Sunday mornings are typically pretty sleepy in Champaign-Urbana.
It’s probably the quietest time of the week on the chambanamoms.com calendar. This community, though incredibly diverse, still preserves Sunday mornings as a “sacred” time. If your family is itching to get out of the house on Sunday mornings and find things to do that don’t involve religious observance, here are some ideas that won’t break the bank; some are FREE. Some are seasonal, others are available regardless of the time of year.
Check our calendar. You never know what you might find!
Get out in nature, regardless of the season. Head to Allerton Park, Lake of the Woods bike path, Homer Lake Natural Playscape, Busey Woods walk are just some of the places you might stroll, bike, walk, or play. Or check out a new playground. Here are some that aren’t as messy as others.
Go on a Bird Walk. Sunday morning bird walks have been a tradition in Champaign-Urbana since the 1940s. Bird walks are held on Sunday mornings (7:30 to 9 a.m.) during the spring and fall migration seasons: March-May & September-October. Meets at Anita Purves Nature Center. FREE.
Check the movie listings. The Savoy 16 movie theater fall and spring movies include Sunday morning 10 a.m. showings typically — and they are basically free (and we put those on our calendar). We’ve noticed that regular movies are starting earlier and earlier at both AMC Champaign and Savoy 16; I’ve seen 10 a.m. showings on Sundays for AMC and 11 a.m. for Savoy, but that may be seasonal.
Sholem Aquatic Center Teeny Tots: We used to call this a best kept secret. Little ones 5 and under can play at the pool on Sunday mornings starting at 9:30 a.m., admission charges apply. This is an outdoor facility so only available in summer.
Leonhard Recreation Center, Champaign: Operated by the Champaign Park District, this affordable membership facility opens at 9 a.m. on Sundays (as of this writing). Offers the indoor playground for kiddos, as well as the gym and walking track. Day passes available.
Grocery shop. Seriously. Best time of the week to go grocery shopping in Champaign-Urbana is on a Sunday morning! Knock off some of of your other errands as well.
Get your child’s hair cut. This might seem like a complete wildcard, but lots of chain haircut places are open on Sunday mornings (Supercuts at 10 a.m., Great Clips at 9 a.m. as of this writing).
Go to one of your favorite breakfast places, without battling the crowds. Breakfast in the early-ish hours (like 8 or 9) at local favorites such as The Original Pancake House or Le Peep, which don’t get crazy busy until closer to 10. (Or go to brunch.)
What would you add?