Monday 6/1 - Sunday 6/7

If you're like me, you've waited all winter just to push a stroller around a crowded festival while attempting to eat street-meat on a stick.   Well, your long wait for festival season is over as this week boasts so many fests that I'm not sure how one family can fit them all into a single weekend. And more good festival news: most of the Chicago street fests now include kid-friendly activities to accommodate the growing number of pint-sized city dwellers.  But before you hit the fest circuit, don't turn a deaf ear to my thought of the week...

Thought of the Week: All Ears

Just as you protect your child's sensitive skin from the scorching heat at summer fests you should protect their sensitive ears from the booming music as well.  My son's sweet looking "headphones" are a staple in the festival bag.  The headphones are really noise-reduction ear muffs and he actually keeps them on while we are watching live music at summer fests.  Not only does he wear them, but he looks super cool in the muffs and loves all the attention he gets from festival goers as he rides on my husband's back in a backpack or dances near the stage wearing his muffs.  Click here to buy a pair for your little one.  At $17 they are an inexpensive investment in your child's health that will be used for many years to come.  

THIS WEEK

Museum of Science and Industry:  Mon-Fri of this week are free admission days at the museum.  Bring your kids to see the Harry Potter exhibit, the Green Home exhibit, and to see live science experiments.  This is the first week of the farmers market at the museum.  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. This Friday's farmers market will feature a live cooking demonstration by the Hearty Boys.

Where: 5700 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago

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

Habitat Park: The outdoor nature exploration area, Habitat Park, at the Kohl Children's Museum reopens this week.  The newly renovated area includes a slate water-painting wall, a butterfly garden, a sensory garden, and climbing structures for both school-age children and toddlers.  There is also an Imagination Hut which allows kids to play in a fort-like environment full of tunnels, passages, and hiding places.  The price of the park is included in admission.  Admission is $7.50 for adults and kids over the age of 1.  

Where: Kohl Children's Museum • 2100 Patriot Blvd

When: Reopens this Wed • Hours are Mon-Sat 9:30a-5p / Sun 12n-5p

Toddlers, Tunes, and Turtles: this Park District program will make its way to various Chicago parks throughout the summer.  Kids will be able to interact with animals, participate in nature-themed art projects, and listen to live performances by artists from Old Town School of Folk Music.  

Where: South Shore Cultural Center • 7059 South Shore Drive

When: Wed 5p-7p

Raven Fest: This second annual street fest in Ravenswood benefits the tutoring program and playground rehab project at Chase Park.  The fest will feature jumping inflatables, story telling, the Merry Music Makers, kid's yoga, a petting zoo, face painting, and more.  Parents, if cover bands are your thing, book a babysitter and hit the fest for Two White Crew, Trippin Billies, and Mike and Joe.  The Raven promises plenty of food and drink from local restaurants as well. 

Where: 4700 block of North Clark St between Lawrence and Leland

When:  Fri 5p-10p / Sat noon-10p / Sun noon-9p

Chalk Festival 2009:  Unleash your child's inner sidewalk-Picasso at Oz Park on Saturday for Art Therapy Connection's Chalk Festival.  Professional artists will reproduce famous works of art using chalk on a sidewalk canvas throughout the park.  For $10 you can buy your kids a square where they can create their own little chalk masterpieces.  There will be a Wiggleworms concert, a Jesse White Tumblers show, and other performances and activities for kids.

Where: Oz Park between Webster and Dickens at Larabee St • Lincoln Park

When: Sat 9:30a-3p   

Metronome Celebration: What differentiates this  inaugural Logan Square street festival from the rest of the fests?  The Metronome fest has stepped up the music choices by featuring 40 original bands (no cover bands here) on four stages.  You and your little rockers can enjoy a stage devoted to Electronic, Folk, Punk, and Rock.  Food will be provided by 20 local restaurants, there will green products and services,  and a good beer selection as Goose Island is one of the sponsors. And of course there will be a family area with face painting, games, and balloon artists.  Entrance fee is $5 per person.

Where: Milwaukee Ave at Western and Armitage • Logan Square

When: Sat and Sun 12n-10p

Naperville Frontier Kite Fly Festival:  Go fly a kite in Naperville this weekend.  Or be a voyeur and watch professional kite fliers and amateurs alike fly their kites over Frontier Park.  There will be all kinds of activities for kids such as kite making and a carnival.  Admission is free to the festival and $5 for the carnival.

