around us. If you scroll down to the series lineup on the above link, you can click on any band's name for a description of the type of music they play. Most are fun and funky enough that kids of all ages have a good time.
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WAGNER FARM
Ayize riding the old-fashioned rope swing; in the background you can see the farm museum, a veritable cornucopia of fun for kids.
A quiet Sunday morning with our beloved friend Bob, one of two Belgian draft horses who live and work on the farm.
Getting up close and personal with the new spring piglets.
This sweet gal takes a shine to our pals Brady and Jonah.
Hopping on the fence to see the spring lambs.
Petting a gentle friend.
"Driving" the farm equipment scattered around the grounds never gets old.
No visit to Wagner is complete without at least one good clang! of the old farm bell.
Inside, there's even more to see and do.Ayize slopping the pigs with buckets of dry corn (a broom and pan is supplied for clean-up afterwards, and they're almost as much fun).
Collecting eggs in woven baskets, candling them, and placing them in return drawers to send the eggs back to their starting point.
Milking the demo cow.
Though watching the real thing is waaaaaay cooler.
Baling the hay.
Never met a kid who wasn't fascinated by the general store and all its cool antiques and old-fashioned foodstuffs. The working typewriter and ancient cash register are tons of fun to play with, too.
Glenview's Wagner Farm is hands down, the coolest kid-oriented place around town, especially for the animal-loving tots! There are animals galore to ogle, and cool old-fashioned machines everywhere to climb on and around. The kids get a workout running around the lovely green grounds. Indoors, there's a whole children's museum worth of fun farm activities that appeal to even the very young. Wander in a bit farther and there are interactive displays for the kids peppered all over the building. Warning: wander too far and you will find yourself being dragged into the Sweets & Treats old-fashioned ice cream (courtesy of Homer's, yum) where you can treat yourself and your kid to two sundaes for the price of one with an Oaklee's Guide coupon, found here. There is no charge for admission to Wagner Farm or the children's center, and parking in their large lot is also free. Their next fundraiser, the award-winning Dairy Breakfast (which is so much more than just breakfast, and features horse-drawn hay rides, demonstrations, and lots of other fun activities) will be held on Saturday, June 19 and runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is $10 per adult, $5 per child, and children under 2 eat free. Click here to see their amazing menu. It's worth noting that Glenview's own fancy Egg Harbor Cafe -- yum, yum! -- supplies all the food and even staffs this event.
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CUSTER'S LAST STAND STREET FAIR
These guys are awesome every year -- the bullwhip demonstration is always particularly impressive.
The Gus Giordano dance performance.
A mysterious animal tent -- rumor had it that they were giving free camel rides inside at certain times, though Ayize and I must have missed that boat.
A super cool aerial ballet; Ayize was mesmerized.
A good combination: sweet friends and sweet treats in Eiden Park, when we paused mid-festival to play and cool off.
This guy juggled two scythes and a flaming torch, all while balancing on a plank that was rolling around on a wooden barrel on top of a rickety wooden box. Yikes! I made the very-curious Ayize maintain a safe distance...
These teen clowns-in-training made balloon animals for kids all day long. They admitted, however, that Ayize's reaction -- he gleefully grabbed his balloon dog and barrel-rolled around in the grass, over and over, grinning and clutching it and crowing with delight -- was among the oddest of responses they received that day.The mother (in my humble opinion) of all Evanston festivals, Custer's Last Stand Street Fair, will be held this year on Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The festival is free to attend, though be warned that it's hard to resist spending money once you're there -- so much cool stuff and tasty food wherever you look! But there's also tons of free entertainment. This link takes you to a listing of the performances (think Native American dancing and medicine shows) and live music (I highly recommend the Chris Greene Quartet) playing on a pair of stages. And there's non-stop kid-friendly fun happenings at the very-awesome Eiden Park so stop by there to play, then stay for the wild and wacky entertainment, described here (a few paragraphs down).
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EVANSTON ECOLOGY CENTER
Strolling through the beautifully-maintained Ladd Arboretum.
Visiting Bernie, the giant sulcata tortoise, part of the center's Critter Corral of rescued and rehabilitated wildlife.
A photo of the grassy sand dunes. In the background is the Council Ring fire pit, located beside the entrance to Lighthouse Beach, and accessible from the beach/art center's combined parking lot.
The awesome Eggleston Park, with its unique and fun play structures. 
This climbing rock is always a hit with the little ones.The Evanston Ecology Center is the main building located on the grounds of the Ladd Arboretum, the walking/bicycling area that runs along McCormick Boulevard between Green Bay Road and Golf. Mini-hikes along the Ladd always make for a lovely outing and you can stop at the Ecology Center for a bathroom break during regular hours. Animal-lovers, ask at the front desk if the education center is open, and you will experience a real treat! There are many wonderful resident animals that have been rescued and rehabilitated who now make the center their permanent home. Don't forget the awesome Eggleston Park across the street if you need to make a "park pit stop" with your kiddo! The Evanston Ecology center runs a number of fun, educational events for kids, and in the early summer, they have a great evening program that meets at the Council Ring (a large campfire pit located between Lighthouse Beach and the adjacent Evanston Art Center building), entitled Leave No Child Inside: Get Lost! It will take place on Friday, June 25 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and consists of a combination sand dune scavenger hunt/s'mores campfire cookout. FYI -- bring your own flashlight! The cost is $5 per person. The program is recommended for children ages 2 and up.
