We know that no one, not the teachers or the school board, is happy about a strike. No one likes to disrupt the students learning or cause hardship to families. While the teachers and school board work on a resolution, we are here to help you. We have reached out to our partners and put together this list of options for parents that are looking for childcare or just some educational activities to keep your kids sharp during this unexpected break.
Childcare Options
- 4 Kids Children’s Learning Center will accommodate it’s current students first. Classrooms that are not full will take in additional students. Please contact director Karli Lee at (847) 548-4386 for availability.
- Little Lake Learning Station will be able to provide care for children ages 2-5 (early childhood preschool program and kindergarten). Contact director Cory Cameron at (847) 886-4525 for more information and to register.
- The director of The Children’s House of Libertyville, Mundelein Montessori School, and McHenry Montessori School posted that they have openings at all locations for emergency childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. Call the individual centers for more information.
- Peppermint Stick Childcare in Round Lake and Grayslake has some limited openings available. Contact the center to register.
Classes and Camps
- Kids Science Labs located in Vernon Hills provides full and half-day science camps for striking school districts. A camp day typically has science classes in the morning, snack break, lunch, afternoon playtime, and a third hands-on program to close out the day. Half-Day (9am-12pm) and Full Day (9am-3pm), and Extended Day (9am-5pm) programs are available. Registration is FREE and you only pay if the strike happens.
- Taste Buds Kitchen in Bannockburn is willing to host a camp if there are at least six children registered. You can call the Kitchen at (847) 230-0330 to express interest OR get a commitment from 5 friends and call to set it up. Standard camp pricing applies.
- Dayhouse Co-Working in Highland Park has spots remaining in their Smallhouse Yoga. Parents can work while children enjoy an hour of yoga led by Marcia Grunsfeld, owner of Orange Mat Yoga, followed by open playtime. Runs from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. and is $40 for non-members.
Low-Cost Activities
- Busy Brains Children’s Museum is currently located in Hawthorn Mall and provides activities for children ages 2-9 for $5 all-day play, parents are free. They are offering STEM and art activities geared toward ages 6-10 throughout the week of November 11-15th.
- Go swimming at an Indoor Pool – you will need to call and confirm availability.
- Visit a new to you library.
- Open Basketball at the Grayslake Park District. Today 1:30 -3:30 p.m., Friday 1-3 p.m., Children 8 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. See the website for additional days and times.
Dunn Museum
This brand-new Libertyville museum has interactive exhibits on everything from the Lake County geologic history to local industry beginnings. For museum hours, check their website and be sure to print the $1 off admission coupon, or visit on Tuesdays when admission is FREE admission for children. See their current special exhibit (included with admission) Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico.
Kenosha Public Museum
This FREE museum in nearby Wisconsin collects, preserves, and interprets decorative and fine arts, natural science specimens, and cultural artifacts from around the world and throughout time. Students will love the interactive exhibits as well as the Field Station where they can take a closer look at insects, fossils, and shells. For museum hours and directions, check out their website.
The Civil War Museum
Also located in Kenosha, the Civil War museum brilliantly describes Wisconsin’s role in the war and houses a library of civil war era literature that young and old readers will enjoy. FREE admission for children age 15 and under, $7 per adult. For hours, visit their website.
The Dinosaur Discovery Museum
While in Kenosha, be sure to stop at this FREE gallery displaying more meat-eating dinosaurs than any other museum in the nation. The museum also houses the Carthage Institute of Paleontology and is dedicated to the preparation and conservation of real dinosaur fossils.
Take advantage of a Museum Free Day at the Chicago Museums. November free days are:
- Adler Planetarium November 8 and 11
- Art Institute of Chicago Admission is always free for kids younger than 13.
- Chicago Children’s Museum Free for all visitors every Thursday
- The Field Museum November 13
- Museum of Contemporary Art Free admission: 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Tuesdays. Always free for kids 12 and younger.
- Notebart Nature Museum Free admission Thursdays
- Round Lake Children’s Neighborhood Museum Free admission Wednesdays 5-6:30 p.m.
- Wildlife Discovery Center Free admission during normal visiting hours Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
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