Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in chicago, IL

This Week's Must Do: The Modern Wing

by Caitlin Giles

May 15, 2009

As you have no doubt heard or read, the much-touted Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago opens tomorrow. Everybody is talking about it. I think that some parents don't think of the Art Institute as a great destination for younger children, but that isn't the case. I have written before about ways to make your child fall in love with the Art Institute and have made many trips there with my art-lovin' five-year-old.  Kids love this place, trust me.

If you haven't taken advantage of the family-friendly programming at the Art Institute, now is a great time to check it out.  To celebrate the unveiling of the new Modern Wing, admission is FREE from May 16th through the 22nd (in lieu of admission, the museum is asking that food donations be made to the Chicago Food Depository).  The new education space is prominently located on the first floor of the Modern Wing and promises to offer tons of new programming options for families (truthfully, I found the old education space to be a bit lacking and uninspiring so I am excited to make a visit to the new facilities).  Over the next few months, the Art Institute is adding some great new programming for families so check out the calendar to see what works for your family. Also, beginning the week of Memorial Day, admission on Thursday and Friday evenings fro 5:00 until 9:00 is free. Another great cultural opportunity for us lucky Chicagoans!  Read more...

Whatcha Doing This Weekend (May 9th-10th)?

by Caitlin Giles

May 08, 2009

As always, there is so much good stuff for families to do in Chicago this weekend (or for Dad and the kids to do while Mom enjoys a spa day).  Here are your best bets.

Family Days at the Museum of Contemporary Art.   Collaborate on a community-based mural and learn more about creating public art in your own neighborhood (cool, right?).  The event takes place on Saturday, May 9th from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

A Family Affair at the Menomomee Club.  If you haven't ever taken advantage of any of the great programming for kids at the Menomonee Club, this weekend is a good time to check it out. This is an event for the whole family featuring an appearance by Ms. Lori, a sing-a-long, storytelling and arts and crafts.  Tickets and more info available on the website.

Celebrate National Train Day!  Head on over to Union Station for a day of train celebration.  Events include train tours, train driving simulators, model train displays, face painting, juggling, and face painting. 
Visit the National Train Day website for more details.

Happy Mother's Day to all you Chicago Mamas!

Great Chicago Places and Spaces

by Caitlin Giles

May 05, 2009

Great Chicago Places and Spaces

by Caitlin Giles

May 05, 2009

Alternative Summer Camp Ideas

by Caitlin Giles

April 27, 2009

Summer camp doesn't have to be all about swimming and craft projects. There seems to be a camp for everything - from princess training to beginning space exploration. If you are looking for a different experience for your preschooler this summer, here are a few less traditional summer camps in and around Chicago.

The Art Institute. At the Art Institute, families with children age six and up can sign up for Family Art Camp (sounds like fun for Mom and Dad too).  One session focuses on the new Modern Wing and the other explores architecture of the new wing and the sculpture in the Lurie Garden.  Visit the website for more information.

Joffrey Ballet. Another fun option is the Joffrey Ballet where 3-8 year olds can recreate scenes from Cinderella, complete with props and costumes.

Imagination Training Camp at Bubbles Academy.   If you are looking to indulge your little one with some summer make-believe, check out the offerings at Bubbles Academy.  One week focuses on pirates and mermaids and another is devoted to superhero training.  Bubbles offers camps by the day so you have lots of flexibility. 

Lil' Buds Theatre Company Summer Camp. If you have a budding thespian at your house, check out this fun summer camp offering.  Lil' Buds Theatre Company has a program called "Baby Buds" for three to six yearolds that focuses on imagination and creative movement.

With all of the summer camp options out there, you might find it difficult to choose the right one.  My advice would be to choose SOON because many of these camps will fill up quickly.  Read more...

Petite Picassos: Art Classes for Preschoolers

by Caitlin Giles

April 06, 2009

If you have a budding artist at your house (like I do), you might be looking for an outlet for his or her creative energies.  Chicago has lots of art class options for young artists.  Here are three good choices.

Old Town School of Music.   I know, you probably think of Wiggle Worms and guitar lessons when you hear Old Town School of Music, but the truth is that they have lots more to offer than tunes -- like art classes.  My daughter is taking a class here now.  The class size is small and each kid seems to have the space to make their own unique creations.  The teacher reads a book to start the class and the students make a project based on the story.  Although the projects certainly aren't elaborate, the kids have had anopportunity to work with several different mediums.

The Paintbrush. This art studio focuses on art inspired by music (and what kid doesn't love both?).  Kids are promised a hands-on art experience plus lessons about the lives and works of influential composers and artists (frankly, I 'd like to sign myself up for this). The Paintbrush has classes for a range of age groups plus some cool summer camp offerings.

The Easel Art Studio. This Bucktown art studio is a newcomer to the kiddie art scene.  The Easel is owned by an art school grad and former nanny and cool offerings include Sibling Art Classes, Story Art, and a Friday Night Drop-Off.  I also love the "drop-in" option for many of the classes.

What art hot-spots do your kids love?  Read more...

Kids at the Art Institute

by Caitlin Giles

February 16, 2009

You may not think that your rambunctious four-year-old and the Art Institute of Chicago are a good match, but I am here to tell you that you are wrong.

The Art Institute has lots of family-friendly programming that your preschooler will love.  And here is the best part -- the Art Institute is free (you heard me -- FREE) for the whole month of February (kids under 12 are always free but you'll save yourself $12 for each adult).  Make a plan to take your little ones on an art expedition.  Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your visit.
 Read more...

Treats for Your Sweets

by Caitlin Giles

February 13, 2009

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