If you are new to the area and looking for a good quality daycare in Roscoe Village for your kids, or if you just haven’t gotten out and done much in the area, be sure to get out and explore some of the fun things that a parent and child can see and do in Roscoe Village.
This is a safe neighborhood that prides itself on being a “Village Within a City”, where great schools, first class restaurants, awesome parks and convenient transportation are all within arm’s reach and walking distance. So if you’re heading out with your kiddos before or after dropping them off for daycare in Roscoe Village, take some time to venture out and explore some of the great parks, dining, shopping and events on offer as well.
Parks
There are some really great parks in the Roscoe Village area. Because of the family-friendly nature of the area, there are good structured programming options available for parents and children, especially at the very popular Hamlin Park in the North Center community, located two blocks south of Belmont Avenue.
Kid- and family-friendly programs here range from all ages, from Tots to Teens. From Qi Gong and Yoga, to Olympic weightlifting and organized sports such as baseball, football, basketball, dodgeball, floor hockey, soccer, and more, parents and kids have a wide range of opportunities available right in their backyard.
Parents of preschoolers can bring their little ones to socializing groups such as Tiny Tot Tumbling, Arts and Craft groups and events, Music and Movement, Fun and Games, etc. Teens also have a Teen’s Club available to them, and there are various camps available that may focus on Leadership, Recreation, Music or Sports.
Beyond its programs, this approximately 8-acre park is especially impressive and fun with its swimming pool, baseball fields, football/soccer field, basketball court, tennis courts, playground, and assembly areas, including an assembly hall with a stage and a whole fieldhouse, which has a fitness center, two gymnasiums, a kitchen, and clubrooms that you can rent for private functions. It’s also got a dog-friendly area, so don’t leave Fido out of the family fun.
Fellger Park is another park option, popular with the little ones and located at the corner of Belmont and Damen avenues. It features a soft-surface playground and a shaded area that is great for families to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the cool shade in the outdoors together.
Shopping
Roscoe Village boutiques make for a fun shopping experience. There are a number of businesses that have a special focus on children. You can find great kid’s clothes and baby wear, cutting edge clothing, apparel for moms-to-be, or a rockin new outfit for a night on the town for when you can get away and leave the kids at home for once. There are also interesting shops for furniture and home accessories, salons, and more. Various galleries also lend to the flavor of the area with the work of local and international artisans. All of these can be fun for kids to enjoy along with you, with the right amount of imagination and creativity!
Dining
Instead of another old trip to a typical chain restaurant, why don’t you take the kids out to sample some of the delicious Italian bistros, Mexican and Guatemalan cantinas, Thai, American, and Mediterranean restaurants. Introducing the kids to their first taste of red or green Thai curry, lamb gyro, or delicious fresh-made gnocchi will make for a memorable and tasty experience in Roscoe Village.
Special Events
A good time is had by all and by all ages at the different special community events that the Roscoe Village Chamber sponsors each year. These events, street festivals and mixers serve to showcase the different local businesses and bring the community together. March Madness, the Summer Sidewalk Sale, Burger Fest, Oysterfest, the Halloween Parade and Trick or Treating, and Winterfest Weekend are all some of the community favorites.
As you can see, there is plenty to see and do in this little area. So next time you’re picking up or dropping off at your kids’ daycare in Roscoe Village, make sure to do a little more while you’re there!
