WINTER BREAK FUN This issue reminds us that the holidays are just around the corner and in just a few weeks the kids will be off of school, the relatives will be in town, and everyone will be looking to you for entertainment!

Thanks to some interesting books I read this past summer, about quirky and unique things to do in Illinois, you’re ready for a day trip to the Northwest suburbs for some enjoyable amusement. For starters, take the family to the Leaning Tower of Pisa – I mean Niles – a half-size replica located at 6300 Touhy Avenue. The kids will enjoy taking silly photos leaning left and right and pretending to hold the tower between their fingertips.

When the thrill of the tower has worn off, head to the McDonald’s Museum at 400 Lee Street in Des Plaines – although you cannot get through the gates during this time of year, you can still take photos under the original Golden Arches, as they appeared in 1955, when Ray Kroc opened franchise Store #1 with $.15 cent burgers. Enjoy some lunch at the modern McDonald's across the street and view a half dozen glass-enclosed exhibits that share some cool facts and display interesting photos of the original concept of our pal, Ronald McDonald.

Top off your adventure day with some good ‘ole fashioned fun, just down the street, at Dads Slot Cars. The storefront is reminiscent of a 50s diner and malt shop. No video games, no computer chips, no touch screens – just simple entertainment using a rented slot car, a controller, and your choice of two, 8-lane tracks. My family and friends became quite competitive as they raced each other around the curves at speeds of 35 mph, but thanks to Dads ice cream bar, boasting homemade goodness, the group found harmony again with sundaes, malts, root beer floats, and itty bitty ice cream cones!

Overview.... Dads Slot Cars is a full services slot car racing facility with two, 8-lane race tracks; and slot cars and controllers available for rent. Dads also features a full service ice cream bar and offers homemade ice cream with seasonal fruits.

Dads Slot Cars 700 Lee Street Des Plaines, IL 60016 (847) 298-0688 www.dadsslotcars.com

Hours: Noon-8:30 p.m. Tues-Sat; Noon-5 p.m. Sun

Price $: $10 per 30 minutes includes car, track time, controller; 15 Minutes Free track time ($3 dollar value) for every “A” on your report card (Limit 1 per visit)

about the writer Naperville mom Kristen Kucharski graduated from Illinois State University in 1992 with an International Business Degree. She is married and has two energetic daughters and her house is always full of children. Kristen’s column titled, Mom's Little Black Book, is a

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