Ball Factory - Naperville

We have been here twice, once with a group and once with one friend. I will add pictures in future but don't currently have any.

The ball factory is an indoor soft play area designed for younger children with a host of equipment to climb up, slide down, hide behind and squeeze between.

There is also an air pressured soft, ball shooting area where kids can team up or stand alone to shoot balls at each other.

Also there is an area with ride on diggers and tractors inclusive of a small bridge to cross and plastic logs to collect.

There is one section specifically for children under 5. These younger children can use the whole ball factory, but only they can go in this one area. This helps to give them a safe place away from older kids who may be running and pushing.

Socks must be worn by kids and parents in all play areas.

Tween and older children can come to the ball factory but over the age of 13 is free as it is NOT designed for them.

There is a seating area for adults and private rooms for groups or parties. They have food and drinks with a reasonable variety.

As rated by parents:

9/10
Excellent for burning off energy! Unlike some places we have visited this was clearly designed for younger children and they do not charge for adults or kids over 13 because they know they are not likely to enjoy it.  I really appreciated this as do not like paying for my oldest to sit and do nothing (she is now 15). I liked the lay out and the number of places parents could sit and relax (tables and couches) while the kids ran off. My son was more than happy to play on his own only occasionally wanting help on the tractors. My middle child also had a good time and while her favorite area was the ball shooting zone, she did enjoy playing hide and seek in the play area also. The tractors and ride on equipment was too little for her really but there was enough of everything else to do. My oldest came only on one occasion and helped my son and did join in hide and seek but overall just sat with the adults. The food is very overpriced and the seating area was a bit dirty when we went both times. Also no toilet paper on one occasion, but the staff were friendly dealt with the issue of toilet paper quickly and the play area appeared to be well maintained. I felt the price was not too bad for what it is and great if you find a deal (groupon). I understand the sock rule but did have an issue where I had come with sandels and they would not let me as a parent go and collect my toddler as I didn't have socks on. they insisted I buy socks before I enter the play area despite going in only long enough to pick him up and bring him out.
Overall it was fun for them on both occasions. Excellent for burning off energy on a rainy or cold day. Defiantly a winter go to spot for the younger child.
I WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for children up to about 10 years old.

As rated by 12 year old

4/10
Initially we were not going to rate this from a 12 year olds point of view as they make it clear its not for older kids and do not charge for age 13 plus. However as she is not quite 13 and it does still charge for age 12 we felt we should give a review and rating still.
I kinda liked the ball shooting area and had fun playing hide and seek when there was a group of us. Other than that its not good for a 12 year old as its full of little kids and little kid equipment. Its kinda boring but did have wifi, so I sat with the adults and went on a phone.
I WOULD NOT go again and would NOT recommend for my age

As rated by an 8 year old

8/10
I liked the ball shooting area and trying to hit other people, the tunnel which wobbles is also really fun and I kind of liked the rest of the play area for hide and seek. The slides and things are a little bit more kiddy and I didn't think that was a lot of fun, but its better when you go with other kids so you can play games like tag and hide and seek. I like the ball factory but its not my favorite place as I think its for littler kids.
I WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for my age if you go with friends.

As rated by a 3 year old:

10/10
He loved the slides and tunnels, he loved shooting the balls and riding on the tractors. He was easily happy for a good hour and a half.
He WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for his age.

TOP TIPS

- Look for deals online.

- Eat before you go its very overpriced and some reviews are that the food is not good.

- Make sure you take socks or you will have to buy some.

- Adults also must remove shoes

Raging waves water park - Yorkville

Clearly, we didn't visit this in December! We went at the end of the season though in early September. It was just us as a family.

Raging waves is Illinois largest outdoor waterpark situated near Oswego and Yorkville. The park features a number of large slides with differing thrill factors, some for single riders, some you can go on with friends, a lazy river, wave pool, giant sand pit near the wave pool and two areas next to each other that are specifically designed for smaller children. One of these kids areas has a few slides for all ages and a zero depth pool while the other has both smaller and slightly larger slides, a bucket dumping water and a variety of dials that squirt and spray. This does not have a swim area but more of a splash pad.

