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

Who's Home at the Morton Arboretum?

by Caitlin Giles

May 11, 2009

Summer brings lots of special exhibits to many of the already fabulous family-friendly destinations in and around Chicago.  Over the next few weeks, I am going to highlight a few of coming attractions that you should put on your summer "must do" list.

Beginning May 22nd (and running through November 15th), head out to the Morton Arboretum to check out their new "Animal Houses" exhibit.  Kids will have a chance to touch and explore eleven different animal habitats built to human scale.  This is a truly interactive way to learn about animal habitats. The largest animal house is the 40 by 60 foot Pollywog Pond.  Kids will have the sensation of being underwater while watching polliwogs swimming overhead.  Other highlights include a squirrels drey and a spider's web.  Throughout the summer, the drop-in programming in the Children's Garden (which is always awesome) will tie into the theme of animal houses.

We've got this special exhibit on our summer to-do list -- don't forget to add it to yours!  Read more...

Great Chicago Places and Spaces

by Caitlin Giles

May 05, 2009

Great Chicago Places and Spaces

by Caitlin Giles

May 05, 2009

Animal Boogie at the Lincoln Park Zoo

by Caitlin Giles

December 29, 2008

If you are looking for some post-New Year's fun on what will surely be a frigid January day in Chicago, consider an outing to Animal Boogie at the Lincoln Park Zoo. This event takes place on January 24 th at Cafe Brauer from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Hosted by the Auxiliary Board, Animal Boogie promises a morning of music, movement, crafts, face-painting and yummy treats for the whole family.  Read more...

Zoo Year's Eve at Brookfield Zoo

by Caitlin Giles

December 26, 2008

We are a stay-at-home-by-the-fire kind of a family on New Year's Eve. But if you are looking to take the whole gang out to ring in the New Year, family-friendly celebrations can be really hard to come by. Your best bet is Zoo Year's Eve at the Brookfield Zoo . The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and includes highlights such as music by Radio Disney, sing-a-longs to various animals on exhibit  Read more...

Fairies, Lions, and Dinos, Oh My: Resources for Halloween Costumes

by Caitlin Giles

October 07, 2008

My daughter has been talking about what she wants to be for Halloween since last Halloween. One day she says definitely mermaid. And the next day she seems to be leaning more towards princess. And then sometimes she comes up with something that is really out of left field like "a swimming dog." The time has come to decide on a costume because pretty soon the stores are going to have slim  Read more...

Gone Fishin'

by Caitlin Giles

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...

Children's Programming at the Lincoln Park Zoo

by Caitlin Giles

August 15, 2008

I am quite sure that you know that a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo means lions, gorillas, polar bears, and maybe even a ride on the carousel. But did you know that the Lincoln Park Zoo also has wonderful programming and events for children, ranging from story times to cooking and education classes? Here are some of the upcoming highlights. Story Time. We often find  Read more...

The Chicago Park District: What's Not to Love?

by Caitlin Giles

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...

Top 5 Things to Do in Chicago on a Rainy Day

by Caitlin Giles

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

by Caitlin Giles

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...