Last week, we had the distinct pleasure of experiencing the new interactive Wonder Woods Mini Golf at the Morton Arboretum. This charming, unique 9-hole golfing adventure is accessible for all visitors and the perfect outing for players age 4 and up. Wonder Woods Mini Golf is an unexpected summer treat.
—Jenn
When: Now to September 2, 2024
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., last tee time 5:00 p.m.
**Please note that Wonder Woods Mini Golf will close at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2. The last available tee time will be 3:00 p.m.
Tickets
Members Child (ages 4 through 17): $6 Adult (age 18 and older): $8
Guests Child (ages 4 through 17): $8 Adult (age 18 and older): $10
For those who are not members, Wonder Woods Mini Golf tickets must be purchased in addition to Arboretum general admission. Children aged 2 and older require a general admission ticket to enter the Arboretum; infants under the age of 2 are admitted for free.
Over the past several weekends, I have attended various Author Talks (thank you Anderson Bookshop) and explored Indie bookshops in Iowa and Michigan. Each adventure brought epic tales and jaw dropping encounters. These are tales best told over a second and third cup of coffee. Since its officially fall, make mine a pumpkin cold brew with a side order of pumpkin loaf.
On Sunday, we arrived at St. Joesph beach in Michigan only to find the dreaded red flag waving strong. Overcast and dangerous waves. No swimming today. It was the perfect day to relax and read on the beach.
After several hours of baking in partial sun and reading, we made our way through the local shops. Our first stop was Cabanas for some delicious Black Cherry ice cream. Afterwards, we strolled and browsed the local shops. A visit would not be complete without stopping by the local independent bookstore Forever Books. As you walk in, you are greeted with the fragrance of possibility. While browsing, I came across two exceptional picture books. The Legend of Sleeping Bear is beautifully written and illustrated. I’m looking forward to integrating this lovely into my classroom. Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall’s Hello Lighthouse was the second lakeside treasure that I discovered. Hello Lighthouse “is a luminous tribute to a steadfast lighthouse and its reassuring light.”
**Please note: At this time, I am not affiliated with the bookshop linked above (wink, wink I would love the opportunity). Direct links are included for your convenience.
I come from a long line of farmers, loggers, police officers and engineers. It’s only natural that I have a soft spot for farm life. This past school year my class adopted a calf through the Discover Dairy program. We were blessed to work with Berning Acres, which is an amazing dairy farm and must visit.
So, break out those overalls and tall rubber boots. Whatever destination that you choose, I wish you and yours a “moo”velous time.
*See the Classroom Connection tab for details on Discover Dairy plus related reading & additional resources.
—Jenn
Field Trips for Families & Classrooms
Illinois Adventures
Berning Acres – East Dubuque, Illinois
My daughter and I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Berning Acres in June. We traveled a little over four hours (one way) on our adventure. Our visit was quite memorable. We played and bottle fed some calves; visited with the goats, sheep, chickens, ponies, and pigs; milked a cow (harder than it looks); and toured the farm. Before leaving, we ate some ice cream and took pictures. Our guide was informative and extremely personable. My daughter is still talking about the teeny, tiny, baby cows. We thank Berning Acres for their time and hospitality.
If you plan on visiting, click the link below to make your reservation in advance. Once on the website, you will notice there are numerous options to choose from.
On our way to Berning Acres, we stopped at Hoof It for a quick hike with some goats. My daughter thought the idea was complete bananas. Summer is meant to explore and try new adventures. That was my selling pitch and I quickly won her over. Our morning hike was beyond entertaining. When we arrived, we were greeted by a small herd of goats wandering about eating leaves off of low plants. During the hike, which lasted about an hour, we stopped occasionally to take selfies and pictures of the goats. As we hiked, our guides were informative and most were personable.
If you plan on visiting, click the link below to make your reservation in advance. Once on the website, you will notice there are numerous options to choose from.
My daughter’s Girls Scout Troop went ages ago. It’s wonderful place to visit with your family and class. Click the link below to check the schedule and secure a reservation.
The Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago is a family favorite. Farm Tech: Growing Smarter is an interactive exhibit, where your budding farm enthusist can try their hand at milking a cow and “driving” a tractor. It’s truly a moo-velous time! Sorry I couldn’t resist one last pun.
Fair Oak Farms is super family friendly and offers tours of a modern working dairy farm. Family passes are available to experience all the farm has to offer. While visiting the farm, make certain to visit the Cowfe & Ice Cream shop. I highly recommend the grilled cheese sandwich and fresh ice cream. So yummy! Plus, there is super cute merch available for purchase.
For those of you that are traveling, advance reservations at the Fairfield by Marriott is a must. Marriott describes the hotel as “a beautiful contemporary barn, this one-of-a-kind hotel is filled with custom art and upgrades all celebrating the American countryside of Fair Oaks Farms.” A great family getaway.
**Please note: At this time, I am not affiliated with the field trip destinations (wink, wink I would love the opportunity). Direct links are included for your convenience.
Adventure Recommendation
I am always ready for an adventure! Please post your recommendations below.
July is an excellent time to snuggle in a read a new book. The picture books below are my absolute favorites that I read in the final days of school. Corresponding classroom resources and links are posted under the “Classroom Connection” tab.
Picture Books
And Then Comes Summer, by Tom Brenner
Fireflies, by Julie Brinckloe
Down by the Cool of the Pool, by Tony Mitton
There was an Old Mermaid who Swallowed a Shark, by Lucille Colandro
Wish for a Fish: All About Sea Creatures, by Bonnie Worth
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist, by Jess Keating
The Big Tan Van, by Sindy McKay
Pig the Tourist, by Aaron Blabey
Tacky Goes to Camp, by Helen Lester
The Pigeon will Ride the Roller Coaster, by Mo Willems
Bonus – Camping Picture Books
The Camping Trip, by Jennifer K. Mann
Our Great Big Backyard, by Laura Bush & Jenna Bush Hager
Frank & Bean, by Jamie Michalak
Fatima’s Great Outdoors, by Ambreen Tariq
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee, by Chris Van Dusen
Chapter Books
Flora & Ulysess, by Kate DiCamillo
Magic Tree House: #35 Camp Time in California, by Mary Pope Osborne
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