Kidwinks visits Halloween Party at Navy Pier in Chicago

A couple of Fridays ago I took the kids to Chicago to enjoy the Halloween Party at Navy Pier.  The Really Big Halloween Party features: animal rides and a petting zoo, a dance party with live brass bands at noon & DJ spinners after 4 p.m., street performers, Harry Houdini's death defying water chamber escape, and if you purchase the Big Party Pass you get tickets to seven attractions - a very good deal ($20 for adults and kids 5 and over, and $15 for ages 3-4).

Using the pass we were able to ride a camel.  I never knew they were so soft and fuzzy.

We rode the carousel and played mini golf.  The kids rode on the swing ride... something I just can not do any more.

 

We also went to the Amazing Chicago's Funhouse Maze.  Believe it or not we have never been there.

There were performers dressed up who interacted with people walking along the pier.  Here are my kids having a hissing contest with a cat.

We also saw the fire performers who are always amazing to watch.  Keep in mind that most of attractions are outdoors so bring your coats.  They also have costume contests on Saturdays for children, teens and adults with first, second and third prizes and there is Trick-or-Treating for children 12 and under in costume on select dates.  ~ Nina

Family Workshop at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago

This past Sunday my two boys and I headed over to the Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago for one of their family workshops - Thanksgiving Platters.  The space is in a large warehouse that has been converted into the art studio with many classrooms along with a store and restaurant (counter service) area.  We checked in by the front desk which is in the store area and were given directions to our studio which we quickly forgot and got lost.  Thankfully we are a smart family and the facility is not that big and we found our way without too much trouble.  It did give us an opportunity to walk around and peek into the other studios.  So inspiring!  I wish that I could have spent the day in each area learning something new, creative, and artistic. 

The workshop was set up for 11 people total, a nice size.  However, in the end there were only 7 of us there, an even nicer size. We had two instructors covering the workshop and that was perfect for some real one-on-one guidance and assistance.  I too was able to make my own platter which I quickly turned into bowl, with help of course.  This was not the kind of workshop where I, the parent, was there to just help my kids.  At the beginning of the class we were given some brief instruction which once again quickly forgot because I was anxious to get my hands dirty and get to work.  Luckily, Matt knew that little was more and let us at it.  The clay was already formed into large slabs resembling large platters so that the kids didn't have to waste time and energy getting the clay to a starting point.  Once we figured out our shape we then started in on the decorating.  First by carving pictures into the clay with various tools, my favorite was a wooden skewer.  Then we set to work painting our creations. 

Because the paint is so dull when it is applied it is hard to get an idea of what the end piece is going to look like.  By all of the paint jars they did have a sample of what it looks like before and after the glazing and kilning process. 

As you can see in the picture I had to try to be an over achiever with my intricate detail which ended up taking far longer than I had expected, than my children appreciated, and than the class time.  Matt and Mary were supper nice and repeadly told me not to feel rushed and to take all of the time that I needed to get it done.  I can not wait to see my, I should say, our platters.  We should be receiving a post card in the mail letting us know when they are ready to be picked up. 

The Lillstreet Art Center not only offers family workshops but they also have kids classes and camps for kids and birthday parties for Chicago area kids.  Walking around I noticed that they have a lot of adult classes and workshops too so this place isn't just for kids.  I am sure that we will be back.

Kidwinks - Fall Family Fun in Chicago with Kids

Fall is here, and for parents, that means a chance to make memories with their children through visits to area pumpkin farms, apple orchards, and other autumn destinations.   Jam-packed schedules, though, mean precious little time for researching all Chicagoland has to offer – dozens of pumpkin farms and apple orchards, and hundreds of fall events & activities.  In this economy, budget constraints are also a reality parents must wrestle with. 

Kidwinks.com, a website developed by Nina Taluc and Jean Lemke, two moms from Park Ridge, IL, offers a quick way for busy parents to easily plan fun family outings this fall – even if “free” is the only price that fits the family’s budget.  Their Chicago with Kids Fall Fun Guide is an interactive online directory stocked with hundreds of the area’s best fall activities: all accessible with the click of a mouse.  Today, Jean and Nina are here to share some of those activities with us. 

