Located on the western side of Chicago, the west suburbs have a lot to offer residents. These areas are known for having low crime rates, excellent public schools, as well as great shopping and eating.
Downers Grove is a safe and family-friendly suburb that has many parks. It is also home to Midwestern University and Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. Downtown Downers Grove offers a variety of shops and restaurants. It is an excellent location for holiday festivities. The season can be celebrated with light shows or caroling. The park also offers a free zoo. A holiday event can be attended at the downtown firehouse.
Hinsdale in Chicago's west suburbs has a wonderful downtown district, which is great for families. There are numerous parks and historic structures to explore. There are also unique shops to visit. It is home to a historic gristmill and museum. Burlington Park offers fun holiday events. This park has a climbing wall and a treehouse that can be climbed up to multiple levels.
Oak Park is another great suburban community to explore. It features beautiful historic homes and a vibrant downtown district. It has an excellent school system and low property tax. It is located within Cook County. It is also near Glen Ellyn or Skokie.
Evanston is another great suburb to consider. It's close to Oak Park, and it has great schools. Evanston also has a downtown district that is one of the best in the Chicago area. Evanston also has a low crime rate, which makes it an ideal suburb for families. You can also find many parks in the area and trails for hiking. It is also home to Northwestern University.
La Grange Highlands is another great suburb for families. It's also relatively affordable compared to more affluent areas. It is also one suburb that is very family-friendly in the northwest Chicago suburbs. It is also home to an incredible school district.
Wilmette is another suburb located in northwest Chicago. It has a vibrant downtown area, great shopping and dining, and excellent schools. It also houses the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. It's also an ideal location for the Ravinia Festival. You will find many restaurants and shops here, as well numerous parks. You can shop for antiques or home furnishings here.
Glenview is another suburb ideal for families. It is one of the fastest growing suburbs of Chicago. It boasts a great school system, low property taxes and a low rate of crime. It is located close to Chicago. The drive to downtown Chicago takes 26 minutes. The Legoland Discovery Center is located in this suburb. It is one of the most popular attractions in the area. It is also home of a 4D theater.
FAQ
How old should my child be before I take them outside?
Children need sunshine and fresh air every single day. No matter what age your children are, they need to spend as much as possible outside.
Try to limit your exposure to snow if you live somewhere cold. Protect your children's skin from the sun when they are young by wearing sunscreen and hats.
Children under 5 years old should limit their outdoor time to 10 minutes. You can increase this time limit until you are able to spend at least two hours a day.
What are the 5 best outdoor activities for kids?
Whether you live in the country or the suburbs, there are tons of fun things to do outside. Here are five fun activities every child should be able to enjoy.
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Visit the Zoo - Zoos offer great places to spend quality time with your family. Going to the Zoo is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family and to learn more about conservation and animal welfare. Some zoos offer special programs that help educate visitors about issues facing endangered species worldwide. Online information is available. You can also call ahead to inquire about classes and events at your local Zoo.
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Visit a Natural Center - The best place to learn about nature is a natural center. There are usually exhibits, interactive displays, and lots of hands-on activities. It's amazing what kids can do with all of the cool stuff! It's a great excuse to hike through local parks and forests, so it's worth visiting a nature center.
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Take a Bike Ride - When was the last time you took your kids on a bike ride? Your kids will love riding bikes as much or more than you did growing up. Biking is not only good exercise. It's also great for getting to know your neighbors and discovering hidden gems.
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Play a Sports Game - Sports games aren't just for kids who grew up playing them. Sports games still entertain people of all ages. It is important to find something that suits your group. There are many great ways for families to spend their time together, such as basketball, hockey, baseball, and even soccer.
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Enjoy a Movie Under The Stars - This may be the best way to take in the great outdoors if you have a large yard. All you need to do is grab a blanket or lawnchair, a picnic basket with food and drinks, and maybe even a grill. It's so relaxing to be outside under the stars! Grab your blankets and get out there.
What activities can parents have with their children?
There is so much you can do to keep your kids entertained, it's easy to believe. But really, there is plenty to keep them entertained.
It's also possible for parents to teach their kids important lessons, while having fun. For instance, when you play catch with your kid, you could explain how throwing a ball is an important skill that helps him practice coordination.
Or, if he wants to learn how to ride his bike, you could show him how to balance himself without training wheels.
There are many ways that you can help your child learn and create memories. If you aren't sure what to do with your child, don't worry! Begin doing things together and watch where it leads you.
What are some other great activities that you could do with your family?
There are lots of ways you can spend time with your family. There are two types you should avoid. The first involves talking about yourself while spending time with others. This type of activity typically ends when the conversation stops.
The second activity involves arguing about how better you are than everyone else. This can make your spouse or children feel worse about themselves and your family.
Some may respond, "Well these arguments must be used." That's right. We do. Sometimes though, we can find more productive uses of our time. You could spend time with your children reading, going on walks, helping them with homework, cooking dinner, and other activities. These activities involve your whole family working together.
For instance, instead of arguing about who is smarter, why not agree to compete against each other in a game? Or why not choose a book that everybody likes and read it together?
Perhaps you could set aside time to watch a movie? You can also eat together and share your thoughts about the day. Why not play board games?
These activities can be fun and let you have fun together without fighting. These activities also give you the opportunity to learn from one another.
