Gift Cards and Goods For Less - Online Auction This Week

From a blogging perspective, this was a great weekend to have a baby!  Greetings from Prentice where I birthed a healthy baby boy early Saturday morning.  I was happy to find out that it is not a myth, delivery and recovery really are 1000x easier the second time around.  And it is amazingly easy to get some blogging done when you are isolated to a room that does not contain a 3 year old, stacks of laundry, or a grocery list - just a sleepy little newborn!  The blog will be abbreviated this week since I have a good excuse and because of the holiday.  But pay attention peeps, there are some awesome deals to be had below! 

Deals on the Cheap: Online Auction for Families Together 
Families Together, a coop pre-school in Edgewater, is having an online auction fundraiser with loads of great goods.  I'm particularly psyched about the $20 starting bid price on the $50 gift card for Nightwood (amazing new restaurant in Pilsen - get there if you haven't already).  There are 73 items in the 'food and wine' category including gift cards to Hop Leaf, Metropolis, Charlie Trotters, Uncommon Ground and a signed Rick Bayless cookbook. There's some great items in the 'Kids" category as well.  Check out Gymboree gift cards, Snippets gift cards, and a discounted 10-punch card to Family Grounds.  Bidding starts on Monday 11/23.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to get a great x-mas gift for you or a friend at a discount!  Click here for the auction site.  Happy bidding and Happy Thanksgiving!

Holiday Photo Card Contest - First Email Wins!!!

A few weeks ago I featured holiday photo cards and photo announcements by Mommies Ink on Windy City Tot.  Jen, the local designer/owner of Mommies Ink, has now offered to give a free photo card to one lucky WCT reader!  The first one to email me at: windycitytot@gmail.com wins a free photo holiday card!  The winner will simply pick their favorite design (um, she has some new ones up that are AMAZINGLY CUTE), then send Jen the photo(s) to appear on your card, pick your font and wording, and she'll send you back an adorable photo card for you to send to everyone on your holiday card list.  Jen also told me about press printing, so that your photo card can be printed on card stock instead of on photo paper.  Check out mpix or A Printing Press for photo or press printing options or print on photo paper through Walgreens, Costco, Kodak, etc.  It is a totally simple, unique, and inexpensive way to impress everyone on your holiday card list!  
Good luck in the contest!

Notebart Nature Museum on the Cheap! Monday 11/16 - Sunday 11/22

Readers, sorry I've been a blogging slacker.  38 weeks pregnant + colds in our house + a stomach bug for mom + trying to organize my life for a newborn = no blog last week.  As much as I'm trying to savor the last weeks of relative sanity in this house, the above scenario has been par for the course with this pregnancy and I'm ready to birth this baby.  Now.  So, over the next month you can expect more of the same blogging slackerness as I'm juggling life with a new baby and a toddler.  My plan is to publish one giant posting for December encompassing much of the holiday festivities in Chicago.  That's the plan anyway.  Hopefully it will come to fruition.  In the meantime, here's what's happening now and an awesome deal that you should jump on to help keep the family entertained during the doldrums of winter:

Groupon for Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum - Hurry, this deal is about to expire.  Don't miss your chance to purchase a  1 year family membership to the Nature Museum for only $27!  What an awesome price for access to the indoor play area, the butterflies, discounts on classes, and everything else the museum has to offer.  I just bought mine.  I'm so excited!  Hit this link to purchase.

THIS WEEK:

Morning Glories for Families: Every Monday morning families with preschoolers are invited to the Garfield Park Conservatory for a hands on nature project and story time followed by the opportunity to dig in the dirt, water the plants, and play with musical instruments.  $1 suggested donation per family. 

Where: Garfield Park Conservatory • 300 N Central Park, Chicago

When: Mondays 10a-12n

Park District Fall Family Night: Head to Gompers Park with the fam to meet live animals, make nature themed crafts, enjoy refreshments and even a bonfire if weather permits.  

Where: Gompers Park • 4222 W Foster, Chicago

When: Thursday 5p-6:30p

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival: The annual lighting procession along Michigan Ave led by Mickey Mouse is this weekend.  It is a fun family event, but be prepared for massive crowds.  Last time we did it we camped out in the Citibank on Michigan Ave.  Yes, it is a random place to watch, but it is elevated a bit above the crowds and you don't have to stand in the cold.  Use your ATM card to get in and then hang out in the window to watch the Disney characters float by and the lights come on along the Avenue.  For pre-lights festivities, hit the Justin Roberts show at 11a and the Ralph's world performance at 12:15p.
Where: Pioneer Court • 401 N Michigan Ave, Chicago
When: Saturday • 11a-10p

Talkin Turkey at the Nature Museum: Get the kids gobbling  about Thanksgiving at the Nature Museum this weekend.  They'll see a wild turkey, play turkey trivia and make turkey crafts.  Free with admission.  This is a great time to activate the Groupon you purchased above and hit the Green City Market as well!

Where: The Notebaert Nature Museum • 2430 N Canon Drive, Chicago

When: Sat and Sun 11a-3p

Baby Loves Disco: Head to the Metro on Sunday for entertainment including a DJ spinning hits from the 70s - 90s, dancing, bubbles, props, bean bag chill out area, free product samples, snacks and more.  It's the best of both worlds.  Mom and dad can get a bloody and the tots can get an organic juice box.  $12 per walking human in advance and $15 at the door.