Apple Picking in Chicago Featuring JonamacOrchard

Kids should grow up understanding that apples come from trees, not the grocery store.  Your kids will never taste a sweeter apple than one they picked themselves, so head to an orchard and see how much fun they have picking their healthy snack from where it grows.  The Chicago area is blessed with orchards of all types, from small intimate orchards to large, commercial orchards that host petting zoos, mazes, bouncy houses and more during the picking season. 

Jonamac Orchard gets top ratings from kidwinks’ members.  It boasts over 7,000 trees and a huge 10-acre corn maze with over 3 miles of pathways and 2 bridges!  The kids will love the Barn Yard activity area with a huge bale pile, peddle tractors, sand pile, corn bin, play barn, bunny barn, mazes, tube slides and other fun activities.  Animal lovers can enjoy the Petting Zoo and on Sundays take a pony ride.  On weekends the Apple Train will be running and you can show off your marksmanship skills with the Apple Launcher and Apple Cannon.  If you’re also looking for a pumpkin farm to visit, Jonamac has that too!

A popular event here is the Haunted Corn Maze, which will be held Oct. 9; 14 and 15; 21 and 22; 28 and 29. It begins at Dark and ends at 10:30 p.m. Flashlights will not be allowed in the Haunted Maze, only glow sticks or pen lights.

Where:  Jonamac Orchard, 19412 Shabbona Road, Malta, IL

When: 

·          Apple Picking 7 days a week when in season – consult website

·          Regular Corn Maze hours: Fridays and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The maze will also be open Columbus Day. 

Cost: 

·          Pick your own apple prices are $10.00 for 1/2 peck (5 lbs), $17.00 for a peck (10 lbs) and $30.00 for a 1/2 bushel (20 lbs).

·          Corn Maze Admission is $5 per person; kids 2 and under are free with paid adult.

·          Haunted Corn Maze admission is $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for kids 6 to 12.

Ages:  All ages, though the Haunted Corn Maze is more suitable for older children.

Harvest Fest at Santa’s Village Azoosment Park 

Chicago area parents grew up visiting Santa’s Village in East Dundee, and many are not aware that it has been reopened.  The Park has kiddie rides, including a few favorites from Kiddieland, and has added animals to the mix.  Children can enjoy a petting zoo, reptiles, turtles, reindeer and unlimited pony rides with their admission. The Harvest Fest is a chance for parents to bring their kids to this iconic park to enjoy, in addition to the animals and rides, special activities like haunted hayrides, rubber duck races, face painting, caramel apples and more.  The weekend before Halloween will also feature costume contests, trick or treating and pumpkin carving.

Where:  601 Dundee Avenue, East Dundee, IL

When:  Saturdays 11am – 8pm; Sundays & Holidays 11am – 6pm

Cost:  $16.50 PER PERSON (adults and children 3 years and up); $13.50 for Seniors (65 and up);
2 and under free.  $2 off coupon found on kidwinks.com.

The AZoosment Park proudly supports the brave men and women in the US armed forces.  Active Military with a valid ID are free with 1 paid child’s general admission.

Ages:  All ages

Pumpkin Farms & Patches 

Featuring ThePumpkin Patch at The Children’s Farm

 

Where do pumpkins come from, and how do they grow?  Give your kids the chance to find out by taking them to one of the many pumpkin farms in the area.  Choose your favorite experience:  a more natural, “day on the farm” setting or a larger, commercialized farm with exotic animals, camel rides, bouncy houses and more.

 

The Children’s Farm at The Center gets a unanimous 5-wink rating from all kidwinks members who have reviewed it.  It is a working farm where families can come on the weekends and tour at their leisure, visiting animal pens to learn about them from the informed guides.  Kids can enjoy hands-on interaction with the Farm’s animals: cows, sheep, donkeys, horses, pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits, ducks, and geese.

During Pumpkin Days in October, the farm’s pick-your-own pumpkin patch is open, and complimentary hayrides to the patch are offered.  Wear a costume on October 30 & 31 for some surprises.

Where:  The Center, 12700 Southwest Hwy, Palos Park, IL

When:  The animal barns are open to visitors from 10 am to 4 pm, on Saturdays, Sundays, and Columbus Day.

Cost:  Admission to the animal barns is $4.50 per person. Children under 2 years of age are free.

Ages:  All ages.

Quick Links to Chicago Fall Family Fun:

Kidwinks Fall Fun Guide   

Chicago Area Pumpkin Farms  

Chicago Area Apple Orchards  

Chicago Area Fall Events  

Chicago Area Fall Kids Activities  

Chicago Kids Halloween Guide  

ABOUT KIDWINKS.COM

Kidwinks.com is a boutique website that caters to today’s generation of parents who are time-crunched, socially conscious and internet reliant. Kidwinks provides one-stop access to information about kid-friendly events, activities, restaurants, shops and services in the Chicago area. There is no charge to use kidwinks and membership is also free.  Members enjoy additional benefits including the ability to enter contests for great prizes, email reminders and the ability to sort search results by distance from their home.  Developed by two Park Ridge, IL moms, kidwinks has grown to thousands of members.  For more information, please visit www.kidwinks.com.

Follow us on Facebook:

1.    Kidwinks  – We share contest information along with pictures, videos and tips on Chicago area fun for families.

2.    FreeThingsToDoInChicagoWithKids  - Get daily links to free events and activities for kids in the Chicago area.http://www.kidwinks.com/FamilyFun/4/JonamacOrchard/2523/

Neater Feeder for Dogs

About 2 weeks ago I got rid of my standard dog bowls and replaced them with a Neater Feeder.  The Neater Feeder raises the the food and water up off the ground so that it is at a better level for my Lab.  Although she is still relatively young I am sure she will really appreciate this feature in a couple of years.  Everyone in the family chuckles a little when the see her eating at this new level because it looks like she is eating off a small table.

Another nice feature of the Neater Feeder is the high rim around the side and the back.  The rim helps prevent my walls and floor from getting wet and grimy.  When water or food is spilled out from the bowls it lands inside the Neater Feeder.  The water goes down through the slats and the food stays on top.  No more soggy gross food to clean up.

My 12 year old son is the one who is responsible for feeding our dog.  Often he would be in such a hurry to get the food into the bowl that he would inevitbly spill a dozen pellet with each scoop.  With the Neater Feeder whatever doesn't make it into the bowl is at least contained within the feeder and not all over my floor.

Now I just need to get one for our cat.  Our cat has always preferred drinking out of the dog's water bowl... I am sure because she could tell how jealous and protective the dog became each time she did it.  Since the dog's water bowl is higher now she can no longer reach it.  The dog is happy but the cat is thirsty. ~ Nina

Screams in the Park in Rosemont - A Chicago area Haunted House

Up until this time I have never gone into a haunted house.  Okay, I have gone into the fun houses at carnivals and fairs but nothing that was supposed to be super scary.  Before kids I was a big fan of horror movies and slasher movies.  Name an older one and I have probably seen it.  Even though I enjoy being scared I was never brave enough to venture into a haunted house.  Then I realized that it is sort of my duty to check out new exhibits and venues in the Chicago area.  Even though Screams in the Park is not geared toward the little ones there are plenty of families with older kids and plenty of moms and dads who enjoy a good fright.  So, I felt a lot of responsibility and didn't want to let anyone down.  Days before going I would lay awake in bed and fret over what my experience was going to be like.  The day of I though off all kinds of ways to back out.  I must say though, what made me so interested was the theme of this haunted house, H.H. Holmes.  He was a mass murderer who was doing his hunting during the Columbian Exposition here in Chicago over a century ago.  I read and loved the Devil in the White City and that is where I first learned about H.H. Holmes.  I guess I should stop right here and say THIS IS NOT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.  The recommended age is 13 an over.  Waiting in line with my husband I was nervous but knew there was no turning back.  Once we were admitted in I loved it!  The rooms of H.H. Holmes boarding house were well thought out and creepy.  I don't want to give too much away but... there were costumed "creatures" lurking around every corner keeping me on my toes.  It was not over the top scary (no one chasing me with a real chainsaw... one of my big worries) but it was definitely scary enough, well done, and very entertaining. I think I might be hooked.

