We got to know Flying High when our children started taking classes there but we love the open gym times and all the other events/workshops they provide. They're a great spot for a high energy birthday party and offer weekend open gym times, too. Check out their website or give them a call to find out about other fun events -- dropoff nights, overnights, seasonal parties, and mini camps.

We're on the Great Pool Tour this summer -- trying to check out all the pools and splash pads we can.

We visited Smalley Pool in Elmhurst last weekend and had a great time. They have nice shower rooms and a super clean pool area.

The pool is really built for families, too. There's an area for small kids with sprays, water bikes, fountains, etc. Then there's a large area for swimmers, a diving board, and a nice slide. On the pool deck, there are lots of chairs and shaded areas. Nearby, there's even a sand area to play in!

Daily rates:
Resident Youth (3-15 yrs.) $5.00
Resident Adults (16-64 yrs.) $6.00
Resident Senior Adults (65 yrs. & up) $4.00
Nonresident Youth (4-15 yrs.) $7.00
Nonresidents (16 yrs. & Up) $9.00

This is an indoor playplace on a smaller scale that's geared toward the younger set. It's a nice combo -- offering a coffee/snack area, play area, and art space.

There's one inflatable for jumping in, a climbing/swinging obstacle course, a few other play structures for climbing and sliding, and a separate area for the crawling set.

They do birthday parties, too but we head there for playtime when it's too hot/cold/rainy to go outside. It's always a hit!

OPEN PLAY HOURS
M/W/Th/F - 9 a.m to 6 p.m.
T - 9 a.m. 8 p.m.
Sat/Sun - 9 to noon

Pricing
$7.50/ child over the age of 1
$5.00 / child for crawlers under the age of 1
Infants and parents are free

A cute little toy store with lots of unique, sturdy toys. Toys, craft items, dress up supplies... you can find it all here. They're a little pricier than some toy stores but it's a different level of quality, too.

Besides the cool toy selection, this store also has lots of baby wrap/sling options, and they're a Charlie's Soap supplier. A great spot to check out!

Chinatown is a great spot to explore on a sunny afternoon. The little shops are filled with interesting baubles and trinkets -- bento box supplies, parasols, fans, etc.

You can also check out the different restaurants and bakeries -- try bubble tea, dim sum, some of the filled rolls and DEFINITELY peruse the sweet shops! We usually try to pick up a few different varieties of Pocky and rice snacks. Most of the people in the sweet shops will offer you a taste of something so if you're curious, ask them!

Our kids love exploring Chinatown and giving new food a try!