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Parent Source Serving Kane County

DAY TRIPPIN’ IN MADISON, WI with Families on the Fox

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Spring 2020 Resource Guide For Parents

MY ADVISOR & PLANNER SHARES TIPS For insuring a stable furture for you family

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3090 W. Main St. • St. Charles, IL 866.222.0269 • EverbrookAcademy.com 2 | SPRING 202O | PARENT SOURCE This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Everbrook Academy, a Learning Care Group School. ©2020 Learning Care Group, Inc. GEA52 SM-CL1753264

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what’s

INSIDE 4

How family game night can boost skills for kids

6 Simple steps to help students explore trade careers 7

Start meal planning with simple tips from the pros

9

Springtime fun at Starved Rock Lodge

11 Spring cleaning for spring allergies:

6 steps from the experts 18 7 tips for long road trips with kids ADVERTISER INDEX EVERBROOK ACADEMY.........................................2 EVERBROOK ACADEMY.........................................5 COLOR ME MINE GENEVA.....................................5 AMERICAN SCIENCE & SURPLUS.........................8 STARVED ROCK LODGE.........................................9

AUSTINS VIOLIN SHOP........................................ 12 WAUBONSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE............. 13 MY ADVISOR & PLANNER LLC............................ 14 MY ADVISOR & PLANNER LLC............................ 15 MILL RACE CYCLERY............................................ 17 FLIP FAMILY HAIR CARE....................................... 17 RIVER CORRIDOR FOUNDATION OF ST........... 19 CHRIST COMMUNITY CHURCH.......................... 20

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DESIGNER Teresa Spence tspence@shawmedia.com

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(BPT) - Feeling disconnected from members of your own family lately? You’re not alone - a 2018 study by 72 Point for Visit Anaheim found that 60% of parents with kids between 4 and 18 described their daily lives as “hectic.” The survey also found that today’s families only spend about 37 minutes of quality time together per weekday. Between digital distractions and our often over-scheduled lives, even sitting down for dinner together can feel like a miracle to pull off, especially as children head toward the tween and teen years.

What’s a solution? Gather around the table together for a good old-fashioned family game night. Even if you start out monthly, chances are it will soon be popular enough to enjoy more often. Putting your family’s game night on the calendar will ensure everyone keeps their schedules clear for a night of fun - and connection - together.

Today’s games provide a range of choices to suit any age, interests or gaming styles, so there’s something for every family to explore and enjoy together. Kids can learn important lessons about sportsmanship and fair play, develop communication and collaboration skills, increase their fine motor, logic and strategic thinking abilities - and have a blast doing it.

Here are some examples of how games can boost specific skills, while also providing plenty of giggles and excitement.

1) TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE, QUICK THINKING AND CREATIVITY A game that’s always up-to-date, kNOW! uses the latest technology to help test the brain power of three to six players, ages 10 and up. Games go beyond trivia - there are also puzzles such as identifying a sound provided by Google Assistant, or creating a question to ask Google Assistant to prompt it

How family game night can boost skills for kids

to say a provided word or phrase. This fast-moving game provides constantly changing questions depending on where and when you play.

2) ENJOY THE WICKED SIDE OF STRATEGY

For a fun twist on everyone’s favorite movies, Disney Villainous: Evil Comes Prepared allows two to six players age 12 and up to choose a sinister character to play: Scar from “The Lion King,” Ratigan from “The Great Mouse Detective,” or Yzma from “The Emperor’s New Groove.” Players put strategy and logic to the test to achieve their own diabolical goals - and stop other villains from completing their own dastardly objectives. Games like Disney Villainous can be expanded and played with other characters in the series. Players can choose from a treasure trove of villains including Maleficent, the Queen of Hearts, Ursula and more.

3) CREATE SUSPENSE WHILE WORKING COOPERATIVELY JAWS brings the classic movie and infamous shark to life in your very own living room. In this asymmetric, two-act board game, one player takes the role of the shark while others take on the parts of Chief Brody, Quint and Hooper and work together to defeat their toothy foe. For two to four players ages 12 and up, JAWS recreates the excitement and tension of the blockbuster film.