Where: The Metro • 3730 N Clark, Chicago

When: Sun 12n-3p 

Harvest Hootenanny: Old Town School of Folk Music is holding a Harvest Ho-Down concert featuring country kiddie-tunes.  $12 non-members / $11 members. 

Where: Old Town School of Music • 4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago

When: Sunday 11a

Kids Music at the Beat Kitchen: Mary Macaroni will perform the matinee kids show on Sunday at the Beat Kitchen.  Make a meal of it and grab lunch/brunch there beforehand.  The kids can get a grilled cheese while you chow down on a breakfast wrap. Hang out for arts and crafts after the show.  

Where: The Beat Kitchen • 2100 West Belmont

When: Sunday Brunch starts at 11:30 and Karen performs at noon.

Monday 11/2 - Sunday 11/8

Thought of the Week:  The Holiday Card Your Friends Won't Have

Apparently it is the holiday season. On Saturday I was in Target, doing a last minute Halloween supply mad dash, and was shocked, as I am every year, that the Christmas season seems to be starting weeks, maybe months, earlier than it did back in the days pre-Big Box retailers.  On one hand, I'm pissed that Target and other retailers have defined mid-October as the start of the holiday season.  On the other, I feel that maybe this is the kick in the butt I need this year to get a head start on all things holiday.  After all, my due date is two days after Thanksgiving, which means my normal last minute shopping routine is not going to be ideal given I'll have a newborn attached to my boob and a 3 year old vying for my attention.  Just as all these thoughts of stressful holiday chaos was floating through my head, I saw that a local mom with a business called Mommies Ink, had started following me on Twitter.  When I clicked on her Etsy site to figure out what she's selling, my first thought was: BRILLIANT.  For $10, yes only $10, she will insert one of your pictures into her cute photo card designs.  You pick the design, you pick the font, you pick the wording.  She sends the completed card back to you, you upload it to Kodak, Walgreens, Costco, wherever you get your online photos printed (I personally prefer mpix).  Have them printed shiny or matte, 4x6 or 5x7, and then stuff them in envelopes that you can purchased online as well (try Action Envelopes).  According to my rough number crunching, photo cards done this way will cost about 1/2 the price you would pay on Tiny Prints.  Plus you'll send out a card that most of your friends have never seen before.  And if you are willing to pay a little more, Mommies Ink will customize a design for you.  If only I had thought of this...if only I had majored in graphic design....if only I knew how to use my bootleg copy of PhotoShop.  Until then, I'll use Mommies Ink for my birth announcement/holiday card this year!

THIS WEEK:

Tots on Tuesdays at the Shedd: Every Tuesday the Shedd Aquarium offers activities devoted to toddlers and pre-schoolers. There are story times, crafts, animal touch programs, videos and costumed characters.
Where: The Shedd Aquarium • 1200 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago
When: Tuesdays • 9a-5p

Nature Pals Playgroup: Bring your 1 to 4 year old to the Nature Museum to meet new friends and explore hands-on nature themed activities. $15 for an adult + 1 child.  $10 for additional children.   

Where: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum • 2430 N Cannon Drive

When: Wednesday 9:30a-10:30a

Park District Fall Family Night: On Thursday night, why not have the nanny drop the kids off at your office downtown and then head to Northerly Island with the fam.  You'll meet live critters, make fall themed nature crafts, and enjoy refreshments.  This is an indoor activity.  FREE.

Where: Northerly Island • 1400 S Lynn Wright Drive

When: Thursday 5p-6:30p

Green City Market Moves Indoors: As sad as it is to see the Green City Market move inside for the season,  we have to be thankful that we have access to an amazing farmers market in the city all year round.  Plus, this is one of the best family activities going on cold winter weekends.  Mom or dad get to shop for produce, meat, dairy, etc and kids get to spend a morning with the butterflies, at the indoor play area, and checking out the Critter Cam Exhibit.  

Where: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum • 2430 N Cannon Drive

When: Saturdays 8a-1p

Drum Circle at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center: Come make music with your little ones ages 6 and under on Saturday in Lincoln Park.  An hour of beating on drums sounds like a more sane plan than a drum set at home!  FREE!

Where: Lincoln Park Cultural Center • 2045 N Lincoln Park West

When: Sat 10a-11a

Kids Music at the Beat Kitchen: One of our favorite Wiggle Worms teachers, Karen of the Karen for Kids Band, will perform a matinee show on Sunday at the Beat Kitchen.  Make a meal of it and grab lunch/brunch there before hand.  The kids can get a grilled cheese while you chow down on a breakfast wrap.

Where: The Beat Kitchen • 2100 West Belmont

When: Sunday Brunch starts at 11:30 and Karen performs at noon.

Halloweenapalooza Monday 10/27 - Sunday 11/1

Pick a neighborhood, any neighborhood, there are Halloween activities in every one of them this weekend.  Here's some of the many hallow happenings. 

THIS WEEK:

Wild Wednesdays: On the last Wednesday of the month, Garfield Park has a live animal show-and-tell with professional animal handler Scott Heinrichs. This week, in honor of Halloween, kids can get a close-up look at bats, participate in a scavenger hunt as well as other animal-themed activities. FREE.

