Chicago Parent April 2013 by Chicago Parent

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APRIL2013 | FREE

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GO green ISSUE

Prank On! April Foolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day

F REE Join us April 19 details inside

connecting with families

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BEAUTY of the BEAST. The beauty of the animal kingdom goes beyond skin deep at the must-see U.S. premiere of AnimAl inside Out. How many muscles are in an elephantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trunk? How much does the heart of a giraffe weigh? The answers are revealed as you journey along this anatomical safari of the natural world, only at MSI, where Science RuleS!

5700 S. Lake Shore Drive | Convenient Indoor Parking | (773) 684-1414 For tickets, visit msichicago.org | animalinsideout.com

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Meet

Alex

attends: The Gardner School age: 2 ½ years old teachers: Miss Ashley & Miss Terri favorite food: Spaghetti & Meatballs favorite color: Orange best friend: Samuel loves: Caterpillars likes to: Play With Legos favorite enrichment class at TGS: Music & Drama When I grow up I want to be: A Lion Tamer

LOVES: The Gardner School! Discover The Gardner School.

An award-winning, academically focused preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.

www.TheGardnerSchool.com

Call now to schedule your personal tour of our state-of-the-art school! The Gardner School of Warrenville

The Gardner School of Chicago West Loop Campus

28W611 Ferry Road Warrenville, IL 60555

1301 West Madison Street, Suite 100 Chicago, IL 60607

NOW OPEN!

OPENING APRIL 2013

630.657.5029

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Are you ready for Summer? Summer Camp: July 1st -August 9th

Day camp registration begins: April 1 & 2

on-line registration www.chicagoparkdistrict.com (credit card required)

in-person registration (at most parks)

Saturday, April 6 at your local park

(bring childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birth certificate and proof of residency)

At local parks, campers ages 6 to 12 can enjoy educational, recreational and cultural activities along with arts & crafts, field trips, sports, water fun and more! Stay connected.

For more information about your Chicago Park District, visit our website at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (312) 742-PLAY (7529); (312) 747-2001 (TTY).

City of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, Mayor Chicago Park District, Board of Commissioners Chicago Park District, Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent and CEO ChicagoParent.com April 2013 3

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Full-time and part-time early childhood education 6 weeks to 5 years old

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Call today to schedule your private tour!

Two Great Locations! Now Open!

3111 north ashland avenue | chicago, il 60657 118 south ashland avenue | chicago, il 60607 tel 312.492.9876

www.littlegreentreehouse.com 4 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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YMCA of Metro Chicago

2013 SUMMER CAMPS Exercise your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential at a YMCA overnight or day camp this summer. 2013 camp options include: 24 day camp locations across the Chicagoland area Overnight/day camps in Illinois (Camp Duncan), Michigan (Camp Pinewood) and Wisconsin (Camp MacLean) Family Camp Nawakwa in northern Wisconsin A YMCA summer camp experience provides your child an exceptional summer camp experience where they can get unplugged, explore their creativity, learn, laugh and make memories to last a lifetime. Camps are offered throughout the summer and financial assistance is available for those who qualify.

Learn more at ymcachicago.org/camp

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Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides some of the highest quality pediatric care in the country and is the only pediatric hospital in Illinois to be ranked by U.S.News & World Report in all 10 specialties. In fact, no other Illinois hospital scored higher in any one specialty area. Lurie Children’s conducts more pediatric research studies than any other hospital in the region. And it’s the first pediatric hospital in Illinois to be a three-time Magnet award recipient for nursing excellence. At Lurie Children’s, we’ve taken the great medical minds and compassionate care of Children’s Memorial and put them in an unparalleled new home designed solely for kids. Learn more at Luriechildrens.org/more

Outpatient Services: Lincoln Park · Arlington Heights · Glenview · Grayslake Gurnee · Lake Forest · Lincoln Square · New Lenox · Westchester · Winfield

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When it comes to winning awards in pediatric medicine, more is more.

contents IN THIS ISSUE 16

GOOD TO GO

BEST IN CHI

SELF-AWARE PARENT

History is Hott tour fun for the kids Kid-friendly gardening

Four little words 28

GOOD SENSE EATING

Diet detox for your family?

120

FEATURES

GET YOUR FUNNY ON 8 ways to play the April fool in Chicago

SWEET SWEET DREAMS Celebrity mom Rachel Barton Pine on parenting, lullabies and looking on the bright side

Eat more green:

Meatless Mondays catching on in Chicago Repurpose for a purpose: New

ways to think about recycling

PARENT PANEL

4 fave tricks for your spring break travel bag Spouse’s secret exposed

ON THE COVER

Young environmentalists club: Chicago kids

weigh in on the status of our environment now and in the future

TRENDING

120 WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS Stingrays invading Shedd

APRIL 2013 | VOLUME 29 | NO. 4

GROWING ‘GREEN’ KIDS

MAGNET DANGERS Doctors seeing spike in number of kids swallowing tiny magnets

Cover kid: Zava Rajabali, 3, Hanover Park Photography: Liz DeCarlo Design: Claire Innes

Coming this month

FREE CHICAGO PARENT READERS NIGHT 5-8 p.m., Friday, April 19, at the Chicago Children’s Museum RSVP on our website

The family that dines together, stays together! ChicagoParent.com April 2013 7

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Discover one of the Mississippi River’s Best Kept Secrets...

Channel Cat Water Taxi

Quad Cities!

Made up of the riverfront cities of Davenport, Bettendorf, in Iowa and Moline/East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois, the Quad Cities is a fun destination for families. You and your children are sure to enjoy the wonderful array of attractions and activities. Plus, it is affordable and just a short 2 ½ hour drive from Chicago.

Niabi Zoo

Family Museum

• • • • • • • •

Hop aboard a riverboat or floating taxi Explore the John Deere Pavilion See elephants, giraffes and more at Niabi Zoo Discover the John Hauberg Indian Museum Enjoy the exhibits at the Putnam Museum Rent bikes and ride along riverfront trails Visit beautiful forest preserves and parks Learn and play at the Family Museum

The secret is out! Discover the Quad Cities on the mighty Mississippi River—you’ll be glad you did!

For Lodging Packages and a FREE Visitors Guide: 800-747-7800 or www.visitquadcities.com

John Deere Pavilion

Download the free app for your phone at http://gettag.mobi

Biking Trails

On the spectrum

TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY

I’ve been so fortunate in my time here to have met some pretty incredible parents and kids. That is especially true of the parents who have been so open in sharing with me—and you—a glimpse into their daily lives touched by autism. One of those parents is Julie Peters, an Oswego mom, whose story I won’t soon forget. In the current issue of Chicago Special Parent, Julie shares a story of her son’s meltdown in the Plainfield

Meijer earlier this year. Hers is a story that could happen to any parent in any store on any day. Such meltdowns for Colin don’t happen every day, yet she chided herself for missing the warning signs of an impending storm. That day, she needed bananas and bread and was relieved that Colin was excited to go to the grocery store with her. But in the baked goods aisle, crisis erupted, triggered by a simple box of doughnuts. As she struggled to contain Colin’s punches and bites, a stranger approached. He asked: “How can I help?” Read Julie Such a simple question. Yet too Peters’ essay at often families with children with ChicagoParent.com. special needs, particularly those whose kids are on the spectrum, say ay they feel the sting of criticism of their heir parenting skills as they struggle to get even the simplest errands of everyday parenthood completed. Julie found herself unable to ask for and accept the stranger’s help. But his words left an impact on her. “The man looked at me and said, ‘You are an amazing mother. You are an amazing mother!’ He took the basket and was gone,” Julie wrote. Autism touches too many lives today. Much work is needed to help these children, to get them a diagnosis early enough for therapies to make a difference. Much more research is necessary to find a cause and one day hopefully the key to unlocking autism’s hold. Much more needs to be done to help everyone understand autism spectrum disorders better. April is Autism Awareness Month and is a good reminder that each one of us can do more for families touched by the spectrum, just as the stranger tried to do for Julie and Colin that January day. “How can I help?” The simple question speaks volumes.

8 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

This spring, we’re most looking forward to ....

EDITOR Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR Liz DeCarlo ASSOCIATE EDITOR Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL CONTENT EDITOR Alaina Buzas ART DIRECTOR Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS Sky Hatter,

Robert Kerrigan

MANAGER OF INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY

Graham Johnston

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Amann,

One word: Peeps. Little conjoined ducks of marshmallowy goodness. Not that I wouldn’t throw a Cadbury Egg out of bed either... Marianne Walsh

Hearing Michael Pollan (the bestselling author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma) speak when he comes to Elmhurst College at the end of April. Emily Paster

Exploring Chicago in nice weather! I can’t wait to gallivant around the city without heavy coats, mittens, hats and cumbersome boots. We love being tourists in our new town. Kristy MacKaben

I’m most excited for my 5-year-old twins and I to make our weekly bike ride down to Scooter’s Frozen Custard for an after-school treat since Scooter’s is closed all winter. Linda Marsicano

Donna Bozzo, Sara R. Fisher, Caitlin Murray Giles, Kristy MacKaben, Linda Marsicano, Robyn Monaghan, Meredith Sinclair DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

Walter Burden, Dawn Engelhardt, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner, Adrienne Smith CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SALES

Walter Burden

SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR

Sandi Pedersen

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Jessica Doerr

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Philip Soell

ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER

Andrew Mead

ADVERTISING DESIGN Maggie Acker,

Debbie Becker

CIRCULATION MANAGER Kathy Hansen

ONE NIGHT A WEEK

DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Alan Majeski

COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

CREDIT MANAGER Debbie Zari PUBLISHER Dan Haley VP/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Andrew Johnston

COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar FOUNDERS Natalie Goodman,

Carolyn Jacobs

HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, Illinois 60302 (708) 386-5555 ChicagoParent.com EDITORS

chiparent@chicagoparent.com CALENDAR

calendar@chicagoparent.com TO FIND A COPY

circulation@chicagoparent.com ADVERTISING

BS in Business or BA in Education/Teaching License Classes meet one night a week in Palos Heights, Addison, and Chicago’s South Loop.

dhaley@wjinc.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

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Chicago Parent is published monthly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago Parent, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. © 2013 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

10 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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DISC

! N I H T I W R E W O P R U O Y R E OV

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DAILY: 3:15-4:15 pm

FRIDAYS and SATURDAYS: 2:15 pm

Take our pledge and earn the League of Superheroes’ Seal of Approval!

April 1May 31

Explore the power of flight with one of our Tinkerers-in-Residence.

Gadget Power DAILY

Make yourself a pocketsized gizmo to boost your superpowers.

AT NAVY PIER • Open Daily: 10 am-5 pm • (312) 527-1000 • ChicagoChildrensMuseum.org ChicagoParent.com April 2013 11

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Label, Pack, Relax with The Limited Edition Camp Combo™

Protect everything that goes to camp with our value-priced collection of durable,waterproof labels and tags. Personalize Mabel’s Labels Limited Edition Camp Combo with a name and choice of designs. It’s packed with everything needed to identify T-shirts, toiletries, swim gear and other camp supplies!

Shop today at www.mabelslabels.com | 1-866-30 MABEL (62235)

12 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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ON THE WEB

Green living

and great winning When I moved to Chicago in 2010, I gave up my car. As an unemployed recent college graduate, my decision was more fiscal than environmental, but I still was happy to be doing a little something for the earth. Two and a half years later, I’m still vehicle-less. We’re lucky enough to live in a city with abundant public transportation. AlAINA BUZAS Sure, the CTA might not always be exactly on time (I know I’m not the only one to have tweeted my #CTAproblems during a morning commute), but it is pretty easy to get around without my own wheels. Mostly, it’s nice to know that choosing not to drive has reduced my carbon footprint. This month I encourage all of our ChicagoParent.com readers to use the site as a resource for greener living. Most of our neighborhood guides are meant

for walking and plenty of our reviewed restaurants try for greener eating and local sourcd ing. A good place to start toward becoming a more eco-friendly n family is in our revamped green section, found at g. ChicagoParent.com/GreenLiving.

STAY CONNECTED

Don’t forget your download. You now can read each issue of Chicago Parent on your tablet or smartphone. Search for us in the Apple Newsstand or in the Kindle Fire App! Single issues are 99¢, or save money and subscribe for $14.99!

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Look us up on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. We love that there are so many ways to stay connected to our readers and we want to make sure you’re included in all the fun. Make sure you visit our Freebie Friday Pinterest board every week for awesome giveaways.

WIN AN OUTOF-THIS-WORLD BIRTHDAY BASH Do you have a space cadet at home? We’ve teamed up with Adler Planetarium to give away a birthday party package there. You can enter the contest through our Facebook page, Facebook.com/ChicagoParent, until April 22.

DIAPER DUTY

Getting ready to potty train your tot? Join us on April 9 for a Facebook chat with Dr. Heather Wittenberg and Pull-Ups. In her upcoming book, Let’s Get this Potty Started, Wittenberg talks about the highs and lows of potty training and helps parents figure out the best training method for their family. At the end of the chat, two participants will win a month’s worth of Pull-Ups to help with their family’s adventures in potty training. ChicagoParent.com ChicagoParent com April 2013 13

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More Convenient Kid Care

We understand what it’s like to have a sick kid. And we know that having to drive all the way downtown or to another location for care makes it that much harder. So we’re creating a place nearby for kids (and their parents) where our expert care is focused on healing and getting kids back home – where they belong. We currently offer: n Top pediatricians and over 60 pediatric specialists n A Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) n A special Emergency Room just for kids – CNEmergiKidssm n Center for Pediatric Brain n Advanced imaging technologies n The Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders Resource Center One phone number for all of your pediatric needs:

14 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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A hit for all sweet occasions

or my twins’ first birthday, I was lucky enough to stumble upon Sensational Bites in Lakeview, mainly because I live a few blocks away. So delicious was that cake that it’s become a birthday tradition. And an after-school-reward tradition and a we-need-a-cookie tradition and I-should-bring-adessert-but-don’t-want-to-bake tradition. Well, you get the point. For birthdays, go for the vanilla cake with buttercream frosting. The peanut butter or key lime pie and over-sized slices of individually cut carrot cake are always a hit to bring for sweet endings to dinner

parties. The colorful minicupcakes will bring a smile to any toddler’s face without overdoing it. Too sinful for words, and definitely geared toward the younger palate, is the Dirt Cup: chocolate cake layered with a truffle filling and gummy worms topped with its signature buttercream flower. Vegans will always find a cupcake choice, while brownie lovers will delight in finding every flavor possible. Bottom line? No matter what

Good to go

Sensational bites

your taste, if it’s sweet, you’ll find it here. Linda Marsicano

Sensational Bites

3751 N. Southport Ave., Chicago sensationalbites.com

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GOOD TO GO

History is Hott

Inspire a passion for the past in your kids

f you’re looking to kickstart your child’s interest in history, look no further than the History is Hott Tour at the storied Palmer House Hilton. Led by the charismatic and wildly entertaining director of public relations, Ken Price, the session is steeped in Chicago’s history. Price gears the sessions to the audience, including children (ages 10 and up would most appreciate the tour) with humorous back-and-forth. From a fascinating tutorial about the Great Chicago Fire, which burned down the Palmer House just days after

Now acceptiNg applicatioNs for fall 2013 At the Montessori Academy of Chicago, we are proud to provide a foundation for academic and personal excellence year-round. Our program seeks to inspire the love of learning inherent in every student: today, tomorrow, and for the rest of their lives.

Learn More About Us: Join us for an informal informational session to learn more about the Academy. Contact us and reserve your spot today. 312.243.0977 Next SeSSiONS: • Tuesday, April 16, 9:00 - 10:30am • Tuesday, May 21, 9:00 - 10:30am • Tuesday, June 18, 9:00 - 10:30am

it first opened in 1871, to the personalities and players of early industry in the city, the tales told during the tour speak to the very heart of how Chicago was built—and rebuilt—to become the thriving metropolis it is today. Close to Price’s heart is the legend of Bertha Palmer, Potter Palmer’s beloved wife, for whom the Palmer House was built. A college-educated woman ahead of her time, she was a tireless advocate for women’s rights, a generous philanthropist, a fixture on the Chicago social scene and a savvy investor, doubling her inheritance after Palmer’s

death with her financial prowess. And there is no better storyteller than an animated Price, who delights in recounting anecdotes about notable events like the World’s Fair held in Chicago in 1893. Bertha Palmer oversaw the fair’s infamous Women’s Building, picking a female architect—a rarity in the 19th century—to oversee its construction. If the captivating tales of the stars who’ve performed in the opulent Empire Room (Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra and Louis Armstrong, to name

oUr prograMs Nursery: { Birth – Age 3 } Comprised of Infant, Toddler, and Pre-Primary classrooms, the Nursery program is focused on fostering basic trust, development of movement, and independence in the child.

just a few) aren’t enough to impress the kids, this might: the first chocolate brownie was created in the Palmer House Hilton kitchen, a century-old recipe that tastes just as scrumptious today. Linda Marsicano

If you go The History is Hott tour includes lunch in the gorgeous Lockwood Restaurant $55 per person Palmerhousehilton.com

not all great Minds think alike

Primary: { Ages 3 – 6 } Grouped in a three-year cycle, our Primary environments reinforce leadership skills and encourage mentoring in a structured “learn by doing” classroom.

Elementary: { Grades 1 – 6 } Our Elementary community is designed to encourage the growth of the curious mind, to develop empathy, imagination, and powers of reason, through an integrated and intellectually challenging curriculum.

www.montessoriacademychicago.org phone: 312.243.0977

1335 West Randolph Street, Chicago Illinois, 60607

16 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

3 Mother’s

Day presents to pick

omething about celebrating Mother’s Day with a family brunch rubs me the wrong way. I can listen to my kids whine while I cut up their pancakes the other 364 days of the year. Here are some gifts that say “We love you” without testing your sanity. It’s a little early, but you can start hinting (or flat out demanding!) now:

A Spa Mama option at Spa Space downtown like the Rose Petal Spa Day Package, which includes full-body grapeseed scrub, rose oil aromatherapy massage,

rejuvenating facial, Rose Petal manicure and pedicure. 4 1/2 hours; $350. Spaspace.com

Specialty wine boutique Que Syrah in Lakeview makes beautiful, personalized gift baskets with handpicked wines and accessories based on personal preference with choices for any budget. Quesyrah.com

Benefit Cosmetics makeup application gift certificate: Moms can update their look at a variety of Chicago area locations with a makeover that comes with $50 worth of product of their choice. $50. Benefitcosmetics. com Linda Marsicano Media Sponsors:

ChicagoParent.com April 2013 17

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Parent-Child Program: For parents with children up to 18 months. Community: For children 15 months to 3 years old. Children’s House: For children 3 to 6 years old. At Home in the Arts: Two 4-week Summer Sessions for children 2 to 6 years old.

Kid-friendly gardening

SARA R. FISHER

Families do not live in Chicago because we want big back yards. We make do with small gardening spaces, standard city lots, condo balconies, patios or small decks. Or, sometimes, we just put a planter in the windowsill. Chicago also is home to some amazing resources to make gardeners out of your little ones.

Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside Ave., (773) 358-4100, gcychome.org You cannot talk about urban gardening without mentioning the youth center. The center, a resource for kids from all walks of life, stands on the cutting edge of youth education through urban agriculture with its two acre-plus vegetable gardens on the rooftop and across the street. Tons of summer camp and after-school programs are offered.

Verdura, facebook.com/ verdurachicago Sara Gasbarra, at the forefront of the edible gardening movement, started a company to help local restaurateurs grow rooftop gardens. Gasbarra also does at-home consultations that can turn any space into an edible feast. For kids, she recommends growing plants that thrive in city-style planters such as sorrel, anise hyssop, Mexican gherkin cucumbers and sungold tomatoes.

Green City Market’s The Edible Gardens, greencitymarket.org The Lincoln Park Zoo’s Farm in the Zoo has hands-on gardening and educational activities AprilNovember on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Best of all, it’s free.

Growing Power Grant Park “Art on the Farm” Urban Agriculture Potager, intersection of East Congress Parkway and South Columbus Drive More than 150 varieties of vegetables, herbs and edible flowers are grown. Kids of all ages get a chance to experience growing food while learning valuable nutrition lessons.

Nurturing the potential within each child

Gateway Montessori School 3748 West Montrose Ave., Chicago, IL 60618 www.GatewayMontessoriSchool.org Phone: 773-539-3025 Email: info@GatewayMontessoriSchool.org

Best places to get gardening supplies Popular opinion says Gethsemane Gardens, Urhausen Greenhouse in Lincolnwood, Anton’s Greenhouses in Evanston, and even Home Depot. Gasbarra also recommends FoxFarm’s Happy Frog organic potting soil as the best for gardening.

18 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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DITCH THE KIDS

Break out of your rut

Gather the girls or your guy for a night of good food

e all know that Chicago is the ultimate melting pot of cultural diversity. But when it comes to a night out, you’ve probably settled into a rut of certain cuisines. Ras Dashen is a great option to break up that monotony. The Ethiopian restaurant in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood is perfect for dinner with friends or a date night. For Ethiopian newbies, the menu can be a bit intimidating. However, the restaurant helpfully suggests some “must-try” dishes and includes a clear explanation of every dish on the menu. I also appreciated the “Eat Like an Ethiopian” section, which described exactly how the meal would be served. The meal gives a new definition to “family-style dining.” For our girls night out, our six entrees and sides came out on two large platters, which were placed at the center of the table for everyone to share. Rip off pieces of injera, the sour, spongy Ethiopian bread (it reminded me of a sourdough crepe), to pick up the food. Messy, yes, but also fun. The family-style of the meal means you can order and try a variety of flavors. My group had Doro wat and Doro alicha, both chicken dishes, Qelulu, a spicy beef dish, Yebeg dereq tibs, lamb cooked with rosemary, Asa tibs, a pan-seared tilapia, and the vegetarian Dupa wat, pumpkin cooked with

Indoor Rock Climbing Facilities

potato. Each entrée comes The Midwest’s LARGEST! with a side, as well, which helped cut down on some Vertical Endeavors’ programs of the heat of the spicier provide a fun-filled experience dishes. We especially liked for youth ages 6-18! Your the pureed red lentils, spinchild will have the opportunity to learn and practice proper ach and yellow split peas. climbing techniques. We finished our meal They’ll leave our programs off with some Ethio Chai with a sense of self-reliance tea, although Ethiopian and accomplishment as well coffee is also considered as a deeper respect for the a traditional drink. The sport of rock climbing. restaurant’s honey wine gets rave reviews, for those who want a different sort of kick to their meal. Smaller parties will espeon SUMMER CAMP or TEAM registration cially enjoy the restaurant’s with this coupon! Expires: 8.31.13 ChP ambiance—the walls are Cannot be combined with any other offer. Must be presented at time of redemption. decorated with lovely native Warrenville, IL | 630.836.0122 | www.VerticalEndeavors.com art—and the opportunity to sit around a small, brightly colored Ethiopian table. Make this your child’s best summer yet! And even larger groups 2/25/2013 3:04:09 PM will appreciate that you april_chicagoparent_quarter_022513an.indd 1 can converse easily—no shouting to be heard over loud music. In the end, a stop at Ras Dashen is more than just a meal. It’s a glimpse into the beautiful diversity of Chicago—and some pretty delicious food. Elizabeth Diffin

SAVE $20

Ras Dashen 5846 N. Broadway, Chicago rasdashenchicago.com

Join us for a summer full of fun in the sun. Sacred Heart offers something for every child. Choose to participate in day camps, academic and recreational programs.

Summer at Sacred Heart June 17–July 26 for Ages 3-15

For a brochure or more information, please call: (773) 262-4446 www.shschicago.org 6250 N. SheridaN road ChiCago, iL 60660

ChicagoParent.com April 2013 19

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Call to schedule your Discovery Tour

INFANTS • TODDLERS • PRESCHOOL • BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL • SUMMER CAMP 20CS121223 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com Chicago Coop 2013 Winter color ad 7.42x9.475.indd

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THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

Need to know

Four little words

Sometimes, with good intention, we send mixed messages to our children. We want them to think for themselves, be internally motivated, and not be overly influenced by other people’s needs or opinions, yet the way we make them feel good is by saying: “I’m proud of you.” There is only love and appreciation CATHY CASSANI behind these words. But there also is an ADAMS underlying message of what it means to feel worthy. If you do something that I or others approve of, then you will feel good. If you do something that impresses me or others, then you will feel valued. What is our true definition of success for our children? What do we want them to understand about accomplishment? Should their focus be on the opinion of others or their opinion of themselves? Our job is to help our children feel comfortable with their insides. We support this by seeing, listening and honoring what they do, but we can also remind them to tap into how they feel about their accomplishments in an effort to strengthen their inner compass. So maybe when our child brings home an A, instead of saying “I’m proud of you,” we can say, “Wow, that must feel great!” A simple shift, but a completely different message. Instead of creating their joy with our approval, we allow them to feel their own joy and join in their celebration. When kids are young, we may feel that we need to constantly direct them or apply extensive external motivation to influence their decision making. But our underlying hope is that they eventually learn to not base their decisions on another person’s approval. We hope they base their decisions on what feels right to them. Then, as they move through life, they can be guided by their own inner awareness instead of societal expectation. They can place personal contentment above approval and popularity, and understand that while it’s wonderful to have people noticing accomplishments, it’s even better to feel inner alignment and peace. I haven’t given up saying “I’m proud of you.” Sometimes these words are perfect descriptors for how I am feeling. But I try to balance it with phrases like, “What do you think about that?” or “That must feel amazing!” Always with the intention to hear and witness their hard work, but then hand back what is rightfully theirs. Cathy Adams is an author, the host of Zen Parenting radio and the mom of three girls. Reach her at cathycadams.com

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MOM OF THE MONTH to. I would say I’m kind of laid back. They have one area that I am not laid back, that’s school. I’m an experience person, I like to go out and go do, so we’re pretty busy. They are my buddies, we hang out, we have movie night, our favorite shows we DVR and we’ll sit and watch them together. I’ve really enjoyed every stage. I’m pretty open and we like to have fun. What has been your best moment as a mom? I love to see my kids doing something that they love. They get on me because I sometimes cheer a little too loud, but I love to see when they have accomplished something and they are super excited about it. That’s the best for me. They are really great girls. I just like to see them happy.

