Finding free and cheap entertainment in Chicago's suburbs

Here are just some of the many wonderful activities you can enjoy with your children cheaply!
Find coupons on Oaklee's Guide (in print and online), Chicago Parent Magazine (online), and on the websites of each place. Memberships are also valuable resources in saving money. Read more about the Boonshoft membership on my blog, www.BargainsRock.com. It explains how you can get reciprocal admission to 100s of science museums, zoos and aquariums, and children's museums around the country for one low annual fee. This one is the best deal I've found!

1. Chicago Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, Illinois

reviewed on: October 13 2009

"Explore and enjoy nature!"

This is a wonderful place to spend a day with inquisitive kids. There is a train garden which has wonderful details to enjoy, as well as a sensory garden, which encourages children to touch and smell!
My children had a great time the last two times we visited.
Admission is free but there is a fee to park ($20 a car but free for members).

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2. My Jump Place

1600 North Milwaukee Avenue
Lake Villa, Illinois

reviewed on: October 13 2009

"Rainy day fun!"

This bounce-house place is smaller than others but has plenty of fun to offer for kids. The open jump times are on the website.
Need an incentive to go here over another jump place? There is a sibling discount and a free open jump on your child's birthday! Additionally, children are offered a free balloon when leaving, as well as free popcorn. It's nice.

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3. Kohl Children's Museum

2100 Patriot Boulevard
Glenview, Illinois

reviewed on: October 13 2009

"Great place to spend a day!"

There's not much more to say about this place-- the other reviewers have said a lot about the wonderful exhibits, the interactive play and the hands-on learning.
My kids could play all day and never get bored here! On a nice day, there is an outdoor playland to explore called Habitat Park. It has been expanded since the last time we were there.
There are fabulous temporary exhibits as well-- always exciting for my kids!
One fun way to get there is by taking Metra Milwaukee District North Line (get off at North Glenview). Kids under 7 are free, and kids ages 7-11 are half price. The museum is a half-mile walk from the train station. It's a straight shot to the museum, an enjoyable walk. The museum has a shopping plaza nearby (The Glen: Tower Center) for your enjoyment, including dining options like Noodles & Company (www.theglentowncenter.com).

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4. Lake County Discovery Museum

27277 N Forest Preserve Rd
Wauconda, Illinois

reviewed on: October 13 2009

"Local learning and some hands-on fun!"

This museum has added a new exhibit that we haven't had a chance to visit yet "Animal Architects." It goes through February 21, 2010. The website says kids can crawl through a beaver lodge, try building a nest, and look at live insects building homes together.
Tuesdays are discount days where kids get in free and adults are just $3. That's when I'd recommend going, as I don't feel it's worth the regular admission price (though the website does offer a $1 off coupon if Tuesdays don't work for you).
If it's a nice day, you can enjoy a picnic at the adjacent Lakewood Forest Preserve.

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5. Rink Side Sports

6152 W Grand Ave
Gurnee, Illinois

reviewed on: October 13 2009

"Lots to keep the kids busy!"

This place will keep the kids happy, as long as the tokens don't run out! My son visited here with a summer camp, when he got his first taste of laser tag. Rink Side often runs specials so check on that first!
Ice skating is also available, though we have not done it ourselves yet.

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