Where: Garfield Park Conservatory • 300 N Central Park Ave

When: Wednesday 3p-6p (drop in anytime)

Trails of Terror: Peterson Park has created a half mile of trails through a haunted seaside town. Kids brave enough will experience a haunted boardwalk, abandoned fishing boats, and a spooky general store all crawling with ghosts and scary creatures.  Recommended for kids 8+.

Where: Peterson Park • 5801 N Pulaski, Chicago

When: Wednesday 6:30-9:30p

Pump It Up Halloween Spooktacular: Pump it Up is having a costume party on Friday including spooky decorations, pumpkin decorating and bowling, and of course the inflatables.  Buy tickets in advance by clicking on the above link.  $15 per child or $25 for two kids.  Adults are $5

Where: 821 W Eastman, Chicago

When: Friday 10a-1p or 5p-8p

Creatures of the Night: Looking for a fun and educational Halloween activity that doesn't involve a candy stroll?  This might be the event for you.  Hit the Garfield Park Conservatory where kids can get a rare close up look at nocturnal creatures such as fruit bats, spiders, owls, armadillos, and hedgehogs.  There will be treats for the kids at every critter station as well as spider plant painting, nectar cups, wormy apples and more.  FREE!

Where: Garfield Park Conservatory • 300 N Central Park Ave

When: Saturday 12n-3p

Green City Market: Parents and kids can enjoy a healthy dose of Halloween on Saturday morning in Lincoln Park.  There will be a kid's tour of the market, treats tasting, a costume contest, and kids cooking demo.  The market moves inside after this week.

Where: South end of Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton

When: Saturday 9a-12n

Trick or Treat in Northcenter: Head to the Northcenter Town Square for a costume contest, refreshments, prizes and trick or treating along Lincoln Ave.

Where: 4100 N Lincoln - in the square just north of CVS

When: Saturday 11a

Lincoln Square Halloween Happenings: Trick or treating at businesses along Lincoln Ave as well as other free activities.

Where: Lincoln Square • Lincoln Ave

When: Saturday 10a-4p

Wicker Park & Bucktown Boo-Palooza: Wicker Park/Bucktown is going all out for Halloween this year.  Kids can enjoy everything from a haunted house, hayrides, store-to-store tick or treating, arts and crafts, etc. Hit the link above for times and locations of all the events.

Where: Bucktown and Wicker Park (hit above link for details)

When: Saturday 12n-4p

Andersonville Kids Trick or Treat and Costume Contest: Andersonville takes their kids' costume contest very seriously with a $200 prize to the first place winner.  Kids trick or treat from 3p-5p on Clark Street and the store owners vote on best costumes.  Make sure to register your kids at Cheetah Gym before you start trick or treating.

Where: Start at Cheetah Gym • 5248 N Clark Street

When: Saturday 3p-5p

Halloween in Rogers Park: Kids can enjoy a fortune teller, cookie decorating, games, trick or treating, and pumpkin decorating.

Where: Rogers Park • Jarvis and Greenview

When: Saturday 4p-8p

Also make sure to hit the Chicago Park District website for all the park Halloween parties this week.  There are simply too many to mention.  Click here for details.

Halloween Jamboree on Sunday Chase Park

Looking for some Halloween fun on Sunday but want to avoid the crowds at the Southport Stroll?  Head to Chase Park for the Halloween Jamboree pet and human costume parade and activities.  There will be pumpkin decorating, face painting, spooky storytelling, arts and crafts and trick or treating all in the big Chase Park field.
When: Sunday 12n-4p • Costume Parade at 2p
Where: Chase Park • 4701 N. Ashland

Monday 10/19 - Sunday 10/26/09

There are so many Halloween festivities in the coming weeks that I'm not sure how to choose between all the options.  Below I've highlighted some of the spooky spectaculars that sound the most promising.  Also, if you are looking to get away from the costumes and candy for a short period of time this weekend, check out the FREE Spanish classes for kids on Saturday.  Perhaps treating your kids to some brain food will make you feel a little better about two weekends of trick-or-treating for sugary sweets.  






THIS WEEK


Little Builders Exhibit: Is your child fascinated with household tools or Bob the Builder? If so, they'll love the new exhibit at the Kohl Children's Museum which allows kids to don a hard hat and build structures with blocks and pvc pipes, drive a dump truck and crane, paint with rollers, play with a wall of tools, etc.  
When: Daily through 1/10/10
Where: Kohl Children's Museum • 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview 


Hallow Fest at the Botanic Garden: The Botanic Garden celebrates a garden of good an evil in honor of Halloween this weekend.  There will be children's concerts and entertainment, pumpkin decorating, and ghost trains in the Model Railroad Garden.  
When: Fri and Sat 6p-8:30p • Sun 3p-5:30p
Where: Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe


Brookfield Zoo: The Brookfield zoo celebrates halloween with Boo at the Zoo and Dino Nights this weekend.  There will be scarecrow building, pumpkin decorating, a corn maze, hay rides, etc during the day.  There will also be a nighttime entrance to Dinosaurs Alive as well as spooky Halloween activities into the evening. Combo tickets for both events are $18 for adults and $12 for kids 3+.  

When: Dino Nights is Fri-Sun Night Boo at the Zoo is Sat and Sun day (hit above link for exact times)

Where: Brookfield Zoo • 8400 31st Street, Brookfield

Free Spanish Classes for Kids: Multilingual Chicago, a new language school opening in Logan Square, is offering free preview classes this weekend.  As every parent knows, kids' minds are little sponges so the earlier they are exposed to a second language the better!  And just for Windy City Tot readers, Multilingual Chicago is offering a 10% off coupon code good until the end of the year.  Use code WCT09 when registering for classes.  Click the link above to register for the free classes this weekend.
When: Sat 9a-9:50a Parent and Tot Spanish 18mo-3yrs • Sat 10:30a-11:30a Spanish for Kids 3-5yrs
Where: 2934 N Milwaukee Ave, Suite C


Andersonville Halloween Get Together: Bring kids age 5 and under to the playground to celebrate Halloween with your Andersonville neighbors. 
When: Sat 10a-12n
Where: Andersonville Playlot • 5233 N Ashland


Lincoln Park Zoo's Spooky Zoo Spectacular: Families can enjoy entertainment, a haunted house, arts and crafts and trick-or treating all while hanging out with the zoo animals.  
When: Sat 11a - 2p
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo • 2200 N Cannon, Chicago


Peterson Park No Scare Trail: Events at Peterson Park include costumed characters, face painting, pumpkins, games, treats, and Halloween trails.  
When: Sat 10a-1p
Where: Peterson Park • 5801 N Pulaski Road


Roscoe Village Halloween Parade: RV's annual Halloween parade marches up Damen for trick-or-treating at the local businesses.  
When: Sunday 2pm
Where: Parade starts at Leavitt and Roscoe


Southport Halloween Stroll: One of the more popular Chicago retail Halloween strolls takes place on Sunday.  You'll see a lot of cute costumes along a great street, but be warned: this is one of the most crowded kids' strolls of the season.  I wish traffic on Southport was blocked for this event as there is barely any room to walk on the sidewalks.  Be prepared for bumper to bumper Bugaboos. 
When: Sunday 1p-4p
Where: Southport north of Belmont

Fall Fest & Petting Zoo in the City This Weekend!

Just found out about a great fall festival for kids happening this weekend in the city!  Grand Street Gardens, an organic garden store/nursery/gift shop (think Gesthemane south), is bring all the fun of the farm to the city this weekend!  Kids can celebrate all things autumnal with a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, live music, scarecrow building, face painting, costume characters, games, etc.  They also promise an amazing selection of pumpkins and gourds!.  So if you want to give you kids the fall farm experience without trekking 90 miles outside of city, hit Grand Street this weekend.
When: Sat and Sun 11a-4p
Where: 2200 W Grand, Chicago

Monday 10/12 - Sunday 10/18

Thought of the Week: Grinding Halt
I realize I'm probably the last one in the city to list and/or review Family Grounds Cafe in Northcenter.  We've been busy traveling in the last month, so I just hadn't had a chance to get there yet.  Plus, I couldn't imagine playing in an indoor playground when it was warm outside so we waited until last Friday to check it out.  In case you don't remember, Friday = rainy+cold.  Due to an appointment in the morning, we couldn't make it to FG until 10:15a.  I should have been there a bit earlier, but parking was horrific (tip:  forget about the Family Grounds parking lot post-9am on a rainy day).  Anyway, when we made our way inside I found that the lucky members of our playgroup who had arrived right around 9a were happily frolicking in the play area.  Little Man and I were unhappily on the waiting list - a minimum of a 45 minute wait waiting list.  So, I purchase my chai tea latte, and wait, and wait, and let Little Man have some and now he's all hopped up on caffeine with no where to play.  Readers, I hope you don't misinterpret this as a pissed off rant about Family Grounds.  Really what I'm most pissed off about is that I didn't come up with the concept first.  This place is so popular that I'm predicting lines around the block in the dead of winter.  Anyway, the moral to this story is this: check the Family Grounds website frequently in the coming month.  I heard the owner telling people that she is considering a sign up list for play times on the FG website.  And since we left before our name was called as it was looking like more than a 45 minute wait, I'd love to have the opportunity to go back without the possibility of delay.  If I have to be on maternity leave in the dead of winter in Chicago, a wait-free FG sounds like an excellent place to have newborn slung to my chest while sipping warm, caffeinated beverages AND letting the Little Man run himself ragged.  This scenario thus ensures a big afternoon nap for the entire household, which of course is the ultimate goal.  Maybe that's an optimistic view of my future, but a girl can dream.  If my dream comes true, we'll be at FG multiple times a week. 

THIS WEEK

Columbus Day Celebration/Camp: You have to work but your kids don't have school on Columbus Day.  No problem, you can drop your kids age 6-12 off at Margate Park on Monday for a day chocked full of activities including a movie, sports, games, and other activities.
When: Monday 9a-6p
Where: Margate Park • 4921 N Marine Drive AND Wicker Park • 1425 N Damen


Day Off at the Museum:  Kids age 6-8 can spend Columbus day at the Notebaert learning about science and animals.  Snacks are provided but you will need to pack a lunch.  $45 members and $55 non-members. 
When: Monday 9a-3p
Where: The Notebaert Nature Museum • 2430 N Cannon Drive, Chicago


Field Museum: Monday is a free admission day at the Field Museum.  It is sure to be crowded given that it is a school holiday.  The Real Pirates exhibit ends next week, so make sure to hit the museum soon if you haven't taken your kids to this exhibit. 
When: Monday 9a-5p
Where: 1400 S Lakeshore Drive, Chicago


Bedtime Buddies:  Come check out the zoo under the stars and moon on Friday night.  Kids can wish small mammals and reptiles goodnight and then head to the bat cave and get up close to the nocturnal animals.   Open to all ages but designed for kids age 3-10.  Members pay $35 for adults/$25 for kids 3+.  Non-members pay $40 for adults/$30 for kids age 3+. 
When: Friday 7p-9p
Where: Lincoln Park Zoo • 2200 N Cannon, Chicago

Brookfield Zoo: The zoo celebrates halloween with Boo at the Zoo and Dino Nights this weekend.  There will be scarecrow building, pumpkin decorating, a corn maze, hay rides, etc during the day.  There will also be a nighttime entrance to Dinosaurs Alive as well as spooky Halloween activities into the evening. Combo tickets for both events are $18 for adults and $12 for kids 3+.  

When: Dino Nights is Fri-Sun Night Boo at the Zoo is Sat and Sun day (hit above link for exact times)

Where: Brookfield Zoo • 8400 31st Street, Brookfield

Twilight Night: Kids of all ages are invited to Northerly Island to explore what lurks in the dark.  There will be star gazing, learning about nocturnal animals, marshmallow roasting, crafts, and more.  FREE.
When: Friday 6p-8p
Where: Northerly Island • 1400 S Lynn Wright Drive

Corn Harvest Festival: The closest farm to Chicago will celebrate the autumnal season with horse drawn wagon rides, corn picking, apple pressing, interaction with the farm animals, and more. Seasonal farm treats will be available for purchase.  $3 per person and children under 2 are free.
When: Saturday 10a-4p
Where: Historic Wagner Farm • 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview


Pumpkins in the Park 5K Run and Walk: Head to Lincoln Park for some exercise and fun activities for all ages.  Aside from the 5K, there will be a children's costume parade, pumpkin decorating, an adult costume contest and live music.  This is basically a fall fest that just happens to have a race starting and finishing in it's confines. Beer will be served.  The cost is $35 for the 5K and $10 for the kids sprints.  Register this week online or at a Fleet Feet location.  You can register at the event as well if there is still space remaining.
When: Sat 2p-6p (Kids sprints at 2:30p and 5K is at 4p)
Where: Lincoln Park • 1800 N Stockton Drive 


Morton Arboretum: There are all kinds of fall festivities happening every weekend in October at the Arboretum.  Kids can paint pumpkins, enjoy a scarecrow trial, watch professional gourd carving, eat seasonal food, play in the children's garden, etc.  
When: Weekends in October
Where: Morton Arboretum • 4100 IL Route 43, Lisle


ON GOING

The Alder Planetarium The Planetarium is currently showing One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure in which Big Bird, Elmo, and a friend from China, discover fun facts about the stars, planets, sun and moon. Weekday shows are at 1p and 2:30p and weekend shows are 12n and 3p. The cost of entry plus the show is $19 for adults and $15 for kids ages 3-14.

Where: 1300 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.

When: Mon-Fri 10a-4p • Sat-Sun 10a-4:30p

Barnes and Noble Story Time: Are you looking for a free activity for a rainy day? You can enjoy a latte while your kids enjoy story time at one of the Barnes and Noble city locations. 2-3 times a week the city locations offers a story time activity for children ages 0-3 years.

Where: Webster Place (1441 W. Webster) or State and Elm (1130 N. State)

When: Webster- Every Mon, Tues, Thurs 10am / State- Every Mon & Sat 10am

Brookfield Zoo: In the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit, the Brookfield Zoo has created a Jurassic Park experience minus all the scary stuff. Kids can touch and control the movement of life-sized dinosaurs along a wooded path in an outdoor forest setting. The exhibit also features a dig site that allows visitors to find replica dinosaur fossils. General zoo admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children 3-11. Admission for Dinosaurs Alive! is an additional $5 for adults and $3 for children 3-11. The exhibit runs through October.

Chicago Botanic Garden -Model Railroad Garden: Starting this week, the Botanic Garden is featuring an area devoted to model trains. Seventeen trains travel across bridges, through tunnels, and around various American landmarks in a miniature garden setting. Admission to the Botanic Garden is free but there is a $20 per car parking fee. There is an additional fee of $5 for adults and $3 for kids for the Railroad exhibit.
Where: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
When: Daily 5/9-10/25 • 10a-8p

Garfield Park Conservatory: Every Wednesday through the fall is Little Green Thumb Wednesdays at the conservatory. Little gardeners can unite to dig in the soil, plant pretend veggies, play with wheel barrels, and other gardening activities. No registration required. FREE!
Where: 300 N. Central Park Avenue, Chicago • Outside in the Demonstration Garden (moves indoors to the Children's Garden in bad weather)
When: Every Wednesday through 10/28 • 3p-6p

Green City Market: Visit Chicago's largest Farmer's Market in the heart of Lincoln Park every Wed and Sat through October 31st. Be sure to stop by the Growing Home booth for your organic produce. My son loves to run around the park and boogie to the live music while I shop for our groceries.
Tip: if you are not a zoo member, consider becoming one. why would i pay to join a free zoo, you ask? zoo membership gives you free parking adjacent to the zoo and a short walk to the farmer's market (as well as a short walk to the nature museum, the beach, etc). plus zoo membership is tax deductible. we usually get an early start on saturday mornings and hit the farmer's market and then make a stop at the zoo. this makes for a full morning of outdoor activities that the entire family can enjoy!
Where: The south end of Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton.
When: Every Wednesday and Saturday 7a-1p

The Kids' Table offers cooking classes for 2-3 year olds almost every day of the week. Classes for 4-6 year olds, 7-10 year olds, and 11-16 year olds are offered several days a week as well. The classes for toddlers and kids are one hour and cost $25. The classes for teens are 1.5 hours and are $110 for a series of four. 2337 W. North Avenue.

Lincoln Park Zoo's Edible Garden: Don't have room for a garden on your back deck? Bring your little ones to the Farm-in-the-Zoo's Edible Garden where kids get hands-on growing, weeding, compost making, and harvesting practice. Your kids may leave with an understanding that corn and tomatoes are grown somewhere other than Jewel.

Where: Lincoln Park Zoo Farm-in-the Zoo • 2200 N Canon Drive, Chicago

When: Garden is open Wed and Sat 10a-1p

Museum of Science and Industry: Bring your kids to see the Harry Potter exhibit, the Green Home exhibit, and to see live science experiments. June through October the museum will host a free farmers market on the first and third Fridays of the month from 7a-2p. The museum will always have free admission on farmers market Fridays. Otherwise, general admission is $13 for adults and $9 for kids ages 3-11.

Where: 5700 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago

When: Mon-Sat 9:30a-5:3op / Sun 11a-5:30p

Pump It Up: when it is too hot or cold to play outside, Pump It Up offers indoor play in Chicago and the suburbs. Kids can jump, slide, and climb on giant inflatables during Pop-in Playtime on the weekdays. The city location also has a separate area designed for little kids age 1-4. Pop-in playtime is $8 -$10 for 1.5 hours. Hit their website for hours and the address of the location nearest you. Locations include: Chicago, Glenview, Elmhurst, and Vernon Hills. Don't forget socks!

Tots on Tuesdays at the Shedd: Every Tuesday the Shedd Aquarium offers activities devoted to toddlers and pre-schoolers. There are story times, crafts, animal touch programs, videos and costumed characters.
Where: The Shedd Aquarium • 1200 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago
When: Tuesdays • 9a-5p

Late Weekend Post: Sat 10/10 - Sun 10/11

Sorry I've neglected you twice in one month readers!  We decided to cram all of our travel in the last four weeks and it has obviously taken a toll on my WCT weekly updates.  I'm happy to report at 33 weeks pregnant, our trip to Los Angeles to visit my mom and see a friend get married is likely our last travel for quite some time. Traveling while hugely pregnant with an almost-three-year-old is not my idea of a relaxing getaway.  Of course the time he spent with Grammy, playing on Venice beach, and just enjoying one last weekend of real warmth helped to offset the pain of 8 hours spent on an airplane with a Little Man as tired of traveling as we were.  Anyway, there's a lot of good musical/fall happenings this weekend and the weather is supposed to improve.  Hope you get out to boogie down.

THIS WEEKEND

Build Your Own Scarecrow: Head to the closest farm to the city for scarecrow building.  You will need to bring old clothes to stuff with straw and top with a pumpkin head.  Fees vary depending on how big of a scarecrow you build.
When: Sat 12n-3p
Where: Historic Wagner Farm • 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview


Fall Concert in Northcenter: We went to one of these family shows during the summer and it was awesome. Saturday afternoon's outdoor event will include a DJ and petting zoo from 4p-6p and live music from 6p-8p.  Northcenter does a great job with these mini-festivals.  There is typically free food, toys, and treats for the adults and kids.  The summer concerts were booze free, so if mom and dad want to enjoy some beers, throw them in the bottom of the stroller.
When: Saturday 4p-8p
Where: 4100 N Lincoln • in the little square area just north of the CVS

Harvest Festival: Kids and parents can enjoy all the best of the harvest season at this festival.  There will be a scarecrow building contest, storytelling, live music, a farmer's market, a tour of the nature preserve, and seasonal food and drinks.  FREE!
When: Sat and Sun 10a-3p
Where: North Park Village Nature Center • 5801 N Pulaski Road, Chicago

Kids' Concert at Schubas: The Gustafer Yellowgold's Show is a multi-media concert of live songs, stories, and animation about a friendly creature from the sun.  Tickets are $10.
When: Sunday 11a
Where: Schubas Tavern • 3159 N Southport, Chicago