The military mom

{M.O.M}

Kelcey Liverpool

Mom to Nina, 9, and Nya, 11; wife to Rudoff, aviation ordinanceman, petty officer first class, U.S. Navy Created Kids Rank Nominated as 2013 Military Spouse of the Year Chicago What has been the hardest thing about being a military spouse? For me especially, being away from our family. We are a really tight-knit family, and having to move and be isolated sometimes and having to reestablish at every turn new connections. I’m pretty social, so I do fine, I do OK but I do miss seeing my family on a regular basis (from Philadelphia). The military community, they rally, they become your family. If you reach out, you will find people.

Your worst? For me, the toughest is when I think I have too much going on and I look back and I feel like I haven’t done what I needed to do. Or I’ve overlooked and something has fallen through the cracks (such as forgetting to sign that permission slip). Best advice: I have a lot of good people in my life. To be able to step back and understand that I do a lot and I sometimes have to cut myself some slack and understand that not everything is going to get done. I’m hard on myself sometimes; my mind is always racing; I’m always thinking of what I need to do next. I meditate in the morning now because I have to quiet myself, to appreciate all of the things that are happening and not worry about those things that I can’t control right now.

How do you describe your parenting style? I am pretty involved. I like to know what’s going on in their lives while they want me

Making a difference

Kelcey and Rudoff Liverpool started Kids Rank as a business while stationed in Japan. Kelsey created children’s clothing based on their parent’s military service ribbons. Kids Rank became a nonprofit in 2011, with the first club in Highwood, to teach and empower military kids while instilling pride and honor. “It’s not so much ‘woe is me, we’re military kids.’ These are things that will make them really successful in life,” Liverpool says. They earn ribbons by their service to their community and kids are the driving force behind the club.

‘Make Your Own Salad Bar’ helps kids eat more vegetables

Kids won’t eat their veggies? Tell them it’s “Make Your Own Salad Bar Night!” Let them help set out various ingredients—lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, peppers, cucumbers, cheeses, nuts, fruits, etc. Put out various dressings in little bowls, from ranch to balsamic and blue cheese to French. Let kids arrange their choices, making sure to encourage experimentation with different combinations. One thing I’ve learned is that if you keep meals fun, kids may surprise you with their choices!

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NEWS TO KNOW

An elephant story

Roller rink owner brings Thailand to Chicago

arey Westberg sees a lot of kids pass through the Tinley Park Roller Rink he owns, so when he decided to make a movie with a couple of friends, he knew he wanted it to be something that would appeal to families. “I’ve always had a passion for making movies and it’s always been a dream to make a movie,” Westberg says. In 2000, he and some friends made “Learning Curve,” which was distributed through MGM. Recently, Carey completed producing a second film called “My Lucky Elephant,” filmed entirely in Thailand. The plot follows the story of a young

orphan boy and the elephant who befriends him. The movie, written and directed by Westberg’s friend Eric Schwab, who lives in Thailand with his family, includes beautiful scenes of Asian elephants and the Thai culture. “Our goal was to film the elephants in their natural habitats, their rivers, their mountains, how they communicate, how they live,” Westberg says. “To bring Thailand into people’s homes to see this beautiful land.” “My Lucky Elephant” has received a Dove family seal and is something Westberg says adults will enjoy as much as children. “We wanted to provide a good family, entertaining film,

especially for kids, that’s a real adventure and something that’s not animated. When the kids see it, they can see this is what elephants look like and what they’re doing.” Westberg hopes to produce more family films, working with animals in unique locations. “We can bring more culture into families’ lives and widen their perspective in life. Then everybody wins, everybody can walk away with not just the entertainment but seeing the world through a different perspective,” he says. The movie was released on DVD and is available at local retailers, as well as through Amazon and iTunes. Liz DeCarlo

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MONEY SMART WEEK: APRIL 20-27

College:

Learn More

Is it worth the costs?

ollege costs are on the rise. Average costs for tuition, fees, room and board at public and private colleges averaged $17,860 and $39,518 respectively per year in 2012. This is an increase of 124 percent and 138 percent respectively from 1972 costs. But is college still worth it? Absolutely! With college graduates earning on average $3 million more than nongraduates over their lifetime, college is an investment that has a great return.

So how can you make the most of your childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s educational investment while managing the costs?

Save early. A family saving $1,000 per year from ages 10-18 and earning 7 percent APR on their investments will have $11,000 at enrollment. Starting at birth instead would result in $36,000.

Consider costs. Think carefully about the costs of each college. For some students, community colleges, which average $2,690

in tuition and fees, can be a fantastic bargain to start.

Build a budget. The number one reason for college dropout is financial pressure. Visit the resource page at econcouncil.org to create a customized budget with your student.

Sid Blum, a volunteer from the Financial Planning Association, will respond to your money questions about college saving and more at ChicagoParent. com/moneysmart moneysmart duringg Money Smartt Week. Learn more about this and other financial education tion eventss at moneysmartysmartweek.org. org.

Do your homework. Visit fafsa.ed.gov or knowhow2go.org early to be prepared. Tracy Frizzell Economic Awareness Council - Young Illinois Saves

24 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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MONEY SMART WEEK: APRIL 20-27

Options exist for financial aid help

ollege is a strong investment in your future, but with the rising costs of college, how can the average Illinois family afford it? Illinois residents have a valuable financial aid resource based right here. The Illinoi s Student Assistance Commission is dedicated to giving Illinois residents every opportunity to pursue a post-secondary degree. ISAC administers more than

$370 million need-based grants and scholarships and provides one-on-one guidance for students and their families. To get started, make sure to explore the various career paths on whatsnextillinois. org and visit isac.org to connect with one of the ISACorps members who will provide free assistance in applying for student financial aid and navigating the college-going process. As students are deciding

Summer

on w which hich h ccollege oll ol llege lege tto o at atte attend, tend d they should examine their award letters closely.

Grants and scholarships. Determine if they are renewable or a one-time award. If renewable, make sure to know what the requirements are for each year.

Student loans. Student loans can be awarded from different sources and have

different repaydi diff ffer eren entt iinterest nte tere rest st rrates, ates at es re repa payy ment schedules and amount limits. Read and understand the details of each student loan before accepting it.

Out-of-pocket cost. Determine what will be the total out-of-pocket cost after completing the whole program, not just part of it. Abel Montoya Illinois Student Assistance Commission

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Just How Dark Were the Dark Ages? I

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NEWS TO KNOW

GPS your way through the AIC

he Art Institute of Chicago has created a free “indoor GPS” app that presents 50 varied tours of all the public spaces in the museum and its thousands of works. The custom tours offer information on more than 300 works of art, 50 different ways to organize a visit to the museum according to a visitor’s interests, and turn-by-turn

navigation. The app, “Art Institute of Chicago Tours,” available for Apple and Android devices through the museum’s free Wi-Fi, not only provides information on the art, but also where to find restrooms and restaurants. Tours designed specifically for families include directions to works of art, information on artists and videos on many works.

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26 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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NEWS TO KNOW

3 not-to-miss 1

The Grayslake Her Heritage Center & Museum hosts exhibitio the traveling exhibition Se “Abraham Lincoln: SelfTh Made in America.” The exhibit, created by th the Abraham Lincoln Pre Presidential Library and Muse Museum, explores the history o of Lincoln, from his boyhoo boyhood to his last years in office. The exhibit, which runs thro through June 16, includes ongoin ongoing family-friendly programs. For more information, visit vill villageofgrayslake.com.

Fieldhouse, 1425 N. Damen, Chicago. For more information, visit the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce website at wickerparkbucktown.com.

For travelers looking for some inspiration, the Illinois Office of Tourism debuted a new 2013 Illinois Travel Guide to help visitors plan their next getaway. The updated, 152-page guide highlights sights, flavors, people and destinations in Illinois. In addition, travelers can download the new guide and an iPad app at enjoyIllinois.com. To view, download or order a free copy of the 2013 Illinois Travel guide, visit enjoyillinois.com or call 1-800-2CONNECT.

Families can learn easy ways to “go green” at the fre free Wicker Green Resources Fair in Wic Park 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 20 20. The event will be held indoors and a outdoors, with green-them green-themed activities for children aand families. The free ev event will be held at th the Wicker Park 2:36 PM Page 1 JanuaryCAMPad-CP:Layout 1 12/18/12

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June 10 - August 2, 2013 ChicagoParent.com April 2013 27

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GOOD SENSE EATING

Detox

your family’s diet?

CHRISTINE PALUMBO

For some people, the urge to “spring clean” extends to their bodies. They embark on a juice cleanse—a diet composed of fruit and vegetable juice—to jump-start weight loss or to purify their systems. Will a detox diet help you and your family?

Benefits

Clean eating

Awareness. The term “detox” can be used to describe the elimination of rich, sugary, fatty, empty calorie and/or highly processed foods. By replacing these with whole fruits and vegetables plus whole grains, your family is better off. Weight loss. We expect quick results. Detox diets can provide rapid weight loss because the regimen is so low in calories.

Rather than drastic detox, consider a switch to cleaner eating. “Clean eating is a longterm lifestyle of choosing whole foods in their most natural state from all food groups,” says Michelle Dudash, RD, author of Clean Eating for Busy Families. “It also means choosing foods from as close to home as possible and eating with the seasons.” Keep the switch simple and safe with these tips: 1. Get ruthless. “Identify snacks made of refined grains and sugars and either toss them, take them to the office, or donate unopened packages,” Dudash says. 2. Keep new favorites on hand. Tempt your family with fresh fruit, and stock nuts and raw veggies with hummus for munching. 3. Keep junk out. “Save the ‘unclean’ foods for special occasions, if you must serve them at all.”

Negatives Extreme. Detox diets tend to be extreme and eliminate food groups that provide important nutrients like protein and calories. Safety questions. It depends on how extreme the diet is, how long one stays on it, and the health status of the individual. Before going on a detox diet with fewer than 1,200 calories, consult a medical professional. Typical low-calorie detox diets are not safe for kids. Naturally, expectant mothers also should avoid them.

Christine M. Palumbo, RD, is a Naperville-based nutritionist. Find her at Chris@ChristinePalumbo.com.

Pistachio & Whole-Grain Tortilla Crusted Tilapia with Chili Lime Sauce 4 servings For tilapia: 1 large egg ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro 1 tsp Dijon mustard ½ cup crushed whole-grain tortilla chips (from about 12 large whole chips) ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp chili powder ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into at least four portions (or cod/ haddock) For sauce: ¼ cup light mayonnaise 1 tsp lime juice 1 pinch chili powder 1 pinch salt

To make the tilapia: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper. Whisk egg, cilantro, mustard and 1 tsp of water

together in a shallow dish. In another dish, combine chips, pistachios, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt and pepper. Dip fish in egg mixture, coating both sides, then coat fish in breading. Place fish on pan with rounded side up. Bake for 14 minutes until golden on the outside and opaque and slightly firm in the center. To make the sauce: Blend all sauce ingredients. Serve the fish immediately with the sauce. Nutrition facts: 264 calories, 18 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 25 g protein, 12 g carbohydrate, 2 g dietary fiber, 97 mg cholesterol. Reprinted with permission from Clean Eating for Busy Families: Get Meals on the Table in Minutes with Simple and Satisfying Whole-Foods Recipes You and Your Kids Will Love, by Michelle Dudash, RD (Fair Winds Press, January 2013).

28 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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World Premiere Movie Monday, April 22nd at 8:00am pbskids.org.

Curious George is a production of Imagine, WGBH and Universal. Curious George and related characters, created by Margret and H.A. Rey, are copyrighted and trademarked by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and used under license. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLP. Television Series: ÂŠ 2013 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. The PBS KIDS logo is a registered mark of the Public Broadcasting Service and is used by permission. All Rights Reserved.

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Job Title: Chicago Parent Ad Client: PBS KIDS

Size: 7.42 x 9.475 Contact: Greg Moraes

FNL

3/15/13 11:58 AM

TRENDING

4 fave tricks for your spring break travel bag 1 Wipe on some SUN

MEREDITH SINCLAIR

Thanks to the porcelain-skinned beauties of Downton Abbey, I have much more respect for my own pale complexion and fair limbs. That is, until I land in Florida and put on a bathing suit. L’Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes, medium natural tan, are streak-free and less smelly than liquid tanners, and the golden color develops gradually so you don’t end up looking like a sweet potato overnight. $12.99, in most drugstores

2 Color correction This is one of my absolute favorite beauty products ever. It’s like photoshop in a bottle. Olay’s super light CC Cream Total Effects Tone Correcting Moisturizer with SPF 15 is all the foundation you need to look great on your busy days traveling with kids. And because you only need to use a small amount for big coverage, the bottle will last longer than you think. $17, in most drugstores.

3 Pencil in a good night’s sleep Another one of my favorite beauty tricks while traveling is Benefit’s “Eye Bright.” I use it anytime I’m looking tired and worn. Just a dab at the inside and outside corners of your lids instantly brightens your eyes and makes you appear rested. They don’t call it “a nap in a stick” for nothin’. $20, Sephora.com

4 Make your colorist proud oud

If you’re like me and nd spend a small fortune for that “natural” hair color, then this one’s ne’s just for you. Aveda’s Sun Caree Protective Hair Veil is a lightweight, ght, waterresistant, UV defense that protects your hair from sun un da un d damage aam m up to 16 hours. It also o minimizes min min mi inimi miz ize color fade and dryness. ss. A simple spritz-on way to protect ect your mane investment. $27, Aveda.com 30 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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3/20/13 2:23 PM

CRAFT

Ssssss...

snakes! Create slithering serpentine friends from materials you have around your house

BY CAITLIN MURRAY GILES

eal snakes probably are not your favorite animal, but these super cute (and super simple) coiled cardboard snakes are easy to love. This project is a great example of how just a few really basic, simple craft supplies can be transformed into a creative and fun activity for the preschool and toddler set. Save several empty cardboard paper towel tubes (or dig them out of your recycling bin!). Paint the inside and outside of the cardboard tubes one color. Let dry and apply a second coat if needed. Don’t worry if the paint job isn’t perfect. Once the paper towel tubes are completely dry, use scissors to cut

the tubes into coils. Cut around the tube in narrow, straight rows. In order to ensure that the “snakes” hold their round shape, wrap the cut paper towel roll around an empty tube from wrapping paper or something with a similar shape. Use a small paintbrush to add dots (or another embellishment of your choice) in a contrasting color. Let dry completely and then flip over on the other side to add more detail. Use a glue gun (adult job only!) or craft glue to add googly eyes to the snake’s “head.” Use a small piece of red construction paper or red craft foam and scissors to create “forked tongues” to add to your snakes. Use craft glue or a hot glue gun to attach it to the end of your paper towel coil.

Supplies Several empty cardboard paper towel tubes Empty wrapping paper tube Googly eyes Craft glue or a glue gun Scissors Paintbrush Tempura paint in a variety of colors Red construction paper or craft foam Scissors

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Photo by Meredith Gregory Photo by Meredith Gregory

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32 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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FAILING WITH GUSTO

Back on my feet

MARIANNE WALSH

A short five hours later, I was with a doctor as he reviewed my X-ray. “There’s no break, ma’am.” Ma’am? When did I transition into ma’am territory? I cleared my throat to allow enough time to remove the righteous indignation from my voice. “No break? Are you sure?” I eyed him suspiciously and noticed he looked an awful lot like a kid I once babysat. “I’m sure, ma’am.” Crap. I had babysat this guy. “So what do you think it is?” I asked the former 9-year-old lad who loved Ewoks and macaroni & cheese. “Well, given your pregnancy-related weight gain, I suspect plantar fasciitis.” Did he just call me fat? “You’ll want to see a podiatrist for treatment.” “What does treatment involve?” “There are a number of things they do, including special shoes, inserts, cortisone shots, and for the morbidly obese...” I stopped listening and started imagining my new life wearing orthopedic shoes and getting called “ma’am” and “fat.” I decided to investigate one of those Colonial Penn funeral policies. Old, fat people need plans. By the time I saw a podiatrist, I was horribly depressed. Nobody had warned that motherhood was the gateway into old-agedness and obesity. I made an appointment with a middleaged podiatrist who cheerfully endured my curmudgeonly ways. He asked a few questions, the final one being, “Do you have hardwood floors?” Why yes, yes I do. “And do you walk around without shoes or slippers?” Why yes, yes I do. “We’ll start you on the inserts, honey. But I don’t think you’re going to need

them very long if you just wear slippers on your feet or buy carpeting.” Hold the phone. Did he just call me “honey”? Forget Colonial Penn. I was BACK. And I was calling the Empire Carpet guy. Since that day, I have rediscovered countless childhood games, songs and activities. I have caught lightning bugs, put sprinkles on my ice cream, and rode my bike all the way around the block with “no hands.” Motherhood, as it turns out, is not a precursor to AARP membership. In many ways, it is actually a gateway back to childhood. But this time around is better. This time I’m the one with the keys.

Talk back

Shortly after the birth of my first son, I was racing across a busy downtown intersection when I tripped. Then came a searing pain. Having broken my foot as a kid, I assumed I had done it again. I confidently hobbled into the ER and informed the lady at registration that I had most definitely broken my foot. “That’s nice, dear. Now what kind of insurance do you have?” “Gosh, I hope they give me a walking cast. I can’t manage a new baby on crutches.”

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REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

You accidentally blabbed your spouse’s most intimate secret. What do you do?

Honesty is the best policy. Tell him, or her, what you did and find a way to make amends. Kate AtkinsTrimnell, Homewood

Think fast, making a joke of the mistake I just made, and immediately change the topic of conversation hoping no one notices how red I am! Mona Shah, Glenview

Tell her the truth: That you are a blubbering fool and will grovel if needed to get back in her good graces. Trying to justify your reason otherwise might make things worse. Jeff Mezydlo, Chicago

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Don’t tell him!!!!!!! To the grave with it! Rani Morrison, Oak Park

Try to make amends. Talk to your spouse and apologize profusely and keep your mouth shut in the future. Ask your friend not to betray your confidence. Lolita M. Cusic, Chicago

I would tell my husband what I did and how sorry I am. I would also then tell the people I blabbed it to that I was offbase and to please let it stop there. I wouldn’t expect my husband to be too happy with me for a while because of the trust that I broke. Kerry Quirin, Downers Grove

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VOICE: ANNE REZABEK

Writing lines: Ancient torture or modern miracle?

have vivid memories of watching “Little House on the Prairie” back in the day and wondering why Willie Oleson consistently was shown in the little one-room school house writing lines on the chalkboard. Now I know the answer. I was having a problem getting my children to listen and to follow the house rules. It seemed that no matter how positive the reinforcement, no matter how many days they were grounded from media or going outside, my kids seemed to ignore my sweet, logical and clearly communicated wishes. I asked them to hang up their coats, pick up remotes from off the floor and put away their toys. Little things, right? There were countless discussions about how they needed to follow the house rules because when they didn’t, it took away from our family time. They still didn’t listen. It was getting more and more irritating and really wearing me down. After some of my best “There she blows!” days, the behavior would improve for a little while. Then, just when the “Serenity Now!” smile would slowly start to creep across my tired face, I’d spot it. A sweatshirt on the stairs. A remote on the floor. Really? REALLY? That’s when Willie came to me in a dream. The next time, and oh yes, there was a next time, I tried a new approach. Writing lines. The rules went like this: My fourthgrader had to write a page full of lines on a sheet of notebook paper. “I will hang up my coat.” Second offense, two full pages. My first-grader only had to write 10

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ANNE REZABEK

Anne’s kids aren’t thrilled with her discipline. lines until her little competitive spirit decided that she had to “beat” her big brother by completing a full page faster than him. So I upped her number of lines. She cried about the unfairness of it all. “Well honey, if we lived in 17th century China, your feet would have been bound by now, and that means I would have been the person that broke every bone in your feet so you could fit into those teeny-tiny shoes we always see at the Field Museum. This really isn’t so bad.” And you know, it’s not. I’ve gotten some tsk-tsking from some of “those moms.” I’m OK with that. Writing lines

has avoided conflict about the house rules almost completely. It’s taken the struggle out of getting those little things done. Do they sometimes slip up? Of course! When they do, I stay consistent. I can feel their frustration if they have to write three pages of lines. (It rarely happens.) They’re near tears and they get mad. In the long run, I hope they’ll appreciate their American Girl- and Legocentric lives and understand that writing lines was effective and humane. Long live Little House! Anne Rezabek is an Elgin mom of two and an original member of Chicago Parent’s Parent Panel.

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ChicagoParent.com April 2013 35

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VOICE: ERIN RUGGABER HOWARD

Big sister, little brother A family is a family no matter what

ichalene, go back to bed!” I scolded without looking up. Even a full day of camping couldn’t wear out my intrepid 6-year-old, but I was not going to have her waking up her younger siblings. When Michalene didn’t move, I looked up and noticed the tears rolling down her face. OK, this was bigger than one overtired little girl. As I gathered her in my arms she managed to gasp, “The other kids [sob] on the playground [sniff] said Danny [sob] wasn’t my little brother.” I sighed. This was going to be complicated. Even in our ethnically diverse hometown, our family is used to stares from strangers. Michalene and her brother Danny are particularly prone to questions, as they are only eight months apart in age, but opposite in appearance. Michalene is African American, while Danny, our only biological child, is Caucasian. In the campgrounds of the Midwest, our family sticks out like a sore thumb. “I’m so sorry,” I began. “How does that make you feel?” “I feel awful,” Michalene said through her tears. “Danny is my little brother.” “Of course Danny’s your brother,” I affirmed. “I know it’s frustrating. But

The Howard family: Michalene, Phil holding Mia, Erin holding James, and Danny.

remember, we’ve talked about how some people aren’t used to seeing families who don’t look the same.” Michalene rolled her watery eyes at me. “Mom, it’s not that. They said Danny is taller than me, so I must be littler and he must be my big brother. But it’s not true! We’re both 6 right now, but I’m almost 7!” I had missed the mark. It wasn’t my kids’ racial disparity that caused comment, it was their size disparity. I quickly calmed Michalene by reminding her that my own “baby brother” was taller than me by the time I was 10. Consoled, Michalene settled down once again in her little camper bed. For a few minutes, I gazed at my sleeping children, gloating over the unique beauty of my multiracial family. Then I ventured outside, told the whole story to

my husband, and finally allowed myself to laugh at my own stupidity. I was acting like such a grown-up! My husband and I both have noticed the pattern. It’s always the grown-ups—trying so hard to be polite and pretend they aren’t curious—who can’t stop talking about our children’s race and adoption stories. Kids ask questions so blunt that their parents literally squirm, but once those questions are answered, they just move on. Perhaps we grown-ups should take a cue from the kids and learn to focus on what’s really important. Transracial, adoptive, “artificial twins”? Whatever. Little brother two inches taller than big sister? Now that’s a big deal. Erin Ruggaber Howard is an Aurora mom.

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36 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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DEATH BY CHILDREN

The pen incident When I married my wife, I married her friends, too. In an instant, I became their mover, their lifter, and their Starbucks butler. Shortly after my son was born, my wife’s friend asked if WE would watch her children and her house while she and her husband jetted to the Caribbean to create another baby. So CHRISTOPHER WE moved into her manse for a week GARLINGTON with the plan that WE would wrangle her preschoolers while WE went through her medicine cabinet, her closet, and her wine rack. He just beamed up at me This house would make like ruining a $4,000 couch Martha Stewart roll her is no big deal. eyes. It was luxurious. It was High over our heads my ridiculous. Of course, I wasn’t wife’s friend was arcing worried about being left in through the sky on her her house with her way back home. two children AND Her limo was mine because due at sunrise. I my wife would called my wife. be with me. We were Wife? Wiiiife? up all night. Hello? We went to Yeah, it was Walgreens twice. just me. At 3 in the mornI spent a week JA ILL DE ing, the spot faded in mortal terror as UST RATIO N BY TOM to a dark gray. Around 5, it the children slung frosted vanished. I fluffed the pillows Cheerios and peed in their and prayed. sheets. But I handled it. I The limo screeched to a locked them in the basement. stop at sunrise. Her feet had Well, us. barely graced the Berber My wife’s friend’s basement in the basement when she was blanketed hip deep with squealed. hand-crafted Swedish genderneutral toys. I grabbed a crate Well, that’s it. We’re buying of juice boxes and Cheez-Its a couch. The friend came up, and we watched cartoons and staring at us with a look very stayed away from the good similar to what I imagine she china and all was well. Until I would level at a guy who’d sat down on the sumptuous, just pooped in her wine snow white couch and there, cellar. We were reaching for by my shoulder, was a hideous our checkbook when she scrawling splatter of black ink. said, “Oh my God, how did &*^%$#@! you get rid of that old stain?” “WHO MADE THIS MARK I leveled my best Bruce ON THE COUCH!?” Willis at her kid and “It was me!” seethed: “You said you did The little prince. The lord it.” of the manse. My wife’s And he said, “Yeah, when friend’s son, barely 3 1/2. I was 2.”

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GREEN LIV V I NG

Growing

‘green’ kids T

oday’s kids are more aware than ever that things need to change in order to protect their future. Empower them to share their ideas for saving Earth and they’ll soon be showing you the way. CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

ChicagoParent.com April 2013 39

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Young A REPORT FROM CHICAGO’S KIDS: ONE IN AN OCCASIONAL SERIES

ENVIRONMENTALISTS

club Chicago kids weigh in on the status of our environment now and in the future

THE PANEL

NIKOLAS BELTZ, 7 CHICAGO

ALEXIS BURKE, 8

WOODRIDGE

MAYA CAREY-DAVIS, 7 CHICAGO

DYLAN CAREYDAVIS, 9 CHICAGO

MADELEINE DENISE- OLIVIA DIXON, 10 MCGRATH, 9 CHICAGO

CHICAGO

LIZA HERRON, 9 CHICAGO

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GREEN LIVING BY CAITLIN MURRAY GILES

ost adults are worried about things like pollution, global warming and depleting the world’s limited resources. It shouldn’t come as any surprise to hear that kids are concerned about the very same issues. What can Chicago kids do to protect our environment and conserve resources at home and school? What examples of pollution do they see around Chicago in their day-to-day lives? Do they think that our environmental issues will be better or worse when they are adults? We reached out to 13 Chicago area kids to share their thoughts on everything from water conservation to endangered animals to Mother Earth (who is that lady anyway?).