4) BOOST PROBLEM-SOLVING AND SMALL MOTOR SKILLS A brain-bending game for all generations, Invasion of the Cow Snatchers is an introduction to playing games at different levels of skill while challenging players as they learn how to follow directions and maneuver their flying saucer around obstacles.

Though designed to be a one-player game, others can join in on the fun too by collaborating to solve puzzles and taking turns being the magnetic “UFO.” Schedule a family game night and turn that 37 minutes into an entire hour or more! Enjoy hanging out together, and reconnecting as a family.

For more games and puzzles to enjoy, visit Ravensburger.com.

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Everbrook Academy ® 3090 W MAIN ST. | ST. CHARLES, IL 60175 (866) 222-0269 WWW.EVERBROOKACADEMY.COM Everbrook Academy® in St. Charles is a 21st century preschool, with a STEAM curriculum, offering integrated, hands-on learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math. Their programs ensure children are ready for school and ready for life. Elective opportunities, such as Spanish and yoga, are available, while quarterly enrichment programs—in art, culinary, world cultures, and more—expand each child’s horizons. Plus, our Grow Fit® initiative meets the needs of growing children through fitness and nutrition, including menus featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, organic milk, and vegetarian selections. Located on Main St. just west of Randall Road, enroll now in Preschool, Pre-K and School Age. To schedule a tour, call 866.222.0269 or visit EverbrookAcademy.com

Color Me Mine Geneva

1306 COMMONS DRIVE | GENEVA 630-262-9000 | WWW.GENEVA.COLORMEMINE.COM Color Me Mine is a locally, veteran-owned, paint-yourown ceramics studio. The studio glazes and fires all of the ceramic pieces in its on-site kilns. Color Me Mine Geneva is a walk-in studio with no reservations needed.

The studio also hosts everything from birthday parties, team buildings, and wedding showers to office/holiday parties and more, with monthly events for kids and adults. Color Me Mine Geneva offers Summer Camp classes Tuesday - Wednesday from June thru August.

Check out our events calendar at geneva.colormemine. com/calendar/. Making memories for all! *Mention this article for $5 off your first visit!

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Simple steps to help students explore trade careers (BPT) - With nationwide student loan debt over $1 trillion and many college graduates with four-year degrees struggling to find employment to make ends meet, younger generations are starting to consider the benefits of a career in the trades.

Parents are taking note as well because in many communities the demand for qualified trade professionals far outweighs the supply, meaning people who are trained and ready to work are in high demand in the construction, automotive, manufacturing and other industries.

How high is demand exactly? Three out of four contractors expect to keep adding workers in 2020, according to a survey by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Even more respondents found it difficult to fill positions in 2019, and a majority anticipate it will be as hard or harder to do so in 2020.

The skilled labor shortage is a concern for many companies, but an opportunity for students. For example, better than average employment is projected in the building trades at least through 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. People becoming electricians, plumbers, brick masons and more should experience ample employment opportunities.

“You can get proper training for many trades through a two-year vocational college, certificate program or even apprenticeship,” says Joe Apolloni, Senior Vice President

of Retail at Northern Tool + Equipment. “Compared to many four-year degrees, the overall cost is less to pursue trade careers and many people are hired immediately after graduation at respectable salaries.”

Parents and caregivers can help their children learn more about a possible career in the trades, while many companies, like Northern Tool + Equipment, are also supporting the cause by donating equipment and expertise to trade schools and their students to encourage and empower students to pursue a career in the trades.

To spark your child’s curiosity and help them take the first steps toward a trades career, Apolloni recommends these steps:

◆ Talk it out From wind turbine technicians to welders to elevator mechanics and beyond, there are hundreds of trades and many have been transformed significantly over the past decade due to technological advances. Start by having a conversation with your student about their interests, their desires for the future and which trades might be a good fit for them. Your support and guidance in narrowing down options will make a big impact.

