Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in Chicago, IL

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

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...

All Aboard the Choo-Choo Train: More Train Resources in Chicago

October 09, 2008

Do you have any train-lovers at your house? We sure do. I have posted before about some great train resources in the Chicago area , but I wanted to add a few more cool destinations to my list for locomotive-lovers out there. Let's Play Railway. Head to the Kohl's Children's Museum on Glenview to check out the new exhibit "Let's Play Railway." This brand new exhibit gives kids the chance to  Read more...

Getting Away Without Going Away

July 16, 2008

Are you vacation-less this summer? Have busy schedules, a tough economy and limited motivation to haul your little ones across country conspired to keep you at home? If so, you are not alone. This trend is so popular that is has earned its own name ?'staycations. If you are bummed about your lack of vacation and feeling like you need an escape from your everyday routine,  Read more...

Pickin' Blueberries

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...

Visiting Chicago: Day Two

July 09, 2008

Devote your second day in Chicago to checking out Navy Pier and all that it has to offer. Is it touristy Yes. Will your kids love it? Absolutely. Check Out the Pier. Go for a ride on the kiddie train ($2 per kid, $1 for repeat rides). Hop aboard the awesome Ferris wheel (not for the faint of heart). Navy Pier is alive with things to see and do all summer long street  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...

Neighborhood Spotlight: Bucktown/Wicker Park

July 07, 2008

is made up of many wonderful small neighborhoods and communities each with its own appeal and offerings. Being Savvy: Chicago is going to periodically highlight some of the family-friendly offerings in various neighborhoods around the city. I am going to start with what I know best: my neighborhood. Bucktown/Wicker Park is more than just home to hipsters, artists, and some of  Read more...

Taking the Kids to the Taste

June 26, 2008

I have a confession to make. The Taste of Chicago isn't my favorite event. I worked at the Taste for two summers when I was in college and let's just say that I am not rushing down to Grant Park each year to relive the experience (in fact I still have the occasional nightmare about people walking around eating turkey legs and corn on the cob). But I do recognize that, for many, an  Read more...

Five Best Day Trips Within An Hour of Chicago

May 14, 2008

The city of Chicago is chock-full of great kid's activities. But sometimes we all want to expand our horizons and check out something new. Here are my five recommendations for great family activities, all within an hour's drive of downtown. Chicago Botanic Gardens . Located in Glencoe, this spectacularly beautiful destination has tons to offers kids and adults. Good family  Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in chicago

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Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

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

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Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

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Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

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Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

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A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

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Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

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Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

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The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

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

The Voice of Being Savvy chicago:
Caitlin Giles

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