What is global warming and what do you think we can do about it? Global warming is God’s Earth getting hotter. Walk, ride or roller skate instead of driving. Maya Global warming is when the garbage that’s been thrown on the ground and in a landfill and all of the other stuff that’s bad for the Earth makes carbon dioxide that overheats the sun. I think that once a week we should all go outside and pick up stuff you see. That would help stop global warming. Madeleine Global warming is the world getting hotter. Ice caps are melting. Weather is going crazy. I know that some factories turn out carbon dioxide by using machinery so we could stop plants like that. Also, we could plant more trees to create more oxygen. Wendy Shyla Rajabali, 11, of Hanover Park

LIAM QUINN, 10 CHICAGO

SEBASTIAN RAMOS, 10 AURORA

Global warming is the destruction of the ozone layer, which leads to more of the sun’s harmful UV rays reaching the Earth’s surface. To stop this, we can stop using things like old appliances and

SAVANNAH ROACH, 8

BARRINGTON

JACOB SICHLAU, 11 CHICAGO

aerosol cans.

Jacob

Do you think it is important to recycle? What do you recycle at home or school? Yes, it is important to recycle because less garbage goes to the dump. I recycle cans, paper and glass. I recycle at school and at home. Maya At home, we recycle paper and cardboard and plastic and glass, and sometimes wood. At school, we recycle paper. I’m on Student Council, and we ran a recycling campaign for school this year: Gary the Garbage Can Says ‘Don’t Put Any More in Me!’ Wendy If we didn’t recycle paper or cardboard, more trees would have to be cut down. Trees clean some of the air pollution out of the air and if there were no trees, then more people would have asthma. Savannah If you leave your garbage on the floor, dolphins and whales will die. Alexis

DRAKE TIERNEY, 12

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

LINDENHURST

WENDY WALTER, 9 CHICAGO

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ENVIRONMENTALISTS I think it is important to recycle because it turns old trash into useful objects. Jacob

Can you give us an example of how you see people polluting here in Chicago?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

There are lots of factories in Chicago that put out smoke that pollutes the environment in Chicago. Drake I see trash in the water in Lake Michigan. Wendy

Once on the bus ride to school, I decided to count how many pieces of litter I could see and the answer was about 240 pieces! Savannah The most common ways I see people polluting are driving and littering. Jacob People throwing garbage on the ground. Liam

What do you think “Mother Nature” means? Mother Nature is known for making nature. Dylan People refer to a lady that controls all our nature and weather. She’s the one that makes certain stuff happen on

Earth. Madeleine I think it means she helps us not pollute and recycle instead. She reminds us what and what not to do. Olivia She is an imaginary mother who is in charge of nature and can change the weather. When she is angry, she makes thunderstorms. Liza I think that Mother Nature is the supplier and supporter of all worldly life. Her job would be to keep the Earth in as ideal condition as possible. Jacob

Mother Nature means respect nature and the whole Earth and be kind to bugs. Nikolas

What can we do to conserve our water? Clean it so we can reuse it. Maya If you are playing a basketball game, don’t just throw away your plastic water bottles. Save it for later. Or better yet, bring one from home! Madeleine When I wash my hands, I always get soap, wet it and then turn it off. Then I scrub so I don’t waste any more water by letting the water run. Also, when I have water to drink, I try to drink it all so we don’t have to waste it by dumping it down the drain. Savannah

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Turn the water off when brushing your teeth. Liam

I think that it will be worse, because if people don’t stop polluting, then more and more pollution will be there. I don’t think people will stop. Savannah

Do you think that our environment will be better or worse when you are an adult?

I think it will be better because people are not polluting the Earth as much and know more about how to take better care of our environment. Sebastian

I think it could be worse because people aren’t caring about the Earth.

I sadly think that the world will be in worse shape than it is now when I am an adult. I admire the people who are working towards a better planet, but I just don’t think that there are enough of them. Jacob

Take shorter showers.

Liza

Dylan

I think better because people are starting to realize that it is getting warmer in the winter and the summers are extremely cold. Madeleine

It will be better because

kids like me will help. Nikolas

What else do you think we can be doing to protect our environment? Don’t throw stuff on the ocean and don’t litter. Liam Find a cleaner energy and make more products with humans instead of machines; we pollute less when we run them. Drake Throw things away you don’t need and recycle the things that can help change the environment. Olivia

We can grow more plants like flowers and trees and drive fewer cars. Maya We can recycle by reusing things that we have in our home. Paper, boxes, all sorts of things. Reuse paper that only has something on one side. Madeleine When spring comes, we can plant trees. We should try to recycle everything. We should try to save water and we should use less electricity. Savannah Caitlin Murray Giles is a freelance writer, the co-founder of 2 Moms Media and mom to three little ones.

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GREEN G R E EN LIVING

Eat more

GREEN Meatless Mondays

catching on in Chicago

BY EMILY PASTER

e all want to do our part to improve the environment. We recycle, switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, maybe even drive a hybrid car. But did you know that what we eat may have an even bigger impact on the planet than any of these decisions? The biggest environment culprit: meat. The United Nations estimates that nearly one-fifth of greenhouse gas emissions are generated by raising animals—far

greater than the amount generated by cars. Equally alarming, it takes 2,000 gallons of water to produce a single pound of beef. By contrast, it only takes 220 gallons of water to produce a pound of soy tofu. While many of us understand that eating lower on the food chain is more environmentally friendly, we may be loath to give up our steaks, pork chops and chicken wings forever. This is Chicago, after all! Many of us simply love the way meat tastes. Plus, lean cuts

HOW PARENTS GO GREEN Of course, the obvious of recycling paper, plastic, and glass! In our home we also reuse many things. Plastic water bottles have made great snow globes for the kids. Paper towel rolls have been used as crafts to make telescopes. We have reused old newspapers as table covers during arts and crafts. We have switched to reusable bags. Angela Sobieraj, Niles

We buy most everything for our home secondhand and then pass along to others anything and everything we no longer need, such as CDs, DVDs, books and clothes. In the summer we grow a big garden of vegetables and involve the kids in the process of “farming.” Chickens are next! Susie Donahue, Oak Park

44 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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GREEN G REEN LIVING

for

Luckily, many kid favorites, such as pizza, pasta and macaroni and cheese already are meatless.

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of beef and chicken are an important source of protein and key minerals like iron. But you don’t have to stop eating meat to have an impact on the environment. Simply reducing consumption of meat can make a big difference. That is the thinking behind Meatless Monday, a growing movement embraced by famous chefs, celebrities, universities, hospitals and city councils across America. Started by marketing executive Sid Lerner in 2003 and endorsed by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Meatless Monday asks Americans to pledge to eat vegetarian one day per week for both health and environmental reasons. Monday was chosen as the

meat-free day as a nod to the rationing system in place during both world wars. During World War I, the federal government launched a campaign to encourage Americans to embrace “Meatless Monday” and “Wheatless Wednesday” to save resources as part of the war effort. President Roosevelt reinstated the program during World War II. Plus, Monday obviously is the start of the work and school week. Research shows that people are more likely to maintain habits that they began on Monday throughout the rest of the week. Interested in trying Meatless Monday at your house? Luckily, many kid favorites, such as pizza, pasta and macaroni and cheese already are meatless. But the options don’t end there. Another great Meatless Monday idea is breakfast-for-dinner. Make scrambled eggs, whole grain pancakes or waffles and fruit salad for a

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

HOW PARENTS GO GREEN We recycle everything. We use CFL bulbs in every lamp. We walk or take the train everywhere we can. I use a travel mug for coffee, and we all have stainless steel water bottles. In the city, it’s still hard to feel “green” though. But you do what you can. Eric Anderson, River Forest

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MEATLESS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

healthy, meatless meal with a sense of fun. Or try a lunchtime classic for dinner instead: grilled cheese and tomato soup makes a hearty, satisfying Meatless Monday dinner. But Meatless Monday also is a great time to expose your kids to different cuisines. Try stirfried vegetables and tofu for a vegetarian dinner with an Asian flair. Or serve cheese enchiladas with rice and beans. One of my favorite Meatless Monday dinners is shakshuka, a North African dish of eggs poached in tomato sauce. Introduced to Israel by Sephardic Jews, shakshuka has become a favorite homey breakfast or lunch in that country. Shakshuka usually is quite spicy, but because I make mine for kid palates, I tone down the heat. This Meatless Monday dinner has the added benefit of being quick to prepare—perfect for a busy weeknight!

HOW PARENTS GO GREEN

My family does a lot to reduce our carbon footprint by limiting our water use and recycling reusable grocery bags and never buying paper plates or cups. Our children bring waste-free lunches to school. Theresa O’Connell, Chicago We are part of The Freecycle Network, a group that gives items a second life while avoiding the landfill. We also expand our creativity by using objects from around the house to create new things from puppets to amazing vehicles and more! Of course, we reduce, reuse and recycle a great deal. We are conscientious

about waste and our carbon footprints. Shannon Puri, Roselle One way is that we have reusable sports bottles instead of always buying water bottles and other drinks with plastic bottles. Stacy Hester, Cary We decided not to use a dryer and are hanging our

laundry.

Edith Jones, Chicago

We compost and recycle. On Fridays (garbage days) we are one of the only families on our block who only puts out one of our garbage cans—and it’s not even full! It’s amazing how much garbage is decreased by doing those two things. Nicole Foster, Chicago

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Is Your Public Middle School Not Getting It Done?

Shakshuka Served with crusty bread to soak up the sauce and a green salad, this is a meatless meal that really satisfies. Ingredients 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 cup minced shallot 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 red pepper, finely chopped 1-2 Tbsp harissa* or other chili paste (optional) 1 tsp cumin 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes 4 eggs 1 bunch flat leaf parsley

Heat olive oil over medium heat in deep, oven-proof skillet. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Sauté harissa (if using), shallots, garlic and pepper over low heat until softened, about 8 minutes. Season vegetables with cumin and salt and pepper and sauté the mixture a few more minutes until fragrant. Add tomatoes, raise heat to high and bring sauce to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Turn off heat. Make a well in the sauce with

Choose a Middle School that Works

your spoon and crack an egg into it, taking care not to break the yolk. Repeat with three remaining eggs. Carefully transfer skillet to oven. Cook until egg whites are set and yolks are still runny, about 5-7 minutes. Garnish with chopped flat-leaf parsley. * Harissa is a spicy North African sauce made with several different kinds of chile peppers, garlic and herbs. You can find prepared harissa at Whole Foods and other well-stocked markets. If you do buy some, try it on eggs, falafel or grilled meats.

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ChicagoParent.com April 2013 47

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REPUR purpose for a

BY LUCY LATOURETTE ure, we recycle newspapers and cans to help save the planet. But raising todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green child not only focuses on environmentalism, but on altruism as well. There are endless ways to repurpose items. Check out these ideas where green = good. Some are unexpected; others offer a twist on an original. The important thing is to skip the landfill, promote awareness and help lead your child toward a life of responsible renewal.

HOW PARENTS GO GREEN My family has gone green by finding ways to reuse clothing the kids have outgrown or worn out and my husband and I no longer wear or need. Wool sweaters can be felted in the washing

machine. The felt is great for sewing toys like felt food or doll dresses. Corduroy pants with ripped or worn knees can be cut and sewn into bean bags for the backyard bag toss game.

Those favorite, but outgrown, cartoon character T-shirts can be made into fun throw pillows for the kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; beds. Donna Rynell, Chicago

48 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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RPOSE New ways to think about recycling

Everyday items

Bicycles Working Bikes Cooperative gives “new life to old bikes and independence to those who ride them.” Each year, 5,000 bikes are diverted from the waste stream and rehabbed for local and international distribution. Five hundred bikes and wheelchairs go directly to Chicago city programs, refugees and day camps. You can make a purchase, donate old bikes or volunteer. Drop off at one of the city and suburban locations or at its warehouse/store, 2434 S. Western, Chicago. workingbikes.org. Shoes Donate your gently used shoes to benefit children and adults in the world’s most impoverished areas. Numerous Chicagoland dropoff boxes available or go to Share Your Soles, 900 E.

103rd St., Chicago. shareyoursoles.org. Shoes too worn to wear? Through Nike’s Reuse-AShoe program, they can be recycled into Nike Grind, a material used to help build sports surfaces and playgrounds. One local example of this technology can be seen at Chicago Public Schools’ Hanson Stadium. nikereuseashoe.com. Clothing Hand-me-downs and Goodwill donations promote sustainability, but what if you have a denim dilemma? CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

HOW PARENTS GO GREEN We repurpose old things for new. Sewing jeans into quilts, using castoffs for storage, right now working on finding something cool to do with all the glass candle lids I have other than

just recycling them! I like to take old furniture and turn it into art or planters. I have a really cool old end table that I made into this great giant planter for my patio. I put Impatiens in it and

run a string of white lights through the flowers; in the summer it makes a great nighttime ambiance! People love it! Laurie Penman, Rolling Meadows

ChicagoParent.com April 2013 49

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REPURPOSE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49

Jeans that are too worn and, ahem, on their last legs, can find new life and be recycled into insulation for homes and businesses. How cool is that? bondedlogic.com. Looking to retire your business attire? Dress for Success offers career wear to low-income women to assist in their search for employment and self-sufficiency. Two Chicago locations. dressforsuccess.org. Donate your old formal and bridesmaid dresses to Chicago high school students who can’t afford a prom dress. The Glass Slipper Project also provides accessories for the perfect ensemble. glassslipperproject.org. Books Sales of your donated books can help promote literacy programs for Chicago students of all ages. CDs

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and DVDs in good condition also accepted. Open Books, 213 W. Institute Place, Chicago. open-books.org. Visit the Bookmobile at the City of Chicago’s North Park Village Recycling Station, 5801 N. Pulaski. You can make donations and take or leave a book seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Community gardens Have a green thumb? Go beyond your backyard and get involved at one of Chicago’s more than 600 community gardens. The Peterson Garden Project (at Peterson and Campbell in North Park) is located on land from an original World War II Victory Garden. As Chicago’s largest community-allotment vegetable garden, there are more than 157 plots tended by community members. Volunteers and students also tend several garden plots and donate their produce to local food pantries and homeless shelters. Learn more at greennetchicago.org. CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

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SIMPLE. SCIENTIFIC. SUSTAINABLE.

866.364.080 ChicagoParent.com April 2013 51

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REPURPOSE

Does your child snore? Does your child have multiple ear or sinus infections?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51

FUN FACT Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists Visit us at any of our locations! In the city: 1460 N. Halsted St. Suite 506 In the suburbs: Niles, Skokie, Park Ridge, Libertyville, Glenview & Highland Park

Katherine K. Hamming, M.D.

Robert P. Miller, M.D.

It’s hard to tell from Earth, but the stars in our night sky are actually different colors. The hottest stars are blue and the coolest ones are red. Stars that are yellow or white, like our Sun, have a medium temperature. Learn more about the stars by following your favorite friends from Sesame Street in One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure now playing at the Adler Planetarium.

David L. Walner, M.D.

Unexpected items

Hair A new cut for you can help provide a hairpiece to a financially disadvantaged child suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. locksoflove.org. Hair is a “booming” business with its natural, organic fibers that collect oil. Help protect the shorelines and local waterways. Donate your hair, which is made into booms for containing and collecting oil spills. matterof trust.org. Trophies Be a champion again. Awards Mall offers a trophy recycling program to benefit charities. It will refurbish the trophy, re-engrave the plate and supply them to nonprofits for their deserving athletes. awardsmall. com. Crayons As of December 2012, Crazy

Crayons has saved more than 86,000 pounds of crayons from landfills and employed developmentally disabled individuals through this recycling program. Find one of the drop-off bins or mail in broken and unused crayons (you pay shipping and handling). crazycrayons.com. Coffee grounds Organic and rich in nitrogen, coffee grounds are an ideal way to fertilize rose bushes and other vegetation. Sprinkle on base of plant, tree or lawn and water area. Have something not on the list? Excess Access links surplus with needs. If you have something specific to donate, they’ll find a home for it. matteroftrust. org. Lucy Latourette is a freelance writer, native of Chicago and mother of two.

Green on the homefront Chicago is at the core of the green movement. Learn more about closing the loop in your home, business and community at one of these state-of-the-art facilities:

On Staff at:

Lutheran General Children’s Hospital

Chicago Center for Green Technology, located on the West side, is double platinum LEED certified and the most comprehensive green design educational resource in the Midwest. You can take a tour or attend a variety of courses and seminars. 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., Chicago. chicagogreentech. org.

To make an appt. Call 847-674-5585

The Green Exchange, in Logan Square, is a business and retail space devoted to green living. Workshops and events are also available. 2545 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago. green exchange.com.

Lurie Children’s Hospital Rush University Medical Center

www.pediatricentchicago.com

AdlerPlanetarium.org

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photo credit : JHFusionPhotograpy

summer camp 2013 New Traditions Riding Academy, LLC located at the Palos Hills Riding Stables, 10100 S. Kean Avenue, Palos Hills, IL 60465

www.newtraditionsridingacademy.com l e a r n t o r i d e Riding in the new traditions of world class instructors

GROUP / PRIVATE LESSONS….ACADEMY PREP CLASSES….SCOUT S….PARTIES

boarding/training/professional care (708)598-7718 NTRidingAcademy@aol.com

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8 ways

to play the April fool in Chicago

Get your

funny on

BY DONNA BOZZO ast April, there was little laughter in our house, my family having just lost a mom and grandmother after a long, grueling

sickness. And, it was missed. Funny is FUN at the Bozzos’. All those private jokes, silly sayings and stories we share cement us together as a family. Not only does laughter

bond families, it makes us all healthier, less stressed, more fun to be around and yes, happier. So why don’t we laugh more often? Sometimes our lives are too fast and furious to find funny. But not this month, with April Fools’ Day providing the perfect reason. I went looking for ways to make my family’s days more funny. And you can, too, with these eight ways to get you started.

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A laughing hyena Laughter is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle or sneeze. So if you need a quick dose of the wild variety, check out the pair of spotted hyenas at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Kai and Phika are the first hyenas to live at the zoo since the 1970s. So why do they call them laughing hyenas anyway? Because they sound like people laughing their heads off! You can find Kai and Phika on the northeast side of the zoo in between the Sun bear and the Andean bear. 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago, (312) 7422000, lpzoo.com.

meal-and-a-halfsize baguette with grilled Laughing Bird shrimp and fried oysters. 3267 S. Halsted St., (312) 929-2486, nanaorganic. com.

The funnies Back in the day, I’d save my allowance for the Archies comic books with good giggly fun. I realized my girls have probably never seen a comic book and in today’s digital age, they don’t even read “The Funnies” in the Sunday paper. So this month, I am going to slip comic books in the most unsuspecting places and gear up for giggles. Check out Graham Crackers Comics, the largest comic store chain in the U.S. With nine Chicago area locations, there is sure to be one near you. grahamcrackers.com.

Make funny a sport The folks at ComedySportz Theatre make funny good sport. Catch their all-age improv show where teams clad in red and blue sports jerseys compete by creating scenes, songs and games based on shout-outs from the audience. The team with the most claps wins! Best for children 10 and up. You can catch the show six times a week, Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 and 10 p.m. and Saturdays at 6, 8 and 10 p.m. Ticket are $22-$24 available at (773) 549-8080 or through Ticketmaster. 929 W. Belmont, Chicago. comedysportz.com.

A flub club Laughter is a serious subject for the Park Ridge Hysterical Society, a club dedicated to celebrating the joy of laughter since April Fools’ Day 2008. Join in for a free laughter session Tuesday nights at the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce; participate in monthly events or call in daily at 9 a.m. to laugh with others on a 20-minute conference call: (712) 432-3900, pin 6071292. parkridgelaughter.com.

Laugh on the way With all the time we spend driving, I velcroed the Original 365 Jokes and Puns, America’s bestselling jokes calendar, to the dash of our Suburban. Now a fantastic joke is only a reach away! Who needs green lights to make the ride go fast? This month, I laugh at red lights! amazon.com.

Clown around

Slip on your clown nose and go clowning around! Second City offers clowning classes for adults and children 9-12. Classes help folks discover levity, shed self-consciousness and heighten a sense of play. If clowning isn’t quite your shade of funny, Second City also offers stand-up comedy classes. secondcity.com.

Tickle spa? Moms, would you pay $60 an hour to be tickled? That’s what folks are doing at the world’s first tickle spa, Cosuille Arte, which opened last June in Madrid, Spain. There you will find masseurs or “tickologists” who lightly caress clients with feathers, fingers and a wire head massager in a candlelit room. Wonder if tickle spas will make their way to the states? Or try on your own on your next at-home date night …

Squeal over this meal Try the Grilled Laughing Bird shrimp and fried oyster po’ boy at the friendly organic joint, Nana’s in Bridgeport. Nana packs a ChicagoParent.com April 2013 55

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Rachel Barton Pine plays Brahm’s Lullaby in her Chicago home. The song has passed from mother to daughter for generations.

Sweet sweet dreams

Rachel Barton Pine on parenting, lullabies and looking on the bright side

BY TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY | PHOTOS BY FRANK PINC

irtuoso violinist Rachel Barton Pine is known worldwide for the powerful music she coaxes from strings, but these days, she plays especially for an audience of one. Sylvia. “When I’m thinking about performing and playing music, it’s not that I want Sylvia to be proud of my career success—I do hope that she’ll be proud of me and what I’ve done with my life—but I want her to enjoy the music that I am playing. I want her to be able to share that with me because the violin is who I am. I want to give all of myself to Sylvia and that includes the violin,” Pine says as she snuggles her 17-month-old daughter on a brief stopover at their Chicago condo. Sylvia is a dream-come-true for Pine and her husband, Greg. These days the family—Pine, Greg and Sylvia, along with a nanny—travel the globe on an adventure few can imagine. Pine’s intense schedule rarely prevents her from seeing her baby, who she is nursing, so Sylvia has 13 stamps in her passport already.

“I actually feel like wherever we are, that’s our home that week because I am bringing my family with me. Home is my family. We share the same adventures,” Pine says.

First-time parents “Having a baby is a whole different kind of an adventure,” Pine says. She hopes her own mom thinks she’s a happy, loving, devoted parent. Her youngest sister, Hannah, tells Rachel and Greg they are too calm to be first-time parents. Pine laughs. “My lifestyle is full of stress. It’s happy stress, but there’s always surprises, always intensity. We’ve just really learned to take life as it comes,” says Pine, 38. “...Whatever happens, we’re just going to go with it, do our best, not let it get us upset.” She and Greg have teamwork down. They are on the same page about raising Sylvia— with one notable exception early on. Pine is a vegan since birth. Greg is meat-and-potatoes. She wanted to raise Sylvia as a vegan. “Greg and I made a deal. He said, ‘OK,

I won’t feed her anything that you don’t approve of if you don’t dress her in any clothes that I don’t approve of.’ Therefore there were no matching mom-and-baby metal T-shirts,” Pine says. And she had so looked forward to the Pantera and AC/DC onesies. “If that’s the biggest disagreement as parents, we’re pretty lucky,” she says. As Sylvia grows, can she and Greg keep up their intense schedule? “We’ll just have to play it by ear,” Pine says. A lot will depend on what Sylvia wants. She could be into academics or athletics—Greg was a minor league pitcher and holds a double major in math and economics—music, or something she’d never expect. Whatever it is, she says they will support her. Just like her family did for her. Music was not a world her parents knew. Her mom anticipated Rachel would take an academic path, into math and science. But the violin enthralled her. By 5, the violin became her identity, with her red hair being her second defining feature, she says. “Luckily they recognized that I was

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who I said I was so they supported me. It wasn’t easy.” Whether or not Sylvia picks up an instrument—she already has a tiny violin—isn’t the point. Pine believes every child should be given an opportunity to play music. “Who knows, she’s a Chicago baby, she might be a blues musician,” Pine quips.

Tough answers, life lessons No stranger to headlines heralding her music and talent, Pine captured the nation’s sympathy in 1995 when her violin case became trapped in the doors of a Metra train and she was dragged and pulled under the train. “I think to the outside world my injuries seem like a very dramatic episode in my life, but everybody has had challenges,” she says when asked how she’ll explain her injuries to Sylvia one day. “There’s the element of my trauma that I’ll have to explain to her in such a way that hopefully it won’t give her nightmares and then there’s the element of my injuries,” Pine says. But there are many difficult things a

parent must explain to their child, she adds, among them death, divorce and the facts of life. “For me the more challenging aspect to my life history was the financial circumstances of my childhood, that my father wasn’t able to support us and all of the difficulties because of that,” she says. “Sometimes we didn’t know how we were going to pay for groceries and fill the tank to drive to lessons that week. The phone and electricity were always getting cut off. We were always one payment away from losing the roof over our heads,” she says. At 14, Pine was working to support her mother and sisters. “In order for my daughter to know me, some day I am going to have to tell her about that in such a way that she will still love and respect grandma and grandpa and understand what they went through.” She’s already strategizing ways to help Sylvia grow up with a “healthy understanding of human sexuality and family diversity.” It’s important she grows up also understanding and supporting marriage equality, she says. She also wants her daughter to learn

generosity, something she so admires in her husband. She wants to teach Sylvia to “treat life’s twists and turns with calmness and perspective. Always looking on the bright side of whatever happens.” Along the way, Watch Rachel Pine says she and Greg will be raising Barton Pine play her with their values and faith, Brahm’s Lullaby at with tolerance and ChicagoParent.com/ respect for differences and diversity. lullaby “I want her to have a relationship with music, whatever that ends up meaning for her. I want her to have a relationship with God, whatever that ends up meaning for her. I want to do my best to help guide her towards both of those things in a way that I’m teaching her what I know and believe, but also helping her try and find

CONTINUED ON PAGE 58

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DREAMS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 57

herself,” Pine says. She’ll definitely grow up knowing a diversity of people from this life’s adventures. “She’s going to hang out with my heavy metal friends who work construction and she’s going to hang out with members of the aristocracy in Europe and she’s going to hang out with everybody in between.” Watching Pine play on the floor with Sylvia after just performing a stunning version of Brahm’s Lullaby, there’s no doubt she’s a really good mom. She smiles at that thought. “I’m also realistic enough to realize that no matter how hard I try that there are going to be things that I get wrong or that my daughter decides that I’ve gotten wrong,” Pine says. “I’m already steeling myself for living with that. Hopefully she’ll forgive me my flaws and I’ll forgive her her flaws and we’ll be friends till the end.”

CAVE OF THE MOUNDS®

Lullabies and violins Of course, music always is present in their lives. Just moments after Sylvia was born, Pine sang her a lullaby, “Summertime,” which is featured on her new CD of never-before collected lullabies, Violin Lullabies. An avid collector of sheet music, Pine noticed long ago that many composers had written lullabies. She filed that knowledge away until she had a baby. Tracking down the music became a treasure hunt since many of the lullabies were long out of print. After Sylvia was born, she would nurse while Pine searched the web. Pine gathered and played them all, ending up with more than 150. Twenty-five made the cut for the CD, with a 2-week-old Sylvia cradled in her daddy’s arms on the cover.

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Magnet

dangers Do Doctors oct seeing spike in n number of kids sw swallowing tiny magnets

BY KRISTY MacKABEN

he tiny magnets were just a fun toy Brandon Brusky fiddled with when his little brother wasn’t around. The 9-year-old Crystal Lake boy loved to manipulate the magnetic Buckyballs— connecting the little balls and twirling long strings in the air until they grasped onto something metallic like his belt buckle. The little silver balls are about the size of BB pellets, but infinitely more dangerous when swallowed. On Jan. 10, Brandon began suffering stomach cramps and vomiting—complications after accidentally swallowing two Buckyballs. The tiny magnets, one in the small intestine and one in the large intestine, had attached to one another and were forming ulcers. Brandon underwent emergency surgery at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge where portions of his small and large intestines were removed, as well as his appendix. “It was really, really scary,” says Brandon’s mom Kelly,

who vows to spread the word about the dangers of magnetic toys. Incidents like Brandon’s have become more common in recent years, with more than 200 children ingesting magnets within the last year, according to the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Many of these children are toddlers or preschoolers, but many others are older children like Brandon, or even teenagers who use the balls to mimic tongue piercings. Advocate Children’s Hospital alone treats about one child a month for magnetic ingestions, says Dr.

Kiran Gorla, a pediatric gastroenterologist there. gastr “Recently these have “R been increasing,” Gorla says. Buckyballs no longer are Buc on the market. The company ma folded December after threats fold ed in De lawsuits from parents whose of law wsuits fr children child dren had ingested the balls,, as well as requests from Consumer Product Safety the C Consum Commission Com mmission to recall the product. competitors followed A fe few compe Buckyballs’ llead. At least two U.S. however, continue to companies, h products. sell similar p

Still for sale One company, Zen Magnets, sells magnetic ball sets. Its owner Shihan Qu distances Zen Magnets from Buckyballs, insisting his product is for adults. “We’ve never had our product on toy shelves,” Qu says. He is fighting the Consumer Product Safety Commission orders to recall the products. Instead Qu believes the issue can be handled with appropriate

age limits and warnings.

Children at risk Even so, warnings might not be enough. “These products are not intended for children, but somehow they’re ending up in the hands of children,” says Kim Dulic, spokeswoman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition is lobbying the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ban such products completely. “The best way to stop ingestion is to take these things off the market. Our physicians have just seen way too many kids brought into the hospital with the need to undergo a surgical procedure,” says Camille Bonta, a consultant for the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. “It’s just not necessary for a product that has absolutely no value besides entertainment.”

Kelly Brusky with her sons. ChicagoParent.com April 2013 59

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Evanston & Skokie Focus // special advertising section Evanston/Skokie Come See town focus What We Do

4701 Oakton Street, this steeltopped wonder will keep juhe suburbs often get a nior engineers busy for hours. bad rap, with big box reKeep their imaginations tailers on every corner going by attending the anand franchise food at every stop light. Yet, both the Evan- nual Waa-Mu Show. Known as ston and Skokie communities one of America’s largest stuare filled with unique busi- dent writer musicals in the nesses led by some of the country, this year’s Waa-Mu most fascinating members Show once again showcases the talents of Northwestern of our very University stuown commudents. Called nity. One ex“Flying Home: ample? Dave’s Down the RabDown to Earth bit Hole, Over Rock Shop. A the Rainbow, longtime inand Straight On stitution in Till Morning,” Evanston, the the 2013 show ever-changing runs from May store is con3 to 12 at Cahn stantly on the Auditorium, lookout for 600 Emerson St. ways to make on Northwestsure their ern’s Evanston customers recampus. ““Flyceive the most ing Home” unique range PHOTO COURTESY OF combines the THE SKOKIE PARK DISTRICT of inventory in classic stories the suburbs. of “The Wizard “We just returned from our of Oz,” “Alice in Wonderland” biggest shopping trip of the and “Peter Pan” into a single year,” chuckles Susanne Ali, compelling story,” according owner of Dave’s Rock Shop. to 2013 Waa-Mu co-chair Ed “We picked up approx. 2 ton Wasserman. “It imagines a of material incl. fossils, min- world in which Wonderland, erals, beads and many fun Oz and Neverland collide.” and interesting things for the Indeed, with summer right island,” The island is located near the center of the store around the corner, every parwhere all items are marked ent’s calendar is about to befrom 90 cents to no more than come much busier. For most $32.50, so there has never kids, summer means living in been a better time to stop the water. Alleviate every parby to see exciting fossils and ent’s nightmare by ensuring minerals before they find new that your children not only know how to swim, but know homes.” how to respect the water. Indeed, Dave’s Rock Shop It’s too dangerous not too. A isn’t the only Skokie spot the perfect option is the Dolphin children love. On the next Swim Club in Skokie, who is rainy day, consider taking the known for their unsurpassed kids to Skokie’s interactive water instruction. Offering kids’ playground, The Explo- great lessons for a great price, ritorium. Their newest attrac- Dolphin Swim Club also oftion, the Engineering Mega fers flexible scheduling and Station, comes equipped with registration, perfect for toa labyrinth of gears, magnets day’s busy families. And with and magic wands. Located at its convenient location right By TRICIA DESPRES

Understand how the learning process at Chiaravalle Montessori is designed to connect how and what children learn. Parent/Child · Toddler · Early Childhood 3-6 · Elementary · Middle School

425 Dempster, Evanston, IL 847.864.2190 www.chiaravalle.org

Entertaining Evanston! Evanston Children’s Theatre presents:

April 12 – 14

Fri. at 7:00 p.m. Sat. at 3:00 & 7:00 p.m. Sun. at 3:00 p.m. Youth age 8 through 8th grade perform $6 (advance or at door)

By L. Frank Baum

Levy Senior Center 300 Dodge Ave.

cityofevanston.org/events or 847/448-4311 Sign up now for great summer camps! Choose from almost 60 fun and enriching camps. Unique camps include: LEGOmania, many arts camps (including teen battle of the bands), ecology/ nature camps, four teen leadership camps, chess, fencing, golf and aquatics! Details at cityofevanston.org/summercamps 60 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section // Evanston & Skokie Focus there on Skokie Boulevard, it couldn’t be easier to take advantage of all Dolphin Swim Club has to offer. Check out www.dolphinswimclub.com for more info on spring registration. And while summer often means swimming, it also means a bevy of camps to pick from. Head on over to www. cityofevanston.org/summercamps for a full listing of summer camps in the area perfect for your child. Have a music lover in your life? Make sure to check out the Battle of the Bands Mini-Camp. How about a miniature golf pro? Consider the Aqua-Golf Adventures Mini-Camp, where children will visit miniature golf courses throughout the Chicagoland area, and finish every match off with a visit to a water park. And while no student wants to talk about going back to school in the fall, some spend the whole year through thinking about the

aspirations they hold close to their heart. This summer, Rush NeuroBehavioral Center in Skokie will feature a number of Student Executive Function Workshops for students looking for ways to combat their lack of organization, time management and study skills. Often, problems in these areas will have a direct correlation to their ability to perform well in school. Dates vary by age group, so check out www.rnbc.org for more info. Still searching for ways to make some more memories in the months ahead? Check out some of these fun options taking place right here in the Evanston/Skokie area. Thursday, April 11, 2013 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. BACKYARD HABITATS Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd., Evanston For more info, call 847-4488256 or check out www.

cityofevanston.org/register. Friday and Saturday, April 12-13, 2013 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. FAMILY CAMPFIRES Grosse Point Lighthouse, 2601 Sheridan Road, Evanston For more info, call 847-4488256 or check out www. cityofevanston.org/register. Wednesday, April 17, 2013 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. MEDICATION IN ADHD: HARD QUESTIONS AND ACTIONABLE ANSWERS Rush NeuroBehavioral Center, 4711 Golf Road, Suite 1100, Skokie For more info, call 847-9339339 or check out www.rnbc. org Monday, April 29, 2013 7:45 a.m. – 4 p.m. “WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? ADDRESSING ISSUES OF MENTAL HEALTH, LEARNING, SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DISORDERS IN

TODAY’S CLASSROOM” Oakton Community College, 1600 East Golf Road, Des Plaines For more info, call 847-9339339 or check out www.rnbc.org No matter which direction you head as the temperatures rise, make sure to utilize the people and places right here in the Evanston and Skokie community. The possibilities for memories are endless this time of the year…enjoy every moment.

and Prehistoric Life Museum

HOURS - Mon. thru Fri. 10:30am -5:30pm, Saturday 10am until 5pm. Open Thursdays until 7pm Closed Wednesday and Sunday. 704 Main Street Evanston, IL 60202 t 847/866-7374 www.davesrockshop.com

SKOKIE SPORTS PARK Adventure Golf Batting Cages & Party Room

Golf Range PGA Pro Group & Private Lessons

Roycemore School…in the heart of Evanston Now at Ridge and Davis, Roycemore is even closer to the heart of Evanston. From age 3 through high school, our teachers nurture a community of eager learners who inspire and support each other. Inclusive school activities and athletics enrich our rigorous academic program. Call Amanda at 847-866-6055 to arrange a visit and see why our families love Roycemore.

18 holes of around-the-world golfing adventure 3459 Oakton Street • Skokie (847) 674-1500 ext. 3100 • SkokieParks.org

Evanston’ s College Prep School - roycemoreschool.org ChicagoParent.com April 2013 61

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camp 2013 // special advertising section Day Acacia Academy Summer School Programs 6425 S. Willow Springs Rd LaGrange Highlands (708) 579-9040 www.AcaciaAcademy.com

Alcuin Montessori School Summer Camp 324 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park (708) 366-1882 www.alcuin.org

Ancona School 4770 S. Dorchester Ave., Chicago (773) 924-2356 www.anconaschool.org

Avery Coonley School Summer Program 1400 W. Maple Ave., Downers Grove (630) 969-0800 ext. 122

Ballet D’Enfant A Fairy Tale Ballet 3234 N Southport Ave., Chicago (773) 477-4488 www.afairytaleballet.com

C & A Robot Factory 326 Peterson Rd., Libertyville (847) 996-0123 www.carobotfactory.com

Camp Summer Quest at Lisle Park District 1925 Ohio St., Lisle (630) 964-3410 www.Lisleparkdistrict.org/ summerquest

Catherine Cook School 226 W Schiller St., Chicago (312) 266-3381 www.catherinecookschool.org

Chiaravalle Montessori School 425 Dempster St., Evanston (847) 864-2190 www.chiaravalle.org

Chicago Grammar School 900 N. Franklin, Chicago (312) 944-5600 www.chicagogrammar.org

Chicago Park District Locations throughout City of Chicago (312) 742-PLAY www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

Childtime Check website for local addresses (866) 561-3411 www.childtime.com

Council Oak Montessori School

Lakefront Children’s Academy

11030 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago (773) 779-7606 www.counciloakmontessori.org

400 E. Randolph, Ste. 6B, Chicago (312) 819-1760 lakefrontchildrensacademy.com

Creative World Montessori

Latin School Summer at Latin

Summer camp openings! 1250 West Goodman, LaGrange (708) 354-5255 www.creativeworldmontessori.org

Deerfield Park District Deerfield (847) 945-0650 www.deerfieldparks.org

Evanston Recreation Division Various camp locations in Evanston (847) 448-4311 cityofevanston.org/summercamps

Francis W. Parker School

59 W. North Blvd., Chicago (312) 582-6080 www.latinschool.org/summer/

Little Beans Café 1809 W. Webster, Chicago (773) 251-1025 www.LittleBeansCafe.com

Little Green Tree House Childcare and Preschool 118 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago 3111 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago (now open) (312) 492-9876 www.littlegreentreehouse.com

Summer Programs at Parker 2013 330 W. Webster Ave., Chicago (773) 797-5104 www.fwparker.org/summers

The Little Gym of Chicago

Gateway Montessori

Montessori Academy of Chicago

3748 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago (773) 539-3025 GatewayMontessoriSchool.org

iD Tech Camps – Summer Tech Fun! Held at Northwestern, Lake Forest, Stanford, and 60+ Universities nationwide (888) 709-TECH (8324) www.internalDrive.com

Kiddie Academy Camp Adventure Batavia (630) 761-4500 www.kiddieacademy.com/batavia Bolingbrook (630) 679-9400 kiddieacademy.com/bolingbrook Carpentersville (847) 844-8600 kiddieacademy.com/ carpentersville Plainfield (815) 609-0900 kiddieacademy.com/plainfield Streamwood (630) 497-0200 kiddieacademy.com/streamwood

La Petite Academy Check website for local addresses (866) 561-3413 www.lapetite.com

Summer Lab 2013 University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Adventure Kids Day Camp (773) 834-7766 www.summerlab.org

3216 North Lincoln Avenue (773) 525-5750 www.thelittlegym.com/ChicagoIL

1335 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 243-0977 (ask for Miss Nina) montessoriacademychicago.org

Morgan Park Academy 2153 W. 111th St., Chicago (773) 881-6704 www.morganparkacademy.org

My Corner Playroom 2121 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago (773) 388-2121 www.MyCornerPlayroom.com

No Name Teen Camp at Lisle Park District 1925 Ohio St., Lisle (630) 964-3410 www.Lisleparkdistrict.org/ nonameteencamp

One Strange Bird 2124 W. Division St. (773) 276-4420 www.onestrangebird.com

Purple Monkey Playroom 2040 N. Western Ave., Chicago (773) 772-8411 www.PurpleMonkeyPlayroom.com

Rainforest Learning Center 1325 S. State St., Chicago (312) 913-9793 www.rainforestschool.com

Rainforest Learning Center 2 2545 W. Diversey, Chicago (773) 384-4466 www.rainforestschool.com

Roycemore School 1200 Davis St., Evanston (847) 866-6055 roycemoreschool.org/summer

Sacred Heart Schools Summer at Sacred Heart 6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 262-4446 www.shschicago.org

Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 www.SkokieParks.com

Trinity Oaks Christian Academy 409 N. First, Cary (847) 462-5971 www.trinity-oaks.org

Tutor Time Check website for local addresses (866) 561-3412 www.tutortime.com

Windy City Fieldhouse 2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago (773) 486-7300 WindyCityFieldhouse.com/youth

Winnetka Community House 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka (847) 446-3207 winnetkacommunityhouse.org

YMCA of Metro Chicago 24 Day Camp locations across Chicagoland area (312) 440-2419 www.ymca.chicago.org/camp

Overnight Black River Farm and Ranch 5040 Sheridan Line Crosswell , MI 48422 (810) 679-2505 www.blackriverfarmandranch.com

Camp Anokijig W5639 Anokijig Ln. Plymouth, WI 53073 (800) 741-6931 or (920) 893-0782 www.anokijig.com

Cub Creek Science Camp Animal Camp Rolla , MO 65401 (573) 458-2125 www.MyAnimalCamp.com

ID Teen Academies – Gaming, Programming & Visual Arts Held at Lake Forest, Yale, Princeton, NYU, and other universities (888) 709-TECH (8324) www.iDTeenAcademies.com

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special advertising section // Roycemore School 1200 Davis St., Evanston (847) 866-6055 roycemoreschool.org/summer

Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 www.SkokieParks.com

YMCA Camp MacLean 31401 Durand Ave. Burlington, WI 53105 (262) 763-7742 www.campmaclean.com

YMCA of Metro Chicago Overnight camps located in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin (312) 440-2419 ymca.chicago.org/overnightcamp

Specialty Active Learning Camps DePaul University - Chicago St. John Lutheran School - Wheaton (888) 652-4377 www.activelearningcamps.com

Intercultural Montessori Language School 301 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park 114 S. Racine, Chicago (708) 848-6626 www.interculturalmontessori.org

Language Stars FunImmersion Summer Camp 14 Chicagoland locations (866) 55-STARS (557-8277) www.languagestars.com/ summer-fun.html

Lifeline Theatre Summer Drama Camps Ages 4-6 and Ages 7-12 6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago (773) 761-4477 www.lifelinetheatre.com

Make-A-Messterpiece

Dance, drama, music, camps and performances 111 W. Campbell St. Arlington Heights (847) 577-5983 x221 www.Metropolisarts.com/sopa

Rockford Region (815) 282-3488 Chicagoland (Schaumburg, Crystal Lake, Skokie) (847) 854-1300 www.dolphinswimclub.com

New Traditions Riding School

Elmhurst Art Museum

Highwood Recreation Center 432 Greenbay Rd, Highwood (847) 528-9318 www.theperformersschool.com

GreenApple Campus Programs rich in science, technology, engineering, architecture, design and invention. locations in Naperville & Chicago 1212 S Naper Blvd., Naperville (630) 778-8480 www.greenapplecampus.org

Illinois Rhythmic Gymnastics Center 1850 Green Bay Road Highland Park (847)363-1559 www.ilrhythmicgymnastics.com

Field Trip

10100 S. Kean Ave., Palos Hills (708) 598-7718/7719 newtraditionsridingacademy.com

camp 2013

LEGOLAND* Discovery Center Chicago Streets of Woodfield 601 N. Martindale Rd., Schaumburg (847) 592-9708 www.Legolanddiscoverycenter.com

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 2001 N. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg (888) WE-JOUST www.medievaltimes.com

Midway Village Museum

1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicag0 (312) 922-7827 www.adlerplanetarium.org

6799 Guilford Road Rockford (815) 397-9112 midwayvillage.com

Chicago Children’s Museum

Monkey Joe’s

Adler Planetarium

Field Museum

Metropolis School of the Performing Arts

Arts Camp is a fun way to explore visual arts!. 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst (630) 834-0202 www.elmhurstartmuseum.org

Family camp located in Northern Wisconsin (312) 440-2419 www.ymca.chicago.org/nawakwa

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts

1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 322-0329 www.alderplanetarium.org/camps

Dolphin Swim Club

YMCA of Metro Chicago

Navy Pier 700 E. Grand, Chicago (312) 527-1000 www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Adler Planetarium

4730 N. Sheridan, Chicago (773) 732-4564 www.circesteem.org

Scientifc-based weight loss camps For all ages (5-65+) NY, WI, TX, PA, CA, FL, PA and United Kingdom (866) 364-0808 www.wellspringcamps.com

2050 Tower Dr., Glenview (847) 730-5275 www.makeamessterpiece.com

6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-3456 www.Master-SH-Yu.com

CircEsteem

Wellspring Camps

1400 S Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 922-9410 www.fieldmuseum.org

Firehouse Community Art Studio 1123 W. Roosevelt, Chicago (312) 208-8935 www.firehouseartstudio.com

The Game Dudes (630) 738-9001 www.thegamedudes.com

286 W. Geneva Rd., Wheaton (630) 653-5867 748 S. Rand Rd , Lake Zurich (847) 719-5867 4306 E. New York St. , Aurora (630) 851-3040 6250 Northwest Highway Crystal Lake (815) 477-3866 www.monkeyjoes.com

Museum of Science and Industry 57th St. and Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (773) 684-1414 www.msichicago.org

Nibbles Play Café

Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview (847) 832-6923 www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org

13 Huntington Lane, Wheeling (847) 229-0400 www.nibblesplaycafe.com

Olly Olly Play Cafe 321 Park Avenue, Glencoe (847) 835-2004 www.ollyollyplaycafe.com

The Performer’s School

Theatre and Interpretation Center Imagine U Family Series 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston (847) 491-7282 tic.northwestern.edu/imagineu

Schaumburg Boomer Professional Baseball Camp Programs (847) 461-3695 www.boomersbaseball.com

SUPPLIES Mabel’s Labels

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Identify camp gear with personalized, waterproof labels for the stuff kids lose!® P.O. Box #33561 RPO Dundurn Hamilton ON L8P 4X4 Canada (866) 30-MABEL (62235) info@mabelslabels.com www.mabelslabels.com

1018 Tri State Pkwy., Gurnee (847) 856-8573 www.ultimategymnasticsinfo.com

Vertical Endeavors 6 week summer climbing camps 28141 Diehl Rd., Warrenville (630) 836-0122 www.Verticalendeavors.com/ warrenville photo courtesy of id tech camp

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Live the language!

Join us for Chicago Parent’s FREE

at Chicago Children’s Museum Eat in a new culture. Swim in a new language.

Friday, April 19 • 5-8 p.m.

at a Minnesota summer camp!

Enjoy the Museum After Hours! Enter to Win Prizes for Mom and Dad AND the Kids!

PLAY AND LEARN • Programs available in 15 languages.

Mom and Dad Trip to Jamaica

• 1, 2, and 4 week programs. Day Camps, High School and College Credit sessions available.

7-night trip to Riu Negril, in Negril, Jamaica! Trip includes round-trip flights from Chicago, transfers to and from resort, all meals and drinks in resort, and 7 night accommodations.

• Scholarships available. For more information visit: www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org/Scholarships (800) 222-4750 • clv@cord.edu • www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org

Sponsored by

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STEM programs for Kids Robotics & Invention • Adventure with LEGO Video Game Design · App Design NASA Summer of Innovation StartUp to Achieve

Naperville and Chicago www.greenapplecampus.org 630.778.8480

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Will County Focus // special advertising section Will County focus

resence Saint Joseph Medical Center’s Children Emergency Department (ED) in Joliet makes it easier and faster for children in Chicago’s southwest suburbs to receive specialized care. Staffed by a team of doctors, nurses, and technicians specially trained in pediatric care, the Children’s ED admitted and treated over 20,000 children in the last year. “We are the only dedicated Children’s ED in the area, so we are able to serve the young people in the community like no one else can,” says Dr. John Burger, Medical Director Emergency Medicine, PSJMC. The state-of-the-art facility offers a welcoming, familyfriendly environment specifically designed to treat infants, toddlers, young children and adolescents up to age 17. The aquatic-themed décor, colorful murals, kid-sized furniture, and flat-screen TVs with kids

programming, provide a more comfortable experieince for children and their families. To accommodate children’s unique medical needs, the department is equipped with the latest technology for critical and trauma care, private exam rooms, and medical equipment specially sized and designed to fit children of all ages. Located at 333 North Madison Street, Joliet, the Children’s ED at PSJMC is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., corresponding with the times that most children’s visits are made to the emergency department. Children who need emergency care before or after those hours can be treated at PSJMC’s Emergency Department, which is available around the clock. For more information, visit www.provena.org/stjoes/kidcare.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRESENCE SAINT JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER

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Advertiser

NEWS Family Jumps at Pump It Up

This Summer...

Cultivate your Child’s Potential Join us for Summer Camp at Morgan Park Academy June 24 to August 16, 2013 Help your child (preschool through high school) embrace and discover hidden talents and interests at the world class Morgan Park Academy summer camp programs. These exciting, educational sessions foster independence, imagination and enriching experiences that will impact your child’s success throughout life.

New exhibit at The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn

Choose from programs that focus on: • Health and Fitness • Musical and Theatrical Arts • Recreation and Sports • Science Investigation

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Stop into Pump It Up Chicago for one of the weekly Family Jumps; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-7:00pm. Come and see your favorite gigantic inflatables under a whole new light. Walk across the new carpet that glows under black light, see the neon colors on your shirt pop and enjoy the light show. The brand new “glow” option is also available to be added onto any 2 hour birthday party. Family Jump admission is $10/child.

Classes fill fast, register today. For course information or to register call 773.881.6704 or visit www.morganparkacademy.org click on camps

Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn is pleased to announce the unveiling of a new exhibit called “Megan’s Maze” and was created in memory of Megan Hurckes, daughter of Jerry and Mary Ann Hurckes. The exhibit was made possible through the generosity of the Megan Hurckes Scholarship Fund and the Weglarz Family.

Specializing Michael McGinnis, inventer of in Dentistry for “Perplexus,” was commissioned Diplomates of the Children & to design and build the custom Specializing American Board maze exhibit. The exhibit is a Adolescents of Pediatric Dentistry inDiplomates Dentistry 3-foot diameter clear “ball” with of for the Dennis R.aLaMonte, D.D.S.,ofM.S. Steven T. Kuhn,Board D.D.S. American maze inside it. The “player” Children & Specializing of Pediatric Dentistry must move a minature ball inside Adolescents in Dentistry for the larger “ball” through a 3D Specializing Dennis R.Exceptional LaMonte, D.D.S., M.S. Steven T. Kuhn, D.D.S. Children & forGeneral & Cosmetic maze. You move the outer ball to in Dentistry manipulate the ball inside. The Adolescents Children & Exceptional maze includes shapes and thing Dentistry Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Our newly expanded Our newly and decorated office expanded that were importantant to Megan. Adolescents will allow us T.to Dennis R. LaMonte, D.D.S., M.S. General & Cosmetic Kuhn, see D.D.S. Our andnewly decorated officeSteven for Adults Inside the sphere and as part Steven T. Kuhn, D.D.S. Our newly Dentistry Dennis R. LaMonte, D.D.S., M.S. expanded willexpanded allow us of to see of the maze, visitors will find more you & your Exceptional Michael Kasper, D.D.S. Nikifor Kasper, D.D.S. Adults a softball bat and glove which Exceptional & Cosmetic more of office you & office yoursmiles! and decorated represents Megan’s love of Michael Kasper, D.D.S. – now expanded Niki Kasper, General D.D.S. General family’s Same & relaxed & fun atmosphere to Cosmetic and decorated softball. Inscribed in the bat is Dentistry provide the entire family with quality dental services! family’s smiles! Dentistry – now expanded to “Westside” signifying that she Same relaxed & fun atmosphere will allow usallow to see will us to see provide forfamily Adults played on a softball league with the entire quality dental services! for with Adults Westside baseball. There are sea 10313 West Lincoln Hwy. , in Frankfort more ofmore you of & your you & yourNiki Kasper,NikiD.D.S.Kasper, D.D.S. Michael Kasper, D.D.S. Michael Kasper, D.D.S. animals, also, that are part of the maze. These animals represent family’sfamily’s smiles!smiles! Same relaxed & fun atmosphere – now expanded to to Same relaxed & fun atmosphere – now expanded Megan’s love of the ocean | LINC

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For hours and admission prices and all things related to the museum, visit www.cmoaklawn.org.

