Chicago Parent April 2015 by Chicago Parent

APRIL 2015

| FREE

22 bunny events you’ll love

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

Green

LIFE hacks

Plan your next

PARTY SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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Fun for all at Chicago Parent’s Playdate

April showers Don’t let them wash out your fun

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The

Preschool at CGS ...begin the Chicago Grammar School experience.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our program sparks children’s curiosity, enabling them to experience the world purposefully, acquire social skills and build the necessary foundation for a successful and joyful academic journey. • Active learning • Creative play • Daily art and gym classes • Nurturing environment with low student/teacher ratio • Half, full and extended day option • Private log-in for daily photo/narrative reports

900 N. Franklin, Chicago, IL 60610

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312-944-5600

www.chicagogrammar.org

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Get lost in THE

MAZE. Getting lost has never been more fun than at our amazing new exhibit Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze. Journey through a giant maze of mirrors to uncover hidden puzzles deep inside and emerge to discover how mathematical patterns exist all around us! Get your tickets today at msichicago.org.

5700 S. Lake Shore Drive | (773) 684-1414 Just minutes from downtown. Convenient indoor parking. The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago gratefully acknowledges the support of the Chicago Park District on behalf of the citizens of Chicago.

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Play, Eat, Learn, Shop & Explore!

‘s

Sunday, April 26 10am - 4pm

Sports Thrills • Character Visits • Bounce Houses Train Rides • Obstacle Courses • Storybook Princesses! Miss Jamie’s Farm Rita Rose Storytown Improv

Performances by

Istvan Band Mary Macaroni The Storybook Mom

Fairytale Theater by Golden Feather Productions

Tunes & Balloons by Great Scott

RSVP

1900 Old Willow Road, Northbrook

at ChicagoParent.com/playdate

Discounted Advance Tickets: Adults & Kids under age 2: FREE • Kids ages 2-14: $5 • Limit $15 per family ($8 at door)

Proceed of ticket sales will benefit

Some of our Sponsors

COLLEGE ILLINOIS!® prepaid tuition program

2 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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50 Over

Big Screen, Small World At GEMS World Academy – Chicago, innovative technology in every classroom connects cultures.

years of experience and leadership worldwide

Attend An Open House To learn more about GEMS World Academy - Chicago, tour the school and meet faculty and staff, join us for an Open House with our Director of Admissions, Ryan Hannon. To learn more and reserve your spot, visit gemschicago.org/parent 312.809.8910 admissions@gemschicago.org

When most students first learn about other cultures, they open a book. At GEMS World Academy – Chicago, a premier JK - 12 school, they do it face-to-face via international teleconferences. With 70-inch interactive touch screens in every classroom, students collaborate globally beginning as early as first grade. Building authentic relationships with others around the world enables our students to understand the universal experiences that make us responsible global citizens. That’s learning on a higher level.

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Parent Connect YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR KIDS’ HEALTH

Your Child and Gluten: Could it be Celiac Disease?

Q& A with University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital Specialists Other symptoms – such as fatigue, headache, anemia, anxiety and/or depression – are also common.

Stefano Guandalini, MD Professor of Pediatrics Section Chief, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Founder and Medical Director, University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center

Q: Gluten has been in the news a lot lately. What is it and should my child avoid it? Dr. Guandalini: Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. The only condition for which a strict gluten-free diet has been found effective is celiac disease.

Q: How is celiac disease diagnosed? Dr. Guandalini: The first step to diagnosis is recognizing the symptoms. Up to 85 percent of the estimated 1 million kids affected in the United States go undiagnosed because medical professionals don’t suspect celiac disease. Q: What happens next? Dr. Guandalini: Our physicians perform a simple, highly effective blood test. If the blood work is positive for celiac disease, we use an endoscopy with biopsies to document changes to the intestine. It’s important that your child continues to eat gluten until testing is complete so that any adverse reaction can be accurately detected.

Q: How is celiac disease treated? Dr. Guandalini: Currently, the only treatment is to avoid gluten completely. Although there is no cure for the disease, up to 95 percent of children who follow this strict diet will have no symptoms or signs of intestinal inflammation. Healing often begins within weeks of eliminating gluten. Q: What can I do to ensure my child receives the proper nutrients? Dr. Guandalini: Rely on naturally gluten-free foods, such as meats, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, all fruits and vegetables, corn, rice, quinoa and potatoes. Q: How can the Celiac Disease Center help my child? Dr. Guandalini: In addition to our multidisciplinary clinical care, we offer comprehensive services and educational resources. Our free e-book includes tips for

Q: What is celiac disease? Dr. Guandalini: Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes damage to the lining of the small intestine, resulting in malabsorption of nutrients. It occurs when a child, who is genetically predisposed to the condition, eats gluten. Q: What are the symptoms? Dr. Guandalini: Gastrointestinal symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, failure to thrive and/or weight loss in children. Infants may experience vomiting.

implementing a gluten-free diet as well as recipes and advice for dining out. We also provide annual screenings for children and adults in high-risk populations and/or uninsured patients with suspected celiac disease. Q: How has the University of Chicago contributed to celiac research? Dr. Guandalini: As a result of our groundbreaking research, the global conversation about celiac disease now focuses on finding a cure. Q: What studies are underway? Dr. Guandalini: We are investigating factors, such as uncomfortable social situations, that may prevent teenagers with celiac disease from complying with a gluten-free diet. Our goal is to improve patients’ quality of life as we work in our basic science labs toward a cure.

Celiac care at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital

Our internationally recognized Celiac Disease Center provides expert clinical care as well as innovative programs for kids of all ages. Your child’s team includes:

Beatrice Gaynor with Dr. Guandalini

» Physicians and nurses specializing in celiac care » Physicians in related specialties, such as dermatology and/or neurology » Registered dietitians » Social workers

To schedule an appointment, please call UCM Connect at 1-888-824-0200. To learn more, visit uchicagokidshospital.org/celiac or cureceliacdisease.org. 4 47UCM_ChicagoParentMagAd3_Celiac.indd April 2015 ChicagoParent.com 1

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ChicagoChildrensMuseum.org AT NAVY PIER • Open daily at 10 am • (312) 527-1000

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Ready to

Learn. Ready to Grow. Ready to Discover. Little GEMS International Pre-School in Lincoln Park is the place where your child can learn and explore, grow and develop, and enjoy discovering the world. As part of GEMS Education’s global network of award-winning schools, children at Little GEMS International Pre-School receive an early start on a world-class education in structured and safe learning environments. We may be the new kid in Chicago, but GEMS Education has been the world’s foremost provider of private education for children from birth through Grade 12 for over fifty years. www.lgipreschool-chicago.com

Schedule a pre-school tour today! To learn more about Little GEMS International Pre-School and our newest Chicago school, GEMS World Academy-Chicago (K–12), call us at 312-361-3539.

