By Kristy Wilson
If you’re looking for things to do in northern Champaign County, we’re here to offer our list of enticing options to keep your kids occupied and happy in Rantoul.
1. Grab a bite at Butcher Boy’s Burgers, Ott’s Drive In or C&C’s Kitchen. If you like a good burger a trip to Rantoul would be worth it! Butcher Boy’s and Ott’s Drive In both receive a 4.7/5 star rating and are incredibly affordable if you would like to eat out with your family in Rantoul and are craving a bit of that “greasy spoon” type of food. C&C’s Kitchen is a bit newer to the food scene in Rantoul, opening just over three years ago. Named after the owners and chefs Cameshia and Curtis McGhee, C&C’s offers both in-house dining and catering. With its 5-star rating, if you want some gumbo or a good Po’ Boy sandwich this is the place!
2. Celebrate the changing of the seasons and the holidays at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch just outside of town on County Road 2900N. I recently visited for the first time with our kids and nieces and nephews and there was a little something for everyone. My mom liked the crafts and decorations in the gift shops, my nephew loved watching the owner launch a pumpkin with the large catapult, my niece and daughter loved feeding the reindeer and our little guy just loved taking it all in.
3. Enjoy almost a week’s worth of events during the Freedom Celebration. Carnivals, monster truck show, 5K … oh my! Surely this event has a little of something for everyone. It spans the week of June 29-July 4.
4. Take in a show with the Rantoul Theatre Group. This group of local actors has been putting on plays since it began in 1999. Now in its 18th season, the theatre is gearing up for its fall performance of “Driving Miss Daisy.” While each performance may not be age appropriate for all kids, this is a good resource to remember.
5. See tractors galore, plus much more at the Half Century of Progress Show. See the old and new tractors harvesting, tilling and pulling as they display the progress that the farm industry has accomplished throughout the years. The 2017 Progress Show is Aug. 24-27 with tractor pulls the first three evenings and Big Foot and Raminator on display. If your little one is interested in participating in the kiddie tractor pull, it’s at 2 p.m. Aug. 26.
Would these be your top 5? What would you add?
Kristy Wilson considers herself a “townie” having lived in the community for more than 26 years. She grew up in Unit #4 schools and attended the University of Illinois. Kristy is passionate about her professional work as a social worker. In her spare time she enjoys food! In particular she loves to try new recipes and sample new dishes at local eateries.