Our Gang's Playgroup

Fon du Lac Farm Park

2011-06-03T21:19:00.004-05:00

Wednesday Morning, June 15 - July 20

Library Story Time

Join Miss Sue from the Fondulac Public Library as she shares a story and related craft. Library card is required. Event Time: 10:00 - 10:30am

Friday, June 17
Pioneer DayPut on a bonnet or vest and transform into a pioneer child.
Event Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm | Park closes at 3:00pm

Friday, June 24

Campfire 101

From hotdogs to s'mores to campfire songs you will experience it all. Reservations are required. Please call (309) 694-2195.
Event Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm

Wednesday, August 11

Happy Birthday Farm Park

This is a special day! Come help us celebrate our 29th Birthday. Bring a picture taken at the Farm park for our Memory Wall.
Event Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm | Park closes at 3:00pm

Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22 / October 28 and 29

Witches Walk

6:00-8:00pm

The Farm Park becomes delightfully haunted at this time of year. Come follow the luminary “Witches Walk”, while experiencing the spooky sights and sounds of the season. “Not so scary, just the right amount of fright for the little ones”. The farm buildings are decorated for Halloween and the ponds are aglow. A story teller has taken up residence in the school and somewhere along the walk you will cross paths with a genie. The general store will be open for business and the witches will have a treat for everyone. Don’t miss the magic of “Witches Walk”.

$2.50/child (ages 1-15) | $3.00/adult (16 years and older)

Fon du Lac Farm Park now offers Discount Tuesdays as FREE ADMISSION DAYS for both children and adults until the end of the season. Click on the link below to check out all that Farm Park offers!

Fon du Lac Farm Park

305 Neumann Drive

East Peoria, IL 61611

Forest Park Nature Center

2011-06-03T21:11:00.002-05:00

Nature Arts Series

at Forest Park Nature Center

This series of classes features a different art project for 5-10 year olds on four Tuesday mornings, from 10-11am, this summer. You may sign up for all or as many as you wish. Please wear old clothes.

Fee: $6/class ($5 CORE members) Click here to see more information about the classes below.

Code	Day-Date(s)	Subject
47465	Tu: 6/7	Composting for Kids
47466	Tu: 6/21	Natural Tie-Dying
47467	Tu: 7/5	Coffee Ground Fossils
47468	Tu: 7/19	Fairy Houses

Lightning Bugs!

Kids, ask your parents to let you stay up just one night...
either Friday, 6/17 or Friday, 6/24
from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
for Lightning Bugs! at the Nature Center.

Children and their parents will look at fireflies up close, learn some interesting lightning bug facts and even do some "sparking" themselves. there will be two identical programs, so choose either date.

Fee: $1/person, $5 max/family, CORE members FREE

Forest Park Nature Center

5809 Forest Park Drive

Peoria Heights, IL 61614

309-686-3360

Halloween Bash

2010-10-27T20:45:00.002-05:00

Kid's Care America will be hosting their

2nd Annual Halloween Bash

for kids, up to age 10, to dress up in costume on

Friday October 29th | 6:30pm-8:30pm

The fundraiser will feature

food, carnival style games, a raffle

and various other activities.

Kid's Care America

2715 N. Main Street

East Peoria, IL

309-699-3100

Haunted Hallways at LCHS

2010-10-25T13:34:00.000-05:00

Fun, Safe, and not-too-scary trick-or-treating for the kiddos through the hallways of Limestone High School. Cost is $2 per child or $5 for a family. There will also be games, food, and a bake sale and proceeds go to our Easter Seals Fundraiser!

Held at Limestone Community High School in Bartonville, IL

Restaurant Coupons

2010-10-20T10:37:00.002-05:00

Trunk or Treat

2010-10-11T18:00:00.001-05:00

1081 Upper Spring Bay Road • East Peoria, IL 61611

Phone: (309)699-4ROCK (4762) | Email: info@rcpeoria.org

Slime Time at GBC

2010-10-11T17:30:00.003-05:00

Fall Festival

at Glasford Baptist Church!

Sunday, October 31

5:30pm - 7:00pm

Gobs of games, tons of treats

and a life-changing message that will last

long after all that candy is gone!

Children through 6th grade and parents welcome!

This Fall Festival is

OOZING WITH FUN!

For more information, call 389-5758

(Now accepting candy donations!)

Glasford Baptist Church

P.O. Box 26; 209 E. 5th Street

(corner of 5th and Oak streets)

Glasford, IL 61533

Treats on the Prairie

2010-10-11T13:00:00.001-05:00

Toys R Us Halloween

2010-10-10T12:00:00.001-05:00

Saturday, October 30 • 12pm - 3pm

Celebrate Halloween with Toys"R"Us! Personalize your Halloween bag with Crayola's Glow Explosion, make a Safety Pledge get a free giveaway!

Sponsored by: Crayola

Kids Eat Free at Chilis Halloween Weekend

2010-10-10T11:00:00.003-05:00



	KIDS EAT FREE AT CHILI'S HALLOWEEN WEEKEND! Bring the kids to Chili's on October 30th and 31st in their Halloween costume to receive a SPOOKTACULAR offer! DINE IN OR TO-GO ONE (1) FREE KIDS MEAL WITH EACH ADULT ENTREE PURCHASE! KIDS MUST BE 12 AND UNDER, ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT OF LEGAL AGE, AND IN COSTUME TO RECEIVE OUR SPECIAL OFFER! We look forward to seeing you. Pepper in Some Fun!

Offer expires 10/31/2010. Tax and gratuity not included. No cash value. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Cannot be used with any other offer. Minimum purchase required.

Visit Chili's Website Find A Chili's Facebook Twitter
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Annual Halloween Spooktacular

2010-10-10T11:00:00.002-05:00

Join us at Borders for our Halloween Spooktacular Event!

October 30, 2010 at 11:00 AM

It's our annual Halloween Spooktacular! Kids ages 3 to 8 are invited to join in on the fun! We'll read scary stories, play spooky games, do a creepy craft and top it all off with a terrifying parade! Costumes are encouraged!

Peoria - Borders - Shoppes at Grand Prairie
5201 West War Memorial Drive
Peoria, IL 61615

Halloween at Michaels

2010-10-09T18:00:00.006-05:00

Halloween Party at Alpha Park Library

2010-10-06T10:00:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, October 26th; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Children six and under and their caregivers are invited to join their friends at the library for Halloween snacks, stories and a craft. Don’t forget your costume for the costume parade!

Alpha Park Library, Bartonville, IL

Children's Halloween Party at Pekin Library

2010-10-05T18:00:00.001-05:00

Children's Halloween Party

When: Mon, October 25, 6:00pm – 7:30pm

Where: Community Room ()

Description: For ages 8 and under. Come and enjoy spooky stories, songs, snacks, activities, & door prizes! Don't forget to wear your best costume! This party is FREE, but please register in the Youth Services Dept. by Fri., October 22.

301 S. 4th St.
Pekin, IL 61554
(309) 347-7111

Family Activity Hour - Pumpkins

2010-10-03T15:00:00.001-05:00

Family Activity Hour: Pumpkins

When: Sat, October 23, 3pm – 4pm

Enjoy fun stories and activities for the whole family! Listen to the book Pumpkin Jack. Make pumpkin prints and other pumpkin fun! Please register for this program at the Youth Services desk.

301 S. 4th St.
Pekin, IL 61554
(309) 347-7111

Barnes and Noble Halloween Storytime

2010-10-03T11:00:00.004-05:00

Join us at Barnes and Noble in Peoria for Halloween Storytime on October 23rd at 11:00am

Barnes and Noble

5001 N. Big Hollow Road
Peoria, IL 61615
309-693-9408

Main Street's Spooktacular Halloween Event

2010-10-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

Pekin Main Street's Spooktacular Halloween Event | Oct 23 | 10am-2pm

Pekin Main Street's 16th annual spooktacular Halloween event takes place throughout the downtown district. There will be trick-or-treating and a parade. Families, organizations and businesses are invited to participate.

The parade begins at 12:30 p.m. at James Field and will proceed west on Broadway Street past Court Street to Capitol Street, where it will disperse next to the Tazewell County Courthouse. Parade staging will take place at noon at James Field. Immediately following the parade will be a costume contest on Capitol, next to the courthouse. There will be prizes awarded to the top winners of each category. All costume contest participants are encouraged to walk in the parade.

There is no registration cost to participate in the parade or the costume contest. Parade entry forms are available by calling the Pekin Main Street office at 353-3100 or visiting www.pekinmainstreet.com. In addition to the Halloween parade and costume contest, select downtown businesses will be open and offering treats to children and sales/specials to adults. There's the chance to win prizes by playing in the Halloween scavenger hunt at participating businesses.

Witches Walk at Fon du Lac Farm Park

2010-10-02T18:00:00.001-05:00

Witches Walk at Fon du Lac Farm Park | Oct 22-23 and 29-30 | 6:00-8:00pm

The Farm Park becomes delightfully haunted at this time of year. Come follow the luminary “Witches Walk”, while experiencing the spooky sights and sounds of the season. “Not so scary, just the right amount of fright for the little ones”. The farm buildings are decorated for Halloween and the ponds are aglow. A story teller has taken up residence in the school and somewhere along the walk you will cross paths with a genie. The general store will be open for business and the witches will have a treat for everyone. Don’t miss the magic of “Witches Walk” Admission: $3/adults, $2.50/children. 305 Neumann Drive, East Peoria Call 694-2195.

Wildlife Merry Not So Scary Park

2010-10-02T17:00:00.001-05:00

Wildlife Merry Not So Scary Park at Wildlife Prairie Park | Oct 22-24 and 29-31 | 5:00-7:00pm

Wildlife Scary Park is bigger and better for the 2010 year with some frightfully new, haunted fun! New this year: Narrated train ride through the Haunted Forest on the Scary Park Express, Trick-or-Treating in Gollywhopper's Spooky Town, Black Magic with Sorcerer Mitch Williams, Evil Troll Bridge, Ghosts of the 15th Regiment, Pumpkin Carving with artists, area Vendors, two live DJs with dancing, and ghostly photo opportunities with Ken Brooke of Event Pro Photography.

Well-loved traditions from previous years will still be there including Train Depot concessions, face painting, a haunted house, and fire performers, Phoenix Underground. 5pm-7pm is reserved for "Merry-Not-So-Scary Park" for preschoolers, so be sure to arrive early for the wee little ones.

Admission: $6.50 for ages 2 and up, $4.50 for members ages 2 and up. Free for children under 2.

