Kids can create their own day of fun in Skokie.
Skokie, Illinois, is a village located 15 miles north of Chicago, and is home to many festivals, concerts and special events every year. In addition to its cultural heritage, Skokie also offers a diverse range of entertainment for kids. Depending on the weather, kids and their families can enjoy fun indoors or explore Skokie outdoors in an artistic or natural setting.
Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park
Located in the heart of the village, adjacent to the Chicago River, the Skokie North Shore Sculpture Park (sculpturepark.org) is filled with 60 sculptures along a two-mile stretch. The artwork was donated by local and regional artists, as well as national artists. The North Shore Sculpture Park website offers free downloadable self-tour guides and family tour guides. The sculpture park is free and open to the public, with free public tours monthly. Children can run walk, skip, jump and just be kids as they explore the life-size statues in this distinctive outdoor art gallery.
Children's Museums
The Skokie Exploritorium (skokieparkdistrict.org/spdcm/Exploritorium.aspx) is part of the Skokie Park District. An interactive place where creative play is emphasized, the Exploritorium encourages kids to play with other children and involve their parents in the interactive activities. Open Thursday through Sunday, the Skokie Heritage Museum and Log Cabin (skokieparkdistrict.org/spdcm/default.aspx?c=1065) is a trip down memory lane for kids interested in learning about Skokie's heritage and history. A log cabin built in 1847 is the historic landmark around which the museum was built.
Water Activities
In warm weather, kids can go scuba diving at the Scuba Systems Scuba and Snorkeling Center (scubasystems.org), or get wet at the Skokie Water Playground (skokieparkdistrict.org/spdcm/SkokieWaterPlayground.aspx). Kids can learn scuba dive by taking an introductory class at Scuba Systems. The minimum age for scuba classes is eight years old. Experienced scuba divers can book parties at the Scuba and Snorkeling Center without any lessons. The Skokie Water Playground boasts a fully-accessible sprayground, five water slides slides and an interactive multi-level play feature, making it a must-see for all kids.
Activities for Older Kids
The Skokie Sports Park (skokieparkdistrict.org/spdcm/SkokieSportsParkDrivingRange.aspx) and the ENET Chicago Internet caf (no website; 9434 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL 60077; 847-676-8606) appeal to older children. If you have a teen or adolescent who enjoys playing golf, he can practice his drives at the Skokie Sports Park automatic tee-up driving range. According to the Skokie Park District, Skokie Sports Park is one of the 100 best driving ranges in the country. In inclement weather, paying a visit to ENET Chicago can be an enjoyable activity for older children. An Internet caf , ENET's computers are equipped with several up-to-date computer games, and time is rented by the hour.