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Celebrations // special advertising section

The Perfect Party Planner

Celebrations

photo courtesy of make-a-messterpiece

Xtreme Trampolines is the place for fun. Whether you are looking to have a party, play dodgeball, exercise or just have some good bouncy fun, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got you covered.

BUFFALO GROVE | 224-676-0660 CAROL STREAM | 630-752-1400 www.xtremetrampolines.com 68 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section //

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ake A ess t e r p i e c e

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Celebrations // special advertising section

Party planning for little ones

By PATTI MINGLIN

lanning a party to celebrate your toddler’s big day? Keep it simple. “A party for a toddler should be child-centric, while ensuring a welcoming, comfortable and enjoyable environment for adult guests,” says Jessica Roubitchek of Purple Monkey Playroom in Chicago where the play space is integrated with the seating/ eating area, allowing toddlers to play while parents can sit and mingle. “We encourage parents to keep the flow of the party informal.” When planning your informal toddler birthday bash, keep these things in mind: TIMING IS EVERYTHING Keep in mind that your birthday party boy or girl and guests are probably still on a

nap schedule so try and plan your party around those times of day when kids will not be too tired or too hungry. Also, limit the amount of time you spend doing more structured activities such as eating or opening gifts. “Toddlers don’t have long attention spans for sitting and eating and they don’t typically take well to being shuttled around a facility on a schedule,” says Roubitchek. “A toddler’s priority is to play, and the more a space can accommodate that the better.” Make sure you have time for the traditional birthday party elements such as birthday cake. “Toddlers love essential parties with traditional moments being highlighted,” says Tanya Waits of Fairytale Ballet in Chicago, where children get to bring a fairytale to life with dancing, props

Safari Land Explore Chicagoland’s Largest Indoor Amusement Park And Experience The Largest Indoor Roller Coaster In Illinois Exhilarating Family Fun filled with adventure, food, games and rides!

and costumes. “Look for a facility that caters to this age instead of trying to adapt.” FOCUS ON PLAY Kids enjoy the Playland/ Mini Gym at the River Forest Community Center where they can climb, PHOTO COURTESY OF PURPLE MONKEY PLAYROOM run, slide and a singer, costumed performers, jump into a pit of balls while or a face painter, our venue is parents watch from a separate very much the entertainment,” space. “We also take kids into says Waits. For Fairytale Ballet our mini gym to do parachute parties, kids get to play dress games,” says Jane Brennan up and do playful activities of River Forest Community such as bubble dancing. Center. At the Purple Monkey Playroom, open play is always BE SAFE a popular party choice. Make sure your party loca“Though we can provide tion is safe for young children. outside entertainment such as In addition to having struc-

Held Over h April 15 Now Throug

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www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org | 2100 Patriot Blvd. Glenview, IL | 847-832-6600

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tures and activities that keep children from getting injured, you also want to keep kids in a secure space so they can’t run off into unsupervised areas. “You don’t want to spend the majority of your party time chasing down toddlers, ” adds Brennan. “Our bright and cheery playland area has plenty of room for kids to run and play, but it is a confined space so parents are never in fear of losing their child.” Don’t Forget the Adults In most cases, this age group will still need at least one parent to stay with them during the party. Brennan suggests you plan for at least 1 adult per child, making sure the adults have a space to relax and enjoy the fun as well. Get Creative Although you want to keep this type of party simple, you can still get creative. “We’ve done some unique custom parties,” says Roubitchek.

special advertising section // Celebrations

“Most recently an Alvin & the Chipmunks ‘Chipwrecked’ theme, a Team Umizoomi celebration and we’ve got a March Madness party coming up in a few weeks.” Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want, suggests Waits. Although Fairytale Ballet carries around 75 stories for parents and children to choose, they are open to looking at even more options. “If we don’t have what your child is dreaming about, we will customize a party for you.” And, since this age group does have trouble sitting still for long periods of time, consider getting creative with the gift giving option. “We have had parents ask guests to bring donations instead of gifts—such as a book for library or dog food for a local shelter. It’s a great way to get kids, even young kids, to start thinking about giving back.”

Mt. Prospect Park District has the BEST birthday parties!

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Celebrations // special advertising section

Get active - and party

By Penny Murad

ven when the weather is bad, you can still have a terrific party for your child. And if you have more creativity than cash, we’ll show you how to have an amazing party that will wow the neighborhood. If you are planning an at home party, you can make invitations that will be a part of the fun. How about a floor size puzzle? Take some of the pieces and include one piece (or a part of a piece) for the invitation for each child. Write the details of the party on the reverse, and hand deliver it to the party guests. When they come, the puzzle can be laid out near the entrance. Everyone can put their piece in the puzzle as an ice breaker. If space is a concern, most communities have park districts with facility rentals available for a nominal cost. Some programs do offer staff to assist and may have the option to have the staff provide and direct games. Does your child LOVE jumping on trampolines? Visit Xtreme Trampolines, with two locations in the Chicago area - one in Carol Stream, and another in Buffalo Grove. Imagine a room filled with trampolines, a foam pit, and basketball hoops. Eric Beck, owner, emphasizes that safety always comes first. All party guests watch a four minute safety video prior to entering the trampoline area. The courts are divided by age and size, so younger children can bounce to their heart’s content, while older ones can engage in more adventurous feats. Parties are held anytime during opening hours (call to reserve first), and include 1 ½ hours on the trampoline courts, and ½ hour for the birthday party. If you’re doing it yourself,

the sky and your creativity is the limit. You can have a variety of games and activities; stations featuring different options, such as a craft table or a science table; a dance party; scavenger hunts through your facility (or the neighborhood for older children); Twister. How about an old fashioned carnival with tickets and carnival games, such as Bozo Buckets? Let your imagination run free.

area—visit the website for information. And for the younger set (or the young at heart), visit Little Beans Café in Lincoln Park. Little Beans Café is an entire village built just for kids, including a fire station, playhouse, playhouse, grocery store, etc. Little Beans Café offers open play and classes, as well as amazing parties. Birthday parties offer private use of the entire facility with

photo courtesy of xtreme trampolines

Are inflatable bouncy houses something your child enjoys? Visit Pump It Up. Perfect for busy parents, Pump It Up will handle all the details. That’s right, the trained staff at Pump It Up will supervise play time, set up the party room, serve guests, and do all the clean up and wrap up. Pump It Up even has everything a successful party needs---food, drinks, goodie bags, balloons and cake. Davora Sides of Pump It Up says, “So, if a parent wanted, they could walk in empty handed, not lift a finger, and be a guest at their own party.” Pump It Up features private indoor arenas filled with inflatable slides, bounce houses, and obstacle courses for party guests. Your child and the guests are guaranteed to have a fabulous time. There are a number of Pump It Up locations in the greater Chicago

a variety of options available. Parties include play in the play village and can include other activities such as music, balloon animals, face painting, etc. Call Little Beans Café for more information. When thinking about food for your do it yourself party, preparation of the food can be part of the party fun. Party guests can have a sundae station; help prepare individual pizzas; or fix fruit kabobs. Older children can even, with supervision, prepare the entire meal. It’s fun (somewhat messy), but a great way to get everyone involved. How about the birthday guests decorate individual birthday cupcakes? Do you have a budding astronomer? Run, do not walk, to Adler Planetarium for an out of this world party. Laura Hayes of the Planetarium says, “Kids can pretend they’re astronauts as they launch a

rocket, visit a space station, and explore the mysterious Planet Explorers. All parties include use of the party room, admission to a space show and all exhibitions.” A variety of party options are available. Planetarium include admission to the museum exhibitions; a show in the Definiti Space Theater; use of a party room; special recognition of the birthday child during the shows opening comments; and a special certificate commemorating the birthday celebration. Visit the website for additional information, and to book your party. And from up in the air to under the sea: if your child loves the water, have the Dolphin Swim Club host a party. The two hour party gives guests 75 minutes in the pool and 45 minutes in the party room. Each party is staffed with a certified lifeguard and party host. The Dolphin Swim Club handles everything, including invitations, set up, place settings, pizza, juice, balloons, party bags and a personal game coordinator in the water. The birthday child gets a special gift and all the birthday guests get a special Dolphin Swim Club cupcake. There are several locations in the greater Chicagoland area; visit their website for information. Sara Batchelor of the Dolphin Swim Club says, “For 21 years Dolphin Swim Club has offered the best swim program in Illinois. DSC knows how to teach the life long skill of swimming while keeping safety the top priority. Our students are getting way more than just a swim lesson; they are also building confidence and self esteem from our companionate and fun teachers” No matter what the weather or the season, your child’s birthday party can be tremendous.

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special advertising section // Celebrations Special advertiSing Section

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Celebrations // special advertising section

Big screen, little screen; your party needs a screen By Penny Murad

oes the thought of playing video games for hours on end make your child giddy with excitement? Does your child love to check out the latest movie? Then follow us as we journey in search of the best ideas for big and little screen parties for all ages. Rolling Video Games Chicago is a rolling video game theater, stocked with all the popular video games, and featuring both indoor and outdoor gaming, with LED High Definition TVs, stereo surround sound on the inside, and the ability to have up to 24 players battle each other in a fight to the finish. The inside features stadium seating, and is climate controlled, so your guests are comfortable, whatever the weather. Parties

photo courtesy of rolling video games chicago

include an authentic Rolling Video Games t-shirt for the birthday child, custom Rolling Video Games dog tags, and special invitations. Parents supply the food, but all the fun is courtesy of Rolling Video Games. For the movie lover with the creative parent, how about a movie night? Many theaters

offer birthday parties, featuring tickets to a show and a popcorn/drink combo. Some larger theaters even have a party room where guests can celebrate after the movie. Or, how about a movie night at home? Or even your local park district? Send out “tickets” for party invitations; decorate your movie room

with movie posters and/or movie memorabilia - even a red carpet. Encourage your party guests to dress up as their favorite movie character. In addition to showing a favorite movie, you can have a hair and makeup studio so party guests are made up (face painting, scars, etc.); or even have a Movie Trivia game for older children. If you don’t have a gigantic TV screen, you can use a DVD or an old projector to show a movie on a blank wall (or even a white sheet that you can hang). The tickets/invitations can be exchanged for popcorn and drinks (multi use water bottles filled with juice or soft drinks can be a present to take home). For food, you can go simple with pizza and/or hot dogs, or have an elaborate “Oscar” feast with finger foods, such

*With the purchase one full price adult Medieval Times admission ticket and receive one free ticket of equal or lesser value. Must mention or enter discount code BGCP13 at time of reservation to receive discount. Not valid with group rates, or any other special offer. Upgrades are additional. Valid at the Schaumburg Castle only. Offer expires 4/30/2013.

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special advertising section // Celebrations

Game Dudes of Chicagoland. “Like” them on Facebook; they will provide all the age appropriate video games for a fabulous party. From Guitar Hero to the latest Wii games--even a rocking Karaoke event—the Game Dudes has you covered. The Game Dudes travel throughout the greater Chicago area, and will not only come to your cool birthday party, but block parties, corporate events—name the event and the date and time. Check them out today.

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as mini sliders, hors d’oeuvres, mini cupcakes - whatever the birthday child fancies. For goody bags, find cute tote bags, and fill them with sunglasses, plastic jewelry, crowns or hats and a water bottle. Another amazing moving video game theater is The

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Nibbles offers a range of party options for children ages 1 through 5. The Themed Birthday Party Package, starting at $350, Pump It Up is where you can jump, climb, bounce and slide in Up is where can jump, climb, bounce PumpPump It isIt where you canyou jump, climb, bounce and slide in includes everything you need – use of our play ourUp private, fully air conditioned fun-filled inflatable play arenas. children’s meals, themed decorations, and slide our private, fully airinflatable conditioned our private, fully air in conditioned fun-filled play arenas. space, cupcakes, goody bags + a visit from a children’s Birthdays Pop-In Playtime Field Trips & Much More fun-filled inflatable play arenas. character/performer! The Basic Birthday Party Birthdays Pop-In Playtime Field Trips & Much More Package starts at $12.50 per child. • Birthdays • Pop-In Playtime

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• Chicago Chicago Call us today to book your next party Park Elmhurst •orOrland Orland Park visit us online

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Have an

! y t r a p y a d h birt Your little explorer will never forget their birthday at the Adler Planetarium. Kids will become astronauts as they launch a rocket, visit a space station and explore the mysterious Planet X. All parties include use of the party room, admission to a space show and all exhibitions. Check in with Mission Control to add a cake, goody bags, food and beverages for the ultimate adventure! To book your birthday space adventure, visit adlerplanetarium.org/party today.

Enter to win

a FREE birthday party at the Adler! Visit facebook.com/chicagoparent before April 22 for a chance to win!

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special advertising section // Celebrations

Parties where you make your own By Tricia Despres

very mom has stood over the garbage can with one of them. The bag that has sat untouched since the party last week….the bag filled with cheap trinkets and goodies that often find a home underneath the cushions of the couch…the bag that is almost always forgotten minutes after the party is over. Yes, we are talking about the old and often tired idea of the birthday party goody bag. “My picture of the traditional goody bag is something the parents want to throw out while the child is not looking,” laughs Malerie Cope, General Manager of Make-A-Messterpiece in Glenview. “We like the idea of embedding the goody bag concept into the party itself. The fact is that the child is going to have pride in something they make, whether it’s something that will sit on their shelf or it’s something they will want to wear to school the very next day.” Indeed, while filled with the best of intentions and serving as a polite way to put an end to the party festivities, the goody bag has gotten a bad rap of late…and for good reason. While the colorful top and loud whistle might look fun at your local party store, these trinkets often become the things parents step on just a few short hours later. Want to be the most popular parent on the block? Create a birthday party for your child that has guests leaving with a creation they could never fit in a 50-cent plastic bag. Invite

your guests to create something that they not only will love making, but something they will hold on to and treasure. Most of all, let them look at their creation for evermore with sweet memories of the birthday party you helped create!

Not sure where to start? Rest easy and look around. Chicago has a number of venues offering birthday party options where the child is the creator of their own take home gift. “Our Blue Brick (birthday party) Package includes an activity lanyard and mini model the kids build together and then take home with them,” explains Kristina Pucci, Trade Sales Manager of LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago in Schaumburg. “Our Gold Brick Package is a lot more special. The children get the same items in the Blue Brick Package plus a Storage Box full of LEGO Bricks to take home and a LEGO name badge they get to decorate and take home.” “I love how the kids often seem shocked at the creations they were able to create,” adds Nicole Northway, owner of art studio One Strange Bird in Chicago. “The parties allow them the time to learn skills they never knew, and allow-

ing them to walk out the door with a ready to hang canvas they painted and designed on themselves serves a wonderful memory for everyone.” A storefront art center featuring handmade gifts, apparel, and art in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood,

ers the chance to paint their very own picture frame and take a group picture right there at the party to put in it. Other ideas at Make-A-Messterpiece include projects made in their very own Bubble’ology labs, where kids can use 20’ tall bubble machines to create their very own paintings with a variety of colored bubbles, while at the same time learning about airflow, gravity and color theory. Make-A Messterpiece also offers the chance for each child to create tie dye shirts. “To parents, tie dye projects usually mean kids with purple hands and stained clothes,” chuckles Cope. “But photo courtesy of legoland discovery center here, we get the kids One Strange Bird offers art all smocked up and the only parties in many techniques people turning into a mess is taught by local artistic tal- our very own Mess Masters.” ent. “We have done parties All this time of creation for three year olds with more and fun is sure to make any tactile activities such as fin- kid hungry, so consider also ger painting and play dough taking a trip into Make-Amaking, and we have done Messterpiece’s creative kitchparties for older kids that en, where birthday attendees involved clay and paint,” says can make a messy hands on Northway, whose store will be recipe that they can actually moving to a larger space in eat! “The kids dip and drizzle Wicker Park later this year. “Of all sorts of chocolates and course, we want to make it sprinkles onto a pretzel rod, fun, but the birthday parties and we refrigerate them so are also a time to learn from an they are hardened by the time actual artist.” they are leaving,” says Cope. “I If the birthday child in your know tons of moms out there life seems a bit more adven- that would rather restrict the turous and anxious to make a use of sprinkles in their own mess, Make-A-Messterpiece in kitchen….but it sure doesn’t Glenview just might be your bother us here.” best option. Birthday party So whether it’s an at home packages offer a number of birthday party or one that goody bag options that the might require a little travel, kids, and parents, will enjoy make this party memorable long after the party is through. with something more than just What better way to hold another goody bag. Create an a memory than a handmade experience with a take home picture frame? Make-A- gift that everyone will enjoy Messterpiece allows partygo- for years to come! ChicagoParent.com April 2013 77

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Celebrations // special advertising section

Experience a pampered party

By Patti Minglin

hat girl doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love a day filled with a little pampering? From manicures to pedicures to fullblown makeovers the popularity of day spas and luxury salons has moved into the kid arena and has added a new player to the birthday party game: Pampered Parties. Why so popular? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an experience, not just a party,â&#x20AC;? says Eduart Tare from Lilies & Spikes Kids and Teens Hair Salon in Oak Park. That experience often includes some of your standard spa treatments recreated in a way that is more accommodating for children and teens. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are focused on making things age appropriate,â&#x20AC;? says Roxanne Van Housen from Mount Prospect Park

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5-Day Summer Performance clinic June 10-14, 2013, 9 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 pm Cost: $650 For registration or info (847) 528-9318 Staceydans@aol.com More classes to come! THe Performerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ScHool Highwood Recreation Center, 432 Green Bay Rd., Highwood www.theperformersschool.com

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sions and offer group manicures or facials.â&#x20AC;? But make no mistake, this isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t your average day at the spa. In between manicures and makeup, party guests are usually involved in some type of craft or project such as embellishing t-shirts or canvas bags or creating picture frames for party photos. And at the end of the celebration partygoers get to show-off their new looks. At Mount Prospect Park District, pampered-themed parties often include dance parties or red carpet moments and at Sharkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cuts for Kids in Algonquin, girls get their pictures taken while putting on a fashion show. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are immersed in a fantasy world,â&#x20AC;? says Amy Seibert from Sharkeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You get to be someone else for 2-hours which is part of the party fun.â&#x20AC;? The party fun is also good for

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parents with most pampered party experiences offering everything from invitations to goodie bags. “We really want to take the load off of moms,” says Tare. “We want them to enjoy the party as much as the girls do.” Toward that goal, Lilies & Spikes works with the party girl on ‘thank you’ notes to guests while her friends are still being pampered. “When it’s time to leave, guests get their goodie bag complete with a handwritten thank you note from the birthday girl. It’s such a great surprise for guests and a wonderful plus for Mom—she doesn’t have to worry about anything once the party is over.” Moms are an important part of the Pampered Party fun and most establishments encourage Mom and child to add their own unique personalities to the overall party. At Mount Prospect Park District, families can come 30-minutes prior to the party to deco-

special advertising section // Celebrations

rate the room with their own theme and favors. At Lilies and Spikes, the party girl can help choose the music that is played during her party and at Sharkey’s they have brought in special activities or entertainment such as henna tattoos. “We encourage party families to speak up and ask for any special requests,” adds Seibert. Pampered parties are ideal for kids 6 ages and up. “It’s a good age group for this type of party,” says Van Housen. And, the pampering doesn’t have to be just for girls. “Younger kids often want to invite their entire class, which includes boys,” says Seibert. “We offer themes such as ‘Pirates and Mermaids’ or ‘Knights and Princesses’ so boys can get in on the dress up fun.” In the end, everyone should feel a little pampered. “We want everyone to feel comfortable and have fun,” adds Tare.

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Celebrations // special advertising section Celebrating ov

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Unforgettable parties on the north shore! Winnetka Community House makes birthday parties easy! We offer full service parties complete with entertainment, setup and clean up. Our party coordinator can help you plan your party and select from a variety of entertainers and activities including magic, dance, sports and more. Our parties will make your child’s birthday an event they’ll never forget! To see all our parties visit winnetkacommunityhouse.org/birthdays or call 847-446-3207. 80 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section // Celebrations

Walruses or circuses? Involve them in the party By Tricia Despres

t’s every party planner’s goal to create an engaging party in which every attendee, from the most shy to the most eccentric, feels welcome and leaves happy. And for a parent, nothing feels as good as seeing everyone smiling at your own child’s birthday party. Yet, in the real world, things often don’t go as smoothly as one would envision. From the crying four year old who misses her Mommy to the rambunctious nine year old who won’t take direction, birthday parties can often go off the rails quickly. An interactive birthday party is the best option to ensure everyone is entertained and involved in the activities of the day. Most importantly, keep the guest of honor involved from the very start. Sit down with the calendar and ask when they would like their birthday party to be, and perhaps a theme. Invite them to create their own invitation, and ask if they would like to drive around the neighborhood to personally invite their guests. And most of all, use their uniqueness as your inspiration. Take the time to see what they love, and then create an entire party around the concept. “I once wrote a custom show that involved only penguins and walruses, because that’s what the birthday child wanted,” laughs Jeannie McQueenie, whose puppet shows and musical offerings have become well known

throughout the Chicagoland area. “We are a hit with the little kids, but the older kids love the music portion of the party. It really turns out like a rock party in your living room as I play the drums and we start playing dance and hip hop music. I have seen many a parent get up and dance themselves.”

With puppets and music and tons of costumes, Jeannie McQueenie has delighted audiences as small as 15 children to 200, and makes it her mission to make sure everyone is laughing and singing before she is through. Of course, the thought of not having to clean up your home after a party is always intriguing to parents. Assisting families with everything from the set up to the cleanup and everything in between, an off-site party can also be a wonderful option. Countless families have headed to CircEsteem for a party that not only promotes the idea of making everyone the star of the show, but boosts

everyone’s self esteem at the same time. “We provide music and lights so each child really feels like a circus star while learning the circus activities,” explains Suzanne Santos, the new Program Director at CircEsteem in Chicago. “We enjoy having the younger siblings and other family mem-

themselves. “We meet each child where they are at,” says Santos. “Our goal is to help each child rise to their potential by encouraging them to try things they have never done before. We help them set goals, and encourage them to persevere through tough learning moments. We also encourage team and community building so that they can lift each other up while training, performing, and learning in circus and social contexts.” And don’t worry. Off site birthday parties don’t have to feel impersonal. Make it your own by hanging your own customized decorations around the table area if the venue allows it or bring an IPod to play your child’s favorite music on their sound system. These little touches are sure to make an impact. And once they work up an appetite, save yourself some work and let the photo courtesy ofjeannie mcqueenie kids do the making. From hot dog bars to bers in our space taking pic- cupcake decorating, the kids tures and watching the activi- will love to personalize their ties from our designated area culinary treats. Not only will with cafeteria tables.” it keep them involved in the With most participants party, but they will love the from 5 to 18 years of age, idea of making exactly what CircEsteem birthday parties they want…and you won’t last for two hours and include have to worry about one more a 5 minute demo, a 25 minute picky eater. warm up, 1 hour of circus activOnce the party is through, ity and 30 minutes for food encourage the birthday child and cake. Party attendees are to create their own thank you four different circus skills in notes. Whether designing an hour, with options ranging something through an online from large skill offerings such site or going to the local craft as trapeze or stilts to small store to create cards to send skill offerings such as juggling through the traditional mail or plate spinning. And no mat- system, teach your child propter their skill level, everyone is er party etiquette with this certain to leave a CircEsteem simple idea. Saying thank you party feeling good about never goes out of style. ChicagoParent.com April 2013 81

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Celebrations // special advertising section The Ultimate Gaming Destination Delivered to Your Doorstep!

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PARTY PLACES A Fairytale Ballet Chicago/Lakeview/ North Evanston (773) 477-4488 www.AFairytaleBallet.com Fairytale Ballet birthday parties with costumes & props. A Fairytale Ballet Birthday Celebration is truly magical. Your ballerina will be treated like a princess every minute. Choose from any of our enchanting Fairytales or customize your own and we will do the rest!

Adler Planetarium 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago (312) 922-7827 adlerplanetarium.org The birthday countdown is on! Book an out-of-this-world party for your little explorer at the Adler. Kids can pretend they’re astronauts as the launch a rocket, visit a space station and explore the mysterious Planet X during a birthday party they will never forget. All parties include use of the party room, admission to a space show and all exhibitions. Check in with Mission Control to add a cake, goody bags, food and beverages for the ultimate adventure!

Bolingbrook Park District 201 Recreation Dr. Bolingbrook (630) 739-0272 www.bolingbrookparks.org Create memories while your children explore new worlds with the help of Bolingbrook Park District’s party services team. We provide value, stressfree planning and professional assistance on the day of your event. Our birthday party services team is ready to make your special day a success! Call our birthday party coordinator at (630) 783-6653 today.

C & A Robot Factory 326 Peterson Rd., Libertyville (847) 996-0123 www.carobotfactory.com C&A Robot Factory would be delighted to make your child(s) birthday extra special! Choose one of our exciting themes: LEGOVille®, Star Wars, Ninjago®, LEGO® Build-Imagine and LEGO® We-Do® Robotics. Exclusive parties are available Fridays and Saturdays. Sundays we are open to public, however smaller groups can celebrate in a private party room.

