We had such a blast at the children's farm during their "Pumpkin Playland" (Sept 19 - Nov 1, 2026)…read more Admission was $15 for ages 2+ and there were so many things to do with two toddlers, two moms, and grandma. Here was a breakdown of our time there (10:30am - 12:30pm): +explored the farm and pet some animals (ducks, chicks, donkey, piglets, goats) +took pictures at a bunch of their photos ops +lunch/concessions at their shaded picnic area +hayrack ride +corn box +pet some bunnies It felt like a community event, lots of volunteers old and young, helping with the animals and staffing the concessions and pumping weigh area etc. There was a pumpkin patch where you bring your selected pumpkins to the shelter to "weigh and pay" and there were pumpkins for purchase as well (that you don't need to pick from the patch). There was a popcorn station, a smores station, a kid-friendly corn maze (that we didn't get to check out) and even a bunch of vendors right by the entrance selling fresh lemonade, crochet/knit stuffies, 3D printed toys, etc. If you purchase a heavy pumpkin or mums, there is a courtesy golf cart to shuttle your goods back to the car. There was plenty of parking on the gravel lot by the entrance and they opened at 10am on the Saturday we went. It's nice that this farm has bathrooms and overall it felt very accommodating and accessible for little kids, even the little littles. There were lots of spaces for stroller parking and tons of families. This farm was a great place for my toddler to pet some animals. She was a little shy and scared to brush the goats or approach the piglets, but if you kiddo loves animals, they will have a blast. The volunteers are helpful and protect the animals too, keeping a watchful eye and managing the passing off of bunnies, for example, to people's laps, or ensuring the goat and sheep pens are not too crowded. Their concessions menu had hot dogs, hamburgers or cheeseburgers, chips, cans of pop, nachos, apple cider, and Rice Krispies. We brought some food and snacks with us as well, and their covered picnic area was perfect for rest and refuel. There was even a private party at one end of the shaded picnic area, how fun to have a birthday party at the farm. It was a gorgeous fall day to be outside and the staff were so friendly; it was very organized and well maintained, even with the throngs of families that kept arriving throughout the day. I'd recommend coming on the earlier side, the animals are probably less cranky and it's less busy right at opening. Five shining stars for the Pumpkin Playland event at Children's Farm. It's worth the trek out to Palos Park!

Great place to come with kids! We came for the fall pumpkin patch. There were lots of animals to…read morehold and interact with (pigs, goats, rabbits, etc). They also had smores, a tractor ride, pumpkin patch area, and corn maze.

MPA Summer Camp is truly something my children look forward to during the winter months…read more The camp is diverse and inclusive and they have made some great friends. They look forward to seeing their camp friends each summer. The choice of classes is also such a bonus. There really is something for everyone. It might be more expensive than some other neighborhood camps, but for what the children experience? Well worth every penny!

Our family has loved it. My three children have attended it these past two years. We were so…read moregrateful they re-opened quickly during COVID. It is a very diverse camp, a true melting pot and we were super happy with the families we met.The campers were great. I hear they are quick to kick out campers who misbehave, which I appreciate, but be ready if your little one gets in trouble. The preschoolers must be potty trained. They are not flexible about it!! For the elementary campers, you have to create your child's day by selecting four classes. They have a lot of choices, but register early. The best ones tend to fill up really quickly. I learned that the hard way my first year. I was on top of it last year and my children loved all their classes. My only complaint was the mixed grade classes. Second graders with 4th graders is not always ideal. I have been told they are making it only 2nd and 3rd next year, and adding a 4th and 5th section. I hope it's true. That would ideal. They seem to be very organized. They distribute a lanyard at the start of each session with daily schedule and people authorized to pick-up. It really made it easy for my kids know their schedule. The teachers are great and they have counselors in all the classes with the kids to support the teachers. All and all, I really recommend it. It is miles ahead of the park district as far as offerings. It is a little bit more expensive but for what you get, it is really worth it.

Definitely best in the area for youth programs, reasonably priced and many options. It's also…read moregreat that they offer three different rates for each extra-curricular: resident, non-resident, and surrounding community rates. The $10 saved with the community rate versus the non-resident fee works well for me! My entire family has enjoyed many programs throughout the years including basketball, kiddie college, jujitsu, football, little chefs, and even their pre-school programs. The instructors are both very involved and professional. The park district also offers acceptable rental rates for their rooms. If having a party, one is also able to add on the bouncy house or park access for a nominal fee. My children and I have been to numerous parties here, and I have even had the pleasure of hosting one. However, what does get me is their ability to satisfy customers requests for classes. I have signed my three year old up for kiddie college classes twice now. Both times, it was later cancelled due to low enrollment. Yet, the other classes offered are at full capacity with a wait list! While I understand low enrollment, they need to work on the whole concept of having to dissapoint both young children and parents who were once looking forward to the class. Possibly allow for bigger classes? I still love this Park District and I will continue to utilize their fabulous programs.

The Park district of La Grange inside playground is amazing! It's great for those really hot days…read moreand you still want to enjoy the day with your little. My son enjoyed the bridge. He was running up and down for a long time. Besides the playground they have a fitness center, basketball court and I'm sure plenty more!

Camp is a 40 year old tradition run by the Michiana Women's Club. Camp runs end of June through…read morebeginning of August 9-12 central time. You can come for one day, a week, or the whole summer. Sports, capture the flag, arts & crafts and loads of good, clean fun. Women's club also hosts 4th of July parade, family Bingo night, Mother's Club book club, and a talent show.

As a small community based camp, its phenomenal! the staff at MDC really create an excellent…read moreexperience for the kids! The directors are accommodating and the counselors are attentive, personable and energetic day after day! There are terrific activities for kids of all ages and we have been nothing but thrilled!