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KOHL CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Examining x-rays alongside Dr. Brady at the veterinarian's office.
Swabbing the deck at the mini-Potbellys.
Shooting water cannons (did I mention that you should bring along a spare set of clothes??)
Lifting sandbags with the big crane.
Pounding the skins in the percussion room -- part of a large, super fun, permanent musical exhibit.
Nora pumping a giant inflatable tube right up to the ceiling by pedal power alone.
Hard at work at the construction site.
Getting a baby down for an afternoon nap.
Manning the complicated ball runner with assistance from pal Jonah.
Nora checks while he bags at the miniature Dominicks.
The fun continues outside during the summer months with this wonderful, grassy path...
...an outdoor "painting" wall (water-dipped brushes leave temporary paintings on these special stones)...
...and all kinds of fun playthings to climb on, around, in and under.Glenview's wonderful Kohl Children's Museum is awesome both inside and out during the summer. Indoors, there's a huge arena of unique, interactive exhibits for curious, fun-loving kids to get noisy, messy, wet, and wild with. It's hard to spend less than two hours there once you walk in the door, so plan accordingly -- there's just so much to do. During the warmer months, the Habitat Park opens up, which is essentially a whole other -- outdoor -- side to the museum, and equally fun. Hmmm...better make that at least three hours! In addition to their regular indoor and outdoor exhibits, they host traveling exhibits that change with each season, so Smokey the Bear will be coming to the museum this summer. We're excited, as Ayize is an official Junior Park Ranger of the National Park Service, and plans on proudly wearing his official hat, pin, patch, and badge (thanks, Jeff) to the exhibit when it opens! As if the regular and traveling exhibits were not enough, the museum also offers a bunch of fun events, many of which are free with your admission price, so plan your visit accordingly. Our recommendation is to visit on one of the three Insect Zoo days (from 10 a.m. to noon on June 30, July 16, and August 19) for an additional thrill -- or chill, depending on how you feel about creepy crawlers. Admission to the museum is admittedly a bit steep: $7.50 for all adults and children over the age of 1, and they are increasing the fee by a dollar on July 1. Ouch! So if you're an Evanston Public Library card holder, head on over to your local library (why yes, I am a broken record...and no, I never will stop plugging my beloved local Evanston branch libraries) and check out a Museum Adventure Pass for a buy one, get one free deal on the entrance fee (limit two free admissions). Yes, that's right, I said "check out" -- just like you would a book or a DVD. In fact, you can "check out" a whole busload of free admissions to cool places around town with it. Stuff like this is exactly why we need to SAVE OUR EVANSTON BRANCH LIBRARIES! Okay, my public service announcement is now over. But I'm just sayin...
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LITTLE BEAR GARDEN
Just a quick note, before I forget. A block away from the Kohl Children's Museum, at the intersection of Patriot Boulevard and Chestnut, sits one of the best parks in the Chicagoland area, Little Bear Garden. Well worth a look-see if you're already in the area...just don't forget to pack a spare pair of clothes!
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FOURTH OF JULY
Bang, bang, bang!
Everyone in Evanston knows what this means...the parade is coming! The parade is coming!
Ayize's first Fourth of July. We were fresh from Sean's annual BBQ, where we gorged and gabbed with pals for a couple great hours. But now it was time to take in the parade. Ayize wore his festive bib, Alfie donned her Fourth of July collar and leash, and we were off and...walking...towards Central Street. And what a parade it was!
Our baby-friendly solution to the infernal fireworks problem: check out the Fourth of July sunset and various surrounding cities' shows from the safety of Gitelson Beach.A general guide to Evanston's Fourth of July, including parade, firework, and park event information, can be found here. The information doesn't tend to be complete until quite close to the 4th, however, so consider yourselves fairly warned. But for you transplanted Evanstonians, it features some cute videos that will bring you back...virtually, that is. Some additional pointers: don’t forget that surrounding cities stagger their fireworks dates so you fiery fanatics can get a jump start on rocket-watching on July 3rd. Also -- for parents of very young babes or sound-sensitive older kids, take note of my experience: when Ayize was 7 months old, after a looong day of parades ands several BBQs, I felt that the crowded Evanston fireworks show would be the straw that broke the baby's back. So instead of heading to our lakefront, I bundled him up and went to nearby Gitelson Park in Wilmette. They had done their show the night before so the place was pretty barren. But from our view on Gitelson Beach, we were able to catch a gorgeous sunset, climb on some large rocks for a better view, and take in ten simultaneous fireworks displays -- including Evanston’s -- all along the shoreline. The show was spectacular -- but because of the distance from the displays, the booming sounds were not. It was the perfect, meltdown-free conclusion to a lovely Fourth.
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EMILY OAKS NATURE CENTER
A closer look at the pond.
(Definitely worth a closer look, wouldn't you agree?)
Wandering the trails with pals.
Indoor treehouse in the Woodland Wander Inn.
Push a button...and sniff.
What's for dinner?
Peekaboo!
Sit in the sound booth and dial an animal call.
The playground is lots of fun. Two large wooden play structures and plenty of slides, plus swings, rocking animals, and of course, this teeter-totter.
Another of the center's great family events, their annual Halloween shindig, Things That Go Bump in the Night. This was a fun moment from last year when our pal Kai was picked to assist in a demo.
