By Sophie Dominguez
Many high-schoolers have jobs as nannies or babysitters or have younger siblings. I can’t count the number of times I’ve been babysitting my brothers and thought to myself, “Wow, I wish I knew a good place I could take the kids to give them a fun experience.” Here is a list of places in or near Batavia that are, in my opinion, great options to take the kids to get them out of the house.
Harold Hall Quarry Beach
The quarry is a perfect spot to take the kids when it’s warm outside. There are attractions for all ages and snacks if the kids get hungry. They can go on the little waterslide, jump on the inflatable lily pads, swim around or even play beach volleyball.
9. Chuck E Cheese’s
Chuck E Cheese’s is the infamous fun center that will never get old. They can play arcade games, eat pizza, and hopefully get to meet the Chuck E Cheese himself. Being back at Chuck E’s may bring about PTSD, but the kids will love it. Just hope that they don’t get stuck in the play tubes.
8. Chick-Fil-A
This one seems unexpected, but Chick-Fil-A is a wonderful place for kids. You can have a bite to eat as you watch them have endless fun in Chick-Fil-A’s play place. The play place is clean, safe, and fun for little kids to mess around in.
7. Red Oak Nature Center
The Red Oak Nature Center is the perfect place for you and the kids to spend a little time with nature. Not only is it a beautiful place, but it is also a great opportunity to educate the kids on different types of wildlife and attributes of nature. They will love walking on the trails or seeing different animals in the wildlife room.
6. Peck Farm Park
Peck Farm Park, located in Geneva, is a unique and beautiful place to relax and enjoy nature. It has a butterfly house (which the kids love), a nature playground, an observation silo, and many trails to walk on. It’s the perfect place if you feel like getting out of the house and enjoying the fresh air.
5. Batavia Depot Museum
You may have driven by the Batavia Depot Museum but never been inside it. Unexpectedly, it is a great place to take kids to educate them on the history of our town. It used to be Batavia’s train station, and it offers different educational programs and events throughout the year.
4. Randall 15
Taking the kids to see a movie at Randall 15 is a fun activity for any weather. The best part is you can relax and avoid having to entertain them for a couple hours as they enjoy the movie. You may even enjoy the movie yourself!
3. Kane County Cougars
If you’re willing to spend a little money, taking the kids to a Cougars game is something they will never forget. You can cheer on the Cougars, get a nice suntan, and even eat a hot dog.
2. Abbey Farms
Abbey Farms is an awesome place to take the kids during the fall season. There is nothing kids love more than picking pumpkins or going on a hayride. They love the inflatable jumping pillow, and if you’re willing to pay a little extra, they can even try the human hamster balls. There’s also a zip line, a park, and little tractors they can ride on. The kids will never get bored at Abbey Farms.
1. Funway
The notorious Funway has a variety of attractions that both you and the kids will enjoy. You can mini golf, go bowling, do the bumper cars, play laser tag, or win tickets in the arcade. You can even spend hours in my personal favorite place, the roller rink.