Things to Do in St. Charles, Illinois, for Kids

Whether you are a year-round resident or planning a visit, St. Charles, Illinois -- located just 35 miles west of downtown Chicago -- offers plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for kids of all ages. In 2011, St. Charles was named one of Family Circle Magazine̵7;s ̶0;10 Best Towns for Families,̶1; a kid-friendly distinction for the community where over one-third of households have kids under the age of 18. For fun in nature, creativity, staying active and hands-on learning, St. Charles offers a wide variety for your kids.

  1. Nature & History

    • Kids can explore even on a rainy day at the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve. At the Creek Bend Nature Center -- open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 4 p.m Saturday and Sunday -- kids can view displays and experience hands-on exhibits through guided programs or self-led tours. Two examples: the Prairie Ecology exhibit, which features a bison from the 1893 World̵7;s Columbian Exposition held in Chicago, and ̶0;A Clams-Eye View of the Fox River̶1; wetland exhibit. Kids can also see what life was like in St. Charles in the 1840s at The Durant House Museum, a living history museum. It is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays from mid-June to early October and from 1 to 4 p.m Thursdays from mid-June to mid-August. This brick farmstead with costumed guides is also available by appointment year round for tours.

    Creative Arts

    • For the budding artist, animator, singer or seamstress, the St. Charles Park District offers classes and programs for kids of all ages at the Pottawatomie Community Center. Preschoolers can learn about numbers, the alphabet, or shapes and color through songs, games and other activities. Older kids can paint, sew, draw or even film their own claymation animated movie. The center also offers sports camps, music and theater classes, babysitter training for teens and a magic class. Class times vary and registration is required.

    Biking & Hiking

    • Kids who want to get physical can choose from several area hiking and bike trails in St. Charles. Anderson Woods, Fox River Bluff, Jon J. Deurr, LeRoy Oakes and Tekakwitha Woods offer trails to explore and enjoy. Kids and families can also participate in the Take a Hike program offered by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, which encourages exploration of a different forest preserve each month. Kids who complete at least six of the related activity sheets by year's end will receive a free patch.

    Public Library

    • The St. Charles Public Library, listed as a top library in the nation for five out of the past 10 years, offers a range of activities for kids. Teens can learn about video games, college admission or even try to survive in Zombies vs. Humans, a tag-style game with Nerf guns. Younger kids can enjoy story times, Lego events, movie nights, and a variety of other events and programs throughout the year. Online registration is easy with a library card and most programs are free.

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