Free Activities
Summer in the City: Four Family-Friendly Must-Do's
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!
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Great Chicago Places and Spaces
May 05, 2009
Animals in Architecture. Take a waking tour and spot animals that architects designed as part of the building. The tour kicks off from the Chicago Architecture Foundation (224 S. Michigan) at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and strollers are welcome!
Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park Treasure Hunt. Families can spot the architectural "gems" of the Chicago Cultural Center and the "jewels" of Millennium Park on this self-guided tour. Interested families can pick up a treasure map at the information desk at the Cultural Center (78 E. Washington Street) or at the Millennium Park Welcome Center (201 E. Randolph).
Lego Block Party. if you have little ones who love to build with blocks, you will want to mark the family calendar for this event. Join with local architecture and art students to build colorful urbanscapes using Legos. This event takes place from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Cultural Center.
Great Chicago Places and Spaces
May 05, 2009
Animals in Architecture. Take a waking tour and spot animals that architects designed as part of the building. The tour kicks off from the Chicago Architecture Foundation (224 S. Michigan) at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and strollers are welcome!
Chicago Cultural Center and Millennium Park Treasure Hunt. Families can spot the architectural "gems" of the Chicago Cultural Center and the "jewels" of Millennium Park on this self-guided tour. Interested families can pick up a treasure map at the information desk at the Cultural Center (78 E. Washington Street) or at the Millennium Park Welcome Center (201 E. Randolph).
Lego Block Party. if you have little ones who love to build with blocks, you will want to mark the family calendar for this event. Join with local architecture and art students to build colorful urbanscapes using Legos. This event takes place from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Cultural Center.
Go Fly a Kite!
April 30, 2009
I want to tell you about my very favorite, free, family-friendly event in the city: Mayor Daley's Kite Festival. This awesome (and I mentioned that it was free, right?) event takes place each year in the fall and the spring. We went last October and we all loved it - my husband declared it his favorite kids activity ever.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 2nd and bring your family down to Montrose Harbor for a fun-filled day. Each kid gets to create their own kite. Kite professional are on hand and the event includes all sorts of other activities like face painting and storytelling. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Maybe even pack a picnic and head over to the beach when you have had your fill of kite fun.
And if that isn't enough kite flying excitement for you, on Sunday, May 3rd, the Brookfield Zoo is hosting a Party for the Planet and Kite Festival. The event features earth-themed music, crafts, and activities including kite flying.
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Whatcha Doing This Weekend (March 20th-22nd)?
March 19, 2009
Now that we got a peek of the warm weather headed our way, I am more and more eager for spring every day. I found lots of great, family-friendly activities going on this weekend that will get you into a spring mood too!
Bin There, Dump That. Did you know that you can use worms to eat your garbage and create compost for your garden? I swear, you really can. It's calledvermicomposting and its simple. And your kids will think it is totally awesome. Stop by the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum on Saturday for a workshop on setting up your own bin. For $8, your child can learn the basics of vermicomposting and walk away with his own, shoebox-sized bin. We went last weekend and my kids really enjoyed it (plus we have new "pets" under our kitchen sink).
Maple Syrup Festival. Have your kids ever seen how maple syrup is tapped from trees? Check out the Maple Syrup Festival at the North Park Village Center on Saturday, March 21st. The event is FREE and runs from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Kids get to see the maple syrup-making process, enjoy a story and make a craft.
Neighborhood Sportsfest. If you are looking for a way for the kiddos to burn off some energy, check out the Neighborhood Sportsfest at Hamlin Park (3035 N. Hoyne). Activities include soccer and jumping on inflatables. The event runs from 10:00 until 2:00.
Have a wonderful spring weekend (it's official -- Friday is the first day of spring).
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Seeing Green in Chicago
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?
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Guest Post: Choosing Games for Your Preschooler
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.
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Guest Post: Spring Into Green!
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!
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.
Kids at the Art Institute
February 16, 2009
You may not think that your rambunctious four-year-old and the Art Institute of Chicago are a good match, but I am here to tell you that you are wrong.
The Art Institute has lots of family-friendly programming that your preschooler will love. And here is the best part -- the Art Institute is free (you heard me -- FREE) for the whole month of February (kids under 12 are always free but you'll save yourself $12 for each adult). Make a plan to take your little ones on an art expedition. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your visit.
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Snow Days!
February 09, 2009
Frozen Family Fun in February
February 02, 2009
My little ones and I were regulars at the Family Fun Festival at Millennium Park last summer (I will definitely be telling you more about this great event as summer nears). So imagine my delight to hear about the winter counterpart -- the Frozen Fun Fest coming up this weekend at Millennium Park. Enjoy a weekend of outdoor family fun - including an ice maze, ice skating, ice portraits, Read more...
