YES! SAY family to fun

Map out a day of fun with children in charge

By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske

Parents, it’s time for a takeover. On a Yes Day, the children map out activities and parents can’t say no.

But before handing over all the power, it’s a good idea to set some terms like time, budget and geographic footprint. Fortunately, Kane County and its nearby communities have an abundance of opportunities for some great family fun. Here are a few ideas to inspire your family adventures.

Gametime

Families can spend an entire day or an hour or two at Funway in Batavia where the biggest question is what to do first with options that include arcade games, laser tag, bowling, bumper cars, a roller rink and an outdoor go-kart track. The business started in 1959 and was originally located in downtown Batavia before moving to its current location in the late 1960s with continual expansions and new attractions, explained Director of Events Jackie Sommerfeld. Her father, Bob Hansen, took over the business in the 1990s and today she and her brother help with the business.

“The fun part about working here is seeing people we grew up with coming with their kids,” Sommerfeld said.

The roller rink, which was added in the 1970s and remodeled through the years, is still just as popular and there are arcade games for all ages, she added.

After a morning of fun it’s time to refuel and why not have dessert first. Find plenty of delicious indulgences at Hey Sugar in downtown Geneva where owner Sarika Sing and her crew are always baking incredible treats like their cupcakes, English toffee and yes, even in the winter there’s ice cream. Parents can grab a coffee or tea or have some winter fun with their hot chocolate made from Belgium chocolates and topped with whip cream, marshmallows or even cotton candy.

Sing opened the shop in June 2020 and loves the shop’s large picture windows looking out over Third Street.

“I love downtown Geneva. It’s a quintessential little town,” Sing added. After dessert, don’t forget to have a real lunch, whether it’s a sandwich or something small to take away or sit down as a family and catch up over a plate of pancakes, burgers or pizza.

When was the last time you had a good book in your hands? Browse some of the titles at Town House Books in downtown St. Charles. This independent bookstore has stocking its shelves since 1974 and its knowledgeable staff can help everyone find a story they’ll enjoy.

For books and so much more, consider a stop at your local library to see what’s new. Families with younger children can enjoy a story time while tweens and teens will have fun in the digital labs and maker spaces. Kane County is home to some of the state’s best libraries including the recently renovated St. Charles Public Library and the very popular Gail Borden Public Library District’s Main Library in downtown Elgin. Check the website of your local library for an events calendar or drop in and see what’s new.

GET YOUR GREENS (SPACE)

Whether the sun is shining or there’s a fresh layer of snow on the ground, encourage your Yes Day participants to include some time in nature and check out one of the hundreds of parks, playgrounds and forest preserves in the area. Step away from screens and take some time walking along the Fox River. There are so many places to enjoy, whether seeking a walk under a canopy of trees, a place to walk your favorite four-legged friend or an active playground where children can climb and swing. To find a park with a little of all of these elements, nominate Pottawatomie Park near downtown St. Charles. And if you time your Yes Day during the warmer weather, enjoy a family challenge of mini golf at the 18-hole course or take a ride on one of the two Paddlewheel Riverboats for a new perspective of the Fox River.

Add Ice

For some up-close action, grab tickets to watch the Chicago Steel ice hockey at the Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva. The Chicago Steel hockey games are a family-friendly experience with fan favorites like autograph sessions and post-game skates with team members.

“It’s really a great family atmosphere,” said Rachel Greenstein, media relations coordinator for the Chicago Steel. “These players, they’re just as excited for the fans to be here.”

Greenstein knows hockey, having played herself as a teen and with the club team at University of Minnesota. Chicago Steel players are in their later teens, either finishing high school or taking time before starting their college career to continue developing their skills.

“These guys are the future of hockey, and we’ll likely see many of them on the national stage in the NHL,” Greenstein said. While the team is full of talent, its players are eager to connect with the community, Greenstein said, whether it’s taking part in the team’s Read with Rusty program to read to school children or chatting with fans after the game.

“They’re just a great group of guys and they love the community, and it is really reflected in the way they interact with the fans,” she said.

Most games are scheduled for Friday through Sunday and the calendar includes plenty of promotions from Princess Night to wiener dog races.

Whether your family’s Yes Day is filled with activities or maybe a few special events, enjoy carving out time together, a few delicious treats and great memories.