Monday 9/28 - Sunday 10/4

Thought of the Week: Apple Picking Near Chicagoland

Last year we waited until mid-October for our apple-picking adventure and I was disappointed that the Honey Crisp trees were bare.  So this year we headed out earlier for our Fall Farm Fiesta.  My criteria for a good apple farm are: a variety of u-pick apples, a u-pick pumpkin patch (I refuse to buy mine at a grocery store), and perhaps some kiddie entertainment. I researched several farms and here's the ones that looked the most interesting to me in our area.   
Illinois: Between 60-80 miles outside of the city I found two farms that sound awesome.  We went to Kuipers this weekend.  Kuipers is located between Naperville and DeKalb - so it is WAY out there but well worth the drive. I was nervous that this farm was going to be over the top Disneylandish, but it was not.  We were there for 5 solid hours and did not have a chance to partake in all the offered activities.  We did apple picking (awesome as the trees were low so the kids could reach the apples), u-pick pumpkins (great selection and cool tractor ride to the pumpkin patch), sand boxes filled with corn, a huge inflatable "pillow" the kids can jump on, a tractor playground, feeding farm animals, a picnic, and some shopping in the bakery/store.  There are also pony rides, a corn field maze, a tractor tire mountain, train rides, and more. We felt like we were hundreds of miles from Chicago (which we practically were) in a beautiful farm setting which is not overly crowded.  I can't say enough good things about it.  The Little Man had a BLAST. If you prefer to head northwest, another IL farm that receives excellent reviews is Edwards Apple Orchard.  Edwards does not have a website and their phone seems to ring busy almost all the time, so information on this farm can be tough to come by.  Regulars give rave reviews online though and when I finally got a hold of someone from the farm, I got a really good vibe from the woman I talked to.  There is a u-pick pumpkin patch, pony rides, horse drawn wagons, a play area with tractors, farm animals, and a bakery that sounds outstanding.  The hours are 9a-5:30p daily.  If you want a shorter drive, and you are ok with no-frills apple picking, check out Heinz Orchard.  Heinz is about 45 miles north of the city and only offers u-pick apples.  For a lovely afternoon in the country, bring a picnic blanket and have lunch in the orchard when your are done picking.  A WCT reader told me that she went last weekend and it was not overly crowded, only took 45 mins to get to from the city, and it was the perfect place to take a small child who doesn't need all the bells and whistles the other farms above offer.  Indiana:  Only 50 miles south of the city is the very popular County Line Orchard.  Aside from apple and pumpkin picking there is a plethora of family activities including hatching chicks, a barnyard designed for pre-schoolers, the Moo-Choo (a cute cow train), and a bee barn.  This farm looks adorable without being over the top.  Wisconsin:  Last year we went to a wonderful apple orchard just south of Madison called Eplegaarden.  This farm if focused more on the picking and less on the amusement park type of activities.  We picked apples, pumpkins, and raspberries, enjoyed live music and yummy food.  I recommend it if you are going to be in the Madison area!


THIS WEEK


Crittercam at the Notebaert:  The Nature Museum's National Geographic Crittercam exhibit, which lets visitors get a look at wildlife through small cameras mounted on the backs of animals, started this last weekend.  The exhibit includes a sea turtle section, a whales section, a penguin section, and land animals section.  Visitors will learn how National Geographic has used the cameras to help learn more about wild animals and allows kids to see through the point of view of their favorite creatures.  Harrison, the museum's box turtle, will be wearing a turtle cam and kids can keep up with his adventures post-visit by checking out his You Tube page.  While at the museum, kids can crawl through a tunnel to the penguin pod and get close up to a live penguin wearing a crittercam.  When they crawl out, they'll then get to see the film of themselves from the penguin's cam.  
When: Daily 9/26/09-4/11/08
Where: Peggy Notebaert 2430 N Cannon Drive

Wild Wednesdays: On the last Wednesday of the month, Garfield Park has a live animal show-and-tell with professional animal handler Scott Heinrichs. This week, kids can get a close-up look at lizards and turtles, participate in a scavenger hunt as well as other animal-themed activities. FREE.

Where: Garfield Park Conservatory • 300 N Central Park Ave

When: Wednesday 3p-6p (drop in anytime)

Long Grove Apple Festival: I love cute, downtown Long Grove and this weekend's Apple Fest provides a great reason to check it out.  Parents can enjoy a caramel apple latte or martini while kids of all ages can chow down on treats like apple cider donuts, taffy apples, pies, etc.  There is a Kids Expo featuring crafts, pony rides, games, and entertainment.  $5 per person entrance fee.
When: Friday-Sunday 10a-8p 
Where: Just north of the intersections of Rt 53 and 83, Long Grove


Eli's Cheesecake Festival:  Are you kidding me?  I wish I never knew this existed.  I certainly shouldn't be allowed within several miles of this fest as I'm on track to gain 40 lbs during this pregnancy.  But I digress.  Perhaps you can justify pigging out at this festival as it benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the New Horizon Center.  There is a kids' fest featuring a family entertainment stage, a cheesecake eating contest and an antique car show.  Bring a donation for the Food Depository and receive a free slice of cheesecake.  Admission is free and so is parking. 
When: Sat 9a-5p and Sun 11a-5p
Where: 6701 W Forest Preserve Drive, Chicago 


Ravenswood Art Walk:  This weekend there is another great local festival where parents can check out local artists and kids will enjoy entertainment in the Kids Activity Tent.  You can check out work by over 150 emerging local artists and your kids can pop into the art tent to create musical instruments from recycled materials.  There is also a music tent featuring kids' entertainment by Wiggle Worms instructors and various other performers.  Free admission. 
When: Sat-Sun 11a-6p
Where: Ravenswood between Lawrence and Cornelia


Little Miss Ann: she's performing a free show at the Land of Nod at Northbrook Court this weekend.  A great pit stop with the kids if you have other shopping to do!
When: Sunday 1p
Where: Land of Nod 2171 Northbrook Court

ON GOING ACTIVITIES

The Alder Planetarium  The Planetarium is currently showing One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure in which Big Bird, Elmo, and a friend from China, discover fun facts about the stars, planets, sun and moon. Weekday shows are at 1p and 2:30p and weekend shows are 12n and 3p. The cost of entry plus the show is $19 for adults and $15 for kids ages 3-14.

Where: 1300 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.

When: Mon-Fri 10a-4p • Sat-Sun 10a-4:30p

Barnes and Noble Story Time: Are you looking for a free activity for a rainy day? You can enjoy a latte while your kids enjoy story time at one of the Barnes and Noble city locations. 2-3 times a week the city locations offers a story time activity for children ages 0-3 years.

Where: Webster Place (1441 W. Webster) or State and Elm (1130 N. State)

When: Webster- Every Mon, Tues, Thurs 10am / State- Every Mon & Sat 10am

Brookfield Zoo: In the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit, the Brookfield Zoo has created a Jurassic Park experience minus all the scary stuff. Kids can touch and control the movement of life-sized dinosaurs along a wooded path in an outdoor forest setting. The exhibit also features a dig site that allows visitors to find replica dinosaur fossils. General zoo admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children 3-11. Admission for Dinosaurs Alive! is an additional $5 for adults and $3 for children 3-11. The exhibit runs through October.

Chicago Botanic Garden -Model Railroad Garden: Starting this week, the Botanic Garden is featuring an area devoted to model trains. Seventeen trains travel across bridges, through tunnels, and around various American landmarks in a miniature garden setting. Admission to the Botanic Garden is free but there is a $20 per car parking fee. There is an additional fee of $5 for adults and $3 for kids for the Railroad exhibit.
Where: 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
When: Daily 5/9-10/25 • 10a-8p

Garfield Park Conservatory: Every Wednesday through the fall is Little Green Thumb Wednesdays at the conservatory. Little gardeners can unite to dig in the soil, plant pretend veggies, play with wheel barrels, and other gardening activities. No registration required. FREE!
Where: 300 N. Central Park Avenue, Chicago • Outside in the Demonstration Garden (moves indoors to the Children's Garden in bad weather)
When: Every Wednesday through 10/28 • 3p-6p

Green City Market: Visit Chicago's largest Farmer's Market in the heart of Lincoln Park every Wed and Sat through October 31st. Be sure to stop by the Growing Home booth for your organic produce. My son loves to run around the park and boogie to the live music while I shop for our groceries.
Tip: if you are not a zoo member, consider becoming one. why would i pay to join a free zoo, you ask? zoo membership gives you free parking adjacent to the zoo and a short walk to the farmer's market (as well as a short walk to the nature museum, the beach, etc). plus zoo membership is tax deductible. we usually get an early start on saturday mornings and hit the farmer's market and then make a stop at the zoo. this makes for a full morning of outdoor activities that the entire family can enjoy!
Where: The south end of Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton.
When: Every Wednesday and Saturday 7a-1p

The Kids' Table offers cooking classes for 2-3 year olds almost every day of the week. Classes for 4-6 year olds, 7-10 year olds, and 11-16 year olds are offered several days a week as well. The classes for toddlers and kids are one hour and cost $25. The classes for teens are 1.5 hours and are $110 for a series of four. 2337 W. North Avenue.

Lincoln Park Zoo's Edible Garden: Don't have room for a garden on your back deck? Bring your little ones to the Farm-in-the-Zoo's Edible Garden where kids get hands-on growing, weeding, compost making, and harvesting practice. Your kids may leave with an understanding that corn and tomatoes are grown somewhere other than Jewel.

Where: Lincoln Park Zoo Farm-in-the Zoo • 2200 N Canon Drive, Chicago

When: Garden is open Wed and Sat 10a-1p

Museum of Science and Industry: Bring your kids to see the Harry Potter exhibit, the Green Home exhibit, and to see live science experiments. June through October the museum will host a free farmers market on the first and third Fridays of the month from 7a-2p. The museum will always have free admission on farmers market Fridays. Otherwise, general admission is $13 for adults and $9 for kids ages 3-11.

Where: 5700 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago

When: Mon-Sat 9:30a-5:3op / Sun 11a-5:30p

Pump It Up: when it is too hot or cold to play outside, Pump It Up offers indoor play in Chicago and the suburbs. Kids can jump, slide, and climb on giant inflatables during Pop-in Playtime on the weekdays. The city location also has a separate area designed for little kids age 1-4. Pop-in playtime is $8 -$10 for 1.5 hours. Hit their website for hours and the address of the location nearest you. Locations include: Chicago, Glenview, Elmhurst, and Vernon Hills. Don't forget socks!

Tots on Tuesdays at the Shedd: Every Tuesday the Shedd Aquarium offers activities devoted to toddlers and pre-schoolers. There are story times, crafts, animal touch programs, videos and costumed characters.

Where: The Shedd Aquarium • 1200 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago
When: Tuesdays • 9a-5p