There are two eating areas and places to buy food... you can not bring in your own.

We found the park to be well manned with friendly, helpful staff. While there are some signs of wear and tear in the pools, overall the park was clean and toilets stocked.

There are height restrictions for most of the rides including in the kids area! This can limit what you can take children on however prices do reflect height with toddlers (2 and under) being free and people under 48" being over $10 cheaper.

**Update to add they are continually expanding and now have a much larger kids area and new rides for older children.

As rated by parents:

8/10

This was a fun day out overall. All the kids enjoyed a variety of slides and pools and all got a good fun workout! Great to burn off energy and keep cool on a hot day! We as adults also enjoyed it... However despite the overall fun my son who was 2 at the time became quite upset that in one of the children's area he was not allowed to ride the only two larger slides, My 8 year old was only just big enough for them which made them somewhat pointless for the small kids area. We have been to other pools with slides in Naperville, Wisconsin and around the world where he was allowed to ride much bigger slides, so not to be allowed on the 'not very' big slides which are in the kids area was both disappointing and as a parent very frustrating. However he was allowed on all the small slides in the other kids area and did have a very good time on them, this kept him busy for a good couple of hours.

My middle child was allowed on most slides but again not on some which in other parks she has been allowed on. She did however enjoy herself, enjoyed the lazy river and wave pool.

My oldest was able to go on all and enjoyed herself, however in comparison to other water parks we have been to before she didn't feel it was as thrilling and after a couple hours came to sunbath instead. She was also disappointed that she initially was allowed to use the inner tubes in the lazy river but was later told she would have to rent them if she wanted to use one. Price wise I felt it was comparable to any waterpark for a day, we found a deal for $20 per person (with toddler free) and felt this was pretty good. However while entry is okay they sting you on charging for inner tubes, overpriced lockers and overpriced food. I always feel irritated you can not bring your own food in, but we did eat a large breakfast and took water. We bought fries and a drink only and they were overpriced, however not as badly overpriced as we were expecting. Overall it was a good day out but not one we would do more than once a year and only if we got a deal on the price. ** edit to add you can leave the park to eat and come back. We have made up picnics and ate them on the grass verges in the car park. They also provide some picnic tables outside in the car parking area for people who do not want to buy food inside. I though this was a nice touch.

I WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for the whole family. This is a FULL day out.

As rated by a 12 year old:

9/10

I had fun on all the slides but have been on bigger and better and was annoyed that they started charging for inner tubes half way through the day. I think it would be more fun going with friends but did like it and would go again. I really enjoyed the rides where you went in boats with other people.

I WOULD go again but not often and WOULD recommend for my age especially if you haven't really been to other water parks.

As rated by a 8 year old:

9/10

I really liked most of the slides especially the fast ones. I was disappointed I couldn't go on some of them as I have been on these in other places. I liked the fries we ate and I liked the little kids slides also (I played with my brother).

I WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for my age.

As rated by a 2 year old:

9/10 

He had a lot of fun running round to the slides and splashing about in the pool. He liked the sand pit and the wave pool also. The only thing he was upset by was not being able to go on some of the bigger rides in the little kids area.

He WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for his age

TOP TIPS:

- Have a late breakfast before you go and take water if you want to avoid spending a lot on food or take a picnic and eat in the carpark on the grass or at a table.

- Look for deals online OR get a big group together as bookings of 15 or more significantly reduces the price.

- Check out the height restrictions before you go so your kids know what they can and can't go on.

- Don't take valuables so you can avoid locker fees

- make sure you have sun screen etc. 

Dupage Children's Museum - Naperville

We have been to the children's museum several times as we have a membership which was bought for us when we first moved here. We have been with friends and on our own. The museum is an interactive building with a number of fun and engaging activities for kids which are educational too!

Activities on the first level when you enter include but are not limited to:

-Building blocks
-magnetic shapes (magna tiles)
-light box room where you stand against a light absorbing wall, a light will flash and when you move your shadow is seen on the wall (kids love this and making silly or clever shadows). you also can write with light pens.
-Light screen with falling leaves, as you raise your arms your shadow can catch them and make them fall.

