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

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...

Celebrate Earth Hour with Your Kids

by Caitlin Giles

March 23, 2009

Can your family devote one hour to turning off all of your lights and powering down your electronics to raise awareness about global warming?  In addition to being a chance to teach your little ones about conserving our earth's resources, you will also have an extra hour of quiet, family time.

On March 28, 2009 between the hours of 8:30 and 9:30 p.m., join with the thousands of other local houses and business that will be celebrating Earth Hour by going dark. Use Earth Hour as an opportunity to talk to your children about the importance of doing our part to conserve the earth's resources.  While the lights are out, sit together by candlelight and play games, sing songs or  . . . just talk to each other.  Have a late night "snack" on a picnic blanket.  Go outside and take a peek at the stars in the sky.

Visit the Earth Hour website for more information and to sign up to participate.  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...

Whatcha Doing This Weekend (February 20-22)?

by Caitlin Giles

February 20, 2009

Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots