MOUNTAIN VIEW ADVENTURE CENTER

MINI-GOLF • BATTING CAGES • SKATE PARK at the Des Plaines Park District

Fun for all ages! Open daily. Our 18-hole adventure golf course is designed with a old-time mining theme, complete with creeks, bridges, waterfalls, and rock formations.

Mountain View Batting Cages. 6 cages! Choose baseball or softball, hi-arc, slow pitch and fast pitch.

Available for Groups, Fundraisers, and Birthdays! Group reservation forms and information are available on our webpage at dpparks.org, or email Dylan.Kuffell@dpparks.org for more info.

510 E. Algonquin Road • 847-391-5733

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kimberly blaKer rebecca Hastings cHeryl maguire saraH Walls

EVENTS EDITOR gina Hayes

PUBLISHER

Jim Wolf

CO-EDITORS sue Wolf

Jim Wolf

ART DIRECTION tim Devine cory ottenWess

ADVERTISING sue Wolf laura Zolper

CIRCULATION lou fracassi

Suburban Family Magazine and www.subfam.com target the Chicago suburban family consumer with valuable information on family activities, advice and resources.

Suburban Family is published bi-monthly by Jameson Publishing, Inc. and is distributed free to the public through quality locations in the Chicago suburbs. The full edition is online at subfam.com and chicagosuburbanfamily.com.

Unless otherwise noted all articles, formatting techniques, photographs, artwork, and ad designs printed herein are the sole property of Jameson Publishing, Inc. and may not be duplicated or reprinted without Jameson Publishing’s express written permission. Suburban Family and Jameson Publishing, Inc. are not responsible for typographical or production errors or the accuracy of information provided by advertisers. The sponsored ads and editorial do not necessarily express the views of Suburban Family Magazine and Jameson Publishing, Inc. Readers should verify advertised information with advertisers.

7 Hacks for Fun, Stress-Free Road Travel

By Kimberly Blaker

The vacation your family has been anxiously anticipating is almost here. The question is, are you prepared for the sibling squabbling, food and drink spills, umpteen rest stops, and being asked a hundred times or more, ‘are we there yet?’ With a little pre-planning, you can drastically reduce the hassles and turn your time on the road into a fun, family experience for all.

1. Restroom breaks. Immediately before heading out, have everyone go to the bathroom, whether they need to or not. Just before and while on the road, limit beverages, particularly caffeinated ones, to reduce the frequency of restroom stops.When you do have to stop for something, have everyone use the restroom again, and don’t accept anyone’s claim,“I don’t need to go.”

2. Reduce stops. Strategize where you choose to stop so you can cover all the bases at once. Fuel up, grab food and beverages, use the restroom, and go for a walk or play a game of tag so everyone can stretch and exercise.

3. Drive through the night. Kids typically sleep through the night on the road. So it’ll seem like they’ve reached your destination in the blink-of-aneye, which will reduce your overall stress. Parents can switch off driving while one another sleeps.

4. Snacks and drinks. Bring along a cooler and a variety of drinks and snacks to reduce pit stops. Breaking up the time with small meals and snacks will also help keep kids pacified. When packing snacks, include some nutritious ones like carrot sticks and apples. Also, keep in mind the messiness of particular types of foods.To reduce messes, avoid foods that melt, smear, and squish, such as chocolate, cupcakes, and yogurt.

5. Plan fun or scenic stops. Do some advance research to find a fun stop along the way, and build it into your vacation. Look for a state or national park, national monument, beach, kiddie fun-land, river walk, or water park.

6. Car entertainment. Before your trip, visit the library to pick out books, audiobooks, and music CDs. But don’t let the kids have the items until you’re on the road.That way, the kids will have fresh entertainment. Also, take along some car games, and print a list of games that don’t require pieces to play.

Some ideas to get you started include the license plate game. Have everyone write down the states of the license plates as they spot them. The person with the most states wins.

Also, try the “Would you rather?” game. Take turns asking everyone what their choice would be between two gross or unpleasant situations. For example, would you rather be trapped in a closet that’s crawling with hundreds of centipedes or eat a worm?

7. Screen time. While limiting kids’ daily screen time is a best practice, consider making an exception for your road trip. Depending on the length of your drive, it can be a challenge to keep kids amused for the duration despite all the other entertainment you bring along. Limit their screen time on the road by allowing them 30-minute cycles of screen time broken up by other activities.

This is the season you were dreaming about during those cold winter months. Don’t let your summer slip away this year. Make plans now so you and your family can do these can’t-miss fun activities.