-A fish tank with a variety of fish
-Cloured tubular sticks which once inserted into holes transfer light and you can create lit up pictures
-There is a 'make it move' area with various activities using cogs, wheels and dials to make marbles, balls and bricks move in various ways.
-A bubble and water play zone where you make small and large bubbles and can even make a giant one surround you. There are various water tables with containers and water wheels which will keep your water babies busy.
-One section is all about air pressure with wind tunnel where you can watch various items be pushed up through tubes using wind power or you can stand in a wind tunnel and feel the breeze while watching ribbons and ropes dance.

-There is a woodworking section where kids can use hammer and nails to design and build their own creation using wood, metal and plastic. Older children can do this unsupervised with adult permission, younger children must have an adult with them.

-One room is dedicated to arts and crafts and while we have never had enough time to do this (because there is so much else to do) it looks like it has a good variety of materials to use.

The second floor is a smaller area which if you as a parent want to sit while they play this is where to do it. Some activities here include: ** edit to add this area changes from time to time with different activities and displays.

-A magnetic wall with geometric shapes for creating pictures and patterns
-Clear walls where plastic geometric sheets can be used to create pictures
                                             
-An area like a house with table and chairs and pretend food items (this has recently been changed to a Leoardo da vinci area complete with flying machine and interactive art activities.
-Musical instruments
-A quiet area for reading and looking at books
-A mirrored tube for crawling through
-Puzzles

In the basement

This is the cafeteria which offers a selection of hot and cold foods and drinks. Like most places it is over priced, however it is actually nice food which is not always the case in children's places. You can get organic options and if you are a member you get a 20% discount also.
There is a small area for kids to play which also has books, making it easy to enjoy your drink or food without the kids being completely bored.

This museum is sensory and interactive, parking is usually easy and staff are friendly. It is wheelchair assessable on all levels also. They host a variety of events throughout the year and constantly add to and change activities to keep it interesting.

As rated by parents:

9/10

I love this Children's museum. Its a fun engaging place to burn off a little energy while kids learn through play. We have also been to the children museum on Navy pier and actually  think this is much better. Parking is easy unless its a very busy day. There is a host of interactive and educational equipment making this an ideal setting for learning through play. All my children can find something they enjoy. My 12 year old likes the light screens and woodworking area, my 8 year old likes the magnatiles, woodwork area and wind tunnel my 3 year old likes the 'make it move' section, light screen, bubbles. While the food is a little overpriced, because its actually tasty and wholesome food I don't actually mind paying a bit more. The different areas are changed or added to on a regular basis and there is a number of events held throughout the year. The only reason I have not given it a 10/10 is because I think there could be more for older children. I find everywhere we go that there is a huge lack of things aimed at children over about 10 despite the fact they ARE still children. The children's museum is not as bad as some places  are, as my 12 year old can find some interesting things to do, but it is very limited for her. I do recognize it is aimed at younger kids but believe it could easily be made inclusive for slightly older children also.
I WOULD recommend this for the whole family especially children under 10. I WILL go again and soon. This is a HALF day activity.

As rated by a 12 year old:

7/10

I don't mind it here for a while. I like making things in the wood work area, but there is only so much you can do there. I like the interactive light screen and shadow box and sometimes the bubbles are fun. Overall this is not for my age group but for an occasional hour out its okay.
I would NOT recommend this as a good day out for my age but WOULD go again with my family if its just for a couple of hours.

As rated by an 8 year old:

10/10

I really like coming here as there is a lot of things to do. I like the wood work area and making towers with tiles. I like the bubbles and getting a snack in the cafeteria. Playing upstairs is fun too, but I do have more fun if I have friends with me. Sometimes they have different things to do here and I like that its not always the same. I WOULD recommend for my age and WOULD come back especially with friends


As rated by a 3 year old:

10/10

He loves coming here and building blocks, making bubbles and putting items in the wind tubes. He also really likes the marble run in the 'make it move' section. Overall he always has a good time and doesn't always want to leave. He WOULD recommend for his age and he WOULD go back.


TOP TIPS:

- If you are likely to go more than 4 times in a year you might want to consider the membership which gives you a discount in the shop and cafeteria as well as other museums.