Where:  Frontier Park • 95th and Book Rd

When: Sat and Sun 10a-4p

Kraft Kids Concerts at Ravina: Ravina kicks off the summer season with the first in a series of family-friendly shows this weekend.  On Saturday, the Koi-Thi Dance Company plays instruments and performs cultural dances in brightly-colored authentic costumes.  $10 for reserved seats and $5 for lawn.

Where:  200 Ravinia Park Road • Highland Park 

When: Saturday • Gates at 10a and performance at 11:30a

Summerfest at the Palos Park Children's Farm:  At this annual summer farm festival, kids can enjoy horse rides, hayrides, tours of the animal barns, crafts, games, food, and more.  Parents will enjoy shopping at the Green Fair and perusing the flea market vendors.  Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for kids.

Where: Children's Farm at the Center • 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park

When: Saturday 10a-4p

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 is showing One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure staring, you guessed it, your kids' favorite Sesame Street characters. 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. Sunday 6/7  is a free admission day at the planetarium. Otherwise the cost of entry plus the show is $19 for adults and $15 for kids ages 3-14. 1300 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago. 

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. 

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

Monday 5/25-Sunday 5/31

I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend! I was lucky enough to escape to Florida with some college girlfriends. While Florida wasn't as sunny as I hoped, it was great to have a weekend off from mom duties and time to catch up with friends who reside far from Chicago. Remind me to do this again when we are not all pregnant. The key lime pie tasted amazing but the key lime martini is what mama could really use on her weekend off.

THIS WEEK

Baby Animals: Toddlers are invited to participate in this indoor and outdoor class at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Your babies will discover and learn about animal babies during the class activities. The cost is $7 for members and $9 for non-members.
Where: 2430 N. Canon Drive, Chicago.
When: Ages 1-2 Wed 5/27 9:30a • Ages 3-4 Thur 5/28 9:30a

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


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

Dozin with the Dinos: Friday night is an overnight family adventure at the Field Museum. Families with kids age 6-12 are invited to spend a night in their sleeping bags amongst the ancient creatures who reside in the museum. There will be family workshops, activities, and performances as well as a flashlight tour of some exhibits. The cost is $60 per person or $72 each for an upgraded package. The price includes an evening snack and breakfast in the morning. Click the above link to purchase tickets.
Where: The Field Museum
When: Friday 5/29 • 5:45p-9a

Color Play at the Kohl Children's Museum: this exhibit allows visitors to experiment with color through activities and play. There is a soap bubble window, a color play house, a kaleidoscope, and more. Included with admission price.
Where: 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview When: Daily 9/6/09 Mon-Sat
When: Daily through 9/6/09 • Mon-Sat 9:30a-5p Sun 12n-5p

Block Party Exhibit: this new exhibit at the Chicago Children's Museum is a great alternative to an outdoor street festival when the weather isn't cooperating. Block Party is a kids-sized replica of Chicago's diverse neighborhood festivals. Kids will have a chance to get on stage to perform in a rock band, prepare meals in the food booths for festival goers, use the cash registers, or just chill out on the lawn for some people watching and live music. There is no additional cost for this exhibit.
Where: Navy Pier • 700 E. Grand Ave, Chicago
When: Starts Sat 5/30 and runs through 9/7 • Daily hours are 10a-5p / 10a-8p on Thursdays

Do-Division Fest: Festival season in Chicago has begun! Kick it off with the Do-Division fest in Wicker Park. New to the fest this year is the Family Fun Fest which includes a stage devoted to kids bands, a bounce house, arts and crafts, face painting, a petting zoo, and pony rides. (Did you ever think you would see a G-Rated petting zoo on Division Street?) My family attended this fest (sans Family Fest) last year and had a blast. All of the stores along Division Street have sidewalk sales and deals during the fest. I bought my son a pair of See Kai Run sandals at an awesome price during this fest last summer
Where: A 10-block stretch starting at Division and Damen
When: Sat 5/30-Sun 5/31 • Family Fun Fest is 12n-6p

Family Day at Arlington Racecourse: Every Sunday is Family Day at the tracks! Each Sunday features a petting zoo and pony rides plus a different theme each week. The theme this Sunday is the Schaumburg Flyers (minor league baseball team) and on 6/7 it is Legoland Day. Where: 2200 W. Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights
When: Sundays 11a-6p

ON-GOING ACTIVITIES

The Alder Planetarium is showing One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure staring, you guessed it, your kids' favorite Sesame Street characters. 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. Tuesday 5/26 is a free admission day at the planetarium. Otherwise the cost of entry plus the show is $19 for adults and $15 for kids ages 3-14. 1300 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.

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

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.

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!

Monday 5/18 - Sunday 5/24

My family participated in what should have been an Olympic event on Saturday - three birthday parties in one day.  Really, we are not that popular, this is our first time on the tot birthday circuit since last year.  One of the parties we attended was at Pig Pen in Rogers Park.  I loved it so much that it inspired the thought of the week...

Thought of the Week: Shop Local, Be Green, Have Fun

Be green.  Everyone's doing it.  Just take your canvas bag to the grocery store and throw all your cans and bottles in the blue bin.  That should save the earth, right?  Not really.  The only way we can save the earth is to stop shopping, stop consuming, stop buying things.  But that isn't much fun.  How about just putting some thought into your shopping.  At Pig Pen in Rogers Park, you can feel good about your purchases.  All of the children's clothing is either gently used or locally made.  While I found several cute previously owned Janie and Jack items for my son, the girls clothing and accessories really shined.  There were adorable gently used items that looked like they came straight from an expensive children's boutique.  The handmade dresses, tops, hats, bibs, and burp cloths were absolutely darling and unique.  The locally designed bows and barrettes were some of the cutest accessories I've seen.  The best part: Pig Pen is half clothing store and half arts and crafts studio.  While you shop, your kids can 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.  Hit the link to Pig Pen's website above to check out the space and the goods.   Renew, reuse, and rack up at Pig Pen.

THIS WEEK

Purchase Your Tickets TODAY:  Tickets for the Illinois Railway Museum's Day Out With Thomas event went on sale yesterday.  Dates and times for riding the Thomas train sell out so if you don't buy a ticket in advance you could get stuck with a ticket during naptime.  The event includes: 20 min train ride on Thomas, Sir Topham Hatt meet and greet, clowns, puppet and magic shows, live music, story time, crafts, etc.  The Railway Museum is a bit of a haul, but if your kid is a Thomas fan, this is one of the highlights of the year.  Tickets are $18 for all riders over the age of 2. 

Where: buy your tickets online (link above) • IRM is located in Union - west of Crystal Lake

When: buy your tickets now for one of the following days: Fri 8/14, Sat 8/15, Sun 8/16, Sat 8/22 or Sun 8/23.

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

The Alder Planetarium: Tuesday is a free admission day at the Planetarium.  Take your kids there to see One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure staring, you guessed it, some of the most popular Sesame Street characters. 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.  An extra show has been added for Friday - Monday of Memorial day weekend at 10am.  If you hit the Sesame show on Tuesday the cost is $9 for adults and kids ages 3-14.  Otherwise 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 (opens 1/2 hour early and closes 1/2 hour later Memorial Day weekend 5/22-5/25)

Animal Houses: This new exhibit at the Morton Arboretum allows visitors to explore whimsical interpretations of animal houses built to human-scale.  Your kids can climb through and explore houses designed by artists which include a squirrel drey, raccoon den, an ant colony, a spider web, a coyote den, and several more. 

Where: 4100 Route 53, Lisle

When: Daily starting Friday 5/22 through 11/15 • 7a-7p

Naperville Parent's Night Out: Napervillians, do you need a date night?  If so, the park district is offering a Friday night of fun for your kids consisting of crafts, games in the gym, pizza and a movie.  The cost is $16 for residents and $24 for non-residents.  Open to ages 4-10.  Click the above link to register.

Where: Cowlishaw School gym • 1212 Sanctuary Lane, Naperville

When: Friday 5/22 • 6p-9p

Corduroy Appearance:  A Corduroy (the bear) costumed character will appear at the Evanston Barnes and Nobel location during storytime.  

