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...

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.

Whatcha Doing This Weekend (The Earth Day Edition)?

by Caitlin Giles

April 16, 2009

With Earth Day just around the corner, many of the best events this weekend have a "green" theme.  Here is a round-up of some of the best things going on in Chicago this weekend.

Critters and Bugs at the Old Town School of Music. On Sunday, April 19th, get the kids decked out in their favorite bug outfits and enjoy an Earth Day-themed concert at the Old Town School of Music. Visit the website for more information and to purchase tickets.
 
Earth Keepers at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.   On Saturday, April 18th, stop by the (always wonderful) Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for their Earth Keeper seminar where kids and adults can sing songs and tell tales about Mother Earth.

Chicago Park District Clean Up at Humboldt Park.   Why not show your kids what it means to celebrate Earth Day by getting out there and doing something to take care of our planet.  On Saturday, April 18th, meet up at Humboldt Park to clean up, mulch, make a craft, and celebrate Earth Day with other like-minded families.

Even though Earth Day might seem like a cliche at this point, don't let this weekend pass you by without taking the opportunity to talk to your kids about the importance of respecting Mother Earth and her resources.  Read more...

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...

Whatcha Doing This Weekend (April 10th-12th)?

by Caitlin Giles

April 10, 2009

Between spring break and Passover and Easter celebrations, I suspect that most families are having a busy week.  If you are looking for some activities for the weekend, here is a round up of what is happening.

Chicago Park District Bunny Events. If you are looking to participate in an Easter egg hunt or meet the Easter Bunny, the Chicago Park District has an event for you.  Check out the website for a full listing of events (most of them free).

Spring Greening Day.   Stop by the Museum of Contemporary Art for Spring Greening Day on Saturday to kick off your family's Earth Day Celebration.  Activities include making collages and magnets.  The event runs from 11:00 until 3:00 p.m.

Brunch with the Bunny at the Brookfield Zoo.   On both Saturday and Sunday morning the whole family can enjoy breakfast while getting up close and personal with the Easter Bunny!  Reservations are required so check out the website for more information.

Happy weekend to all of you (even if you are just staying home to dye eggs like we are).  Read more...

Great Green Reads for Earth Day

by Caitlin Giles

April 07, 2009

Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd and books are a great way to introduce children to the idea of living "greener lives."  Here are a few good choices for your Earth Day reading.

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. This is the original ecological warning book for kiddos.  Dr. Seuss understood that we were headed down a dangerous path long ago.  Start your reading here.

The New 50 Things Kids Can Do To save the Earth. This book educates kids about the threats facing our planet and gives them tons of great tips and projects ideas that they can do themselves.  I like the empowering message of this book.

Curious George Plants a Tree by H.A. Rey. This book tells the tale of Curious George's overzealous efforts at recycling (stealing all of his neighbors newspapers from their doormats).  Kids will love all of the things there are to love about Curious George and his mischievous ways and adults will love the tips and positive message about working together to help the environment.

What Can You Do With an Old Red Shoe:  An Green Activity Book About Reuse by Anna Alter. This book is another great choice for empowering kids to get up and do something to help the environment.  Projects include melting down old crayons into drawing cubes and reusing that old shower curtain as an apron.

Read about the challenges facing our environment, discuss how your family can make a difference and then put those plans into action.  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...

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...