Lake Park Golf Course & Marina

Des Plaines Park District

This sporty 18-hole, par-3 has beautiful greens and strategically placed bunkers, all set around picturesque Lake Opeka. At the north end of the beautiful 73-acre Lake Park, the marina offers paddle boat, kayak, and swan boat rentals, and special events all season. 1015 Howard Avenue, Des Plaines, IL. 847-391-5730. www.DPParks.org [See our ad on Page 3.]

Kane County Cougars

There’s something special for everyone at a Cougars game! Bring the entire family and join the best fans in baseball as the Kane County Cougars play their fifty game home schedule at beautiful Northwestern Medicine Field in Geneva. Since 1991, the Cougars have been at the forefront of affordable family-fun, great food and fireworks. Every Cougars game is packed with exciting baseball action and between inning on-field events and contests. Select games feature post-game fireworks and free pregame concerts in the music garden. And, the youngsters will love the Cougar’s Kid Zone. Visit KCCOUGARS.COM for more information or call 630-232-8811.

Naper Nights Concert

Naper Settlement’s Naper Nights Concert Series is back on July 14-15 and August 1819! Rock out with your community as you eat, drink, dance, and hear the nation’s best tribute bands perform music from your favorite artists including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Neil Young, Taylor Swift, and more! To learn more and purchase tickets, please visit www.NaperNights.org.

Preserving The Dream

Mountain View Adventure Center

Des Plaines Park District

Open daily, our 18-hole mini-golf course is fun for all ages! Practice your swing at our 6 batting cages. Skate Park for boards, bikes and blades. Group reservations are available. 510 E. Algonquin Road, Des Plaines, IL. 847391-5733. www.DPParks.org [See our ad on Page 3.]

Air Classics Museums of Aviation

CHICAGOLAND’S LARGEST AVIATION MUSEUM

It is our mission to chronicle and preserve the critical role aviation has played throughout history and share this valuable information to the public through our unique exhibits and educational programs. Our collection includes aircraft, engines, uniforms and other aviation memorabilia from the 1930s to the present time. (630)466-0888

Explore up close the history of military aviation from the 1930’s to the present. Our outdoor airpark is the home to eleven aircraft including veterans of Vietnam and the Gulf War. The indoor exhibits include aviation memorabilia including aircraft engines, historical displays and a full-size interactive mockup of an Airbus A320 cockpit. A gift shop is on the premises. The museum is open Saturday & Sunday from 10:00AM to 3:00PM. Located at 44W546 W. US Rt. 30 Sugar Grove, just west of the Aurora Airport entrance. For more information, please call 630 466 0888 or visit www.airclassicsmuseum.org.

Summer Vibes in Naperville

Naperville’s restaurant lineup is packed with options for summer fun, great eats, and over 50 restaurants with outdoor patios. Find quick bites or gourmet fare while enjoying the weather, maybe even with your four-legged friends. Cool off with frozen treats like classic favorites, over-the-top shakes, local dairy creations, or rolled ice cream. Embrace summer traditions, dine alfresco in style, and indulge your sweet tooth with lively choices in Naperville! Check out DineNaperville.com for more information.

Experience 1 Day in Lemont 4 Ways

Time Out Magazine voted Lemont one of the best day trips from Chicago. We’d love to have you stay awhile, but if you only have a day, we’ve put together four itineraries for friends, families, and adventurers alike. These itineraries allow you to design your trip based on your interests–with recommendations for the best places to explore, shop, and dine.Visit www.lemontdowntown.com/1day-4ways to plan your trip!

Those who love live concerts will want to come to Music in the Plaza, and classic car aficionados won’t want to miss Cruise Nights. Add in the Block Party and the Independence Day Celebration in July, the Farmers Market on Saturdays, and the ongoing Benches on the Avenue. Summer fun is a sure thing here in Tinley Park! www.TinleyPark.org/SpecialEvents

Naper Settlement

Naper Settlement is a family-friendly outdoor history museum featuring 13 acres of learning and interactive opportunities for all ages. Visitors are immersed in history as they learn about the past and how it relates to the present, from pioneer times to today! Take a tour, explore our exhibits, and even try activities and chores from the past with our living history demonstrations. No two days are the same at Naper Settlement! Start planning your visit at NaperSettlement.org/Visit.

Ready for a SWEET event?