Calling All Builders!
January 16, 2009
I have never met a preschooler who doesn't love to build (and then knock down) block towers. Sound familiar? If your preschooler s a budding engineer or builder, you will most definitely want to take advantage of the Chicago Architecture Foundation's Family Studio Workshops on the third Sunday of each month. On January 18th the theme of the workshop is "Going Places." Your future Daniel Read more...
Polar Adventure Days
January 08, 2009
I love nothing more than a free Chicago Park District event! Free, family fun -- what's not to like? There is a particularly good event coming up that I want to tell you about. On January 17th bundle up your gang and head out to Northerly Island (1400 S. Lynn White Drive) for Polar Adventure Days from noon until 4:00 p.m. The event includes snow shoeing, ice games, crafts and real live Read more...
Sing, Choirs of Angels!
December 17, 2008
With Christmas fast approaching (only a little over a week now!), many kids are already out of school and those regular extracurricular activities have been cancelled. But there are still lots of great holiday activities to take advantage of before the actual holiday arrives. The City Hall Holiday Concert Series presents a different choral group singing holiday tunes every day this week Read more...
The Dance-A-Long Nutcracker
December 03, 2008
If you have any little sugar-plum fairies in your life, I have a do-not-miss event for you coming up this weekend. Plan to take your little ballerina down to the Chicago Cultural Center on Sunday, December 7th for the annual Dance-A-Long Nutcracker . This event gives beginner ballerinas the chance to watch professional dancers perform numbers from Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker Suite and then the Read more...
A Spin Around the Ice Rink, Anyone?
December 01, 2008
Winter in Chicago brings all sorts of things that I am not so crazy about (including snow plows, bitter cold wind whipping your face as you walk down Michigan Avenue, etc.). But winter also brings the opportunity to engage in my favorite winter sport: ice skating. The rinks are officially open! The Chicago Park Districtâ??s ice skating rinks opened on the day after Thanksgiving and the Read more...
Giveaway: Two Passes To Day Frog
November 24, 2008
Have you been to Day Frog yet? It is a new indoor play space in the Streeterville neighborhood that is getting rave reviews from kids and parents alike (including me) . With the cold weather and school holiday breaks on the horizon, there is no better time to plan a visit to Day Frog. Plus, I have a great opportunity for you. Day Frog has been kind enough to offer Being Savvy: Chicago Read more...
Calling All Readers: Great Children's Book Stores
November 11, 2008
Chicago is full of wonderful resources for new readers -- from free story times at the Chicago Public Library to the reading area available in the Family Tent at Millennium Park during the summer months. In such a large city, I don't pretend to be able to cover all of the wonderful story times out there (and your favorites are Read more...
What is Your Favorite Word?
November 10, 2008
I think that we parents sometimes unnecessarily complicate the learning process for our preschoolers (despite our best intentions). Their little lives are full in unplanned, unscheduled, unscripted opportunities for learning each and every day. I wanted to share a story about my four-year-old daughter as an example. While driving home after school one day last week, my daughter said, Read more...
Guest Post: Protect Your Little One's Hearing!
November 05, 2008
Today, I am thrilled to welcome Sharon Beamer, AuD, CCC-A, Associate Director of Audiology Professional Practices at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) . ASHA, in collaboration with the Parents Choice Foundation, is sponsoring a free concert featuring Justin Roberts (a favorite of ours here at Being Savvy: Chicago ) on November 19, 2008, at the Museum of Science Read more...
Your No-Spook, No-Scare Guide to Halloween in Chicago
October 21, 2008
After weeks of deliberation, your little one has chosen the perfect costume. All of your carefully-chosen pumpkins have been carved into the best jack-o-lanterns on the block and the trick-or-treat bag is ready to Read more...
Fright Night: A Few Tips to Keep the Kiddos Safe and Sane on Halloween
October 13, 2008
When I was a little kid, Halloween frankly scared the heck out of me. And with good reason -- Halloween can be an unpleasant experience, especially for preschoolers who are old enough to want to participate, but also smart enough to be leery of scary masks and frightening sounds. Here are a few (common sense) reminders for you as you plan your Halloween festivities. (1) Go With a Group. Read more...
Chicago Park District Fall Events You Should Know About
September 17, 2008
I am a big fan of the Chicago Park District . In addition to the fall programming, the CPD has many family-oriented fall programs that you should take advantage of. These events are all either FREE or very affordable. Here are some of the highlights. Toddler, Tunes and Turtles. My kids have a blast at these low-key gatherings. A few more of these fun events 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...
Looking Back on Labor Day
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...