Ceramic Arts Café 26 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange (708) 579-3033 www.ceramicartcafe.com Have a party to remember, perfect for any occasion. Birthdays, luncheons, scout outings, showers and Mom’s night out! Kids and adults can choose and paint their own pottery. Have fun and create something to cherish! Call today to reserve your date!

Classic Cinemas

www.classiccinemas.com Celebrate your child’s next birthday at the movies! Party Packages include: Movie (reserved seating), Kid’s Pak

special advertising section // Celebrations (Popcorn, Soda & Fruit Snack) & Party Room (where available). For more info visit: www.classiccinemas.com. Click “Plan An Event/ Party.” Available at a Classic Cinemas location near you.

City of Evanston Recreation Division Various Evanston community centers (847) 448-4311 cityofevanston.org/recreation Ecology parties include “Reptile Romp” and “Compass Course,” while arts parties include Medieval and Renaissance themes! Would your preschooler prefer pirate, craft or sports themes? Teens can play volleyball or basketball (great for coed parties) and all ages enjoy ice-skating! With 33 packages, one is perfect for your next bash.

Deerfield Park District for Parties, Celebration, Rentals & More! Gyms, Pool, Party Rooms, Fun Jump, More at Sachs Rec. Center, 455 Lake Cook (847) 572-2600 & Indoor & Outdoor Playgrounds; Kitchen; Art, Multipurpose & Party Rooms; Rentals 836 Jewett Park Drive (847) 945-0650 www.deerfieldparks.org

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Book a theme-celebration or “create your own!” We have party space, staff, services and packages at affordable prices. Rentals available to “do-ityourself.” Ideas: Swim, Beauty, Sports, Dance, Art, Science, More! Food packages optional. NOTE: both the Fun Jump and the Treehouse offer daily visit rates and/or punch passes.

1511 w. Barrie 773-606-1345 ChiCago/lakEviEw www.StarbrightChicago.com

Dolphin Swim Club Rockford Region (815) 282-3488 Chicagoland (Schaumburg, Crystal Lake, Skokie) (847) 854-1300 www.dolphinswimclub.com Dolphin Swim Club is a learn-to-swim facility that is committed to bringing confidence, self-esteem, and safety to every child. Our professionally trained teachers create a fun learning environment with four or fewer students per class in a warm 89-degree heated pool! Call us about classes, birthday parties and more!

Fleetwood Roller Rink 7231 W. Archer Ave. (at Harlem Ave.), Summit (708) 458-0300 www.fleetwoodrollerrink.com We’ve expanded! New Banquet Facilities now available for Graduations, Showers and private events. We do everything, from serving food, to the balloons and birthday cake. Private parties and fundraisers for any size group, any day, any time. Call and reserve now. Visit our website for open skate hours.

A beautiful beginning to ballet with cherished childhood literature, costumes, props & classical music each week! 18 Months-12 Years Ballet & Tap Fall Camps & Classes

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Celebrations // special advertising section

Hollywood Park

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center

5051 Cal-Sag Rd., Crestwood (708) 389-7275 www.hollywoodfunpark.com Family fun for children of all ages. Offering 5 fun-filled birthday party packages fitting any budget. We’ll help you plan the perfect party. Featuring: The New Hollywood Speedway-Go Kart track, Miniature golf, game room, bumper cars, rock climbing wall, playland, Hollywood Café & Pizzeria & more!

Illinois Rhythmic Gymnastics Center 1850 Green Bay Road Highland Park (847) 363-1559 www.ilrhythmicgymnastics.com Have your child’s next birthday party at Illinois Rhythmic Gymnastics Center in Highland Park. Children will be entertained by a 90-minute theme party of your choice complete with games, activities and a craft, while you get to sit back, relax and enjoy the party.

Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview (847) 832-6923 www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org Rain or shine, either way’s fine! With 17 interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits, Museum parties are perfect all year long. All party packages include free admission for guests. Mention Chicago Parent when booking and save $20 off regular prices.

ie k o k S Park t ic r t Dis

Your Birth

601 N. Martingale Rd. Schaumburg Located at the Streets of Woodfield (847) 592-9700 LEGOLANDDiscoveryCenter.com/ Chicago Brick’tastic Birthday Parties at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center ! Packages start at $325 for 15 people and include entry to the Center, full use of attraction, free birthday gift for the birthday child, party crowns, birthday photo and frame, use of our private party room, party food, birthday cake, drinks and more!

Lilies & Spikes Kids and Teens Hair Salon and Spa 105 Chicago Ave., Oak Park (708) 613-4723 Kidshairsalonandspa.com BIRTHDAY AND SPA PARTY PACKAGES. Come introduce your little Lilies to to the World of spa days! Kid Friendly environment, Skilled professionals, and and elegant atmosphere are the perfect equation to the ultimate girls day out! Perfect for Birthday Parties, Pre-Prom rituals or just a day to indulge! Several packages to choose from!

day P arty H eadquarters... Skating Parties

at The Skatium Ice Arena

Dance, Magic, Circus & Yoga Parties at Devonshire Cultural Center

Nature Games & Activities at Emily Oaks Nature Center

Exploritorium Parties at The Exploritorium

Adventure Golf

Historic Parties

at Skokie Heritage Museum

Swimming Parties

at Skokie Water Playground For details on all of our birthday party offerings, visit SkokieParks.org or call (847) 674-1500

at Skokie Sports Park

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Little Beans Cafe 1809 West Webster, Chicago (773) 251-1025 littlebeanscafe.com/ events-parties/birthday-parties/

special advertising section // Celebrations the kids? Keep their brains busy and get their hands messy! With our five hands-on activities, kids will unleash and unlock their inner creativity! Perfect for a play-date or a unique birthday party!

Kids will enjoy imaginative play in the Little Beans playspace containing a kid sized play village with a service station, grocery store, playhouse, firehouse, burning building and more. There are many age appropriate toys, games, cars and more for the kids to stay busy around town. Parents will enjoy a large cafe for food and cake celebration and a comfortable parents lounge. Little Beans offers Private Parties, SemiPrivate parties and seasonal private parties in our classic Ice Cream Shop and Play Deck space. Great custom party options and add-on’s for kids 1-5 years old.

Medieval Times

The Little Gym

6799 Guilford Road Rockford (815) 397-9112 midwayvillage.com

Chicago (773) 525-5750 www.thelittlegym.com When we’re not teaching fantastic gymnastics classes, we’re hosting the best birthday parties ever! The Little Gym holds our parties one at a time so your child’s friends are the only ones in the gym-everyone stays together and plays together. Our parties handle it all from set up to clean up!

Make-A-Messterpiece 2050 Tower Dr. (847) 730-5275 www.makeamessterpiece.com Looking for something fun to do with

2001 N. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg (888) WE-JOUST (935-6878) www.medievaltimes.com Medieval Times is a dinner theater set in the Middle Ages. Inside our 85,000 square foot castle, we show a two-hour tournament, complete with jousting, knights and horsemanship. Show tickets include a four course meal and soda. We have special birthday packages available for all celebrants! Call for details!

Midway Village Museum

Midway Village features 26 historical structures including a general store, hardware store, print shop, blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, town hall, police station, plumbing shop, bank, hotel, hospital, fire station, church, barber shop, law office, two barns, and four farm houses. The Village is representative of a typical rural town in Northern Illinois at the end of the 19th century.

Mt. Prospect Park District

www.mppd.org Mt. Prospect Park district offers a variety of parties sure to please the youngster in your family. how about an arts & crafts birthday Party, a sports Party, and inline skating Party, a Pool Party and lots of other options. Let us make your child’s special day a memorable experience.

My Corner Playroom (773) 388-2121 www.MyCornerPlayroom.com Upcoming birthday have your little one bouncing off the walls? Exceed their expectations while leaving yourself relaxed! We do everything, start to finish, while you and your guests celebrate inside a climate-controlled play area full of wonderful, classic toys, climbing structures, dress-up props, and a sit-in sandbox. Semi & Private packages available. FREE PARKING!

Nibbles Play Café 13 Huntington Lane, Wheeling (847) 229-0400 www.nibblesplaycafe.com Nibbles offers a range of party options for children ages 1 through 5. The Themed Birthday Party Package, starting at $250, includes everything you need – use of our play space, children’s meals, themed decorations, cupcakes, goody bags + a visit from a children’s character/performer! The Basic Birthday Party Package starts at $12.50 per child.

1000 W. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect (847) 640-1000

Olly Olly Play Cafe

321 Park Avenue, Glencoe (847) 835-2004 www.ollyollyplaycafe.com A castle, pirate ship, and a princess coach transports your child through a world of imagination and creative play. How about a special visit from a pirate, princess or a puppetmaster? Other birthday party options include a private party room for spa, chess, cake decorating or whatever you can dream up.

One Strange Bird 2124 W. Division St. (773) 276-4420 www.onestrangebird.com Let us make your child’s big day special. Our teaching artists will guide you in creating a custom event tailored to your idea of fun! Choose from painting on easels, designing masks, coiling clay or crazy collage. Leave the mess to us! From painting to printing, let us plan a unique party to remember. Our basics packages start with private usage of the studio for 10-25 guests, arts instruction, and all art material

Paintball Explosion 601 Dundee Ave. East Dundee (847) 426-2662 www.pbbomb.com Book an exciting party for your birthday or special occasion. Visit Chicago’s premier paintball park, Paintball Explosion. Located at the historic Santa’s Village, this amusement park

Jeannie McQueenie Productions presents Miguels Magic Mirror Travel around the world with Miguel in music and dance as he meets other children and learns about customs, food, music and dance and music from other countries. Call to book now! Call 773 220-6693 or email Jeannie.mcqueenie@gmail.com

www.jeanniemcqueenie.com

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Celebrations // special advertising section turned paintball playground offers 9 scenario fields, themed like today’s best video games. With our massive 40,000sqf indoor field, we’re open rain or shine! Call now!

gym/sports party for children ages 7 and older. We will consult with you to ensure that your child’s party is catered to his/ her specific interests.

PartyTime Palace

701 W. North Ave. (630) 530-4649 www.safari-land.com

Safariland

723 W. Golf Rd., Des Plaines (847) 437-3100 www.partytimepalace.com

With party options and pricing for all ages, Safariland is sure to be the place to play this season. With our wristband options, guests can receive unlimited access and play on several of our exciting attractions. Our state of the art and retro video games are sure to please even the most avid XBOX 360 or PS3 players.

Making memories: Birthdays, Groups, Camps, Schools, Fundraisers, or just PLAY! OPEN DAILY TO THE PUBLIC as well as for PARTIES! Laser Tag Arena, Chicago Themed Miniature Golf, Mechanical Bull Riding, Inflatables, Arcade & Redemption Prize Games, Toddler Section, Electric Train, Soft Play Area. We provide the fun... You create the memories!

Schaumburg Boomers Professional Baseball

The Performer’s School Highwood Recreation Center 432 Greenbay Rd, Highwood (847) 528-9318 www.theperformersschool.com Chicagoland’s premier performing arts school in the north shore area! Join critically acclaimed director/choreographer Stacey Flaster and seasoned musical director and voice teacher Elizabeth Fauntleroy for a five-day audition clinic from June 10-14, 3013. Flaster and Fauntleroy also offer oneday audition intensives and musical theatre dance. More classes forthcoming!

Pump It Up Party Orland Park

(708) 479-2220

photo courtesy of little beans cafe

Chicago (312) 664-PUMP www.pumpitupparty.com The #1 indoor inflatable party place in the country! 185+ locations in 40 states. 100% Private & supervised parties. Giant inflatables in your own private arenas & private party room exclusively for your child & guests! experience the ultimate private party experience! there is no substitute for a Pump it up Party!

Purple Monkey Playroom 2040 N. Western Avenue, Chicago (773) 772-8411 purplemonkeyplayroom.com

Party at

As the venue and the entertainment all rolled into one inviting play space, Purple Monkey makes planning your celebration as easy as walking through the door. Winner of the Red Tricycle Award for Best Birthday Party Spot, we offer completely flexible and customized party packages.

River Forest Community Center 8020 W. Madison St., River Forest (708) 771-6159 ext. 208 You’ll enjoy your hassle-free private party in either our Playland/mini gym designed for children ages 3-6 or our

(847) 461-3695 www.boomersbaseball.com Have an entire baseball stadium full of people serenade your son or daughter on their big day. Plan a unique Birthday Celebration at a Boomers Game where you can enjoy an outing at our ballpark with your special guest and all his or her special friends!

School of Rock Chicago (773) 857-3804 Glen Ellyn (630) 474-3260 (708) 298-0002 Oak Park www.schoolofrock.com Looking for a insanely fun, party idea? An experience that is good for girls AND boys alike? For more than a decade,

A customized day full of imaginative adventures for them. A stress-free party for you, or in other words an

Pelican Harbor

At a The Little Gym Awesome Birthday Bash, your child and their friends will have the whole place to themselves for fun activities created especially for them. Plus we’ll handle everything from set-up to clean-up, making birthdays at The Little Gym a big wish come true for parents too. Call or go online to schedule your child’s next birthday at The Little Gym The Little Gym of Chicago www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL (773) 525-5750

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special advertising section // Celebrations School of Rock has been inspiring kids to rock on stage and in life. Now, offering one-of-a-kind rock and roll parties. Ages 8+

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids 1497 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin (847) 658-KIDS (5437) www.sharkeysalgonquin.com Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids features more than just the coolest haircuts! We offer exciting Glamour Parties in our hip Glamour Lounge, where girls are treated like stars by getting fabulous up-do’s, minimani’s, and superstar make-up! Makeovers are followed by a fashion show, pizza party, and guests receive takehome glamour gifts. Call to book your next party.

Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 www.SkokieParks.org Why throw an ordinary birthday party? We are the birthday party experts offering unique ideas including minigolf outings, cooking, dance, drama, yoga and circus celebrations, ice skating and historical museum parties, fun outdoor events at the Emily Oaks Nature Center, and parties at the Exploritorium, our kids’ imagination playground.

Theatre and Interpretation Center Imagine U Family Series 1949 Campus Drive, Evanston (847) 491-7282

tic.northwestern.edu/imagineu Celebrate your child’s birthday with some of his or her favorite storybook characters! Birthday groups of 8 or more receive ticket discounts, a chance to meet the cast after the show and a performance of a very special song for the birthday boy or girl! Recommended for children ages 5-10.

Celebrate your birthday in our exclusive Glamour Lounge! Be treated like a star with up-do’s, makeup, minicures, and a photo-op fashion show. You bring the cake and Sharkey’s does the rest!

Ultimate Gymnastics 1018 Tri State Parkway, Gurnee (847) 856-8573 www.ultimategymnasticsinfo.com ULTIMATE Gymnastics offers birthday parties for ages 3 through 16 years. Parties are 1 1/2 hours in length and include 1/2 hour of gymnastics geared toward all skill levels and 1/2 hour of bounce time in our inflatable room. 1/2 hour is reserved in one of our two air conditioned party rooms with time for refreshments and gift opening.

20 Expires: 5/31/13

Vertical Endeavors Indoor Rock Climbing Facility 28141 Diehl Road, Warrenville (630) 836-0122 www.VerticalEndeavors.com/ Warrenville Bring your friends and climb on our wall for a fun, exciting and adventurous birthday that everyone will be sure to remember! You get 2 hours of funfilled climbing with a VE instructor! Party room and favors are also available. All parties must be scheduled two weeks in advanceand have eight or more paying climbers.

www.sharkeyscutsforkids.com

ises Franch

are now available in IL and W I!

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Celebrations // special advertising section Windy City Fieldhouse

2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago (773) 486-7416 www.WindyCityFieldhouse.com/ birthdays WCF is the place for action packed, entertaining and hassle free birthday parties with creative onsite and offsite packages. The expert staff at WCF plan and manage an interactive party that includes games and competitions chosen by your child from a variety of sports and NEW themed packages. Best of all, your children go home exhausted and we handle the clean up!

Winnetka Community House 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka (847) 446-3207 winnetkacommunityhouse.org Let our Birthday Party Coordinator help you plan your child’s birthday celebration! Select from a variety of entertainers and themes including magicians, sports, tea parties, and the moonwalk, all sure to make your child’s birthday a festive event. For details call or visit us on the web.

Xtreme Trampolines 485 Mission St., Carol Stream (630) 752-1400 950 Busch Pkwy., Buffalo Grove (224) 676-0660 www.XtremeTrampolines.com Jump on commercial grade trampolines in our giant 45,000 square foot warehouse! Think of 5 separate check-

erboards, with each square being a trampoline. We have a giant foam pit, and even a trampoline dodgeball court! They are on the floor and on the walls! You have to see it to believe it.

ENTERTAINMENT AND PLANNING CircEsteem & The Chicago Youth Circus

Jeanie McQueenie Puppet Shows (773) 220-6693 www.jeanniemcqueenie.com

(312) 731-HAHA www.circesteem.org Run away with the circus without ever leaving home. Invite the CircEsteem Experience to your next event. We provide circus shows and interactive workshops for kids of all ages that leaves them saying, “WOW, look what I can do!” Call or email to set up your next circus party.

The Game Dudes (630) 738-9001 www.thegamedudes.com Our 24 foot gaming vehicle comes right to your door. Enjoy a 12 seat, air conditioned indoor gaming theater with popular games. Outside 8 more guests can play Wii or games like Guitar Hero protected from the sun with a full awning. We can also bring along Laser Tag for 16!

GameTruckParty Chicago Servicing all of SubUrban and Urban Chicagoland (888) 602-4263 gametruckparty.com The ultimate video game party. Every

SUMMER FUN WITH LEGO® YOUNG SCIENTISTS STOP MOTION ANIMATION LEGO® MACHINES AND ROBOTS MINDSTORMS® NXT ROBOTICS FOR BEGINNERS June 3rd - August 16th Week long sessions 10am-1pm, 2pm-5pm, or 10am-5pm (8am drop off and 6pm pick up also available) Ages 4-6, 6-8, 9-14

Detailed schedule and registration at www.carobotfactory.com 326 Peterson Rd. Libertyville, IL 60048

847-996-0123

www.carobotfactory.com Classes • Birthday Parties Day Play ($5/child) • Field Trips Summer Camp

GameTruck is equipped to allow 20 people to play at the same time! Parties include One free T-shirt for the birthday boy or girl and up to 24 stadium cups for your guests. Moms love the convenience and ease of a GameTruckParty in front of their home, park or restaurant.

Rock your birthday party! Fun, interactive original musical rock puppet show.

Rolling Video Games Chicago (708) 238-6988 RollingVideoGamesChicago.com “The Best Video Game Party of the Year!” Don’t let the weather stop your party plans! Rolling Video Games Chicago operates during all seasons! Kids have a great time inside our climate controlled Mobile Gaming Theater. Great for Team Parties, Spring Break, Summer/Day Camps, Holiday parties, and more! For added savings, share your party with a friend! Call to check availabilty today! Game On!

Windy City Game Theater Mobile Game Party (708) 427-1257 www.wcgametheater.com 20 players at a time in air conditioned comfort. Our Mobile Game Theater is delivered to you staffed with experienced game coaches, featuring X-box 360- Nintendo Wii on five 47” LCD TVs.

Perfect for any type of party. Moms and Dads will love the convenience and excellent service. Kids will love the party!

PARTY SUPPLIES Birthday in a Box

BirthdayinaBox.com Toll free: (800) 989-5506 Birthday in a Box is your one stop shop for all of your kids party needs. With the largest selection of children’s party themes in addition to the rapidly growing adult party selection, Birthday in a Box offers “ready to party” boxed kits that take the work out of organizing a party. Personalization is offered on almost every party theme and as always our patterned tableware is 50% off MSRP.

Mabel’s Labels P.O. Box #33561, RPO Dundurn Hamilton ON L8P 4X4, Canada (866) 30-MABEL (62235) info@mabelslabels.com www.mabelslabels.com You’ll love Mabel’s Labels Loot Bag Combos as much as the celebrity moms who inspired them! Perfect for goody bags, they also add a personalized touch to other gifts. Each combo features durable, waterproof Sticky labels and metal Bag Tag, in a choice of cute designs to mix or match!

My Corner Playroom At My Corner Playroom We Know Play is The Thing! is the foundational skill of which all others in life are born. is essential to your child’s development.

PLAY is about engaging in activity and not about toys and that it’s not about the toys… it’s about activity! My Corner Playroom is a great place for your child’s birthday party! Full service from set-up to clean up Simple to Custom Themes • Free Parking

773.388.2121 2121 N. Clybourn Ave. Chicago mycornerplayroom.com

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CP Marketplace DinoJump.net 1-888-877-3466

presents

.net

3Fully Insured 3Cleaned & Sanitized,

from ourthe topparents entertainers! “Be sure to have plenty “Encourage of adult helpers...and to participate. Best hire Magic Mike for your party moment ever was entertainment!” when I got the whole room... parents, friends & Magic Mike grandparents.. doing the “Kangarooster” Hop, hop, 708-499-4503 hop, Cock-a-doodle.. best Mike@HeyMagicMike.com www.HeyMagicMike.com parties ever are when everyone joins in!!” Jodi Koplin Jigglejam Productions 847-236-9235 jigglejamproductions.com

“Don’t just give out treat bags. Have the children hunt for them. It is more fun that way, and it takes up more time.”

Mrs. Newberry's Traveling Tea Party

Dahlings, what could be more pleasant than a tea party with friends complete with feathered hats, exquisite ball gowns, formal china, custom tables & chairs and a host for set up & take down?

• Huge Selection • Affordable Prices • Exceptional Customer Service • Peace of Mind

Jumps, Slides, Combo’s, Obstacle Courses, Slip & Slides with Pool, Water Slides, Dunk Tank, Face Painting and Bean Bag Toss

Email: Gary@dinojump.net Also Av AvAilAblE: sno-Cone, Popcorn & Cotton Candy Machines!

Where Family Service is Not Extinct!

847-895-2340 Schaumburg

Come experience the ultimate

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Call to make your event simply divine!

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Andrew/KIdzmagic 630-855-4521 www.kidzmagic.biz

The Jumper Store

before and after each rental

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708-951-0351

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Email: jigglejam@aol.com

Visit me on the web at: jigglejamproductions.com

Walk on the WildSide! “We had a wonderful time...the kids LOVED the show!”

Rae M. - Mom

Exotic Animal Programs Bat Talks • new baby sloth!

School,

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www.flyingfoxconservationfund.com 773-823-1466 ChicagoParent.com April 2013 89

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CP Marketplace

KIDZMAGIC

Introducing the Magical “Monster Max”

by Andrew

Face Painting for all occasions

Magical Entertainment for all occasions!

Award-winning magician with over 30 years experience! All Birthday Shows include balloon animals and live rabbits! Also offering Face Painting! As seen on WGN, WTTW, Don’t miss our newest magic trick, and “BirthDAy ChilD levitAteS” NBC Local!

630-855-4521 toll free:855-KDM-AGIC www.JUmPInJoEY.nET Moonwalks • Combos Water slides • Concessions Carnival games Interactive games Tables & chairs • Dunk tank School Fun Fairs • Block Parties

847.970.0522

312-493-6554 cheekythingdesigns.com

Face Painting by Amanda Serving Chicago & Suburbs

All types of events!

www.kidzmagic.biz www.jellybeanproductions.biz

Birthdays Picnics Parties Festivals All Events!

amanda@amandapaint.com

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY, SET UP AND PICKUP INCLUDED

OFF ANY moonwalk RENTAL

www.amandapaint.com 773-463-0788

VALID FOR UP TO ONE USE

NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFER

The Easter Bunny is coming to the Bus!

Let’s CLown Around Former Ringling Bros. Navy Pier Entertainer

The Bus of Fun will come to your home for your child’s next Birthday Party. “Like Us” and add a friend on Facebook and receive $25 off your Party! ...Sit back and let us run the PARTY for you! Not only do we bring the fun, we also bring: ■ Prizes ■ Cotton Candy ■ Snow Cones (seasonal) ■ Face painting

■ Photography ■ Homemade Treats ■ Small gift for Birthday Child ■ Games

■ Creative Crafts ■ Pinata ■ Money Machine (real money) ■ Refreshments

Rain or Shine, Hot or Cold, we always bring the FUN to you year round!

The Bus of Fun is fully insured.

Magic & Juggling Shows Balloon Animals and Puppets

Providing Quality, Professional Entertainment since 1991 Several Themed Characters available. Video clips and party ideas are provided on the website.

www.IYQENT.com IYQ Entertainment

847-228-0882

Includes: • Fire-Eating • Machete Juggling • Stilt Walker • & Much More

847-672-6165

Please call (708) 388-2200 to schedule your party

www.TheBusofFun.com

Performer with an ActionPacked, High Energy Comedy Magic Show

www.letsclownaround.net

Natures Creatures Animal Show

A fun Exotic Educational Animal Show for kids & adults of all ages! Serving the Chicago land area for over 10 years!

• Birthday Parties • Block Parties • Scouts • Schools • Licensed & Insured • Veterinarian & Teacher Approved!

For more info or to book:

call Erin at

• Snakes • Frogs • Bunnies • Lizards • Giant Turtles • Spiders • Ducks • Talking Parrots • Alligators • Pony Rides

(773) 881-9379 or visit:

www.naturescreatures.net

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CP Marketplace Make your next Birthday Party a

Low rates! Book Now!

Spring Special $10 Off

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Games & Concessions are also available • Call to reserve and lock in low rates!

708-620-HOPP

Local delivery, Setup & Pick-up included

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special advertising section // Cave of the Mounds

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Evanston Park District Backyard Habitats class The Evanston Ecology Center is offering a family program focusing on “all-things birds,” including houses, baths and feeders. It will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 at 2024 McCormick Blvd. , Evanston . The program is for ages 8 years and older and the fee is $15 per person.

Family Campfires A fun-filled family campfire with stories, songs and s’mores will be held at the Council Ring at the Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston . The Evanston Ecology Center ’s April sessions focus on the night sky. Identical sessions will be held from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13. Content is suitable for ages 2 and older. The fee is $5 per person. Space is limited.

