The Botanic Gardens is the beautiful setting this summer for lively family entertainment this summer. Dancin' Sprouts takes place every Wednesday from June 8 - August 31 on the Esplanade. For these special evenings, families are allowed to picnic on the Esplanade. The event is free, but parking is $20 per car.
Here's the fantastic 2011 Performance Schedule:
June 8
Buck Howdy
Whether performing a solo campfire-style show or a rollicking full-band hoedown, Buck's twinkly charm and zany sense of humor come shining through.
June 15
Miss Aimee Leigh
Aimee gets the crowd moving with her American folk/roots, jazz, and bluegrass music, and she has a huge repertoire of original and traditional children's music that will have the whole family dancing and singing along!
June 22
Mr. Singer & the Sharp Cookies
On this evening, Dancin' Sprouts will be held in Burnstein Hall in the Regenstein Center, rain or shine. Please plan accordingly.
Their repertoire includes outstanding originals and a trove of classic tunes, bridging genres from swing to rock to samba. Be prepared for memorable sing-a-longs, thumping rhythms, and high-energy call and response!
June 29
Karen Jordan
Much of Karen's music was inspired by ten years of teaching Wiggleworms for the Old Town School of Folk Music. Karen will be joined by jazz/bluegrass mandolinist Colby Maddox and bassist Jim Cox.
July 6
Super Stolie & the Rockstars
Super Stolie and the Rockstars bring a mix of catchy original songs and popular favorites while encouraging everyone to be silly, sing along, freeze dance, play instruments, pop bubbles, and go on your merry way with a "Rockstar jump" and a "high-ten."
July 13
Scribblemonster
ScribbleMonster's “draw outside the lines” approach to music for the family has earned the band raves ranging from parents to Parenting magazine. Come sing, think, play, dance, and get creative with ScribbleMonster.
July 20
Leonardo
Leonardo is a Parents' Choice Award winning family musician writing and performing original songs and traditional favorites that entertain, educate and empower audiences of all ages and abilities.
July 27
Laura Doherty
Laura Doherty will acoustically rocks your kid’s world with her breezy folk-pop tunes for the whole family. Using the Windy City as her inspiration, Doherty writes about the El train, skyscrapers, the farmers' market, the zoo, and all the wonders of the city, as seen through a child’s eyes.
August 3
Macaroni Soup!
Macaroni Soup with Miss Carole! has been entertaining and educating young children and their families for over 20 years. It's fun, participatory music that gets everybody singing and dancing from "Hello!" to "So Long!"
August 10
Tisa & the Flower Song Ensemble
Every member of the Flower Song Ensemble is a teacher at Chicago's venerable Old Town School of Folk Music, and the band creates original, traditional, and soul music that celebrates life, love, and the natural world.
August 17
Karen Jordan
Karen Jordan will be returning for another Dancin' Sprouts family concert with jazz/bluegrass mandolinist Don Stiernberg and bassist Jim Cox for a performance you won’t want to miss.
August 24
The Dreamtree Shakers
Poppy folk, folky pop, or indie alt country americana, Jeremy Babcock and The Dreamtree Shakers lay down righteous, jangly tunes, a soundtrack of sorts of their live puppetry and movement show, featuring characters and landscapes of the forest.
August 31
Mindy & the Time Outs!
This Chicago-based kiddie rock band continues to surprise kids and adults alike with their witty, catchy, and energetic rock parodies. Just think Weird Al for the diaper set. Kids and their adult counterparts will love this high-energy, on-your-feet and often hilarious live performance.
Family fun, events and activities for Chicago kids and moms from Sue Zeiler, founder of ChicagoKids.com
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Millennium Park Family Fun Festival Returns
It's back! In my opinion, this is one of the city's best free family activities of the summer. Millennium Park's Family Fun Festival takes place daily from June 13 - August 21 between 10am and 3pm, with family performances and hands-on activities taking place in the Family Fun Tent. The daily entertainment includes:
Here's the schedule of activities:
June 13-19
Wild in the City with activities led by Lurie Garden and Chicago Wilderness
June 20-26
Cultural Exchange: China Week with activities led by Chinese-American Museum of Chicago
June 27-July 3
Carrot Tots: Kids Grow and Cook Their Veggies with activities led by Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture
July 4-10
Global Adventures with activities led by Chicago Children's Museum
July 11-17
Artful Alphabet Activities with activities led by Art Institute of Chicago
July 18-24
Past, Present and Future: Your Chicago with activities led by Chicago History Museum
July 25-31
Architecture Week: Building Chicago with activities led by Chicago Architecture Foundation
Aug 1-7
Cultural Exchange: Explore Swedish Traditions with activities led by Swedish-American Museum
Aug 8-14
Sounds of the City with activities led by Chicago Park District
Aug 15-21
Science and Exploration with activities led by Museum of Science and Industry
- 10am: Wiggleworms® entertainment, with the fantastic instructors from Old Town School of Folk Music leading kids in singalong and dance.
- 11am: Reading circle
- 1pm: Entertainment/Concerts
Here's the schedule of activities:
June 13-19
Wild in the City with activities led by Lurie Garden and Chicago Wilderness
June 20-26
Cultural Exchange: China Week with activities led by Chinese-American Museum of Chicago
June 27-July 3
Carrot Tots: Kids Grow and Cook Their Veggies with activities led by Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture
July 4-10
Global Adventures with activities led by Chicago Children's Museum
July 11-17
Artful Alphabet Activities with activities led by Art Institute of Chicago
July 18-24
Past, Present and Future: Your Chicago with activities led by Chicago History Museum
July 25-31
Architecture Week: Building Chicago with activities led by Chicago Architecture Foundation
Aug 1-7
Cultural Exchange: Explore Swedish Traditions with activities led by Swedish-American Museum
Aug 8-14
Sounds of the City with activities led by Chicago Park District
Aug 15-21
Science and Exploration with activities led by Museum of Science and Industry
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Chicago KIDS Day - Health and Wellness Festival
This weekend ushers in some of the season's first festivals, and on Saturday you can celebrate Chicago KIDS Day at Lakeview's Mayfest.
This event was created by Dr. Sarah Weber of Total Balance Chiropractic as a fun and entertaining way to educate and teach kids about health and safety. The Lakeview YMCA and NPN (Neighborhood Parents Network) have teamed up with Dr. Sarah to present this event, which promises fun for the whole family!
Saturday from 10am - 1pm, enjoy free activities, arts & crafts, healthy food, fun, balloons and raffle prizes, plus ChicagoKids.com will be on hand with craft activities. Families can also take part in free spinal and dental screenings, and learn about healthy eating while sampling delicious, healthy free snack samples.
The schedule of events includes:
The event takes place RAIN or SHINE!
This event was created by Dr. Sarah Weber of Total Balance Chiropractic as a fun and entertaining way to educate and teach kids about health and safety. The Lakeview YMCA and NPN (Neighborhood Parents Network) have teamed up with Dr. Sarah to present this event, which promises fun for the whole family!
Saturday from 10am - 1pm, enjoy free activities, arts & crafts, healthy food, fun, balloons and raffle prizes, plus ChicagoKids.com will be on hand with craft activities. Families can also take part in free spinal and dental screenings, and learn about healthy eating while sampling delicious, healthy free snack samples.
The schedule of events includes:
- 10:00 Painting for Kids
- 10:30 Kiddie Yoga
- 11:00 Lil’Kickers
- 11:30 Kiddie Zumba
- 12:00 Awards Ceremony
- 12:30 Kiddie Boot Camp
The event takes place RAIN or SHINE!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Chicago Farmers Markets - 2011 Schedule
Hard to believe when the thermometer can barely get past 40 degrees, but some of the city's farmers markets are officially underway! Below is the schedule, by day of the week. Visit the official web site for more details on individual markets.
This summer's schedule:
MONDAY
Chicago's Downtown Farmstand, 66 E. Randolph
Monday-Friday: 11 am - 7 pm; Saturday: 11 am - 4 pm
Loyola's Farmers Market, 6542 N. Sheridan Rd.
June 6 - Oct. 17, 2011
3:30 - 6 pm
TUESDAY
City Farm Market Stand, 1204 N. Clybourn
July 12-Sept. 30, 2011
Tuesday-Friday 3 - 6:30 pm
Federal Plaza, Adams & Dearborn
May 17 - Oct. 25, 2011
Tuesdays 7 am - 3 pm
Lincoln Square, Lincoln/Leland/Western
June 7-Oct. 25, 2011
Tuesdays 7 am - 1 pm
Museum of Contemporary Art/Streeterville, Chicago & Mies van der Rohe Way (On MCA Plaza)
June 7-Oct. 25, 2011
Every Tuesday 7 am - 3 pm
Plaza 300, 300 N. LaSalle
July 5-Sept. 27, 2011
Every Tuesday 7 am - 2 pm
Pritzker Park, 344 S. State St.
June 14-Sept. 27, 2011
Every Tuesday 7 am - 3 pm
WEDNESDAY
Andersonville, Berwyn Ave. btwn. Clark & Ashland
June 22-Oct. 19, 2011
Every Wednesday 3 - 8 pm; Sept. 14-Oct. 19: 3 - 7 pm
Avondale - Sprouting Out, 3300 N. Whipple
June 15-Oct. 22, 2011
Wednesdays and Saturdays (every other week) 3 - 6 pm A
Green City Market, 1750 N. Clark St.
May 4-Dec. 21, 2011
Wednesdays and Saturdays 7 am - 1 pm
Lawndale Market, 3555 W. Ogden Ave.
July 6-Oct. 5, 2011
Every Wednesday 3 - 6 pm
Pullman, 111th & Cottage Grove (In Arcade Park)
July 6-Oct. 5, 2011
Every Wednesday 7 am - 12 pm
Seaway Bank Farmers Market, 645 E. 87th Street
July 13-Sept. 28, 2011
Every Wednesday 9 am - 2 pm
South Shore, 70th & Jeffery Blvd. (ShoreBank Parking Lot)
June 8-Oct. 19, 2011
Every Wednesday 7 am - 1 pm
Two North Riverside, 2 N. Riverside
July 6-Sept. 28, 2011
Every Wednesday 11 am - 7 pm
THURSDAY
Daley Plaza, Washington & Dearborn
May 12-Oct. 20, 2011
Every Thursday 7 am - 3 pm
Eli's Cheesecake/Wright College, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr.
June 16-Oct. 27, 2011
Every Thursday 7 am - 1 pm
Hyde Park, 53rd & Lake Park Ave.
June 2-Oct. 27, 2011
Every Thursday 7 am - 1 pm
Lincoln Square Evening Market, 2309 W. Leland Ave.
June 16-Oct. 27, 2011
Every Thursday 4 - 8 pm
Uptown Farmers Market at Weiss, 4646 N. Marine Dr.
June 23-Oct. 27, 2011
Every Thursday 7:30 am - 12:30 pm
Willis Tower Plaza, 233 S. Wacker Dr.
June 16-Oct. 6, 2011
Every Thursday 7 am - 3 pm
SATURDAY
61st Street, 61st St. btwn. Dorchester & Blackstone
May 14-Oct. 29, 2011
Every Saturday 9 am - 2 pm
Bridgeport, 35th & Wallace (In parking lot)
June 18-Sept. 17, 2011
Every Saturday 7 am - 1 pm
Bronzeville Community Market, 4400 S. Cottage Grove
June 11-Oct. 29, 2011
Every Saturday 8 am - 1 pm
Division Street, Divison & Dearborn
May 14-Oct. 29, 2011
Every Saturday 7 am - 1 pm
Lincoln Park, Armitage & Orchard
May 14-Oct. 29, 2011
Every Saturday 7 am - 1 pm
Northcenter, Belle Plaine/Damen/Lincoln
June 18-Oct. 29, 2011
Every Saturday 7 am - 1 pm
Printers Row, Dearborn & Polk (Printers Row Park)
June 11-Oct. 8, 2011
Every Saturday 7 am - 1 pm
Southport Market, Blaine School, 1420 W. Grace
June 25-Sept. 10, 2011
Every Saturday 8 am - 2 pm
SUNDAY
Beverly, 95th & Longwood
May 15-Oct. 23, 2011
Every Sunday 7 am - 1 pm
Erie Street, 500 W. Erie St.
June 12-Oct. 23, 2011
Every Sunday 8 am- 1 pm
Glenwood Sunday Market, 6950 N. Glenwood btwn. Morse & Lunt
June 5-Oct. 16, 2011
Every Sunday 9 am- 2 pm
Independence Park, 3945 N. Springfield
June 12-Oct. 9, 2011
2nd & 4th Sundays of the month 9 am - 1 pm
Logan Square, 3107 W. Logan Blvd
June 5-Oct. 30, 2011
Every Sunday 10 am - 3 pm
Pilsen Community Market, 1800 S. Halsted
June 5-Oct. 30, 2011
Every Sunday 9 am - 3 pm
Wicker Park & Bucktown, Wicker Park & Damen
June 5-Oct. 30, 2011
Every Sunday 8 am - 2 pm
This summer's schedule:
MONDAY
Chicago's Downtown Farmstand, 66 E. Randolph
Monday-Friday: 11 am - 7 pm; Saturday: 11 am - 4 pm
Loyola's Farmers Market, 6542 N. Sheridan Rd.
June 6 - Oct. 17, 2011
3:30 - 6 pm
TUESDAY
City Farm Market Stand, 1204 N. Clybourn
July 12-Sept. 30, 2011
Tuesday-Friday 3 - 6:30 pm
Federal Plaza, Adams & Dearborn
May 17 - Oct. 25, 2011
Tuesdays 7 am - 3 pm
Lincoln Square, Lincoln/Leland/Western
June 7-Oct. 25, 2011
Tuesdays 7 am - 1 pm
Museum of Contemporary Art/Streeterville, Chicago & Mies van der Rohe Way (On MCA Plaza)
June 7-Oct. 25, 2011
Every Tuesday 7 am - 3 pm
Plaza 300, 300 N. LaSalle
July 5-Sept. 27, 2011
Every Tuesday 7 am - 2 pm
Pritzker Park, 344 S. State St.
June 14-Sept. 27, 2011
Every Tuesday 7 am - 3 pm
WEDNESDAY
Andersonville, Berwyn Ave. btwn. Clark & Ashland
June 22-Oct. 19, 2011
Every Wednesday 3 - 8 pm; Sept. 14-Oct. 19: 3 - 7 pm
Avondale - Sprouting Out, 3300 N. Whipple
June 15-Oct. 22, 2011
Wednesdays and Saturdays (every other week) 3 - 6 pm A
Green City Market, 1750 N. Clark St.
May 4-Dec. 21, 2011
Wednesdays and Saturdays 7 am - 1 pm
Lawndale Market, 3555 W. Ogden Ave.
July 6-Oct. 5, 2011
Every Wednesday 3 - 6 pm
Pullman, 111th & Cottage Grove (In Arcade Park)
July 6-Oct. 5, 2011
Every Wednesday 7 am - 12 pm
Seaway Bank Farmers Market, 645 E. 87th Street
July 13-Sept. 28, 2011
Every Wednesday 9 am - 2 pm
South Shore, 70th & Jeffery Blvd. (ShoreBank Parking Lot)
June 8-Oct. 19, 2011
Every Wednesday 7 am - 1 pm
Two North Riverside, 2 N. Riverside
July 6-Sept. 28, 2011
Every Wednesday 11 am - 7 pm
THURSDAY
Daley Plaza, Washington & Dearborn
May 12-Oct. 20, 2011
Every Thursday 7 am - 3 pm
Eli's Cheesecake/Wright College, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr.
June 16-Oct. 27, 2011
Every Thursday 7 am - 1 pm
Hyde Park, 53rd & Lake Park Ave.
