TAKING ROOT AN HOUR SOUTHWEST OF CHICAGO

A grounded lifestyle made easy for families with little kids

Acorn & Oak is a resort and members’ club designed for families with young kids. Members enjoy exclusive access to staffed all-weather nature play spaces, nourishing food the whole table loves, and wellness programming for all ages — so you can plan less and relax more.

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There’s no place built for you both.

Every weekend, it's the same struggle - endure somewhere “built for kids” that leaves you overstimulated and underwhelmed or go back to the few decent places that at least tolerate your little ones. Going out into the world as a family with young children is exhausting, because it feels like you're an afterthought at best.

Acorn & Oak Members’ Club is designed to change that.

Your whole family should feel like the priority — no compromise needed.

OUR BIG IDEA

With the restorative power of nature as our setting and intentional design for little kids and their parents as our priority, we're building your entire family’s happy place.

NATURE PLAY

At the center of our property, an all-weather nature play area offers little adventurers the freedom to explore, with support from trained guides. Outside, you'll find a stroller-friendly nature trail designed for toddler legs, with play nooks and snack break benches nestled throughout. Forest school facilitators lead age-tailored nature play programs, providing meaningful experiences while adults take a break or listen in.

All-season and staff-supported

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Our all-day café menu is designed to satisfy sophisticated palates and picky eaters of all ages with nourishing and locally sourced ingredients. The central dining area encircles the enclosed, staffed nature play area, letting adults linger over meals with their little ones in view. Garden harvesting and cooking classes connect families with their food. Daily family meals are also available for pickup or local delivery. Members enjoy discounts on restaurant purchases and private event bookings.

A menu the whole family loves

WELLNESS

The first nature-immersive wellness retreat designed for families with young kids. A balance of adult-only and family-focused wellness spaces and programming. An all-season family “lagoon” pool designed for little ones, and a separate adults-only, Japanese onsen-style spa with an outdoor hot tub. Membership includes daily wellness programming like Pilates, tai chi, guided hikes, family yoga, plus discounted rates on fee-based spa services like massages and partner experiences including mountain biking, horseback riding, and kayaking.

For parents alone and families together

BELONGING

Complimentary workshops, member-only events, and seasonal celebrations. Like-minded member parents and supportive staff serve as wellness support, because we all need a village. Additional adults can be added to your membership, bringing grandparents and caregivers into the fold. Sensory-friendly, nature-based, staff-supported birthday parties and family celebrations leave even the adults feeling joyful and refreshed.

A community, not just a facility

PICTURE THIS

Your family, here.

Illustrative site map, subject to change. Cabins are for overnight guest use only.

A morning or afternoon visit

PRICING

Membership averages $300-$500/month, depending on access

Membership includes access to staffed nature play, wellness, and dining amenities, plus discounts on food & beverage, events, and overnight stays. Spa services, local partner recreational programming, and private childcare available for an additional fee. Pricing depends on how often you'll use it — weekday access starts lower, full access runs toward the top of the range. This is our current planning range, not a locked rate. Founding members who join our list will lock in a discounted rate off finalized pricing.

Frequently asked questions

  • We’re in the early development stage, actively working to secure land and funding. We are targeting a 2028 launch. Confirming your interest will help us get there!

  • Chelsea Hanson, mom to two boys under six, seasoned entrepreneur, Kellogg MBA, certified Forest Bathing Guide, and certified Biophilic Design Practitioner, building the resort and members’ club she wishes existed for her own family. Over the past 2 years, she’s helped 100+ families connect through outdoor adventures via her nonprofit, Family Outdoor Adventure Club.

  • No, because Acorn & Oak is still in development. Some images are AI-generated concept renderings and others are licensed stock photography used to represent the feel of what we're creating. We can’t wait for you to see the IRL images in the near future.

  • Our cabins, nature play areas, and service model are designed first for families with kids ages 0-5, and we welcome elementary-age kids too. As kids grow, they may enjoy exploring the broader trail system and local partner programming like horseback riding, kayaking, fishing, and mountain biking.

  • We are in the process of finalizing our site location. We are planning to make this accessible for Chicagoland families who are open to driving less than an hour southwest of the city.

  • Cabins are the part of our property reserved for overnight guests. Members get priority reservations and discounts on Family Cabin stays. Visit our Resort Experience page for more details.

  • We’re excited that you’re excited, but not yet! Our founding member access list is the first step. Once we get a little further along, the families on our list will be the first to know when our founding memberships launch with exclusive pricing and perks.

Acorn & Oak is where every season brings new wonder, and rooted ease is always in bloom.

Founding members lock in a discounted rate. Be first to know when membership opens. No payment required today.

Get Founding Member access