Where: Sherman Plaza • 1630 Sherman Ave, Evanston

When: Saturday 5/23 • 10:30a

Fleet Feet Soldier Field 10 Mile Run/2 Mile Walk: The 10 mile run is already sold out, so you have a perfect excuse to push your jogging stroller in the 2 mile walk.  The walk route takes place on the grounds surrounding Soldier Field.  There is also a Kids Sprint in Soldier Field for kids ages 5-12.  Click the above link for more info and to register online.  

Tip: if you are determined to do the run, i found four people on Craigslist selling their bib numbers for the 10 mile race.  search "soldier field 10 mile".

Where: East lawn of Soldier Field • 1410 Museum Campus Drive

When: Sat 5/23 • Run starts at 7:30a, Walk at 8a, Kids Spring at 7:45a

Ocenarium Opens at the Shedd:  Are you one of the many parents that visited the Shedd Aquarium in the last 8 months only to leave with a disappointed child who was not able to see the penguins, seals, whales, etc?  Not to worry, the half of the aquarium that was closed to visitors while it received a $100 million face lift, is reopening this weekend.   Included in the rehab is the new Polar Play Zone.  This exhibit, which was designed with 2- to 7-year-olds in mind, allows kids to explore the North and South Poles through touch pools, dress-up areas, a playscape, and a submarine.  Kids can climb rocks and crawl through caves while learning about the Poles.  There is a also a new food court and an lakefront terrace where visitors can enjoy their lunch.  Adults will be able to wade into the Beluga habitat and interact with the whales.  

Where: 1200 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago

When: Ocenarium opens on Sat 5/23 • Weekdays 9a-5p Weekends 9a-6p

Bike the Drive: It is a Memorial Day weekend tradition in Chicago - the one day of the year that Lakeshore Drive is closed to traffic and open to bicyclist.  Participants start at Bryn Mawr and head south 15 miles to the Museum of Science and Industry or vice versa.  Riders that start early enough can do the entire 30 mile loop.  The post-ride festival includes live music and an all you can eat pancake breakfast.  Click the link above to register.  The cost is $42 for adults, $12 for kids under 17, and free to kids in bike trailers.  

Where: Lakeshore Drive - start at Bryn Mawr entrance or at the Museum of Science & Industry

When: Sunday 5/24 • start between 5:30a-9a (bikers must exit LSD by 9:45a).  Post-party goes until 12n.

ON-GOING ACTIVITIES

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: Summer through fall, the Botanic Garden features 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 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. 

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 has a separate area designed for little kids ages 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!

Monday 5/11/09 - Sunday 5/17/09

Happy Mother's Day! I hope everyone is having a wonderful day celebrating the hardest working woman of the household. I kicked off the day with brunch with my husband and son. After some family bonding I headed out for a pedi/mani - a 1.5 hour slice of heavenly alone time. But on Mother's Day, I tend to reflect on the best gifts of all: how lucky I am to be a mom, to be a part of a loving family, to have an amazing husband and son, and to have quality time with the two of them every week. We spent Saturday together volunteering at the Chicago River Day clean-up and will spend next weekend building our garden. Which brings me to the thought of the week...

Thought of the Week: Sowing the Seeds of Love
There is no better time to start planting your flowers, herbs, fruits, and veggies than this week. We are fortunate to have enough room in our city backyard to plant a small garden. When we lived in a condo we planted tomatoes, herbs, and peppers in pots on our roof. Below I've listed plant sales and planting lectures spanning the south side, the north side, and the suburbs. I can't imagine a better family activity than planting a garden together. Aside from getting your kids outside and away from the television, it teaches them team work, educates them on where food comes from, and hopefully in the end it allows them enjoy the fruits of their labor. Take your kids to a plant sale this week and let them pick out a crop to plant. Perhaps it will encourage them to eat their veggies if they get to choose and then lovingly attend to their plants until harvest time. And let's face it, times are tough, do you really need to spend small fortune on heirloom tomatoes from Whole Foods when you can grow a bushel of them for a fraction of the cost. So whether your outdoor space is large or small, dedicate a few pots or section of your backyard to growing produce sustainably this summer. Click here for a site on container gardening and other urban gardening tips and click here for a site on gardening with kids.

