NPN's annual fundraising event is back this Saturday at the Cubby Bear from 9:30am - 12:30pm. You're invited to "Wake Up & Boogie Down" with live music performances, hands on kids' activities, games, rock-n-roll makeovers and tasty snacks and treats.
On hand will be some of Chicago's best kids resources. Take part in the Cultural Care Au Pair rock-n-roll makeover station; capture the moment with a photo from ThinkLeigh Photography; decorate cookies with COUNTRY Financial; and explore activities and giveaways hosted by many other local favorites like the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Multilingual Chicago and more.
Get your tickets in advance, because this event can sell out! Tickets are $20 adults/$10 kids for members, and $25 adults/$15 kids for non-members. (infants under age 1 free). You can get tickets at http://www.npnparents.org. All funds raised will enhance NPN’s programs and member services.
NPN is a fantastic resource for Chicago area parents. In their words:
"NPN offers expectant, new, and seasoned parents connection and support for the everyday challenges of parenthood. A trusted destination for parent-to-parent interaction, school choice resources, childcare options, parent education opportunities and local community development, NPN helps strong families build strong communities!"
And in my words: This is the FIRST place I've turned each time I needed a new nanny; I met the moms in my regular moms group through NPN events; their uber-active discussion forums provide me with dozens of responses within hours of my posts; and their preschool fair and information are priceless! If you aren't a member, please consider joining and supporting this great resource.
Our family will be attending on Saturday - maybe we'll see you there!
Family fun, events and activities for Chicago kids and moms from Sue Zeiler, founder of ChicagoKids.com
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Hold a Baby Lamb
I'm a sucker for cute baby animals - who isn't? So I love this upcoming event - "Hold a Baby Lamb!"
The Lambing Barn at Enjoy Pioneer Farm is open on Fridays and Saturdays in March from 9am-3pm for kids - and parents - to see what it's like to hold a baby lamb. And this year, the Farm also has chickens, chicks hatching, goats, rabbits, piglet and a llama to see and hold.
Lambing Days are an opportunities to get up close to a sheep and feel their wool, and kids can learn about where their wool clothes come from by watching a sheep shearing demonstration.
And while you can't take any of these cute little animal babies home, you don't have to leave empty handed. The farm sells seasonal products and produce, including farm fresh eggs.
Admission is $5 per person, or a maximum of $11 per family. Enjoy Pioneer Farm is located at Enjoy Pioneer Farm is located 17 N 400 Big Timber Rd., Hampshire. Find more information on the web site at www.enjoypioneerfarm.com.
The Lambing Barn at Enjoy Pioneer Farm is open on Fridays and Saturdays in March from 9am-3pm for kids - and parents - to see what it's like to hold a baby lamb. And this year, the Farm also has chickens, chicks hatching, goats, rabbits, piglet and a llama to see and hold.
Lambing Days are an opportunities to get up close to a sheep and feel their wool, and kids can learn about where their wool clothes come from by watching a sheep shearing demonstration.
And while you can't take any of these cute little animal babies home, you don't have to leave empty handed. The farm sells seasonal products and produce, including farm fresh eggs.
Admission is $5 per person, or a maximum of $11 per family. Enjoy Pioneer Farm is located at Enjoy Pioneer Farm is located 17 N 400 Big Timber Rd., Hampshire. Find more information on the web site at www.enjoypioneerfarm.com.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Neighborhoods of the World at Navy Pier
Navy Pier is honoring some of the many different ethnic communities of Chicago with events every Sunday that honor these parts of the world. Every Sunday through April 3, enjoy a taste of cultural flair with an afternoon of music, dance, costumes, authentic cuisine and local vendors selling folk arts from the regions.
Here's the schedule starting with this Sunday's event:
February 27, 2011
Kick-Off to St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
Chicago Neighborhoods: Beverly, Mount Greenwood
Performances by Trinity Irish Dancers, Joe Cullen, Irish Music School of Chicago, and Anish.
March 6, 2011
Celebrate Poland
Chicago Neighborhoods: Jefferson Park, Harwood Heights, Avondale
Performances by Lechici Dancers, Soloists from the Lira Singers, Lajkonic Dancers, Academy of Music of the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra, and The Polish Highlanders.
