Monday 10/12 - Sunday 10/18

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

THIS WEEK

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


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


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


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

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

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

Where: Brookfield Zoo • 8400 31st Street, Brookfield

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

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


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


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


ON GOING

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

Where: 1300 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where: 5700 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago

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

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

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

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

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

THIS WEEKEND

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


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

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

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

Monday 9/28 - Sunday 10/4

Thought of the Week: Apple Picking Near Chicagoland

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


THIS WEEK


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

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

Where: Garfield Park Conservatory • 300 N Central Park Ave

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

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


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


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


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

ON GOING ACTIVITIES

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

Where: 1300 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where: 5700 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago

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

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

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

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

Monday 9/21 - Sunday 9/27

This rainy Sunday evening sadly reminds me that summer is coming to an end.  Luckily, we're heading into one of the best reasons to live west of the west coast: the Fall Season.  I'm planning an apple picking trip next weekend, and will feature you-pick-it apple farms in next week's blog.  In the meantime, enjoy what could be our last 80 degree days this week!

Thought of the Week: Painless Puree
In desperate need of restocking our shelves after being out of town for over a week, I bravely took my 2 year old with me on a Sunday run to Costco.  In other words, hitting Costco at peak hours on the weekend is not my idea of fun, but it was necessary and the coupon book has loads of amazing deals, including diaper coupons, so off we went.  The only positive to a midday Sunday Costco run is the food samples. Our lunch today consisted of waffles, yogurt, various cereals, quiche, and a brownie.  The lunch of champions?  Maybe so, as the brownie was made with spinach.   Anyone who knows me knows that I believe in the power of the super foods and shove pureed spinach, raw spinach, cooked spinach, any kind of spinach, in as many dishes as possible.  As much as I love cooking with purees, it is extremely time consuming to steam the veggies, puree the veggies, freeze the purees in ice cube trays, put the cubes into labeled bags and store them.  I was happy to stumble on Hooray Puree today at Costco.  This local company sells frozen puree veggie packets that you can pop into all kinds of meals.  You don't need the Jessica Seinfeld book of recipes to add spinach puree to your lasagna, butternut squash to your mac and cheese, cauliflower to your scrambled eggs, broccoli to your spaghetti sauce, etc.  And while ideally I'd love it if the Hooray Purees were organic, I'm happy that the veggies they use are grown by US farms that practice sustainable agriculture.  For less than $9, I received 10 packs of frozen veggies and gained back hours of quality time previously allocated to my food processor.  

THIS WEEK

Shedd Aquarium Discount Days: Monday and Tuesday this week are free general admission days at the Shedd.  Of course this means you'll have to fight larger than average crowds.  You'll pay a discounted price if you want to see the Wild Reef, Polar Play Zone, and Oceanarium.  It basically boils down to the upstairs portion of the aquarium being free and the downstairs portion available at a discount.  If you have a pre-schooler, keep in mind that every Tuesday is "Tots on Tuesday" at the Shedd featuring special activities for the pre-school set.
When: Mon and Tues 9a-5p
Where: The Shedd Aquarium • 1200 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago

Alder Planetarium Free Admission Day: Tuesday is a free admission day at the Planetarium.  You'll still need to pay for special shows like One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Big Adventure. High agility parents looking for bargains can bring their kids to both the Shedd and Planetarium on Tuesday due to their close proximity.
When: Tuesday 10a-4p
Where: 1300 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago

Oktoberfest: St. Alphonsus brings German drinking festivities to Lakeview this weekend.  Parents can take advantage of a brat and a brew while kids are entertained at Kinderfest.  The kids' fest takes place Sat 11a-2p and features crafts, face painting, inflatables, music, dunk tank, karaoke, etc.

When: Fri 5p-10p Sat 11a-10p Sun 12n-9p

Where: Corner of Lincoln, Southport, and Wellington

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts: Wrap up your summer festival season with a little culture this weekend.  Parents can enjoy browsing through art work, furniture, and jewelry and kids can take advantage of the interactive children's area.  There is also a sculpture garden, music, a wine/beer garden, and food options from local restaurants.  FREE admission

When: Sat 10a-6p and Sun 10a-5p

Where: Broadway from Belmont to Roscoe


Farm-in-the-Zoo Members Only Open House: If you are a Lincoln Park Zoo member (if you are not you should be - see a plethora of reasons below in On-Going Activities) you are invited to a members only event at Farm-in-the Zoo on Saturday and Sunday.  There will be a garden tour, various chances to interact with the animals, herb tastings from the garden, etc.  Children 5 and under are free.  $8 for members 6 and older. 
When: Sat and Sun 10a-12n
Where: 2200 N Cannon Drive


Midnight Circus: The annual traveling acrobatics show hits Chase Park this weekend.  This is an awesome opportunity to see clowns, contortionists, acrobats, etc without having to leave the city.  The event benefits the Chase Park playground rehabilitation - great show for a great cause!  Tickets are $15.  Kids 2 and under are free. 
When: Sat 2p and 5p • Sun 1p and 4p 
Where: Chase Park • 4701 N Ashland, Chicago

