I am a mother of one ans she will be 12 months next week. I am off work for the summer, I want to do things and go places with her but I have not clue what to do that is age appropriate.
Children's Museum in Naperville is great. It's on Washington in downtown Naperville. You can find them on the web. Just google them.
Kohl's Children's Museum has moved to Glenview, and it's in the Glen. It's great, but a little pricey. They do have an outdoor water park, if your daughter can walk that's free. Also, there's Pirate's Cove in Elk Grove. They're great, and you only pay for your child! All of the rides are kids' sized, and very cute!! http://www.elkgroveparks.org/piratesCove.asp The zoo is always a good option. Enjoy your summer!
I just went to monkey business in western springs yesterday and that is a good rainy day activity if she is walking and climbing well.
The Cosley zoo is free until july and is close to glenview.
Glenview is close to the city right? You must go to the Kohl's Children's Museum in Wilmette...it is AWESOME! Totally age approiate for her now and for years to come! You could also go to the beach and play in the sand, etc. Going on any outings are right up her alley. She's at the age where her language is really going to start to develop and she will be able to understand much more than she can communicate to you. The zoo is also a great place. For free activities try the library and if you have a Barnes and Noble near you they have free story hours. They also have a Thomas Train table set up in every kids section of a B and N and that can entertain her for a while. Even just going to the mall and walking around different stores would be fun. I"m sure your local mall probably has a kid's play section in it too. If you're at home she would love bubbles and side walk chalk, plus ride on and push toys. My daughter would go up and down the street all day long at that age either pushing a ball or walking behind a baby stroller or letting me push her in the Cozy Coupe. She's at a perfect age so pretty much any thing you do will be exciting! Have fun!
Anything is great for a 12 month old - Zoo, Park, just shopping, aquarium, anything where she will be experiencing new sights, sounds and ideas! Don't forget smells, tastes, and touches....tell her what everything you see is and all about it. Just home can be huge for a 12 month old, if you are present in her day and talk to her about everything/expose her to new experiences.
Water play, sand, flowers, grass, dirt, all things they need to learn about.
Jessie
Good for you, sounds like a great summer! I'd suggest bringing her to a petting zoo, Children's Museums have good offerings for little ones like Naperville or Kohls Children's Museum with bubbles, water and lights. I was surprised how well these places cater to younger children. Not sure where you live, but our Park District has a few classes for this age group--Tot Rock is one we've been happy with so far. And, of course Parks--we rotate Parks and Playgrounds just to try out some different equipment.
AE
Get a buggy and walk, walk, walk. If you like parks, go to a baby park, take the train to Chicago and walk through Millenium park, go to the Zoo, or turn her into an art critic and visit the Art Institute. Check out your local swimming pool for 'mommy and me' activities or indoor ones as well. While she is so little enjoy being just 'pals' with her. Everything else will come soon enough.
Check out www.kidwinks.com. You'll find an Events Calendar filled with kid-friendly events throughout the Chicago area so you can click on a day and see what's going on. The Calendar includes free days at the museums and many, many free events including story times and open play times.
You can also click through the Ongoing Activities section for ideas like nature centers, museums, zoos, indoor play areas, etc. In the Restaurants Section, there is a Kids Eat Free Calendar where you can click on day and find out where kids eat free (or cheaply, or where there's entertainment specifically offered for kids) that day. If you become a member, which is free, you can sort any of these results by distance from your home, so you can see what's closest to you. You can also receive the Weekly Chicago Family Activities Guide which is emailed each Monday with ideas on what's going on for the coming week.
J.
www.radioshopping show has some great deals on Wi Dells activities: http://www.wrmn1410.com/promotions/index.asp?PROMOTIONS_I...
~C.
Also check out www.kidwinks.com
