If you are looking for something fun to do with your family, South Barrington is full of different activities that you can try. Whether you are looking to get active, try something new, or spend some time outdoors with your family, there is something for every family to try. Here are five different family attractions you can check out in South Barrington, courtesy of Crème de la Crème of South Barrington.

Crabtree Nature Center

Image via Flickr by davidwilson1949

To get some fun time outdoors, families can visit the Crabtree Nature Center. The center is surrounded by nature trails that explore rolling landscapes shaped by moving glaciers. Your family can choose from three unpaved paths to explore and enjoy. Bur Edge Trail and Phantom Prairie Trail are the longer two trails you can check out, both of which are 1.4 miles long. You can also take Giant’s Hollow trail, which is just 0.2 miles, for a shorter loop. If you prefer to stick to a paved path, you can opt for the Green Paved path, which is also 0.2 miles. 

In addition to hiking on the paths, the center itself is a great place for birdwatching. They also offer planned hikes and classes like fire building, a full moon hike, and information on local animals that you can find in the area. Both you and your kids will enjoy learning something new and being able to spend time together on these hikes while exploring the beautiful nature that surrounds you.  

Other important things to note are that dogs are not allowed on these paths, so you’ll have to leave the family pup at home for this adventure. Make sure to bring a water bottle in case you get thirsty! 

Pinstripes

If you’re in the mood for some bowling or bocce ball, you can take your family to Pinstripes. The environment of Pinstripes combines the feeling of a local Italian bistro with the excitement of a bowling alley. If you are hungry, they have an extensive menu that includes meals for brunch, lunch, dinner, and late eats. 

Adults will enjoy that the menu options are several steps above your average bowling alley food, and kids are sure to love the options on their menu as well. In addition to dining in their restaurant, Pinstripes also offers takeout and delivery. If you’re looking for a full family experience, you can choose to play and eat while you are there. 

If your family is interested in bowling, prices cost between $10 and $15 depending on when you play. The lanes can accommodate up to eight people. If you want to play bocce, prices are between $5 and $10, and the lanes accommodate up to 10 people. No matter which activity you choose, you need to make sure you make a reservation before showing up.

Main Event

If your family loves playing games together, be sure to visit Main Event. This activity center is full of fun for the whole family, no matter the age. Some of the activities offered here include bowling, virtual reality games, and laser tag. Parents and kids will also love the indoor rope course, arcade games, or rock climbing course. You can also try karaoke or a glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course.  

Main Event offers group events that you can participate in with your family, including lock-in events that give you unlimited access to the center. 

Main Event stands out from other entertainment centers by offering virtual events. These events let you stay at home with your family as you participate in a virtual experience lead by hosts who guide you through the event. These experiences include So Trivial, The Main Escape, and the Brainy Bunch, which each give your group a different challenge to enjoy.

Pinot’s Palette

At Pinot’s Palette, you can tap into your creative side by doing fun art projects with your family. In addition to paint nights where you and your family can attend an in-studio lesson, there are also take-home kits that you can do from the comfort of your home. Some of these kits include a Chunky Knit Blanket and Different take-home paint kits. 

Pinot’s Palette allows kids over the age of 5 to attend their events, making it a great opportunity for the whole family. Prices vary based on the event, and there are lots of different pictures and projects to choose from, including canvas paintings and wood boards. They also offer virtual events you can attend or specific family fun classes geared toward families with children of different ages. Be sure to check out their event calendar for a complete look at the events they are offering. Kids will love making beautiful pictures with their family, giving parents a chance to simply sit back and relax.

BullsEye Axe Lounge

Ready to test out your aiming skills? While ax-throwing may seem like something that’s geared toward an older crowd, the only restriction at BullsEye Axe Lounge is that your child has to be able to safely hold and throw the ax from 10 feet away toward the target. If your children can do that, then this just might be a great activity that you can do together. This is a great activity to try as a family, especially if you’re looking for something unusual and exciting. Kids and adults will love the thrill of throwing an ax right in the middle of a target.

In addition to throwing axes, BullsEye plants a new tree for every 5 customers that walk through their door. This means you get to enjoy helping out the environment while you have a great time with your family. 

These are just a few of many places that you can visit as a family for some quality time spent together in the South Barrington area. Whether you want to go out on the town or do something at home, you have plenty of options to explore. What are some things you like to do with your family when you want to spend some quality time together? Do you have a favorite place to go? Let us know so we can add your favorite spot to our list!