◆ Sign up for electives or extracurricular programs Ask about school opportunities related to the trades.

Many middle and high schools offer elective courses and after-school activities introducing a variety of trade skills.

Set up a time to meet with the school counselor and ask questions about these types of classes. Sign up for any that spark an interest.

◆ Find a mentor or community volunteer opportunity Having someone a young person can look up to is an amazing way to support their career exploration. Many schools and communities offer mentoring programs that could help your child learn more about a potential trade and make some valuable connections. If no such program exists, consider volunteer opportunities nearby.

If they can assist others in their profession of interest as a volunteer experience, it not only makes a difference, it’s a notable addition to their resume.

◆ Attend local college fairs Finally, college fairs can help any student learn more about trades and opportunities nearby. College reps are wonderful at answering questions and guiding students toward a study path that will lead them to a meaningful career.

“So many trade jobs are just waiting to be filled by the next generation of construction workers, manufacturers, welders, auto mechanics and more,” says Apolloni. “It’s a really exciting time to be involved in the trades.”

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Start meal planning with simple tips from the pros

(BPT) - Have you heard about meal planning and thought it sounded like a great idea, but think it’s just too complicated for you to tackle? The truth is it’s easier than you think if you know a few tips and tricks from the experts.

“Meal planning saves money, cuts stress, reduces food waste and encourages family time, all while putting nutritious foods on the table,” says registered dietitian Sally Kuzemchak. “It can seem overwhelming to start, but if you follow a few simple strategies, you’ll be meal planning like a pro in no time and enjoying all the benefits.”

Kuzemchak is currently helping with Mission for Nutrition by philanthropically-based organization Produce for Kids. This effort encourages healthy eating habits for everyone, including nutritious foods for families of all shapes and sizes. She offers these simple meal planning tips so you can get started today:

it’s ready for quick meals such as tacos or topping a salad.

Focus on the effective: Is there one meal you struggle with more than others? Maybe breakfasts are consistently chaotic or you know you work late every Tuesday and it’s tough to get dinner on the table. Select a meal you can make ahead for those times to feel the immediate benefits of meal planning. You’ll be proud your family is fed a nutritious meal and enjoy less stress.

Simplify shopping: To avoid overbuying as well as food spoiling, think about your meal planning before you head to the grocery store. Focus recipe selections on in-season ingredients to get the best flavor at the lowest prices.

Double favorites: No need to try complicated new recipes when beginning to meal prep. If you know your family loves a recipe, double it and eat one that day and freeze one for next week. As you expand your cooking, keep a list of family favorites that you can easily double Start slow: When you first try meal planning, start with for future meal rotations. one step you’re comfortable with and grow from there as you gain confidence. For example, try chopping up a Use time-saving tools: Appliances like a slow cooker week’s worth of produce so you’re ready for snacking and food processor are great for whipping up dishes and cooking. Or, buy bulk chicken and cook it all up so in no time. Having plenty of storage containers is key

as well. From freezer bags and glassware to plastic containers with separate sections, these tools will save you time and make meal planning simpler.

Freeze smart: For freezer meals, use resealable freezer-friendly plastic bags for sauces and raw ingredients that can be thawed and used later.

Aluminum pans are good for freezing whole meals like casseroles. Remember to always label and date items and keep a running list of what is in the freezer for easy reference.

Make it family fun: Kids love to help cook, and when they assist in the preparing of foods, they are more likely to try new flavors. Invite kids into the kitchen to help meal prep to hone their cooking skills. Youngsters can help wash produce and stir mixes while older kids can assist in reading recipes and measuring ingredients.

Looking for recipe inspiration to kick off your meal planning efforts? With just a few minutes of preparation, this delicious meal cooks all day in the slow cooker so you can come home to a tasty meal the whole family will love. For more recipe ideas and meal planning insight, visit www.produceforkids.com/mission-fornutrition.

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Slow Cooker Chicken and Tomatoes Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs 2 small RealSweet sweet onions, sliced 1 pint Nature Fresh Farms TOMZ cherry tomatoes 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce 3 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 package Eat Smart sweet kale salad

Directions: Place chicken, onions and tomatoes in slow cooker.

Whisk garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil and pepper in small bowl. Pour over chicken.

Cover slow cooker and cook on high 4 hours or low 6-8 hours.

Once done cooking, you can shred the chicken or leave as-is. It’s great to serve over rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice for a delicious dinner. To add a little more flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon over top!

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PHOTOS AND STORY SUBMITTED BY Kathy Casstevens/Starved Rock Lodge

Imagine Spring Break at Starved Rock Lodge As a parent, Spring Break can stretch out before you as a daunting challenge.

Well, we here at Starved Rock Lodge are here to help! Developing a diverse calendar of activities for your children (and you!) to enjoy has been a blast for our Activities Department and we can’t wait for you to see what we have in store!

Located in the heart of Starved Rock State Park near Utica, IL, Starved Rock Lodge offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, bar, café and gift shop under one roof.

Children’s menus are available for all meals while board games and DVDs can be checked out at the Front Desk. Reconnect with nature while enjoying amenities like free WiFi, the best of both worlds!

Lodge. This quintessential hike will give your children a memory of this National Historic Landmark that lasts a lifetime. Further east you can explore Ottawa, Kaskaskia and Illinois Canyons along with Council Overhang. Or, why not make it a Megahike and see all of our canyons over the days you are here?

Introduce your family to the wonders of Starved Rock and keep them entertained indoors at the same time. The great thing about kids is that all of them are different: Bookworms! Athletes! Artists! Introverts! Extroverts! And with differing personalities, come differing interests. Children’s Activity Boxes are available at the Activities Office upon request at no charge. They’re filled with about an hour’s worth of fun things to do. We will also be offering something for everyone, from group hikes, to art projects, to pool games. We hope to keep your family engaged and enthusiastic all Spring Break long!

Guests also enjoy an indoor pool, a shallow-depth toddler pool, a hot tub and two saunas. All of this is just minutes away from more than 13 miles of hiking trails which lead to amazing, seasonal waterfalls. A hike along the trails on the west side will take you to Aurora and St Louis Canyon, with opportunities to view Make your reservations today at www.starvedrocklodge.com or Kickapoo and Sac Canyons as well! It only takes about an hour to walk from the Lodge to the top of Starved Rock then in and out of French Canyon and back to the call (815) 667-4211.

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Spring cleaning for spring allergies:

6 steps from the experts

(BPT) - As days grow longer and new blooms appear, it can only mean one thing: Spring is here and with it comes the task of spring cleaning.

For people with allergies, spring cleaning does more than spruce up a home. When done correctly, it removes dust, mold, dander and other allergy triggers so you can feel your best.

“There are specific things you can do while cleaning that can dramatically improve allergy symptoms,” says Dr. J. Allen Meadows, allergist and president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. “When you spring clean to remove allergens, you can breathe easier plus enjoy a sparkling home.”

Meadows and the experts at ACAAI recommend these steps when cleaning for allergies. Before you begin, keep in mind that when you clean you come in contact with many allergens. You may want to take allergy medication beforehand and if your allergy is severe, consider wearing an N95 filter mask while dusting or scrubbing.

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♦ Step 1: Dust thoroughly Dust all surfaces in your home with a damp rag or microfiber cloth made for cleaning. Avoid using any kind of duster that simply kicks dust into the air.

Additionally, clean vents and return registers to limit dust recirculating and finish by wet mopping tile and other hard flooring. Don’t neglect the area under the beds, which can get dusty and should be cleaned often. Eliminating dust helps your home shine and also removes some of the most notorious indoor allergy triggers.