Howl-Zoo-Ween at Peoria Zoo

2010-09-26T17:30:00.001-05:00

Howl-Zoo-Ween at Peoria Zoo | Oct 15 and 16 | 5:30-8:30pm

Calling all ghosts and ghouls, join us for our annual event. With a trick or treat trail through Africa, magic shows, a costume contest at 7:00 each night, and so much more, come out and enjoy this family friendly event at the Zoo that weekend. $3 Members; $5 Non-Members

2010 Back to School "Carnival"

2010-07-14T19:44:00.001-05:00

You're invited to the 2010

Back to School "Carnival"

at 10:00am on Date TBA

at the Myers home in Norwood (Click for link to map)

Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=132878166752062

Be sure to check back often as the page will be updated as often as new information or details are available.

Feel free to send an invite on facebook to this event to your other Mom friends too...the more the merrier!

********************************************************

The Back to School "Carnival" is geared toward the Pre-K to 2nd grade age range, but all ages are welcome to come and participate!
(Older kids/siblings may be asked to help out with the games or assist the younger kids.)

What will this “Carnival” look like?

Well, since we're still planning, we don't know yet. Last year the kids had a blast with many fun things including a Bean Bag Toss, Face Painting, Ping-Pong Ball Toss, Water Relay Races / Water Fight, and Tie-Dying T-Shirts.

We are asking that families share their talents and/or help out with supplies. Would you be able to purchase a few extra school supplies for prizes and/or goodie bags? (Our thought is that school supplies would be better than trinkety toys that nobody really needs and that participating families could maybe agree to purchase one or two larger items or several smaller items.) Would you rather not purchase or do anything but want to help out by giving some money towards the supplies and/or food, that's fine too...just let us know how you want to help.

Are you planning on bringing your kids to this event? If so, please RSVP with how many kids, what grade, and boy or girl so we can plan the number and types of prizes/goodie bags accordingly. (Please also list any food/drink allergies.)

I will be updating the facebook event page and the blog often with supply needs, event info, etc, so please be sure to check back often!

7/14 ************************************************

Potential Dates for the "Carnival" - In the Comments Area here on the blog or the facebook page, post the date that would work best for you from the dates below, or if none of these will work, let me know what will and we'll decide from there!

Friday, August 6th or Thursday, August 12th or Friday, August 13th

Sounds like the earliest anyone starts school is August 17th.

7/14 ************************************************

Next time I'm in town (and if they're actually available yet) I will be picking up school supply lists for the area schools and will try to plan our prizes and goodies accordingly so that kids can "win" items that they will be in need of for school.

Kids Summer Movies at Willow Knolls 14

2010-06-09T16:28:00.000-05:00

Honey Bee Day!

2010-06-07T09:22:00.000-05:00

No rain date is schedule and we have no plans if it is raining. Check here before leaving to make sure everything is still on...I will update the blog with any cancellation notice!

It's back! This year Fon du Lac Farm Park will be having Honey Bee Day! Join us on Friday, June 11th for the 10th annual celebration of honey and the lovable old bear who loves honey so much. Enjoy a story with Pooh Bear or purchase a honey sundae from the Feed Shed. Special activities will be held throughout the park.

We will be meeting at the farm park at 10:00am and, as tradition holds, we will be going to Avanti's in East Peoria for lunch following our outing (so let me know if you'll be coming so I can make reservations...if you don't let me know, you may not have a seat!).

Join us for a fun day of face painting, kid games, stories, and farm animals...and don't forget the barn slide!

Rates:
Ages 1-15 = $2.50
16+ = $3.50
Animal Feed Cones 50¢/each
Tickets must be purchased for special activities/games

Fon du Lac Farm Park
305 Neumann Drive
East Peoria, IL 61611
694.2195

I've Added A Google Calendar!

2010-06-06T22:23:00.001-05:00

For those of you who follow the playgroup blog, I have added a Google Calendar to the bottom of the page. Rather than making tons of posts on the blog about every event in the tri-county area, I've been adding them to the calendar. So, are you looking for something to do this coming week or weekend? Check out what all is going on below! (A disclaimer - it is by no means an exhaustive calendar, so if you know of something going on, let me know and I'll add it. Also, I am only human and I do make mistakes - as well as the fact that all my info came from the internet - so before you plan something you may want to call ahead to verify the times/dates.)

For those of you wanting to know if there is anything planned for the playgroup this summer, the answer is no, not yet, but check back sometime this week, or enter your e-mail in the FeedBurner box and you'll get an e-mail when I post on the blog to tell you I've updated the calendar!

Knee High Naturalists 2010

2010-06-06T17:42:00.000-05:00

Gather up your 2-4 year old children for a program of fun hands-on learning activities. Each month revolves around a around a main topic and incorporates story-time, crafts, a hike and refreshments.

Please choose only one session per month.
Cost for each session is $6.00 per child plus applicable General Admission, $5.00 for Park Members.
Preregistration and prepayment are required, please call (309) 676-0998 ext. 6758

All sessions are 10 -11:30 a.m. 2010 Schedule

March 30 or 31	SSSSSSSnakes!!!
April 27 or 28	Baby Birds!
May 25 or 26	Back to Basics
June 29 or 30	Working on the Railroad
July 27 or 28	Spying on Nature
August 24 or 25	Where the Prairie Grass Grows!
September 28 or 29	Home on the Range!
October 26 or 27	We'll Seed You Around!
November 16 or 17	Wiggle Like a Worm!
December 14 or 15	Turtle Trekking

2010 Knee High Naturalist Flyer
Knee High Naturalist Reservation Form

Preregistration and prepayment are required. For more information, call 309.676.0998 x 6758 or email the Education Department.

Wildlife Prairie State Park | 3826 N. Taylor Road | Hanna City, IL 61536
309-676-0998

Movies Under the Stars

2010-06-05T12:22:00.002-05:00

Pack up the family and head to the park for a night at the movies that won't break the bank. WPSP is continuing our Movies Under the Stars series in an effort to provide you with affordable family fun that is close to home!

Gates open at 7:15pm with showtime at 8pm.

Movies are shown under the park's TeePee Shelter and the Ice Cream Exhibit will be open for snacks and refreshments!

Cost: $15 per carload and Park Members receive a 10% discount
.

Here is the listing for the 2010 Season!

In June "The Spies Have It!"

July will be "Out of this World"

August is all about "Animals Gone Wild!"

8/6 - Jaws
8/13 - Chicken Run
8/20 - G-Force (Disney)
8/27 - Old Dogs (Disney)

Wildlife Prairie State Park | 3826 N. Taylor Road | Hanna City, IL 61536
309-676-0998

Family Fun Fest

2010-05-29T15:47:00.001-05:00

The Principal Financial Group

Family Fun Fest

is coming to the Peoria Chiefs on Sunday, June 13, 2010

The Principal Financial Group is proud to be the title sponsor of the largest and longest running traveling baseball celebration, The Principal Financial Group^® Family Fun Fest, as it honors America's National Pastime.

The Principal Financial Group Family Fun Fest features the Fun Fest Midway and Minor League Baseball Museum with over 20 midway-style attractions and activities that are set up next to the ballpark, including:

Batting cages
Radar gun pitching challenge
Giant "side by side" super slide
Great Clips Mobile Video Game Arcade
Much more!

http://www.principal.com/funfest/

O'Brien Field

730 SW Jefferson St

Peoria, Illinois 61605

PlayHouse at Pampered on the Prairie

2010-04-20T22:41:00.000-05:00

Join the Peoria PlayHouse, a project of the Junior League of Peoria, to create suncatchers and Mother's Day cards for all the special moms in your lives. We will be completing these crafts in our PlayHouse Jr. Pavilion space near Jillian's on Saturday, May 8, 2010, 11am-1pm. This event is free, but donations are accepted.

Stop by with your children and learn what the PlayHouse is, has to offer, and why Peoria's children would benefit from this interactive children's museum!

Peoria Playhouse Website

Gardenscaping... Dig In!

2010-04-19T18:39:00.000-05:00

Saturday, May 1, 2010 | 10am-4pm

Sunday, May 2, 2010 | 10am-4pm

A two-day landscape and garden event featuring workshops, seminars, yard art and outdoor projects. There will also be a Kid's corner with special crafts just for them.

This event is free with paid admission to the park; however some craft projects may require additional fees for materials.

Please check back for a complete listing of workshops and seminars as we get closer to the event.

Wildlife Prairie State Park

Balloons at the Park

2010-04-19T18:21:00.000-05:00

Illinois State Championship Hot Air Balloon Race and Festival

Three Sisters Park

Chillicothe, Illinois

July 16,17,18, 2010

website

Olde English Faire

2010-04-19T18:16:00.000-05:00

Saturday, June 19, 2010 | 10:00am-6:00pm

Sunday, June 20, 2010 | 10:30am-5:00pm

It is the return of a local tradition. Join us for the 37th annual Olde English Faire, normally held at Jubilee State Park, now being held at Wildlife Prairie State Park.

The event begins both days with a Grande Marche. This will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday and again at 10:30 on Sunday. The event closes at 6:00 pm on Saturday and at 5:00 pm on Sunday.

We will not be charging for parking this year however admission into the Faire will also allow for admission into the park.

Admission Prices:

Adults and Teens: $6.50

Seniors and Park Members: $4.00

Children 12 and under: $3.00

Carload Rate: $15.00

The Olde English Faire began in 1973 and features sword fighting, jousting, story tellers, magicians, belly dancers, actors, archery, acrobats, several musical acts and much more!

Area: Located at the Parkside Pavilion, across the street from the Park

VBS is Just Around the Corner!

2010-03-07T20:07:00.002-06:00

Welcome to High Seas Expedition, where your kids will explore the Mighty love of God! Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure through God’s Word, and discover that God shows his powerful love throughout Scripture.

High Seas Expedition is awash with fun. Each day, kids participate in small groups, called Crews, and dive into the Bible! Not only will they experience amazing Bible adventures but they’ll also watch for God in everyday life through something called God Sightings™. You and your kids will discover that God is active in our lives and that his fingerprints are everywhere!

High Seas Expedition is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids will see, hear, touch, and even taste! Bible Point crafts, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the High Seas Expedition activities that help faith flow into real life. Get ready to embark on a journey that will change you forever!

June 7th-11th

5:45 - 8:00 pm

Age 3 through Entering 6th Grade

Join us this summer, we’re setting sail for VBS fun on the HIGH SEAS! Kids will feel the sea spray on their face as sails snap overhead. They’ll experience the deep rolling waters of God’s love. It’s easily the best time they will have all summer. Don’t miss the ship — register now to be a part of this High Seas Expedition VBS!

Register online today!

Walk-in registration: June 7th from 5:00-5:30 pm.

Children should bring their Bible and a friend!

