Schaumburg: Legoland

Schaumburg, Illinois -- During the holidays, our family took a long-promised trip to Legoland Discovery Center in honor of Eldest Child's birthday. Here are a few views of the El as portrayed in the Miniland Chicago exhibit. According to Legoland's website, almost two million bricks are used to depict Chicago's landmarks. 

The El zips back and forth 

Brick city at night

Schaumburg: Trains at IKEA

Train table, IKEA-style

With his back to this very spot at the Schaumburg IKEA, my oldest child said, "Do they have any trains here?" Train awareness had been supplanted by fascination with the store's two great glass elevators and the rather amazing cart-grabbing escalators. He soon realized the answer to his question was right behind him and proceeded to putz with the store display. He had already declared IKEA to be "the best store!" His siblings were too busy navigating the aisles from the drivers' seats of the car carts to investigate the trains this time around. 

Schaumburg: Food for Fun train ride

Do a good deed and get a  train ride. On Sunday, Oct. 13 from 1-3 p.m. young bicycle riders can enjoy Food for Fun, an afternoon at Schaumburg's Ken Alley Safety Park in exchange for a donation for the Schaumburg Food Pantry. Bringing a second canned or non-perishable item entitles visitors to a ride on the 18-passenger trackless train. To register or to get further details, contact the Schaumburg Park District at 847/490-7036. The safety park is behind the Pat Shephard Early Childhood Center, 421 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. 

Take a peek at the park district's website for information on other programs available at the safety park, including train-themed birthday parties. Only 3- and 4-year olds can enjoy the train parties, but that is just the perfect age for a ride on the train and a game of pin the smoke stack on the engine! 

Schaumburg: iHobby Expo

As real autumn weather slowly arrives in Chicagoland, it's time to think of indoor weekend activities for the family. Keep your eyes open for (or your search engines pointed to) hobby shows around the area. For example, this weekend's iHobby Expo in Schaumburg features a free ride-on Thomas train and model train layouts in addition to plenty of other activities, such as model building and racing. Kids under 10 even get in free. (Adult admission is $12. Seniors pay $10 on Sunday only.) The show happens from 10 a.m. till 5 pm. today (Oct. 6, 2013) and tomorrow at the Schaumburg Convention Center.