A First Time for Everything

While there are many things that cause stress for mothers, planning their kids' birthday parties is right up there in the top 10. Maybe even the top five for some. My son is only three and I am already out of ideas. Not looking good for me. Could be that I set the bar too high or have unrealistic expectations. I just want the perfect toddler party, tons of fun, not much cash...is that impossible? Not anymore.

In search of a unique and fun place to have his party, my son and I wandered into the Dupage Historical Museum. Located in the heart of beautiful downtown Wheaton in the western suburbs, the museum is full of interesting artifacts and beautiful exhibits highlighting the rich local history and culture of this county. But that is not really why we went. The big pull for us, and for many, is the huge model train they have in the lower level. It is truly a work of art and an awe-inspiring site for kids and kids-at-heart. Once my toddler saw it, he was hooked.

When I inquired about having his birthday party there, I was informed by the museum staff that they have never had one before. However, from there the museum educator proceeded to plan and arrange the entire party on just over a week's notice. She planned activities and crafts for the kids, decorated the room, offered to purchase snacks, ... She did it all! It was a perfect toddler train party where the kids had tons of fun and it didn't cost much at all. It does exist!!

The Dupage Historical Museum has recently been purchased by the Wheaton Park District in efforts to keep the doors open. They have all new staff and all new motivation to update the exhibits to enhance the visitors' experience of the local history and culture. They already have several hands-on areas where kids can get a feel for life in Dupage County in the 1800's and other fun tactile activities. They also have a beautiful auditorium perfect for events and performances. Coming this fall, the museum will be hosting a series of educational and hands-on progams for adults and kids designed to draw the community back to this forgotten resource.

We loved our experience there. The kids loved the trains, the staff was great and so very helpful and I got to sit back and enjoy the day. Perfect. And with the museum located in the midst of downtown Wheaton, you are just walking distance from dozens of local shops and restaurants once you see all that the museum has to offer. We will be back again and again. We have truly found a hidden gem!

Anyone interested in learning more about this local gem or about having your event (toddler party, office party, etc...) there, contact the museum educator Sara Buttita at (630) 510-4956 or sbuttita@wheatonparks.org.
Originally posted at Chicagonista.

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Children's Museum Moving??

The Dupage Children's Museum: Bubbles galore, scarfs in a wind tunnel, giant Tinker Toys, ... A toddler paradise. From a mom's perspective, it is loud and their choice of paint colors is less than subtle. But still, the wonder in my son's eyes when he sees the ginormous water table makes it all worthwhile.
When you live in a climate such as ours, it is practically essential to have a place to go where kids can run and play and moms can have a break from the daily task of keeping them entertained.
I used to go there with friends and their kids. But I quickly learned that it is just a bit too loud and chaotic there to engage in any kind of meaningful conversation while keeping your eye on your kids. So more often now, we go by ourselves so I can give my full attention to my boys and engage in the play with them.

But this staple of Dupage County is at risk of going away. Or at the very least moving further west. According to a recent article in the Naperville Sun,the recent state of the economy has led to decreased giving to the museum putting them at risk of not being able to make the mortgage payment on their garishly painted space. The city of Naperville has offered some financial assistance but it may not be enough.
The museum is currently looking into spaces in Naper Settlement and Aurora as potential new homes for their many child-oriented, learning-friendly exhibits.

Thanks to Grandma, we have had a pass to the museum for the last couple years. And it seems that my son finds a new favorite exhibit each time we go. His puzzle-loving mind loves the light boards with shapes he can place and configure to his little heart's content. Or the blocks upstairs where he can build a giant road and no one is gonna ask him pick them all up before he moves on to the next thing. And a trip wouldn't be complete without wet sleeves from carefree play in the water and bubbles. It does my momma-heart good to see him run in with his eyes wide with wonder, anxious to start the adventure. And he's learning in the process and he doesn't even know it! It would be a horrible shame for the museum to move out of Dupage County or even to a place less accessible for many moms.
We have come to depend on it as our winter activity stand-by and even our "it is WAY TOO hot outside" activity too. I would seriously hate to see it go away.

Here are some of the activities going on at the museum this summer. Go explore and create with your little adventurers. Support the museum and keep this local mommy-resource in Dupage County.



Preschool Summer Camp: 8 weekly sessions beginning June 15th
Daily open studio sessions and storytimes
Seminar for Parents on April 23rd
Family Fun Nights
And so much more!!!

Oh, and check out their blog for inside museum info and cool kids' activity ideas.

Do you have a favorite place for active kids that you'd like to share with Dupage Mamas? Send us your posts if you'd like to be a guest blogger, or your ideas if you want us to take the reigns.

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