out & about
S
pring is a beautiful and busy time of year. As soon as the first daffodil star ts poking through, we can’t wait to get outside. You will discover many seasonal activities to enjoy in this issue! Ottawa,The Middle of Everywhere
Come dip your toes where the Fox meets the Illinois, and lose yourself in a cave of salt. Take the paths of Presidents or blaze the trail with buffalo. Savor worldly cuisine or sample the local roots. Whether you’re traveling cross country to visit family or just a few miles to see an old friend, you will always arrive in the middle of everywhere. Find your new destination here: Ottawa Visitors Center. www.pickusottawail.com. 815-434-2737 [See our ad on Inside Front Cover.]
Colorful Cantigny Park
Spring at Cantigny in Wheaton is a special time, when the beautiful gardens come to life. Upcoming activities include parent-child classes, gardening workshops, lectures and concerts. Families will love the Easter Egg Hunt on April 4 and 5, and Kite Night on April 17. Cantigny’s gardens, museums and most special events are free admission and parking is only $5. Visit www.Cantigny.org for details and the full calendar of activities. Text PARK to 36000 for updates and offers.
The Forge: Lemont Quarries
The Forge: Lemont Quarries is a one-of-akind outdoor adventure park built on 300 acres of historic land in Lemont, IL. From ropes course, ziplines, and climbing walls, to 8 out & about
mountain biking, walking trails, and a designated kids activity zone, Lemont Quarries has something to exhilarate, educate, and entertain adventurers of all ages and abilities. Lemont Quarries is located at 14657 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439. To learn more, visit us at www.forgeparks.com.
Midwest Pond & Koi Society
The Midwest Pond & Koi Society, MPKS, are families with a common hobby: koi ponds, garden ponds, koi keeping, and plants. MPKS members range from the novice to experienced water gardener.The club has monthly meetings with topics about plants, ponds, and fish. Other activities include; auctions and a pond tour.You do not have to be a member to attend a meeting.Visit www.mpks.org for more information.
Aurora Downtown
Enjoy springtime in downtown Aurora. Visit family-friendly museums, stop by local coffee shops, and enjoy free events. Egg Hunt on the Island is a downtown-wide egg hunt from 1 to 3 p.m. on April 4. Experience art, music, and more at monthly First Fridays events with more than two dozen venues open plus free trolley rides. May 1 is the annual Food Truck Festival. Follow us on Facebook at Aurora Downtown. www.auroradowntown.org [See our ad on Inside Front Cover.]
Burpee Museum of Natural History
PaleoFest 2020:Weekend Adventures in a Prehistoric World is a dino-centric event this March 6-8, that provides a fun and educational experience for both adults and children! Scientists arrive from around the world to celebrate all things prehistoric. The museum transforms: special stations showcasing paleo research, family-friendly suburban family | subfam.com
lectures and workshops, PaleoArt workshops and the world famous research lectures. March 6: FREE student symposium. Saturday & Sunday March 7-8: Full PaleoFest Event. For more information, visit www. burpee.org
WhirlyBall Whether you’re planning your next date night, work outing or family gathering, WhirlyBall Naperville has you covered for non-stop fun! Choose from a variety of activities including WhirlyBall, LaserTag, HyperBowling and bowling. Enjoy delicious food, craft beer and signature cocktails at The Pivot Room, open for lunch and dinner daily. Reserve your space today! WHIRLYBALL NAPERVILLE, 3103 ODYSSEY CT, 630-9324800 [See our ad on Back Cover.] TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show
Spring into the NEW Decade brings buying opportunities at the TransWorld’s Jewelry, Fashion & Accessories Show coming to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL on April 23-26. Shop for yourself, your family, and friends for Spring into Summer products such as jewelry, fashion, accessories, gift, décor, beauty and gourmet items you can only find at a TransWorld’s JF&A Show. Get FREE gifts just for attending and buying at the show as well! KIDS DAY IS ON SUNDAY, APRIL 26th. Kids aged 9-16 can attend with an accompanying adult. Register kids on-site only and a $5 fee applies. They will receive a FREE gift from us as a thank you for being a future JF&A shopper. For complete details, visit: www.jfashow.com to register. March/April 2020