- If you are planning to go at the weekend, a special day or school holiday you are best to either get there very early for parking or wait until after lunch when it generally becomes much quieter.

- Check the website before going for special events and closures for maintenance (we were caught out by this once)

Naper Settlement Naperville

We visited Naper settlement with a friend from the UK. This living history museum is in the center of Naperville and consists of a number of buildings laid out to show how life in Naperville changed from an outpost to a turn of the century village.

There are more than 15 buildings which include a blacksmith, fire station, school house, settler home, church and town hall

 

Staff dressed in costume greet you at the various locations and teach you about the history of both Naperville and life as a settler.
For example the blacksmith was busy making a horseshoe and he explained how it was done and the importance of a Blacksmith in history.
A gentleman in one of the houses gave a very interesting insight into how people expanded on what they had, starting with a single wooden room as a home and clay to make pots to having a home with several rooms and a thriving business.
At the printing press a lady allowed the kids to make bookmarks.

Another highlight was the school room where they give actual lessons and answer questions about teaching and punishment.

 

They also have children who come out in costume and show you how various activities are preformed such as washing clothes and playing games. These are interactive and guests can join in. We tried the stilts, metal puzzles and hoops.

                                               

There is also a fun play area with splash pad which is turned on between May and October on days over 70F. There is also slides and climbing equipment but most interesting is the replica covered wagon and fort which lets kids really feel like they are in the past. This area is designed for kids age 2-7 years of age.

Inside the reception building there is an museum exhibit with the history of the town. There hold a variety of events through the year.

Naper settlement is open year round Tuesday to Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 1-4.
For Naperville residents admission is free. For non residents prices vary depending on the time of year.

This is a wheelchair accessible location and most activities can be enjoyed by all.

As rated by parents

8/10 - Interesting educational experience. I enjoyed this location as history was brought to life in an engaging, interactive way which i felt helped my kids learn about local history. I felt the staff/actors were good and well informed including the kids. Initially when we arrived it seemed like there were not many interactive activities other than reading plaques and listen to actors, but later the games came out and child interactive equipment for the fire station. I am not sure why they were not out right away but it defiantly increased our enjoyment when they did arrive. We also loved the school house and play area although this was not of much interest to my 12 year old. I felt it was very good from an interactive learning opportunity perspective but not where I would take the kids on a regular basis as they were bored quickly
From a price perspective... I did not mind paying a fee as I am a non resident, but considering I live just on the outskirts of Naperville I did feel paying $40 for 4 people (my youngest is free as he is under 4) was steep. I understand they need the money to preserve the history but not charging residents and overcharging non residents puts me off visiting again.
I WOULD go again but not for a long time as didn't feel it occupied the kids enough for the price. I WOULD recommend to anyone interested in local history especially residents as it is free for them. This is a HALF day activity.

As rated by a 12 year old

7/10 - It was okay. I liked the school house and playing traditional games. The blacksmith was sort of interesting and some of the other actors but otherwise it was just an outdoor museum and not very interesting for me.
I WOULD maybe go again but WOULD NOT recommend as a fun day out for my age.

As rated by a 8 year old

7/10 - At first I was really bored looking at old houses and things but then we got to the school house and we played games from olden day times. I liked the play area and water area even though we didn't have a swim suit.
I WOULD go again but not for a long time as its not that fun and WOULD recommend for my age if they like things from the olden days

As rated by a 2 year old

5/10 - He enjoyed running around and playing in the play area but otherwise he was not interested as he didn't really understand what was going on and spent most of the visit wanting to run in circles or push his cars.


TOP TIPS

- Go if your a resident. its free

- Take a swim suit if its a warm day for the splash pad

- Take drinks

Starved Rock and St. Louis Canyon trails. (Starved Rock State Park) La Salle County *** UPDATED***

We visited Starved rock state park as a family after looking up waterfalls in Illinois. The parks name is taken from Indian legend where a band of Illiniwek Indians were trapped during battle on the 125 foot sandstone butte where they eventually starved to death.

In the state park there is fishing, boating, hunting and even cross country skiing during the winter months, on this occasion we came for a hike and views.