LINCOLN PARK

Little GEMS International Pre-School • 2301 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614 • 312. 361.3539

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contents IN THIS ISSUE

APRIL 2015 | VOLUME 31 | NO. 4

FEATURES

SUNSHINE ON A CLOUDY DAY Don’t let rain drench the fun

‘WE TAKE THINGS ONE HOUR AT A TIME’ A day in the life of a family dealing with autism

40 Get your green on: Places too

OUR GREEN ISSUE UE rediscover nature’s true color lor Going green family-style: When hen parents and kids work together, ether, great things can happen Spring cleaning hacks: Get your house sparkling with natural al and safe household materials

GOOD TO GO

CHICAGO PARENT PLAYDATE

BEST IN CHI

MOM OF THE MONTH

Check out the new Viking exhibit at Field, the new Little Beans Cafe and the French Market April 26 promises lots of family fun Places to get a great Passover meal

Colleen Kelly helps parents travel happier with kids 27

CRAFT

BUNNY BASHES YOU’LL LOVE

Yarn Easter eggs will pretty up the house We have 22 ideas for you

ON THE COVER

WARNING! CRISIS AHEAD Student debt worries on many Chicago parents’ minds

APRIL 2015

| FREE

22 bunny b events you’ll love

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES C

Green G n

LIFE L E hacks h

Plan your next

PARTY PECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Fun for all at Chicago Parent’s Playdate

April showers Don’t let them wash out your fun

Cover kid: Avonlea Hong, of Chicago. Rainboots provided by Stride Rite Photography: Thomas Kubik Design: Claire Innes

Going Places ON S TA N D S N O W

Host a bike drive: Working Bikes gives bikes new homes

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EDITOR’S NOTE SPONSORED

Trees need champions today. You look like a champion to us. What is a champion? A champion is someone who cares enough to defend something important, to speak up and help out. You can be a champion of an idea, or people, or a place. Or you can be a champion of another living thing. You can be a champion of trees. Trees seem big and strong, but they actually have a hard time living in our cities and suburbs. In our neighborhoods, trees often live in small spaces between sidewalks and driveways. The soil around their roots can be packed down too hard because people walk on it. Since there’s not a lot of soil to soak up rain, it’s not easy for trees to get enough water. And some insects and diseases can damage trees and even kill them. Tree champions can do a lot to help trees stay big and beautiful for a long, long time. For example, when the weather is dry, we can water trees. Trees like a long, slow drink from a garden hose. And don’t forget: The trees by the street in front of your house need a drink too. We can plant trees where there is space for them. We can try not to play on the soil where their roots live. And we can remind everyone how valuable trees are. When you speak up for trees, you are a special kind of tree friend: a tree champion. Let’s all be champions of trees!

Only the best FOR YOU We have a little extra spring in our step this month: We’ve been named the best regional parenting magazine of our size in the nation by the Parenting Media Association. The other 16 awards we also brought home lauded ChicagoParent.com, our design team, Hey Baby Chicago and Going Places. TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY This year’s competition was fierce, drawing 630 entries from across the U.S., Canada and Australia. While awards are a terrific boost to our egos, our focus remains only on what you think about us. We work hard to stay relevant to your lives and with every issue I hope we succeed. You also can be assured we won’t rest on our laurels. We want to hear what you think— the good, the bad and what

A Ancillary Cover, Photographer Katie Driscoll, Innes and Diffin, Holiday Going Places Ancillary Overall Design, Hey A Baby Chicago

SILVER S GOLD

4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, Ilinois 60532 mortonarb.org • 630-768-0074

you’d like added—so email us at chiparent@chicagoparent.com. But first, get outside and enjoy the great weather. We all deserve it after the winter we’ve had. Happy April!

General Excellence, Staff Calendar of Events, Senior Editor Elizabeth Diffin Humor Column, Marianne Walsh, Failing with Gusto Interior Photography, Art Director Claire Innes and Photographer Thomas Kubik, featuring Chicago Bear Martellus Bennett News Feature, Megan Cottrell, “Dangerous to Drink?” General Feature Writing, Jerry Davich, “Finding Connor” Original Cover, Photographer Liz DeCarlo, Innes, “Blackhawks Baby Boom!”

B Multimedia, Digital Best Editor Jackie McGoey, Chicago “Blackhawks Baby Boom!”

BRONZE Website General Excellence, McGoey and IT/Digital Developer Mike Risher Profile, Davich, “Life is Making Tacos” Interview, McGoey, “From First Downs to First Smiles” Overall Writing Ancillary Cover, Hey Baby Ancillary Feature Design, Innes, “Full Moon Lights up Chicago Lakefront” Best Blog, Matt Rocco, White Dad Problems

8 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

The best thing about spring in Chicago

EDITOR

Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR

Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR

Jackie McGoey ASSISTANT EDITOR

Emily Adams ART DIRECTOR

Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS

Finally coming out of hibernation! I can’t wait to get some sunshine on my pale skin and enjoy all our beautiful parks with my family. Cortney Fries

That winter is finally over! And we can finally see the beautiful green landscapes and enjoy our city to the full extent! Samantha Schultz

Spring in Chicago means neighborhoods finally come alive again! Plus it means the Oak Park Farmers Market and the addictive doughnuts are just around the corner. Megan Murray Elsener

I love seeing everyone come out of winter hibernation to bike, boat, jog and enjoy this great city where we’re all so lucky to live. Melissa Silverberg

Jacquinete Baldwin, Sky Hatter IT AND DIGITAL DEVELOPER

Mike Risher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Joseph Bush, Jerry Davich, Megan Murray Elsener, Cortney Fries, Linda Marsicano, Samantha Schultz, Melissa Silverberg, Meredith Sinclair, Marianne Walsh DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

Dawn Engelhardt, Erika Goodman, Ursula Hourihane, Lourdes Nicholls, Mark Seger, Karen Skinner SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR

Kamil Brady

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Philip Soell

ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER

Andrew Mead

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney CIRCULATION MANAGER

Kathy Hansen CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Jill Wagner

EXERCISE & WELLNESS PREGNANCY STUDY The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently pregnant or less than 6 weeks postpartum to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth  Participants receive a motivational exercise program or a health and wellness program, which begins after the birth of your baby (participants can sign up for the program during pregnancy)  Program delivered to you via the mail and phone  Must be 18 years of age or older  Must not currently exercise regularly  Must not take antidepressants  Must have a history of depression  You will receive $100 for your time

Call 612-625-9753, send the word ‘TEXT’ to 612-345-0325, or email mompro@umn.edu to see if you qualify for this research study.

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, IL 60302 (708) 386-5555 ChicagoParent.com EDITORS

chiparent@chicagoparent.com TO FIND A COPY

circulation@chicagoparent.com ADVERTISING

dhaley@wjinc.com

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. © 2015 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

ChicagoParent.com April 2015 9

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ON THE WEB

Paul Bla rt:

Mall Co p2

3 things not to miss

The Chicago Parent Playdate

Tickets are now available at ChicagoParent. T com/Playdate for a super fabulous day of fun co for your family. fo The details: We want you to come play with w us 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26, at The Accelerated Center, 1900 Old Willow Road, A Northbrook N arm F ’s ie Admission: $5 kids 2-14; free under 2 m Ja Miss and adults. Maximum fee $15 per family, with a portion of sales going to benefit Bernie’s Book Bank. Tickets $8 at the door. Families donating five books to Bernie’s will receive a Chicago Parent backpack. Insider tip: We’ll be giving away family passes the first week of April. Make sure you are signed up for our email newsletters to be the first in the know.

