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
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.