Parking up was easy as there is a large car park by the visitors center and another one higher up near the lodge. Parking is free but at busy times (holidays and hot days) can be difficult to find, so an early start can be worthwhile.

We parked in the car park near the visitors center which was our first stop. This was an interesting building with a small bookshop, there was various information available with a donation and an exhibition displaying artifacts and natural life from the area. The building is worth a visit, you can pick up a trail map and the staff were helpful and knowledgable.

This scenic destination hosts 18 canyons and over 13 miles of hiking trails. Along the way you will be able to find caves, waterfalls, wildlife and even a sandy beach!

Our first stop was Starved rock (0.3 miles) which involved a flight of stairs and an easy walk along a wooden path and a view of the lake and the damn. If you are short on time this is a quick mainly easy walk.

We went on to French canyon (0.4 miles) this was a fairly easy walk for most of the way but has a narrow section with water running through it that is hard to avoid. You will see wonderful rock formations and a small waterfall. Very beautiful and ideal for little legs.

After this trail we found a spot on the grass near the visitors center and enjoyed a picnic. The grass was pretty patchy and there were not many picnic tables, so bring a blanket if you are planning a picnic.

We then went up a long flight of stairs to the lodge looking for another trail. This was not as easy as anticipated as directions to the trails are not clearly marked. We asked two staff at the lodge, one who didn't know where the trails were and after a guess pointed us in the wrong direction. It took a disappointingly long time to find someone who knew where we could go and could work out our trail map... but we did eventually get to a trail and it was not a disappointment!

We walked to St. Louis Canyon (1.5 miles) passing Aurora canyon, Sac canyon and Kickapoo canyon. St. Louis canyon is defiantly the highlight of this trail with a waterfall, caves and a sandy beach.
In order to get to this area we did need to walk up and down several flights of stairs along a path with a bit of a drop to the right (only really worrying for us with a toddler insistent on running, jumping and not paying attention) and through a creek.

The creek could have been avoided, but with difficulty. For us however, this was part of the fun and while shoes got muddy (take water shoes or old shoes where possible) the kids loved running through the stream of water and puddles. Once at the waterfall there are a number of rock shelves and shallow caves that can be explored. Older children and adults will enjoy this. The sandy beach (formed from the sandstone the canyon is made of) is ideal for small children and if its not too difficult a spade and bucket are recommended. The waterfall can be reached by skimming the edge of the water and explorers can get behind it. Again chances of getting wet are high but fun factor is also high.

                             

The trail to the canyon way easy to follow once we found the entrance, the paths are wide and generally clear and there are markers every  so often letting you know you are on the right track. Stairs are well maintained.

*** UPDATE *** We have since returned and found that Louis canyon can be accessed from a parking lot outside of the park, this is a much shorter walk which may be more suitable for children... we certainly had less complaints.

The park is open all year round from 7am - 9pm with trails open from dawn till dusk. The visitor center is open from 9-4 daily apart from Thanksgiving, Christmas and New year.
The park hosts numerous events through the year.

As rated by parents:

9/10 = Great way to take in nature and burn off energy! Free parking, free trails, free map, free exhibit, fresh air and beautiful scenery!! How could I not love it? This is a beautiful place with good trails and amazing scenery!
If you like a hike and love a good view this is the place to be. Beware that with small children there are a lot of stairs in some places and a paths with drops near them that might make you nervous. It is NOT stroller friendly and a back carrier is recommended for little ones.
On this particular trail there is a good chance of getting wet and water shoes or old trainers are recommended for maximum enjoyment.
Make sure you take lots of water as despite water fountain near the visitor center and drinks available at the lodge, on a hot day you will get through a lot.
The day we went was not very busy and it was still relatively crowded, so if you are coming on a holiday or hot weekend I really recommend getting there early and being prepared to be sharing the experience with a lot of other people.
While we loved nearly everything about the day we did find the maps were somewhat confusing and sign posts to get to the trails not clear. As written above even some of the staff at the lodge didn't know where to go for trails which we thought was very bad form. While I would love to see better signage the overall experience was excellent for adults and while the hike didn't go down well with the kids they loved it once we reached our destination Next time I would bring more water and a few treats to keep the kids going. Great for outdoorsy families.
Overall I WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for able bodied people of all ages. This can be a FULL or HALF day.