Contests

Because we love giving our readers stuff to do, we’re back at it again in April with tickets to the showings of “Monkey

Kingdom” and “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2” at Classic Cinemas, plus more. You’ll have to watch ChicagoParent. com to see the other fun contests coming up.

3 Facebook chat with docs

Two pediatricians from PediaTrust, Joshua Levin and Susan Sheinkop, will join us for a Facebook chat 8-9 p.m. April 13, over at our Facebook page, facebook.com/chicagoparent. Plan to attend to ask all your kids’ health questions. All participants will be entered to win a fun prize (to be announced the night of the chat). A winner will be selected at random.

The brightest futures begin at

Monkey Kingdom

aker.

Join us for our Open House Tuesday, May 5 | 9:00-10:30am www.theprogressiveschool.org RSVP admissions@bakerdemschool.org 10 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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When your family is complete, consider Essure® permanent birth control. Essure is the only non-surgical permanent birth control • Over 99% effective* • FDA-approved and available in the US for over 10 years

• Non-hormonal • May be covered by your health insurance plan at no cost†

The Essure® inserts are permanently placed in your fallopian tubes. Unlike getting your tubes tied, the Essure procedure is non-surgical. It can be performed right in your doctor’s oﬃce in about 10 minutes. There’s no downtime to recover—most women go home about 45 minutes after the procedure and return to their normal activities within 1 to 2 days. The Essure Conﬁrmation Test is given 3 months after the procedure to verify the inserts are placed correctly and your fallopian tubes are completely blocked, providing permanent birth control. To learn more about Essure and find a doctor, visit essure.com or call 1.877.ESSURE4 (1.877.377.8734)

Indication Essure® is permanent birth control that works with your body to create a natural barrier against pregnancy.

Important Safety Information Essure is not right for you if you are uncertain about ending your fertility, can have only one insert placed, are or have been pregnant within the past 6 weeks, have had your tubes tied, have an active or recent pelvic infection, or have a known allergy to contrast dye. Talk to your doctor if you are taking immunosuppressants. WARNING: You must continue to use another form of birth control until you have your Essure Confirmation Test (3 months after the procedure) and your doctor tells you that you can rely on Essure for birth control. It can take longer than three months for Essure to be effective. Talk to your doctor about which method of birth control you should use during this period. Women using an intrauterine device need to switch to another method. If you rely on Essure for birth control before receiving conﬁrmation from your doctor, you are at risk of getting pregnant. Please see additional Important Safety Information about Essure on next page.

*Based on 5-year clinical study data. †Some restrictions may apply. Visit essure.com/aca to learn more or contact your health insurance provider.

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Summertime

Important Safety Information (continued) WARNING: Be sure you are done having children before you undergo the Essure procedure. Essure is a permanent method of birth control. During the procedure: In clinical trials some women experienced mild to moderate pain (9.3%). Your doctor may be unable to place one or both Essure® inserts correctly. Although uncommon, part of an Essure insert may break off or puncture the fallopian tube requiring surgery to repair the puncture. Your doctor may recommend a local anesthetic. Ask your doctor about the risks associated with this type of anesthesia.

Mar vels on the Mississippi!

Immediately following the procedure: In clinical trials some women experienced mild to moderate pain (12.9%) and/or cramping (29.6%), vaginal bleeding (6.8%), and pelvic or back discomfort for a few days. Some women experienced nausea and/or vomiting (10.8%) or fainting. In rare instances, an Essure insert may be expelled from the body. During the Essure Confirmation Test: You will be exposed to very low levels of radiation, as with most x-rays. In rare instances, women may experience spotting and/or infection. Long-term Risks: There are rare reports of chronic pelvic pain in women who have had Essure. In rare instances, an Essure insert may migrate through the fallopian tubes and may require surgery. No birth control method is 100% effective. Women who have Essure are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus) if they get pregnant. This can be life-threatening. The Essure insert is made of materials that include a nickel-titanium alloy. Patients who are allergic to nickel may have an allergic reaction to the inserts. Symptoms include rash, itching and hives. The safety and effectiveness of Essure has not been established in women under 21 or over 45 years old. Essure inserts do not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases. Talk to your doctor about Essure and whether it is right for you. You are encouraged to report negative side effects or quality complaints of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Write something... Sarah Loved our summer getaway to the Quad Cities! Great restaurants. Cool and highenergy festivals right on the banks of the river. Lots to see and do! Sunday at 11:02 pm • Like Ann Sounds like what all families would love to do! Tuesday at 4:32 pm • Like Sarah For sure! It’s the perfect family summer adventure, and affordable. Check out www.visitquadcities.com. Five hours ago • Like

Comment • Like • Suggest to Friends For lodging and travel information contact the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau 800-747-7800 or visit online at visitquadcities.com.

12 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Channel your inner Viking

New exhibit at Field Museum filled with ith Scandinavian awesomeness

our kids saw them in Frozen, in recent credit card company commercials and in the beard-growing hipster fascination of the generation before them. And, really, you’ve always assumed that they might be miniature Vikings themselves—a littlee mischievous, a bit rebellious, us, slightly unkempt and wild. Now, kids can experixperience a glimpse into o the Viking culture that has recently become a pop culture ure obsession. The Field Museum um is the only stop forr this exhibit nation-wide, and for good d reason. According to the Swedish History ry

Museum, by 1910, Chicago was home to the world’s second largest Swedish population. But Chicagoans of Scandinavian descent aren’t the only ones who will be interested in this unique display of artifacts and history. Kids always go crazy over the interactive displays at Field, which is one reason the museum made sure to put plenty of them in the Vikings exhibit. It’ll be hard to tear your little ones away awa from the number of interacnum tive, tiv touch-screen Viking games and Vik history quizhis zes. zes One of the favorites is a game favo where whe kids can excavate a Viking exca boat grave while

standing next to a true-to-size replica of a Viking boat. A main focus of the he exhibit is to introduce visitors to a new, more complete perspective ective of Viking culture. Stereotypes types of Vikings, such as tales of looters and plunderers, dominate ate most of public knowledge, butt Field wants to show there is much more to the most famous Nordics in history. The exhibit details the lives of the Vikings through stories, artifacts and social dynamics, such as their religious beliefs, home lives, tools, dress, boats and jewelry. You can even get the answers about the crazy horned helmets and questionable hygiene. You and your little Vikings have until Oct. 4 to see the history that started the legend. Emily Adams

