Mon 7/13 - Sun 7/19

My husband called this past weekend "Man vs. Festival" and even though we experienced two great days of food, music, and bike-friendly activities, I'm not sure who won. Our son would probably argue that his mud-encrusted sandals and stroller full of street-vendor swag make him the outright champ, but as the sun sets on Sunday night I sit here and type without having finished any of the laundry, grocery shopping, or cleaning. Tomorrow is a work day for mom so let's move on.....

Thought of the Week: Stay and Spray

A few weeks ago I wrote about getting out of the city to enjoy the suburban pools. Cityfolk, when you are looking to save on gas and time, there are plenty of opportunities to get soaked at water playgrounds within city limits. One of my favorites is Adams Playground in Lincoln Park as it has an awesome climbable water structure and a spray play area. The only problem with Adams is that the water playground doesn't open until 12n or 1p most weekdays through early August. The water area opens at 10a on weekends though, so if you are contending with an afternoon nap, make this a Sat-Sun destination. Click above for details. Heading a little further north, River Park on Foster right across from Galter Life Center, has a great water play area and swimming pool. There is a fence between the sprayground and swimming pool, which means not having to worry about your little one running into the deep end when you turn your back. The spray area is open from 11a-7p daily but closes between 1p-3p M-F. While there is no baby pool, the swimming pool has parent tot swim time 11a-11:45a M-F and 11a-12:30p Sat-Sun. This is a big, beautiful city park with lots of grass and trees - perfect for a summer picnic. Barely inside of city limits, but worth the drive, is the Whealan Pool Aquatic Center at Devon and Milwaukee. Whealan boasts a water playground, zero depth pool, baby pool, sand play area, and water slides. If it sounds as good as a suburban pool, it is because you can throw a stone and hit Niles. Hours are 11a-7p daily. Adults are $5, kids 4-12 are $3, and kids 3 and under are free. Get out and enjoy the city spray!

THIS WEEK

Craft Mobile: Throughout the week the Chicago Park District is bringing an outdoor crafting station to various parks and playlots throughout the city. Kids under age 6 can enjoy outdoor craft projects including sidewalk murals, stained glass window hangings, drawing, and more. All crafting supplies will be provided. Hit their website for where to find the Craft Mobile this week. There are 13 stops this week including the Ravenswood Manor and Senn playlots. FREE.

Where: Various playgrounds throughout the city

When: Mon - Fri this week

Camp Hollywood Family Film Series at the Davis: Every Tuesday and Wednesday the Davis Theater in Lincoln Square is showing family films for $1 per person! This week the feature presentation is "Hotel for Dogs".

Where: Davis Theater • 4614 N Lincoln Ave

When: Tues and Wed • Doors at 9:30a/Movie at 10a

Dancin' Sprouts at the Botanic Garden: Kids' band Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans will be performing two shows on Wednesday night at the Botanic Garden. Bring a picnic and your dancing shoes and make it a family outing. This event is free but you'll still have to pay the Botanic Garden's $20 parking fee.

Where: The Botanic Garden's Esplanade • 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe

When: Wednesday at 5:30p and 6:30p

Nature Story and Activity Hour: Head to Northerly Island for story time followed by a nature themed crafts activity sponsored by the park district. Come a little early or stay late to enjoy the nature paths, play areas, and views of the city skyline. Kids 6 and under. FREE.

Where: Northerly Island • 1400 S Lynn White Drive

When: Wednesday 10a-11a

Movie in the Park - Kung Fu Panda: Let your kids stay up late this week and enjoy movie watching in the great outdoors under the stars. Pack up your chairs, blankets and popcorn and head to Wicker Park for some high-kicking panda moves and star-studded voices (Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie).

Where: Wicker Park • 1425 N Damen, Chicago

When: Thursday 8:30p-10:30p

Stroller Strut: During this park district program, your kids get to learn about nature from the comfort of their ride while mom or dad gets some exercise. FREE.

Where: Gompers Park • 4222 W Foster Ave, Chicago

When: Thursday 10a

Green Kids Room: If you haven't been to Uncommon Ground on Devon, Saturday is the perfect time to check it out with the kids. Eating at this restaurant any day of the week provides a green education as Uncommon has a certified organic rooftop garden and they grow everything from tomatoes to currants in planter boxes alongside the outdoor eating area. On Saturday, their monthly green series is targeted towards families with entertainment by Little Miss Ann, samples of organic kids' products, and special guests like the Green Mama and Purple Asparagus. Parents can enjoy a cocktail while the kiddies rock out and snack on organic goodies. I'd like to give special thanks to the coordinators of this event for scheduling it post-naptime! We'll be there!