THIS WEEK

The Field Museum: Monday is a free admission day at the Field Museum. It is a great day to check out Sue for free or pay a little extra to see the Real Pirates Exhibit. This exhibit features hundreds of artifacts recovered from the wreck of the first fully authenticated pirate ship discovered in U.S. waters almost 300 years ago. The Real Pirates exhibit is $8 for adults and $3 for children on Monday.
Where: The Field Museum • 1400 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.
When: Free day-Monday 5/11 • 9a-5p

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

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

A Bloomin Sale: The Chicago Botanic Garden's 43rd annual plant sale returns this weekend. The focus of this year's event is growing your own food sustainably. Aside from fruits and vegetables, the sale features annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines, native wild flowers, roses, etc. Experts will give tips on how to build frames and raised beds for your garden.
Where: The Botanic Garden • 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
When: Members only: Fri 1p-4p • Open to the public: Friday 4p-7p / Sat-Sun 10a-3p

Hyde Park Garden Fair: For a plethora of annuals, perennials, house plants, veggies, and more hit the 5oth annual Hyde Park Garden Fair. The fair places an emphasis on highlighting plants that are suitable for city gardens. There will also be an educational lecture series.
Where: Hyde Park Shopping Center • 55th Street and South Lake Park
When: Fri 5/15 9a-6p and Sat 5/16 9a-4p

Kilbourn Park Organic Plant Sale: If you plan on planting veggies in your backyard, on your deck, or on your roof this summer, make sure you hit the annual organic plant sale at Kilbourn Park. The park has a greenhouse where more than 150 varieties of organic plant, herb and flower seedlings are grown. Pick up gems such as heirloom tomatoes, peppers, funky varieties of basil, beets, and many other types of produce that you won't find at Jewel. We've purchased our seedlings at this sale for the past three years and they have produced a beautiful bounty of veggies and herbs. There is a playground at the park for your kids as well. This is one of my favorite parks for kids programs. Stay tuned for other events at Kilbourn throughout the summer.
Where: 3501 N Kilbourn Ave, Chicago • 773-685-3351
When: Sat and Sun • 10a-3p

Malott Japanese Garden Children's Festival: After hitting the Botanic Garden's plant sale, stop by the Malott Japanese Garden to learn about children's celebrations in Japan. There will be music, folk tales, a tea ceremony, and crafts such as origami and paper doll making.
Where: The Botanic Garden • 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
When: Sat and Sun • 10a-3p

Walk Now for Autism: Head to Soldier Field on Saturday for a 5K (3.1 mile) walk and autism resource fair. There will be kids activities, entertainment, refreshments, information and resources. There is no fee to register but every participant is urged to raise $250 for autism research.
Where: Soldier Field • 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive
When: Saturday • Registration at 8a / Race at 10a

Toad-ally Tadpoles: Every weekend in May, stop by the Toad-ally Tadpoles exhibit at the Morton Arboretum. Kids will learn fun facts about frogs and make a tadpole to take home.
Where: Morton Arboretum • 4100 Route 53, Lisle
When: Saturdays and Sundays in May • 11a-4p

ON-GOING ACTIVITIES

The Alder Planetarium is showing One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure staring, you guessed it, your kids' favorite Sesame Street characters. 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. Tuesday 5/12, 5/19, and 5/26 are free admission days at the planetarium. Otherwise the cost of entry plus the show is $19 for adults and $15 for kids ages 3-14. 1300 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.

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

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.

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!

Monday 5/3/09 - Sunday 5/10/09

I hope everyone was able to get outside and enjoy the awesome weekend weather this last week. Fear of the Swine (see below) kept attendance low everywhere we went on Thursday and Friday but did not keep people from enjoying the Kites and Kids Fest at Montrose Beach. It was an awesome free event with plenty of crafts for the kiddies and wind to keep the kites afloat. Of course my child left in tears because he could not steal one of the 20 Elmo kites we saw other kids flying. Note to self for next year's Kite Fest: hit toy store beforehand and get the kite featuring the obsession du jour.