Celebrate National S’mores Day with Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana! Join us on August 12 for our S’mores Day Fun Run & Walk! After the run and walk, stay for more marshmallow-themed activities and delicious treats. Can’t make the Fun Run & Walk? No problem! Families can choose to participate in both events or just one at Camp Greene Wood. Don’t miss out on the fun, register your family today! www.girlscoutsgcnwi. org (See our ad on p. 51) ter Slide! Buy tickets online and SAVE visit www.santasvillagedundee.com. [See our ad on Page 5.]

Cruise Nights in Wood Dale

Join us for music, food, vehicles, and fun! Enjoy Cruise Nights in Wood Dale that are free for spectators and participants. Events take place Mondays: 5-8pm: July 17 and August 21 from 5-8 p.m at Wood Dale Road and Commercial Street. For more information, visit www. wooddale.com.

2023 Live at White Pines Concert Series

farm established in the 1830s, exploring wellpreserved buildings and artifacts. Experience the serenity of picturesque landscapes, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. Engage in a range of activities, tours and educational programs including seasonal events that celebrate farm traditions. Rentals and party packages available. Visitors will leave inspired and connected to its timeless charm. 16W680 Old Grand Ave., Bensenville. www. BvilleParks.org/FischerFarm

Santa’s Village Amusement and Water Park

Discover exciting rides, slides, animal attractions and more at Santa’s Village Amusement and Water Park, the place for FUN. FAMILY. MEMORIES! Enjoy our BRAND NEW attractions for the 2023 season including the Farmer’s Fling, Pirate’s Revenge, Snowman Spinout and Spearmint Twist Wa -

This summer, residents and music enthusiasts will be treated to an exceptional selection of live performances, showcasing different musical genres and talents. The concerts are FREE and will take place July 14 and August 18 at White Pines Golf Club, 500 W. Jefferson in Bensenville. www. BvilleParks.org

Fischer Farm

Embark on a captivating journey to Bensenville’s Fischer Farm, where history, nature and adventure converge. Open Dawn-Dusk Daily Explore the rich heritage of this family

Volo Museum

The world-famous Volo Museum has something rare and amazing for all ages! The highly anticipated Titanic Museum is now open! Check out full sized trains used in blockbuster movies and play mini golf in our brand new dino-themed golf course. Host your next party in our brand new party rooms with all-inclusive packages. Do you want to hang out at your house or spend the day exploring a giant dinosaur park, watching animatronic shows, playing vintage arcade games, riding retro kiddie rides, reliving your favorite movies through our movie cars, ride a full size carousel and tons more! Open daily Sun-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 10am-7pm. Visit www.volofun.com. 27582 Volo Village Road, Volo, IL. [See our ad on the Inside Back Cover.]

Plainfield River Tubing

Plainfield resident, Kris Most, invites everyone to enjoy the beautiful DuPage River this season. Plainfield River Tubing provides shuttle transportation and tube rentals for a carefree, relaxing experience. Afterward, visit the many shops, restaurants, and bars for a memorable, fun day. For more information and to book your float time visit: www. plainfieldrivertubing.com

Reed’s Canoe Trips

Reed’s Canoe and Kayak Trips are an ideal recreational activity for groups of any size, from a family adventure to large church, school, or park district outing with an adventure close to home. The three trips we offer range in length from approximately 2 hours to a full 6 hours on the water, and are suitable for either new or experienced canoeists. Since the Kankakee River is located only an hour south of Chicagoland, even our longest trip will fit into a one-day outing! 907 N. Indiana Ave, Rt. 50, Kankakee, IL Call for information or reservations: (815)WE CANOE or visit: www. reedscanoetrips.com

Astro Fun World

Astro Fun World is the most amazing time you’ll have in the galaxy! Offers indoor glow in the dark fun filled entertainment for all ages from kids to adults. Featuring Go Karts, VR Rides, Ropes Course, Zip Line, Kids Play Zone, Laser Tag, Bumper Cars, Climbing Walls, Mini Golf, Laser Maze and Arcade Games. Planning your next party? You can rent out of this World private party rooms! All the info is at www.AstroFunWorld.com.

Have a Perfect Day in Chicago

With a population of 2.75 million people, the Windy City is vibrant, diverse, gritty, and loaded with Midwestern charm—there’s much to do, see, and eat, especially in the summer months. From museums with everchanging exhibits and family programming to outdoor restaurants to the best hotels for urban views, afternoon tea, and swimming to outdoor fun along Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, keep reading to learn about how to have a perfect day in Chicago. For more ideas and itineraries on how to spend a fun day in the Windy City, get your copy of the new book, Perfect Day Chicago by Wendy Altschuler; reedypress.com/shop/ perfect-day-chicago. wendyaltschuler.org.