Where: Uncommon Ground on Devon • 1401 West Devon

When: Saturday 3p-5p

Evanston's Ethnic Arts Festival: Bring the kids up to Evanston for cultural education made fun this weekend. The Ethnic Arts fest will include live music, dancing, and art on the lakefront in Dawes Park. There will be arts and crafts as well as poetry activities for kids all day. FREE.

Where: Dawes Park • Sheridan Road and Church Street, Evanston

When: Sat and Sun 12n-7p

Sheffield Garden Walk: The Sheffield Garden walk isn't just keg parties and beer pong - there have been confirmations of actual gardens! Throw your kids in the stroller, backpack, or bjorn and take them on a walk through some of Lincoln Park's most beautiful backyards and gardens. When they tire of the tour, hit the Kids' Corner inside of the festival confines where there will be story time, entertainment by Bubbles Academy, pony rides, a ferris wheel, petting zoo, train rides, a visit from the fire department, and more. The Kids' Corner is located in the 2200 block of Kenmore and open from 12n-5p on Sat and Sun. Hit the link above for the schedule of kids' events. $6 donation before 3p $10 after.

Where: Webster and Sheffield, Chicago

When: Sat and Sun Garden Tours • 12n-5:30p Festival 12n-9:30p

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

Chicago Children's Museum: The first Sunday of the month is always a free day at the Children's Museum and a perfect time to check out the new Block Party exhibit. Block Party is a kids-sized replica of Chicago's neighborhood festivals. Kids will have the chance to get on stage to perform in a rock band, prepare meals in food booths for the festival goers, use the cash registers, or just chill out on the lawn for some people watching and live music.

Where: Navy Pier • 700 E. Grand Ave, Chicago

When: M-W/F-Sun 10a-5p and Th 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

Monday 7/6 - Sunday 7/12

I hope everyone had a good holiday weekend with friends and fam. We traveled out of state to visit my in-laws so I'm excited to spend this coming weekend back in Chicago for my favorite festival of the year. See below for fest info and for a new Windy City Tot feature: Deals of the Week.

Thought of the Week: What's for dinner?

Of all the mom chores that comprise my weekly routine, perhaps the one I loathe the most, aside from cleaning the diaper pail, is planning the nightly dinners. I am a casserole queen, as I love the ease of leftovers and one pot meals, but I hate making heavy food in the summer. I also hate the thought of getting home from work and having to prepare dinner late in the evening after my son has gone to bed. Last year, some of the moms in my playgroup shared their love of Dream Dinners with the group, so I decided to jump on the bandwagon. For those of you who are not familiar, it works like this: check out the Dream Dinners menu online, pick the meals that sound good to you, then set an appointment time to assemble the dinners at their location on Belmont. Because you assemble the meal yourself, it feels like you're making a homemade meal when you take them from the freezer and throw them on the grill or in the oven. Over the past few months, we've thoroughly enjoyed meals like Steak Salsa Verde and Adobo Pork Roast on the grill, Pulled Pork Sandwiches prepared in the crock pot, and Chipotle Chicken Ravioli on the stove top. My only hesitation, when I was a Dream Dinners virgin, was the commitment of making a minimum of 36 servings before having taste tested the dinners myself. If the concept sounds intriguing, you can try Dream Dinners this week without having to commit to an entire order. Hit the free Dinner and Wine event Thursday night to sample items from their July menu, drink some wine, and have the opportunity to prepare just one meal to take home. It is quick, it is tasty, and this week it is available to try before you buy. RSVP: dreamdinnerschicago@gmail.com

THIS WEEK

Millennium Park Circus Carnival Week: Each week this summer features a different Family Fest theme at Millennium Park. This week kids can feel like they have joined the circus when they become stilt walkers, jugglers, and have their faces painted like clowns. Hit the park early for the daily free Wiggle Worms classes and let the face paint come off as they splash around in the fountains. Bring your suits and towels.