March 13, 2011
Bell'Italia
Chicago Neighborhood: Little Italy
Midwest Premiere performance by La Rossignol (from Castelleone, Italy), plus Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan, and more.
March 20, 2011
Celebrate Mexico
Chicago Neighborhoods: Pilsen, Little Village
Performances by Mexican Dance Ensemble, Tarima Son, and more.
March 27, 2011
A Greek Journey in the Windy City
Chicago Neighborhood: Greektown
Performances by the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society and the Chicago Hellenic Choir.
April 3, 2011
GermanChicagoNow
Chicago Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Performances by Pieptone!, Paloma Band, Amazonen, Fanfaren Corps of Chicago,
BGTV D'Lustigen Holzhacker Buam, Egerlander Tanzgruppe, and Amazing Mike.
Here's the schedule starting with this Sunday's event:
February 27, 2011
Kick-Off to St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
Chicago Neighborhoods: Beverly, Mount Greenwood
Performances by Trinity Irish Dancers, Joe Cullen, Irish Music School of Chicago, and Anish.
March 6, 2011
Celebrate Poland
Chicago Neighborhoods: Jefferson Park, Harwood Heights, Avondale
Performances by Lechici Dancers, Soloists from the Lira Singers, Lajkonic Dancers, Academy of Music of the Paderewski Symphony Orchestra, and The Polish Highlanders.
March 13, 2011
Bell'Italia
Chicago Neighborhood: Little Italy
Midwest Premiere performance by La Rossignol (from Castelleone, Italy), plus Alfonso Ponticelli & Swing Gitan, and more.
March 20, 2011
Celebrate Mexico
Chicago Neighborhoods: Pilsen, Little Village
Performances by Mexican Dance Ensemble, Tarima Son, and more.
March 27, 2011
A Greek Journey in the Windy City
Chicago Neighborhood: Greektown
Performances by the Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society and the Chicago Hellenic Choir.
April 3, 2011
GermanChicagoNow
Chicago Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Performances by Pieptone!, Paloma Band, Amazonen, Fanfaren Corps of Chicago,
BGTV D'Lustigen Holzhacker Buam, Egerlander Tanzgruppe, and Amazing Mike.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
New Play Cafe - Little Beans Cafe
Unless you're living under a rock, or an ice-encrusted record-sized drift of snow, you've probably heard about Little Beans Cafe. While I had been anxiously awaiting the opening and planning to visit last week, I seemed to be fighting fate to get there. After making it thru an 8-hour carpet installation, our first trip the ER (1am!) with our toddler, a week without our babysitter, 2 days on the phone with web tech support - and a little blizzard - I finally made it.
Little Beans does not feel like a kid's play place when you walk in the door. It's a sophisticated coffee shop, with a regular seating area in the front and a nice selection of drinks and snacks. At the back is the play area, which includes a kiddie town with a fire station, a burning house (it took some time to convince my daughter that the house "on fire" was not really on fire... and it's cute, not scary), a gas station and grocery store. My daughter (almost 3) was first drawn to the reading area, when she caught a glimpse of Knuffle Bunny, sitting amongst some other popular kids books.
In addition to the kid town and reading area, my daughter very much enjoyed sitting in a little wooden fire truck. Her friend that joined us was instantly drawn to a doll house before heading over to the play buildings. There's also a nice area for crawlers to play.
In addition to open play, Little Beans offers a variety of classes like Family Yoga, Mommy Time Yoga, Music & Movement and Imaginative Art.
Little Beans is located at 1809 W. Webster Ave. and has open play from 9am-5pm Monday - Friday; 9am-2pm Saturday; 9 to 11am Sunday. Visit them online at www.littlebeanscafe.com.
Little Beans does not feel like a kid's play place when you walk in the door. It's a sophisticated coffee shop, with a regular seating area in the front and a nice selection of drinks and snacks. At the back is the play area, which includes a kiddie town with a fire station, a burning house (it took some time to convince my daughter that the house "on fire" was not really on fire... and it's cute, not scary), a gas station and grocery store. My daughter (almost 3) was first drawn to the reading area, when she caught a glimpse of Knuffle Bunny, sitting amongst some other popular kids books.
