Nitty Gritty: The Safety Park is actually located outside the Pat Shepherd Center, a preschool in Schaumburg. There are other options besides a train party. You can opt to have a jeep party, LEGO party, or bike party instead. You can also decide to go with one of their party packages which include cake, goody bags, games, a safety lesson and more. Or you can just rent the facility for two hours.

The fun: The main reason for choosing Safety Park is their 18 passenger trackless train that loops around a really cute mini town. Not only do they have that, but there is a train structure to climb, play on and a playground located on the grounds. My son loved everything about the park! Our train conductor/party host was exceptional! They were so accommodating with our requests and was very helpful with making the party run smoothly.

Bottom Line: If you have a lil one obsessed with trains, this is a really unique and fun way to celebrate a birthday!! I would give them 10 stars if I could!

It was just a matter of time before we visited this much talked about and awarded Musum.
The Nitty Gritty: We went here on a Friday in May. Admission is $7 each person 1 and over. Since we were part of the ASTC membership we paid nothing. If you're going to the next door Burpee Museum, you receive a $1 off admission. There are no places to buy food, but there is a cafeteria. If you are looking for food, ask the front desk for a list of suggested restaurants around the area. It is very stroller friendly even the outside play area. They have a quiet spot room located upstairs by the water area for nursing. Parking is free and plentiful.

The fun:The main attraction is the Rock River Discovery Park. It is a perfect example of a playground mixed with science.You'll also find a water area, a maze, a Dino dig area where kids can pretend to look for fossils. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the structure was stroller friendly as well. If the weather cooperates, there are quite a few places with picnic tables.

We spent the majority of our time on the second floor in the Tot Spot area where there is a train structure and table, another water area, play house, ball maze, and lots more
I had to pull away my husband away from the Team Up! section where you're able to see how fast you pitch a ball, and can even play virtual reality sports games.

Son's favorite moment: Playing on the train structure and playing with the water outside

Parent's favorite moment: Testing the speed of our pitch and the outdoor science center

Bottom Line: Would definitely come here again especially if there was an event going on. I would like to check out the Bubble Festival in March.

Tip: You can take a "tunnel" to the adjacent Burpee Museum. It's free as well if you have the ASTC Membership.

Nitty Gritty: We went to the downtown Bartlett location where it is conveniently located next to the Metra station. There is plenty of parking (both in front of the restaurant and back) and the restaurant prides itself on having all seating by the train tracks. It is a very nice sized diner.

The fun: We were here on a Sunday afternoon around 4 p.m. The restaurant was basically ours and my son immediately was excited to see the train coming around the track. Our server was very friendly especially towards the birthday boy.

They have typical diner food, and one thing to note is that all of their burgers and hotdogs are from grass fed beef with no added hormones or preservatives. The burgers and the shakes were very good.

Since it was my son's birthday, they played a birthday song on the speakers and the train brought him the cupcake with a train whistle on top. He loved it!!

Bottom Line: My son had a blast and we will be sure to come visit again. Maybe even have a birthday party here.

Tip: Be sure to sign up for the kids club. On your kid's birthday, you will be sent a postcard for a free meal and cupcake.

The Nitty Gritty: The fee was $8/child if you pre-register and $9/child at the door. Adults and children under 1 are free. Doors open at 9am for Pre-registered children and can take a picture with the Easter Bunny.

The fun: Where to start? There are tons of things to do - Indoors there were carnival games,balloon artists, crafts, bouncy house, inflatable slide, and of course pictures with the bunny. The line was super long for the Easter bunny - we waited about 45 minutes. But you get a picture printed for you and they will even take a picture with your camera. Outdoors you could go on a pony ride, ride their mini train or participate in the Easter Egg hunt at Safety Park. (love this park)


Son's fav moment: Playing inside the train structure at Safety Park.

Parent's fav moment: Having a lot to activities to choose from.

Bottom Line: Definitely would come again, but definitely come at 9am when doors open to see the Easter Bunny.

Tip: Pre-register!

The Nitty Gritty: We went here on the Saturday before Easter with my 23 month old and 3.5 month year old in April. There was no fee but donations are accepted.

The fun: The Waterman & Western Railroad is located in Waterman, Illinois close by DeKalb. The train is actually 1/3 scale miniature railroad train on train tracks that loops around a mile around the park. Out of all the mini trains we've been on this was the first one with actual train signals that worked everytime the train came around. The wait wasn't terribly long, so we were able to take in a few rides.It was a nice ride that went around the park and through a tunnel. There is also a nice sized playground that we didn't get to experience, but seemed to be enjoyed by all the kids.

Afterwards, you could take a picture with the Easter bunny. If you didn't bring your camera, they had a photographer that could print it for you.

Son's fav moment: Seeing and hearing the train signals and riding the train

Parent's fav moment: Enjoying the train ride, and the working train signals

Bottom Line: This was quite a trek, but if you are in the area and the train is running (open for certain days only)II would definitely stop on by. I hear they have a Pumpkin Train event and also a Holiday Lights Event.

Tip: Bring a lunch because there are plenty of picnic tables around. There is also a little concession stand available. Though it wasn't open, Honey Hill Orchards is also close by.