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...

Get Greener at the Green Festival!

by Caitlin Giles

May 14, 2009

I love an event where EVERYONE in the family has a great time and gets something out of the experience.  These types of outings are hard to come by (when is the last time you heard your husband and your three-year-old declare the same thing a really good time?).  Mark your calendars for this weekend (May 16th and 17th) for the third annual Green Festival because it is that type of "good times for the whole gang" event.

The Green Festival is a joint project of Global Exchange and Green America, two leading nonprofits dedicated to environmental and social justice.  The festival aims to show our community just how economical and attainable aneco-friendly lifestyle is.

Adults can learn about everything from local sustainable business to green building to vegan food. In my opinion, the programming highlight is an appearance by Alice Waters (yipee!). Not just an event for grown-up green enthusiasts, the Chicago Green Festival provides engaging activities for the next generation of budding activists in the Organic Valley Green Kids’ Zone.   Planned programming includes making salad in a jar, learning about vermicomposting, and storytelling.

The event takes place at Navy Pier on May 16th and 17th. Admission is $15 for two days/$10 for students or those who arrive by bike or public transit.  And the kiddos are free. For more details check out the website www.greenfestivals.org.

Get Gardening

by Caitlin Giles

May 04, 2009

We planted our backyard vegetable garden over the weekend and my two preschoolers had a ton of fun helping out. If you want to introduce your child to gardening but don't have the space or inclination to do it at home, I have two suggestions for you. 

First, stop by the Edible Garden at the Lincoln Park Farm in the Zoo .  This beautiful organic garden is sponsored by the Green City Market.  On market days (Wednesday and Saturday mornings), your kids can learn about organic gardening by actually doing it themselves. The staff will encourage your kids to help pull weeds or harvest ripe tomatoes.  When you have had your fill of gardening, the rest of the Farm in the Zoo attractions await you (you know, petting goats and all of that other good stuff).

Another great option is a new program at The Garfield Park Conservatory called Little Green Thumb Wednesdays . We have long been fans of the indoor children's programming at the Conservatory (especially the Morning Glories for Preschoolers Program), but we can't wait to check out the new children's activities in the outdoor Demonstration Garden on Wednesdays from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m.  The program kicks off this Wednesday, May 6th. Activities will include planting pretend vegetables in the soil box and using play wheel barrels (and I would guess that there would be activities using actual plants and soil as well).

Happy planting with your little horticulturists!  Read more...

Feeding Frenzy! Good Food for Your Family

by Caitlin Giles

April 28, 2009

Part of being a parent is feeding your child healthy food.  Easier said than done, right?  Every parent I know struggles with picky eaters, busy schedules that don't always allow for family meals and shrinking family food budgets.  To put it simply:  eating good food can sometimes be a hard thing to do.  But rather than throw up your arms and succumb to the lure of the golden arches, try to incorporate some strategies to simplify your meal planning and preparation.

Let the Food Come to You.  I don't know about you, but grocery shopping with three kids in tow can sometimes be more trouble than it is worth.  I have started using home delivery services for some of our groceries.  Check out Irv and Shelley's Fresh Picks for amazing organic produce and local, hormone-free meats.  When you are in a time crunch, another good standby is Peapod.  Sure, the prices aren't fabulous, but they have a decent selection of natural and organic products and most importantly, they bring the food you need to make a healthy dinner right to your door.

Shop Local.  If you are looking for fresh, healthy food for your family, make a local farmer's market your first stop.  My favorite market is the Green City Market which returns to its outdoor location on May 6th (we can't wait).  Stock up on all of spring's offerings including lettuces, radishes, and ramps.  If you are looking for a farmer's market near you, check out this list of farmer's markets in the city of Chicago. If you want farmer's market goodies but can't make it to the market yourself, visit the Green Grocer.   Owner Cassie picks up requested items from the Green City Market and you can pick them up from her store (how awesome is that?).

Join a CSA.  If you want to feed your family locally grown fruits and veggies all summer long, think about signing up for a CSA, which is short for Community Supported Agriculture. Here is how it works: you pay up front for a share of the crop over the growing season. Each week you get a box full of produce fresh from the farm.  This model is good for farmers and good for you and your family.  If you are looking for more information on CSAs in our area, check out Local Harvest. 

