Cantigny Park
add photosLocated in Wheaton, Ill., this sprawling, 500-acre park is where families wander through nature, get lost in history, play golf at an award-winning course, attend a big band concert, tag monarch butterflies, make a snow globe, take classes, introduce children to the age-old custom of afternoon tea, attend a wide variety of special programs and events --in short, spend quality time together.
Hours:
Feb: Fri-Sun, 9am to Sunset*
Mar-Apr: 9am to Sunset*
May-Oct: 7am to Sunset*
Nov-Dec: 9am to Sunset*
3 Reviews for Cantigny Park
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'12
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"Affordable fun with photo ops!"
The Nitty Gritty: We went here on a Saturday morning In June. There was no admission, only a $5 fee per car to park.
The fun: I had heard great things about this Park, so when I saw there was a free concert by Jeanie B we decided to make the trek to Wheaton. The area is huge! In addition to the gardens, there are 2 museums, and even real tanks.
Son's fav moment: Being free to walk/run around the huge area.
Parent's fav moment: Taking tons of photos and watching my son master the art of running up hills
Bottom Line: we would definitely come here again, even if there wasn't a concert that day. They have tons of events going and would like to check it out.
Tip: Bring a camera and comfortable shoes! Have a picnic on the grounds.
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"Cantigny offers learning and fun"
I first heard of Cantigny reading Chicago Parent magazine's listing of events. The Revolutionary War Re-enactment caught my attention since we (as homeschoolers) are studying it this year. And it was free-- just $5 to park. So I packed a picnic and the kids and we drove over an hour to get there. We were NOT disappointed!
The re-enactment was really educational for the kids, who got to meet Benjamin Franklin, try writing with a goose feather quill, witness a chicken roasting over an open fire, cheer for the soldiers in the battle and see a replica of the Liberty Bell.
Then we explored the Tank Garden-- yes, it's a garden of tanks for the kids to climb on. And climb they did! They wanted to check out every last one! We went into the First Division Museum (also free), and explored a bit before I realized it was way over their heads. I also didn't want to explain about all those wars yet, so I told them we would come back when they are older.
We met up with friends who showed us the Idea Garden and the Rose Garden. There was so much to this place!! My kids loved exploring the Idea Garden, which is meant for kids. From the website: "Sparkling with color, designed for the amateur gardener in all of us, the Idea Garden inspires creativity and seeks to educate. This one-acre garden includes four sections: an herb garden, a children’s garden, a sensory garden, and a Walk Through the Seasons garden." The kids were challenged to find different plants, smell different scents and even taste certain edible leaves (of which they really enjoyed the stevia plant).
Cantigny hosts weddings, and we saw at least 4 bridal parties the day we were there. It's so odd to see brides with tanks!
There are many events held at Cantigny throughout the year, such as a fall festival, a Lego train show, concerts, and runs.
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"Notable Landmarks "
One of the more notable landmarks in Wheaton is this 500-acre estate of the late Colonel R. R. McCormick, former editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. You can stroll through 10 acres of landscaped gardens and have a picnic on the grounds. Sometimes you can catch a musical concert at the gazebo.
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