+17 votes
by (250 points)
What are some things that can be done safely and legally outside the house with children right now? We've gone to the Indiana Dunes State Park. Are there other more local preserves open? Scenic drives? Somewhere secluded we can go for a change of scenery/mental health boost. I have 4 young children 8 and under.  
What are some things that can be done safely and legally outside the house with children right now?

12 Answers

+14 votes
by (1.6k points)
 
Best answer
Legally, while there is a shelter in place, you are only supposed to drive for essential reasons. Do I go a little out of my way for a grocery pick up? Sure, but no you aren't supposed to just drive around or go way further than you have to for a walk or hike.  
by (5.1k points)
@abattoir Jurek let’s remember that not everyone has ideal places to hike in their neighborhood. Some of us may live in apartments or townhomes and may have to drive slightly to get some nature and fresh air for children.  
by (1.6k points)
@scend I totally get that. I didn't say don't leave your house, but I don't think driving an hour to the dunes is the best choice right now. Or legal.  
+15 votes
by (3.3k points)
My only worry would be restrooms being closed if going anywhere "public".  
by (2k points)
That's exactly why we don't go anywhere
by (3.3k points)
@druggist I can only imagine even if I make the kids all go before we leave, then drive 30 minutes to an hour away, the second we arrive they will have to go and if the restrooms are closed--then what? Plus no where to stop to use bathrooms along the way either.  
by (2.1k points)
@pinon behind a tree, bring a toddler potty or shop bucket with a makeshift seat on it to use in the trunk
by (3.3k points)
@pissed do you go in it as well? Where do you dump it out between uses? Just seems problematic.  
by (24k points)
@pinon can use cat litter. that’s what my friends use when they go Camping.  
by (2.1k points)
Put a bag with paper towels in the bottom, tie it up and put it in a garage bag until you get home. Yes it’s more work but if you need some outside time, it’s worth it to have an option.  
by (890 points)
@pinon I had a travel potty when some of my oldest were younger. We traveled to softball fields with our oldest and I refused to deal with port-a-potties with them. I sat it up I. The back of my suv so they had some privacy (I could close the life gate and just pop the glass open). The one that I had was great! The legs folded and it had its own travel bag. It uses small sized trash bags. I would throw one of my nursing pads in the bottom. When they were done, you just took the bag out, tied it up and threw it in the trash.  
by (260 points)
We drove out to chicago on Sunday to see all the buildings. I had to pee on the way back. We pulled into an empty parking lot and I used my sons toddler potty in the back of the SUV. ‍♀️ No shame
+16 votes
by (1.5k points)
Most DuPage County Forest Preserves are open! So are ones in Kane and Kendall Counties. Google and find one that looks good for you!  
+3 votes
by (1.8k points)
Go hike around the trails at knock knolls!  
+15 votes
by (16.3k points)
We did a mobile order at McDonald’s, parked and ate in the car and then drove around (locally) over the weekend.  
+8 votes
by (3.9k points)
We have rented a cabin in the woods and plan on staying there for at least a couple of weeks, going fishing hiking etc.  
+11 votes
by (8.2k points)
Try Herrick Lake. Main entrance on Butterfield Road, about a mile WEST of Naperville Road. The trail around the lake may be a good fit for your kids' ages. There are more trails for further exploring, if you want to extend the hike.  
+15 votes
by (2k points)
Hoover state park hiking
+14 votes
by (5.9k points)
Most state parks are closed.  
+8 votes
by (5.9k points)
Try the little red schoolhouse
0 votes
by (870 points)
Geocache is really fun. We have been doing a lot of forest preserve and country road caches the last few weeks. :)
+13 votes
by (2.3k points)
We go to get coffee or lunch pickup (support local businesses) while the kids do a scavenger hunt in the back.  
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