♦ Step 2: Clean carpets Start by moving all furniture off the carpet. Then vacuum well with a cyclonic vacuum, which spins dust and dirt away from the floor, or a vacuum with a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. Meadows does not advise shampooing carpet, because it can cause dust mite eggs to hatch. If you are using diluted bleach and water solution for spot treatments or to kill mold, make sure someone other than the allergy sufferer does the cleaning because bleach can trigger asthma.

♦ Step 3: Clean window treatments Window treatments

like curtains and valances can be a magnet for dust and pollen yet are often ignored when it comes to cleaning. This spring, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and wash or dry clean window treatments.

Remember, opening windows allows pollen and other allergens into your home, so during peak allergy season keep them closed, and whenever possible, use air conditioning in your car and home.

♦ Step 4: Wash bedding Wash sheets, pillowcases and blankets in water that is at least 130 degrees F. This temperature kills dust mites and effectively removes allergens. If bedding can’t be washed at this hot temperature, place items in the dryer for at least 15 minutes at 130 degrees or above. For children with allergies, do the same with their stuffed animals.

♦ Step 5: Replace air filters At the start of every season change the air filter in your furnace. This helps the HVAC system run efficiently while also filtering out air particles -including allergens - to keep your home’s air as clean as possible. Consider setting an alarm for every three months as a reminder and use filters with a MERV rating of 11 or 12.

This is also a good time to clean the drip pans in appliances like the refrigerator.

♦ Step 6. Control humidity Bathrooms, basements and tiled spaces are prone to mold, so spring is a good time to deep clean. A bleach cleaner works well to eliminate mold or make your own by mixing borax and water. Next, help prevent mold from developing through moisture control. Always run bathroom fans when bathing or showering, clean up any standing water immediately and use a dehumidifier if needed to keep humidity below 60%.

“Spring cleaning is a great step in allergy control,” says Meadows. “However, if you continue to suffer from allergy or asthma symptoms, see a board-certified allergist to help you control your symptoms and live the life you want. You can find an allergist near you at acaai.org/locate-an-allergist.”

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Summer camps offered June 1 - July 31 for ages 4 - 14 in technology, theatre, science, arts, languages and more!

waubonsee.edu/yep

Waubonsee does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability in its programs or activities. Inquiries regarding this policy may be directed to: Michele Needham, Title IX/ADA and Section 504 Coordinator, Route 47 at Waubonsee Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554, compliance@waubonsee.edu.

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

eing a young, expecting parent is such an exciting time! There are so many things to prepare for and they seem to all be additional demands on top of an already busy life. Thinking back at that stage of life I laugh at the incredible focus we put on the preparation of the room our newborn would be coming home to. Partially driven by hormones, partially by the excitement of it all, that room became a bit of an obsession.

As is often the case, focusing on a tangible task can be much easier than an intangible one even if the intangible is much more important. As important as the nursery is, of greater importance is getting your ďŹ nancial house in order as you prepare for the responsibilities of brining a new, precious life into the world. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

INSURING A STABLE FUTURE FOR YOUR FAMILY HEALTH INSURANCE: Start thinking about health insurance long before the baby arrives. Find out about copays, deductibles, and premiums before you start going to doctor’s appointments and having diagnostic tests done. You’ll also need to determine how much of the delivery costs are covered as well as the baby’s coverage after it’s born. Babies are usually covered under their mother’s insurance for a period of time following the birth, but make sure you add the baby within 30 days, or else you may have to wait until the next open enrollment period.

LIFE INSURANCE: Now that you have a child depending on you, you’ll need insurance to provide for your family if your income is lost. You should also take out a life insurance policy for your spouse even if he or she stays at home to care for the child— take into account the value of a stay-at-home parent’s services and how much it would cost to pay someone else to do it.

Consult your ďŹ nancial advisor to help determine both the amount of insurance your family will need as well as the type you should purchase. There are pros and cons to both term and permanent insurance and for many a combination of the two is the best ďŹ t.

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DISABILITY INSURANCE: During your prime income earning years, you’re much more likely to suffer a debilitating accident or disease than you are to die. This makes disability insurance equally important to ensure your family’s financial well-being. Your employee benefits may provide some disability protection but often not at the level you would actually need necessitating supplemental coverage.

INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS If you are like I was, the realization that another life depends on you financially can be overwhelming. Your goals and investing strategy will probably need to change when you become a parent, but not necessarily in the ways you’re expecting.

BE REALISTIC: It may not be possible to continue to invest as much while budgeting for the new expenses that come with being a new parent so it is important to be realistic. Try not to focus all of your money and attention on baby spending, and don’t ignore your long-term savings goals completely. Your first priority will have to be day-to-day spending and budgeting, followed by your retirement savings. When these two goals are being met, you can add your child’s college education as a third priority.

EDUCATIONAL SAVINGS: Its tempting to put your child’s education fund first. There’s nothing wrong with putting your children first, but abandoning your investing goals in favor of a child’s education is actually not putting the child first—if you retire with nothing, your child will be left supporting aging parents, which can be much more difficult than funding a fouryear degree.

That said, investing in your child’s education early in life is a good idea if you can afford it. Compound interest can be just as magical for your child’s college savings as for your retirement account. Consult your financial advisor to review options and to develop a strategy.

Because the Unexpected Happens…

Despite careful preparation we found ourselves scrambling when our kids were born. Due to complications neither was carried to term with Mary arriving at 4 lbs. 10 oz. and Jack at only 1 lb. 8 oz.

Thankfully we were able to focus on their care without distraction as we had our financial house in order and both have grown up to be fine adults. Hoping that the ideas shared here are helpful as you travel down the exciting road of parenthood and we welcome your call if we can be of service.

This material is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified attorney, tax advisor or plan provider.

FILE# 2462400.1

 Tom McCartney is the Founding Principal of My Advisor & Planner and a registered representative and investment advisory representative with M Securities. Investments in securities involve risks, including the possible loss of principal. My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

McCartney and his team can be reached at info@mapyourfuture.net or 630-457-4068.

Photo by Indre Cantero

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through M Holdings Securities, Inc. (Member FINRA/SIPC).

My Advisor & Planner is independently owned and operated.

File #0709-2018

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Day Trippin’ in Madison, WI with Families on the Fox

Two hours in the car, a full tank of gas, a picnic lunch, and three kids in the backseat means one thing… we’re DAY TRIPPIN’!

Madison, Wisconsin, we’re coming for you!

I’m all about an adventure on a budget and this trip is JUST that! Our day started at 8AM when we left our house.

Yes, this sounds early, but our sweet daughters never quite understood the concept of “sleeping in”, hence the reason our adventures tend to start at the buttcrack of dawn. We wanted to be home by dinnertime, so we gave ourselves six hours in the city of Madison.

We only got to do three of those things, so make sure to visit: www. familiesonthefox.com/post/daytrippin-in-madison-wi to see the others I discovered in case YOU have time for more or have already done the things we did.

TOTAL COST OF ADVENTURE: $46.80 (Seriously, I kid you not!!!)

With Chrissy Somers, www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com STOP 1 + 2: Henry Vilas Zoo + the beach of Lake Wingra

COST: FREE (though donations to the zoo are suggested and welcomed)!

HOURS: Daily, 9:30am - 5pm ADDRESS: 702 South Randall Avenue, Madison, WI 53715 This zoo is one of the coolest and most diverse of the small zoos that I have had the pleasure of visiting. Your proximity to both the exotic and native animals is AMAZING! My daughters especially loved how close they got to the giraffes and rhino!

You can follow any path around the zoo to check out the wide array of animals and exhibits, but I would suggest saving the Children’s Zoo for LAST as your kids will likely burn through their energy like a gambler with a $20 bill in her pocket. We spent lots of time by the giraffe enclosure because the male giraffe was hanging out RIGHT in front of the girls; he probably could have reached his neck down and licked them if he wanted to.