Kidwinks vistis Hallowed Haunts - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

My family and I love Halloween.  I really enjoy classical music although I am not a aficionado.  I use to go to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on Michigan Ave. in Chicago a couple of times a year but that was before kids.  Now I go about once a decade.  I loved Hallowed Haunts presented by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a concert specifically for kids.  Go early because there are activity stations set up for the kids where they can do crafts and a haunted trail that they can walk through.  All of it is geared for the younger set.  The performance itself is only an hour which is the perfect amount of time for kids.  All of the musicains too are dressed in costume.  It is obvious that the orchestra is enjoying the relaxed playful atmosphere.  Once the performance starts the music comes to life.   The maestro and his terrified assistant must use the power of the baton to control the ghoulish orchestra of the undead and lead them in concert. It is a twist on the classic story The Sorcerer's Apprentice and is brought vividly to life in concert.  Dress up in costume and take the kids to this concert at least once.  ~ Nina
For more information follow this link - Hallowed Haunts - Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Chimney Sweepers - Rob Riemer - 847-220-7830 - SCAM new # (630) 589-6217

This past weekend I learned a costly but important lesson.  Do your research, ask friends for recommendations, and check with the Better Business Bureau before hiring.  I know nothing about chimneys which is why I should have been more careful.  I was told by my home inspector that I needed a liner installed in the two chimneys in my new house in Chicago.  So, I looked on the internet and called The Chimney Sweeps, Robert Riemer who came out to my house to give me an estimate.  There were so many warning signs but I didn’t pay attention because I wanted to get the fireplaces taken care of as soon as possible. 

The Chimney Sweeps, who service all of the Chicago area, drove up in a black unmarked truck, warning # 1 – no business name on vehicle.  Rob Riemer was very nice, outgoing, personable, friendly, etc.  He said that during the week he worked for Early Times Chimney Sweeps of Chicago who also do chimney cleaning and repair.  Rob and his partner then started talking about what needed to be done to the chimneys and how much it would cost.  Rob said that my home inspector was wrong and that I did not need a liner, what I needed was sealant placed on the inside of the chimneys.  He claimed he had just saved me $1,000.  The sealant cost $35 per foot.  So, Rob and his partner started figuring out how much it would cost… this is when it started to feel wrong.  They started throwing out numbers and sort of playing off each other.    At one point his partner walked away and I asked if he was going to write up the estimate.  Instead, he came back a few minutes later and said “we got our other two jobs do early today so we can do your job right now for $600 cash”, warning #2, #3, & #4.  #2 always get a written estimate.  #3 don’t jump into anything.  #4 don’t pay in cash when you have no idea what good complete work looks like.  My gut was screaming at me that it was wrong but I ignored it.  So, an hour or so later Rob said they were done.  I could see that the chimney caps were replaced, I saw them with their wet/dry vacs cleaning the fireplaces but I had no proof that the sealant was applied.  When I asked Rob “well how do I know that you applied the sealant?” he got flustered, stammered a little and said there was no way to tell unless you watch them apply it.  He gave me instructions not to use the fireplace for the next 24 hours.  I felt bad for putting him on the spot and let it go at that.  I paid him.  Warning #5 – Rob told me that the appointment before him had over paid because Rob significantly over estimated the height of the chimney.  They were going to keep the money.  

After he left I started thinking a bit more.   It seemed strange to me that a sealant was applied but I couldn’t smell it and that there would be no dripping or leaking.  I took a look up the chimney and saw that nothing had been applied to the interior of the chimney.  I am now concerned that they may not have attached the caps to the chimney.

I have left several messages for Rob asking him to either apply a sealant or to give me back half of my money.  I am sure you are not surprised to read that I have not heard back from him. 

While this lesson hurt financially what really hurts is my pride.  I thought I was smarter than that.  In my frenzy to get everything done as quickly as possible I made the wrong decisions.  However, this is a good lesson too.  Although I am out several hundred dollars in the big scheme of things I got off cheap.  I now know that I am going to do my research not just on the companies that I am going to use but on the work that is going to be done.  I am going to get 3 estimates.  I am going to check the BBB.org website.  I am going to pay more to a reputable company to get guaranteed work.  I hope that reading this will prevent you from hiring The Chimney Sweepers http://mysafechimney.com/Home.html or anyone who prays on the trust and naiveté of others.  Ohhh, it burns me that he lied right to my face.  My guess is that in a few months his phone number, business name, and maybe even his name will change in order to avoid the bad reputation he is earning but he will keep on doing it.  As they say there is a sucker born every minute and this weekend I was defiantly the sucker.  Remember, if your gut is screaming take a step back, you may never know how much you saved.