Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Fun & Free in Illinois: Red Oak Nature Center

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.

Fun and Free in Illinois: Red Oak Nature Center

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.

Fun and Free in Illinois: Red Oak Nature Center #BikePath

Fun and Free in Illinois: Red Oak Nature Center #GetOutdoors

Fun and Free in Illinois: Red Oak Nature Center #Cave

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.}.

Fun and Free in Illinois: Red Oak Nature Center #Turtle

Fun and Free in Illinois: Red Oak Nature Center #Explore

Fun and Free in Illinois: Red Oak Nature Center #Explore #Play #Interact #Read

Fun and Free in Illinois: Red Oak Nature Center #Play

Fun and Free in Illinois: Red Oak Nature Center #Puzzle

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.



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