ON GOING ACTIVITIES

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

Where: 1300 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where: 5700 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago

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

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

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

Better Late Than Never: Weekend of 9/19

Once again, my apologies for the late blog posting.  Our nine day family vacation to the Pacific Northwest involved planes, cars and boats / 937 miles on the rental car / 4 different overnight destinations / 1 daddy, 1 very pregnant mommy, and 1 sometimes-well behaved 2.5 year old.  It was an amazing trip but I am still recovering.  Anyway, I forced myself to pull it together to at least get the word out about some of the good neighborhood festivals this weekend.  See my very abbreviated posting below and get out and enjoy this amazing weather while you can.  

THIS WEEKEND

Apple Fest: Hit Lincoln Square for fresh apples, apple cider and other apple confections on Saturday.  The apple farm vendors will be there at 8am and children's activities start at 10am.  Expect story time and games as well as live music:

When: Saturday 8a-4p

Where: 4700 Block of North Lincoln

Edgewater GRalley: Uncommon Ground and St. Gertrudes hosts the 2nd annual GRalley on Saturday in Edgewater.  The fest features some awesome food (Uncommon Ground, Broadway Cellars, Indie Cafe, and That Little Mexican Cafe), great music, and tons of kids' entertainment.  You will be sure to find many Andersonville and Edgewater families enjoying this fest with their kids.

When: Saturday Noon - 10p

Where: 6200 Block of North Glenwood

Harvest Jam: This neighborhood fest, brought to you by the Queen of Angels School, is definitely a family focused fest.  Activities for the kiddies include a dunk tank, Guitar Hero competition, karaoke, games, and live kids' music including Little Miss Anne (Sat 3p).  On Sunday there is a pie, chili, and bbq cook off as well.  

When: Sat 1p-10p and Sun 11a-5p

Where: Sunnyside between Lincoln and Western

Monday 9/7 - Sunday 9/13

My apologies for the late blog posting this week.  A Labor Day weekend road trip with the family has me a little behind. We are way off schedule, bribery with sugary snacks has reached a new level, and in car DVD watching has reached a new high.  Road tripping with a two year old while 7 months pregnant may not sound like a good time to many people, but it is definitely worth it as we've already made a thousand memories that will last a lifetime.  It will be our last major trip before this family goes from 3 to 4 so we are treasuring every moment.  Except maybe the pre-dinner romp in the fountain that left my soaking wet child pant-less and caused me to reach way down in my mom-bag of tricks to figure out a way to hide the fact that he was wearing only a diaper from the waste down from the wait staff and patrons of the restaurant where we dined.  


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.

When: Wednesday • 5p-7p

Where: Gompers Park • 4222 W Foster, Chicago


Sign and Stride:  Baby Signs (sign language class for parents and their babes) and Stroller Strides (fitness class that moms can do with their babes) are teaming up and offering a free class on Wednesday.  Learn some signs with your little one, get a little exercise, meet Beebo the Baby Signs Bear, enjoy story time and songs.  FREE
When: Wednesday 11a-12n (allow extra time for parking)
Where: Diversey Harbor • 141 W Diversey Parkway (Meet at Windy City Field House in the event of rain)

Harvest Fest:  Summer is winding down and sadly, so is the festival season.  Make sure to take advantage of the few fests left on the calendar while we enjoy some of the best weather of the year!  Harvest Fest is a family friendly event which will include carnival rides, games, and music for the kiddos.  You can feel good about the $5 donation as it benefits the Jahn World Language School. 
Where: 1900 W Belmont
When: Friday 3p-10p • Sat 12n-10p • Sun 12n-9p

Wake Up and Boogie Down Festival:   You've got to love that this NPN event starts at 9am on Saturday! My only complaint about the plethora of fests in the city of Chicago is that most of them start at noon, a tough putt when you have a 1p nap deadline.  Anyway, NPN's inaugural fundraiser features musical entertainment by Little Miss Ann, arts and crafts, maraca making, kid-friendly food and drinks, and more.  It sounds like it is going to be somewhat similar to Baby Loves Disco minus the disco.  $20 for adults and $10 for kids over 1 year old.  $50 for a family of four.
Where:  LaSalle Power Company • 500 N LaSalle
When: Sat 9a-12n

57th Street Children's Book Fair: It's a book fair and family festival rolled into one!  Head to Hyde Park to enjoy music, dancing, food, and crafts.  Book characters such as Curious George, Clifford, Miss Spider, Winnie the Pooh, Madeline, will appear and parade throughout the fest.
Where: 57th Street between Kenwood and Kimbark
When: Sunday 1p-6p

ON GOING ACTIVITIES

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

Where: 1300 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where: 5700 S. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago

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

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

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