Most of their events end with a lovely bonfire, live music, and singalongs, plus snacks and hot cider to enjoy around the campfire.
Skokie's Emily Oaks Nature Center has wonderful trails to hike, a pond to wander around, and even an awesome playground adjacent to the parking lot. Indoors, there are a bunch of great displays to check out, the highlight of which is the Woodland Wander Inn. This "inn" is actually a large indoors treehouse with loads of fun interactive stuff for wee nature lovers. There is no charge for admission to the nature center, its trails, and the children's center, and parking in their large lot is also free. Their next fundraiser, Pancake Breakfast in the Woods, will be held on Sunday, July 11 and runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The cost is $4.50 per child and $6.50 per adult. Click here to see their complete events calendar and if you follow the link to July, you can see the entire delicious menu. Outdoor eating at Emily Oaks by the beautiful pond is always a good time.
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MAGICAL MERRY-GO-ROUND
The Flying Fool getting ready to take the stage last summer at Central Park. Unfortunately, the two men you see lying on the ground were frantically working to put the stage together, a bit behind schedule, and the Flying Fool was more of a Furious Fool by the time he got rolling.
This event at Devonshire Park went much more smoothly. I wish I remembered her name because she was a wonderful performer -- she sang, played guitar, was super funny and sweet, and told toddler-friendly interactive animal tales (think "snap, snap" alligators and jumping-up-and-down monkeys) which had all the kids participating, even an 18-month-old like Ayize who really wanted to dance while eating dinner (as the video attests).
The Skokie Park District hosts five consecutive free weekly Magical Merry Go Round events, starting on July 14th and ending on August 11th. Each event features a performer or a troupe of performers who generally mix music, magic, comedy and juggling into a kid-friendly interactive event. They are always on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. and each one is held at a different fun Skokie park, so the playground provides a backup plan for a restless toddler. Ayize and I usually bring a picnic dinner and eat while we watch; once he's done eating, if he's bored, we just amble over to whatever playground we're at. Check out Skokie's Calendar of Events; click on a specific month to see all the events happening then.
FYI: you may also enjoy, depending on your kid, the free monthly movie-in-the-park events (this year's offerings include E.T., Wizard of Oz, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Shrek) which are shown at Lorel Park -- though at 8:15 p.m. they run a little late for some toddlers -- and the free Sundown Concert Series (similar to Evanston's Starlight Concert Series) which run on six consecutive Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. starting July 11th and ending on August 15th. See the same calendar for details.
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IT'S THURSDAY, LET'S DANCE!
Never made it last year, so I stole this picture from the website.
But since our kids love dancing through downtown Evanston anyway whenever we're out to eat on warm evenings (this is Brady jigging around the Potbellys plaza last week LOL), I thought it might be fun to try. At the very least, we'll have live music to accompany a take-out dinner. And at best...well, I'm glad I have a built-in (two-year-old) dance partner who also happens to be the sweetest boy I know!It's Thursday, Let's Dance is a free event hosted by the city that's held every summer for six consecutive Thursday nights. This year, it runs between July 15th and August 19th. It takes place in the Davis Street Plaza (at the intersection of Church Street and Maple Avenue, between American Apparel and the Chef's Station patio) and features professional dance instruction from 6 to 7, followed by a live band that performs from 7 to 9. You can dance or just sit back and enjoy the show! The bands are listed on the website above, and will feature these types of music and dancing (in order): Latin, Big Band, blues, Motown, swing, and country.
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EVANSTON ART FESTIVALS
White tents along the lakefront can only mean one (or actually, one of two) things...
Just a sampling of the many eclectic and beautiful offerings at the Ethnic Arts Festival.
There are two art festivals held every summer at Dawes Park, adjacent to the dog beach. Admission is free, but just as at the Custer Street Fair, know that temptation lies everywhere once you start meandering through the many vendor tents laden with glorious and gorgeous goodies! On the plus side, free entertainment is also around every corner. The Ethnic Arts Festival features everything from live music to folk dancing to cooking demonstrations and will be held this year on Saturday, July 17 and Sunday, July 19, from noon to 7 p.m. The Lakeshore Arts Festival also has live music, as well as a mini "Taste of Evanston" and a cool children's craft tent, and will be held this year on Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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THE GROVE
Gettin' grizzly at The Grove.
Ayize meeting a rescue resident, a young turtle who was hit by a car and underwent a massive shell repair. She is now thriving, and is a big favorite among the volunteers.
This alligator snapping turtle is over one hundred years old and weighs more than 120 pounds.
A resident American kestrel (AKA sparrow hawk) eating breakfast which was -- mercifully, I suppose -- from a supply of already-killed, frozen baby mice. Memories of my days working at a wildlife rehabilitation center came flooding back as I saw this scene.
This dude is one colossal catfish -- you have to see it to believe it!
The man who founded this place more than a century ago was a naturalist and his collections remain on display today. It's truly amazing to see what kinds -- and sizes! -- of crrepy crawlers, critters, swimmers, and flitters roamed the North Shore before we humans had our way with this area.
Ayize and Brianna get engrossed in an art project.
The glorious greenhouse.
The boardwalk.
The view from the boardwalk.