VBS Family Day is Sunday, June 13 at 10am

Everyone is welcome to join us for Family Day. Children will lead the worship and share what they have learned. Bring a dish or two to share for a potluck.

Family Fest 2010

2010-01-06T08:26:00.000-06:00

Family Fest 2010 will be held in the Exhibit Hall on Saturday, January 23, 2010, from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and children. Children 3 and under are free. A Family Four Pack of tickets (2 adults and 2 children) will be available for $15.

Family Fest 2010, presented by the Children's Hospital of Illinois, will have activities that are both fun and educational for the entire family. The main attractions include: Children's Hospital of Illinois Mobile Safety Van, Fun on the Run inflatables, an indoor rock climbing wall, children's pony rides, face painting and Ronald McDonald's Magic Show. All attractions will be open from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. and are free with paid admission. There will also be a Kids Scavenger Hunt from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. for the first 300 children ages 14 and under that enter. The Grand Prize drawing will be at 6:15 p.m.

Family Fest 2010 will also feature great door prizes and giveaways, including a $1,000 gift card for the Shoppes at Grand Prairie and a family vacation package.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to audition for The Late Show with David Letterman's Stupid Pet Tricks or Stupid Human Tricks. All types of people and animals are welcome. Selected participants will receive a free trip to New York, a payment for their appearance on the show and a chance to perform their trick on the stage of the Ed Sullivan Theater in front of millions of Late Show viewers.

Tickets available at the door

Santa Train

2009-12-02T19:27:00.001-06:00

Keokuk Junction Railway Company's

Santa Train

Come visit Santa on

Saturday, December 5, 2009

at the following railroad crossing locations:

Mapleton at Mapleton Road - 8:30am

Glasford at Oak Street (near the park) - 9:35am

Breeds at Co. Road 23 - 11:20am

Canton at 20th Street (west of Bradley Rd) - 1:30pm

Canton at 2nd Ave (near railroad depot) - 3:00pm

Cuba at 3rd St - 5:10pm

Schedules are adhered to as closely as possible, but the railroad reserves the right to alter the schedule as operating conditions demand. The railroad is not responsible for adverse weather conditions that prevent operations. However, the inclement weather date if necessary is Saturday, December 12, 2009. Please arrive 15 minutes before the train's scheduled arrival.

Happy Holidays!

From Keokuk Junction Railway Co. and Pioneer Railcorp

YWCA Annual Holiday Luncheon

2009-11-30T09:24:00.000-06:00

The ywca at Lakeview Park is having its Annual Holiday Luncheon on Tuesday, December 8th at 11:30am. I writing to inform you all of this event for two reasons.

1. There is a silent auction of over 80 different Gift Baskets. The Gift Baskets are on display in the lobby and anyone can come in at anytime to browse around and bid on them. So, if you are still looking for gifts this year, come check out the baskets! They are fabulous and each one has it's own 'theme' and is unique.

2. The money you spend on these gifts will be going to a GREAT cause! The ywca is the LARGEST provider of homeless shelters in the Peoria area. The ywca is the ONLY homeless shelter that keeps families together. The ywca is the ONLY homeless shelter in the area to provide the 'triage' of shelters meaning emergency beds for the night, transitional housing for families in need and permanent supportive housing. We offer case management services which include job skills training, parenting classes, budgeting classes and more to our women in need to help move them from the streets to permanent housing with their children. Buying a Basket will go to support these services to help these less fortunate Moms. In addition to our shelters, the ywca also staffs and operates a "Day Shelter". Single homeless men can go to the Salvation Army or the Rescue Mission to sleep, but they kicked out during the day. The single homeless men wonder the streets, try to shower in the library and have no where to go all day, so the ywca purchased a building and staffed it with case managers to offer the same job training and life skills services to the homeless men during the day. An average of 40 men go to the Day Shelter on a daily basis where they can have a bathroom to shower in, a kitchen to cook/eat in, and work with a case manager to find employment. The Day Shelter offers these men a permanent address and phone number to use to help them gain employment and receive mail.

I'm so proud of the work the amazing woman of the ywca do to help our community grow.

Please come bid on a basket and support your community instead of supporting a chain department store this holiday season!

Bidding ends at 11:15 am on Tuesday, Dec. 8th. Come and bid and stay for lunch or just bid or just come for lunch. Lunch is a delicious soup, salad, and desserts by Gloria Jeans and is $10.00 per person. And don't forget to stop and say Hi to me when you are here. I'd love to give you each a tour.

Please email or call me with any questions you may have.

julieo@ywcapeoria.org / 309-685-7655 ext. 203

Julie O'Meara

Development Director

ywca peoria

eliminating racism

empowering women

Santa Pajama Party

2009-11-27T18:20:00.001-06:00

There's still time to register for the super fun Santa Pajama Party! If you like playing Pin the Nose on Rudolph, Wreath Snowball Toss, and Musical Chairs with Magic 100.7 you're in luck. Add to that tasty snacks, cookie decorating, a visit with Santa, and crafts galore (Clothespin Reindeer Ornaments, Christmas Wreaths, Christmas Cookie Ornament, Gingerbread House, Snowflake Making, Coloring Pages, Letters to Santa...) WOW! Don't miss this fun memory making event!

Date: Saturday, December 5
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Cost: $10/$12 per person ages 2 and above. Children under the age of 2 are free
Register by calling 309-433-3444.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Holiday Kick Off on the Prairie

2009-11-04T10:31:00.002-06:00

Saturday, November 14th from 4 to 6pm

Your invited to Kick Off the Holiday Season at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie on Saturday, November 15th from 4 to 6pm. We will have entertainment, Lighting of the Christmas Tree, Refreshments, Carriage Rides and Santa and Mrs. Claus will make their Holiday debut!

Old Fashioned Christmas Party

2009-11-04T10:19:00.000-06:00

Dec. 13, 2009 - Dec. 13, 2009, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

The laughter of children and the sound of Santa's bells ring out across the grounds. Families are invited to enjoy a number of activities sure to bring back the flavor of Christmas past. Children can enjoy old-fashioned crafts and take a moment to write that all-important letter to Santa! Dress warm if plan to join in and go Christmas Caroling to the animals. Santa himself may stroll the grounds, listening to wishes and handing out treats for kids of all ages. Don't forget your camera! In the past a few families have dressed in like-colors (red, black, white) and we've taken their family photo in front of the fireplace. Our rustic log room is just the place for the occasion. Between activities, everyone can enjoy delicious holiday refreshments and shop for those special gifts at the Park's gift shop.

Admission Price: $5.50 for ages13 and over, $3.50 for children ages 4-12, and children under 4 free.

Wildlife Prairie Park

3826 N. Taylor Road

Hanna City, IL

Polar Express PJ Party

2009-11-04T10:16:00.000-06:00

Friday, December 11 | 6-8pm

Saturday, December 12 | 3-5pm
Saturday, December 12 | 6-8pm

Join the Adventure & let your imagination take you on a magical train ride!

This is a fun evening for families with younger children. They will be entertained by the reading of the story Polar Express and more. There will even be a bedtime snack of cookies and hot chocolate before you go home and head off to dreamland.

Advance reservations are required and space is limited. Please call (309) 676-0998 to make your reservations today!

Admission Price: $5.50 per person age 2 and up, $3.50 for Park Members, age 1 and under are FREE.

Wildlife Prairie Park

3826 N. Taylor Road

Hanna City, IL

Santa Claus Parade

2009-11-04T09:16:00.000-06:00

The longest running holiday parade in the country...the 122nd Annual Parade will step off at 10:15 a.m. on November 27, 2009 in downtown Peoria, featuring costumed characters, novelty walking units, horse units, decorated floats, marching bands, and of course Santa Claus.

Costumes and floats depicting the parade theme “A Story Book Christmas” will compete for awards presented for the Best Novelty Unit, Best Overall Unit, Best New Entry, Best Commercial Float Entry, Best Non-Profit Float Entry, and Best Religious Float Entry. Bands from all surrounding areas will compete for the Best Unit in each class and Grand Champion Traveling Trophy. The parade will be telecast live on WMBD-TV and has been sponsored by South Side Bank for the past 52 years.

25th Annual Festival of Lights

2009-11-04T09:12:00.000-06:00

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Parade starts at 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 28, 2009

Starts at intersection of East Washington Street and Dolans Lane

Ends just past the Public Safety Building in the 200 block of West Washington Street

Make-it, Take-it

2009-11-04T09:04:00.001-06:00

Saturday, November 14th; 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Children ages 4 through 6th grade along with their parent or caregiver are invited to make a special craft in the Youth Services Department anytime between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Parental assistance required. No drop-offs, please!

FAMILY READ NIGHT STORYTIME

2009-11-04T09:00:00.002-06:00

Thursday, November 19th; 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.

We will be celebrating Illinois’ Family Reading Night and National Children’s Book Week with a special family storytime. The whole family is invited to join us in the Youth Services Department for stories, songs, a craft, and fun!

Preschool Christmas Party

2009-11-03T15:01:00.000-06:00

Tuesday, December 15th; 10:00-11:00am

Children six and under and their caregivers are invited to join their friends at the library for Christmas snacks, stories and a craft. Don't forget your camera for pictures with our special visitor.

Alpha Park Library

Bartonville, IL

Love and Respect Conference

2009-10-21T15:41:00.000-05:00

Revolutionary wisdom for husbands and wives

Marriage expert and best-selling author of Love & Respect Emerson Eggerichs presenting live in person at Northwoods Community Church in Peoria

When:
Nov. 13, 2009 • 6:45–10pm | Nov. 14, 2009 • 8:45am – 1:30pm

Doors open 30 minutes before start each day. Auditorium seating is general admission and first-come, first-served with overflow anticipated. Due to the high demand for this conference, there will be no refunds. Childcare is not available during this conference.

Excited and burdened about male and female communication, Emerson launched the Love and Respect Conferences in August 1999 to serve husbands and wives.

Sarah and Emerson are convinced that a truth hidden in plain sight for 2000 years can make a difference in every marriage. This truth is found in Ephesians 5:33. Husbands must love their wives and wives must respect their husbands.

Emerson writes, "You may remember how the Beatles sang, 'All you need is love.' I absolutely disagree with that conclusion. Five out of ten marriages today are ending in divorce because love alone is not enough. Yes, love is vital, especially for the wife, but what we have missed is the husband's need for respect. This Love and Respect message is about how the wife can fulfill her need to be loved by giving her husband what he needs -- respect. And the husband can fulfill his need to be respected by giving his wife what she needs -- love. Does this always work? No. But if one is married to a person of good will, I would bet the farm that it would work!"

How Can I respect That?