Thought of the Week: SKIRTING THE SWINE (aka DOING THE H1N1 HUSTLE)

To sequester your kids or not to sequester - that is the question. I was supposed to meet a friend and her daughter at the Nature Museum on Thursday morning. After waking up and hearing on the news that there was one confirmed case of the Swine/H1N1 Flu and many more probable cases in Illinois, I was a little nervous about being in an enclosed space with a million kids running around for free day at the museum. My friend was even more nervous and pointed out that there would likely be two million kids at the museum considering that some public schools had been closed for the day. In the end, we decided to skip the museum and meet at a friend's house for a playdate. I'm really not the type to keep my son at home because the flu is going around but I guess I got a little freaked out because doctors don't like to prescribe Tamiflu to toddlers. My philosophy going forward is to be cautious yet optimistic. I will be even more diligent about anti-bacterial wipes. When I get on an airplane with my son, I wipe down the entire row. Not a tray table, arm rest, seat belt latch, or button is missed by my wipes. I'm now going to use my airplane approach at the playground, the grocery store (don't mind me as I wipe down the pin pad), and restaurants. Of course, all of this rubbing alcohol wipe down madness could be avoided if germs were kept at home. My hope is that parents will keep their sick kids sequestered so that healthy kids can continue to enjoy all the fun activities that Chicagoland has to offer. Not sure if your kid's sniffles are contagious? Hit this Children's Hospital site, as it lists pretty much every possible pediatric illness, the incubation period, and the contagious period for the given illness.

THIS WEEK

Green City Market: Chicago's largest Farmer's Market returns to the great outdoors this week! Visit them outside every Wed and Sat now through October 31st. Be sure to stop by the Growing Home booth for your organic produce (mentioned in last week's blog). 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

Garfield Park Conservatory: This week kicks off 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: Wednesdays through 10/28 • 3p-6p

Kohl Children's Museum: This is the last week of the Eggs to Chicks exhibit at the Children's Museum in Glenview. The exhibit features a child-height egg incubator, hatchery and pen for newborn chicks. It is included in the price of admission.

Where: 2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview

When: Through 5/11 • opens at 9:30a Mon-Sat and 12n on Sunday

Harry Potter: The Exhibition: Fans of the J.K. Rowling's books and the movies, will love the Harry Potter exhibit that just opened at the Museum of Science and Industry. The exhibit features over 200 props, costumes, and artifacts from the Harry Potter films all displayed in a 10,000 square-foot space made to look like settings from the films. $13 for adults and and $9 for kids ages 3-11. The Potter exhibit is an additional $13 for adults and $10 for kids.

Where: Museum of Science & Industry • 57th Street and Lakeshore Drive, Chicago

When: Mon-Sat 9:30a-4p and Sunday 11a-4p
Tip: buy your time specific ticket online now. several dates and times have already sold out.

Lil Kickers Open Free Play: So you didn't score a goal when it came to getting your kids signed up for soccer this summer. Make it up to them with a fun morning at Chitown Futbol. During Open Play kids can kick the ball around this indoor facility as well as play, climb and slide in giant inflatables. Open to kids ages 1.5 - 5 years. FREE!

Where: Chitown Futbol • 2343 S. Throop • 312.226.1988

When: Friday 5/8 • 9:30a-12n

Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage: Head to Hoffman Estates to watch as Thomas, Percy, James, Gordon and the rest of the crew prepare for the circus to come to the Island of Sodor. During the 1.5 hour show, kids can join in singalongs as well as learn valuable lessons about friendship and team work.

Where: Sears Centre • 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates

When: Friday 5/8-Sunday 5/10 (click on above link for showtimes)

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 River Day: Join the Friends of the River for the 17th annual river clean-up day. Volunteers will help clean riverbanks, remove invasive plants, repair nature trails, and conduct water quality tests. Everyone from toddlers to senior citizens are invited for age appropriate clean-up activities. After the morning clean-up, there will be an afternoon festival for the volunteers in the Ravenswood Manor neighborhood. Hit the above link for information on how to sign up. This is a great way to teach your kids to give back to the community!

Where: Over 60 sites along the river - as far north as Lake County and as far south as Blue Island in Cook County • Festival for Volunteers at River Park 5100 N. Francisco

When: Saturday 5/9 • Workday 9a-12n/Festival 12n-3p

National Train Day at Union Station: In honor of National Train Day, Union Station is holding a celebration which will include everything from live music to a train equipment display. From 10:15-12n, kids can enjoy an appearance by the Radio Disney Road Crew. There will be a dance party, games, magicians, face painting and giveaways. FREE!

Where: Union Station • 225 South Canal Street, Chicago

When: Saturday 5/9 • 10a-3p

**REMINDER for Napervillians: The Early Bird Membership for Naperville Centennial Beach ends on Saturday 5/9. The early rate for a Family Membership is $142. It goes up to $164 next week! Click here to register online.

