Schaumburg, Illinois, is known for being family-friendly. There’s so much to do for families with children of all ages. From natural spaces and community centers to local theme parks, it’s not hard to keep little ones entertained, even without venturing into Chicago’s city center. The Gardner School of Schaumburg asked our parent partners for their favorite local outdoor activities, and they came up with quite a few. Below are some of their favorite Schaumburg outdoor activities to take the whole family.
Ninja Warrior Course at Moore and Meineke Park
Ninja Park is not your average playground! Children of all ages can challenge themselves to cross swaying steps, climb steep slopes and woven ropes, or race against siblings and parents on the 40-yard dash. Imaginations run wild as children envision themselves crossing streams of lava or hiking mountain slopes. For a little healthy competition, timers are installed on the course so children can try to improve their time with every round. For a visit to this unique park, children and parents alike will want to bring plenty of water and be ready to break a sweat!
Volkening Lake
Looking for a hands-on experience with your little one? Take to the lake for fishing, picnicking, paddle boating, or kayaking! These family-friendly activities are all available at Volkening Lake. Pack up your sunscreen and snacks and head out for an outdoor day of fun. The beautiful scenery is wonderfully relaxing for parents and will inspire your child to explore and learn.
Bison’s Bluff Nature Playground
Right next to Spring Valley Nature Center, you’ll find a playground unlike any other. It uses natural materials, such as local rock formations and logs, as well as sand and water to create a truly unique play area. These natural materials bring children closer to the world around them. Building an appreciation for nature is a way to encourage curiosity about biological processes and ecosystems. Bison’s Bluff is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer months, and there are nearly three miles of walking paths nearby for a relaxing stroll.
Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm
The best way to teach children about nature is to get them outdoors, exploring and observing the wonders around them. Spring Valley is a wonderful place to get your child engaged with the natural world. As an outdoor living museum, the Nature Center and Heritage Farm offer a chance to learn about nature and local history. Families love visiting Spring Valley to walk, birdwatch, take photos, read, and relax!
Schaumburg Sculpture Park
For a unique outdoor experience, try Schaumburg’s Sculpture Park. This site includes 20 acres of meadow and forest with the art of international and American sculptors. Each piece was chosen intentionally to fit the natural environment, making for a fun and beautiful day out with the family.
An Exceptional Preschool for Schaumburg Parents
Schaumburg parents trust The Gardner School to care for their children during the day so they can enjoy connected family time at home. Our interactive curriculum, academic focus, and highly-trained teachers keep children engaged and learning on a daily basis. If you’re looking for an exceptional preschool experience in the Chicago area, we’d love to share more about what we do. To learn more about how we fulfill our mission to Schaumburg parents, set up a time to tour our school.