Emerson received his B.A. in Biblical Studies and an M.A. in Communications from Wheaton College and Graduate school. He was awarded his Masters in Divinity from Dubuque Seminary. Later, he earned his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in Child and Family Ecology. Emerson was the senior pastor of East Lansing Trinity church from 1980 to 1999. He loved the pastorate in this college town with nearly 45,000 students. When he came, the church had 450 in attendance, and when he left over 2000 attended. He oversaw a paid staff of 40. He also initiated a building program, relocating Trinity Church on 70 beautiful acres in the Lansing area. That was completed in the year 2000.

Focus on the Family is sponsoring many of the Love and Respect Conferences across the nation.

The book Love and Respect (The Love She Most Desires / The Respect He Desperately Needs) won two awards in 2005: the Gold Medallion and Retailers Choice.

The Love & Respect book has been selected as the 2007 Book of the Year for Family Christian Stores."

Northwoods Community Church
10700 N. Allen Road
Peoria, IL
(309) 243-1375

Children's Halloween Party at Pekin Library

2009-10-20T21:54:00.001-05:00

Children's Halloween Party, 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27, Pekin Public Library. Children dress up in Halloween costumes and enjoy Halloween stories, activities and refreshments.

Call 347-7111, Ext. 3 for more information.

Have a Scary Good Time at Borders!

2009-10-20T21:42:00.001-05:00

Bring the whole family to Borders on Saturday, October 24 at 2pm to celebrate Halloween with fun games, spooky music, scary crafts and more!

Borders
5201 West War Memorial Dr.
Peoria, IL 61615
309.692.3082

Trunk or Treat at Rock Church

2009-10-20T21:32:00.003-05:00

Trunk or Treat = Trick or Treating from the trunks of cars in the church parking lot.
Carnival inside the church with a costume contest, games, prizes & concessions.
Bring a candy bag or bucket for the Trunk or Treat.
Family Friendly Costumes Please
Saturday, October 31st. 6pm - 8pm

Rock Church
1081 Upper Spring Bay Rd
East Peoria, IL 61611

Take Rt. 116 North towards Germantown Hills/Metamora
Turn left onto Upper Spring Bay Rd
(You can see the church from Rt. 116)

*Approx. 2 miles from Rt. 150 (Peoria/Washington exit)

Pumpkin Heads! Halloween Storytime

2009-10-20T21:25:00.001-05:00

Monday October 26, 2009 10:30 AM

Let's celebrate Halloween with this week's featured book, Pumpkin Heads! We'll take a spooky look at all kinds of funny, silly, and slightly scary pumpkin heads! Written by Wendell Minor. Don't miss the fun!

Barnes & Noble
5001 N. Big Hollow Road
Peoria, IL 61615
309-693-9408

Spooky Storytime Puts the Boo! in Books

2009-10-20T21:22:00.001-05:00

Saturday October 24, 2009 11:00 AM

So many spooky tales for this great Halloween Storytime! Our featured title is Black Cat Creeping by Teddy Slater -- not too scary, just Halloween fun! Join us for this and other titles appropriate for the little ones!

Barnes & Noble
5001 N. Big Hollow Road
Peoria, IL 61615
309-693-9408

Michael's Family Halloween Event

2009-10-20T21:04:00.003-05:00

10/31/2009 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Come and get your FREE trick-or-treat pail! Plus enjoy a free coloring activity, FREE Crayola® Model Magic® Fusion™ and a Make-It Take-It Halloween frame. Children will also receive a balloon and candy. While supplies last.

Due to the multiple classes and demos that take place on a weekly basis, some times and dates may vary.
Please contact your local Michael's store for confirmation.

Michael's
5212 N Big Hollow Rd
Peoria, IL 61615
Tel: 309-692-3275

Michael's Halloween T-Shirt Event

2009-10-20T21:01:00.003-05:00

10/25/2009 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Use your hands to make a special Halloween t-shirt that is sure to spook. Just purchase the t-shirt of your choice and decorate it for FREE using our paint supplies!

Due to the multiple classes and demos that take place on a weekly basis, some times and dates may vary.
Please contact your local Michael's store for confirmation.

Michael's
5212 N Big Hollow Rd
Peoria, IL 61615
Tel: 309-692-3275

Slime Time Fall Festival!

2009-10-18T15:09:00.001-05:00

Fall Festival

at Glasford Baptist Church!

Saturday, October 31

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Gobs of games, tons of treats

and a life-changing message that will last

long after all that candy is gone!

Children through 6th grade and parents welcome!

This Fall Festival is

OOZING WITH FUN!

For more information, call 389-5758

(Now accepting candy donations!)

P.O. Box 26; 209 E. 5th Street

(corner of 5th & Oak streets)

Glasford, IL 61533

Treats on the Prairie

2009-10-15T16:47:00.001-05:00

Saturday October 31 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Bring your “CHILDREN IN COSTUME” to
The Shoppes at Grand Prairie on
Saturday, October 31st from 1:00 to 4:00 pm
and receive “TREATS” from our participating Stores!

Store windows with a “GHOST FLYER”
is where you will find the TREATS!

Also, join us in center court for lots of games, activities and prizes.
We look forward to seeing you in costume this Halloween at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie!!

Shoppes at Grand Prairie

Witches Walk at Fon du Lac Farm Park

2009-10-13T14:29:00.001-05:00

October 23rd & 24th and October 30th & 31st | 6-8pm

The Farm Park becomes delightfully haunted this time of year. Come follow the luminary "Witches Walk", while experiencing the spooky sights and sounds of the season. "Not so scary, just the right amount of fright for the little ones". The farm buildings are decorated for Halloween and the ponds are aglow. A story teller has taken up residence in the school and somewhere along the walk you will cross paths with a genie. The General Store will be open for business and the witches will have a treat for everyone. Don't miss the magic of "Witches Walk".

Fon du Lac Farm Park

Ready For Some Pumpkin Fun?

2009-10-10T08:50:00.006-05:00

On Monday, October 12 (Columbus Day, so there's no school) at 11:00am, we will be taking a trip a farm just outside of Bartonville by Oak Grove West on Lancaster Road to pick out some pumpkins.

After we've picked out our pumpkins we will have a quick lunch at McDonald's in Bartonville and then we'll head out to carve the pumpkins. If you have carving knives or sets at home, it would be great if you could bring them. I only have two or three (if none of them got broken last year). I also think I have some creepy crawly things (spiders and snakes) and maybe some ping pong eyeballs the kids can use if there are enough. Feel free to bring any decorative type items you might have at home too!

Join us for any part of or all of our outing. If you're planning on joining us, please e-mail or call me so we don't miss you!

Preschool Halloween Party

2009-10-07T18:35:00.001-05:00

Tuesday, October 27th; 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Children six and under and their caregivers are invited to join their friends at the library for Halloween snacks, stories and a craft. Don’t forget your costume for the costume parade!

Alpha Park Library, Bartonville, IL

Make-it, Take-it

2009-10-06T20:39:00.000-05:00

Saturday, October 24; 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Alpha Park Library, Bartonville, IL

Wildlife Merry, Not So Scary Park

2009-09-20T20:16:00.002-05:00

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm each night.

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm each night is reserved for "Merry, not so Scary Park".

Cost: $6.50 per person
$4.50 Park members
FREE ages 1 & under

Travel with the Haunted Train Ride through the backwoods of Wildlife Prairie State Park.

Trick or Treat the safe way as you stop at each stations and add to your goodie bag.

Experience the thrill of our Haunted House.

Movies on the grass, for never-a-dull moment.

Bring your Camera for a goulish family photo opportunity!
(We'll take your picture, you supply the camera)

Wildlife Prairie State Park, Hanna City, IL

Story Times at Alpha Park

2009-09-12T14:38:00.000-05:00

Book Babies: Parents/caregivers with babies from 12-24 months meet Wednesdays, 10:00-10:30 a.m., for songs, creative time, group play and shared resource ideas.
September 16, 23, 30
October 7, 14, 21

Toddlertime: Stories, songs, games, and crafts are enjoyed by 2-year olds with an adult on Tuesdays from 10:00-10:30 a.m. Children may attend one session of either Toddlertime or Mom & Me weekly.
September 15, 22, 29
October 6, 13, 20

Mom and Me: Storytime for 2 or 3 year olds with an adult.
Thursdays, 10:00-10:30 a.m.
September 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22

Bookworms: Children ages 3 to 6 enjoy stories, songs, games, and crafts on Tuesdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. and Wednesdays, 1:00-1:30 p.m. (without an adult). Children may attend one session weekly.
Tuesdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. - September 15, 22, 29 & October 6, 13, 20
Wednesdays, 1:00-1:30 p.m. - September 16, 23, 30 & October 7, 14, 21

Stories on the Steps: Story time for ages 3 to 8.
Thursday evenings, 6:30-7:00 p.m.
September 17, 24
October 1, 8, 15, 22

Alpha Park Library, Bartonville, IL

Children's Discovery Museum

2009-08-07T14:45:00.004-05:00

Thursday, August 13th, we'll be heading to Normal to spend the day at the Children's Discovery Museum. We will be meeting at the empty lot by Hardee's in Bartonville at 9:00am that way people who can or need to car pool can swap things around.

Bring lunch/drinks for your family. The museum has lockers (that don't actually lock) that you can keep your lunches in until it's time to eat. They have an area with tables on the second floor that we can eat at.

If you're planning on coming with us and want us to wait for you, please post a comment on the blog, e-mail, or call me so I know you're coming.

101 E. Beaufort
Normal, IL 61761
(309) 433-3444

Back to School "Carnival"

2009-07-19T21:00:00.032-05:00

Okay, everything has been rescheduled, same time, same place, but on Friday, August 14th instead. If you signed up to bring/do something, let me know if you are still able to be there. If you haven't signed up to bring/do something and want to come, here's your chance...let me know!

You're invited to a

Back to School Carnival

Friday, August 14th at 10:00am
at the Myers home in Norwood (Click for link to map)

This Carnival will be geared toward the Pre-K to 1st grade age range, but all ages are welcome to come and participate!
(Older kids may be asked to help out with the games or assist the younger kids.)

What will this “carnival” look like?

Bean Bag Toss

Face Painting

Flavored Snow Cones

Ping-Pong Ball Toss

Water Relay Races

Tie-Dying T-Shirts**

…and more!

For lunch we will be having hot dogs, juice boxes and chips. (There will be BBQs and bottled water for the adults.)

**Please bring a pre-washed 100% cotton t-shirt (don't use fabric softener) for tie-dying. Also be sure your child wears or has an old shirt in case of an accident with the dye. Small rubber gloves will be provided.