Grow Your Own.  Kids love to dig in the dirt.  Put them to work and start a little vegetable garden. You don't need to have a big yard -- a container, some sunshine and some inexpensive supplies will do.  Learn more from my story on gardening with kids in the spring issue of Going Places Magazine.

Feeding kids can be a struggle but keep in mind that if you are offering them delicious, healthy foods and you are modeling good eating habits, eventually they will give beets and artichokes a try.

Composting 101: Let Worms Eat Your Garbage!

by Caitlin Giles

April 13, 2009

Do your kids love dirt and worms?  Are you looking for an eco-friendly family project to celebrate Earth Day?  I have the perfect idea for you.  Try vermicomposting with your kids. 

Vermicomposting is the process of using worms to eat your kitchen garbage and turn it into nutrient-right compost material for your garden.  The traditional composting process can be a bit intimidating, but vermicomposting is an inexpensive, straightforward process that any family can do (no matter how much space you have).

In order to get started vermicomposting, you need three things:  red wiggler worms, a home for your new "pets," and the right kind of kitchen scraps. Red wiggler worms are available from a variety of suppliers.  Check out the Urban Worm Girl for worms and other supplies.  You can buy a "wormerie" or make your own.  We use plastic bins with holes drilled in the lid.  We added slightly damp, shredded paper and the worms along with some of the dirt they came with.  We feed them kitchen waste including coffee grinds, fruit and vegetable scraps and eggshells.  In a few months, we will have compost ready to sprinkle on our garden!

If you are looking for help getting your vermicomposting bin started, check out the upcoming "Fabulous Fertilizers" workshop at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum on April 18th.
     

For more details and additional local resources, check out my article in the April issue of Chicago Parent Magazine .  Read more...

Seeing Green in Chicago

by Caitlin Giles

March 17, 2009

Since today is St. Patrick's Day (and because I am a good Irish girl), I have green on my mind.  The weather is beautiful, spring is around the corner and little pockets of green  (like the beginnings of my daffodils) are popping up everywhere.  Here are a few ideas on places to get your "green" fix until spring really takes hold.

The Garfield Park Conservatory. This spot is one of my very favorite, family-friendly destinations.  Admission is free and the Conservatory offers tons of programming for kids.  We love the "digs" in the Children's Garden on Wednesday afternoons and the "Morning Glories" drop-in series for preschoolers on Monday mornings.  Be sure to check out theazaleas that are in bloom right now -- they are totally spectacular.  Your kids will have a blast and you will love the serene, beautiful surroundings.

The Green City Market.   If you are longing for summer mornings spent picking up fresh produce at your favorite farmer's market, you can get your "green" fix at the Market at the Museum at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum .  Although you won't be able to stock up on your favorite berries and summer veggies, you will be able to pick up lots of tasty supplies -- including breads, pastries, cheeses and jarred items.  The next market is scheduled for March 21st.

Green Parent Chicago. If you are looking to make some eco-friendly changes in your family and home this spring (like I am), you should check out the website Green Parent Chicago.   This site has information on all of the latest "green" family events around town, plus great ideas for "green," eco-friendly crafts and activities. 

The Green Grocer.   If spring has you in the mood to cook fresh, organic foods for your family, you must check out my favorite new grocery store.  The Green Grocer (located at Grand and Noble) has wonderful organic, local food offerings.  I love to stock up on really quality food here and know that I am feeding my family the healthiest food available.  Check out the website for their frequent tastings and in-store events.

The Green Mama Cafe Series at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.  If you are a parent of a young child and looking to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle, check out this series of classes by Manda Aufochs Gillespie (aka The Green Mama).   Topics include cloth diapering and safer toys.

Where do you go to get your "green" fix in Chicago?  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. 

The Family Farmed Expo

by Caitlin Giles

November 12, 2008

Mark your calendars for the Family Farmed Expo from November 22nd through 23rd. This event is a must for every family interested in local, sustainable and delicious food. Our family made the trip to the Expo last year and we all really enjoyed it (plus Millennium Park is just across the street for the kids to enjoy a little outdoor time afterwards). The Family Farmed Expo is  Read more...

