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What to Do With Kids In The North Suburbs

Parents are like magicians -- they need to have a bag of tricks. When your 2-year-old decides the playroom is "boring", get him in the car before the meltdown begins! Keep a list of fun places handy, in your phone or calendar, and you can make a quick getaway.

In the north and northwest suburbs, there are places that are relatively inexpensive and even free to take your little one.

www.ravinia.org
credit: www.ravinia.org

Ravinia Festival

200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park
(847) 266-5100
www.ravinia.org

Ravinia in Highland Park has a series of children's concerts that are not too expensive, especially if you buy lawn seats. Pack a picnic or just throw a blanket into your car and buy food at the park. Bring a couple of toys to entertain your little ones when the music and food no longer keep their attention. Bubbles work great.

ww.marriotttheatre.com
credit: www.marriotttheatre.com

Marriott Theatre

10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
(847) 634-0200
www.marriotttheatre.com

Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, has great, one-hour children's shows that inspire imagination, and budding actors, and give mom and dad a chance to be entertained too.

www.theglentowncenter.com
credit: www.theglentowncenter.com

The Glen Town Center

2660 Valor Drive, Glenview
(847) 724-2025
www.theglentowncenter.com

Looking for some creative art time with your kids? Check out two places at The Glen Town Center, in Glenview: Make-a-Messterpiece and Color Me Mine. Your kids can get messy and creative and have finished artwork to bring home.

www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org
credit: www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org

Kohl Children's Museum

2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
847-832-6600
www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org

While at The Glen, you should visit the always-entertaining Kohl Children's Museum. Children love the pretend grocery store, water area and pretty much everything else!

ig.www.lcfpd.org
credit: www.lcfpd.org

Independence Grove

16400 W. Buckley Rd., Libertyville
(847) 968-3499
www.lcfpd.org/ig_visitors_center/index.cfm

You want to play outside? Take the kids to Independence Grove in Libertyville, for the beach and park.

www.chicago-botanic.org
credit: www.chicago-botanic.org

Chicago Botanic Garden

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
(847) 835-5440
www.chicago-botanic.org

The Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, which is always spectacular, also has special events for all ages.

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credit: facebook.com

Lambs Farm

1425 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville
(847) 362-4636
www.lambsfarm.org

Another great outdoor place is Lambs Farm in Libertyville. Your kids will love it and you will be helping out a group of special people. This is a must do!

nbcourt
credit: facebook.com

Northbrook Court

2171 Northbrook Court, Northbrook
(847) 498-8161
www.northbrookcourt.com

On a rainy day, the Northbrook Court shopping mall treehouse let's your kids climb and slide and have make-believe adventures. A warning -- on busy days, playing at the treehouse can be like hand-to-hand combat for kids!

Michele Youngerman, cbschicago.com

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