We are asking that families share their talents and/or help out with supplies. Would you be able to purchase a few extra school supplies for prizes and/or goodie bags? (We thought that school supplies would be better than trinkety toys that nobody really needs and that families could maybe agree to purchase one or two larger items or several smaller items.) Would you rather not purchase or do anything but want to help out by giving some money towards the supplies and/or food, just let us know how you want to help.

Right now we have 19 confirmed kids, 8 boys and 11 girls, 2 teens and 10 adults
(this may not be the FINAL count, but it’s what I have thus far).

Food Supplies:
2 Boxes Fruit Snacks - Trisha & Amy
2 pkgs Hot dogs - Jayme
Hot dog buns - Amy & Jayme
Burger for BBQs - Trisha
Cheese - Trisha
Ketchup & Mustard - Trisha
2pkgs Burger buns - Amy
Chips - Jennifer & Jayme
Juice boxes - Heather, Rochelle & Julie
Bottled Water - Trisha
Paper Plates - Heather
Paper Towels - Heather

If you want to bring school supplies still, here’s what we could use (What we already have is in parenthesis):
• (0) 4oz bottles of Elmer’s School Glue (the list says not “no run”, but good luck finding it anywhere.)
• (0) Watercolor Paints (Crayola or Prang)..........$2.00/Crayola at Wal-Mart
• (15) Rectangle shaped Pencil Erasers (pink or green)..........$2.00/6pk at Wal-Mart
• (15) Glue Sticks..........$3.88/12pk at Wal-Mart
• (16) Hard Plastic School/Pencil Box (6x9 or smaller)..........62¢ at Wal-Mart
• (16) Crayola Crayons (24 count)..........30¢ at Wal-Mart, 25¢ at Target
• (19) Two-Pocket Folders
• (Lots) Pencils

I will be updating the blog often with supply needs, event info, etc, so please be sure to check back often!

Tenative Schedule

9:30-10:00 | I will be there early to set up, so if you want to bring your activity items you can.
10:00-10:15 | arrive, set-up, rubber-band shirts for tie-dying
10:15-10:30 | face painting (group 1), tie-dying (group 2), decorate boxes/folders (group 3)
10:30-11:00 | face painting (group 2), tie-dying (group 3), decorate boxes/folders (group 1)
11:00-11:30 | face painting (group 3), tie-dying (group 1), decorate boxes/folders (group 2)
11:30-12:00 | scavenger hunt for all groups
12:00-12:30 | lunch
12:30-12:45 | bean bag toss
12:45-1:00 | ping pong ball toss
1:00-1:20 | water relay race
1:20-1:40 | water balloon races
1:40-2:00 | "cake" walk and snow cones

AM Group 1: Bella, Micah, Ellie S., Kourtney, Ryan
AM Group 2: Torie, Tyler, Kursten, Matt, Makenzie
AM Group 3: Lili, Trevor, Ellie O., Abbie, Mason, Haley

PM Group 1: Bella, Ellie S., Micah
PM Group 2: Torie, Ryan, Makenzie
PM Group 3: Kursten, Kourtney, Matt
PM Group 4: Olivia, Tyler,
PM Group 5: Ellie O., Mason, Haley
PM Group 6: Lili, Trevor, Abbie

Wildlife Prairie Park Outing on 7/21

2009-07-18T10:46:00.001-05:00

I will not be able to make this event due to an unexpected scheduling need, but I'm sure others will. Post if you're going so that we know who will be there and who needs to be expected.

Behind the Scenes at Peoria Zoo!

2009-07-09T04:38:00.001-05:00

Join us for a behind the scenes tour of Peoria Zoo. This tour takes you into areas that are normally closed to the public. Cost of the tour includes admission to the zoo following the tour. We will be meeting at the front of the zoo at 9:45-9:50am and the tour will start at 10:00am. I've been informed that everyone that wants to do the tour must be there at the start of the tour (hence the earlier arrival time), they won't let anyone join us late because we have to pay for the tour by one check rather than each of us paying individually. If you miss the tour, we will be able to go back into the zoo once the tour is over and can meet up with you then. We will be eating lunch at the zoo (or at least at the park), so bring a sack lunch.

Admission:
Adult (13 and over).....$7.95 (Our cost for the tour $6.50)
Children (3-12).....$4.25 (Our cost for the tour $4.75)
Children (2 and under).....FREE

Peoria Zoo

2218 N. Prospect Rd.
Peoria, IL 61603
309-686-3365

Location Change for Bible Study on 7/13

2009-07-07T09:41:00.000-05:00

Monday, July 13th we will be meeting at the Schmidgall home in Washington for Bible Study/Playgroup. The plan is to go up to Holland's Candy Store/Soda Shop on the Square in Washington for lunch following the Bible Study.

Back To School Supply Prices 2009

2009-07-05T16:34:00.006-05:00

Walmart
6x9 Hard Plastic Pencil Box..........62¢-$1.00
Crayola Crayons (24pack)..........30¢
10 pack #2 Yellow Pencils..........50¢
4oz Bottle Elmer's Regular School Glue (not no-drip)..........didn't see any
4oz Bottle Elmer's No-Drip School Glue..........30¢
8pk white glue sticks..........didn't see any
12pk Elmer's Disappearing purple glue sticks..........$3.88
2pk rectangular shape pencil erasers (pink)..........$1.00
6pk rectangular shape pencil erasers (pink)..........$2.00
Folding Vinyl Nap Mat..........$8.88
Crayola watercolor paints..........$2.00
2-pocket folders..........

Target (In the ad for the week of 7/12)
Buy any Embark backpack and get an Arctic Zone lunch kit free up to a $9.99 value!
Pink or Blue Pencil Boxes..........50¢
24 pack #2 Yellow Pencils..........50¢

Toys R Us
Buy a back pack and get a lunch bag for free!

Prairie Air Show 2009

2009-07-04T23:49:00.001-05:00

93.3 The Drive is getting ready for the 2009 Prairie Air Show featuring the US Air Force Thunderbirds! There will be incredible performances from an F-18, stunt pilots, a C-130 and even a Harrier jet with vertical takeoff. You'll also see:

US Army virtual experience
Black Daggers - US Army parachute team
Dozens of ground display aircraft
Lots of food and gift vendors

Don't miss the show Saturday and Sunday July 11th and 12th at the Peoria airport. Gates open at 8am and the show begins at approximately 11a. Get your tickets at the Peoria airport, Kroger stores or at the Prairie Airshow website.

Air Show Preview

2009-07-03T23:48:00.000-05:00

Start the Air Show weekend a little early Friday July 10th on the riverfront for a special Air Show preview. You'll have the chance to see some of the show performers give a glimpse at what will be in store at the airport Saturday and Sunday...some performances continue after dark! The night starts at 6 with food, live music from Waterstreet and Highway J at the Landing Stage in Peoria. Helicopter rides will be available on the East Peoria riverfront. Local riverfront businesses and artists will be on hand as well.

Kid's Day at Wildlife

2009-07-01T20:35:00.000-05:00

August 8th

10:00am - 4:00pm

Activities:
Caterpillar Inc. (all day)	Kids can view a compact excavator!
American Red Cross Bicycle Rodeo	- Bring your bikes out for the Obstacle course!
Helmet Safety and Decoration & Fitting. Helmet Give-a-way!

Peoria Police Department (all day)	DARE will provide Fingerprinting Kits for children
Limestone Fire Department: (all day)	- Fire Trucks for kids to check out
	- Firefighters will explain their Equipment and Clothing.
Inflatable Fun (all day)	Jump & slide on inflatable attractions
Academy of Okinawan Karate	Demonstrations, Questions/Answers
Plus:
Face Painting	Miniature Golf (all day)
Train Rides (all day)	Popcorn, Drinks, and Snow cones (all day)

Wildlife Prairie State Park, Hanna City, IL

Red, White and Boom!

2009-07-01T17:10:00.001-05:00

On Saturday, July 4, the cities of Peoria and East Peoria will come together with JMP Radio Group, Methodist, the Peoria Park District, Fondulac Park District, and the Peoria Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau to launch more than $60,000 worth of fireworks into the skies over the RiverFront.

At approximately 9:30pm the pyrotechnics display will light the skies above both sides of the Illinois River with a unique blend of spectacular 4th of July fireworks syncronized to a special musical soundtrack that will be broadcast exclusively on JMP radio group stations.A rrive early for a good viewing spot and try food and beverages from numerous vendors.

Don't want to worry about parking? Why not reserve a spot at the RiverPlex. This Hawaiian-themed package gets you a guaranteed parking spot, use of the RiverPlex for the evening, ice cream and drinks, plus a wonderful seat to view the fireworks. All proceeds from this program will benefit Youth Outreach programming in the area.

New this year, the Prairie Air Show will present an exciting display of airplane acrobatics before the fireworks. Performed over the Illinois River, the show will run for one hour preceding the fireworks.

Cost of viewing fireworks: Free

Fireworks Spectacular

2009-07-01T17:08:00.001-05:00

Glen Oak Park/Amphtheatre
4:00-10:00 pm (fireworks begin at dark)
FREE - donations certainly appreciated

Join us for an Independence Day celebration that's sure to please! Bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the show - you'll want to arrive early to get the best seat. Pack a picnic dinner or enjoy food from our vendors. There's plenty of entertainment in the Amphitheatre as well:

4:00-5:00 pm	PPD Explosion Cheer Team
5:00-5:30 pm	CCT's Great Expectations Show Chorus
6:00-7:30 pm	Clonmel Marching Band
8:00 pm	Peoria Municipal Band

Twilight Theatre

2009-07-01T17:04:00.002-05:00

Glen Oak Amphitheatre
Tuesdays, July 7-28 (8:00PM - 9:30PM)
$1.00/person

Here's an idea for summer fun: Twilight Theatre!
This series of flicks is geared for young adults and up. Popcorn, candy, soda, nachos, and other treats are available at our affordable-priced concession stand. Enjoy any of these films on outdoors on our big screen:

July 7 Transformers
July 14 Iron Man
July 21 Incredible Hulk
July 28 The Dark Knight

Aug 4 Rain date for any missed movie

Family Flicks at Glen Oak Amphitheatre

2009-07-01T17:00:00.002-05:00

Glen Oak Amphitheatre
Films begin at dusk (7:30PM - 9:30PM)
25¢ per person

The entire family can enjoy full-length, family films Monday evenings, June 15th - August 3rd. Popcorn, candy, soda, nachos, and other treats are available at our affordable-priced concession stand. Many thanks to the local businesses that will sponsor the following family-friendly movies this season:

June 15	Kung Fu Panda
June 22	Spiderwick Chronicles
June 29	Tale of Despereaux
July 6	Igor
July 13	Hotel for Dogs
July 20	Muppet Movie
July 27	Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Aug. 3	Cats and Dogs
Aug. 10	raindate for any missed movie

Movies Under the Stars

2009-06-30T08:49:00.003-05:00

Future Movie Line-up:
July 3 | Wizard of Oz
July 10 | Dark Knight
July 17 | Journey to the Center of the Earth

(check back for additional titles for July & Aug.!!!)
Call for more information: 676.0998

------------------------------------------------------------

Wildlife Prairie State Park
Taylor Rd., Hanna City, IL
676.0998 x6758

Spending some time at Wildlife...