As rated by a 12 year old:

6/10 = While I loved jumping through the creek, taking pictures and going behind the waterfall I hated the hike which had too many stairs and was too long. This was not my idea of fun and we also ran out of water about 10 minutes before we got back from the hike so I was also thirsty.
Overall I WOULD NOT go again by choice and WOULD ONLY recommend to people my age if they really like walking.

As rated by a 7 year old:

7/10 = I liked the waterfall and jumping over puddles. We also played tag after our picnic and that was fun. I didn't really like walking so much, that was boring.
Overall I WOULD go again but only sometimes and WOULD recommend for my age if they like walking and being outside.

As rated by a 2 year old:

9/10 = He loved running down the trails, hoping through the water and playing on the sandy area near the waterfall. He did not want to leave the sand and got upset when we did. He asked to be picked up a few times especially on the stairs which were too much for him. He also got very thirsty by the end as we ran out of water about 10 minutes before we got back.
Overall he WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for kids his age if they have a back carrier so they don't have to walk the whole way.

TOP TIPS:

- Arrive early on busy days

- Take lots of water

- Wear hiking boots or old trainers and take watershoes if you don't want to get the shoes wet. (water varies on recent rainfall)

- If you have small children plan a short route or be prepared to carry (carrier advised)

- Take a spade and bucket if you think you may want to stop and let kids play in the sand

Skyzone Aurora (Fox Valley)

We visited this indoor trampoline park today for the second time. The first time we came with a group of children ranging from age 2 - 13 and this time we came with one other child age 2.

Skyzone contains over 30 individual trampolines in separated areas for people of all ages to bounce and spin both up and down and off the sides from the trampolines against the walls.

There are long trampolines for the more experienced bouncer to preform back and front flips or cartwheels.

There is an area where dodge ball is played and another area containing three basketball hoops for a slam dunk bounce, this area has different hoop heights making it accessible for various ages.

There is also a pit filled with large blocks of soft foam for kids to flip and dive into from one of four trampolines.

Skyzone hosts various events including parties, homeschool bounce events, exercise classes and night glow in the dark events.

There are various tables available on an upper and lower level, canteen and lockers costing a dollar for single use (can not go in and come out and go in again). You can not bring in your own food and drink.

** They have since updated the slides and activities to make it more of an obstical course in places. This is a good improvement.

Overall as a parent I rate it:

7/10 = Great for burning off energy on a cold or wet day! The kids enjoyed the trampolines on the wall as well as the foam pit and my oldest enjoyed doing cartwheels on the long trampolines. I had a go at the hoops which was fun.

There is no doubt this is a fun place... However rating this as a parent... paying $10 for each child for only 30 minutes is not a winner! The time starts as soon as you pay but by the time your shoes are off and the special sky zone socks are on you have more like 20-25 minutes.

You can opt to pay more for longer: $14 for one hour, $18 for 90 mins $22 for two hours, making it a better deal however if money is a concern... it is expensive for what you get.

The long trampolines on both occasions appeared to appeal to teens and even adults, however little ones are in the same area and there were times they ran across these preventing the older bouncers from being able to play. As a mother of a toddler and a tween I tried to keep my little one away from this but it was impossible at times. There is a large curtain that can be pulled to separate the little people from the large but this did not happen on either occasion we were there despite and employee watching what was happening.

I also felt charging a non refundable $1 for the locker on top of the high entrance fee and $2 for each pair of socks (which you can keep and use again) is cheeky. For three children the total (with socks and locker) is $37 for 1/2 hour of play or $49 for an hour! As a TREAT this is a fun place to come but time limits and prices make it more expensive than many other places that I feel are just as fun.
Overall I WOULD go again for an occasional treat and WOULD recommend for children and adults of all ages. This is a 30 min - 2 hour activity


As rated by a 12 year old:

9/10 = I really enjoyed it, especially the trampolines for cartwheels and the foam pit as I could do flips into the foam. I didn't do the dodge ball as there were a lot of older kids and I felt intimidated. I enjoyed the hoops and managed to get the ball through all three! I did feel this was a lot more fun the first time we went when we stayed longer and we were with lots of kids we knew. I didn't think it was nearly as fun with no kids I knew my age and did think the little kids ran across the trampolines for the flips without anyone stopping them which was annoying.
Overall I WOULD go again with friends and WOULD recommend for my age.

As rated by a 7 year old:

9/10 = Its really fun and I like jumping off the walls. I like the foam pit but it can be hard to get out of. I also thought it should be a longer time to jump.
Overall I WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for my age.

As rated by a two year old:

10/10 = He had a lot of fun running across trampolines and bouncing. He loved the foam pit and did not want to come back in from it.
He WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for his age.


TOP TIPS:

- Eat before you go as it's not cheap

- Pay for longer time to get better value for money

- Look for online deals or special events

- If you have skyline socks keep them in the car so you don't have to pay for new ones next time.

Blackberry Farm Aurora il

We visited this farm and historic village today for the first time with a group of friends, kids age range from 1 to 13.

The farm contains a number of authentic historic buildings including a small working blacksmith, one room school house and home belonging to pioneers.

Each building is furnished with authentic furniture and equipment, however they are not generally laid out as they would have been. For example one home had a bed where the parkour would have been due to the upstairs being inaccessible to the public.

The buildings have people in traditional dress educating you and demonstrating activities as you come through. They had interesting information and fun facts for the kids. In some cases there are activities you can take part in such as candle making at certain times and chopping wood.

There are also a number of fair like attractions including a train ride, paddle boats, tractor ride, children pedal cars and pony rides. The ponies are small sweet animals who looked well cared for but bored... there is a 70 pound weight limit to be aware of.

There is also a play ground area which is designed in a fun way to look like an old town. with houses and wooden walkways: it has a number of slides, climbing equipment and a zip wire.

There is also a small farm area which at the time we went contained a pig, turkey, chickens and new chicks, a calf and rabbit.

The park also hosts and interesting museum with 12 old fashioned shops.

At various times of year they host events which can include activities from pioneer times including making cornbread and sewing.

There are numerous picnic areas, but depending on the size of your group you may need to reserve an area in advance. There are three well spaced toilet blocks which were clean and stocked, but at the busiest point there was a queue. All areas appeared to be accessible for disabled persons as there are wide paths and ramps, however most rides would probably be inaccessible.
Opens seasonal from the start of May until the end of October. See website for opening hours.

Overall as a parent I rate it:

9/10 = I thought it was  fun, nicely laid out, easy to find, a reasonable price and had a good variety of activities for younger children.  I did feel there could easily have been more for older children which would extend the range of people it attracts. The only thing I currently felt truly appealed to a 12 year old was the pedal boats and the historic buildings and activities in them. I would also have preferred an authentic layout to the historic buildings so the kids could really imagine what life was like. (they furnish it but not authentically, which they told us) I enjoyed the museum. Overall I WOULD go again and WOULD recommend to families with children up to about age 8. This is a FULL day out.

12 Year old rating:

6/10 = Mainly this was fun because we were with other kids. The historic houses  and museum were sort of interesting and I liked chopping wood. I thought everything else pretty much, was too young. It could have had bigger pedal cars/go karts for older kids and maybe trampolines or a maze. Something more enjoyable for my age as it was for little kids. I WOULD go again with friends as its still a day out, but WOULD NOT recommend for my age.

7 year old rating:

9/10 = I had fun. I liked the train ride and tractor ride and playing in the playground. I also liked the pony ride although it lasted about 1 minute. I didn't care about the old houses or chopping wood and carousel was really slow. I would love to see animal feeding or a petting zoo area. I WOULD go again and WOULD recommend for my age.

2 year old rating:

10/10 = The youngest loved the train and tractor, loved the slides, carousel and pony ride and also looking at the animals. He WOULD go again and WOULD recomend for his age.

TOP TIPS

- Take a picnic

- Look for online deals and special events

- Unless its quiet when you arrive, leave the pony ride and carousel until near the end after everyone has been on. It gets quieter later in the day.