June 2-Oct. 27, 2011
Every Thursday 7 am - 1 pm
Lincoln Square Evening Market, 2309 W. Leland Ave.
June 16-Oct. 27, 2011
Every Thursday 4 - 8 pm
Uptown Farmers Market at Weiss, 4646 N. Marine Dr.
June 23-Oct. 27, 2011
Every Thursday 7:30 am - 12:30 pm
Willis Tower Plaza, 233 S. Wacker Dr.
June 16-Oct. 6, 2011
Every Thursday 7 am - 3 pm
SATURDAY
61st Street, 61st St. btwn. Dorchester & Blackstone
May 14-Oct. 29, 2011
Every Saturday 9 am - 2 pm
Bridgeport, 35th & Wallace (In parking lot)
June 18-Sept. 17, 2011
Every Saturday 7 am - 1 pm
Bronzeville Community Market, 4400 S. Cottage Grove
June 11-Oct. 29, 2011
Every Saturday 8 am - 1 pm
Division Street, Divison & Dearborn
May 14-Oct. 29, 2011
Every Saturday 7 am - 1 pm
Lincoln Park, Armitage & Orchard
May 14-Oct. 29, 2011
Every Saturday 7 am - 1 pm
Northcenter, Belle Plaine/Damen/Lincoln
June 18-Oct. 29, 2011
Every Saturday 7 am - 1 pm
Printers Row, Dearborn & Polk (Printers Row Park)
June 11-Oct. 8, 2011
Every Saturday 7 am - 1 pm
Southport Market, Blaine School, 1420 W. Grace
June 25-Sept. 10, 2011
Every Saturday 8 am - 2 pm
SUNDAY
Beverly, 95th & Longwood
May 15-Oct. 23, 2011
Every Sunday 7 am - 1 pm
Erie Street, 500 W. Erie St.
June 12-Oct. 23, 2011
Every Sunday 8 am- 1 pm
Glenwood Sunday Market, 6950 N. Glenwood btwn. Morse & Lunt
June 5-Oct. 16, 2011
Every Sunday 9 am- 2 pm
Independence Park, 3945 N. Springfield
June 12-Oct. 9, 2011
2nd & 4th Sundays of the month 9 am - 1 pm
Logan Square, 3107 W. Logan Blvd
June 5-Oct. 30, 2011
Every Sunday 10 am - 3 pm
Pilsen Community Market, 1800 S. Halsted
June 5-Oct. 30, 2011
Every Sunday 9 am - 3 pm
Wicker Park & Bucktown, Wicker Park & Damen
June 5-Oct. 30, 2011
Every Sunday 8 am - 2 pm
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Move over Starbucks... Play Cafés abound around town
It's the latest trend - play cafés where kids can let out some energy and parents can relax with a cup of joe. For cold or rainy days, here are a few that you might enjoy.
Family Grounds Cafe
3652 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
Family Grounds Cafe is a hip coffee shop with an area where kids can play, and a separate area where parents can relax an enjoy Intelligentsia espresso, coffee or tea, savory treats, and even free WiFi and free parking. The play area includes a Victorian playhouse, performance stage, train area, schoolhouse and more. Special classes and events take place on a regular basis - for example, violin classes, mom supprt groups, special musical performances and more.
You can reserve play time blocks ahead of time for 2-hour blocks on Mon-Fri at 9:00 or 11:00; or on Saturday at 8:30, 10:30 or 12:30. It's $5.95 for adults & children (crawlers/walkers) You can also drop in to play on Mondays - Fridays between 1-6pm, and the fee is $10.95 for the first child (crawlers & up), $5.95 sibling rate (crawlers & up), with non-crawling infants free with a $4 minimum purchase. Parents are free.
Little Beans Cafe
1809 W. Webster, Chicago
Parents can enjoy their coffee in the separate cafe, or at one of the tables inside the play area. The play area is a cute little village with a grocery story, service station, playhouse, school and more, with a corner for kids to cozy up with their favorite books, puzzles or games. The play area is large, so there's plenty of room for running around. Little Beans also offers a wide range of classes like Music & Movement, Mom & Tot Yoga, and even an upcoming Spanish class with Multilingual Chicago.
Little Beans is open Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm; Saturday 9am - 3pm, and Sunday 9am - 11am. A daily pass is $12 with a sibling pass for $7. Supervised Play is also available for $20 for up to 1.5 hours, M-F from 2-5pm.
Little Monkey Bizness
229 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton and 4700 Gilbert Ave, Suite 51, Western Springs
Little Monkey Bizness offers a full-service gourmet coffee bar, and a wide assortment of delicious and healthy choices of food. The seating area overlooks a 3,000+ square foot play area, where kids enjoy playhouses, dance floors, educational computer games, and a separate area for babies and crawlers. A separate art area provides activities during special art sessions and open art time.
Play hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am - 6pm; Tuesday and Friday 9am - 8pm; and Saturday and Sunday from 9am - noon. Open play admission is $7.50 per child over the age of 1, and $5.00 per child for crawlers between 6 months and 1 year. Infants and parents are free.
Nibbles Play Cafe
13 Huntington Lane, Wheeling
Parents will delight in the bistro-style menu and kids will enjoy a great selection of kids entrees after they've built up an appetite playing. Play areas at Nibbles include an area for non-walkers, trains and tracks, a construction zone, small toy area and arts and crafts. Nibbles also has hosts fun family events on a regular basis, with concerts, storytelling, and other themed activities.