Towards the center of the zoo, there are two covered pavilions with several metal picnic tables for eating. Two

snack shops are there as well if you want snacks, drinks, slushies, or ice cream. We all could have gone for a slushy due to the oppressive heat, but because I was determined to leave the zoo without spending a dime (other than the $10 donation we made), I resorted to being a ‘mean mommy’ and gave my kids an orange from our picnic basket. #SorryNotSorry Once you get to the Children’s Zoo area, there is a large, fully enclosed treehouse-themed play park that the kiddos could spend HOURS in! Because it was hotter than sin when we went, my girls hit their play limit about 30 minutes in.

Just behind the play park, you will find goats that you can pet and feed through the fence in their enclosure (goat feed can be purchased for a small fee). Gibbons sit outside the treehouse play park and provide musical entertainment with their alarm-like howling. It caused many of the kids to break out in laughter (there’s almost nothing sweeter than hearing 30+ kids crack up together). There is an enclosed building that houses a large carousel next to the play park entrance.

The carousel will take you and your

darlings on a 3-minute ride for $2 per rider. Adults need to pay $2 as well if you are accompanying your babes.

Don’t miss the slightly hidden exhibits in the Children’s Zoo area with the red panda, meerkats, South American porcupines, and tortoises!

When you decide to leave the Children’s Zoo area, head south (it will look like you are exiting the zoo, because, well, you are). This will take you to the FREE PUBLIC BEACH of Lake Wingra. There are two to four lifeguards on duty during the day.

Because I was completely unaware of this beach’s (A) existence, and (B) proximity to the zoo, I did not bring swimsuits. It will be an ABSOLUTE MUST anytime we visit Madison in the future, though!

STOP 3: The Madison Children’s Museum

COST: $7.95 per person 2 years or older (1 and under are FREE), seniors & grandparents $6.95 HOURS: Daily, 9:30am - 5pm ADDRESS: 100 North Hamilton Street, Madison, WI 53703

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STOP 4: The Capitol Building COST: FREE! HOURS: Weekdays 8am - 6pm, Weekends & Holidays, 8a - 4p Observation Deck Hours: Weekdays 9a - 5p, Saturdays 9a - 3:45p, and Sundays 12p - 3:45p ADDRESS: 2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53702 Just kitty corner from the museum’s entrance is the Capitol Building. We left the museum and walked the grounds of the Capitol before heading in one of its many entrances (handicap accessible entrances are clearly marked). If you would like to take a tour, you can schedule that ahead of time HERE, or you can ask to tag along with the next scheduled tour at the guest assistance desk (tours are given daily on the hour). We got to the building just before 4pm, so we raced to the observation deck before getting the boot at closing time.

There is an observation deck on the 6th floor of the Capitol Building that is open only between Memorial Day and Labor Day, accessed only by the west or northwest stairwells on the 4th floor. Again, gorgeous 360 degree views of the city from here!

You can see how Madison is flanked by two large lakes on either side: Lake Mendota and Lake Monona.

We bribed our girls with fruit snacks to leave the Observation Deck and head back down to the main floor. The altitude change in our descent must have been serious as it drastically impacted their mood and we KNEW it was time to go home.

Kids + a fun-filled day of adventuring in a new town = silent car ride home. #ParentingWin

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Children’s Museums are always easy entertainment spot for kiddos. Though small, the opportunity for kids to use their imagination was endless. We spent several hours here while the girls pretended to live on a farm, planting and harvesting crops on their land, moving bales of hay in a wheelbarrow, building stone walls, and milking a pretend cow.

There is a two-story play area with a water play room once you walk in, just past the ticket counter. Themed after a global village with two stick huts, kiddos can use their imagination as they climb, crawl, walk, or run through the “Wildernest�. The best part? It’s handicap accessible! It even features special times for visitors with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or Sensory Challenges to enjoy the exhibits in a modified environment.

Once you’ve explored the two floors of the museum, head to the rooftop, (A.K.A. the Rooftop Ramble) for MAGNIFICENT views of downtown Madison, the Capitol Building, and Lake Mendota. The gardens, little paths, and small patches of grass served as a tiny urban wonderland for the girls.

