Museums
This Week's Must Do: The Modern Wing
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!
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Holiday Activities at the Peggy Notebaert Museum This Weekend
December 05, 2008
In case you haven't already checked it out, the Peggy Notebaert Museum has some really amazing family programming. Seriously, have a look at the website and see what programs sound like a good match for your family. And this weekend has lots of family (and eco-) friendly activities that sound perfect for getting the whole gang in the holiday mood. Highlights include the following: Santa Read more...
My Five Favorite Chicago Holiday Traditions
December 02, 2008
There is certainly no shortage of holiday activities in Chicago. These are five of my family-friendly faves. (1) Zoo Lights. It just doesn't seem like the holidays without a walk around the zoo in freezing weather with cold, whining kids. (2) Ice Skating at Millennium Park. See yesterday's post for more info (and don't forget the obligatory hot chocolate afterwards). (3) Read more...
The Wreathing of the Lions
November 17, 2008
You know the lions in front of the Art Institute, don't you? Well, they are getting ready to get their holiday spirit on. Stop by the Michigan Avenue steps to the Art Institute on Friday, November 28th at 10:00 a.m for the annual Wreathing of the Lions ceremony. Following the wreathing ceremony, families can stop in the Art Institute to make their own wreaths. And while you are there, check out Read more...
Big Bird at the Adler Planetarium
October 22, 2008
Although the Adler Planetarium is a world-class resource, I don't usually recommend it for an outing with preschoolers because most of the exhibits seem to be geared towards an older crowd. But when I found out that Big Bird was at Adler, I had to tell you about it. One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure is currently being shown in the Definiti Space Read more...
If All The World Were Paper at the Museum of Science and Industry
October 20, 2008
Our last attempt at children's theater was a total, complete failure. I actually fear that it was a psychologically scarring experience for our four-year-old (I won't get into it here because the show is no longer playing). Suffice it to say that I didn't think that the show that shall remain unnamed was appropriate for Read more...
Cultural Offerings for Little Ones
September 29, 2008
When you think of some of Chicago 's cultural centers, you are probably thinking more ?date night? than family outing with preschoolers. But the truth is that many of Chicago 's high brow cultural centers offer special programming designed for little ones. Here are a few ways to introduce your little one to the arts. Chicago Chamber Musicians Family Concert. Head down Read more...
Museum Free Days
September 15, 2008
Now that the weather has turned cooler, a trip to a museum sounds fun, doesn't it? Why pay admission for the whole gang when you can go for free? Here is some (hopefully very helpful) information on the free days at some of Chicago 's most popular museums. Obviously, be prepared for some crowds. Notebaert Nature Museum . Free admission on Thursdays. Museum of Read more...
Dinner Table Destinations: Eat and Learn
July 22, 2008
Not planning on bringing the whole family to China for the Olympics this year? Does the thought of dragging your brood to Mexico make you want to down three or four margaritas? Most kids won't step foot in a foreign country until they are much older - but that doesn't mean that our little ones don't want (and need) to know about the world outside of the good ol' USA. Take advantage of Read more...
Visiting Chicago: Day Three
July 10, 2008
Whew! After two activity-packed days, you and the kiddos will likely want to take things easy on your final day in Chicago. Plan to head up to Lincoln Park to check out the beautiful lakefront and all that this neighborhood has to offer. Lincoln Park has the advantage of offering lots of fun destinations and activities all within walking distance from one another. The Lincoln Read more...
Visiting Chicago: Day One
July 08, 2008
Whether you are a Chicago native with relatives storming into town or you are an out-of-towner planning your summer trip to Chicago, this post is for you. For the next few days, Being Savvy: Chicago will feature a three day itinerary for visiting Chicago with preschoolers in tow. In a city with so much to see and do I am not sure that I am going to get it all covered in just Read more...
Father's Day in Chicago: Five Fun Activities for Dad
June 10, 2008
Father's Day is a low-key event at our house. We are doing brunch with family and homemade gifts from the kiddos - nothing fancy. But if you are looking to really wow Dad this year, Chicago has tons of great events to choose from. Here are five ideas to get you started. 1. Hey Dad, Wanna Have a Catch What Dad wouldn't jump at the chance to play catch with his kids at Read more...
The Budding Art Critic: How to Make the Art Institute a Place Your Child Loves
June 02, 2008
A trip to the Art Institute with a preschooler or two in tow might seem like a daunting endeavor. However, with ample preparation and patience, you can (and should) take the time to introduce your little one to fine art in Chicago . Plan, Plan, Plan . Before you go, talk to your preschooler about what the Art Institute has to offer. Look at some of the collections together Read more...
Room to Run: Best Places to Tire Out Your Preschooler
May 28, 2008
Does your preschooler have an absurd amount of energy? Mine too. Some days, little ones just need to go, go, go . Here are some suggestions for places your preschooler can have a good run (and a nice, long nap afterwards). Millennium Park . When the weather is good, nothing beats Millennium Park for its wide, open spaces. Pack a lunch and head down to the park for a Read more...
More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in chicago
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
The Voice of Being Savvy chicago:
Caitlin Giles
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Favorite chicago Lists
- Books Essential to Chicago Kids
- The Local Lingo
- It Takes Two: Things That Are More Fun With a Friend
- Ice Cream in Chicago
- Dinner Table Destinations: Eat and Learn
- Signs of Summer
- 5 Best Ways to Enjoy Millennium Park
- Ways to Learn About Math in the Windy City
- Hey Kid, You Got the Time?
- 99 Things To Do in Chicago Before Your Child Grows Up
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