In addition to the kid town and reading area, my daughter very much enjoyed sitting in a little wooden fire truck. Her friend that joined us was instantly drawn to a doll house before heading over to the play buildings. There's also a nice area for crawlers to play.
In addition to open play, Little Beans offers a variety of classes like Family Yoga, Mommy Time Yoga, Music & Movement and Imaginative Art.
Little Beans is located at 1809 W. Webster Ave. and has open play from 9am-5pm Monday - Friday; 9am-2pm Saturday; 9 to 11am Sunday. Visit them online at www.littlebeanscafe.com.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Best Valentine's Day Cookie Recipe
Valentine's Day is probably not the holiday that conjures up the most childhood memories for people. But for me, it always reminds me of the special Valentine's Day cookies that my mom used to bake. They're still my favorite cookies, and if you feeling like baking a love-filled treat for your kids, give this recipe a try!
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon McCormick's pure peppermint extract
red food coloring
1 cup rolled oats (long-cooking type)
powdered sugar
7 to 9 Hershey's milk chocolate bars (no nuts)
1 ½" Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter
DIRECTIONS:
Beat together butter and sugar.
Blend in egg and vanilla extract.
Sift flour and salt together and add to creamed mixture, mixing well.
Add peppermint and food coloring, creating a pink dough.
Stir in oats and mix well.
Divide dough in ½ and wrap in plastic wrap to chill in refrigerator a few hours.
Roll out dough on surface sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Cut with floured 1 ½ inch heart-shaped cookie cutter.
Place on lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes until lightly browned.
When removed from oven, immediately place 1 ½ to 2 rectangles of chocolate bar on a hot cookie and press another cookie lightly onto the chocolate to create a sandwich cookie. Cool.
Makes about 40 cookies. Freezes well.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon McCormick's pure peppermint extract
red food coloring
1 cup rolled oats (long-cooking type)
powdered sugar
7 to 9 Hershey's milk chocolate bars (no nuts)
1 ½" Heart Shaped Cookie Cutter
DIRECTIONS:
Beat together butter and sugar.
Blend in egg and vanilla extract.
Sift flour and salt together and add to creamed mixture, mixing well.
Add peppermint and food coloring, creating a pink dough.
Stir in oats and mix well.
Divide dough in ½ and wrap in plastic wrap to chill in refrigerator a few hours.
Roll out dough on surface sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Cut with floured 1 ½ inch heart-shaped cookie cutter.
Place on lightly greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes until lightly browned.
When removed from oven, immediately place 1 ½ to 2 rectangles of chocolate bar on a hot cookie and press another cookie lightly onto the chocolate to create a sandwich cookie. Cool.
Makes about 40 cookies. Freezes well.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Red Kite Roundup - A special show for children with autism
Chicago Children’s Theatre presents a special show for children with autism as part of their education initiative, The Red Kite project. The Red Kite project is a seven month development workshop and co-production that culminates with a multi-sensory installation performance for children with autism at Chicago Children’s Museum.
Red Kite Roundup takes place at Millennium Park February 1-20. The show is intended for children ages 5-14, and it allows children with autism to take part in Chicago Children’s Theatre’s immersive, simulated camping experience. Actors guide children on their own personal journey complete with chasing butterflies, hiking and camping under the stars.
The show is limited to just 10 children (with an adult) to meet the special needs of each child in attendance. All tickets are $10 each and advanced reservations are required. For more information, visit
www.explorechicago.org or www.theredkiteproject.org.
Red Kite Roundup takes place at Millennium Park February 1-20. The show is intended for children ages 5-14, and it allows children with autism to take part in Chicago Children’s Theatre’s immersive, simulated camping experience. Actors guide children on their own personal journey complete with chasing butterflies, hiking and camping under the stars.
The show is limited to just 10 children (with an adult) to meet the special needs of each child in attendance. All tickets are $10 each and advanced reservations are required. For more information, visit
www.explorechicago.org or www.theredkiteproject.org.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Family Events and Activities for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Kids are off school on Monday and many businesses are closed. There are several activities taking place for your family to enjoy while also learning more about Martin Luther King Jr.