Where: Millennium Park Chase Promenade North • 55 N Michigan Ave, Chicago

When: Mon - Sun 10a-3p (check website above for specific activity times)

Craft Mobile: Throughout the week the Chicago Park District is bringing an outdoor crafting station to various parks and playlots throughout the city. Kids under age 6 can enjoy outdoor craft projects including sidewalk murals, stained glass window hangings, drawing, and more. All crafting supplies will be provided. Hit the above website for where to find the Craft Mobile this week. Stops include the Ravenswood Manor and Senn playlots. FREE.

Where: Various playgrounds throughout the city

When: Mon - Fri this week

Pals Around the Pond: Head to Lincoln Park for an outdoor class for kids ages 3-6 hosted by the Nature Museum. Kids will learn about the North Pond and the critters that make it their home. $7 for members / $9 for non-members. Call 773.755.5111 x6 to register. Remember, Thursday is a free day at the museum so you can visit the butterflies and indoor play area after the class at no additional cost!

Where: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum • 2430 N. Cannon Drive

When: Thursday • 9:30a-10:30a

Benfest: This North Center fest benefiting St. Benedict's parish and school seems to get bigger every year. Look for the typical street fest music and bands as well as a kids area with carnival rides, games, crafts, etc. $5 before 8p $10 after.

Where: 2215 W Irving Park Road, Chicago

When: Fri 5p-11p • Sat 3p-11p

Folk and Roots Fest: Haven't been to a Chicago street festival this year? No worries because you can hit Old Town School of Music's Folk and Roots Fest this weekend and feel confident that you made it to the best fest of the year. Please, take my word for it, this is THE one to take your kids to. In fact, we love it so much that my husband and I haven't missed it in the last seven years. I can list a million reasons to go, but here's the best one: Folk and Roots is a combo street and park festival. It is a little like Ravinia in the city. Mark your territory in Welles Park with blankets, chairs, tents, coolers (easily hidden in the stroller), etc in front of the Main Stage when you arrive. You'll always have a home base on the lawn to chill out on when you aren't in search of a Jury burger, hanging out in the Kids' Tent, or watching Puppet Bike. Clear your calendar. Hit this fest. Suggested donation of $8 for adults and $4 for kids.

Where: Welles Park • Lincoln Ave between Montrose and Sunnyside

When: Sat and Sun 12n-9:30p

Rock Around the Block Fest: This is another Star Events fest, meaning that the cover bands, the food, the atmosphere will feel exactly the same as their other Chicago fests (typical street fest food, typical fest cover bands, typical fest set-up). The family area promises good things including the Story Bus, games and entertainment. $5 donation.

Where: Lincoln Ave and Belmont, Chicago

When: Sat 12n-10p • Sun 12n-9p

Great Performers of Illinois: This fest celebrates all things Illinois including performances by musicians/artist from our state, local food/restaurants, and wine from six Illinois wineries. Children's entertainment include an 8,000 square-foot corn maze and Abe Lincoln learning activities. (And no, that is not a typo. There will be an actual ginormous corn maze in Millennium Park this weekend. That might be enough to lure me downtown on a weekend.) Free admission.

Where: Millennium Park • 55 N Michigan Ave, Chicago

When: Fri 7/10 - Mon 7/13 • Fri 6:30p-10p, Sat 7a-10p, Sun 10a-10p, Mon 12n-8p

DEALS OF THE WEEK
Preggers: Every day this week Preggers is offering deals online and in their stores. Daily deals include 20% off of all maternity clothing, 20% off children's clothing, and 15% off your entire purchase. Hit above link for the details.

The Red Balloon Co: Save 40% on their summer Daily Tea collection when you enter the code SUMMERTIME on their website. Note that Chicago customers can opt to pick their order up in the Bucktown or Andersonville store to avoid shipping fees.

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.