2009-06-29T09:12:00.005-05:00

Tuesday, June 30th, we will be meeting at Wildlife Prairie Park at 10:00am (by the pony statue next to the main building.) We'll walk the trails and see what animals we can find. Hopefully the weather stays nice instead of getting hot and humid. We usually do lunch at the park in the cafeteria, but feel free to bring your lunch if you'd rather.
Post here or give a call if you're joining us so that we can be sure to wait for you.

Bible Study / Playdate

2009-06-24T22:19:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, June 25th, we'll be discussing the first chapter of our book. If you don't have it done (sorry Raiann, I'll get you your book when you get here) no problem, we're just going to casually go through the days.

Looks like we're going to meet after lunch at 12:30, my house (map). I have some apple juice for the kiddos, but if you want to bring a juice box and snack, feel free. :) Any questions?

Bible Study Moms...

2009-06-24T15:39:00.002-05:00

I just sent out an e-mail to all of you, so check your e-mail!

Let's Cool Off A Bit!

2009-06-21T21:18:00.003-05:00

Tuesday, June 23rd at 10:00am we're going to the fountains in Pekin. These are the fountains on Rt 9 just across the Illinois River if you're coming from 24 by Cameron Lane (Pekin Junction). Make sure to put your kiddos in swimsuits and bring sun screen because it's going to be hot!

We will probably be done before lunch time, but there is a shelter area next to the fountains if you want to stay and bring a lunch.

Miller Park Zoo Trip

2009-06-16T14:46:00.007-05:00

Due to the high chance of severe thunderstorms during the time we are supposed to be at the zoo and driving, I'm going to make the executive decision to cancel this outing. I apologize for the inconvenience to anyone who was hoping to go. I will hopefully be able to get this rescheduled soon.

Friday, June 19th, we are headed for the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington. We will be meeting at 9:30am in the lot next to Hardee's in Bartonville. From there we can follow each other to the Zoo.

The Zoo also has a play area/water area out front. We'll probably stay to play in the water for a bit and just bring extra dry clothes to change in to when we're done, so plan accordingly if you want dry kids on the way home. :)

Same as always, if you plan on going,
please let me know so we know to wait for you.

Miller Park Zoo

1020 S. Morris Avenue
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 434-2250

Follow the yellow brick road...

2009-06-14T19:21:00.001-05:00

we're going to Butler Haynes Park to play on Monday, June 15th (please note the date change, it was previously schedule for June 5th, but has been rescheduled.) We'll be meeting at Butler Haynes Park at 10:30am at the first park area. They do have a picnic/shelter area if you want to bring a sack lunch for your family, but nothing has actually been planned for lunchtime.

Not only does this park have all the normal playground stuff the other parks have,
it also has the land of Oz!

Follow the yellow brick road to
Butler Haynes Park (or click here for directions)!

The Witch's Castle

This Thursday's Playgroup/Bible Study Canceled!

2009-06-09T14:53:00.003-05:00

Sorry girls, the books aren't in yet (scheduled to be delivered on Friday June 12th, of course!) so I'm going to go ahead and cancel Thursday (June 11th) since we have a playdate scheduled for Friday anyway. So, the big question is, do we want to try to meet one day next week or just meet on the 25th and then start every week from there on? Post your thoughts!

Honey Bee Day!

2009-06-08T09:46:00.001-05:00

No rain date is schedule and we have no plans if it is raining. Check here before leaving to make sure everything is still on...I will update the blog with any cancellation notice!

It's back! This year Fon du Lac Farm Park will be having Honey Bee Day! Join us on Friday, June 12th for the 9th annual celebration of honey and the lovable old bear who loves honey so much. Enjoy a story with Pooh Bear or purchase a honey sundae from the Feed Shed. Special activities will be held throughout the park.

We will be meeting at the farm park at 10:30am and, as tradition holds, we will be going to Avanti's in East Peoria for lunch following our outing (so let me know if you'll be coming so I can make reservations...if you don't let me know, you may not have a seat!).

Join us for a fun day of face painting, kid games, stories, and farm animals...and don't forget the barn slide!

Rates:
Ages 1-15 = $2.50
16+ = $3.00
Animal Feed Cones 50¢/each
Tickets must be purchased for special activities/games

Fon du Lac Farm Park
305 Neumann Drive
East Peoria, IL 61611
694.2195

Animals Aloud! Story Time

2009-06-08T06:21:00.000-05:00

Join your child for these FREE animal story times. We'll have snacks and fun with animal friends. Please call ahead to register as space is limited.

June 23 & 25 Feline Friends
June 30 & July2 Colorful Kitties
July 7 & 9 Cool Cats
July 14 & 16 Cat Capers

Peoria Humane Society Education Center
2600 NE Perry Ave
494-8171

Crafty Fun at Michaels!

2009-06-07T10:12:00.002-05:00

Make a Shirt for Dad
June 14, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Use your hand to make a special T-shirt for dad to wear. Just purchase the T-shirt of your choice for $2.50 and decorate it for FREE using our paint supplies! Powered by Tulip®.

$2.50

The Knack Free Family Event: Summer Fun Tote Bags
July 11, 10:00am - 1:00pm

Stop in and make your own personalized tote bag using a variety of paints and stencils from Tulip®. Ages 5-12 welcome. While supplies last. Powered by Tulip®.

Due to the multiple classes and demos that take place on a weekly basis, some times and dates may vary.
Please contact your local Michaels store for confirmation.

Michaels
5212 N Big Hollow Rd
Peoria, IL 61615
Tel: 309-692-3275
Sun 10a-7p; Mon-Sat 9a-9p

Teddy Bear Picnic

2009-06-05T21:03:00.000-05:00

Saturday, July 18 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Bring your favorite stuffed animal and sack lunch to the Zoo for a picnic. Guests will eat lunch with a Zookeeper and the animals. The Zoo will provide the popcorn and fun activities for the children! This event is free with Zoo admission.

Miller Park Zoo

1020 S. Morris Avenue
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 434-2250

Peoria County 4th Annual Emergency Expo

2009-06-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, June 17th* from 4:00 to 8:00 pm

You're invited to the Peoria County Fourth Annual Emergency Expo June 17th* to be held in the parking lot in front of the Shoppes at Grand Prairie. This event is free and open to the public great for children and families. Over twenty local emergency agencies are participating by having their large equipment on display for children and adults to view and experience. Come not only to see the equipment, but to meet the first responders who will answer questions and offer tips for preventing and/or handling emergency situations. The following emergency equipment will be on display at the Emergency Expo:

Life Flight helicopter
Bomb robot
K-9 unit
Fire trucks
Ambulance
Patrol motorcycle
Dive boat
Patrol cars
Command Units
ATVs
Response vehicle
Decontamination vehicle
Ham radios
S.W.A.T. armored vehicle
Mobile Safety Van
Medical Emergency Response vehicle
Fire Safety House

*Rain date Thursday, June 18th

Call 672-6918 for more information.

Lions and tigers and bears...oh my!

2009-06-01T21:42:00.002-05:00

(Update...it is raining at the zoo so they are not open. :( We'll have to reschedule this outing. As a last minute alternative, we're going to go to the Discovery Depot Children's Museum in Galesburg...everyone is still welcome.)

...and did I mention the Leopards, Bobcats, Elk, Deer, Nilgai Antelope, Cougars, and a Coati Mundi? At Brown's Oakridge Zoo, we won't just see the animals, we'll get to EXPERIENCE THEM! I spoke with the owner and they have a baby panther, baby raccoons, and a baby kangaroo right now.

The playgroup will be visiting Brown's Oakridge Zoo on Wednesday, June 3rd. We will be leaving from our home (click here for map) in Glasford at 9:30am. It is approximately a 40-minute drive to get there from Glasford, so be prepared. The kids will all be able to use the restroom at our home before we leave.

As far as lunch is concerned, there are picnic tables there, but they only have a porta-potty available for a bathroom, so I'm making the executive decision that we'll be visiting either Monical's Pizza or McD's in Canton for lunch (that way the kiddos can use the bathroom and wash hands really well before eating.) Leave me a comment to let me know if you're coming.

PRICING
Admission:
* Adults: $5
* Children 4-12: $2
* Children 3 & Under: FREE

Photographs: (Never forget this experience. Take a picture with a cub!)
* $3 with your camera
* $6 with our camera

* $20/camera for unlimited photos - I plan to take my camera (surprise, surprise) so if we just want to split the cost, I can get everyone copies of the photos.

Feed Cones 25¢!!!

FYI: Brown's Oakridge Zoo is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of animals. Although there is a small admission fee for entering the zoo, this is not sufficient to cover the costs of all the animals. We graciously accept a variety of donations, not just monetary. We are always in need of building supplies (lumber, fencing, tools, etc.), as well as food donations such as frozen meats, milk, and breads. Individuals in the past have donated large quantities of frozen chicken, boxes of bread, gallons of milk, etc.

Brown's Oakridge Zoo
17732 N. Dairy Farm Road,
Smithfield, IL 61477
783.2112

The Knack Free Family Event

2009-05-31T09:15:00.005-05:00

Bring the whole family to Michaels (across from Barnes and Noble in Peoria) on Saturday, June 6, from 10am to 1pm and create two Thumb Doodles cards to take home. Plus, all Klutz products are 20% off on Saturday, June 6, only!

The Knack Free Family Event Powered by Klutz®

Michaels
5212 N Big Hollow Rd
Peoria, IL 61615
Tel: 309-692-3275
Sun 10a-7p; Mon-Sat 9a-9p

Read on the Wild Side!

2009-05-29T06:49:00.000-05:00

Kick off a great summer reading adventure by signing up for the summer reading club at Alpha Park Library! Registration begins on Tuesday, June 2nd at 1:00pm and check-in runs until July 25th at 1:00pm. (No registration will be allowed before Tuesday at 1:00!) The kickoff party is a great time to get signed up, collect all the club info and enjoy snacks, games and face painting! This six week program is going to be an adventure for readers of all ages (3yrs through adult). Get the whole family signed up right away so you don't miss any of the fun!