Here are a few highlights, and you can find more events celebrating the holiday and the day off at www.chicagokids.com/calendar.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Art Institute
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.! Hear a storytelling program with Gwen Hilary, accompanied by the music of Enoch Williamson at 11:30 or 12:30, and visit a drop-in workshop to make a portrait of someone who is a hero to you. Enjoy a free gallery walk at 12:15 or 1:15. Included with regular admission.
2011 Dr. King Day Celebration
DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American History will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and The Civil Rights Movement during our annual Dr. King Day Celebration! The day will be filled with live performances, storytelling, films, trunk shows, food, and activities for the entire family. The theme for the 2011 celebration is “COMMUNITY.” 10am – 5pm. Adults $10, Children 12 and under $5.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Brookfield Zoo
Plan your visit to allow time to join us in the Discovery Center, Savannah Room for a special presentation by Dr. Elijah Ward, Director of African-American Studies and Assistant Professor - Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice at St. Xavier University, "Understanding the Roots of Race." Following the talk you can share your dream on a Tibetan prayer flag which will be flown in Hamill Family Play Zoo. Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Noon. Free.
What Does It Mean, Dr. King?
Chicago Children's Museum
What was the Civil Rights Movement and what does it mean for kids today? Take a journey back in time and learn about freedom through interactive theater and songs. At 11am, 1, 2 & 3pm. Included with regular admission.
Here are a few highlights, and you can find more events celebrating the holiday and the day off at www.chicagokids.com/calendar.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Art Institute
Celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.! Hear a storytelling program with Gwen Hilary, accompanied by the music of Enoch Williamson at 11:30 or 12:30, and visit a drop-in workshop to make a portrait of someone who is a hero to you. Enjoy a free gallery walk at 12:15 or 1:15. Included with regular admission.
2011 Dr. King Day Celebration
DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American History will celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and The Civil Rights Movement during our annual Dr. King Day Celebration! The day will be filled with live performances, storytelling, films, trunk shows, food, and activities for the entire family. The theme for the 2011 celebration is “COMMUNITY.” 10am – 5pm. Adults $10, Children 12 and under $5.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Brookfield Zoo
Plan your visit to allow time to join us in the Discovery Center, Savannah Room for a special presentation by Dr. Elijah Ward, Director of African-American Studies and Assistant Professor - Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice at St. Xavier University, "Understanding the Roots of Race." Following the talk you can share your dream on a Tibetan prayer flag which will be flown in Hamill Family Play Zoo. Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Noon. Free.
What Does It Mean, Dr. King?
Chicago Children's Museum
What was the Civil Rights Movement and what does it mean for kids today? Take a journey back in time and learn about freedom through interactive theater and songs. At 11am, 1, 2 & 3pm. Included with regular admission.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Chicago Museum Free Days - and even some Free Weeks
If your budget is tight but you don't want to miss out on visiting some of Chicago's best museums this year, make sure you check with our listing of 2011 Chicago Museum Free Days.
January seems to have quite a lot of free days, and even free weeks at some locations.
Here's the rundown:
Adler Planetarium
January 4, 5, 10-14, 18, 19, 24-27
February 1, 2, 7-10, 15, 16, 22, 23, 28
March 1-3, 8, 9, 15, 16
Art Institute
Free Winter Weekdays: From January 3 through February 4, the museum is offering free admission, every weekday, all day long (late evenings included)!
Chicago Botanic Garden
Always free.
Chicago Children's Museum
The first Sunday of every month is free admission for ages 15 and under.
Kraft Free Family Night is every Thursday from 5-8pm, free admission for everyone.
Chicago Cultural Center
Always free.
Chicago History Museum
Free Mondays.
Field Museum
Free admission the 2nd Monday of each month, with additional free days throughout the year.
January 3, 10, 11, 13, 18, 19, 24, 26 and 31
February 2, 3, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 17
March 14
April 11
May 9
June 7, 13
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Jan. 10, 11, 16-21, 24, 25 & 31
Feb. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20-24, 28
Museum of Contemporary Art
Free on Tuesdays.
Museum of Science and Industry
January 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28, 31
February 1, 8, 14, 15, 22
June 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9
September 6-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30
National Museum of Mexican Art
Always free.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Thursdays are "suggested donation days."
January seems to have quite a lot of free days, and even free weeks at some locations.