Glenview's The Grove is an absolutely amazing place to take kids. Start outdoors, with some trail-walking and animal-sighting. Ramble along the boardwalk that takes you over a beautiful, bird-filled, body of water with half-submerged branches that reflect as if in a mirror. Check out the guinea hens and find some of their crazy-cool spotted feathers lying around the chicken coop. Make your way to an old-fashioned cabin and build your own small version using giant Lincoln Logs. Then move indoors and prepare yourself for an amazing animal adventure. The Grove's Interpretive Center is unlike any other place in this area -- you'll be amazed at what you'll find inside. The adjacent greenhouse is pretty cool, too. Parking, trails, and admission to the buildings are always free. The center also runs several fun programs aimed at young kids, including campfire singalongs and nighttime nature walks, but nominal fees apply for those. Click here for a complete listing of events.
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CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDENS
The beautifully-landscaped Japanese Islands, accessible only by stone and wood bridges. (Look closely to see the big blue heron!)
One of four gorgeous, huge, greenhouses. Besides looking and smelling heavenly, they provide a welcome refuge from inclement weather and the exhaustion that accompanies long walks on summer heat wave days.
Ayize and his pal Garbo take on the Dwarf Conifer Garden, a child's delight of stony steps and meandering pathways.
The Carillon Bell Tower on Evening Island, as seen from the popular picnic spot across the water.
A typical Carillon Bell Tower Concert outing for us. Ayize is simultaneously eating, grinning, dancing and clapping. Meanwhile, the song being played on the bell tower was some sort of somber classical piece. LOL
Keep an eye on the Calendar of Events as the summer progresses, and you'll catch some really great free events. This is a sampling of the Japanese Festival, usually held in July or August (if memory serves). The taiko drumming troupe is amazing, as are the food samplings, crafts (Ayize and his cousins made beautiful paper fans, which was a lot of fun), and bonsai displays.
The Model Railroad Garden must be seen to be truly believed. So much painstaking detail. (And sooooo much fun for train-crazy little boys!)
Everybody leans in for an up-close look at the baby ducklings, the resident swan family, the gigantic carp, and the spotted sunfish who swarm about when they see lurking humans, in hopes of finding food.
The fountain in the Rose Garden. Whoops! No touching allowed...but somehow, three kids under the age of 8 (who shall remain nameless) always seem to have a hard time following this rule, especially on a blazing hot afternoon in late August.
Jolly trolleys! You can spend a few bucks and ride the real thing (there are several different Garden tours to choose from) or you can avoid the hassle of holding a wiggly toddler in your lap for an hour and just a hop a free "ride" whenever you pass a parked one, as we do.
These wonderful, winding, wooden boardwalks meander through a lovely, carp-filled, lotus pond.
Cool off by the waterfall garden.
The Garden Cafe offers up some great grub -- good-tasting and healthy, too -- for hungry mamas and kiddos who have worked up an appetite walking through the Garden. A bit pricey, so pack a picnic lunch and save -- but it's nice to have this spot in your back pocket for days when you come unprepared.The Chicago Botanic Gardens is only about a twenty-minute drive from Evanston, but you'll feel like you've transported to a totally different universe. A really peaceful planet. One with lots of green, growing things and fun stuff for kids to do. Besides all the paths and places to explore -- from the neat bridges and bonsai trees of the Japanese Islands to the lush, verdant tropical greenhouses to the rocky climbing paths of the dwarf conifer garden -- there are lots of special events aimed at kids. All summer long, on Monday evenings, tours of the giant Carillon Bell Tower (they let you try your hand at the bells) start at 5:30 p.m. and a concert follows at 7. People bring picnic dinners and eat them on the lawn, listening to the music as the sun sets (some are even known to clap and dance LOL! See photo above). Across the water, lights twinkle to life on Evening Island at dusk during the concert -- very beautiful to behold. There are also many ongoing family drop-in activities, including fun stuff to do for the wee ones in the vegetable garden; Japanese Garden Family Sundays where they tell classic folktales and organize a kid's craft; Dancin Sprouts -- live children's music, dinner-picnicking, and a toddler dance party all rolled into one -- on the Esplanade (click here for a list of this summer's DS bands); and of course, the ever-popular Model Railroad Garden (Ayize's personal fave).
Admission to the Gardens is free but parking will cost you $20. To avoid that fee, head over to your local branch library and check out a Museum Adventure Pass that will qualify you for a day of free parking (limit one car). Other options: you can come by bike (lots of fun, and highly recommended); drive and park residentially nearby; or take the Metra and connect with an inexpensive and fun trolley to the Garden grounds. For driving directions and a list of transportation alternatives to avoid the parking fee, click here.
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MORTON ARBORETUM
Wooden rope bridges abound and one five-bridge-extravaganza goes spectacularly high among the great pines.
Admittedly, some (the ones without wooden walkways) are trickier than others! LOL
Get lost in the giant hedge maze (there's a toddler-sized one for the little guys).
A cool kid's area that resembles giant tree roots; this play structure alone features ramps, slides, kid-sized rocking chairs for those who find their way to that top shelter, interactive water ramps (foreground), a small pond with a stone path around it (not pictured)...
...and even this underground hidey-hole which leads to a secret ladder to the top shelter.
More wooden walkways take you out to a cute toddler-sized playhouse; there are more on the ground (look in the background, at left) and even a funny little "doghouse" that all the kids like to climb in and out of.
