Oak Brook parents aren’t like other parents. For one thing, they can withstand temperatures that parents in other cities couldn’t comprehend. And, as lifelong Cubs fans, they know the importance of persistence and hope. Rain or shine, they know exactly what to do to keep kids entertained. For Oak Brook moms and dads, there’s no question that Midwest is Best.
The Gardner School of Oak Brook put together a list of the top signs you know you’re an Oak Brook parent. There are so many activities to do in DuPage County, and you’ve done every last one of them. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a recent transplant, count up your score and embrace your identity with pride.
1. You might be an Oak Brook parent if your idea of a night on the town includes a visit to Oak Brook Center.
Oh, the follies of youth. In your earlier years, you could be found at local restaurants, art openings, and hip bars, but now your ideal weekend isn’t complete without a visit to Oak Brook Center. Where else can you dine at the illustrious Pinstripes and catch a film in the same location? Real locals know the perfect way to cap off the night: a sweet treat for the kids at Lolli and Pops.
2. You might be an Oak Brook parent if your favorite place to shop is Trader Joe’s.
Can man (or woman) live on Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels alone? Maybe not, but that’s not going to stop you from trying. The free samples, discounted flowers, and truly exceptional products keep you coming back to this neighborhood favorite. Plus, your kids get to experience the complete glee of driving around a tiny shopping cart and filling it with…wait, what is it filled with? We’re going to have to put a few of those Pound Plus chocolate bars back. Yes, one is enough.
3. You might be an Oak Brook parent if you catch yourself humming the tune of “Baby Shark” in public.
You’ve likely heard the song of the year or song of the summer, but you’ve been bouncing to a different beat for the past six months. You sing it at home, but recently you’ve noticed the telltale “do do, do do do” slipping from your lips at the grocery store, at work, and at the gym. Originally this alarmed you, but ultimately you surrender to The Shark. After all, it’s catchy. No one can deny that.
4. You might be an Oak Brook parent if your weekends are spent at the splash pad or walking to the park with two wagons.
It’s almost like your little one has an internal temperature sensor set at a precise level. Once the thermostat creeps to 76 degrees, your child’s request comes swiftly and often. You know the refrain: “Please-can-we-go-to-the-splash-pad?!” You get it. The Splash Pad is a toddler’s dream. Jets of water at timed intervals! Other kids to play and splash with!
5. You might be an Oak Brook parent if you have a family pass to the Brookfield Zoo.
When Oak Brook kids talk about snowflakes, they’re not thinking about winter snowstorms. No, they’re asking to see a huge albino alligator currently visiting the Brookfield Zoo. Since you’re an Oak Brook parent, you’ve already been to visit Snowflake ten times since he arrived in town. With every visit to the Brookfield Zoo, you try to talk your kids into visiting another animal. Don’t they want to see the big cats or visit the apes? No. For them, there’s only Snowflake. You don’t blame them. After all, he’s pretty neat.
6. You might be an Oak Brook parent if your children aren’t afraid of the trolls at The Morton Arboretum.
Most children would be frightened of giant trolls, but not Oak Brook kids. You’ve gotten used to the multiple requests to visit the trolls living nearby, and watched your child frolic with glee near the wooden statues. Parents who aren’t from Chicago might think the kids are engaging in some sort of ancient harvest ritual, but Oak Brook parents know better. What’s better than huge wooden statues in the middle of a gorgeous natural space? Not much.
7. You might be an Oak Brook parent if you’ve seen an AlphaBet Soup production at the Tivoli Theatre.
Some folks have season tickets to see their favorite sports teams in action. Others buy box seats at the Cadillac to see the latest Broadway shows. Not you. You have the hottest season tickets in Oak Brook—tickets to every show put on by AlphaBet Soup Productions at the Tivoli Theatre. When you sink into those velvet seats and your kid gives you the biggest smile, you know you made the right call.
We Know Oak Brook Kids
If you’re looking for a preschool that understands Chicago kids, The Gardner School of Oak Brook provides a local academic preschool that has become a valued part of the Oak Brook community. Our interactive curriculum, academic focus, and highly-trained teachers can keep kids engaged. To learn more about how we fulfill our mission to Oak Brook parents, set up a time to explore our location.