Best Ways to Cool Off in Chicago
August 26, 2008
After all of the running, jumping, climbing and general non-stop activity that my monkeys engage in on a daily basis, we are all looking for ways to cool off especially during the month of August. Here is how we like to take a break from the summer heat. Out and About. In my opinion, the absolute best place in Chicago to cool off is Lake Michigan. We are so fortunate to Read more...
The Morton Arboretum: Why You Should Bring Your Little People To This Big Space
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...
Whatcha Doing This Weekend? (August 23rd-24th)
August 21, 2008
Okay, this is getting serious now. Our summer weekends are truly limited. Are you making your plans wisely? Here are a few of the family highlights for this coming weekend. Don't go summer! Don't go! Bucktown Arts Fest . This event stands out from the crowded summer neighborhood festival line up in terms of its focus and atmosphere. The free festival highlights local Read more...
Gone Fishin'
August 19, 2008
Well, sort of. I actually don't know a thing about going fishing. This post is about great places in Chicago to see fish with your little ones. Kids all seem to love fish from the bright colors to the frantic darting back and forth in the water. I remember taking my daughter to the Shedd Aquarium when she was only six months old. She was totally captivated by the Ocean Reef exhibit. I couldn't Read more...
Why Your Kids Will Love Trader Joe's
August 18, 2008
Grocery shopping with kids can be . . . . hard. But it can also be a fun learning experience for everyone. Really, I swear it can be. Whenever I have to bring my kiddos along for a trip to the grocery store, I try to head to Trader Joe's . This place is seriously kid-friendly. Plus, Trader Joe's offers many, many affordable organic products (always a plus). Here are a few of the more Read more...
Make Your Own Fun
August 06, 2008
Looking for some new activities for these last few dog days of summer? Make your own bubbles or play dough. The beauty of making your own materials is that you actually get two activities instead of one because the process of creating is as much fun as the playing itself. Make Your Own Bubbles. Here is a simple recipe to make lots and lots of bubbles (because as you know, Read more...
Best Local Watering Holes
August 05, 2008
It is getting hot in Chicago, isn't it? There is no better time to hit the beaches, pools, and water parks! I certainly haven't been to every single pool or beach in the entire city, but I do have a few recommendations for places that are free (yeah!) and child-friendly. Please chime in with your own suggestions as well. Foster Avenue Beach . This place could not be more Read more...
Flourish Studios: Manis for Mommies and So Much More
July 30, 2008
Have you heard about Flourish Studios in Lakeview? This is a wonderful new family resource that has lots of offer your preschooler (and you too). Flourish Studios is a multi-faceted space offering therapeutic guidance, inspirational products, and positive community-focused events. Here are some of the most family-friendly events and offerings that I came across in the beautiful Read more...
Last Chance! Last Chance to Win Tickets to Walking With Dinosaurs!
July 25, 2008
Hey parents, today is your last opportunity to win four tickets to see Walking With Dinosaurs at the United Center on August 7 th . Send me an email at beingsavvychicago@savvysource with the answers to the two trivia questions listed here. All emails must be received by midnight tonight (CST). I will notify the winner on Saturday, July 26 th . Just think, if you win, Read more...
Whatcha Doing This Weekend? (July 26th-27th)
July 24, 2008
I wasn't planning on doing a weekend activities post this week until I realized how many wonderful family-friendly events were going on. So I threw a quick post together with some of the weekend highlights. Venetian Night. This annual event gives families the chance to see some pretty incredible boats up close. Last week, the Chicago to Mackinaw Yacht Race wasn't much of Read more...
Walking With Dinosaurs: A Giveaway!
July 21, 2008
Do you have any dinosaur lovers living under your roof? Have I got an opportunity for you! Being Savvy: Chicago is giving away four tickets to Walking With Dinosuars The Live Experience at the United Center on August 7th. The show which is an actual production (not a movie or an exhibit) is based on the award-winning BBC Television Series and has been adapted into a Read more...
Whatcha doing this weekend? (July 19th -20th)
July 18, 2008
There is SO MUCH to do in Chicago this weekend! We are having a hard time choosing which activities to put on our schedule. Here are a few of the family-friendly highlights. Sheffield Garden Walk. Mom and Dad will love the gorgeous gardens on the self-guided garden walk (I would leave strollers behind because spaces can be tight). Your kid will love the activities in Read more...
Little Yogis: Yoga Resources for Children in Chicago
July 17, 2008
My four-year-old daughter Eleanor likes to be big like her Mom. She wants to do everything I do whether it is wearing lip gloss, cooking dinner, or taking a yoga class. When she expressed an interest in trying yoga, I did quite a bit of research to find some kid-friendly yoga resources available in Chicago and I thought I would share the information I found in case any little people in 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...
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...
Signs of Summer
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...