Another large play structure with fun "bubble" windows, ramps, and lots of interactive areas built into it; very adventuresome older kids often climb the two "tree" sculptures as well.
All over the Children's Garden (you can also take a tram or your car out to see six much more intricate ones scattered around the rest of the arboretum) are cute, fun, funny, little animal habitats for the kids to explore.
Inside the acorn, you will find...my little nut!
Bring a spare outfit because there are myriad ways to cool off on a hot day and all of them are fun for the kids...but not all of them are fun for their clothes!
This wooden path goes over a lily pond where tadpoles are raised every year; you just might see pods of the little swimmers yourself (or better yet, their grown-up counterparts -- the frogs). Keep a sharp eye out for the beaver dam and you just might spot the fake beaver hidden there. Off to the left (not pictured), there's a super-fun wooden path that wends its way through the pond. Kids are not allowed to swim in the water but they always have fun picking their way along the path.
And just a bit further down, their patience is rewarded by a long, winding, cool stream filled with more giant stones to make their way across -- but here, wading is allowed! (Well, at the very least, not actively discouraged! LOL)The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is a bit of a hike, close to an hour away (directions can be found here), but soooooo worth the effort! The Children’s Garden alone takes hours to properly see and play in; it’s basically ten fantastic, huge, nature-meets-playground areas that are all connected -- and that's only the kiddo portion of the arboretum. Truly just a mind-blowing place that you have to experience to fully understand. Ayize and I have come here five times and every visit has been filled with additional discoveries. Another perk: they have a very affordable café with great food on-site, and a Starbucks (for the drive home after what will surely have been an exhausting -- though awesome -- outing). Click here for fees and hours and take note that Wednesdays are also discounted admission days. Oaklee's Guide often has a coupon for one free child's admission (childen under 2 are free). Better yet, use your library card to check out a Macy's Museum Adventure Pass from your local branch library which allows for two free admissions to the arboretum.
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FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL
Taking the train downtown is half the fun.
Inside the giant Family Fun Tent.
Shana rocks out while the kids maraca-raca-rock-out.
Story hour follows, with big books read aloud from the Big Red Chair.
Strolling to the Pritzker Pavilion, always a pleasant spot for a picnic lunch.
Free concerts daily at noon. Bonus points if you can hit a reggae jam!
Da Bean. I mean, Da Cloud. Er, Gate.
Hello there...
...whoa!
Downtown Chicago's Millennium Park plays host to the Target-sponsored Family Fun Festival all summer long starting on Wednesday, June 9 and ending on September 3. Take the el downtown and look for the giant white Family Fun Tent located on Millennium Park's Chase Promenade North -- you can't miss it. Instructors from the Old Town School of Folk Music's Wiggleworms kiddie classes play instruments and lead everyone in singing and simple movement each morning at 10, followed by a story hour at 11. And between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. there are always a variety of other projects, crafts and activities taking place throughout the tent. I can't stop myself from inserting a special plug here for Wiggleworms teachers Diana Laffey and Shana Harvey, who are the absolute best -- aim for their days if at all possible. I promise you will not be disappointed! Admission to the Family Fun Festival is free and well worth the adventure of getting downtown with a toddler in tow. Pack sunscreen and ramble over to the Pritzker Pavilion to hear free, live tunes every day at noon in the behemoth, outdoor auditorium. Wander just a bit further and watch your kids be mesmerized by Cloud Gate. Pack a swim diaper and wander just a wee bit more towards the colossal Crown Fountain (follow the 50-foot-tall spitting faces) and cool off in the most fun manner imaginable. Finally, head home on the el and collapse into bed to take a nap with your kids. You deserve it after your day, Mama!
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TOUCH-A-TRUCK
Bus driver for a day.
The paddy wagon...
...and a pair of future cops. (Or jailbirds?? Wait, guys, you're getting in the wrong end of the truck!)
Well, his legs almost reached the pedals!
Checking out the cherry-picker from up close.
I'm fairly certain that sitting in this scooper was not allowed...but he really wanted to get up there and suss it out.The Lincolnwood Town Center mall's parking lot will play host to a wonderful, free, super-fun event called Touch-A-Truck on September 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. Kids get to sit in the driver and passenger seats of every kind of truck and cool machine imaginable. It's aimed at kids 2 and over, but believe me when I tell you that a 92-year-old "kid" could have fun here. In fact, it's so fun that it tends to be a bit overly-popular! Be forewarned that lines can get a little long (pack some snacks and little toys just in case), but it's well worth it for so much free fun.
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OLD ORCHARD TRAIN RIDES
Skokie's Westfield Old Orchard shopping mall is running indoor and outdoor train rides for kids all summer long.
We were running errands one morning and trying to beat the 97-degree heat and humidity, so we popped into the mall food court for a ride, since I required air conditioning assistance to prevent an imminent fainting episode after a long morning in the sun. And then we got a wonderful surprise...the indoor train ride is actually a Thomas the Tank Engine train! Ayize's eyes lit up and he fell all over himself handing his ticket to the "conductor". Note that the prices on the link above are out-of-date -- the ride isn't cheap by any stretch of the imagination, at $2.50 for a two-minute ride (or save by buying 4 tickets for $8), but great to know as a back-pocket treat for Ayize for special occasions. Anyway, clearly he had a blast!
This is a nice preview to our "real" Thomas the Tank Engine ride, coming up in August, when we head to Union, Illinois to spend A Day Out with Thomas!
