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

Summer in the City: Four Family-Friendly Must-Do's

by Caitlin Giles

May 22, 2009

Summer in Chicago is the best.  Summer in Chicago with little kiddos is even better. There is so much great stuff to do over the next few months. Don't get overwhelmed.  Keep it simple.  Keep it focused on family.  Here are four things on our summer must-do list.

The Beach. We are so lucky to live in a city with such a beautiful beachfront.  If you are looking for a family-friendly spot, check out these recommendations.

Millennium Park. Splash in the fountain. Have a picnic dinner. Catch a concert. Wander through the gardens. Take advantage of the Target Family Fun Festival. You won't believe how much there is to do. And it is all FREE (my favorite part).

The Edible Garden.  Give your kids the chance to get their hands dirty and learn about organic gardening at the Edible Garden.  This program is sponsored by the Green City Market and takes place in the Farm in the Zoo at the Lincoln Park Zoo on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.  It is truly a chance for your kids to get a hands-on experience with how food grows.

Toddler Tunes and Turtles.  This is one of my favorite Chicago Park District Programs. Toddler Tunes and Turtlestakes place in various parks throughout the summer.  It is a laid-back, free family activity.  Kids can play dress up, sing-a-long and pet a real turtle.  Check out the Chicago Park District website to find out when this program is coming to a park near you.

Wishing you lots of fun in the sun with your little ones -- no matter what is on your summer agenda!  Read more...

Summer at Kohl's (You'll Be Glad You Made the Drive)

by Caitlin Giles

May 18, 2009

Have you ever made the trek up to Glenview to visit the Kohl's Children's Museum ?  Now, don't get me wrong, I don't like to pile all of my kids in the car and head up to Glenview in expressway traffic any more that you do.  However, the Kohl's Children's Museum is a pretty great place and if you haven't visited before, this summer is great time to stop by because there is quite a bit going on. Here are a few of the upcoming highlights.

Color Play. Check out this new exhibit open May 19th through September 6th.  Color play is designed to be in interactive exploration of the art and science of color.  I was checking out the website and cannot get over how many different activities are part of this exhibit.  It really looks like something kids and adults would find interesting.

The Return of Habitat Park! Kohl's has am expansive 2-acre outdoor nature park that has been undergoing renovation.  But on June 3rd, Habitat Park is set to reopen. Improvement include the addition of a sensory garden and climbing structures designed to explore animal movement.

Family Concerts. The Kohls also features special events all summer long.  On Friday, June 19th, Ralph's World will be performing (this is a kid must-see).

So it is worth it -- even if you have to endure some traffic on the way there.  The kids will love it.  Read more...

Giveaway: Tickets to Dan Zanes and Friends!

by Caitlin Giles

April 02, 2009

I am really, really excited about this giveaway.  Not only are the prizes awesome, but you have great odds of winning.  I am giving away a set of four tickets to see Dan Zanes and Friends perform on May 30, 2009 at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph, Chicago). Dan Zanes is an internationally-known musician making music for families.  Kids love him. Parents love him.

But wait, there is more.  I am also giving away five copies of Dan's CD Nueva York. That means there will be six winners in all (one set of concert tickets and five cds). 

So you are probably thinking, "My kid would love this. How do I enter this amazing giveaway?"  Simple.  Just email me at beingsavvychicago@savvysource.com by midnight (CST) on Friday, April 10th. One entry per person.  I will contact the winners directly.  Good luck!  Read more...

Best Birthday Party Venues

by Caitlin Giles

March 24, 2009

If you have a preschooler, chances are that you have attended your share of birthday parties (I know that I have).  City-dwellers often don't have the option of hosting a basic backyard-birthday party due to space limitations.  Luckily, Chicago is home to some great birthday party venues (no matter what your budget is).  Here are a few spots where you can fete your little one on his big day.

Pump It Up. Now, I have to be honest and say that this isn't my favorite place on earth - however, my kids would certainly disagree.  If you have a large group of rambunctious kids, this might be the place for you.  Your guests can jump, slide and climb their little hearts out and you can sit back while the staff takes care of the pizza and cake afterwards.  This definitely seems to be a hot birthday party spot with the preschool set.