Alpha Park Library, Bartonville, IL

Bible Study Playgroup Day

2009-05-28T02:33:00.000-05:00

This Summer we are incorporating a Bible Study into our playgroup. We will be doing the Bible Study two Thursday's out of the month, with the first meeting being at 1:00pm on Thursday, May 28th at my home in Glasford. At the group that day, I will have one of the books available for you to look through. I will also be collecting the money and placing an order for the books that day. The cost of the books, if you order with the group to get the free shipping, will be $11/book. After the first meeting, when everyone's kids are out of school, we will begin meeting earlier and at the first meeting we will decide on our meeting location/time. The plan is that everyone would do their specified reading/work pages on their own at home and then at playgroup we would devote the first 30-45 minutes of playgroup, while the kids are playing, for discussion of what we worked on at home and then everything after that is just playgroup. Everyone is welcome to attend the playgroup on Bible Study Thursdays, the playgroup portion this day will begin at 2pm.

If you cannot make it to group this day but still want to participate in the Bible Study,
please let me know so we can make other arrangements to get your book ordered.

**********************************************************

A Woman After God's Own Heart
by Elizabeth George

A new cover and fresh updates enrich Elizabeth George’s bestselling A Woman After God’s Own Heart^® (over 735,000 copies sold). This very popular selection for personal and group study is filled with rich advice, spiritual wisdom, and practical applications.

With passion and personality, Elizabeth George shares how a woman can follow God and seek His heart in every area of her life—

her husband
her children
her home
her walk with the Lord
her ministry

Unleash the love in your Heart After God and begin a ministry of prayer, develop God-confidence, and pursue God's priorities. Become God's woman of excellence in the areas of ministry, marriage, motherhood, spiritual growth, and prayer.

There is peace and purpose for the woman who prepares her heart and mind to embrace God’s plan every day. This new look will complement the other bestselling Elizabeth George titles loved by millions of women.

Africa! Grand Opening at Peoria Zoo

2009-05-27T20:49:00.000-05:00

June 6th

Come face to face with a giraffe, take in the massive bulk of a white rhino or the colorful face (and rump!) of a Mandrill.

Upon entering the Zambezi River Village in Peoria Zoo’s new Africa exhibit, zoo visitors will experience a unique simulation of African grasslands. As the visitor overlooks our interpretation of the Zambezi River they will view six different species whose barriers are invisible to the public. The new Africa! exhibit is home to many new species: Giraffe, White Rhino, Grevy’s Zebra, Thomson's gazelle, Gerenuk, Lion, Red river hogs, Colobus monkeys, Mandrills, Aldabra Tortoise and African Crested Porcupines.

Africa! also contains a one of a kind exhibit that is designed to interpret some of the small species living Africa. Once in the building, the room is filled with an interpretive tree that houses many small exhibits including Zebra mice, Golden Taveta weavers, African rock pythons, Giant Zambian mole-rats, Pancake tortoise, Dung beetles, Hissing cock roaches, Madagascar tree boas.

Peoria Zoo (formerly Glen Oak Zoo), Peoria, IL

Discovery Depot Programs & Info

2009-05-27T11:41:00.005-05:00

Teetertots
6:30 – 7:30 pm
A special evening for toddlers and their families. Toddlers will explore art, science, math and language through crafts and activities. There will also be time to explore the museum. Light refreshments included. Admission to the museum is FREE for children and their adult companions. Facilitated by Kitty Cecil, certified parent educator. (Held on the first Thursday of each month.)

Stories Alive!
10:30 am & 4:00 pm
Visit the museum for a story and related activity. FREE programming designed for kids ages 3-8 year and their adult companions. On R.I.F. days, as part of the Reading Is Fundamental Program, children will also be able to choose from a variety of titles, their own book to keep for free! (Held on the second Thursday of each month.)

What's Up With...?
6:00 – 7:30 pm
In this series of FREE programs for youth in Grades 3-8, local professionals will share FUN, hands-on science and discovery activities in a variety of topics ranging from weather to geology to chemistry. COME TO ONE, TWO… OR ALL! Admission is FREE! Kids in grades 3-5 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited – Please call 344.8876 to register. Walk-ins welcome if space allows. (Second Thursday of each month, October thru March)

Kids In The Kitchen!
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Last Thursday of each month on the same dates as listed for Thrifty Thursdays • $1.00 per snack for materials. Children create their own snack by following a step by step recipe.

***************************************************************************

Admission:
$4.50/person
Last Thursday of each month – “Thrifty Thursday” $2.50/person

Hours*:
Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm

*EXTENDED HOURS the third Friday each month 10 am – 7 pm
Closed Mondays during year round.

***************************************************************************

Discovery Depot Children's Museum
128 S. Chambers • Galesburg, IL 61401
309.344.8876 • www.discovery depot.org

New State Budget Eliminates Important Funding!

2009-05-26T15:59:00.004-05:00

Please take time to read the information below (under the banner). I strongly encourage everyone to call the Governor Quinn's office and oppose cutting funds for early childhood! This could impact the future of every state funded preschool program, including Bright Futures/Headstart.

You can support children & families and help prevent the loss of jobs and closing of centers by following these simple steps:

1. Call Governor Quinn at (217) 782-0244 and voice your opposition to any cuts in the Early Childhood Block Grant.

2. Email or call your legislators

and urge them to do the following:

- DO NOT pass a budget with cuts to early childhood programs including:

Early Childhood Block Grant funded through the State Board of Education
Home Visiting funded through the Department of Human Services, Healthy Families and Parents Too Soon budget lines
Child Care
Children's Mental Health

- DO reform the Illinois revenue system so that we can collect enough funding to adequately support early childhood programs.

- Tell leadership that you oppose the cuts and that you support revenue to fully fund programs for young children.

The General Assembly will consider both an operational and capital budget this week before their scheduled adjournment on May 31st. Unfortunately, both budgets may not include programs and investments vital to the lives of working families and children.

Capital Budget
In its current state, the capital budget does not include funding for early childhood facilities. Governor Quinn originally proposed $25 million for construction and renovation projects to keep up with the high demand for early childhood education. Without early childhood facility improvement and expansion, children around the state will lack the high-quality learning spaces they need to enter school prepared for success.

Operational Budget
Illinois is in the worst finacial crisis it has ever seen and there is real possiblity that legislators will pass the "doomsday" budget in order to meet the adjourment deadline. If the "doomsday" budget is passed, it could mean the following:

$1.5 billion cut to Education

Elimination of the Early Childhood Block Grant which provides preschool for 100,000 children.
Elimination of 14,300 teachers' jobs.

$769 million cut to Human Services

Elimination of child care for 1,000 children and increasing co-pays for remaining children.
Closing one out of every five Illinois Department of Human Services offices.
Elimination of home services for 5,000 people with disabilities.
Elimination of addiction treatment and prevention for 45,000 people.

We need you to take TWO urgent actions today:

1. Call your legislators today and tell them 3 things:

Restore $25 million for early childhood facilities as a part of any capital budget.
Pass an operational budget that includes $592 million for child care services and $392 million for the Early Childhood Block Grant (Preschool for All).
Increase revenue in a fair and sustainable way to ensure funding for these vital programs. Illinois working families and children should not bear the burden of balancing the budget.

2. Pass this information on to everyone you know.

Click the link below to log in and make your call:
http://www.votervoice.net/groups/ACTION/advocacy/?IssueID=18124&AdminPreview=True&SiteID=-1

To prevent these devastating cuts, you can also:

Forward the above information and encourage all your friends, family, coworkers, board members, and program participants to take action to protect funding for early childhood programs.
Write a letter to your local newspaper so that legislators feel pressure from the community as a whole, including the media.

More information and helpful tips can be found on these sites:

Free Lemon Ice Samples!

2009-05-25T09:38:00.001-05:00

Try Our New Lemon Ice!

To celebrate warm sunny days, we're offering a special summer treat - Lemon Ice! Come on in and enjoy a scoop of our frozen sunshine topped with your favorite fruit, or try it blended in a Cooler with your ButterBurger Value Basket.

Tuesday, May 26th we will be featuring
free samples of our Lemon Ice!

Check with your local Culver's to see if they are participating in this offer!

Holy Family Heritage Days

2009-05-24T07:18:00.004-05:00

Thursday, May 28 (5pm-10pm)

Chicken Dinners Thursday: Will be served from 4-6:45pm in the Entertainment tent. Dinner includes: ½ chicken, corn, mashed potatoes, roll and drink. Tickets will be $8.50 at the door.

Thursday will be “open microphone” night in the Entertainment tent. Performers of all kinds are welcome to come on stage and share their talents. Students, parents, teachers, parishioners & and the community are all invited to perform. The band, Side Tracked, will be playing and serving as hosts for the evening. If you would like to perform please contact Rob Bertram (677-3770 or rob@bradley.edu)

Friday, May 29 (4pm-11pm)

Friday Holy Family’s own Grand Caravan band will be performing from 8PM until 12PM. There will be a $1 cover charge.

Saturday, May 30 (11am-10pm)

Saturday we welcome Southside Cindy and the Sliptones to the stage. They will be performing from 6-10pm. Patrons must be 21 or older and there will be a $3 cover charge after 6pm.

Carnival rides, games, food, beer tent and live entertainment.

Holy Family Catholic Church
3720 N Sterling Ave, Peoria, IL
(309) 688-2931

Who's Thinking Arby's???

2009-05-20T06:28:00.002-05:00

Arby's is offering free food with purchase on Wednesdays at participating locations. The best deal looks like the free regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase, which happens once a month. Be sure to call first to make sure your local Arby's is participating:

MAY
20 - Free Chocolate Malt Swirl Shake with any sandwich purchase
27 - Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase

JUNE
3 - Free Iced FruiTea with any sandwich purchase
10 - Free Roast Chicken Club with any soft drink purchase
17 - Free Regular Sidekickers with any sandwich purchase
24 - Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase

JULY
1 - Free Regular Beef ‘n Cheddar with any soft drink purchase
8 - Free Orange Cream Swirl Shake with any sandwich purchase
15 - Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase
22 - Free Roastburger with any soft drink purchase
29 - Free Iced FruiTea with any sandwich purchase

AUGUST
5 - Free Regular Roast Beef with any soft drink purchase
12 - Free Roast Chicken Club with any soft drink purchase
19 - Free Iced FruiTea with any sandwich purchase
26 - Free Regular Beef ‘n Cheddar with any soft drink purchase

Mommy Cards...It's What All the COOL Moms Are Using!

2009-05-18T22:00:00.006-05:00

Are you ready for the school year to be over? Ready to plan some play dates for summer? What better way to get you and your child's information to the other moms than a business card sized "Mommy Card", perfect for sticking in your purse, pocket, or diaper bags...check 'em out!