The train circles this cute little farm scene. After the ride, Ayize leaped from the train car and ran to the horse. He started grabbing velcro carrots from the steel bucket and attaching them all over the horse, declaring that he was "helping" it. I had to hop the fence to retrieve him, much to my embarrassment!
I highly recommend waiting to ride until you an be first in line; that way, your kid is sure to score the coveted first car -- the actual Thomas portion of this three-train-car ride -- and the only one with this awesome, hand-operated bell.
The outdoor train supposedly runs daily, though we are now oh-for-two on two attempts -- despite our standing in front of a sign that even claimed it was currently running! I was perplexed.
But my dear friend Nyika is proof positive that it does indeed run, as she and her girls have enjoyed it several times now. Ayize and I just have bad luck, I guess! The ride starts and ends just outside The Picture People -- but don't step inside to ask about it, as I did, because I got a nasty reception from the gal at the front desk and a long, practiced spiel about how the store is unrelated to the ride, and she knows nothing about it, doesn't answer any questions about it, and no, she does not know whether or not it's running today, because she's been way too busy with her myriad customers (despite the deserted appearance of TPP) to notice. Mmmm-kay. Remind me to take my photo business somewhere else!
Anyhow -- no official link found as of yet but check out this Yelp review -- the reviewer says the ride runs almost ten minutes. A bit pricey at $3 per rider, but for that length -- five times as long as the indoor ride -- probably well worth it, if you have a train-crazed kid on your hands!
Check out the engineer taking tickets -- awesome!
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BROOKFIELD ZOO
Brookfield Zoo, with its amazing children's areas, plethora of animals, and fantastic animal enclosures, is well worth the 45-minute drive, especially because you can check out two free admission passes at your local Evanston library using your library card. Remember, too, that kids under three are always free. If you choose to park on-site, it will run you nine bucks, but if you want to be mega-thrifty, follow these directions and you can park for free about three blocks away. Go a step further and pack a lunch and a bottle of water -- and you've just had an amazing day without ever once opening your wallet. Woo hoo! I'm all for that.
Dumbo!
The Living Coast is an awesome mini-aquarium.
Fence-climbing is almost as fun as animal-watching.
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LINCOLN PARK ZOO
Lincoln Park Zoo always has something amazing going on for kids, like their farm story hours, and perpetual, unique, awesome, themed events (next week is life-sized Lego fun) -- and best of all, the zoo is always free to enter! -- but do keep in mind that parking fees are stiff, running between $17 and $30, depending on the length of your visit. Ouch! Your best bets are to take public transportation (scroll to the bottom of this link), or hunt down public parking residentially in the neighborhood, paying close attention to permits and other parking restriction signs. Otherwise, you're in for a serious headache!
Careful -- they spit!
Eagerly anticipating the appearance of the resident sea lion.
Nothing like a day at the zoo with friends!
A trip on the Zoo Train caps off an amazing day!
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PART 2: INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Free & cheap destinations for a stormy summer day, or when you need an AC-infused indoor activity to rejuvenate your heat-fried brain.
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JUMP ZONE
Flying down the pirate ship at a terrific speed.
Climbing up the fire truck.
The land before time.
The alligator slide AKA the mother of all inflatable slides. A couple stories high...but still not tall enough to deter my little adventurer.
And back up he goes... The younger set sometimes need a little help getting up the steeper slide ladders, like this one, at least initially. A good workout for moms! LOL
The only place in the world where you can bounce around between Batman's legs.
Jump Zone, on Howard in Niles (about a ten-minute drive from Evanston), is essentially a huge room filled with inflatable slides and bouncy houses. They have an Open Play time daily so check the schedule to see which days have what time slots. Aim for the restricted playtimes (ages 2 to 7 only) if you have a wee one that you don't want being mowed down by much bigger kids -- we usually go Monday and Tuesday mornings, which seem to be the least busy. And avoid weekends unless you're absolutely desperate; they get a little wonky because of all the concurrent birthday parties. Also -- prepare yourself for a serious workout. AC notwithstanding, you will be HOT unless your kid will do slides alone, so dress you and your kiddo to sweat! Sandals-wearers, don't forget to pack your socks, they are required wear for all participants. For those with young siblings, there's a really nice toddler play area enclosed off from the action by three walls. (Caregivers can even enjoy CNN on an overhead TV while they sit with their wee ones LOL -- not sure what that's all about!) Cost is $8 per child (you heard that right! You, the adult, get to play for FREE!)
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PUMP IT UP
Only halfway up!
Ayize likes climbing unassisted (even though it takes twice as long). Luckily, any falls are well-cushioned by the bouncy bottom.
The glorious conclusion of the giant obstacle course.
Bouncy tunnels to navigate.
Trying to stick his velcro flag as high as possible on the Pump It Up wall.
Pump It Up is in Glenview and about a twenty-minute drive from Evanston. It's essentially the same as Jump Zone, with the same amount of equipment, except their stuff is spread out between two rooms, and a bit more slide-oriented. They have a Pre-K Pop-in Playtime every weekday (ages 2 through 6) though the time slot (morning, afternoon, or evening) varies by day; in our experience, mornings (Tuesdays and Fridays) seem to be the least-crowded time slots. They also have a climbing wall which is, of course, off limits during Pop-In Playtime but still fun for the toddlers to try to "climb". There are a handful of ride-on toys for younger sibs but not nearly as much baby stuff as at JZ and no separate section either. Still, Pump It Up is tons of fun for the over-two set. Socks are required here, too, and the cost is also $8 per child (adults play for free). The Oaklee's Guide often carries a $2 off coupon, so check before going.