The Garfield Park Conservatory. I am wild about this place -- and my kids are too.  I think that this is a great pick for birthday parties for preschoolers.  You can rent a room to do the cupcake and juice box thing and your guests can participate in all of the family-friendly activities going on at the Conservatory (scavenger hunts, dig pit, etc.).  The kids will love to spend a few hours soaking up the warmth in this urban treasure -- and so will their parents.

Your Local Park District Field house or Park.   If you are looking to host a low-key event but you don't have the space, check out your local park district facility.  Many field houses or outdoor picnic areas are available for a very reasonable price.  I think that this is a great option -- particularly for those summer birthdays when everyone just wants to hang out at the park any way.  My first choice for this type of birthday is Adams Playground Park where your guests can take advantage of the water park facilities.

What local birthday party venues do you love?  Read more...

Whatcha Doing This Weekend (March 20th-22nd)?

by Caitlin Giles

March 19, 2009

Now that we got a peek of the warm weather headed our way, I am more and more eager for spring every day.  I found lots of great, family-friendly activities going on this weekend that will get you into a spring mood too!

Bin There, Dump That.  Did you know that you can use worms to eat your garbage and create compost for your garden?  I swear, you really can.  It's calledvermicomposting and its simple.  And your kids will think it is totally awesome.  Stop by the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum on Saturday for a workshop on setting up your own bin.  For $8, your child can learn the basics of vermicomposting and walk away with his own, shoebox-sized bin.  We went last weekend and my kids really enjoyed it (plus we have new "pets" under our kitchen sink).

Maple Syrup Festival.  Have your kids ever seen how maple syrup is tapped from trees?  Check out the Maple Syrup Festival at the North Park Village Center on Saturday, March 21st. The event is FREE and runs from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Kids get to see the maple syrup-making process, enjoy a story and make a craft.

Neighborhood Sportsfest.  If you are looking for a way for the kiddos to burn off some energy, check out the Neighborhood Sportsfest at Hamlin Park (3035 N. Hoyne).  Activities include soccer and jumping on inflatables.  The event runs from 10:00 until 2:00.

Have a wonderful spring weekend (it's official -- Friday is the first day of spring).  Read more...

Guest Post: Choosing Games for Your Preschooler

by Caitlin Giles

March 16, 2009

Board games are cool again. In this economy, "game nights" make sense -- they're a fun, inexpensive way for families to bond and reconnect.
But 4-year olds can hardly be expected to sit still for 5 minutes, let alone participate in classic standbys like Monopoly or Pictionary.  What sort of games should parents play with their preschoolers on Family Game Night or any night?
 
In today's guest post, toy expert Jim Silver discusses features that parents should look for when choosing games for their preschoolers.  Jim is a widely recognized and often-resourced authority on the toy and licensing industries, having worked within the publishing and toy industries for more than 20 years.  He's also editor-in-chief for www.TimeToPlayMag.com, a great website parents can go to for toy, gaming and entertainment information.   Read below to learn 5 things parents should look for in a preschool game.
 Read more...

Guest Post: Spring Into Green!

by Caitlin Giles

February 27, 2009

I am excited to welcome Lindsay Maldonado, Programs Director at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum as a guest author today. Lindsay grew up in Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood and as a kid in the city was lucky enough to find her own nature sanctuary in her grandparent’s backyard. Her family was the first to teach her to appreciate nature and now, with a Masters in child development and a growing career in Environmental Education, she can share her love and appreciation for all things green. As the Coordinator of Family and Children’s Programs at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Lindsay has the opportunity to connect some of the youngest minds to nature. She prides herself in being an educator, a lover of nature, and most of all is proud to be a life long learner. 

Guest Post: Spring Into Green!

by Caitlin Giles

February 27, 2009

I am excited to welcome Lindsay Maldonado, Programs Director at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum as a guest author today. Lindsay grew up in Chicago’s Lakeview Neighborhood and as a kid in the city was lucky enough to find her own nature sanctuary in her grandparent’s backyard. Her family was the first to teach her to appreciate nature and now, with a Masters in child development and a growing career in Environmental Education, she can share her love and appreciation for all things green. As the Coordinator of Family and Children’s Programs at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Lindsay has the opportunity to connect some of the youngest minds to nature. She prides herself in being an educator, a lover of nature, and most of all is proud to be a life long learner. 

Treats for Your Sweets

by Caitlin Giles

February 13, 2009

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in chicago