Here's the rundown:
Adler Planetarium
January 4, 5, 10-14, 18, 19, 24-27
February 1, 2, 7-10, 15, 16, 22, 23, 28
March 1-3, 8, 9, 15, 16
Art Institute
Free Winter Weekdays: From January 3 through February 4, the museum is offering free admission, every weekday, all day long (late evenings included)!
Chicago Botanic Garden
Always free.
Chicago Children's Museum
The first Sunday of every month is free admission for ages 15 and under.
Kraft Free Family Night is every Thursday from 5-8pm, free admission for everyone.
Chicago Cultural Center
Always free.
Chicago History Museum
Free Mondays.
Field Museum
Free admission the 2nd Monday of each month, with additional free days throughout the year.
January 3, 10, 11, 13, 18, 19, 24, 26 and 31
February 2, 3, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 17
March 14
April 11
May 9
June 7, 13
John G. Shedd Aquarium
Jan. 10, 11, 16-21, 24, 25 & 31
Feb. 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 20-24, 28
Museum of Contemporary Art
Free on Tuesdays.
Museum of Science and Industry
January 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28, 31
February 1, 8, 14, 15, 22
June 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9
September 6-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30
National Museum of Mexican Art
Always free.
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Thursdays are "suggested donation days."
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Ice Skate in the Sky at the John Hancock Observatory!
The world's highest ice skating rink is now open! You and the kids can now enjoy ice skating indoors without a worry about the weather - and with a 1,000 high view of the Chicago skyline and scenery!
From January 1 - March 31, this 900 square foot, synthetic ice rink is open from 9am - 11pm. You can purchase a 25 minute skating session for just $5 (on top of regular admission fee), and you can bring your own skates or rent them for just $1. Last tickets are sold at 10pm.
Every Monday from 3-5pm, the rink features a skating lesson from a Chicago Blackhawks Youth Hockey coach. The space for lessons is limited, so if you're interested, book one soon.
Visit www.hancockobservatory.com for more information and some fine print regarding waivers and rules.
From January 1 - March 31, this 900 square foot, synthetic ice rink is open from 9am - 11pm. You can purchase a 25 minute skating session for just $5 (on top of regular admission fee), and you can bring your own skates or rent them for just $1. Last tickets are sold at 10pm.
Every Monday from 3-5pm, the rink features a skating lesson from a Chicago Blackhawks Youth Hockey coach. The space for lessons is limited, so if you're interested, book one soon.
Visit www.hancockobservatory.com for more information and some fine print regarding waivers and rules.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Storytelling (and Music!) Festival at The Field Museum
If you're looking for something to do this week, make sure you check out the remaining days of this week's Storytelling Festival taking place at The Field Museum.
Tomorrow - Wednesday Dec 29 - at 2pm you can see a special concert by Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. This is one of my favorite kids' bands and The Field Museum would be a super cool place to see them play. You've got to register in advance, and it's $5 on top of regular admission. Call 312.665.7400 to register.
On Thursday at 2pm, Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans will be playing songs from their new CD, Mommy Knows Best. Don’t miss her signature song “Bubble Wrap,” where everyone gets to pop those wonderful bubbles! This one's also $5 and pre-registration is required.
And Friday at 11:30am and 1:30pm, kids can play a part in the classic children’s story The Mitten by Jan Brett - a favorite in our house! Through dramatic play, you and your family will learn about the rewards of sharing, communicating, and respecting others.
Regular admission still applies, so make a day of it!
Tomorrow - Wednesday Dec 29 - at 2pm you can see a special concert by Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players. This is one of my favorite kids' bands and The Field Museum would be a super cool place to see them play. You've got to register in advance, and it's $5 on top of regular admission. Call 312.665.7400 to register.
On Thursday at 2pm, Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans will be playing songs from their new CD, Mommy Knows Best. Don’t miss her signature song “Bubble Wrap,” where everyone gets to pop those wonderful bubbles! This one's also $5 and pre-registration is required.
And Friday at 11:30am and 1:30pm, kids can play a part in the classic children’s story The Mitten by Jan Brett - a favorite in our house! Through dramatic play, you and your family will learn about the rewards of sharing, communicating, and respecting others.
Regular admission still applies, so make a day of it!
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