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Little Green Tree House Childcare and Preschool Eco-Friendly Child Care Center Parents who desire an eco-friendly, healthy place for their children to grow and learn, will love Little Green Tree House. The West Loop child care center uses a creative and theme- based curriculum combined with earth-friendly living. It’s a safe and healthy environment that incorporates the best teachers, organic food, and non-toxic supplies.

118 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago 3111 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago (now open) (312) 492-9876 www.littlegreentreehouse.com

Montessori Academy of Chicago The school is devoted to a green future for the next generation. Initiatives include a fully organ-

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ic menu and a recycling program which utilizes city drop-off sites. This shows the children how to take responsibility by being an example themselves.

1335 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 243-0977 (ask for Shannon) montessoriacademychicago.org

Museum of Science and Industry Smarthome Exhibit The Smart Home: Green + Wired exhibit, a fully-functioning, ecofriendly home on the Museum’s grounds, has been transformed for 2010 by Midwest Living. The home reflects the lifestyle of a family looking to minimize home maintenance, maximize efficiency and settle in to a space that not only is beautiful, but functional.

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Reptile Fest 2013 April 13-14 University of Illinois-Chicago Physical Education building 901 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago (312) 409-4456 www.chicagoherp.org

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APRIL

calendar

Spikes and fangs and forked tongu tongues, oh my! Reptiles seem to have a boa-constrictor-like hold on kids’ im imaginations. Now you can feed that fascination with a trip to ReptileFest, the nation’s largest reptile and amphibian show, where your kids ca can climb into a tortoise pen, smile for a photo with an extra-toothy lar large reptile, and meet members of the Iguana Squad, who teach kids about the proper way to care for iguanas. We can’t help but love their superhero name name, since anyone who will save mom from having to clean the cage is pretty heroi heroic in our book. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 13-14. $10, $7 kids 3-11. University of Illinois-Chicago Illino Physical Education Building, 901 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. ((312) 409-4456, chicagoherp.org.

If a prairie fire sounds more scary than scenic, head to the aptly-named Sunset Fire & Picnic on the Prairie for an awe-inspiring evening. The controlled burn demonstrates just how important fire was—and still is—to natural areas here in Illinois. Bring a picnic or buy food (grilled, of course!), so you can dine while watching the distant landscape go up in flames. It will redefine your idea of “fireside dining” for sure. $3, $12 family, free kids under 3. 6-8:30 p.m. April 6. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. (847) 985-2100, parkfun.com.

If Earth Day is supposed to be a celebration, we can think of no better way to do it than to sing and dance along with eco-musician Joe Reilly at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The singer-songwriter, whose songs include singe “Let’s Go Outside,” “Little Tomato” and “Touch “Touc the Earth,” brings a toe-tapping message of how kids can help save the mess he planet. plane Who says popular musicc has to be shallow? shallo $15, $10 kids. 11 1 a.m. April 20. 2430 N. Cannon Drive, ve, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org. 755-5 remuseum.org.

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CALENDAR 2 | TUESDAY BABIES IN NATURE. Take a stroll with a naturalist and let nature engage the senses of infants and toddlers. $6 adult and child, $3 additional family member. 10-10:45 a.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

4 | THURSDAY PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: CHINA. Celebrate Chicago’s Chinese

American community and experience authentic Chinese arts and traditions. Practice the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy, learn Chinese brush painting and discover your Chinese zodiac sign. Plus, live Chinese music and dancing. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 5271000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org. THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD EARNS HER WHISTLE.

With its famous “I think I can...” refrain, The Little Engine That Could teaches children in grades Pre-K-2 the value of optimism and hard work. 9:30 a.m. and noon. $8.50. Paramount Arts Centre and Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com. EARTH DAY EVERY DAY. Have

fun and play games with recycled newspapers, try the jingle bag toss, scavenger hunt and painting. Pre-registration required. $5. 9:30 a.m. Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens, 7402 Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights. (708) 361-1873, lakekatherine.org.

MR. SINGER’S SING ALONG FUN. Little ones sing, clap and dance

with their caregiver to songs that focus on the natural world around them. 1:45 p.m. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org. STORIES IN THE WOODS. Kids 3-6 enjoy story time with a naturalist, play a game, take a short hike and make crafts to take home. $10 pair, $3 additional child. 10-11 a.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

5 | FRIDAY PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: CHINA. Chicago. See April 4. Today’s

time is 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and cost is free with admission. 3RD AND 4TH GRADE DANCE PARTY. Includes a DJ, dancing and

games for kids 8-11, plus concessions available for purchase. $10, $7 preregistration. 7-9 p.m. Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com. SPANISH STORYTIME AT WINNETKA PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Native speakers from Language Stars provide a 30-minute interactive FunImmersion program for kids 1-6 with books, songs and activities conducted entirely in their native language. 10:30-11 a.m. Winnetka Public Library, 768 Oak St., Winnetka. (847) 446-7220, winnetkalibrary.org.

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the May issue is March 27. All events are subject to change. Please call the event sponsor at the number listed to confirm before you go. Events taking place on four or more dates during the month are listed in Ongoing, beginning on page 105.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

An independent school for gifted children from Preschool through Eighth Grade.

Visit Quest Academy Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten (Children ages 3 and 4) Tours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings For: Parents and their child(ren) ~Call for an appointment~ Lower School (Kindergarten through Fifth Grade) Tours: Wednesdays 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. For: Parents (children welcome) Middle School ~Call to reserve a space~ (Sixth through Eighth Grade) Tours: Monday – Friday For: Parents (children welcome) ~Call for an appointment~ Shadow Days: Monday – Friday February, March and April 2013 For: Students ~Call for available dates~

For admission information and updates

Apply now for 2013-14 Call or e-mail Leslie Kovich, Director of Admission 847.202.8035, ext. 438 leslie.kovich@questacademy.org 500 North Benton, Palatine, IL 60067

(Between Plum Grove Road & Benton Street on Northwest Highway)

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CALENDAR EARTH DAY EVERY DAY. Palos

Heights. See April 4.

6 | SATURDAY CHICAGO BIRD WATCHING FOR BEGINNERS! Observe the behavior

of local bird species, learn how to identify basic shapes of birds and where to find bird habitats and take home guides of local bird watching spots. Plus, make a simple bird feeder to attract feathered friends. $15, $10 members; $5 kids under 16. 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org.

Dave Ham Dave mililto ton n an and d the th e Sp Spac ace e Ca Cade dets ts s

FAMILYDANCE MATINEE: DELFOS DANZA CONTEMPORANEA.

Special one-hour family-oriented performance that follows free parent/child movement workshops with the artists. $15 adults, free kids under 12. 3 p.m., 2:15 p.m. workshop. Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 369-8330, colum.edu/ dancecenter. ONCE UPON A SYMPHONYABIYOYO. Designed for kids 3-5,

concert is based on the African folk tale Abiyoyo, incorporating a performance by a small ensemble of CSO musicians and a storyteller with video projections, costumes and props that give young children a playful introduction to music. Preconcert activities begin 45 minutes before each concert. $20, $10 kids. 10 and 11:45 a.m. Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 294-3000, cso.org.

S e Ap Se pri rill 20

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. STARRY STARRY NIGHT. Step inside the Starlab portable planetarium and take a tour of the night sky. Families with kids 7 and up learn to identify constellations, then head outside to practice. $8. 7-8:30 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: CHINA. See April 4. Today’s times

CANINE CARNIVAL. Carnival for dogs with games, costume and trick contests, vendors, treats, prizes and agility fun. $7 per dog, $3 per person; $5 per resident dog, $2 per resident. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Meineke Recreation Center, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

are 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and cost is free with admission.

EARTH DAY EVERY DAY. Palos

SUBURBS

Heights. See April 4. Today’s time is 10:30 a.m.

7 | SUNDAY

NANO DAY. Meet real scientists and

explore current and future applications of nanotechnology with demos and hands-on projects. Free with admission. 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE

WORLD. Enjoy live music, dance, colorful costumes, authentic cuisine and folk art highlighting Greek culture. Noon-5 p.m. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. navypier.com.

SUBURBS ÉLAN DANCE COMPANY SHOWCASE. An eclectic collec-

tion of dances from classical ballet to jazz to modern dance. $10. 5:30-8 p.m. Naperville North High School Auditorium, 899 N. Mill St., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, naper villeparks.org.

9 | TUESDAY SKY SEARCH. Kids 7-10 visit the indoor Starlab portable planetarium to discover the night sky in the middle of the day and make a star chart to take home. $12. 10 a.m.noon. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org. THE VERY HUNGRY FAMILY READING NIGHT. A night of read-

ing surrounding the classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Get information on living a healthy

lifestyle, create an Eric Carle craft and enjoy a healthy snack. Bring a canned good. 5-6 p.m. West Chicago KinderCare, 2044 Franciscan Way, West Chicago. (630) 562-3904, kindercare.com/our-centers/ west-chicago/il/301714.

11 | THURSDAY PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: IRELAND. Learn about Puck Fair

and take a picture with Shamus, the “goat king” of Ireland. Play Irish skittles, make a Grogoch (a helpful Irish fairy) and meet Irish Wolfhounds. Plus enjoy live Irish music and dancing. 5-8 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum. org

12 | FRIDAY PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: IRELAND. Chicago. See April 11.

Today’s times are 10:30 a.m.-2:30 and cost is free with admission. SPORT CENTER FAMILY FUN NIGHT. Enjoy a family-friendly night

in honor of Nickelodeon’s Worldwide

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CALENDAR Day of Play. Participate in structured, supervised activities including basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, preschool tot lot activities, soccer, T-ball, softball and gymnastic obstacle courses. Concessions available for purchase. $5 family, free residents. 6-8 p.m. Sport Center, 1141 W. Irving Park Road, Schaumburg. (847) 4907020, parkfun.com. NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM FAMILY OVERNIGHT. Families with kids

5-10 enjoy a variety of activities, including a movie in the historic Gold Theatre. A light breakfast is served Saturday morning. $45. 6:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny. org.

Supe S uperr W Wh hy Liv ve Se ee April 26 6

OLD FASHIONED CAMPFIRE. Take

a short hike with a naturalist, play games with friends and family, and roast marshmallows. $8, free kids 2 and under. 7-8:30 p.m. Heller Nature Center, Highland Park. (847) 4336901, hellernaturecenter.org.

Make Friends at Camp Anokijig! New Friends

201 3

Sports Camps

Session I: June 24 – July 3 Session II: July 8 – July 19 Session III: July 22 – August 2 Afternoon: 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. mentary Compli ide Bus! North S

Open to students entering grades N-1 and 2-8 Also open to grades 9-12 for six weeks of high school PE.

• Overnight, resident camp • Boys & Girls, ages 7-16 • Traditional and Specialty activities, plus • HORSES, teen programs, and adventure trips

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A wide array of choices is available for all students. Coaching staff includes Varsity and JV Coaches from the Laboratory Schools along with veteran coaches with many years at Summer Lab. Sports Camps meet from 3 to 5:30 p.m. daily, and are available in three two-week sessions. Love of the game, fair play, and good sportsmanship rank high among teaching and coaching objectives. Summer Lab Sports Camps make a perfect end to your child’s perfect days in Summer Lab’s Full Day or Morning and Afternoon opportunities. Early Bird Special! Complete enrollments received by April 12 may take a $100 credit off the total fee, or 10% for fees less than $1,000. Full Day, Morning, and Afternoon Programs for Children of All Ages. Call 773-834-7766 or visit us online at: http://summerlab.org

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CALENDAR CALENDAR JUICEBOX. Parents with prekindergarten kids can enjoy Chicago’s best music, dance and theater in a kid-friendly setting. Kids can sit on the floor, walk around, meet the artists and sometimes play with instruments and puppets. Parents are welcome to bring snacks and juiceboxes. 10 a.m. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. (312) 744-6630, chicago culturalcenter.org.

13 | SATURDAY CHICAGO CHICAGO DIA DEL NIÑO FAMILY FESTIVAL. Celebrate

Ju J uic iceB eBox x

Mexican culture and family wellness with interactive games, art, performances, fitness activities and giveaways. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine St. nationalmuseumof mexicanart.org. FACETS FAMILIES SECOND SATURDAYS: FROM STANZA TO SCREEN. Kids 10 and up celebrate

the love of all things lyric with

See Apri Se prill 12 12

animated and live-action films from Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Estonia, Iran and the U.S., inspired by poems, folktales and more. $9, $6 kids. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Facets

Multi-Media, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. (773) 281-9075, cicff.org. FACETS FAMILIES SECOND SATURDAYS: POWER UP WITH

POETRY! April is National Poetry Month, so kids 4-9 can celebrate the love of all things lyric with animated films inspired by poems, letters and beloved books from England,

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veins may include ulcers. These may form on the skin near the affected veins, particularly near the ankles. They are caused by fluid build-up in the dysfunctional veins, and can be extremely painful. Dysfunctional veins can also increase the risk of blood clots. Patients may experience a swelling in the leg, which may indicate a blood clot. Left untreated, these clots can travel through the bloodstream and lodge near the heart or lungs, causing potentially lifethreatening health problems.

Do Not Postpone Treatment Varicose veins can start out as a seemingly small problem, but left untreated, can become much more serious. Complications of varicose

If you have already decided you’d like to receive vein treatments or would like to get a diagnosis, simply schedule an appointment with USA Vein Clinics today by calling 847.796.3171.

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CALENDAR 15 | MONDAY

Germany, Portugal, Sweden, and the U.S. $9, $6 kids. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Facets Multi-Media, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. (773) 281-9075, cicff.org.

SPANISH STORYTIME AT FLOSSMOOR PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Native speakers from Language Stars provide a 30-minute interactive FunImmersion program with books, songs and activities conducted entirely in their native language. 10:3011 a.m. Flossmoor Public Library, 1000 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor. (708) 798-4006, flossmoorlibrary.org.

PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: IRELAND. See April 11. Today’s times

are 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and cost is free with admission. BABY LOVES DISCO. Parents and kids dance, play and savor healthy snacks. Arts and crafts, mini-manis, dancing and unlimited juice boxes included (cash bar for parents). $15. Noon-2:30 p.m. Beauty Bar, 1444 W. Chicago Ave. (312) 226-8828, thebeautybar.com/chicago.

16 | TUESDAY BABIES IN NATURE. Highland

Arbo A or W We eeke ekend ek Celebr brrat atio iio on on

SUBURBS

See A Se Ap pri r l 26

A GARDEN OF DIVERSITY: OUR MULTICULTURAL HERITAGE. Features professional

and student entertainment, plus opportunities to make crafts and food. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com. EXPERIENCE ELMHURST IN A NEW LIGHT: A TOUR WITH ALBERTO AGUILAR. Tour the

museum’s home base with Artistin-Residence Alberto Aguilar. 2 p.m. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 834-0202, elmhurstartmuseum.org. STOMP. This high-voltage spectacle combines precision dance moves with playing with everyday household items: brooms, plungers, lighters. 8 p.m. $39.50-$49.50. Paramount Arts Centre and Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

cars, and other large vehicles on the road and at construction sites. 10 a.m.-noon. Maryknoll Park, 845 Pershing Ave., Glen Ellyn. (630) 858-2462, gepark.org.

14 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

LAURA DOHERTY. Highly interac-

tive show using the Windy City as the inspiration. Her Chicago Hot Dog song and El Train song have become highly requested kid classics at her shows. $12. 11 a.m. Old Town School of Folk Music, Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. (773) 728-6000, oldtownschool.org.

SUBURBS THE ARTIFACT HUNTER. Kids 8

TOUCH-A-TRUCK. Climb on

dump trucks, RVs, fire trucks, police

of thousands of American Indian artifacts and experience a 20,000-year tour of Illinois Indian history through stories, pictures and artifacts. Kids must be accompanied by a participating adult. $6. 11 a.m.-noon. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

DOWN ON THE FARM. Families

with kids 6 and up take a “tour” of the farm and learn where food grows and the importance of a food circle. Make a fruit salad in a jar. $40, $30 members. 10 a.m. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. (773) 755-5100, nature museum.org.

and up meet the Artifact Hunter, see some of his personal collection

17 | WEDNESDAY NATURE STROLLERS! Bring the

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN.

Families with kids 10 and younger learn how to make healthy snacks, enjoy interactive fitness activities and have fun. 10 a.m.-noon. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Park. See April 2.

SPRINGTIME ON THE FARM.

Experience a busy spring on a working 1880s farm by helping till fields with a horse-drawn plow, plant a vegetable garden, watch a blacksmith, visit baby animals or help with spring cleaning. Features kids’ crafts, refreshments and wagon shuttle to the farm. $3, $12 family, free kids under 3. Noon-4 p.m. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. (847) 985-2100, parkfun.com. STOMP. Aurora. See April 13. Today’s time is 4 p.m. THE ART OF PAPERMAKING.

Kids 6-12 turn recycled paper into paper pulp and then use it to create sheets of new paper to take home. $30; free parking. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny. org.

stroller along to explore the exhibits, then let the little ones get handson experience as they explore and discover nature during a 20-minute playgroup. $10 pair, $5 member pair; $5 additional child. 9-9:45 a.m. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org.

18 | THURSDAY WATER CONSERVATION/ EARTH DAY WORKSHOP. Kids

3-12 discuss groundwater and water sources, participate in a recycled water bottle craft and create a water and energy conservation tip sheet to take home. 3:30 p.m. Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park. (708) 383-8200 ext. 2, oppl.org. STORIES IN THE WOODS.

Highland Park. See April 4.

19 | FRIDAY CELEBRATE EARTH DAY. Kids 4-13 create an earth-friendly cityscape out of recycled materials. To register, visit footprintsofthemind.com. $20, $15 siblings. 6-8:30 p.m. Olympia Park, 6566 N. Avondale Ave., Chicago. (773) 631-6861, chicagoparkdistrict.com. 6TH GRADERS ONLY PARTY. Activities include a DJ, foosball, table tennis, Twister, BAGGO and

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Even superheroes can get sick. And if they do, we have three locations to keep them healthy. Presence Medical Group pediatricians combine years of experience with the latest in training to keep your children healthy throughout the year. The pediatricians at our locations in Joliet, Lockport, and New Lenox treat colds and flu, minor injuries, allergies and asthma. They also provide immunizations and physicals so your little superhero can get back to more important things.

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CALENDAR dodgeball for kids 11-13. Snacks and soda are available to buy. $15. 7-10 p.m. Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

demonstrations. Noon-4 p.m. James “Pate” Philip State Park/Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett. (847) 608-3100, bartlettparks.org.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PITCH, HIT AND RUN COMPETITION. Kids 7-14 can show-

JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS. The Jump Rhythm Jazz Project explores a variety of sights, sounds and rhythms in an interactive program for kids 3-8. $6, $4 kids. 10:30 a.m. Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. (847) 467-4000, pickstaiger.org.

case their ability in pitching, hitting and base running. Winners from each age group qualify for the sectional level competition. For more information, visit MLB.com. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Downers Grove Park District, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300, dgparks.org.

CINDERELLA BALL. Enjoy a special evening of dancing, music and refreshments for kids 5-10 with adult. $34, $29 resident; $12 additional child. 6:30-8 p.m. Mokena Community Park District, 10925 LaPorte Road, Mokena. (708) 3902401, mokenapark.com.

20 | SATURDAY CHICAGO ARTISTS AND AUTHORS: STONE AGE ART. Artist Ian Sherwin trans-

forms the art studio of the Crown Family PlayLab into a stone age cave from Lascaux. Create a cave painting using paper and oil pastels. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org.

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CIRCESTEEM & THE CHICAGO YOUTH CIRCUS SPRING CIRCUS.

Features trapeze, gym wheel, acrobatic, juggling, clowning, stiltwalking and trampoline performances. $12-$16; $8-$10 kids; $35 VIP. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Alternatives Inc., 4730 N. Sheridan Road. (312) 731-HAHA (4242), circesteem.org. START PLANTS FROM SEED.

Stop by Urban Habitat Chicago’s table to learn techniques to ensure that seeds get a healthy start and take home a seedling. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive. (773) 7555100, naturemuseum.org.

with museum admission. 1-4 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. EARTH DAY CELEBRATION. Celebrate Earth Day at the fifth annual day of conservation and environmental stewardship. Dress for getting dirty. Call to register. 9 a.m.noon. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org. GO FLY A KITE. Join the at-

SUBURBS ASTRONOMY DAY. Celebrate

National Astronomy Week with planetarium shows, star maps, and star crafts. Check out the inner workings of a telescope and take a close-up look at the sun with the Rockford Amateur Astronomy Club. Free

tempt to break last year’s record of 843 kites in the air simultaneously. The event includes demonstrations by the Chicago Fire Kite Team. Bring a kite or buy one at a booth. Vendors will be on hand and the park’s concession stand will be open. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Graf Park, 1855 Manchester Road, Wheaton. wheatonparkdistrict.com.

BEN’S BUBBLE SHOW. Ben

Jimenez uses his bare hands and a few simple tools to create soap bubble sculptures. The show features smoke bubbles, volcano bubbles, spinning belt bubbles, geometric bubbles and more. 2-3 p.m. Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. (847) 929-5102, webrary.org. DAVE HAMILTON AND THE SPACE CADETS. Kids concert with

a positive message, recommended for families with kids 3 and older. $12, $10 in advance. 10 a.m. The Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424, wilmettetheatre.com. EARTH DAY CELEBRATION.

See nature exhibits, participate in hands-on activities and watch wildlife conservation program

EARTH DAY AT IRONS OAKS.

Climb on a tower as tall as a maple tree, discover nature’s recyclers, visit the Discovery Museum, enjoy a hot dog by the fire and much more. Plus, music by folksinger Anna Stange and presentations by the folks at Mad Science. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Irons Oaks, 20000 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields. (708) 481-2330, ironsoaks.com. EARTH DAY GARLIC MUSTARD PULL. Pull the invasive

garlic mustard and give native spring wildflowers a chance. Afterward enjoy marshmallows at a campfire. Call to register. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org. SPRING INTO CERAMICS. Choose the item to paint. Cost for ceramic item. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org. SRJC CANDLELIGHT BOWL. All proceeds benefit Special Recreation of Joliet and Channahon programs for individuals with special needs. Call for information or to register. $25. 7:30 p.m.-midnight. Town and Country Lanes, 2231 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. (815) 741-7275, jolietpark.org.

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CALENDAR

Featuring Midway Village Museum will host a new era living history event, The Great War: World War I at Midway Village. This 99th anniversary of the First World War will feature re-enactors portraying soldiers from the United States, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Russia, Germany and Austria-Hungary. • Living history encampments • Trench displays showcasing the fighting techniques of the time • Indoor displays of WWI weapons and artifacts • Cavalry and medical units, and battles and skirmishes in the village • Additional talks on the history of chemical warfare during World War I, and General John Pershing, the General of the Armies of the United States

We e Heart Tre rees See O Se On ng go oin i g

• A new exhibit highlighting the WWI experiences of Ervin Bottlemy, a Harvard native who trained at Camp Grant and went on to serve as a motorcycle courier in France

Officer’s Dinner Saturday night will include an Officer’s Dinner at the Command Post Restaurant, housed in the original Camp Grant firehouse. The restaurant is filled with artifacts and memorabilia from the first World War and Camp Grant. Transportation will be available. Call to make reservataions.

21 | SUNDAY

NEW IN 2013

CHICAGO CIRCESTEEM & THE CHICAGO YOUTH CIRCUS SPRING CIRCUS.

See April 20. Today’s time is 2 p.m.

SUBURBS

Share With Us! As part of the event, community members are invited and encouraged to submit photographs of World War I soldiers from their families. The photos will be displayed as part of a video presentation at the event. Submit photos to WorldWarIPhotos@live.com. The museum will share all photos on its Facebook page. Search Midway Village Museum on the social networking site.

KANELAND COMMUNITY FINE ARTS FESTIVAL. Features

WORLD WAR I at

Midway Village Museum

Saturday, April 13 | 11 am – 5 pm Sunday, April 14 | 11 am – 4 pm ADMISSION: $10 adults; $5 children ages 3-17; Members are free Sponsored in part by:

Details: Jessica MacDonald at 815 397-8058, ext. 104 or jessica. macdonald@midwayvillage.com

CREMATION SOCIETY OF ILLINOIS 6825 Weaver Rd., Rockford, IL 61114 Phone: 815-282-6202 Fax: 815-282-6231 Visit us at: www.veteransfuneralcare.com and www.cremation-society.com

professional visual and performing artists, square dancing demonstrations and classes, and making instruments out of recycled material. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Kaneland High School, 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park. (630) 365-5100 ext. 180, kaneland artsfestival.org. EARTH DAY CELEBRATION. Includes games, activities, music, food and a native plant sale. Noon-4 p.m. Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie. (847) 6777001, skokieparks.org.

EcoMyths who bust some common ecological misconceptions. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. FLOWER PETAL TEA PARTY. Enjoy

a cup of tea made from flowers and some sweet treats. Discover which flowers make the best teas, then plant some to take home. $28, $20 members. 2-3:30 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY. The Turkish

community hosts a festival to promote peace and friendship. Includes dances and music from more than 10 cultures, performances in traditional costumes, informational booths, food and beverages. 1-5 p.m. Owen Elementary School, 1560 Westglen Drive, Naperville. (630) 428-7300, owen.ipsd.org.

22 | MONDAY

MIDWAY VILLAGE MUSEUM | 6799 GUILFORD RD., ROCKFORD, IL 815-397-9112 | WWW.MIDWAYVILLAGE.COM

ECOFEST. Meet the experts from

EARTH DAY SYMPOSIUM.

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CALENDAR Local environmental organizations explain their roles in greening the community and share ideas on how we can help. Registration required. 7-8:30 p.m. Lake Ellyn Boathouse, Glen Ellyn. (630) 858-2462, gepark.org.

23 | TUESDAY WONDERFUL WORLD OF WHEELS. Preschoolers have an

opportunity to see, touch and experience a police car, fire truck, tractor and more, as well as meet the community helpers who drive them. Bring cameras. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Whole Foods Market, 2607 W. 75th St., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

Go Fly l a Kitte Se ee Ap Ap pri rriil 2 20 0

25 | THURSDAY HEALTH AND WELLNESS NIGHT. Families can get their hearts

and imaginations racing with an evening of fun activities. 5-8 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrens museum.org.