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EXPLORITORIUM
Dinos to ride.
Lots of ride-on toys to scoot around on.
Look up to see the tubes and tunnels that snake around a few stories up. Make your way up, if you can figure out the maze...
When you're done, you can climb back down...or take the express route to the bottom instead -- two twisty, super-tall, mega-fast, very fun tube slides.
A small indoor playground.
Two computer stations (and eight computers total) with plenty of toddler-friendly games and giant keyboards.
The water play area (Paul Frank raincoats provided as a courtesy).
The ever-popular Thomas the Tank Engine train table.
Skokie's Exploritorium closed in January for a massive renovation and is set to re-open sometime in early June. It's hard to imagine that they could make it any more fun (I didn't even have space to show the Lego area, the illuminated Colorform table, the art project area, the reading corner, or the fun, kid-sized furniture), especially given their very-affordable prices. Wee babes can spend some time on the sidelines in an assortment of Exersaucers and Jumperoos while older sibs play. Socks are required to play in the tubes and tunnels. Kids under 2 are free; admission runs between $2 and $6 for the rest of us, depending on residency status and age. Click here for a complete guide to admission fees.
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SPLASH LANDINGS
The king presiding over his domain. Note the awesome airplanes hanging overhead. (And no, I did not intend for this photo to look like Ayize had giant chopsticks stuck in his hair like a geisha 'do.)
A large, spacious locker room with plenty of sink space, toilets and showers.
A central water-dousing area controlled by four steering wheels that all the boys love.
Little fountain sprays shoot out along one side of the pool.
The spray station, where the kids like to "wash" their toys.
Mommies like the big water slide...
...and babies prefer the little one, shaped like an old naval plane.
Taking turns drying their hair.
Glenview's Splash Landings (about a twenty-minute drive from Evanston) is an awesome indoor destination with a zero-depth pool, sprays and fountains galore, two waterslides, and a constant water temperature of 80 degrees. In addition to the main pool, there's also an olympic-sized lap pool with the widest lane open for general use. Ayize loves riding piggyback and making me do water-jogging laps up and down this lane, which is good for my health and fun for him. There are kickboards and noodles poolside, too -- fun to play with, but keep in mind that they're only allowed in the lap pool. Two other important items of note: towels are not provided in the locker room, so bring your own. Also, locker keys are not provided. I've never locked my stuff in the twenty-odd times I've been there, and have yet to encounter anything missing, but if you're worried, come prepared. Family swim hours vary depending on the day of the week, so check the schedule (see link above). Admission is $6 per person; children under 2 swim for free. Head's up that the Oaklee's Guide often offers a two-for-one admission coupon.
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EVANSTON LIBRARY: MAIN BRANCH
Storytime in the Garden Gates area. We just happened to be playing with Brianna at the library one Saturday morning when the Purple Crayon Players (a drama troupe from Northwestern) showed up to give a performance. Unfortunately for them, they neglected to advertise, so the two kids were the entire audience.
Playing with the baby dolls in the padded infant area.
Playgroup was held at the library one chilly day, and by the time it was over, three of our seven attendees (including my angelic -- ha! -- offspring) had been kicked out. Not sure why exactly...
...but maybe this had something to do with it LOL!
The main branch of the Evanston Public Library has an awesome kids' area that consumes most of the first floor and includes a padded baby play space; several arts and crafts tables; a benched space with a shape-sorting table and plenty of blocks and toys; and a large open area with seating, toy animals, cardboard bricks, an elevated lookout, and a colorform wall. The only downside of this library, as I've recently discovered firsthand, is that a few of the librarians are quite strict about noise and activity level and will kick you out for what sometimes seems like arbitrary reasons. I don't know if it was always this way and our kids just crossed some kind of invisible age line, or if they've recently made actual policy changes. And admittedly, our "gang" can get a bit rambunctious at times, though no more so than any gathering of two- and three-year-olds. All I can tell you is I've lost some of the enjoyment and relaxation I used to experience there and now find myself tensing up every time Ayize acts up. Still...it remains a really great resource and a wonderful place to play with friends on a foul-weather day. There are always a number of free programs held here, including Weekend Family Films. A drop-in storytime for preschoolers is also held every Wednesday morning from 10:30 to 11 in the Garden Gates area of the children's section, and the reader is none other than our beloved Mr. Brian. Click here for a complete calendar listing of events.
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EVANSTON LIBRARY: NORTH BRANCH
Aunt Akari helps Ayize select some books.
Kai and Kayla sit in "the big chair" at the North Branch's Boo Bash, an annual fun-filled Halloween party for local kids.
Kai and the giant giraffe.
Aunt Akari helps Ayize select some books.
Kai and Kayla sit in "the big chair" at the North Branch's Boo Bash, an annual fun-filled Halloween party for local kids.
The crafting table, always a busy spot.