Hours are 9:30am-8:00pm weekdays and 9:30-3:00 on weekends. Admission is $5 for kids age 1-7, with additional siblings $3.00. Older children and adults are free.
Pickle's Playroom
2315 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago
Pickle's Playroom opened its doors just about a month ago, so it's the newest play cafe to hit Chicago. The cafe offers Metropolis brand coffee and organic baked goods from local favorite Bleeding Heart Bakery, plus a lunch menu with basic kids fare and a few selections for the grownups. The play area includes a kiddie rock climbing wall, factory control room, large tunnel slide, grocery store, towering dollhouse, and a separate area for crawlers/tiny tots. Classes and events are said to be coming soon. There's also a kids' hair salon on site, so for an additional $20, your little one can walk out with a new 'do.
Open play is $12, and siblings are $9, with multi-visit and monthly passes available. Hours are Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm; Saturday 9am - 3pm; Sunday 10am - 3pm.
Family Grounds Cafe
3652 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
Family Grounds Cafe is a hip coffee shop with an area where kids can play, and a separate area where parents can relax an enjoy Intelligentsia espresso, coffee or tea, savory treats, and even free WiFi and free parking. The play area includes a Victorian playhouse, performance stage, train area, schoolhouse and more. Special classes and events take place on a regular basis - for example, violin classes, mom supprt groups, special musical performances and more.
You can reserve play time blocks ahead of time for 2-hour blocks on Mon-Fri at 9:00 or 11:00; or on Saturday at 8:30, 10:30 or 12:30. It's $5.95 for adults & children (crawlers/walkers) You can also drop in to play on Mondays - Fridays between 1-6pm, and the fee is $10.95 for the first child (crawlers & up), $5.95 sibling rate (crawlers & up), with non-crawling infants free with a $4 minimum purchase. Parents are free.
Little Beans Cafe
1809 W. Webster, Chicago
Parents can enjoy their coffee in the separate cafe, or at one of the tables inside the play area. The play area is a cute little village with a grocery story, service station, playhouse, school and more, with a corner for kids to cozy up with their favorite books, puzzles or games. The play area is large, so there's plenty of room for running around. Little Beans also offers a wide range of classes like Music & Movement, Mom & Tot Yoga, and even an upcoming Spanish class with Multilingual Chicago.
Little Beans is open Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm; Saturday 9am - 3pm, and Sunday 9am - 11am. A daily pass is $12 with a sibling pass for $7. Supervised Play is also available for $20 for up to 1.5 hours, M-F from 2-5pm.
Little Monkey Bizness
229 Rice Lake Square, Wheaton and 4700 Gilbert Ave, Suite 51, Western Springs
Little Monkey Bizness offers a full-service gourmet coffee bar, and a wide assortment of delicious and healthy choices of food. The seating area overlooks a 3,000+ square foot play area, where kids enjoy playhouses, dance floors, educational computer games, and a separate area for babies and crawlers. A separate art area provides activities during special art sessions and open art time.
Play hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9am - 6pm; Tuesday and Friday 9am - 8pm; and Saturday and Sunday from 9am - noon. Open play admission is $7.50 per child over the age of 1, and $5.00 per child for crawlers between 6 months and 1 year. Infants and parents are free.
Nibbles Play Cafe
13 Huntington Lane, Wheeling
Parents will delight in the bistro-style menu and kids will enjoy a great selection of kids entrees after they've built up an appetite playing. Play areas at Nibbles include an area for non-walkers, trains and tracks, a construction zone, small toy area and arts and crafts. Nibbles also has hosts fun family events on a regular basis, with concerts, storytelling, and other themed activities.
Hours are 9:30am-8:00pm weekdays and 9:30-3:00 on weekends. Admission is $5 for kids age 1-7, with additional siblings $3.00. Older children and adults are free.
Pickle's Playroom
2315 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago
Pickle's Playroom opened its doors just about a month ago, so it's the newest play cafe to hit Chicago. The cafe offers Metropolis brand coffee and organic baked goods from local favorite Bleeding Heart Bakery, plus a lunch menu with basic kids fare and a few selections for the grownups. The play area includes a kiddie rock climbing wall, factory control room, large tunnel slide, grocery store, towering dollhouse, and a separate area for crawlers/tiny tots. Classes and events are said to be coming soon. There's also a kids' hair salon on site, so for an additional $20, your little one can walk out with a new 'do.
Open play is $12, and siblings are $9, with multi-visit and monthly passes available. Hours are Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm; Saturday 9am - 3pm; Sunday 10am - 3pm.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Take me out to the ballgame - in Chicago!
Baseball season is in full swing, and whether you cheer for the Cubs or the White Sox, there's plenty of family fun to be had at both of Chicago's stadiums.
Chicago Cubs Family Days/Promotions:
Chicago White Sox Family Days/Promotions:
Vines on Clark
3554 N Clark Street, Chicago, (773) 327-8572
Located just 1/2 block from Wrigley, Vines has a spacious dining area with an outdoor patio. Options include sandwiches, salads, wraps, burgers, & pizza, and there are brunch options for early games.