St. Louis Missouri Family Friendly Attractions

2009-05-18T13:58:00.009-05:00

**************************** St. Louis Attractions ****************************

City Museum and World Aquarium
701 N. 15th St
St. Louis, MO 63103
314-231-2489

Admission: $92/4, $69/3, $46/2
$12/person for City Museum
+$6/person for World Aquarium
+$5/person for The Roof
Hrs: F-Sa: 9am-1am | Su: 11am-5pm

COUPON | Complimentary Shark Tooth from World Aquarium

************************************

St. Louis Zoo
One Government Drive
St. Louis, MO 63110
314-781-0900
Hrs: 8am-7pm

Cost With Coupon | $32/4, $27/3, $18/2

Parking $11

Carousel | $3
Railroad | $5/round trip ticket. You may leave the train, visit exhibits and re-board.
Motion Simulator | $3
Stingrays at Caribbean Cove | $3

Safari Pass: Make the most of your day at the Zoo with a Safari Pass. This one-day pass is $10/person and includes admission to the Children's Zoo ($4), Railroad ($5), Sea Lion Show ($3), Carousel ($3) and Motion Simulator ($3).

COUPON | $1 Off Safari Pass COUPON in StL Visitor Guide

************************************

St. Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110
314-289-4400

Admission Free

Parking $8

Omnimax Theater $8/adult $7/child
Discovery Room $3
Space Show $5/adult $4/child (40 minute show)
Real Pirates: National Geographic Exhibit $8/adult $6/child

COUPON | $2 off full-price admission for Exhibit for up to 4 with coupon

COUPON | One child Omnimax admission with adult) BOGO in StL Visitor Guide

***********************************

The Magic House (Children’s Museum – site says visit takes 2-3 hours)
516 S. Kirkwood Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63122
314-822-8900

Admission $8.50 $34/4, $25.50/3, $17/2
Parking Free
Hrs: F: 9:30-9 | Sa: 9:30-5:30 | Su: 11-5:30

COUPON | One free child admission with paying adult with coupon
COUPON | 2 for the price of 1 COUPON in StL Visitor Guide

************************************

St. Louis Arch (Approx 1 hour)
Admission $7/adult (online) $10/adult at Arch $5/child
Hrs: 8:20am – 9:10pm

COUPON | Buy one adult get one child free

************************************

Grant’s Farm
10501 Gravois Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63123
314-843-1700

Admission is free
Parking $11

Hrs: F: 9-3:30 | Sa: 9-4 | Su: 9:30-4

Extras
Carousel $2
Elephant Tour: $5

COUPON | 15% off merchandise

************************************

Botanical Gardens
4344 Shaw Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63110
1-800-642-8842

Admission

$8/adults

Free/12 and under

Hrs: 9am-5pm

COUPON | $1 off admission for up to 4 with coupon

Butterfly House
Faust Park
15193 Olive Blvd
Chesterfield, MO 63017
636-530-0076

Admission $6/adults $4/4-12 Free/3 and under
Hrs: 9am-4pm

COUPON | Buy one admission, get one free
COUPON | Buy one admission, get one free

************************************

St. Louis Union Station

COUPON | Hard Rock Café – Free Hot Fudge Sundae with $25 purchase

***************************** Nearby St. Louis Attractions *****************************

Meramec Caverns

Stanton, MO

Take I-44 West from St. Louis approx. 60 miles to Exit 230

Take a left passing over the railroad tracks and continue for 3 miles.

(65 miles West from STL Arch)

Cost:

$19/adult $30.50/4, $30.50/3, $21/2

$9.50/5+

Extras: Pan for Gold | Small bag $6.99, Large bag $9.99, Arrowhead mine rough $6.99, Emerald mine rough $9.99

COUPON COUPON | $3 off Adult Rate Admission

COUPON | Free boat ride with purchase of boat ride

************************************

Mark Twain Caves

300 Cave Hollow Rd.

Hwy 36 / I-72

Hannibal, MO 63401

(120 miles from STL Arch)

573-221-1656

$15.95/adult $36.10/4, $34/3, $31.90/2

$2.10/child

Extras:

Sticks and Stones (Pan for gems) | $5.95/1lb bag | Buy 3 bags, get 1 free

COUPON | 2 adult admissions, 2 children admissions, 2 rock bags and 2 candle dippings for $50.10 (Save $22)

COUPON | 2 for 1 admission

************************************ Restaurant Info ************************************

Ted Drewe’s Frozen Custard

4224 S. Grand Blvd

St. Louis, MO 63111

314-352-7376

6726 Chippewa

St. Louis, MO 63109

314-481-2652

Hours: 11am

COUPON | Buy a Chocolate Chip Concrete and get your second Concrete ½ Price

************************************

Fitz’s

6605 Delmar Blvd.

Go 1 mile north of Forest Park on Skinker Blvd.

Turn left on Delmar and go 4 blocks to Fitz's located on the right side.

There's plenty of free parking directly behind Fitz's.

314-726-9555

Hours 11am-10pm

COUPON | Free Float with Purchase of meal

************************************

Old Spaghetti Factory

727 N. 1^st Street

St. Louis, MO 63102

314-621-0276

Hours: 11:30am-11:00pm

COUPON | FREE Italian Cream Soda in a colorful keepsake glass (1 offer/table with coupon)

************************************

America's Incredible Pizza Company
5254 S. Lindbergh Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63126
(314) 842-0700

Extras:

Glow in the dark Mini Golf | $3.50, Bumper Cars | $3.00, Go Kart Races | $5/single & $6/double

Mini Bowling | $3.50, Huge Game Room and Tiny Town for the little ones

Specials: Tick Tock Friday - Have fun with unlimited play until the clock runs out! Enjoy our buffet and one hour of game play for $19.99/person

************************************ Hotel Info ************************************

Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch - St. Louis, MO – July 9-11, 2010 – Prices shown using Promotional Code: FUN

2 QUEEN BEDS DELUXE View more info $129.99
2 QUEEN BEDS DELUXE WITH PARTIAL VIEW OF RIVERFRONT/ARCH View more info $139.99

Parking is $15.00/night

3rd Annual Peoria Kids Day!

2009-05-18T10:09:00.001-05:00

Head on out to the Shoppes at Grand Prairie for the
3rd Annual

Last year's Kid's Day featured

Fun on the Run slides, obstacle courses and jumpers .

Monster Truck rides

and many booths and games for kids of all ages.

This event benefits

When: August 8th, 2009
Time: 10am - 2pm

Where:

http://www.peoriakidsday.com/

Discovery Bunch at the Children’s Discovery Museum

2009-05-16T21:57:00.000-05:00

Gather around for story-time and hands-on learning! Program (for 3-5 years old and an adult partner) includes story, themed craft activity, and various centers that include art, science, and skill-building activities. Cost includes program and Museum exploration for one child and one adult.

Program Cost: $11 MIN/MAX: 5/15

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
On Monday the very hungry caterpillar ate through one apple. On Tuesday he ate through two pears. What else will this very hungry caterpillar eat through? Come and join us as we learn about the life cycle of caterpillars and butterflies and participate in some fun crafts and activities!

Date: June 3
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Activity # 906200 Section # 01

Date: June 6
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Activity # 906200 Section # 02

Edwina-The Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She was Extinct by Mo Willems
Edwina the dinosaur loves to play with kids, do favors, and bake chocolate chip cookies, but what happens when a little boy tries to explain to her that dinosaurs are really extinct? Come and find out and participate in some dino-rific activities!

Date: July 1
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Activity # 907200 Section # 01

Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin
When spider takes his Grandpa to school for Grandparents Day, he learns three things. Come and find out what spider learns as we read this comical but informative story about spiders and participate in some spidery activities including a spider puppet craft!

Date: August 5
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Activity # 908200 Section # 01

Date: August 8
Time: 10 to 11 a.m.
Activity # 908200 Section # 02

Program Registration Form (PDF)

101 E. Beaufort, Normal, IL 61761
(309) 433-3444

Our Gang's Playgroup

Fon du Lac Farm Park

Forest Park Nature Center

Lightning Bugs!

Halloween Bash

Haunted Hallways at LCHS

Restaurant Coupons

Trunk or Treat

Slime Time at GBC

Treats on the Prairie

Toys R Us Halloween

Kids Eat Free at Chilis Halloween Weekend

Annual Halloween Spooktacular

Halloween at Michaels

Halloween Party at Alpha Park Library

Children's Halloween Party at Pekin Library

Family Activity Hour - Pumpkins

Barnes and Noble Halloween Storytime

Main Street's Spooktacular Halloween Event

Witches Walk at Fon du Lac Farm Park

Wildlife Merry Not So Scary Park

Howl-Zoo-Ween at Peoria Zoo

Howl-Zoo-Ween at Peoria Zoo | Oct 15 and 16 | 5:30-8:30pm

2010 Back to School "Carnival"

Kids Summer Movies at Willow Knolls 14

Honey Bee Day!

I've Added A Google Calendar!

Knee High Naturalists 2010

Movies Under the Stars

Family Fun Fest

The Principal Financial Group

Family Fun Fest

is coming to the Peoria Chiefs on Sunday, June 13, 2010

PlayHouse at Pampered on the Prairie

Gardenscaping... Dig In!

Balloons at the Park

Olde English Faire

VBS is Just Around the Corner!

Family Fest 2010

Santa Train

YWCA Annual Holiday Luncheon

Santa Pajama Party

Holiday Kick Off on the Prairie

Old Fashioned Christmas Party

Polar Express PJ Party

Santa Claus Parade

25th Annual Festival of Lights

Make-it, Take-it

FAMILY READ NIGHT STORYTIME

Preschool Christmas Party

Love and Respect Conference

Children's Halloween Party at Pekin Library

Have a Scary Good Time at Borders!

Trunk or Treat at Rock Church

Pumpkin Heads! Halloween Storytime

Spooky Storytime Puts the Boo! in Books

Michael's Family Halloween Event

Michael's Halloween T-Shirt Event

Slime Time Fall Festival!

Treats on the Prairie

Witches Walk at Fon du Lac Farm Park

Ready For Some Pumpkin Fun?

Preschool Halloween Party

Make-it, Take-it

Wildlife Merry, Not So Scary Park

Story Times at Alpha Park

Children's Discovery Museum

Back to School "Carnival"

Wildlife Prairie Park Outing on 7/21

Behind the Scenes at Peoria Zoo!

Location Change for Bible Study on 7/13

Back To School Supply Prices 2009

Prairie Air Show 2009

Air Show Preview

Kid's Day at Wildlife

Activities:

DARE will provide Fingerprinting Kits for children

Plus:

Red, White and Boom!

Fireworks Spectacular

1020 S. Morris Avenue
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 434-2250

1020 S. Morris Avenue
Bloomington, IL 61701
(309) 434-2250