ON-GOING ACTIVITIES

The Alder Planetarium is showing One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure staring, you guessed it, your kids' favorite Sesame Street characters. 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. Tuesday 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, and 5/26 are free admission days at the planetarium. Otherwise the cost of entry plus the show is $19 for adults and $15 for kids ages 3-14. 1300 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.

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.

The Field Museum: Aaargh! Pirates are a hot topic these days. You and your kids can learn all about the ups and downs of pirate life at the Real Pirates exhibit. This exhibit features hundreds of artifacts recovered from the wreck of the first fully authenticated pirate ship discovered in U.S. waters almost 300 years ago. Admission to the museum is $13 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11. If you want to see the Real Pirate exhibit the cost is $21 for adults and $12 for children. The field museum is free on the second Monday of each month. Upcoming free days are: Monday 5/11 and Monday 6/8 • 1400 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.

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.

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!

Monday 4/27/09 - Sunday 5/3/09

***A FEW UPDATES***

1.The Naperville Duck Race has been rescheduled for 5/16 due to the river level being too high

2. This Saturday 5/2 is the Kids and Kites Festival at Montrose Harbor. Kids can make and fly their own kite as well as participate in face painting, arts and crafts, etc. This is a free festival. 10a-4p Montrose and Lakeshore Drive.

I hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy the awesome weather we experienced for a few days last week. My son and I hit the free day at the Arboretum on Friday (fun but very crowded and tons of traffic) and the whole fam went to Kids on the Square on Saturday (a little disappointing). This coming week offers up some decent weather and a few days of rain. Below are some indoor and outdoor activities for the week. Don't forget to make your Mother's Day brunch and/or spa reservations this week.

Thought of the Week: SLOW FOOD
Last summer I participated in a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) with a friend of mine. By participating in a CSA, you are essentially buying a share of a local farm's produce for the season. The process cuts out the grocery store middle man, and allows you access to fresh, local, and typically organic, produce every week. Most farms provide their customers with a fairly large box of vegetables to be picked up weekly in locations throughout the city and suburbs. Some farms are willing to deliver the produce right to your door. Aside from fruits and veggies, many farms also offer dairy and egg shares. The CSAs tend to sell out pretty quickly, but the one I participated in last summer, Growing Home, still has shares available. Growing Home is a farm in the south suburbs that trains and employs homeless and low income Chicagoans. Every week I received a box with organic lettuce or other salad greens and various other veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, onions, garlic, beets, broccoli, potatoes, green beans, tomatoes, and herbs. They have pick up locations throughout the city as well as in Evanston or offer door to door delivery. Not sure you are ready to fully commit to a full CSA share? Do what I did and split your weekly bounty with a friend. Buying from a CSA helps the local farmers, the local economy, and provides a variety of healthy produce for your family.

THIS WEEK

Wind Week at the Nature Museum: This exhibit demonstrates how scientist use wind to make energy. Kids can make their own windmill.
Where: 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
When: Sun 4/26 -Th 4/30 • 9a-4:30p
Tip: Every Thursday is free admission at the nature museum. This is a great place to bring your kids on a cold/rainy day as they will be entertained for hours in the butterfly haven, the indoor play area, the maze, and animal/insect exhibits. Old batteries cluttering your drawers? Bring them with you as there is a battery recycling area at the entrance of the museum.

Kohl Children's Museum: There are several reasons to visit the Children's Museum in Glenview this week. First, the annual Eggs to Chicks exhibit is included with the price of admission to the museum. The exhibit features a child-height egg incubator, hatchery and pen for newborn chicks. For train lovers, the Let's Play Railway exhibit features rides around the museum in a fully operational kiddie train. There is an additional $2 fee to ride the train. Where: 2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview When: Eggs to Chicks - through 5/11/09. Railway: through 5/4/09. The museum opens at 9:30a Mon-Sat and 12n on Sunday.

