“Welcome Back! Santa’s Village”

For many years, the Chicago area had wonderful amusement parks, a place where a family could just get away from the world for several hours and just have fun! Over the years, with land becoming a premium and operating costs running higher and higher, plus with the advent of electronic games and actions, those great memories have gone away. Knowing that today’s kids will never share the memories of Riverview ( way before the “Great America” type park, KiddieLand ( even now, as I drive along North Avenue in Melrose Park, many wonderful moments with my kids and even grandkids, bring a smile to my face) or that great mecca out in the Elgin area, Santa’s Village, where my granddaughters celebrated birthdays with their friends and my kids were able to see their dear old dad “shake in his boots” before getting on a ride.

This is a park for all ages- kids can drive a semi, fly to the moon ( and back) midget racing cars ( a 1953 Kiddieland classic that will bring a tear to your eye), the “kiddie-Whip”, At Santa’s North Pole, kids can visit with Santa, ride the oldest and original ride Santa’s Slide, the Sea Dragon, the Tilt-a-Whirl, and of course the “kiddie Ferris Wheel”. New to the park: a fire truck ride ( what little boy hasn’t dreamt of that experience), antique cars, ad of course the Carousel.

The Zoo are is perfect for the family. See and pet animals up close and even get a chance to ride them or be pulled by them. And then the shows: Magic show, game show and more important, every kid ( no matter the age) gets a chance to meet and greet Santa and start the wish list early. The park will open May 13th through the summer ( closed on Tuesdays) and updates can be found online at www.santasvillagedundee.com

The cost to have your memories is as low as $17.75 ( $14.75 Seniors) and children under 3 are free. Military personnel are also free ( active duty with ID).

On weekdays after 3 p.m. and weekends after 4, $10 covers it all.

Early season specials are available and season passes can be purchased right now for $49 individual, family pass ( for 4) $149.00, a great bargain.

Birthday parties can be planned for as low as  $18.75 per person.

Santa’s Village Azoosment Park, is still located  just south of Higgins Road ( rte 72) on Dundee Avenue ( Illinois rte 25) in East Dundee, Illinois. Easy to get to and worth the drive. got a question, call 847-426-6751, send a note to info@santasvillagedundee.com or visit www.santasvillagedundee.com

Hope to see your smiling face there this summer!