MOM'S LITTLE BLACK BOOK | Rain or Shine, Always Fun

We may have arcades, go-karts, and mini golf in the western suburbs, but it was the value of the All-You-Can-Play pass that prompted my drive just a bit farther south to enjoy these activities, plus more! With spring break in full force for most schools, Hollywood Park is the perfect place to visit regardless of weather. I love that their outdoor activities open as early as April, weather permitting.

The Hollywood Speedway go-karting is fast and furious, the two 18-hole mini golf courses offer challenges and interactive fun; however, my group loved tackling the 27-foot rock climbing wall and ringing the bell at the top, the most! If the chill of winter is still hanging on, or the April showers are working to bring on those May flowers, the indoor activities are just as abundant with Stunt’s Krazy Cars (bumper cars); Lazer Frenzy – a mission impossible-style laser maze; Typhoon – an interactive motion ride; and hundreds of redemption sport, skill, and video games such as Skeeball, NBA Hoops, Air Hockey, Super Chexx Bubble Hockey, and Connect 4. Even the smallest of kids can enjoy a section of rides made just for them – the helicopter ride, the bulldozer ride, and driving an ice cream truck.

We went during the All-You-Can-Play $15 Extreme Happy Hours and completely had our fill of fun. And what a better place to bring your Scouts, youth groups, school groups, or fundraising organizations than a place that stays open all night long for overnight lock-ins or late-night bashes. With unlimited gaming options and bumper cars, plus all-you-can-eat pizza & pop, topped with a donut breakfast and juice, you can’t go wrong trying to entertain large groups of kids of just about any age. Smaller groups can also reserve the Rockstar Lounge and enjoy a private area of flat-screen TVs, leather seating, Xbox gaming, and a giant projector for your favorite movies. It’s unlimited fun at its best! -Kristen Kucharski

Location: Hollywood Park, 5051 Cal-Sag Road, Crestwood, IL 60445

Contact: (708) 389-7275 • www.hollywoodfunpark.com

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to midnight Friday; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Call for summer hours.

Prices: Prices vary depending on activities selected. Special promotions include All-You-Can-Play Passes for as low as $14/person.

Description: A multi-floor redemption arcade, simulators, go-karts, mini golf, Lazer Frenzy, bumper cars, rock climbing, bumper cars, and more! Overnight lock-in and late-night bash options.

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 joins Glancer Magazine with her column titled, Mom's Little Black Book, a monthly feature written for moms who are looking for ways to keep their kids busy.