Shady Oaks is without a doubt one of the greatest places we know of. For twelve days every summer,…read moremy son with cerebral palsy enjoys his best days of the year. The counselors and care givers at Shady Oaks are angels on earth and are led by Scott Steele, who has been the camp director for I don't know how many years but it's a lot. All of the staff at Shady Oaks work so hard and have such fun with the campers and we are so grateful for these people. Thank you Shady Oaks for being there for our son for the past nine years. This coming year will be his 10th and he can't wait.

From the owner: We are a not for profit summer camp for children and adults with disabilities. We offer a 1:1 staff…read moreto camp ratio and are owned and operated by the parents of the campers who attend camp. In order for a camper to attend camp, a family member, friend or organization must join the parent group and actively be involved. SOC will be celebrating its 79th anniversary summer of 2026.

My Son who is 4 is wrapping up his first year at Penny Lane school. This was his first class and we…read morefelt very safe leaving him with them. They were always available when we wanted to check up on him the first few days. The facility is clean and the atmosphere is eccletic. Very cool looking place. The teachers are very hands on. Ive seen first hand how the teachers interact with the students participating in field trips and other events. They really do care about the children. My son hugs his teachers in the morning and when he leaves. My son was having trouble putting words together and now he is speaking fluently. He is excelling on all levels and is being prepared for Kindergarten. I highly recommend Penny Lane. Rocco Fusco Chicago Fire Department

Hi @Melissa penny lanes business director,…read more Since I can't reply back to your comment on my review I'll just write it here. Nothing, I wrote is inaccurate information. I totally understand that these reviews are very important for penny lanes business. This is why I took the time to write out the review. For parents seeking child care for their children and wanting to make the best decision. Actually, some of the things that you stated in your reply was very inaccurate such as my reason to leave the daycare. We left due to having so many incidents occur and the lack of incidents reports being made and also lack of accountability. Most of the time my daughter was sent home from daycare with cuts and bruises. Teachers were unable to explain what happened due to them "not being around" or "leaving early for the day" so she was left in the care of substitute teacher and no one in the daycare could find whichever "substitute teacher "was in the class in at the time to explain the constant injuries. Also, on August 11th I was called into penny lanes due to my child having a busted lip and chipped tooth. I expressed my concerns to the director of the daycare Ms.Laura she responded back to me and let me know if I wanted my child to not have so many incidents I needed a nanny. Which I was completely token back by. I understand things happen in a daycare but as a director for that to be the response back to a concern parent is very insensitive. Also, to double back to the abrupt departure. Laura allow us to leave without putting in the 2 week notice due to not us moving but me being so uncomfortable with my child being enrolled under you guys care second longer. Her last day was that Thursday morning November 6th due to another unreported incident. My daughter was enrolled in for a year. I have never once received a weekly paper meal plan in advance. My child was there 5 days a week and 8-8.5 hrs a day. So I understand that health and safety is the utmost importance but it's seems like the ball was dropped multiple times with my child. Also, is always a lack of accountability. This is not the blame game. If I'm paying for a good quality daycare I expect the best quality health and safety for my child. I left the review for parents to understand that penny lanes daycare of oak lawn does not provide this experience for each and every child. Also, if you need for me to provide any proof I can. Thank you. -Brianna Boyce

Great facility and a wonderful cause today! Terrible execution on parking and CPD presence or lack…read morethere of.

I went here for the Mother Son Dance and it was sooooo much fun. The food was amazing. The music…read moreamass GREAT. It was decorated beautiful. I can't wait to attend another event. My husband also did the daddy daughter dance.

My son has been going there since he was 5 months he is 2 now and he absolutely loves it ! I love…read morethe teachers that I have encountered and also love the office staff ! There has not been one bad report I would give this daycare! I appreciate that they take the time to listen to my concerns (if any) and are quick to change things around if need be! Very helpful and loving environment! I love that I get plenty of pictures of my son doing different activities !

This place is a mess and a scam! Like the review from years ago don't take your dog or cat let…read morealone your children. In 10 weeks my twins were home sick half the time! They still have to pay and every time I went there they were either calling to send sick kids home or someone was coming to pick one up. They were signed up for 5 days a week and neither one made a full week. 2x they made 4 days. I think the state and local governments should see if the employees can even make a full week because they seemed to be short staffed a lot. Maybe hire someone to clean or is cheaper to collect the money and send the kids home. Week 11 and I am paying and took them out because they are both sick now the second one was off for an operation but is now sick because they sent home other twin on Friday with another ear infection while the other one was getting an operation for his foot. Now you might think these boys have not been anywhere? Wrong! They have had to visit the mother who landed up passing away after spending August to February in the hospital rehabilitation and hospice also while visiting their uncle who was in another nursing home and hospice facility so I am going with stay away from this cesspool of disease and please can the authorities check this place out for cleanliness or and running a scam on the local and federal government

I've lived in the Oak Lawn area my entire life, and I've never been her -until yesterday. A…read morepit-bull rescure group was holding a fund-raiser thing for a pup! Can't turn down a cute fur-baby, so I went. This is tucked away, down a residential street - 109th. You would never know it is there. There is a decent sized parking lot, a gazebo, a really nice park for kids, and a great paved path. It was nice out, so there were lots of walkers, joggers, and bikers. I don't think the path really goes anywhere - it doesn't loop around. It kind of takes you to Central, and then you turn around and come back. Clean, well kept, pretty area.

I really like this park. It has over three playgrounds for kids, sprinklers, a BBQ/picnic area, and…read morea pond with baby ducks! There are a couple walking trails. They are not very long but make for a nice little stroll. The park is clean and quiet.