Planning your summer? ...WE ARE! AVERY COONLEY SCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAM In Three Sessions June 17 - June 28 July 1 - July 12 July 15 - July 26 Enrichment Courses • Recreational Programs Stimulate new interests and strengthen skills in an exciting and educational summer program.

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Curious George is a production of Imagine, WGBH and Universal. Curious George and related characters, created by Margret and H.A. Rey, are copyrighted and trademarked by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and used under license. Licensed by Universal Studios Licensing LLP. Television Series: © 2013 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved. The PBS KIDS logo is a registered mark of the Public Broadcasting Service and is used by permission. All Rights Reserved.

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CALENDAR 26 | FRIDAY CIRCESTEEM & THE CHICAGO YOUTH CIRCUS SPRING CIRCUS.

Chicago. See April 20. Today’s time is 7:30 p.m. SUPER WHY LIVE: YOU’VE GOT THE POWER! Super Why Live takes

kids and parents on a live reading adventure traveling inside a book to find who has the greatest superpower in the world. Tickets can be purchased at The Chicago Theatre box office, Ticketmaster outlets, at ticketmaster. com or at (800) 745-3000. $26.50$39.50. 6 p.m. Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago. (312) 902-1500, thechicagotheatre.com.

Cirrc Ci cEs Estte eem m

CAMPFIRE MAGIC. An evening of

stories, folklore and songs around a blazing fire. Sing about what’s happening in nature this season, then wrap up the evening with a marshmallow roast. $7.50, $5 resident. 6:30-8 p.m. Irons Oaks, 20000 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields. (708) 481-2330, ironsoaks.com. HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN. See

Monsters Inc. on the big screen. Costumes are optional, but bring a trick-or-treat bag to get some goodies. $1, free kids 2 and under. 7-9 p.m. The Oaks Recreation & Fitness Center Field House, 10847 LaPorte Road, Mokena. (708) 390-2401, mokenapark.com. ARBOR WEEKEND CELEBRATION. Plant tree seeds, investigate tree cookies and hunt for five unique trees hiding in the garden. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. MLB PITCH, HIT AND RUN COMPETITION. Kids 7-14 test pitch-

ing, hitting and running skills for a chance to advance to the sectional meet. 5:45-8:45 p.m. Berens Park, 493 Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 993-8900, epd.org. SPANISH STORYTIME AT DOWNERS GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY. Native speakers from

Se ee Apr Ap pril 20 20

Language Stars provide a 30-minute interactive FunImmersion program for kids 1-6 with books, songs and activities conducted entirely in their native language. 11-11:30 a.m. Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. (630) 960-1200, downersgrovelibrary.org. TREE PLANTING AND STORY TIME WITH CURIOUS GEORGE.

Celebrate Arbor Day with story time and a tree planting alongside Curious George and the man in the yellow hat. Free with admission. 11-11:45 a.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. JUICEBOX. Chicago. See April 12.

27 | SATURDAY CHICAGO CIRCESTEEM & THE CHICAGO YOUTH CIRCUS SPRING CIRCUS.

See April 20. Today’s times are 1 and 4 p.m.

“The Plum Crazy Puppets! and Steve Beno,” a variety show with puppets, live music and stories. Ventriloquist Chuck Fields takes the stage at 1 p.m. Between performances, children’s author Elana Ashley presents a musical workshop with puppets at noon. $5 suggested donation. 10:30 a.m. doors open; 11 a.m. show. Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. (773) 282-7035, irish american.org. ONCE UPON A SYMPHONYABIYOYO. See April 6.

part in a nationwide Earth Day celebration. Learn about conservation efforts related to air, water and wildlife. Enjoy a piece of Earth Day cake and find out how to help. Free with admission. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cosley Zoo, 1356 Gary Ave., Wheaton. (630) 665-5534, cosleyzoo.org. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR.

Recommended for families with kids 5 and older. $15. 10 a.m. The Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette. (847) 251-7424, wilmette theatre.com.

SUBURBS

28 | SUNDAY

EARTH DAY WALK. Enjoy a special guided walk through McDonald Woods to celebrate Earth Day. Learn about a variety of spring wildflowers and the restoration work under way. $20 parking. 1 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

SUBURBS

ARBOR WEEKEND CELEBRATION.

QUILT-TASTIC DESIGNS. Discover

the intricacy and beauty of quilts as members of the Sinnissippi Quilters show samples, demonstrate tools and let you play with shapes. Free with admission. 1-4 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycenter museum.org.

Lisle. See April 26. NATIONAL DAY OF PUPPETRY. The opening performance features

PARTY FOR THE PLANET. Take

ARBOR WEEKEND CELEBRATION. Lisle. See April 26.

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ONGOING EXHIBITS UNBOXED: ADVENTURES IN CARDBOARD. Enter a world where

imagination rules and ordinary becomes extraordinary. Free with admission. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org. ELMHURST GOES TO THE FAIR. Learn about Chicago’s two

World’s Fairs though the experiences of three Elmhurst residents and explore rare artifacts. Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 833-1457, elmhursthistory.org. CREATURES OF LIGHT. Delve into

Crre C ea atu ture res off Lig o i htt Se S ee Exhi Exxhi E h bi bitss

the mysterious world of bioluminescence, from the glowworms dangling from the ceiling of New Zealand’s famous Waitomo Caves to the deep-sea fishes that illuminate the perpetually dark depths of the oceans. Free with admission. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org.

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ONGOING START WITH A SKETCH EXHIBITION. Exhibition highlights the

culture of illustration through cartoonists, illustrators and voice actors connected to the Geneva community. Features well-known artists such as Daws Butler, the voice of Yogi Bear and many Hanna Barbera characters, along with Chester Gould, creator of the Dick Tracy comic strip. Donations accepted. Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St., Geneva. (630) 232-4951, genevahistorycenter.org. ANIMAL INSIDE OUT. The exhibi-

tion showcases more than 100 animal specimens preserved through the process of Plastination. From goats to giraffes and octopuses to ostriches, guests will see the inner workings of some of the world’s most impressive animals and better understand the evolution of animals and the natural world. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org. FOOD: THE NATURE OF EATING.

Exhibit explores how food connects us to the natural world and to each other.

ory

Includes hands-on interactives, family activities and active public programs. Free with admission. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org. ABRAHAM LINCOLN: SELFMADE IN AMERICA. The exhibition,

created by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, explores the history of our 16th president, from his boyhood to his last years in office. Includes various family-friendly events. Donations appreciated. The Grayslake Heritage Center & Museum, 164 Hawley St., Grayslake. (847) 5431745, villageofgrayslake.com.

OTHER EVENTS SPRING INTO SCIENCE. Watch

amazing science demonstrations and spring planetarium shows, plus get hands-on with art and creative crafts. Free with museum admission. 1-4 p.m. April 1-5. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815)

963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. SKATING IN THE SKY. Through April

18. The 94th floor of the John Hancock Center gives ice skaters a bird’s-eye view of the city. $6 per 25 minutes, $1 skate rental, plus regular Observatory admission. 9 a.m.-11 p.m. John Hancock Observatory, 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (888) 875-VIEW (8439), jhochicago.com. ARTRAGEOUS. Clark Street in Lincoln Park is transformed into a vibrant art exhibition with live art demonstrations, pop-up galleries, retailer presentations, workshops and more. April 19-May 5. 2000-2800 N. Clark St., Chicago. (773) 880-5200, visitclarkstreet.com. TREASURES FROM TRASH. Kids

play games and make a recycled craft to take home. Free with admission. 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

SAFARI SPROUTS. Kids 3-5, with

adult, discover nature through games, crafts, stories, and songs, plus live animal visits. $8 kids, $28 for four sessions; free adults. 10:15-11:15 a.m. Wednesday. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org. ART ON THE RUN. Fun and

educational arts project for kids. Projects change bi-weekly. Free with admission. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 834-0202, elmhurstartmuseum.org. CRAFTS FOR KIDS. Kids 3 and up enjoy free crafts for kids at all Lakeshore locations. April 6: My Favorite Animal Picture; April 13: Crafty Clothespin Magnets; April 20: Earth Day Binoculars; April 27: Make-A-Face Puppet. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday. Lakeshore Learning Store, 1403 N. Rand Road, Palatine; 2255 W. 95th., Chicago; 15780 S. LaGrange Road, Orland Park. (847) 705-5052,

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ONGOING lakeshorelearning.com. EXPLORATION STATION.

Docents help children learn through interactive displays and games in the showrooms. This month’s topic is carnivorous plants. 10 a.m.-noon Saturday. Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 386-4700, oakparkconservatory.com. LAMBING DAYS. Hold baby lambs, goats, chicks, a piglet and a calf, and watch the sheep being sheared. Cameras welcome. $5, $11 maximum per family. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. SaturdaySunday. Enjoy Pioneer Farm, 17N400 Big Timber Road, Hampshire. (847) 683-2863, enjoypioneerfarm.com.

Lamb La mb bin iin ng Da D ays ys See Se ee O On ngo go oin ing in g

WE HEART TREES. Learn cool facts about trees in honor of Arbor Day. Make a recycled plant container out of newspaper and plant a tree seed to take home and watch grow. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. SaturdaySunday. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

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Sod Room finally open

was used throughout the entire space, the faux grass in the baby area is actually FLOR eco carpeting, the cubbies were created from repurposed milk crates—and the list goes on and on. Even the large train table and doll house were repurposed from old shipping crates. Large windows and a skylight bring in the sun. The spot doesn’t have as many toys as many of the other play spaces (it’s lacking all the big plastic baby toys and loud mechanical playthings), but it makes up for that because each toy and each piece of furniture was well thought-out. A rock climbing ramp leads to a slide for the older group, while the babies and toddlers play with the wooden doll house and wooden train set. Small wooden bikes, wooden shopping carts and wooden food also are popular. Valenciana had time to ponder each toy for a year as she waited to get all her

New ‘green’ play place finds home in the city’s South Loop

ndoor play spaces in Chicago have been dropping like flies. In the past two years, Family Grounds Café, Day Frog and Fantasy Kingdom have stepped out of the once cluttered indoor park category. But Chicago Public School teacher Cynthia Valenciana, the mom of two young children, was confident her new South Loop spot, Sod Room, would attract kids from across Chicago. That’s because it’s the first truly green play space in the city. Nearly every toy inside is made out of wood and most were created from recycled or sustainably made resources. The original flooring was salvaged and reused for the party room and lobby floor. Low VOC paint

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permits. Eager moms stalked her Facebook page for updates. Now that it’s finally open, Valenciana hopes it’ll attract children daily with its open play hours, private birthday parties (starting at $395) and music or storytime sessions (dates and pricing TBD). Danielle Braff Sod Room 1454 S. Michigan Ave., 2nd Floor (312) 922-3131, SodRoom.com $12 per child over 6 months, $8 per sibling over 6 months, free for siblings under 6 months, $6 for 0-6 month child without paid sibling. Punch cards, monthly and yearly memberships available.

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The Elephant and the Whale

The show uses shadow puppets to tell a fable of friendship.

ave you ever heard the love story about an elephant and a whale? You aren’t alone if this story is new to you. Chicago Children’s Theatre will conclude its seventh season with a world premiere collaboration with Redmoon Theater’s Frank Maugeri to present “The Elephant and The Whale.” This unique family fable features sea voyages, wild mechanical objects, circus songs, panoramic paintings and shadow puppets. The story of friendship conquering all obstacles is set in 1919, the end of an era for Ella the beloved circus elephant. When a nefarious new owner takes over the management of the show, Ella discovers an unexpected

new animal in the circus: a landlocked and homesick baby whale. What happens next is a unique story of friendship and adventure spanning species, rivers, railroads and nautical miles. “I believe that the story itself is simple and lyrical and comical in a way that will be very satisfying to younger children,” Director Frank Maugeri says. “But the images, the toy theater and the shadow segment, are particularly more mature. A storm at sea, a rancid villain, the imprisonment of the whale—all of the these images are quite sophisticated and compelling. We think older kids will be drawn to those characters quite significantly.” The show features four performers who crank audio devices, pedal panoramic paint-

ing apparatuses and manipulate shadow sequences while they sing songs to weave the tale of The Elephant and the Whale. “Audiences can expect three very specific types of puppetry in the show: cantastoria (moving scrolls of images), toy theater (small 2-D puppets) and shadow puppetry. Additionally, the four performers serve as clowns ‘telling’ the story both in song and relationship,” Maugeri says. Caitlin Murray Giles

The Elephant and the Whale Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago April 10-May 26 Recommended for all ages chicagochildrenstheatre.org

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inosaurs and the animals at Brookfield Zoo may not seem to go together, but an upcoming exhibit at the zoo will help visitors understand the link between prehistoric and modern animals. Dinosaurs Alive! features a winding trail through the zoo with 24 life-size animatronic prehistoric creatures. Shantungosaurus—the largest dinosaur to walk on two legs—will stand at more than 20 feet tall and 50 feet long. In addition, the exhibit will feature a tent filled with the most recent paleontological findings that birds evolved from dinosaurs. Dinosaurs Alive! “We’re incorporating feathered dinosaurs, so visitors can April 6-Oct. 27 understand the link between Brookfield Zoo, 8400 modern day birds,” says Andre 31st St., Brookfield Copeland, interpretive programs $5, $3 for seniors and manager at the zoo. “The kids in addition to regular feathered dinosaurs are going zoo admission of $15, to be in a 5,000-square-foot tent $10.50 or kids and seniors. and within this tent, there will Kids 2 and under are free be fossils to see, raptor talons, brookfieldzoo.org fossils that proved dinosaurs actually had feathers, and information on how scientists find this out.” And, while the exhibits will be educational, there’s also an element of fun mixed in, Copeland says. “We kind of spoofed how you might see dinosaurs if they were still alive and in some of the tabloids, how TMZ or Discovery Kids might report this,” he says. “The factual information will be sound, but these message points might connect more with teens and young adults.” Liz DeCarlo

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Twinkle, twinkle Four places to see the stars

ou might not have it marked on your calendar, but April 20 is Astronomy Day. In our light-saturated world, it can be a little hard to distinguish stars and planets from O’Hare-bound jets, which is why telescopes come in handy. Here are four local spots where you and your family can turn your eyes to the skies. Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College (River Grove). Did you know that in April, Saturn is in its best viewing position of the year? You can see the ringed planet in all its glory at Cernan’s Monthly Skywatch, where scientists provide telescopes and information on the latest astronomical discoveries. This month’s event conveniently falls on Astronomy Day itself, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thomas Conway Observatory (Lowell, Ind.). The Calumet Astronomical Society runs this observatory, which offers free public sky viewing one night a month. If the weather cooperates, you might be able to spy the

Hubble Space Telescope or the International Space Station as they make ake their orbits around the earth. Stop by from 8:30-11 p.m. on April 13 to take your turn at the telescope. Dearborn Observatory at Northwestern University (Evanston). Folks olks have been stargazing at Dearborn for almost 150 years, so visiting establishes shes your place in history. Each Friday riday night, members of the public are welcome to stop by for free telescopeviewing (9-10 p.m. is reservations servations only and includes a tour; r; 10-11 p.m. is open to walk-ins). ). Henize Observatory at Harper College (Palatine). The warning is right there on the website: bsite: “Prepare to be awed.” You ou should also prepare to climb a 7-foot ladder to get to the observatory’s main ‘scope— pe— although there are several ral others at ground level. In

honor of Astronomy Day, it’s open for free observation (and volunteer commentary on what you’re seeing) on two occasions: 7:309:30 p.m. April 6 and 6:30-10 p.m. April 20. Elizabeth Diffin

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CALENDAR SPECIAL NEEDS Schneider on understanding government benefits. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 20. Plainfield Central High School Field House, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive, Plainfield. (815) 439-7943, plainfieldparkdistrict.com.

JUMP SESSIONS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS. Sky High Sports turns

off the music and dials down the distractions for special jumpers. One court remains especially quiet for kids with sensory disorders. Children with physical disabilities also can join the fun. $5, free parent or therapist. 3-6 p.m. April 2. Sky High Sports, 2244 Corporate Lane, Naperville; 6424 Howard St., Niles. (630) 7175867, jumpskyhigh.com. NETWORK & RESOURCE MEETINGS. Learn more about

apraxia and associated issues the first Thursday of each month. Locations vary. Contact Holly Olmsted-Hickey at chicagoapraxia@comcast.net for information. April 4. The Windy City/Chicagoland Apraxia Network, 1541 Springside Place, Downers Grove. (630) 881-0666, groups. yahoo.com/group/windycityapraxia. SPRING FLING FOR AUTISM AWARENESS RESOURCE FAIR.

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by professionals who work with families of disabled individuals. 7:45 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 6. Chicagoland Autism Connection, Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences, 3857 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 329-0375, chicagoautism.org. PLAY FOR ALL. The museum opens

early for registered kids and families with disabilities. Call (312) 3216551. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 13. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

THIRD THURSDAY. The museum recognizes Autism Awareness Month with musical entertainment and a sensory-based activity in the Art Studio. Free with admission. 5-7 p.m. April 18. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrens museum.org.

SENSORY STORYTIMES. Geared toward children ages 2-6 with special needs, especially those who may have a hard time sitting still or focusing in big groups. Storytime is followed by a playgroup with sensory activity stations. For information, email sharris@oppl.org. 4 p.m. Tuesdays. Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Main Library, Oak Park. (708) 383-8200 ext. 2, oppl.org. RESPITE CARE FOR FAMILIES AFFECTED BY SPECIAL NEEDS. Offers childcare for children

with special needs. No affiliation with church required. 5-8 p.m. CHCAGO PARENT Thursdays. To register, email or “NO ONE CAN STOP ME” crop ad to 3.6 X 4.625 call Amy Giacalone, churchinrosABILITIES EXPO. Meet with more coevillage@gmail.com. Christian than 50 organizations that support Fellowship Church, 3425 N. Damen people with various disabilities Ave., Chicago. (773) 299-8126. and hear a presentation by Sherri

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FRIDAY, APRIL 26 - 6PM Buy tickets at Chicago Theatre Box Office All Ticketmaster Outlets Charge-By-Phone: 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com

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PERFORMANCES Rosie, a precocious little city girl, uses her imagination and charm to turn 12 boring hours into a fascinating day. Recommended for kids in elementary school. 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $14. Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre, 7924 N. Lincoln Ave., Skokie. (847) 677-7761, skokie theatre.com. THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Through April 12. Chicago Kids Company performs the classic tale, recommended for families with kids 2-12. $12. 10:30 a.m. weekdays. Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 445-3838, beverlyartcenter. org.

for the audience. $10, $7 kids. 11 a.m. ComedySportz Theatre, 929 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 5498080, comedysportzchicago.com. THE PRINCESS AND THE MOON.

April 7-28. $15, $10 kids. Steel Beam Children’s Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 587-8521, steelbeamtheatre.com. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. The be-

loved tale runs April 10-14. $9.50, $7.50 children. Theatre at the Center, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Ind. (219) 836-3255, theatreatthecenter.com. THE ELEPHANT & THE WHALE.

tion of the beloved children’s story, recommended for families with kids in grades Pre-K-2. April 2-12. $14, $12 kids 12 and under. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Opens April 10. An all-new family fable featuring sea shanties, wild mechanical objects, theatrical clowning, hand-painted imagery, shadow puppets and an innovative sound design. 6:30 p.m. $25. Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Ruth Page Center for Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (872) 222-9555, chicago childrenstheatre.org.

OLIVER. Opens April 4. Forced

AUGUSTA AND NOBLE. Opens

into the scheming underworld of pick-pocketing, Oliver finds himself caught in a tug-of-war with his family and the sinister characters he has met on the streets of London. Cost varies based on package. Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111, drurylaneoakbrook.com.

April 13. The story of Gabi, a teenage girl living in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. As Gabi starts high school at Lane Tech, a new world opens up to her—a world that eventually leads her to the truth about her heritage, including her family’s journey to America. Recommended for families with kids 9 and up. 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays. $15-$25. Adventure Stage Chicago, Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St., Chicago. (773) 342-4141, adventurestage.org.

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PERFORMANCES THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK.

Anne and her family are forced into hiding while the Nazis take over Europe. Recommended for families with kids in grades 5-12. April 15-26. $14, $12 kids 12 and under. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

Go G old ldi diloc cks ks and nd th he Th Thre ree Be Bear Bea ars

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS. Opens April 16. The show,

based on the classic tale, is recommended for families with kids 2-12. $12. 10:30 a.m. weekdays. Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 445-3838, beverlyartcenter.org.

See th Se this is pag ge

GLOBAL WARMING: WHAT’S A KID TO DO? Actors portray TV

newscasters uncovering the scoop on climate change. Children in the audience volunteer to portray endangered monkeys, penguins and fish in the Great Barrier Reef, as all are inspired to recycle and make a difference.

Recommended for families with kids 4 and up. 10:30 a.m. April 22-23. $4-$6. Kidworks Touring Theatre Co., Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 972-7112, kidworkstheatre.org. BULLY GOAT GRUFF MEET THE UGLY DUCKLING. Professor

McBumble’s group of traveling actors teaches anti-bullying by using fairytales as their backdrop. Check website for dates and location schedule. Call for cost. 10:30 a.m. AlphaBet Soup Productions, P.O. Box 85, Lombard. (630) 932-1555, absproductions.com

BEAT KITCHEN CONCERTS FOR KIDS! Families can enjoy a show

from one of the city’s popular kids’ music artists. Visit the website for a schedule. $6. Noon Saturdays; 3:30 p.m. Sundays. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, Chicago. (773) 281-4444, beatkitchen.com.

Chicago Playworks for Families & Young Audiences

By James Ambrose Brown | Directed By Ann Wakefield

APRIL 2 – MAY 25, 2013 at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre 60 E Balbo Dr, Chicago | 312 922 1999 | theatre.depaul.edu

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PERFORMANCES THE CORAL KING. 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays. $10. Chicago Playworks at DePaul University, Merle Reskin Theatre at DePaul University, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-1999, theatreschool.depaul.edu. DR. SEUSS’S THE CAT IN THE HAT. From games and mischief to

Thing One and Thing Two, The Cat brings all sorts of trouble to a gray day. $16, $13 kids, limited number of $10 tickets available for all performances. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 9356100, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emeraldcitytheatre.com. HAVE YOU SEEN MY DADDY?

Musical that chronicles the sociological effects upon youth from fatherless homes and how they manage to uplift themselves in spite of it. Recommended for families with kids in kindergarten and older. $6. 2 p.m. eta Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. South Chicago Ave., Chicago. (773) 752-3955, etacreativearts.org. HIP-HOP AESOP III: JAZZED, BOPPED AND BEAT-BOXED.

Students are introduced to Blues concepts along with other contemporary music. Playwright J.E. Franklin When happily ever after isn’t what reconstructs fables about morals and he expected, the Frog Prince heads values that stimulate critical thinking out for a new adventure and meets in a setting filled with music, fun and witches from Snow White, Sleeping laughter for kids in grades K-12. 10 Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, and a.m. and noon Monday-Friday. $6. Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. $16, eta Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. $13 kids, limited number of $10 Suessical_ChicagoParent.pdf 1 2/11/2013 1:39:14 PM South Chicago Ave., Chicago. (773) tickets available for all performances. THE FROG PRINCE CONTINUED.

752-3955, etacreativearts.org. IT SHOUDDA BEEN ME. Teenage DeShawn goes from making exceptional to poor grades in a matter of months due to the violent death of his best friend and the break-up of his family. $6. 10 a.m. and noon Monday-Friday. eta Creative Arts Foundation, 7558 S. South Chicago Ave., Chicago. (773) 752-3955, etacreativearts.org. THE EMPEROR’S NEW THREADS: A FASHION STATEMENT. The

Emperor is beloved as a chic trendsetter until one young girl travels to the royal palace to teach him a lesson about what really matters. Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. At noon each performance day, kids can join in the Stories Come Alive! hour for an additional $10. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 7614477, lifelinetheatre.com.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND. The classic tale told in a special onehour presentation for children of all ages. $15. Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200, marriotttheatre.com. FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY.

Freckleface Strawberry will try anything to get rid of her freckles—from scrubbing them with soap to applying makeup and wearing a ski mask. With her schoolmates’ help, she learns that everyone is special, even if they are different. 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays. $8 in advance or $10 online and at the door. Northbrook Musical Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. (847) 291-2367, northbrooktheatre.org. BIG FISH. A new musical based on the book and movie, recommended for families with kids 9 and up. $33-$100. Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (800) 7752000, broadwayinchicago.com.

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3/20/13 1:46 PM

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

Reach for the rays

“S

pongy.” “Squishy.” “Like wet foam.” Those are all words our readers used on Facebook to describe the experience of touching a stingray. And now, thanks to the Shedd Aquarium, families in Chicagoland will get the chance to pet the strange-looking creatures—without having to hop a plane to SeaWorld. The new Stingray Touch exhibit opens on April 27 and allows aquarium guests to see and touch cownose rays, whose wingspans can reach up to 3 feet. About 40 rays will inhabit the 18,000-gallon pool, housed in an outdoor tented area, until the fall. But the exhibit is more than just an opportunity to touch the gliding creatures. Shedd staff also provide

interesting facts about stingrays, including how your choice of sustainable seafood actually protects them. For those who are a little uncertain about the “sting” part of stingrays? Since they aren’t in the wild, where their barbs are used as a defense mechanism, Shedd’s stingrays have had their barbs trimmed (similar to a fingernail clipping), making the experience safe for everyone. And once you’ve touched the stingrays for yourself, be sure to stop by our Facebook page to share what you thought of the experience. We have a feeling it will be a great memory, just as our other readers said. Elizabeth Diffin

120 April 2013 ChicagoParent.com

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Travel a billion lighT-years and back in a new space advenTure only aT The adler!

Media Sponsor: The Adler Planetarium gratefully acknowledges The Grainger Foundation for its leadership in transforming the historic Sky Theater.

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3/15/13 11:25 AM