Good to go

Fiiel F eld ld Mu Muse se eum

ChicagoParent.com April 2015 13

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GOOD TO GO

Come play WITH US

Chicago Parent Playdate promises great fun for families

nough with the hibernating! This month, we all need to get out of the house and stretch those muscles. So pack up the kids April 26, hit the road to Northbrook and have fun together as a family for the day at the Chicago Parent Playdate. “Chicago Parent is all about fun things for families to do across Chicagoland. Now we are creating our own fun with our first Playdate,” Chicago Parent Publisher Dan Haley says. “This is going to be a great day whether you are 4 or 10 or 32. If anyone knows how to make a fun

day out for families, it is Chicago Parent.” Expect bounce houses and train rides, sports thrills, an obstacle course and climbing wall, plus nonstop entertainment from Miss Jamie’s Farm, Storytown Improv, Istvan and his Imaginary Band, Tunes & Balloons by Great Scott, Mary Macaroni, The Storybook Mom and Fairytale Theater by Golden Feather Productions. A portion of the proceeds benefits Bernie’s Book Bank. “We hope each family will take advantage of the opportunity to plug into our goal of providing books for a better life at this fun-filled

event,” says Jill Rosenberg, director of communications and marketing at Bernie’s. Since a huge book drive is planned, put the kids to work boxing up their outgrown books. It’s a win all around: You’ll have cleaner shelves and you’ll be helping others while having fun.

Chicago Parent Playdate 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26

Admission: $5 kids 2-14; free kids under 2 and adults. Maximum fee $15 per family. Tickets $8 at the door.

The Accelerated Center, 1900 Old Willow Road, Northbrook

ChicagoParent.com/ Playdate to buy tickets and complete waiver form

INSPIRING LEADERS OF TOMORROW Educational Programs Birth – 8th gradE At the Montessori Academy of Chicago, from birth through 8th grade, our goal is to develop engaged, academically accelerated, independent thinkers who embrace community-responsibility and leadership.

call to attEnd an uPcoming inFo coFFEE & tour! 312.243.0977 Tuesday, April 14, 9:00-10:30am Tuesday, May 19, 9:00-10:30am

1335 w. randolph st. chicago, il 60607

www.montessoriacademychicago.org

14 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile: Location is everything

s warmer months approach and family and friends start to migrate to Chicago for a visit, there’s no better place for them to stay than the Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile. Located on North St. Clair near Northwestern Memorial Hospital, it is a convenient walk to so many attractions: one block to Michigan Avenue, three blocks from Lake Michigan and six blocks to Navy Pier. On a recent visit we found the place filled with families—and our kids had a great time making friends at the lively indoor pool and hot tub. The on-site restaurant

Level Two is sophisticated with its focus on Midwestern craft beers, yet still caters to kids. We appreciated the kids’ menu offering grilled chicken and steak with veggies in addition to the usual chicken tenders and fries option. Special orders from our picky eaters didn’t rattle the server, and he happily brought out their food as it was ready so they could get munching as quickly as possible after a long day in the city. The hotel has recently undergone a $25 million renovation, and it shows in its design and artwork. One piece Cubs fans will love: “The Burden” depicts a billy goat to portray the legendary

tale of the Curse of the Billy Goat against the Cubs. Guests also can make a positive impact on pediatric patients while visiting: Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile’s Room for Hope initiative benefits the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and allows visitors to contribute at check-in, via a special Room for Hope

Hyatt Chicago Magnificent Mile

633 N. St. Clair, Chicago magnficentmile.hyatt.com

menu item at Level Two or by booking a suite with $100 of the room fee going directly to Lurie. Linda Marsicano

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ChicagoParent.com April 2015 15

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BEST IN CHI

Yummy places to get PASSOVER DINNER

SARA R. FISHER

Passover dinner prep isn’t for the faint of heart. The unleavened feast commemorates the Israelites being freed from slavery in ancient Egypt—which in modern times translates to a feast without yeast. Chicago offers traditional and nontraditional ways to celebrate the food-centered holiday.

Eleven City Diner Locations in Lincoln Park and South Loop; elevencitydiner.com Eleven City Diner likes to “fill in for the holidays” with its Passover dinner offering. Dine in or out, order a full meal a la carte or get a hamburger with fries. Any option works, proprietor Brad Rubin says, as long as you “enjoy the company of your family.” Patrons can find add-ons such as matzo ball soup, chopped liver, eggs, brisket and potatoes. A la carte options are available for carryout.

Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak & Stone Crab 60 E. Grand Ave.; (312) 379-5637; joes.net/event/ passover-chicago You might not think Passover when you think of this venerable seafood restaurant. But Passover at Joe’s has been a tradition for years. On April 3 and 4, enjoy a seafood Passover feast that would have brought Pharaoh to his knees faster than the frogs. Just imagine Joe’s famous vegetarian chopped liver, a choice of chicken, brisket or halibut with potato pancakes and ginger carrots. Dessert, always a Passover

conundrum, is chocolate macaroon pie. $49.95 per person.

Goddess and Grocer Locations in Bucktown, Gold Coast and Old Town; goddessandgrocer.com For those who don’t want to trek out, Goddess and Grocer will prepare a Passover meal for you to carry in to your starving brood. It offers the traditional (Charoset), the creative (a meat matzo lasagna), and the artisanal (horseradish and beet puree) to make a mythical meal.

16 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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THREE TO TRY

1 Mall. 135+ Stores. BATH & BODY WORKS BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY CARSON PIRIE SCOTT THE CHILDREN'S PLACE GYMBOREE KOHL'S MACY'S SEARS WAVE KIDS YANKEE CANDLE

Best fries for kids in Chicago

e have some French fry kid connoisseurs on staff and here are three favorites that won’t break the bank:

Crosby’s Kitchen, Lakeview: They are salty, perfectly done and don’t have that mushy inside that kids hate. The fact that they’ll bring out some carrot slices on the side so we feel better etter about ourselves as parents ents is a bonus.

Frietkoten Belgian Fries, West Loop: This fry shack isn’t fancy, but it is tasty. Kids lovee the paper cones the fries are served ved in, while parents adore the food market atmosphere reminiscent iniscent of an Amsterdam m eatery.

Franks ‘n Dawgs, Lincoln Park/Old Town: You can get ’em plain or smothered in cheese. They also have regular waffle fries or triple truffle waffle fries, which are truly delicious. And of course an a accompanying hot dog is a must. Marsicano Linda Marsican

MALL EVENTS Photos With The Bunny Thru April 4th! Easter Egg Hunt Friday, April 3rd

This is an RSVP only event. Please call 630.351.9400 for more information.

PACT Humane Society Adoptions Saturday, April 4th 12pm – 4pm Center Court Park Days at the Mall Free Kids Event!

Saturday, April 18th 12pm – 2pm

STRATFORD SQUARE MALL Located at the corner of Schick Road & Gary Avenue Bloomingdale, Illinois www.StratfordMall.com | 630-539-1000

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GOOD TO GO

The kid’s guide to Chicago French Market

t’s a whole new kind of cultural entertainment for the kids and a whole lot of foodie fun for you. The Chicago French Market, the city’s premier indoor, year-round marketplace, sells tastes of European cuisine that will make even kids with the pickiest of palettes sing a chorus of yums. With free family-friendly music on Saturdays and a variety of vendors just dying to share their passion, your family will learn about the art of food in a lively environment. We visited and found morsels the artisans say transfix kids.