There is even a small building that houses turtles, snakes, lizards, homing pigeons, and chickens (and sometimes their chicks) for more discovery.

BONUS: There is a parking garage directly across the street on Pinckney and Dayton that is only $5/day on the weekend, Monday - Friday before 3pm is $2/half hour ($18 max), and Monday - Friday after 3pm is a $3 flat rate.

DOUBLE BONUS: You can bring a lunch and eat here too! There is a cafe at the entrance of the museum that you can buy food from or eat your own!

Chrissy Somers is the owner of Families on the Fox, a website that serves as a free resource to the Tri-City community. A daily events calendar, indoor fun resource guide, seasonal events, pre-planned date nights, adult fun outings, and more can be found when you visit www.FamiliesOnTheFox.com

Photo by Katie Kaltz Photography

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7

tips for long road trips with kids

(BPT) - Whether the length of your drive is three hours or 30 minutes, it can seem an eternity with a bored child in the car. A little planning will ensure your next road trip with one or more children will be happy and safe, no matter where you’re going.

Here’s how you and your kids can stay safe and enjoy the journey almost as much as the destination.

1. Factor in time for pit stops Don’t try to crush a several-hour driving marathon to get there quickly. Children need frequent breaks to use the restroom, have a healthy meal - and release their pent-up energy. Look for signs of restlessness and stop before kids get too out of sorts.

When you stop, find a safe spot where your kids can stretch their legs and run around a little. If they’re sluggish, organize a quick game of tag or catch, or encourage them to do a jumping-jack competition.

If frequent stops are making you later than expected, call ahead to let people know you’re off schedule. Better to take your time and arrive safe and happy.

2. Make sure kids stay buckled up, the whole time Help keep your kids safe by making sure your child is buckled up every time, for every ride. As older kids get restless, they may unbuckle themselves during a long drive. Make sure you’re checking periodically throughout the trip, not just when you first pull out of the driveway. After every rest stop or meal, ensure kids are buckled up before you head back on the road.

3. Bring games - and dust off your creativity Age-appropriate hand-held games and books can be good diversions for your children on long trips. Find audiobooks the whole family can listen to during the trip.

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Recall games you played during road trips with your parents. Did you spot license plates from different states? Say a certain word when you saw an animal or certain type of car? How about a game of I Spy? Start a guessing game like 20 Questions, or use yes-or-no questions to guess a famous person one of you thinks up. Stock up on knock-knock jokes or silly riddles to keep kids engaged with you and each other.

4. Keep kids under 13 in the back seat No matter how long your trip is, children under 13 should never sit up front, for their own safety. Car safety standards and features, like air bags, are developed and tested with adult bodies in mind. Air bags can be inflated at speeds of up to 200 to 400 mph, and because kids’ bodies are still developing, they are safest in the back seat.

Additionally, most crashes impact the front of the car, and the back seat is farthest from this impact.

5. Pack healthy snacks Make sure each child has a refillable water bottle for the journey, plus healthy snacks they enjoy, like fruit, cheese sticks or yogurt. Choose ageappropriate snacks that won’t be a choking hazard, so you can focus on the road.

6. Bundle up safely For the best protection in a car seat, your child’s harness should fit snugly. A bulky coat can create extra space between the child and their harness, increasing risk of injury in a crash. To keep your child safe and warm on the ride, dress your child in a lighter jacket and place a blanket over the harness if needed.

7. Before you go: Check that they’re in the right seat A car crash can happen anywhere, anytime - so the right car seat for your

children’s age and size is always important. Any upcoming road trip can be a good reminder to double-check that they’re in the right seat for their safety - and that it’s installed correctly.

Enter your child’s age, weight and height at NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat to check if they’re in the right seat. On the website you can also get installation tips and find a location near you where a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can help you check the seat’s installation.

Enjoy your road trip with the family using these tips, and you’ll all be safer and happier. Trips like these can be memorable for all the right reasons, and you and your kids may even have fun along the way.

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