With so many pools, beaches, and splash pads closed or complicated due to Covid social distancing requirements, the only way to beat the heat, it seems, is to take it back to nature in a way that I never thought I’d be comfortable with.
Yeah, if you would have told me last year I’d be happily trudging up a river with seaweed around my ankles, watching my kids frolic in the unchlorinated water of the DuPage River, I’d have told you you were crazy.
But times change, and so we adjust.
Earlier this summer, I saw a friend’s post about a Naperville park that I’d never visited, where you can hike, bike, run, and even trek, splash, and float up or down river. Of course we immediately headed out for fun. Keep reading for my quick tips.
Where:
Dorthea Weigand Riverfront Park
2436 S. Washington Street
Naperville, IL
Make the most of your visit with these tips:
DO: Bring your masks and anticipate a crowd.
We visited at the beginning of the season. Since then, it’s grown in popularity because of its accessibility and fun. As a result, time your visit accordingly. Though it should be easy to social distance outside, there are some paths where it would be more difficult during high-traffic times like weekends. Bring your mask for your comfort and others. Hopefully you won’t need to wear it.
DO: Wear your swimsuit and water shoes!
Anticipate that you’re going to get wet. I put my boys in their swimsuits from the get-go because I knew they were going to submerged before I know it.
Even if you’re not planning to splash or swim, wear water shoes, preferably ones with an ankle strap. I wore flip-flops and while it was workable, in areas where the current was strong, I needed to step carefully to make sure my sandals didn’t get carried off down the river. The boys wore their Keens and did great.
DON’T: Go barefoot.
The riverbed is both mucky and filled with seaweed, which your kids may not like. But more importantly, the shores and “island” (about a half-mile upriver from the parking lot) are all crushed shell material that can be sharp. I also saw numerous pieces of broken glass scattered about by reckless visitors. If you go barefoot, you’re asking to get cut.
DO: Pay attention to current climate and rainfall.
The water level and currents will be dependent on how much rain we’ve received recently. When we were there, it was just after the early floods of the summer, so the water level was high. We saw numerous kaykers and even a group of high schools on a “float” expedition (which would be SO FUN!!)
The currents will be stronger in these conditions. Sawyer, my 4-year-old, felt uncomfortable walking through some of the stronger currents, and I carried him during those parts. In the lower water, he was happy to splash along holding my hand.
On the flip side, if you visit and the water levels are low, just be mindful of the greater potential for bacteria to flourish if the water is stagnant or moving slowly. I stressed to my kids no matter what that I didn’t want their faces in the water, but kids will be kids.
DON‘T: Wear anything that you don’t want muddy or potentially ruined.
Easton spent half of his time skidding along on his bottom, and the back of his swim trunks have permanent light dirt stains on them. Your kids are going to get muddy if they are in the water, because the river banks tend to be mucky.
DON‘T: Feel you have to stay in the river the entire time.
There are also paved trails for biking and running, and right near the water, there’s a grassy path that runs parallel to the river, so you can explore this area without getting wet if you’re so inclined.
DO: Bring towels and a change of clothes and shoes for everyone!
You’re going to need to wipe off muck and water before you can get back in a car to drive home. Anyone that got wet probably needs a change of clothes, but there is not a changing area or bathroom. Plan to get creative in a secluded area if your kids are young enough, or wrap them in towels for the ride home. And then shower once you get back home!
The boys have been beginning to go back, so I know this Family Field Trip was a hit. If you’re looking for more outdoor adventures, check out my tips for Waterfall Glen in Darien or some of my favorite local forest preserves.
What have you been up to during this very unusual summer? I know I haven’t been very present on the blog but I’ve missed it. Tell me in the comments below how you are spending your summer, or slide into my DMs on Instagram or Facebook. I’m hanging out a lot on Insta these days so make sure you’re following there for all the ideas and inspiration.