Beavers Coffee + Donuts. Any artisan doughnuts are worth ordering a dozen, but the cinnamon-sugar mini doughnuts are the perfect

cookie-lover’s eye. They fit everso-nicely in child-sized hands.

Lolli and Pops. One of the market’s newest attractions, the rows upon rows of chocolates and candies at Lolli and Pops aren’t just fun to look at— they’re even better to taste.

bite-sized, mouthwatering treat for kids.

The Original Meatball Vault. What kid doesn’t like biting into a fist-sized meatball? Meatball Vault vendor Michael Ferrazzuolo says kids flip for the cheesecovered meatball with pasta, and we could see adults doing some gymnastics for them, too.

Bello Tea. Take a tasty mango, strawberry or chocolate drink, add some flavored Popping Pearls and watch your kids’ eyes light up. The drinks are a healthy alternative to sugary fruit drinks.

Vanille Patisserie. A rainbow assortment of macarons would catch any

Loop Soup. Grilled cheese is a staple in most kids’ diets, and because this one is toasted rather than fried, moms will be happy.

FliP Crepes. These crepes are melt-in-your-mouth good. But kids will really love watching the crepe specialists flip, stretch, fill and create their crepe right in front of them. Emily Adams

18 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

Newest playspace is every kid’s dream

f you’d asked a group of kids to tell you what they wanted in an indoor playspace, Little Beans Evanston would be the result. The brand-new offshoot of the Chicago favorite is a spacious facility located supermarket. It in a former superm is centered aaround the Little Beans Bea play area for kids 0-6, a mini-village that mini-vil boasts a Kids bo Clubhouse C with twisty w tunnel slide, tu grocery store, groc vet’s office and even a throwback RV with a play grill. No matter child’s your ch interests, tthey’ll find

something in this shoe-free spot, whether it’s the reading corner, luxury ride-on cars or a sturdy train table. There are also designated areas for infants and crawlers. The most unique aspect of Little Beans Evanston is the designated Big Beans area for kids 5-12. Most playspaces top out at kindergarten age, so it is refreshing to see some fun for the big siblings. The centerpiece is the Ninja Warrior obstacle course, a custom-designed course that carries echoes of the popular show “American Ninja Warrior.” Kids navigate up walls, across cargo nets, and through swinging rings before enjoying a ride on a zipline over a pit of foam. Older kids can also enjoy a karaoke room, air hockey and ping pong, and an interactive

floor gaming system called EyePlay. Of course, Little Beans Evanston is also designed with parents and caregivers in mind. Upon check-in, kids are given color-coded nametags that clearly identify which of the play areas is for them. In addition, the main Little Beans play area is rimmed with a number of tables and chairs. The Café itself features a full drink menu as well as pastries, snacks and lunchtime treats.

And the large family-style bathrooms made an emergency clothing change much easier to navigate. Elizabeth Diffin

Little Beans Cafe Evanston

430 Asbury Ave., Evanston

$12, $10 first sibling, $8 additional siblings (847) 807-3731 littlebeanscafe.com/ evanston

INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF TREE CHAMPIONS! Introduce your family to the wonders of trees and nature this summer with hands-on, outdoor adventures. At The Morton Arboretum’s Summer Science Camps, kindergarteners through eighth-graders come face-to-face with bugs and turtles, create art inspired by the natural world, and practice outdoor skills.

Sign up now for Summer Science Camps at The Morton Arboretum. Week-long camps run June 8 through August 14, 2015. To register, call 630-719-2468 or visit mortonarb.org/sciencecamp.

4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, Illinois 60532 630-968-0074 • mortonarb.org

This summer, the family fun never stops. Learn more at mortonarb.org/events.

Arbor Day Family Celebrations April 24 and more mortonarb.org/arborday

Passport Europe Festival June 20 and 21

Nature Connects®: Art with LEGO® Bricks by Sean Kenney July 17 through November 1

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20 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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The importance of mini-freedoms A few Saturdays ago, I had a plan to go to yoga. I was going to walk out the door at 8:45 a.m., and then head to the grocery store immediately after. Maybe this doesn’t sound very exciting, but I woke up thrilled. It felt productive and calm, and it wasn’t about anybody but me. It was CATHY CASSANI ADAMS freedom from my daily routine. But when I walked downstairs, things were not so calm. Two of my daughters needed my help, and my other daughter announced that her throat hurt.

om! Mom

! Mom

m! M

I looked at the clock and noticed it was 8:40. I realized I would not be walking out the door on time and I would not be making it to class. My minifreedom break would not be realized. And for about one minute, I cried. Not a hard angry cry, but a take-adeep-breath kind of cry. Then I returned to the tasks at hand and took care of business. Why the tears? Because I was disappointed that my day had changed dramatically, and because it’s hard to let go of my mini-freedoms—they are my sanity stabilizers. But when I insert minifreedoms into my days, not just occasionally, but as much as possible, I find mental serenity. I find a time and place I can call my own, where I can prioritize the things that sustain me. The most challenging part of being counted on by many is my lack of alone time, my inability to act on my moment-to-moment

desires. Paradoxically, being extremely needed is one of the sweetest parts of parenting. Being responsible for other human beings is deeply gratifying. There is no way to find perfect balance between these opposing desires, but I can at least acknowledge that both are important. Even if the freedom experiences are indeed “mini,” at least I am taking the initiative to make something happen. Mini-freedoms help me smile during the day and sleep at night, and they keep me off autopilot. All of these things benefit the ones I love most because they get to interact with a person who’s pretty content most of the time. So on that Saturday, after attending to my kids’ needs, I created a brand new plan. I decided to forgo the grocery store and found a yoga class across town. Cathy Adams is an author, the host of Zen Parenting radio and the mom of three girls.

Need to know

THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

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MOM OF THE MONTH on swings, went fishing, played with lassoes, you went horseback riding. The girls were completely unplugged and we went back to talking. San Antonio. For parents, they have the river walk, which is really beautiful, it’s warm and has tons of restaurants. It has a lot of great things for families— Sea World, sports, the Alamo, a rodeo. It’s always family friendly. There’s a great park there, especially for families with children with special needs and their able-bodied siblings, Morgan’s Wonderland. Ireland. The people are so welcoming, it feels like you are out in the fresh air. The pubs are very family friendly and they have really good food. It’s a beautiful place. Of course there’s music and culture, just a lot to explore.

The traveling mom 3 Colleen Kelly Husband, Greg; two girls, Dunovan Kate, 12, and Shea Grace, 9

{M.O.M}

Mt. Prospect Host and co-producer of “Family Travel with Colleen Kelly,” co-owner of Travel Film Productions; was the cocreator and Emmy-nominated executive producer of NBC5 Chicago’s “24/7 City Secrets” How has becoming a mom changed your life? I thanked my mother a lot because I had no idea how hard motherhood is. In addition, I really learned to use my time wisely and multitask because when you are a mother, you have so many things on your plate. Your heart gets bigger. From the love perspective, you never knew you could love somebody so much. It’s been an adventure. It’s been fun.