Which outdoor activity works best for families and children?
There are so many options. From climbing to kayaking to hiking, there are endless options for everyone. But when it comes to family fun, nothing beats riding bikes together.
You can bike along a paved path or ride through an open field. No matter what, you will have fun and laugh all the while taking in the fresh air. Plus, biking is a great exercise for adults and children alike.
What makes biking such a favorite choice among families, you ask? It allows parents to spend quality family time. This is especially helpful for kids who are unable to sit still for long periods of time and want to be able to have fun with friends.
Bike riding is also easy on your pocketbook. Many places offer discounts and deals for families. Bicycling with your family is an option, regardless of whether you are looking to save money or ensure your kids have plenty of opportunities to burn off energy.
Also, don't forget to include safety tips. Children need to be taught how to dress appropriately and how to act in emergency situations. They should also be taught how not to become injured.
Bike riding is a great way to get back in shape. To motivate yourself to continue, you can use your fitness level.
The health benefits of biking are numerous. Biking can reduce stress, improve heart health, boost moods, lower body fat, increase bone density, strengthen muscles, and help with other health issues like high blood pressure.
If you want to stay active and healthy with your family, biking is an option. It's a great way spend quality time with family.
Statistics
- A 2020 National Recreation and Park Association survey found that about 82 percent of people in the U.S. consider parks and recreation “essential.” (wilderness.org)
- A 2019 study found that kids who spend less time in green spaces are more likely to develop psychiatric issues, such as anxiety and mood disorders. (verywellfamily.com)
- According to the Outdoor Foundation, about half the U.S. population participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2018, including hunting, hiking, camping, fishing, and canoeing among many more outdoor activities. (activeoutdoors.info)
- According to The Outdoor Foundation's most recent report, over half of Americans (153.6 million people) participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2019, totaling 10.9 billion outings. (wilderness.org)
- So you're less likely to breathe in enough of the respiratory droplets containing the virus that causes COVID-19 to become infected if you haven't had a COVID-19 vaccine. (mayoclinic.org)
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How To
Why is outdoor recreation important to children?
Outdoor activities improve children's emotional, physical and social skills. Playing outdoors helps children become more self-reliant and social. Outdoor time helps children feel more well-rounded, which can help them concentrate better in school.
Outdoor play is important for developing motor skills, coordination balance strength and flexibility in children. Outdoor play allows children to explore the natural world and learn about different animals and plants. Playing sports together can help kids make new friends.
Exercise helps children improve their memory and concentration. Games such as hopscotch and tag can help children develop problem-solving skills. In addition, children learn responsibility and teamwork when working cooperatively with peers.
Outdoor activities can boost self-esteem. Children who feel confident in themselves tend to be more responsible and adhere to the rules. This makes them more likely to succeed in school.
Outdoor activities offer children many opportunities to have fun, fail, and even be in danger. These experiences are a great way to teach children about life and help them prepare for real-life situations.
Children can enjoy time outside and observe wildlife, as well as collecting insects. These observations give children insights into the natural world and encourage environmental awareness.
Children's senses are sharpened when they are outside. Children are able to see colors and hear sounds. They can also smell odors and taste different flavors. Children's appetites are stimulated by nature's sights, smells, tastes, and sounds. Outdoor activities provide the opportunity to build their bodies and minds as they get older.
Children who spend more time outside are likely to have stronger bones and muscles. Research shows that children who spend time outdoors have fewer injuries than children who don't.
Children can practice their social skills outdoors. Children need to work together to accomplish tasks like building a fire or collecting food. Children learn to be kind and share what they have.
Physically, children who spend their time outdoors are more likely to have a higher bone density and muscle growth. By reducing stress, outdoor activities can also improve mental health.
Outdoor activities promote family bonding. It is vital to spend quality time with your family for healthy child development. Many parents find it hard to make time for their children and take care of their own responsibilities. Families have a wonderful opportunity to bond and get connected outdoors.
Outdoor activities are good for the soul. All we have in nature is fresh air, sunshine and water. Consider taking your kids camping if you are looking for something exciting and fun to do with them. Camping is a great way to connect with nature and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Camping is a wonderful activity for everyone. Even if you've never been camping, there are ways to introduce children to this type of experience safely. You could begin by going on a day trip into a state park. You'll find plenty of activities at the park for children and adults alike. Bring snacks and beverages to enjoy the park with your children.
If you decide to go camping regularly, make sure that you plan. You can find camping supplies at most stores. Also, think about how you'll transport everything. Tents can be up to 100 pounds. It is better to have as little gear as you can.
If you prefer to camp closer to home, there are still options. Take a hike at a nearby State Park. Take a hike through the woods or along a stream. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the surrounding area. This is an excellent way to introduce children and young people to the wonders that are nature.
You can also make a camp in your backyard. Any space that is available should be made use of. A shelter can be made from leaves, branches, rocks or cardboard boxes. Create a fire pit next to the shelter. Make a ring with stones around the fire pit. Children can roast marshmallows on the fire pit by sitting in the circle.
You should pack your campsite quickly when you're ready for departure. Make sure you clean up after yourself. It can be harmful to plants and animals to leave trash behind. Additionally, others may not be able to enjoy the same natural beauty.
It doesn't matter whether you prefer to camp or to explore the natural world close to your home. The most important thing is to have fun together.