October 2009 - $1 GEO CACHING
Okay, I will be the first to admit that I have avoided going to Naper Settlement with my kids because it seemed like it would be boring adventure and a waste of money. I finally decided to go because my children earned free passes from a reading program and I found a Buy One Get One free coupon.
I could not have been more wrong about the fun factor associated with Naper Settlement. We went with a group of 2 moms, 1 grandma, and 8 kids ranging in age from 3-9. We all expected to be there for less than 2 hours. Thank goodness we packed our picnic lunch because we were reluctantly leaving after 5 hours.
We rented each child a Geo Cache unit for $1 each. This was a huge hit. Geo Caching is worldwide and is basically electrically treasure hunting using a GPS system provided by the settlement. This activity took us all over the settlement in hunt for the hidden treasures following the GPS directions. In the midst of our treasure hunting, the kids did many other activities.
Did you know that you can make homemade butter by shaking cream in a jar? After shaking and singing – we made homemade butter. The kids also enjoyed using sticks to beat rugs clean. They never knew that housecleaning could be so much fun. We spent about 45 minutes in the schoolhouse as the kids played an imaginary game of school with the provided books, mini chalk boards, and lesson plans.
The Games on the Green were a blast. It felt like we were playing in someone else’s backyard. It is always more fun to play with someone else’s toys! We did sack races, played checkers, jump roped with a giant size rope, and had a ring toss competition.
The kids were enthralled with the Blacksmith’s workings and watched diligently as he performed magic while he manipulated iron bars. They even seemed incredibly interested taking a tour of the Martin Mitchell Mansion.
The Naper Settlement is located at 523 S. Webster Street, Naperville, IL 60540. Phone 630-420-6010. Website www.napersettlement.museum. Hours through October (slight change in November) are Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 1-4pm. Admission is $8 adults, $7 seniors, $5.50 youth, under 4 is free.