Top three places that should be on every parent’s bucket list: Wyoming. It’s still kind of untouched; it’s what you think of America. It’s just absolutely gorgeous. The best part about it is you can get out in nature. It kind of forces you to go back to years ago when you played

Season two of “Family Travel with Colleen Kelly”—the first family travel show to go national—features Kelly’s travels to Switzerland, Wales, Boston, Quebec and Chicago. She and her daughters spent last summer finding outdoor adventure and family fun all over the country. “What I think we’re doing with the show is inspiring people to travel but also understanding that travel is an education. That’s what my parents taught me,” Kelly says. Her first season aired in 90 percent of the country on public television. The new season starts in May. For past episodes and travel tips, visit familytravelck.com.

What’s your guilty pleasure: Bread and cheese. I went to Switzerland for our show this year and I think I gained five pounds because that’s all I ate, bread and cheese, and it was amazing. The room in your house you’d least like a visitor to see: I have lots of rooms in my house that I wouldn’t want you to see. I can’t keep up. (She’s always traveling so she doesn’t have time to do the deep cleaning she’d like, but jokes that when she retires, she’ll be able to clean.)

The best advice you’ve received: It was from my mother, not to take everything so seriously, have a sense of humor, and learn to go with the flow.

Family travel expertise a click away on PBS

Save a tree: Kid-approved wrapping paper You can use brown craft paper to help your kids design their own custom gift wrap. This is a fun and unique way to personalize a gift and allow your children to explore their artistic sides. After wrapping a gift in brown craft paper, let kids go crazy with markers, stickers, stamps or glitter. The result will be a gift wrapped in personality and pizzazz. You can even write a personal message on the paper in lieu of buying a card. Ali Mathis, contributor

22 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD SENSE EATING

Kids going

RAW

Eating fresh whole foods is appealing, especially this time of year. Some people take this fresh concept a step further by consuming all of their foods uncooked. In other words, raw. Supporters of the Raw Foods Diet argue that once food is cooked, its enzymes—which they claim are essential for optimal digestion—are CHRISTINE PALUMBO gone. But in reality, it’s the body that supplies the enzymes needed for digestion. A raw diet essentially excludes entire food groups such as cooked meat, poultry, fish, beans and legumes. Nutrients that are hard to come by include protein, vitamin D, iron, calcium, zinc and B vitamins. Anemia is a real possibility. Anecdotal reports suggest that children who eat raw are constantly hungry and can be underdeveloped for their age. Another concern is that a child’s digestive track may not be able to extract nutrients out of raw foods compared to an adult. “Raw fruits and veggies require a bit more digestion,” says Skylar Griggs, MS, RD, LDN, a pediatric dietitian at Boston Children’s Hospital. “Think of chewing a cooked carrot versus a baby carrot.” Some nutrients, such as

the carotenoids found in carrots, sweet potato and kale, are actually enhanced by the cooking process. The heat that softens the vegetables breaks down the cell walls making the nutrients more available. Some raw diets include raw meat, fish and unpasteurized dairy products. “Uncooked fare, especially raw meat, poultry and raw dairy products, come with a myriad of health risks, which include foodborne illness,” Griggs says. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages the use of raw or unpasteurized milk and milk products. It can be a challenge to follow this diet over the long run. A child who has been fed only raw foods may struggle with appropriate eating behaviors as they gain more independence.

Christine Palumbo, RDN, FAND, is a nutritionist in Naperville. Find her at Christine Palumbo Nutrition on Facebook, @PalumboRD on Twitter or ChristinePalumbo.com.

Seedy date balls Ingredients 8 x 8-inch sheet of parchment paper 6 Medjool dates, pitted and halved 6 dried plums (aka prunes), pitted and cut into ½-inch pieces ½ cup raw sunflower seeds ½ cup raw pumpkin seeds ¼ cup chocolate chips ¼ cup fresh or frozen (thawed) blueberries 1 tsp. cacao powder ¼ tsp. fine sea salt 3 Tbsp. water ¼ cup chia seeds Directions

1. Line an 8 x 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. 2. Combine the dates, plums, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chocolate chips, blueberries, cacao powder, salt and water in a food processor or blender and process until almost smooth. 3. With wet hands, shape 1 tablespoon of the mixture into a ball. Repeat until you have used all the mixture. 4. Pour the chia seeds into a small bowl. Roll each ball in the chia seeds and place it back on the prepared pan. Place the balls in the freezer to chill for two hours. Wrap each ball individually in parchment paper or bakery tissue paper, place in a sealable plastic bag and keep frozen until ready to pack or eat. Nutrition information per serving (1 date ball): 80 calories, 12 g carbohydrates (7 g sugar), 2 g protein, 3 g fat, 0 cholesterol, 20 mg sodium, 3 g fiber Used with permission from Sweet Debbie’s Organic Treats: Allergy-Free & Vegan Recipes by Debbie Adler

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RUN. RUN. CHEER. CHEER. RUN. VOLUNTEER! VOLUNTEER!

CHEER. VOLUNTEER! JOIN US FOR THE

JOIN US FOR THE

The Squeez’d Girls on the Run 5kthe Series presented by Mariano’s is The Squeez’d Girls on Run 5k Series presented a spectacle of Girl Power! The event is family-friendly and open to The Squeez’disGirls on the Run 5kPower! Series The presented by Mariano’s a spectacle of Girl event by Mariano’s is the public. Runners will take part in a 3.1 mile, non-competitive run a of Girl Power! The event is family-friendly is spectacle family-friendly and open to the public. Runners will and open to celebrating health, confidence and strength.

the take part in a 3.1 non-competitive run takepublic. part inRunners a 3.1 mile,will non-competitive runmile, celebrating

Join us at one of our three locations: celebrating health, confidence and strength. health, dence and strength. May 17, 2015 • confi Vernon Hills Athletic Complex in Vernon Hills, IL The Squeez’d Girls on the Run 5k Series presented by Mariano’s is JOIN US FOR THE May 30, 2015 • at Grant Park in Chicago, ILlocations: Join us our three Join us at one one of ofThe our three locations: and open to a spectacle of Girl Power! event is family-friendly June 7, 2015 • Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL the public. take part Hills in a 3.1 mile, non-competitive 17, 2015will •• Vernon Athletic Complex May Runners Vernon Hills Athletic Complexininrun Vernon Hills, IL Raise Vernon funds health, andHills, win prizes including a 1-year, all-access membership celebrating confidence and strength. May 30, 2015IL• Grant Park in Chicago, IL to Chicago Athletic Clubs, an iPad and more! Join us at one our three locations: May 30, 2015 Grant Park inSpeedway Chicago, ILin Joliet, IL June 7, of 2015 ••Chicagoland May 17, 2015 • Vernon Hills Athletic Complex in Vernon Hills, IL June 7, 2015 • Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL May 30, 2015 • Grant Park win in Chicago, ILincluding Raise funds and prizes a 1-year, all-access members Visit gotrchicago.org/gotrc5k or call 773-342-1250 for more information. June 7, 2015 • Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL Raise funds and win prizes including a to Chicago Athletic Clubs, an iPad and1-year, more!

membership to aChicago Athletic Clubs, an Raise all-access funds and win prizes including 1-year, all-access membership National Sponsors: to Chicago Clubs, an iPad and more! iPad Athletic and more!