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

Monday 6/29 - Sunday 7/5

Thought of the Week: Beat The City Heat

As usual in Chicago, I went from wearing a fleece one day to flip flops and shorts the next. It is finally hot, which I love and hate mostly because my 100 year old dwelling doesn't have central AC. As a result, I am constantly wanting to do something with my son that involves being submerged in water. While there are so many things I love about living in the city, I like to head to burbs for the "swim pools", as my son calls them. Last summer we spent a lot of time at the Centennial Pool in Wilmette. Why Wilmette? It opens at 9a on weekdays which is key if you are working around an afternoon nap, the kiddie pool is gated off from the big pool so you never have to bribe your child to come back to the baby pool, and the pool includes a small water slide making it entertaining for young children but small enough that you can manage two kids by yourself. Plus, city dwellers can take Lincoln or Ridge almost the entire way there, never having to risk sitting in a traffic jam on 94. It costs $13.75 for non-residents and children under 2 are free. This summer, we are going to branch out a bit and hit Deerfield's Deerspring Pool. It also opens early, at 9:30a on weekdays, and in addition to the kiddie pool it offers a water slide and a spray ground. Your kids, no matter what their age, will not get bored at this pool. The Deerspring Pool is further from the city, about 5 minutes from the Botanic Garden, which is not too bad of a drive if you live on the northside. Also north of the city is the Hidden Creek AquaPark in Highland Park. It opens at 10a, has water slides, a kiddie pool, a spray area, and a sand area. It is $12 for visitors over 3 years old. Heading west, the Oak Park Rehm Pool is right off of I-290, opens at 10:30, features a kiddie pool, a spray-play area, and a sand play area. It is $9 for ages 1 and up. Click on the pool names above for more detailed information. Happy splashing.

THIS WEEK

Concerts in the Park: Want to feel like you are on an island getaway while entertaining your kids this week? Pack your cooler with Red Stripes and juice boxes and head to Welles Park to see Nelson Gill. He performs music for kids with a reggae/caribbean/island beat. Every Tuesday night this summer the gazebo in Welles Park features free concerts. FREE.

Where: Welles Park gazebo • 2333 W. Sunnyside

When: Tuesday 6:30p-8:30p

Craft Mobile: Throughout the week the Chicago Park District is bringing an outdoor crafting station to various parks and playlots throughout the city. Kids under age 6 can enjoy outdoor craft projects including sidewalk murals, stained glass window hangings, drawing, and more. All crafting supplies will be provided. Hit the above website for where to find the Craft Mobile this week. Stops include the Ravenswood Manor Playlot, Matanky Playlot, Cedar Playlot, and several more. FREE

Where: Various playgrounds throughout the city

When: Mon - Fri this week

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

Toddlers, Tunes, and Turtles: this Park District program will make its way to various Chicago parks throughout the summer. Kids can get up close and personal with a turtle and other animals, participate in nature-themed art projects, and listen to live performances by artists from Old Town School of Folk Music. FREE

Tip: This park includes an awesome water playground. The water play area includes a slide, a spray area, and a water jungle gym . Put your kids in swimsuits and bring some towels for an entire afternoon of fun.

Where: Adams Playground • 1919 N Seminary Ave

When: Wednesday • 5p-7p

Eyes to the Sky Festival: The 29th annual hot air balloon festival is huge, on 110 acres of the Lisle Community Park, featuring a large children's area. The hot air balloon area will feature a ginormous Energizer Bunny, Felix the Cat, and a Garden balloon (complete with fruits, veggies, and butterflies). The children's area will have the obligatory face painting, petting zoo, crafts, and musical entertainment. I am most intrigued by the lumberjack show for kids which will include logrolling, axe throwing, chainsaw carving, and a boom run. There will be bands galore on the main stage each night. On Friday and Saturday night the balloons will light up the sky at 8:15p during the Balloon Glow and the events will conclude with fireworks at 9:45p. Admission is $3 for ages 6 and over.

Where: Lisle Community Park (click link above for directions and exact location)

When: Carnival Wed-Sun • Balloon Fest Thur-Sat (click link above for daily times)

Family Village at the Taste: Normally I would advise parents from staying away from the Taste at all costs. I would rather go to a neighborhood festival for funnel cake and corn dogs than trek all the way downtown just to be crammed shoulder to shoulder in a hot, sticky, tourist-laden crowd. But, I have to admit that the Family Village at the Taste this year sounds intriguing. This week the Museum of Science & Industry, the Art Institute, and the Shedd Aquarium will be present in the family area with crafts and activities. There will be inflatables, face painting, games, recycling projects and kite making. There is a meet and greet with Sid the Science Kid, the Wiggles, and Bugs Bunny this week as well. What more can you ask for?

Where: The Taste of Chicago Family Village • southwest corner of Columbus and Jackson

When: Mon-Sun • 11a-7p

Fireworks Shows: if you want to keep your little ones up late for some explosions in the sky, here's a list of some of the local fireworks shows. Click each listing for a link to more information.

Friday:

Taste of Chicago - live music at 7:30p in the Petrillo Music Shell. fireworks start at 9:30p.