Goose Island Brewpub
3535 N Clark St., Chicago, (773) 832-9040
This kid friendly pub has patio seating, is smoke free, and offers American traditional food. It's a Chicago landmark, so it can be part of your family Chicago experience.
Pat's Pizza
2679 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, (773) 248-0168
Pat's Pizza is known for their thin crust pizza and is only a short walk from Wrigley Field.
Ann Sather Café
3416 N Southport Ave., Chicago, (773) 404-4475
This famous local spot has great breakfast and brunch options ranging from omelettes to pancakes to french toast.
Sox Game Dining Suggestions:
Connie's Pizza
2373 S. Archer Avenue Chicago, IL, 60616, (312) 326-3443
A few miles from US Cellular field, their pizza is delicious and easy to split among the family. Picky eaters will easily find something on this Italian menu that will make them happy too!
Bongo Room
1152 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, (312) 291-0100
Located in the South Loop, this restaurant has great breakfast and brunch menus as well as a large lunch menu.
Leona's Restaurant
1419 W Taylor St., Chicago, (312) 850-2222
Leona's is a family friendly spot in Little Italy, not too far from Cellular Field. Pizzas, pastas and sandwiches will keep the whole family happy.
Chicago Cubs Family Days/Promotions:
- Tuesday, August 9: Cubs Plush Bear (First 5,000 children 13 & younger)
- Friday, September 2: American Girl Doll-sized Cubs Apparel (First 4,000 children 14 & younger)
Chicago White Sox Family Days/Promotions:
- Sunday, April 17: Kids Day-Celebration of spring
- Sunday, May 1: Mother Son Day
- Sunday, May 22: Kids Day-Sox Expo
- Sunday, June 5: White Sox Kid's Jersey Giveaway
- Sunday, June 12: Father Daughter Day
- Sunday, June 26: Kids Day-Southpaw's Birthday
- Sunday, July 10: Kids Day-Wild about the Sox
- Sunday, August 21: Kids Day-Back to School Carnival
Tips for Enjoying Your Baseball Outing
Once you've picked a date and are ready to go, here are some tips to help your family enjoy the game:
- Get the whole family into some team colors and team gear!
- Bring a baseball glove - you never know when a fly ball could head your way!
- Bring the camera for family photos - you'll always remember the big day.
- Enjoy some hotdogs, pizza, popcorn, peanuts and more - it's a baseball tradition. And you can bring your own bottled water at long as it's sealed.
- Arrive early to watch team batting practice and warm ups - both parks open 2 hours before the game starts. Bring a permanent marker, something to write on, and ask for autographs!
- Protect yourself from the sun! Bring sun block, hats, and sunglasses.
- Stay through the 7th inning so you can sing "take me out to the ballgame."
- Find a fun spot to eat before or after the game.
Vines on Clark
3554 N Clark Street, Chicago, (773) 327-8572
Located just 1/2 block from Wrigley, Vines has a spacious dining area with an outdoor patio. Options include sandwiches, salads, wraps, burgers, & pizza, and there are brunch options for early games.
Goose Island Brewpub
3535 N Clark St., Chicago, (773) 832-9040
This kid friendly pub has patio seating, is smoke free, and offers American traditional food. It's a Chicago landmark, so it can be part of your family Chicago experience.
Pat's Pizza
2679 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, (773) 248-0168
Pat's Pizza is known for their thin crust pizza and is only a short walk from Wrigley Field.
Ann Sather Café
3416 N Southport Ave., Chicago, (773) 404-4475
This famous local spot has great breakfast and brunch options ranging from omelettes to pancakes to french toast.
Sox Game Dining Suggestions:
Connie's Pizza
2373 S. Archer Avenue Chicago, IL, 60616, (312) 326-3443
A few miles from US Cellular field, their pizza is delicious and easy to split among the family. Picky eaters will easily find something on this Italian menu that will make them happy too!
Bongo Room
1152 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, (312) 291-0100
Located in the South Loop, this restaurant has great breakfast and brunch menus as well as a large lunch menu.
Leona's Restaurant
1419 W Taylor St., Chicago, (312) 850-2222
Leona's is a family friendly spot in Little Italy, not too far from Cellular Field. Pizzas, pastas and sandwiches will keep the whole family happy.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Chicagoland Easter Event Highlights
The Easter Bunny is quite busy this month, making appearances all over town. ChicagoKids.com has put together a list of many Easter events taking place in Chicago and the suburbs, and here are some highlights below.
Breakfast with the Bunny at Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
April 9, 10, 17 and 23
An all-you-can-eat breakfast with a special appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Bunny, with opportunities for photos and visit from some of Children’s Zoo’s furry critters. Seatings at 9am and 11am. $38 for adults and $26.50 for children 3-11. Registration required.
Doggie Easter Egg Hunt at Horner Park, Chicago
April 16
Meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy a family-friendly event that includes a Doggie egg hunt, bonnet parade, obstacle course, raffle. 10:00am - 12:00pm. $5 per dog.
Easter Eggstravaganza at Chase Park, Chicago
April 16
Kids will experience an unforgettable time with friends and the Bunny! Event includes an egg hunt, craft project, face painting, entertainment, goodie bag, and more. 10:00am - 12:00pm. Free.
Soldier Field Spring Egg-Stravaganza, Chicago
April 17
Come out for the largest candy grab in the city! The stadium opens at 9am for family friendly activities including face painters, fun inflatables, balloon artists, and a Radio Disney Show. At 10am the first group of kids can collect all the goodies they can on the field. Free.