Guest Post: Why Your Family Should Eat Locally

by Caitlin Giles

October 27, 2008

Melissa Graham, a former attorney, is the chef and owner of Monogramme Events & Catering , a boutique catering company that specializes in seasonal and sustainable cuisine. She is also the president and founder of Purple Asparagus , a non-profit dedicated to bringing families back to the table by promoting and enjoying all the things associated with good eating.  Read more...

Fabulous Fall Programming at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

by Caitlin Giles

September 04, 2008

So I am sure that you have probably taken your little ones to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and done the whole butterfly haven thing and checked out the museum's other exhibits (like the Green House). But, in addition to the regular exhibits, the Nature Museum has so much fantastic special programming coming up this fall. I wanted to make sure that you knew about all of the offerings  Read more...

Looking Back on Labor Day

by Caitlin Giles

September 01, 2008

Another fun-filled summer in Chicago is coming to an end today. Bummer, right? Soon enough, we will all be looking forward to fall carnivals and visits to pumpkin patches, but today I thought I would reminisce about some of my favorite family summer activities. Ahhh, the sun, the sand, the splashing. The Fun Family Fun Festival at Millenium Park . This place was awesome.  Read more...

The Morton Arboretum: Why You Should Bring Your Little People To This Big Space

by Caitlin Giles

August 25, 2008

Have you taken your kiddos to the Morton Arboretum in Lisle? This place is home to wonderful resources for teaching children about the natural world. And it is just plain beautiful there. Don't let the summer go by without bringing your kids to this local treasure. Here are some tips on planning your visit. Bring a Stroller for Young Ones. The Arboretum is big really  Read more...

Summer Reading Lists: Food to Grow On

by Caitlin Giles

August 14, 2008

I have written before about creating reading lists around certain themes . This is a super easy way to teach your little ones about a specific subject, plus it makes a routine trip to the public library so much more interesting. The theme of this reading list is vegetable gardens. Check out some of these books to help your child make the connection between the seeds we put in  Read more...

Green Parenting (and Living) in Chicago

by Caitlin Giles

August 11, 2008

Do you count yourself among the thousands of local parents who are trying to live greener lives? We are working on this at our house too (but we have lots of room for improvement). The Chicago-area is home to many wonderful resources to help parents get started down a greener path. I chose resources that provide a realistic, one-step-at-a-time approach to living a more eco-friendly life  Read more...

Pickin' Blueberries

by Caitlin Giles

July 11, 2008

It is berry time around these parts! Mmmmmm. So good. Have you ever taken your urban-dwelling kids to a real farm? Have your little ones ever had the chance to pick their own berries? Berry picking with kids can be so much fun and our area is full of different pick-your-own farms where your little guys can roll up their sleeves and get pickin' (one in the basket, one in the  Read more...

Signs of Summer

by Caitlin Giles

July 04, 2008

No doubt about it summer has truly arrived in Chicago . Look around. You will see sure signs of summer everywhere. Don't forget to slow down and show the little people in your life all that summer has to offer. You Can See It. From the tiny green tomatoes appearing in the garden to fireflies flitting around at dusk, the sights of summer are everywhere. Check out some savvy  Read more...

Bringing the Kids to the Green City Market: What You Need to Know Before You Go

by Caitlin Giles

June 19, 2008

On Wednesday mornings in the summer and fall, Lincoln Park 's Green City Market is teeming with Mamas and their babes. But I have found that in order to have a successful outing to the Green City Market with the kiddos in tow (and actually have a moment to buy anything), you have to have a plan. Here is my recipe for a successful and fun trip to the Green City Market with little shoppers.  Read more...

Whatcha Doing This Weekend? (June 14th-15th)

by Caitlin Giles

June 11, 2008

More great stuff to do with the kiddos this weekend almost too many events to choose from. Here are a few highlights. Old Town Art Fair. Expose your little one to some local art work this weekend. This annual event is a rite of summer on the North side. The Old Town Art Fair has more to offer than artwork. Live music, food and a kid's corner will keep everyone in the family  Read more...

How to cultivate a green (and very tiny) Chicago thumb

by Caitlin Giles

May 13, 2008

Spring has sprung in Chicago (finally). Time to get your garden going! Don't plop the kiddos down in front of the television while you mulch your flower beds --- let your little helpers dig alongside you! Gardening is a wonderful activity for keeping little hands busy and dirty. Plus, growing vegetables helps kids connect the leafy plants in the yard with the food on their dinner plates.  Read more...