My daughter took one of their classes back when she was in pre-school. She wasn't sporty then...and…read morestill isn't years later, but they did a great job of making sports fun for all. And I loved the girl power that comes with it. Now with Covid-19 I've been trying to piece together the first month of summer before my kids start their delayed day camp in July. I heard Game On! Sports Camp was doing backyard camps for small groups and was intrigued, especially when i heard they were also doing boy groups. I immediately got together a group of 4 year old boys, 7 year old boys and 9 year old girls and was ready to register each a few times a week. As I think they are well aware their backyard registration system is horribly confusing. I consider myself to be something tech savvy and this is truly difficult to navigate. I ended up for the wrong days/times, overpaying, etc. And some of my less tech savvy friends gave up on signing up their kids because it was so confusing. The good news is that Barb and the other women in the office (shout out to Jenny who spoke to me 12 times on the phone over a few days) are super nice and did their best to help...and refunded my overpayments as well. We just finished week 1 of backyard camps and tried a few different instructors: Aaron, Tracy and Lucy. The actual camp is run way better than their registration system (phew) and all 3 of my kids were very happy and begging to do more sessions. It's a nice combo of sports and games. The instructors are responsible, enthusiastic and fun! Those who can commit to at least 4 weeks of Game On at least 3x a week received priority registration. I didn't want to commit for that much so I just chose available times/instructors for the future after priority registration. I didn't get all the exact times I wanted, but there were still some good options and each kid is signed for at least 3-4 more sessions before day camp starts next month. Kudos to Game On! for figuring out a way to pivot their business (their own day camp was cancelled) and keep our kids busy in the safety of their own backyards. They don't usually offer boys programs, but after this experience I think they should...and will definitely look into their future classes for my daughter since she enjoyed it so much last week.

Ok, so check it out, my oldest daughter tells me that she NEEDS to know how to play soccer,…read morebasketball and a whole bunch of other sports but she doesn't want to join a team. "Mommy, so many of my friends are on teams but I just want to know how to keep up when I play with them on a play-date. I don't even know the rules - I NEED to know the rules and then be able to practice every once in a while." Now, this idea works better for me because I do not aspire to be a soccer mom, per say, but I hear what she's saying. So off I go to try to find some way for her (and my youngest) to learn about sports in a fun, structured way without being all intense - thereby removing all the fun from the experience. Plus, I've already done my share of signing them up for activities only to have them lose interest... Well, not surprising, I either have to sign her up for specifically soccer, or gymnastics, or tennis, or anything even though she just wants to try them to learn about them and see how much she really likes them. Nothing good. Or, they are only boy camps. OR, they are boy/girl but clearly too intense on skill/ability but not necessarily the fun (hey all, it's summer, they need to have a good time too). THEN, whilst complaining about this to my friend (also sharing my maternal guilt), she says, "Oh, you should send them to Game On Sports Camp 4 Girls! My girls have gone for the last 4 years and they love it. Plus, they get to try all sorts of sports." I think, "Tell me more....." I say, "Where is it?". It's in Lake Forest...I'm a city girl...bummmer.... Then, 2 DAYS LATER, same friend calls me and says, "Hey Jen, Game ON! is opening up camp in Chicago - you should check it out!" All I can say is: "WWWWOOOOO to the HHHHHOOOO!!!". We're in like Flynn. Check it out: Monday - Friday, 10 Core Sports+ more, 9am - 3 pm (gotta love the full day!), Game On! Idol, 3 years old to 13 years old, 2 weeks - 6 weeks, suited to both recreational and travel athletes and more, more more! I am thrilled! My girls are set for camp in 2011 and I'm not even out of 2010 yet! Seriously though, I checked out their website, looked at video clips, became a fan on FB (lots of cool information comes there too!) and couldn't be happier. Both my girls have seen videos about camp and were sssssoooo excited that now we've recruited a couple of their friends to go as well. Can not say enough good things about having found this opportunity. I'm curious to see how my ballerinas do learning new skills and developing a love for sports, teamwork, meeting new friends, going to professional sporting events, and more.

My friend invited me to brunch at Midtown Athletic Club (they are a member). The public can't just…read morewalk in, there are gates in the lobby and I had to scan a code (and fill out my info) before entering. I visited Midtown before as a prospective member so I know that guests can only enter a limited number of times. We went upstairs past the cardio machines (they are plentiful) and the weight area to the cafe. There are tables and booths that overlook the outdoor pool area (closed for season). It wasn't a large brunch but we had some made-to-order omelets, bacon/sausage and fruit. There was also some potatoes and pastry. When I sat down to eat I received a text from Midtown about a membership. The brunch was bottomless although one omelet was enough for me. I also had two emails from Midtown when I got home, one a waiver of liability and the other a membership offer. I didn't join as a member on my previous visit and I am not going to join now. I already have a Pilates membership that includes three studios with classes from 6am-8pm. Midtown has a Pilates studio but none of the class times work for me. They also have some reformers in the middle of the cardio area reserved for private lessons. If I have a private lesson I would prefer to be in a secluded area, not in the middle for all to see. The facility has many machines, a boxing area, a cycling studio, a theatre, a spa, a cafe, courts, pool, etc and this is a great place for those who need this. There are families who spend the morning at lessons, classes, workouts, then join up in the cafe. This is great for those who are looking for this but it doesn't fit my needs right now.

If you're a dedicated tennis player and competitive, this place is for you. Otherwise, go somewhere…read moreelse.

We had our son's 4th birthday party here. It went so smoothly, and the kids had a blast!read more

Signed up for a free week trial. Took a Sunday outdoor class and it kicked my butt. My thighs were…read morepretty sore the next day and I liked the integration of running. It was a female heavy class and squats focused. They are very cautious with covid and you do a contactless temperature check when you get there and they offer classes outside in the parking lot. I liked the outdoor class, but unfortunately they don't fit into my schedule except for the weekend classes.

Convenient small park in Deerfield with a wide array of options including playgrounds, baseball…read morefields, soccer fields, basketball nets, BBQ grills, picnic tables, and pavilion. Theres also a walking path that takes a short time to walk around with exercise equipment located along the route. It is not as full featured as larger parks in the area but has enough options to do a wide variety of activities.

Maplewood Park is a nice neighborhood park that is part of the Deerfield Park District. My husband…read moreand I came here with a friend to play Frisbee. This park features a large field for soccer and baseball games. There are also walking paths, a playground, and picnic tables. The walking path also features exercise equipment. Maplewood Park is a great place to get some exercise and spend an afternoon. I highly recommend Maplewood Park!