Visit gotrchicago.org/gotrc5k or call 773-342-1250 for more information. Visit gotrchicago.org/gotrc5k or call 773-342-1250 for more information. National Sponsors: National Sponsors:

Girls on the Run–Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. Using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running, the innovative program combines training for a 5k event with interactive lessons that encourage positive social, emotional, mental and physical development. Over the past 15 years, Girls on the Run–Chicago has served more than 42,000 young girls across seven Chicagoland counties. This year, more than 1,000 coaches will mentor 8,000 girls, empowering them with the confidence and character they need to become strong, healthy women.

Girls on the Run–Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. Using a fun,

experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running, the innovative program combines training for a 5k event with interactive lessons Girls on the Run–Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. Usin that encourage positive social, emotional, mental and physical development. Over the past 15 years, Girls on the Run–Chicago has served more experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running, the innovative program combines training them for awith 5k event with interactive than 42,000 young girls across seven Chicagoland counties. This year, more than 1,000 coaches will mentor 8,000 girls, empowering the that encourage positivethey social, mental andwomen. physical development. Over the past 15 years, Girls on the Run–Chicago has serv confidence and character need emotional, to become strong, healthy than 42,000 young girls across seven Chicagoland counties. This year, more than 1,000 coaches will mentor 8,000 girls, empowering them confidence character they need to become strong, healthy women. 24 April 2015and ChicagoParent.com

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WELL PLAYED

3 spring worthy switchups Play with your footsies! The ’70s are all over the stores and streets for spring. And I’m kind of loving it. One throwback I’m particularly happy to see again is the classic “Candies” style sandal. The great news is that instead of that no-support wooden base, Dr. Scholl’s has the same look in a good-for-your-sole version. Your arches will be weeping with th joy. My favorites are the navy and white striped nautical style (another huge trend thiss season) or straight up white. MEREDITH SINCLAIR $45-$55, drscholls.com

Play with your pals!

Play with your style!

April showers bring May flowers, but first they bring rainbows! When was the last time you had YOUR friends over for a playdate? Not a book club gathering or a PTA committee meeting, but simply over to PLAY? Thought so. April is the perfect time to throw a “spring is here!” bash. That’s what I did recently after being inspired by some happy rainbow streamers I discovered at the party store. So, pick a Friday night, steal some craft and snack ideas from Pinterest, grab yourself a disco ball to hang from your kitchen ceiling (mine was $15 at the party store) and some rainbow décor. Create a playlist of ’80s hits and a copy of the cult classic “Xanadu.” Olivia Newton John in legwarmers, roller-dancing with Fred Astaire? Yes and yes. Then gather your girlfriends and let yourselves be 10 again. Your children will enjoy helping you prepare for this sunny soiree as well. thi

You might remember hearing about or even wearing culottes—basically the rebellious love child of a pair of pleated shorts and some hippie bell-bottoms. Well, they’re back and bolder than ever. Wide-legged and hitting at mid-calf, these britches have been all but shunned from the fashion world for decades. But because everything old is usually new again when the current generation comes of age, culottes seem to be the “it” girl for spring. Do not be afraid of these playful pantaloons. Pair them with a wedge heel, a tucked-in top and a denim jacket or fitted blazer, for a trendy alternative to jeans and a tee. It’s just fashion, people, have FUN with it!

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Chicago Parent-QP 4c-3.5x4.625.pdf

Try your hands at amazing real-world experiences – build and program a robot, diagnose patients, get backstage access to Dodger Stadium, CNN and Madison Square Garden or interact with professionals on a movie set.

1/9/15

5:29 PM

SUMMER ART CAMP

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Your Child The Gardner School understands that young students thrive in a socially supportive setting. TGS will enable your child to build strong relationships with teachers and fellow classmates through an emphasis on human connection and social learning skills. TGS offers a nurturing, loving environment for your children, built on an early childhood education curriculum that fully prepares your child for Kindergarten and beyond.

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26 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Yarn

Easter eggs

How to make your our own easy garland

STORY AND PHOTO BY MEGAN MURRAY AY ELSENER

kip the dyed eggs this year, and get your hands sticky with an original twist on Easter eggs—hollow yarn egg masterpieces.

Directions

Place Mod Podgeballoon on ccovered o a cup or cookie sheet tto o allow it to dry for at lleast e 24 hours. Rotate once orr twice to ensure all sides dry. o

Blow up balloons so theyy are in an oval shape resemmbling an egg. You can use water ter balloons to make small eggs or regular balloons for larger eggs. gs.

Using a sponge paintbrush, ush, completely cover the balalloon with Mod Podge.

Tie the end of your yarn to the top knot of the balloon and start wrapping the yarn tightly around the balloon. Keep wrapping and crisscrossing the yarn around the glue covered balloon. Cut the yarn when you are happy with how the balloon is covered, and wrap the end of the string under another piece.

Once it’s completely dry, use a pin to pop the interior balloon, and carefully pull out the deflated balloon from the hollow yarn egg. You can use tweezers to help get the balloon out.

String together a few eggs to make a garland, or pile a few yarn eggs in a clear bowl for a centerpiece, and enjoy!

Supplies

Yarn Mod Podge Matte Small balloons Sponge paintbrush Pin or needle

Ge Generously cover the yarn-covered balloon ya with Mod Mo Podge. Make sure it’s completely covered on com all sides. sides

ChicagoParent.com cagoParent.com April 2015 27

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

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28 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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FAILING WITH GUSTO

I spend inordinate amounts of time trying to convince my kids to embrace traits that are completely foreign to me. Patience would top that list. I cannot tell you how often I have yelled in a public place: “CALM DOWN AND STOP ACTING LIKE LUNATICS THIS INSTANT!” For effect, I might MARIANNE then throw something to the WALSH ground. One time, it was my phone—which promptly shattered into a million pieces. The irony is not lost on me. When I first taught my sons to play the game of chess, there were ulterior motives. Outwardly, I shared extensive data regarding chess and child brain development with anyone who asked. Yet inwardly, I knew the truth. I was relying on a board game to impart critical life lessons. My children have been students of chess most of their lives and are fair players. As their first teacher, I worked hard to instruct them on the basics, but then quickly turned them over to more experienced players and tutors. If the kids ever knew my deep, dark secret, they would be shocked. I HATE CHESS. I suck at it. Without the patience, strategic mind and attention span

needed to win, I become distracted with my own maneuvers and fail to notice my opponents’ tactics. With my boys, there was a strong desire to impart a level of discipline I always lacked. Chess was the obvious answer. Some lessons of the game are obvious. Many are subtle and nuanced. There are a thousand hidden lectures on morality, temptation and even mercy within the board’s rank and file. Preaching to kids the keys to being a good person is an exercise in futility, but having them experience it through a game can plant lifelong seeds.

