Spring Break does not have to involve a plane trip or a long car ride. Plan a “stay-cation” right here in the Elgin Area. We have gathered a list of some of our favorite kid centered places to visit!
Recreation
Centre of Elgin – Adventure Island
If recreation and water go hand in hand for you, you’ll flip for the aquatics facilities at The Centre of Elgin! With three pools, you’re sure to find the right use, depth, and features for your every swimming and splashing need.
Website: www,centreofelgin.org/aquatics/open-swim/
Bartlett Park District – Splash Central
Carry on with summer-style fun all winter long with open swim at Splash Central.
Visit the website for more details: www.bartlettparkdistrict.com/facilities/aquatics/indoor-pool.aspx
Rock Climbing
The wall at Centre of Elgin, consist of two vertical sides; one slab, and one slight overhang, beginners can easily ascend up past the second floor balcony. The dimensions measure 32′H x 28′W with a total of 1165 sq. ft. It provides climbing on five ropes and two auto belays. The routes are designed for all climbing abilities from kids to adults.
Climbing schedule: www.centreofelgin.org/athletics/climbingwall/climbing-wall-schedule/
Bartlett Nature Center
Located near a state -park, the Nature Center hosts a variety of special events throughout the year including Earth Day in April.
Website: bartlettparks.org/bartlett-nature-center/
Hawthorne Hill Nature Center
Website: www.cityofelgin.org/248/Hawthorne-Hill-Nature-Center
Randall Oaks Zoo
Website: www.dtpd.org/randall-oaks-zoo
Hockey Camp at Canlan Ice Arena
Website: www.canlansports.com
Library Fun
Bartlett Public Library
Programs for all ages are available at Bartlett Public Library. The library also offers free tickets to places like Brookfield Zoo, Cantigny Park, Chicago Botanical Gardens, and more by checking out our passes with your BPLD card!
Website: www.bartlettlibrary.org
Gail Borden Public Library
Elgin’s Gail Borden Public Library is an award-winning library that hosts many exhibits and hundreds of educational events. This spring, Gail Borden is hosting “Barbie Superstar Exhibit” that showcases the history and impact of this revolutionary doll. It boasts three locations and has programming for readers of all ages.
Main Branch
Rakow Branch
South Elgin Branch is closed for renvoations
Check out Gail Borden’s Spring Break Activities for kids, teens and tweens:
- March 31- Creativity Corner: Doodle & Drop at the Rakow Branch
- April 1- Five Nights at Freddy’s Fan Party for Grades 7-12 at the Main Branch
- April 2- Creativity Corner: Perlers & Potions for Grades 1-5 at the Rakow Branch
- April 3- See a Juggler! Be a Juggler! program at the Main Branch
- April 3- A Wicked Good Time screening of Wicked for Grades 7-12 at the Main Branch
- April 4- Family Crafting Event at the Main Branch
Fox River Valley Public Library District
Dundee Library & Randall Oaks Library
Offering year round reading programs, and hands-on activities to launch an interest in science, technology, engineering and math, you’ll be sure to find something for your kiddos this winter!Website: www.frvpld.info/home
Play Places
Adrenaline Money
Adrenaline Monkey is an innovative family adventure park dedicated to empowering guests of all ages, sizes, and abilities through adrenaline-pumping adventures. At Adrenaline Monkey, you can experience Ninja Warrior obstacle courses, elevated obstacle courses, boulder walls, aerial courses, warped walls and vertical adventures.
Website: www.westdundee.adrenalinemonkeyfun.com/
Bumble Bee Café
Bumblebee Play Café is an indoor playground, family café, and birthday party venue located in Elgin, Ill. As one of the largest indoor playgrounds in the area, they offer 2 separate playrooms, six birthday party rooms, and a café. There’s something for everyone!
Website: www.bumblebeeplaycafe.com/
Epic Air
A 30,000 square foot indoor trampoline park located in Elgin, IL where kids of all ages can enjoy open jump, basketball, dodgeball, cageball, foam pit, and Ball Blaster Arena. Every Friday & Saturday night for $20 Epic Air rocks the house with a live DJ, Club Music or band. Epic Night is open to jumpers of all ages.
Website: www.epicairpark.com/
NEW! Polar Dome
The Polar Dome began in 1962 as part of a major development at Santa’s Village. The 40,000-square-foot ice arena opened in February 1963 and quickly gained national attention. The ice arena reopened in January and hosts public skates, hockey tournaments, ice skating, and special events. Pefect for familes, the Alpine Room offers refreshments and a clear window watching all the events on ice.
Website: www.polardomedundee.com/
Underground Retrocade
With over 200 of the greatest timeless amusements of all time you’ll be as hard pressed as we were to pick just one favorite! Enjoy classic video gaming, air hockey, skeeball, basketball, and pinball during your visit! Our ROWE/AMI CD100D Jukebox on the second floor is loaded with more than 5,000 of the greatest hits by the greatest artists of all time!
Website: www.undergroundretrocade.com/
Arts & Museums
Public Art
There is now public art all around downtown Elgin. Grab the kids on a spring day and explore the mural painted on the Southern wall at Hemmens Cultural Center or head to the Riverside Drive Promenade to see the two sculptures located along the Fox River Bike Trail.
Here is a website that includes a map of all the public art: www.cityofelgin.org/1951/Public-Art
Side Street Studio Arts
Side Street Studio Arts hosts a monthly Drop-In called “Small Wonders” monthly throughout the winter. Their amazing professional artist-educators will be leading a variety of creative visual and performing arts activities that evening.
Interested young artists, aged 4-12, are welcome to attend for a $5 donation at the door.
Visit their Facebook event page: www.facebook.com/events/276414482987701/
Bartlett History Museum
Visit, discover and the experience the stories that make up Bartlett’s rich history through changing exhibits. When your museum visit is over, pick up a free self-guided walking tour, one for adults or one for children, and explore the village’s historic downtown.
Website: www.bartlettil.gov/about-bartlett/village-of-bartlett-museums/history-museum
Dundee Township History Museum
Website: www.dundeetownshiphistorical.org
Elgin History Museum
Through permanent and changing exhibits, the museum brings to life Elgin’s rich heritage. Permanent exhibits include Elgin National Watch Company, the E. Maude and Carl Parlasca Native American Collection, and Elgin Road Race memorabilia. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am-4pm.
Website: www.elginhistory.org/
Elgin Public Museum
Built in 1907, the Elgin Public Museum is the only natural history museum in the Fox Valley area. The Museum offers exhibits and educational programs with natural history and cultural themes for families, school groups, Scouts, clubs, organizations, homeschoolers and anyone who wants to have fun while learning!
For a full list of area attractions for families check our website at www.ExploreElginArea.com. If you have a business in the Elgin area that should be included in the blog send us a message at Mary@ExploreElginArea.com.
Looking for somewhere to sleep during your “stay-cation”? Check out our special hotel rates available at local hotels during Spring Break. >>> Hotel Rate
If you are looking for an adult getaway then we have a whole itinerary for you. >>> Plan Your Getaway
