The Red
Oak Nature Center is a great way to spend a Saturday with the family. Earlier this summer my husband made the
suggestion that we take the kids and hit the trail and have a picnic. In our
constant rush to make practices, get to appointment, and go to sporting events
- this time of unwinding and relaxing was the perfect way to spend a day. It
was also nice to discover that the Red Oak Nature Center recently redid their
discovery room.
There
are quite a few hiking trails to choose from and even a biking trail {which we
prefer when using our stroller with the little ones}. The biking trail goes
right along the river and leads to the North Aurora Island Park where we like
to let the kids run around and play at after we eat our picnic lunch. There is
a picnic shelter near the center as well if you want to stay close by. There is
also a cave to explore. Yes, you are allowed to go down into the cave. If you
are looking to get outdoors with your family this is a wonderful setting for a
family outing.
At the
Red Oak Nature Center there is a wildlife room and discovery room that is very
hands on. There are snakes, turtles, and frogs that my children are completely
enthralled with in the wildlife room. And the discovery room has puzzles,
games, as well as other hands on activities for kiddos to enjoy. There is even
a glass partitioned bee hive that offers a view from both sides. It is really
cool. So if you are looking for a little more for your little ones than the standard
walk in the woods I would defiantly take the time to check out the Nature
center and all the animals and activities they have there {note: the discovery
room is closed on Tuesday through Thursday for use by the Nature Play Preschool.}.
I
enjoyed the nature center and I was impressed with the changes they have made
to the discovery center. It was geared toward both little children as well as
school aged children and was both educational and engaging. We loved it and
will be going back soon to spend more time both indoors and out.
Did I
mention all of this is free? Nope, well then… visiting the Red Oak NatureCenter is free. It is a great free activity for the whole family and a
wonderful way to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. You should totally add
this to your list of free things to do in Illinois.
Disclosure:
I was NOT compensated in any way for writing this post. I enjoyed this free resource
and wanted to share this enjoyable experience with others.
