Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in DuPage County, Illinois is a local favorite preserve in all seasons. We usually visit in the summer months, so for a change, we seized upon a glorious and sunny fall day for a visit. This was the first time that we saw the preserve after the leaves had fallen. The preserve's treasures were definitely beautifully draped in the gold of the fall sun!
.png "Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 30-January 2")
Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 30-January 2
I hope that you have a wonderful New Year ahead! This weekend is the weekend to get in those last visits to see holiday lights. I wish we would keep up some through January since it tends to be so desolate. So, soak them up this weekend. Definitely, get outside too!
With the weather being so nice, I recommend taking a winter hike. Here is a list of places I have hiked in the region -- Chicago Suburban Hiking.
Over this past year, I became connected with an amazing organization through the world of Instagram -- Bloom 'N Toss! Bloom 'N Toss repurposes flowers discarded by area florists, stores, and other businesses by sharing them with deserving people throughout Chicago and the suburbs. The Bloom 'N Toss journey began in the Fall of 2004 when Catherine Costello and her daughter Alex observed store employees tossing expired -- but still beautiful -- flowers into garbage bins. Catherine asked if she could take some of the discarded flowers to spread joy at a local nursing home. From this simple gesture of kindness, Bloom 'N Toss was born. Bloom 'N Toss' mission is just so simply beautiful and I am thrilled to share more about this incredible organization with you.
Oriole Grove Forest Preserve in Lake County straddles the Lake Bluff - Lake Forest border following the Skokie River. The preserve does not have its own parking lot, so you must access it from either the Lake Bluff Openlands or Lake Forest Openlands parking lot. On our first visit, we entered through the Lake Bluff Openlands parking lot. We first wandered through the prairie before heading into the woodlands of the preserve.
Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin Brightens Up the Season with a Christmas Holiday Lights Tour Through December 26
The Pleasant Prairie Christmas Holiday Lights Tour delighted our hearts as we discovered incredible displays with snow flurries dancing about. The tour includes 21 homes throughout the city each uniquely decorated with the holiday spirit. Every home created its own magical wonderland that will lift spirits with holiday joy!
.png "Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 17-18, 2022")
It may be dreary out but there is plenty to do this weekend. All this dreariness is inspiring me to write something about all of the color you can still see in winter forests sometime soon. I particularly love to stand in the middle of pine stands this time of year and just enjoy the green. My favorites are at Cuba Marsh in Barrington/Deer Park area if you are looking for one. Here are my picks for this weekend:
Volo Bog in Ingleside, Illinois Offers A Remarkably Unique Nature Adventure In All Seasons
Volo Bog delights us with fantastic hiking experiences in any season. We always make nature discoveries on every visit and a late fall or winter adventure never lacks for interesting observations. So on a cold day earlier this month, we made a trek to Volo Bog to enjoy some fresh and air and make some nature observations. The bog did not disappoint!
Holiday Fun and More in the Chicago Suburbs December 8-11, 2022
Another weekend full of holiday cheer is just about here! Here are my picks for family fun in the Chicago suburbs this weekend:
A Unique Nature Exploration at Ferson Creek Fen
Ferson Creek Fen Nature Preserve in St. Charles, Illinois invites explorers to wander a unique wetland environment along the Fox River. We visited in late fall and made a lot of discoveries along the way.
Step Back in Time at These Warm and Jolly Holiday Events
There is just something so truly delightful and warm about reveling a bit in Christmas past. I love a good old fashioned Christmas experience. It just warms the heart! Plus, some of our local historic homes are just absolutely breathtaking in Christmas decor. I have put together a few of these experiences happening this year so you can enjoy a bit of the holiday spirit of yesteryear:
Family Fun in the Chicago Suburbs December 2-4, 2022
Holiday fun is in full swing! There are plenty of opportunities for fun this weekend. Check out my special picks: