Places in the 'burbs to soak up this balmy weather — while it lasts
Perhaps fifty degrees. On Friday. Right here. And 40s this weekend.
It may be hard to believe, but we've barely touched freezing this winter. Temperatures are expected to dip a bit for the weekend, but the unseasonably warm weather is predicted to continue well into next week. That's a far cry from the low of 8 that we were feeling at this time last year.
So don't start your hibernation rituals just yet. Here are some suggestions of how you can get out and enjoy the suburbs outside before the inevitable harsh reality of winter sets in.
Sculpture park, Schaumburg
The Chicago Athenaeum's International Sculpture Park comprises 20 acres of meadow, forest and natural prairie near Schaumburg village hall at 101 Schaumburg Court. It's open sunrise to sunset and is free. It's a great place to grab lunch while gazing at a 6-ton rock shaped like a head or a 7-foot sculpture made of fiberglass and painted polychrome that's called “Heavy Dog Kiss.”
More info: ">chi-athenaeum.org/park.htm
Morton Arboretum, Lisle
More than 16 miles of hiking paths wend their way around 1,700 acres at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53 in Lisle. The arboretum also features 9 miles of biking trails or you can simply chill in numerous garden spots. And, if you get sick of all that nature stuff, they're holding a clearance sale at the Arboretum Store though Jan. 15. The grounds are typically open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this month. Admission is $12 for adults; $9 for kids.
More info: mortonarb.org/
Cosley Animal Farm, Wheaton
The animals and staff aren't hibernating at the Cosley, 1356 N Gary Ave. The farm covers five acres so you can wander at your leisure and check out that three-toed Box Turtle you've been dying to see. The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. this month. Admission is free to Wheaton residents and children under 17; $3 for nonresident adults.
More info: cosleyzoo.org/.
WinterFest at Volo Bog
Volo Bog isn't going to let a lack of snow put a damper on its WinterFest this weekend. The festival features outdoor hikes, music and storytelling at the Bog, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. There also will be cookies and hot cocoa for sale. Tickets cost $5 for adults and $2 for children. The bog spans 1,453 acres, and winter is a good time to see if you can identify trees and shrubs by their bark.
More info: dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r2/VOLOBOG.HTM; ; more info on WinterFest: friendsofvolobog.org/
Hike Cuba Marsh, Barrington
Nature lovers can take a one-hour guided hike of Cuba Marsh at 9 a.m. Saturday. Gentle trails cross the 782-acre marsh that are excellent for biking, hiking and (when and if the snow comes) cross-county skiing. It's at Cuba Road, west of Ela Road and east of Route 59 near Barrington. Cost is $1 for county resident or $2 for nonresidents.
More info: lcfpd.org/preserves/.
Take a hike in Kane County
The Kane County Forest Preserve has a #8220;Take a Hike#8221; program where you can explore different forest preserves each month. Overachievers can get a patch if they complete six of the 12 hikes. This week's hike is at Burnridge Forest Preserve, 38W235 Big Timber Road in Elgin, which has nearly 9 miles of trails on 590 acres.
More info: http://www.kaneforest.com/recreation/takeahike/default.aspx
Or carve your own path in Kane County
A network of foot trails winds through the fields and forested ravines of the Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve, 35W076 Villa Marie Road, St. Charles. The Fox River Trail runs along the eastern boundary of the forest preserve on the Elgin-Aurora trolley line. The preserve is free and open until sunset.
More info: http://www.kaneforest.com/ForestPreserveView.aspx?ID=42.
Golf, just about anywhere
Some courses have closed for the season, but many remain open #8212; from Antioch Golf Course near the Wisconsin border to Naperbrook Golf Club south of Naperville. Some courses are recommending calling for tee times; others say it's first-come, first-to-the-tee. Some courses are allowing carts on the path only, but you're free to drive on the fairways at St. Andrew's in West Chicago, which stays open year #8216;round in virtually all weather.
Not quite up for a full round, but want to hit a few balls? Green Valley Driving Range on Lake Street near Hanover Park and Roselle is open.
And, if the weather's still not suitable for your game, try the indoor golf simulator at Highlands of Elgin, where perhaps not insignificantly the Hickory Stick Bar and Grill remains open, too.
More info: greenvalleygolfrange.com/ and highlandsofelgin.com/.
Woof!
Dog parks abound in the suburbs. You might try Fermilab's off-the-leash area off Batavia Road, just a mile past the east entrance to the compound. Also, Bark Park at Kuhn Road and North Avenue in Carol Stream. Or 9027 Haligus Road in Lake in the Hills. Just mind your manners (and bring baggies) and follow the rules of the dog park.
More info: doggoes.com/parks/illinois/chicag
Prairie View Nature Center and Silver Creek Conservation area, Crystal Lake
Prairieview Nature Center, 2112 Behan Road, Crystal Lake, has more than seven miles of hiking trails and picnic areas. Stop in at the center's building to learn more about nature or turn kids lose in interactive room with hands-on activities, games and puzzles. Littering and bicycling is not allowed, but you can bring your dog (on a leash).
More info: mccdistrict.org/web/si-Prairieview.htm
Just pick a park and go play
Grab a soccer ball or football, pile the kids in the car and hit your local park for some playtime #8212; which is also a chance to work off some of those pounds you may have picked up over the holidays.
More info: An alphabetical list of local park districts with links to their websites can be found at users.rcn.com/clonk/parkdistrict.html.
Your own backyard
Get in the last weekend of grilling and yard work. If there was ever a time to get leaves out of your gutters, this would be it. Loaded gutters are an easy way to create ice dams and create pooling of snow on your roof, which leads to roof damage and leaking when the snow melts in the spring. And, while you're at it, you might as well pull down those Christmas lights. No need to keep them out all winter long. Really.