Lisle - at the Lisle Community Park. Part of the Eyes to the Sky Fest

Saturday:

Evanston - has a highly rated 4th of July celebration. parade, concert, and fireworks.

Lisle - at the Lisle Community Park. part of the Eyes to the Sky Fest (see below for listing)

Navy Pier - downtown Chicago. 9p on the 4th.

Oak Park - OPRF high school at dusk.

Justin Roberts Concert at Ravina: Ravina isn't just for the wine and cheese crowd anymore. Jump on the Metra with your little ones and a picnic basket and head to the Northshore concert venue this weekend to hang with the PB&J crowd. On Sunday, the ever-popular Justin Roberts will be rocking the stage. Click on the above link to buy your tickets ahead of time, his concert will surely sell out. $10 for reserved seats and $5 for lawn.

Where: 200 Ravinia Park Road • Highland Park

When: Sundday • Gates at 1p and performance at 2p

Chicago Children's Museum: Sunday is a free day at the Children's Museum and a perfect time to check out the new Block Party exhibit. Block Party is a kids-sized replica of Chicago's neighborhood festivals. Kids will have the chance to get on stage to perform in a rock band, prepare meals in food booths for the festival goers, use the cash registers, or just chill out on the lawn for some people watching and live music.

Where: Navy Pier • 700 E. Grand Ave, Chicago

When: Sunday is free for kids 15 and under • Hours are M-W/F-Sun 10a-5p and Th 10a-8p

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

Family Fun Festival: Kid-friendly activities start up again this week in Millennium Park. Head down there any day this summer for a Wiggleworms class, story time Reading Circle, or music and dancing during Family Performance. The perfect place to wiggle and sing, chill-out, boogie, do the bean-thing, and run through the fountains all in the same day. FREE

Where: Millennium Park Chase Promenade North

When: Daily starting Wed 6/10 • 10a Wiggleworms • 11a Reading Circle • 1p Family Performance

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.

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

Monday 6/22 - Sunday 6/28

Thought of the Week: Last Minute Lucy

When I want to watch The Bachelorette on Monday night, my husband is often fighting for DVR control in order to watch football. I know many of you can relate, but in my house football does not refer the NFL. The DVR frequently works odd hours recording games like Manchester vs Liverpool. My husband is a soccer fanatic. You'll find him at The Globe at 6am on a random Saturday morning, packed in with a bunch of accented, pint-drinking blokes, watching a game from across the pond. And I'm not complaining. I'd rather lose him to a few 6am soccer games than entire Sundays during NFL season. Now you understand why every time I pass a soccer field with cute little toddlers playing ball with their dads on Saturday morning, I kick myself for not finding the time to research tiny tot soccer. Then I envision myself drinking a latte and reading a book on Saturday morning while my child and spouse happily kick the ball around the soccer field. And this is when I finally jump into action. To my delight, I found a soccer league that a. hasn't started yet and b. still has space in their Saturday morning class. And bonus: this organization also offers other sports, music, and art classes that are still available this summer. If you don't want to commit to a six week program, the music and art classes are available on a drop in basis for $10. There is even a music class instructed by the very popular Little Miss Ann. Click here to check out the summer programs offered by Friends of Agassiz in Lincoln Park. Classes start this week and are available for 2-6 year olds. I love it when procrastination pays off. Happy Father's Day honey. For all you know, I've been planning this for months.

THIS WEEK

Craft Mobile: Throughout the week the Chicago Park District is hosting outdoor crafting stations at various parks and playlots throughout the city. Kids under age 6 can enjoy outdoor craft projects that will include sidewalk murals, stained glass window hangings, drawing, and more. All crafting supplies will be provided. Hit the above website to see where to find the Craft Mobile this week. FREE

Where: Various playgrounds throughout the city (hit the link above to a location near you)

When: Mon - Fri this week

Toddlers, Tunes, and Turtles: this Park District program will make its way to various Chicago parks throughout the summer. Kids can get up close and personal with a turtle and other animals, participate in nature-themed art projects, and listen to live performances by artists from Old Town School of Folk Music. FREE

Where: Kilbourn Park • 3501 N Kilbourn Ave

When: Wednesday • 5:30p-7:30p

Pals in the Prairie: Set out on a summer safari in the prairie area surrounding the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. This nature exploration is best for kids ages 3-6. Stay for a while after the class and enjoy free admission Thursday at the museum. The class is $7 for members and $9 non-members.

Where: Nature Museum • 2430 N Cannon Drive, Chicago

When: Thursday 9:30a-10:30a

Family Village at the Taste: Normally I would advise parents from staying away from the Taste at all costs. I would rather go to a neighborhood festival for funnel cake and corn dogs than trek all the way downtown to just to be crammed shoulder to shoulder in a hot, sticky, tourist-laden crowd. But, I have to admit that the Family Village at the Taste this year sounds intriguing. On Friday the Alder Panetarium, the Museum of Science & Industry, and the Brookfield Zoo will be present in the family area with crafts and activities. The Brookfield Zoo is even bringing one of their life-size animatronic dinosaurs (see On-Going Activities below for more details on the dinosaurs). There will be inflatables, face painting, crafts, games, recycling projects and an Eli Cheesecake decorating station. What more can you ask for?

Where: The Taste of Chicago Family Village • southwest corner of Columbus and Jackson

When: Fri-Sun • 11a-7p

Long Grove Strawberry Festival: if the above listing didn't convince you to hit the Taste, then head out of the city to adorable downtown Long Grove for Strawberry Fest. Aside from tasting strawberry treats like smoothies, ice cream, baked goods, chocolate covered strawberries,and farm fresh strawberries, kids will enjoy the Jam Kids' Fair. There will be a petting zoo, mascots, kids' bands, pony rides, etc. Parents will enjoy checking out downtown Long Grove's cute shops and restaurants. Free admission and free parking - you won't find that at the Taste of Chicago!

Where: Long Grove Historic Village • Robert Parker Coffin and Old McHenry Roads

When: Fri 10a-8p • Sat 10a-8p • Sun 10a-6p

Fountain Square Arts Festival: As much as I love a good street fest, the thought of pushing a stroller around Old Town Art Fest sounded about as fun as potty training. For a lower key art festival experience, head to downtown Evanston for the Fountain Square Arts Fest. There will be plenty of art, jazz, food as well as crafts for the kiddies in the children's art tent. $5 donation.

Where: Downtown Evanston • Sherman Ave and Church St

When: Sat and Sun 10a-6p

Race to Taste: Want to make your chocolate dipped cheesecake on a stick a guilt free experience? Register for the 5K run/2 mile walk/kid's dash which starts in Grant Park, proceeds along the lakefront and ends at the Taste. Kids of all ages can participate in the Kid's Dash as there is even a crawling race for participants under age two. Registration includes a strip of Taste tickets to help kick off the opening of the Taste on Sunday. Race participants will be there bright and early so you'll likely beat the crowds to the Turkey Leg booth. $30 for the run/walk and $5 for the kid's dash. Click the link above to register by Wednesday at midnight.

Where: Southwest Corner of Buckingham Fountain • Columbus and Balboa

When: Race is Sunday 8am • Register by Wednesday

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

Chicago Children's Museum: The first Sunday of the month is always a free day at the Children's Museum and a perfect time to check out the new Block Party exhibit. Block Party is a kids-sized replica of Chicago's neighborhood festivals. Kids will have the chance to get on stage to perform in a rock band, prepare meals in food booths for the festival goers, use the cash registers, or just chill out on the lawn for some people watching and live music.

Where: Navy Pier • 700 E. Grand Ave, Chicago

When: M-W/F-Sun 10a-5p and Th 10a-8p

Family Fun Festival: Kid-friendly activities start up again this week in Millennium Park. Head down there any day this summer for a Wiggleworms class, story time Reading Circle, or music and dancing during Family Performance. The perfect place to wiggle and sing, chill-out, boogie, do the bean-thing, and run through the fountains all in the same day. FREE

Where: Millennium Park Chase Promenade North

When: Daily starting Wed 6/10 • 10a Wiggleworms • 11a Reading Circle • 1p Family Performance

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.

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

The Pig Pen: Pig Pen is half clothing store and half arts and crafts studio. While you shop for locally made, organic, and gently used children's clothes and accessories, your kids will paint, glue, glitter, sticker, and stamp their little hearts out. Kids under age 4 can spend an hour crafting for $5 while kids 4 and older are $10 for an hour. Tara, Pig Pen's owner, throws a great birthday party at a great price.

Where: 1536 W. Jarvis • Rogers Park

When: Tue-Sat 10a-5p / Sun 10a-3p

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