Evanston's North Branch Library is one of two wonderful extensions of the main branch. I have come here since I was a kid and will be absolutely heartbroken if it closes. They have a small assortment of toys for kids, a wonderful selection of board books that can be enjoyed in their giant easy chair with room for two, and a craft table with various art project supplies. It's also my stubborn opinion that the librarians here are the nicest you will find anywhere, hand's down. Take note that on Saturday, June 5 at 2 p.m. there will be the first of two free storytelling/hand puppet puppet presentations by the acclaimed Marilyn Price. She'll be doing a full-on fundraiser for the library later in the month but since this is just a "warm-up" for her, the presentation is free!
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EVANSTON LIBRARY: SOUTH BRANCH
Kai and the giant giraffe.
The kids go to town making a giant train track maze at the South Branch's Thomas the Tank Night, an annual fun-filled event celebrating all things train.
Evanston's South Branch Library is the second of two wonderful extensions of the main branch. They have a great assortment of toys for kids, including some goofy, bouncy bean bag seats, and a huge selection of children's books. They also have a craft table with lots of art supplies and some toy trains and tracks for the kids to play with. Take note that on Thursday, June 10 at 6:30 p.m. there will be the second of two free storytelling/hand puppet presentations by the acclaimed Marilyn Price. She'll be doing a full-on fundraiser for the library later in the month but since this is just a "warm-up" for her, the presentation is free!
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WILMETTE LIBRARY
The entrance to the children's section is a delightful fairy tale mural.
Ayize and Luke lounging in the toddler seating. Just give them some beers and turn on the game and they'll be all set.
Brianna rides the dragon. 
Kayla and Ayize sort through the rhyming sandbags after finishing a game of giant checkers (in the background).
All the kids enjoy the alphabet of puppets.
Ayize is all about the big dollhouse.
The Wilmette Public Library is a really fun play place for the younger set. They have tons of toys, kiddie computers, games, hand puppets, cool seating, and a fantastic children's literature section. They also have some of the best book recommendations around -- ask for just about anything your kid is into and you will receive a pre-printed list a mile long. The library hosts a number of super fun free events for kids, all of which are on this calendar, including the very-cool Stories in the Park which are held on two Monday afternoons of each summer month from 4 to 4:30 p.m. They rotate through a series of fun Wilmette parks, and the first one will take place on Monday, June 14th at one of our favorite playgrounds, Maple Park.
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SKOKIE LIBRARY
The library is fronted by a large plaza, great for summer picnics. The centerpiece of it is this Holocaust memorial statue.
Ayize tries his hand at giant chess, and in the background, you can see the entrance to the arts and crafts room.
Kai puts on a play on the mini-stage with the abundant supply of puppets provided.
How high can he go??
Cooking in the kitchen with Kayla.
The many working vehicles attached to various tracks on this table always keep the kids captivated for long spells.The award-winning Skokie Public Library is definitely the most kid-friendly of all the area libraries. The design is such that the children's area is a good distance from the rest of the building and the librarians rarely harass you or throw you out if your kids get noisy or rambunctious. Additionally, they provide such a plethora of entertaining stuff that the little guys rarely get bored enough to act out (there's plenty more that my photos don't show: puzzles, a read-aloud book machine, a beautiful aquarium, a kiddie computer station, a beanbag chill-out corner, a headphone-equipped music-listening area, a fake fireplace that fascinates the kids, a pre-teen loft that resembles a malt shoppe...and more). A number of free storytimes and other kid-friendly events, most of which do not require registration, take place all summer long. For a complete calendar, click here. Also, stop by Old Orchard's food court between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on three Saturdays -- June 5, July 3, and August 7 -- for Kidoodles, an hour of Skokie Library-sponsored fun. It's free and aimed at ages 2 to 6.
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And finally, a roll call of fun indoor activities in the city, taken from last winter's list:
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has suggested donation days -- i.e. free, or at the very least, cheap -- on Thursdays. Tons of fun indoor exhibits and area for kids to explore and play, including their famous butterfly haven.
The Adler Planetarium, a truly amazing experience, where free days abound; see the Charter One Community Discount Days here to find out which days have free admission -- special attractions are usually discounted on those days as well.
The Shedd Aquarium has many Ford Community Discount Days here, when admission is free and special attractions are discounted.
The Museum of Science & Industry is so mind-boggling, I always think Little Man will have a mental meltdown. The hatching chicks, the toy factory, the dress made of lights, the White House in stunning miniature, the amazing robots, the international Christmas trees, and above all -- THE TRAINS -- were out of this world! Community Discount Days abound, and can be found here, but be aware you'll still have to shell out $16 per car for parking.
The Field Museum offers free admission both on Target Free Second Mondays and on 52 other Community Discount Days -- check out both here.
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Okay, guys. I'm sure I'm missing a bunch, but this is the best I can do before we're off to Portland for my brother's wedding (hooray!), so hopefully it suffices. Have a wonderful, fun-filled summer and hope to see you all around town!
Yay! Makes me so excited for summer! We miss you guys!!!! Hope we can get some fun playtime in when you return :)
ReplyDeletexoxo, ash, luke and olivia
dudette, we are SOOOO excited too! we totally miss you guys, hope everyone is happy & healthy -- we missed you at the park on tuesday, and i had some crazy snacks, too, so i'll save the last bag for lukey, hee hee! and YES we totally have to hang soon, i am having ash/lukey/livvy withdrawal!!!! we'll be back next saturday! talk to you soon, mama! big hugs!!
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