Adams Playground Park: A Review
July 03, 2008
From time to time, I am going to do a review of some of Chicago 's playgrounds. As you know, not all playgrounds are created equal and I thought parents might like hearing about some of the local stand-outs. One of my kid's favorite parks is Adam Playground Park , located on Seminary in Lincoln Park . This park got all new playground equipment two years ago fun stuff for kids of Read more...
The Essential Summer Playlist: Can't Miss Music in Chicago
July 01, 2008
We Chicagoans are lucky in a number of ways one of them being the multitude of awesome opportunities to enjoy live music (particularly in the summer). I want to tell you about three family-friendly musical events coming up in July that you don't want to miss. Get your calendars so you can mark these down they are that good. Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players in Read more...
A Day at the Beach
June 30, 2008
If you ask me, one of the absolute best things about Chicago is the lakefront. Now is the time to get out there with your little ones and soak up the sun. But like most outings with preschoolers, you are going to want to plan this one before you head out. Here are some beach tips (learned mostly from my mistakes on previous beach excursions). Plan Ahead. Unfortunately, the Read more...
Free Movies! Free Movies!
June 27, 2008
Free (or nearly free) movies are available everywhere in Chicago this summer. Check out the following options and pick one to put on your family calendar you don't want to miss these opportunities for free family fun. Movies in the Park. My love for the Chicago Park District is no Secret and one of my favorite CPD offerings is the Movies in the Park series. Pack a dinner, Read more...
Hey Mamas, Do You Know About the Babywearing Conference?
June 23, 2008
Chicago is home to the 2 nd annual international Babywearing Conference: Carrying the Future ( isn't that a cute theme? ). The conference is being held from June 25 th through June 28th at DePaul University . As a Mama to two little ones, I have found that slings, backpacks, and other baby-carrying apparatuses are completely essential to navigating life with a baby and an active Read more...
Bringing the Kids to the Green City Market: What You Need to Know Before You Go
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...
The Chicago Park District: What's Not to Love?
June 12, 2008
Since we are amongst friends, I am going to share my number one Chicago parenting resource secret. Come closer. Promise not to tell everyone you know? The Chicago Park District is hands-down the best place to go for quality, affordable children's programming in the city. Surprised? But wait, you do need to know a few tips to make the Chicago Park District work for your family. Read more...
Whatcha Doing This Weekend? (June 14th-15th)
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...
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...
Summer Reading
June 06, 2008
School is out (or almost out). It's official -- summer is here! While I am basking in that initial happy summer rush and planning all of our pool outings and outdoor excursions, I am also keeping in mind that we need to make some time to practice the reading and writing skills that my daughter learned during the school year. And what better place to start than the Summer Reading Program at Read more...
Whatcha Doing This Weekend? (June 7th-8th)
June 04, 2008
From time to time, I am going to give you a heads up about great local kid's events that you may or may not know about. Particularly in the summer, Chicago has great (and often free) family activities nearly every single weekend. Here is what is on our family schedule for this coming weekend. Wicker Park Kid's Karnival. How does face painting, jumping houses, inflatable obstacle 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...
Top 5 Things to Do in Chicago on a Rainy Day
May 27, 2008
On rainy days, my Grandma used to say, Today isn't fit to stay home. She was right. The rain may tempt you to stay warm and cozy in your house. Don't do it. You will end up with a bunch of stir-crazy, bored kids. Instead, grab your rain boots and slickers and try one of these rainy-day activities. Visit a Conservatory. It may be raining outside but it is always beautiful inside Read more...
Lions, Tigers, and Bears, Oh My! Discovering the Wilderness of the Urban Jungle
May 23, 2008
The only animals most urban-dwelling babes come into contact with on a daily basis are squirrels, pigeons, and the occasional rat (I'm sorry, but it is true). But if you look a little bit harder, opportunities to learn about wild animals abound. The Big Zoos. The Chicago area is home to two world-class zoos. The Lincoln Park Zoo features seals, lions, apes, zebras, and Read more...
5 Best Ways to Enjoy Millennium Park
May 21, 2008
A visit to Millennium Park is on every family's summer to-do list. Admit it you are totally planning to bring your in-laws here when they visit, right? Here are my five tips on what to see and do when you head down to Chicago's most popular outdoor destination. Check out the Bean . Touch it. Stare at it. Kids love this thing. Adults love this thing. It is Read more...
Book Nooks for Tots: Best Story Times and Reading Rooms
May 19, 2008
Rain or shine, story time is always a good activity for preschoolers. Even better? A story time that also includes a craft, activity, or snack and is super inexpensive or free (yeah!). Here are a few spots to catch a good story. The library scene. Lots of branches of the Chicago Public Library have free story times for toddlers and preschoolers. At the Bucktown-Wicker Park 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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- Hey Kid, You Got the Time?
- 99 Things To Do in Chicago Before Your Child Grows Up
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