Egg Hunt at Frontier Sports Complex, Naperville
April 23
A colorful egg hunt and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt begins at 10:00 a.m. sharp. Only children age 2 or younger may have help from a parent. Bring a donation of non-perishable food items for the Jaycees. Ages 1-8. Free.
Visit our Easter Highlights page to find more events.
Breakfast with the Bunny at Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield
April 9, 10, 17 and 23
An all-you-can-eat breakfast with a special appearance from Mr. and Mrs. Bunny, with opportunities for photos and visit from some of Children’s Zoo’s furry critters. Seatings at 9am and 11am. $38 for adults and $26.50 for children 3-11. Registration required.
Doggie Easter Egg Hunt at Horner Park, Chicago
April 16
Meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy a family-friendly event that includes a Doggie egg hunt, bonnet parade, obstacle course, raffle. 10:00am - 12:00pm. $5 per dog.
Easter Eggstravaganza at Chase Park, Chicago
April 16
Kids will experience an unforgettable time with friends and the Bunny! Event includes an egg hunt, craft project, face painting, entertainment, goodie bag, and more. 10:00am - 12:00pm. Free.
Soldier Field Spring Egg-Stravaganza, Chicago
April 17
Come out for the largest candy grab in the city! The stadium opens at 9am for family friendly activities including face painters, fun inflatables, balloon artists, and a Radio Disney Show. At 10am the first group of kids can collect all the goodies they can on the field. Free.
Egg Hunt at Frontier Sports Complex, Naperville
April 23
A colorful egg hunt and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. The egg hunt begins at 10:00 a.m. sharp. Only children age 2 or younger may have help from a parent. Bring a donation of non-perishable food items for the Jaycees. Ages 1-8. Free.
Visit our Easter Highlights page to find more events.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Earth Day Celebrations in April
It's April, and while Earth Day is still a few weeks away, there are plenty of events taking place throughout the month of April to celebrate. We've compiled a list of events on our web site - click here to view - and here are some highlights:
April 16
Green Metropolis Fair at Irish American Heritage Center
Hands-on family-friendly activities with farm animals, composting, showings of Dirt! The Movie & Vanishing of the Bees, a retail market, a food market, presentations and more. 10am-4pm. All ages. Bring a non-perishable food donation for free entry!
April 23
11th Annual Earth Day at North Pond Nature Sanctuary
Bring the whole family and spend a day making a difference and helping clean up and beautify the sanctuary. Registration required. 10 a.m. to Noon. Ages 12 and up. Free!
April 23
Party for the Planet at Brookfield Zoo
This special day highlights polar bears and the effects climate change has on them. Tour the Eco Expo, record your wish for the planet, ride on the "Poop Tram" and enjoy a variety of family entertainment. 11am - 4pm. All ages. Regular admission applies.
April 23
Earth Day Festival at Armstrong Park in Carol Stream
Enjoy Earth Day Festival & Farmers’ market, with an annual eco-fest. Volunteer for the park clean up, explore the farmers market or get hands on with eco-friendly gadgets, rain barrel workshops, Recycle Kids Craft Corner and more. 9am - 1pm. All ages. Free!
April 30
REI Earth Day Service Project at Heller Nature Center
A great project for the whole family! Help by bringing your own tools: shovels, bow rakes and wheelbarrows. Dress for the weather and prepare to get dirty! Volunteers receive a free T-shirt and other giveaways while supplies last. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. All ages. Free!
April 30
Green and Growing Fair at Garfield Park Conservatory
The fair, sponsored by GreenNet, features a variety of vendors, workshops, demonstrations, and family activities to get your rusty green thumb up and running. Gather resources for your own garden, and participate in family take home planting activities. All ages. 10am - 2pm. Free!
View more Earth Day events and activities on the ChicagoKids.com web site.
April 16
Green Metropolis Fair at Irish American Heritage Center
Hands-on family-friendly activities with farm animals, composting, showings of Dirt! The Movie & Vanishing of the Bees, a retail market, a food market, presentations and more. 10am-4pm. All ages. Bring a non-perishable food donation for free entry!
April 23
11th Annual Earth Day at North Pond Nature Sanctuary
Bring the whole family and spend a day making a difference and helping clean up and beautify the sanctuary. Registration required. 10 a.m. to Noon. Ages 12 and up. Free!
April 23
Party for the Planet at Brookfield Zoo
This special day highlights polar bears and the effects climate change has on them. Tour the Eco Expo, record your wish for the planet, ride on the "Poop Tram" and enjoy a variety of family entertainment. 11am - 4pm. All ages. Regular admission applies.
April 23
Earth Day Festival at Armstrong Park in Carol Stream
Enjoy Earth Day Festival & Farmers’ market, with an annual eco-fest. Volunteer for the park clean up, explore the farmers market or get hands on with eco-friendly gadgets, rain barrel workshops, Recycle Kids Craft Corner and more. 9am - 1pm. All ages. Free!
April 30
REI Earth Day Service Project at Heller Nature Center
A great project for the whole family! Help by bringing your own tools: shovels, bow rakes and wheelbarrows. Dress for the weather and prepare to get dirty! Volunteers receive a free T-shirt and other giveaways while supplies last. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. All ages. Free!
April 30
Green and Growing Fair at Garfield Park Conservatory
The fair, sponsored by GreenNet, features a variety of vendors, workshops, demonstrations, and family activities to get your rusty green thumb up and running. Gather resources for your own garden, and participate in family take home planting activities. All ages. 10am - 2pm. Free!
View more Earth Day events and activities on the ChicagoKids.com web site.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Make-A-Messterpiece - Messy, Creative Fun
When it comes to making a mess, my nearly 3-year-old daughter Mia is NOT interested. If there's a crumb on her shirt, a speck of paint on her fingers, or essentially anything out of place, her world gets knocked out of alignment. At just one year old, she was already insisting on being given paper towel pieces to wipe up microscopic dots of milk from the floor. Common phrases in our house are "I don't want to be messy!" and "Wipe me! Wipe me!"
So when my mom started taking Mia to Make-A-Messterpiece, near her home, for occasional visits, I couldn't fathom what Mia was doing there. Last week I took Mia there myself to check it out firsthand, and I couldn't believe my eyes... my daughter with paint on her hands, not freaking out!
Make-A-Messterpiece is a hands-on art and fun space offering a variety of mess-making activities. Not counting the indoor play area - since Mia simply can't pass up a good slide - we spent our time in two areas: at the Splat-Tacular Tables, and at Bubbleology.
The Splat-Tacular Tables are simply an area where kids can pull up a chair and freestyle, with all sorts of tools at their disposal like crayons, paint, stencils, sponges and other items. Kids can experiment with all sorts of techniques, and Mia made 3 great pictures that we brought home.
The Bubbleology area is Mia's favorite. Mine too. Bubbleology looks like a futuristic lab, with huge canister-shaped columns hanging over rounded metal sinks, spewing colorful bubbles onto whatever paper you put below them. Kids can choose the color column they want, then take a piece of paper, attach a stencil if they desire, and then put the paper under the "spout" while the bubbles come out. The bubbles land on the page and eventually pop, creating magical images that are actually frame-worthy.
Mia picked a snail - here's her experience and final product:
Other creative areas include a Creative Kitchen, where kids create edible artistic treats; Drum Roll, where kids play paint-filled drums; Experimentation Station, which lets kids do experiments and learn cause and effect lessons; and Lil Sprouts, where budding gardeners learn the concepts of reduce, reuse, recycle and sustainability.
Learn more at www.makeamessterpiece.com
So when my mom started taking Mia to Make-A-Messterpiece, near her home, for occasional visits, I couldn't fathom what Mia was doing there. Last week I took Mia there myself to check it out firsthand, and I couldn't believe my eyes... my daughter with paint on her hands, not freaking out!
Make-A-Messterpiece is a hands-on art and fun space offering a variety of mess-making activities. Not counting the indoor play area - since Mia simply can't pass up a good slide - we spent our time in two areas: at the Splat-Tacular Tables, and at Bubbleology.
The Splat-Tacular Tables are simply an area where kids can pull up a chair and freestyle, with all sorts of tools at their disposal like crayons, paint, stencils, sponges and other items. Kids can experiment with all sorts of techniques, and Mia made 3 great pictures that we brought home.
The Bubbleology area is Mia's favorite. Mine too. Bubbleology looks like a futuristic lab, with huge canister-shaped columns hanging over rounded metal sinks, spewing colorful bubbles onto whatever paper you put below them. Kids can choose the color column they want, then take a piece of paper, attach a stencil if they desire, and then put the paper under the "spout" while the bubbles come out. The bubbles land on the page and eventually pop, creating magical images that are actually frame-worthy.
Mia picked a snail - here's her experience and final product:
Other creative areas include a Creative Kitchen, where kids create edible artistic treats; Drum Roll, where kids play paint-filled drums; Experimentation Station, which lets kids do experiments and learn cause and effect lessons; and Lil Sprouts, where budding gardeners learn the concepts of reduce, reuse, recycle and sustainability.
Learn more at www.makeamessterpiece.com
Monday, March 21, 2011
Last Chance to Skate in the Sky
It's hard to think about winter activities when it feels like spring is in the air.
But if you didn’t get to ice skate at the John Hancock Observatory’s indoor rink, there's still time! The rink is open through March 31, from 9am-11pm, with the last ice skating tickets being sold at 10pm. Skate rentals are only $1, and next Monday will be your last chance to enjoy a free skating lesson from the Chicago Blackhawks Youth Hockey coaches.
And there's one last taste of winter that you can enjoy when you're done skating. Walk across the street to Ghirardelli's and savor a cup of their frothy hot chocolate. And if it's too warm for hot chocolate by the time you do this, then bring on the ice cream sundaes!
With this last winter activity out of your system, let the spring weather begin!
But if you didn’t get to ice skate at the John Hancock Observatory’s indoor rink, there's still time! The rink is open through March 31, from 9am-11pm, with the last ice skating tickets being sold at 10pm. Skate rentals are only $1, and next Monday will be your last chance to enjoy a free skating lesson from the Chicago Blackhawks Youth Hockey coaches.
And there's one last taste of winter that you can enjoy when you're done skating. Walk across the street to Ghirardelli's and savor a cup of their frothy hot chocolate. And if it's too warm for hot chocolate by the time you do this, then bring on the ice cream sundaes!
With this last winter activity out of your system, let the spring weather begin!
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