Tiny Tot Open Play offers affordable afternoon amusement in Schaumburg
On days off from his firefighting job, Matt Saternus is home with his two daughters, Sydney, 3 and Quinn, 1.
Keeping two toddlers under age 5 entertained all day isn't an easy task. That's why Saternus was happy to discover the Schaumburg Park District's Tiny Tot Open Play from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg.
The program is in the Discovery Room (formerly the Creative Activity Room) of the recently renovated center.
The room features an indoor playground boasting a ball pit, slides and soft, colorful mats along with a play kitchen, blocks, pint-size basketball hoops and a variety of toys.
"It's a nice way to break up the day," said Saternus, of Hoffman Estates. "We try to go to the park regularly, but in the cooler weather, all bets are off. This is a great alternative."
The room is available for classes, birthday parties and room rentals.
"It's a great, affordable option to let little ones get more active playtime," said Kristy McCann, the Community Recreation Center facility manager. "Many participants meet up with other families and play groups and meet new friends."
Many parents and caregivers start attending Open Play while their children are infants and keep returning until it's time for Kindergarten, said CRC nursery attendant Geri Johnson. Johnson has supervised the drop-in program since its inception, greeting parents as they come into the Creative Activity Room with their toddlers. She's quick to remember names and ages of children.
"I like talking to the parents," Johnson said. "It's also fun watching the kids come back year after year and seeing how much they've grown."
Rebecca Ralston began visiting Open Play a year ago after her family moved to Schaumburg.
"I love it, especially in the winter," said Ralston, who brings her two daughters, Ella, 3 and Roselyn, 6 months. "It's the perfect getaway. You get out of the house for two hours and it's affordable."
Admission to Open Play is $3 per child. For information, call (847) 490-7015 or visit www.parkfun.com.