Gymboree Play and Music: The Gymboree city locations are allowing members to bring their friends to Open Play times this week. During Open Play, kids have free rein of the place. Find a friend who is a member because an hour of climbing, jumping, playing, and tumbling pretty much guarantees a huge night of sleep for your little one. We could all use that guarantee.
Where: Lakeview: 3158 N. Lincoln Ave / Lincoln Park 1030 W. North Ave / South Loop: 600 W. Roosevelt Road
When: 4/27-5/1 during Open Gym (times listed below)
Lakeview: Tues 3p-5p, Wed 4p-6p, Fri 3p-5p
Lincoln Park: Mon 3p-7p, Th 4p-5p, Fri 3p-5p
South Loop: Th 3:30-6p, Fri 3p-5p
Tip: parents, make sure you bring a pair of socks with you or you'll be required to buy the bright red or turquoise Gymboree socks for $3 a pair. Also check out the Summer Fun Passport Membership while you are there. For the price of one class, you can attend an unlimited number of classes during the summer months. I signed my son up last summer and thought it was great value! We did Play, Music, and Art classes on a regular basis. I never felt guilty about skipping class on a sunny day, because I knew we could participate in a class or two the next time we had inclement weather.

Garfield Park Conservatory: On the last Wednesday of the month, an animal handler showcases a live animal during Wild Wednesdays at the Conservatory. This week's special guest in an Armadillo. Visitors will get a close up look at the Armadillo and can ask the handler questions about the little critter. There will also be a scavenger hunt and a children's garden dig. The cost is free! While you are there, check out the beautiful Spring Flower Show.
Where: 300 N. Central Park Ave in the Children's Garden
When: Wed 4/29 3p-6p (this is the last Wednesday of the series until next winter)

Baskin Robbins: In honor of America's firefighters, Baskin Robbins is kicking off the ice cream season with 31 Cent Scoop Night. A fun family outing at a great price.
When: Wed 4/29 • 5p-10p
Where: local participating Baskin Robbins

Smarty Party: In desperate need of date night? Smarty Party is holding two evening events this weekend for kids ages 4+ so that mom and dad can get some one-on-one time. On Friday night, it is Cinqo de Mayo Movie Night. Kids will get to partake in popular Mexican crafts, food, and kiddy sangria. There will also be a screening of "Scooby Doo and the Monsters of Mexico". The cost is $25 per child. On Saturday night, Smarty Party is hosting Mother's Day Craft and Movie Night. Kids will make a card and gift for mom, eat dinner and watch a movie. The cost is $30 per child. RSVP 773.687.0521
When: Friday 5/1 • 5:30-8:30p and Saturday 5/2 • 5p-8p Where: 1846 W. Belmont, Chicago

Long Grove Chocolate Festival: At this annual festival in Long Grove, your family can try all types of chocolate creations, see Abe Lincoln being carved out of a hunk of chocolate, and listen to bands on one of two stages. Check out Long Groves cute shops and restaurants while you are in town. I really love downtown Long Grove and think that this festival is a great reason to check it out, especially if you've never been there. Where: Downtown Long Grove - 307 McHenry Road When: Fri 5/1-Sun 5/3 • 10a-6p

20th Annual Duck Race: Come down to the Naperville Riverwalk to participate in the annual rubber ducky race! Grab a spot a long the river to watch the floaters or purchase a race duck for $5 and become an active participant. There is a carnival prior to the race. Where: Naperville's Riverwalk Rotary Hill When: Saturday 5/2 • Carnival starts at 10a • Duck Race at 1p.


ON-GOING ACTIVITIES


The Alder Planetarium is showing One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure staring, you guessed it, your kids' favorite Sesame Street characters. 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. Tuesday 4/28 is a free admission day at the planetarium. Otherwise the cost of entry plus the show is $19 for adults and $15 for kids ages 3-14. 1300 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.


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.

The Field Museum: Aaargh! Pirates are a hot topic these days. You and your kids can learn all about the ups and downs of pirate life at the Real Pirates exhibit. This exhibit features hundreds of artifacts recovered from the wreck of the first fully authenticated pirate ship discovered in U.S. waters almost 300 years ago. Admission to the museum is $13 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11. If you want to see the Real Pirate exhibit the cost is $21 for adults and $12 for children. The field museum is free on the second Monday of each month. Upcoming free days are: Monday 5/11 and Monday 6/8 • 1400 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.

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.

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!


**thoughts and opinions found on Windy City Tot are strictly my own. i am not paid by any entities for the opinions i express on my blog.