For purposes of this column, I have narrowed down just a few of the pearls of wisdom gleaned from this storied game of kings to give you the top 10 lessons of chess:

The world is made up of people who move in all different directions. Pay attention.

Sometimes, there is no going back no matter how badly you want to.

Protect those who may appear slow and vulnerable. There are kings amongst us.

A strong woman can go wherever the hell she wishes.

The most remarkable transformations are not instantaneous, but instead occur over long intervals, one square at a time.

Stay out of dark corners. Bad things can happen.

A knight in shining armor, by nature, will skip right over you.

8 9

Religion can be slanted.

During your final endgame, those most easily taken for granted often become the only ones who stand with you.

One bad move does not a person make. How you recover from your missteps is your lasting legacy. There you have it. Everything you need to know about life right there on a checkered board. With minds young and pliable, I feel strongly all kids could benefit. Sadly for me, it is far too late. I pretty much tapped out at Candy Land, becoming frustrated over never landing the shortcut at Gum Drop Mountain. Like I said. Zero patience.

Talk back

All the right moves

Marianne Walsh is a Chicago mom of three boys. Want more? Go to ChicagoParent.com and webandofmothers.blogspot.com.

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VOICE: JENNIFER WOOD

WEARY MOM DISCOVERS ANGELS ONLINE FACEBOOK STATUS, 10 A.M.: “Oh, that sinking feeling in your stomach when you get a message from school saying, ‘Well, your son’s streak of good days just ended.’” PARENTING EQUILIBRIUM: OFF FACEBOOK MESSAGE, 11 A.M.: “Just wanted to remind you that I think you are one brilliant and resilient mom. You’re an incredible role model as a parent, advocate and humble/hilarious woman. I thought you should know!” PARENTING EQUILIBRIUM: ON

oday was one of those days that we parents often have—bad news from school, non-stop crying at home, unexpected conversations with curious children that we are not prepared for. Top that off with a sleepless night, personal problems and professional stress and you have a recipe for disaster. At the very least, some shouting is probably inevitable. The tears come and go. Before you know it, it is 9 p.m., and your kids are safely tucked in. You made it! Wake up tomorrow. Do it all over again.

FACEBOOK STATUS, 8:30 A.M.: “So today my son (who has autism) informed me at breakfast that he doesn’t have any friends, and that he sits alone at lunch every day, and that no one wants to play with him at recess. And all I have to say is, their loss, kid. Little do they know that you are packing a big box of Twinkies every day to share, and they are missing out in a super huge way.” PARENTING EQUILIBRIUM: OFF FACEBOOK MESSAGE, 1 P.M.: “I wanted to drop you a note and let you know that, as a fellow mother of a child with autism, your posts bring me a great deal of comfort. It is so reassuring to know that I am not alone in this journey and your positive outlook has brought many a smile to my face. Thanks for the many honest descriptions of both your joys and struggles.” PARENTING EQUILIBRIUM: ON

Some days are harder than others. Some days feel impossible and insurmountable. You clench your fists and shed some tears and you just push through, but you feel like you hate everyone and everything. But then, you receive a random Facebook message from an old friend, one you have not even seen in 25 years. “So I read your status. And, whatever it is with you today, you will win. You will prevail. You’ve got this.” God bless Facebook. For some, it is a diversion, and for others, it is online storage for every selfie you have ever taken. But sometimes, Facebook saves me. As a mom of three sons with special needs, I often find myself praying, “Please, please, just hold me up today.” Then in comes one message, “Hang in there,” and then another, “You’ve got this,” and then another, “I admire you,” and, with every message, I feel fierce, and I feel strong again, and I feel as if I am not alone. I have hundreds of (Facebook) friends behind me, holding me up. And all I had to do was ask. So thanks, Facebook. I know that you shave several hours off my productivity every day since I cannot seem to ignore the “10 Ways You Know Your Spouse Is Cheating” advertisement/article all of my “friends” shared. But, during my times of desperation, stress, self-doubt and special-needs

During my times of desperation, stress, self-doubt & special-needs frustrations, Facebook assembles my armies. frustration, you assemble my armies. I know that all I have to do is say the word, and my “friends” will instantly appear, to hold my hand, destroy my enemies and rally my cause. Because of you, Facebook, people already know my story. They know that my parenting gig is a grind and that I am fraught with imperfections. They know that I am Facebooking when I should be fixing dinner. And they love me anyway, even if I posted too many pictures of my dog that day. They will not unfriend me, block me or tag me in any unflattering pictures. The life of a parent can be lonely sometimes, and the life of a single parent or a special needs parent can feel especially isolated and complicated. Facebook gets it, as evidenced by its classic relationship status: “It’s complicated.” Yes, it is complicated, Facebook, but I am not alone, thanks to you. Jennifer Wood is attorney at Wood Law. She is the mom of seven and a frequent contributor at Chicago Parent.

30 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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VIVA DADDY

Orange you glad your kid tells jokes? “Knock knock, Daddy.” “Who’s there?” “Viva.” “Viva who?” “Viva your daughter, Daddy! Hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!” Kids love to tell jokes. They don’t know how to tell jokes, but they love to tell jokes. Kind of like “Tonight Show” hosts. With April being the jokeyest MATT ROCCO of months, your kid will likely spend hours attempting to become the first preschooler to win the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Best to work on your canned laugh now. My 3-year-old’s love of humor began when her “silly friend” from preschool, Harrison, shared this chestnut (or at least this is her version of it): “What do you call a bear in the desert, Daddy?” “I don’t know, Viva, what do you call a bear in the desert?” “A hot dog!!!! Hahahahahahahah!!!” Watch for little Harrison’s 60-minute HBO special this summer. Most of Viva’s jokes are either terrible knock-knock jokes, or begin with “What do you call,” followed by an object in the desert, and the punchline is another unrelated object, usually something in the room behind me. I called this the “Keyser Söze” method of joke writing: “Daddy, what do you call your coffee in the desert?” “What DO you call my coffee in the desert?” “Your hat! Hahahahahaha!” The desert has remarkable transformative powers. And some of her punchlines seem to be the result of

STEPHEN SCHUDLICH

a Freudian slip. I swear this one is real: “Knock, knock, Daddy.” “Who’s there?” “I AM NOT A LITTLE BABY ANYMORE!!!” Quoth the Bard: “In jest, there is truth.” She may need to work on her act a little before hitting the road, but for now Viva will be headlining every night in the Princess Nursery Lounge at our own personal Chuckle Hut here in Chicago. There’s a two juice box minimum and crayons for the comment cards. Viva Comedy. Viva Viva. Viva Daddy. Viva is 3. Daddy is about 13x that age. They live happily with Mommy in the Edgewater Glen neighborhood of Chicago.

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REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

What can you do when your child refuses to help out around the house and you are tired of fighting?

Life is a balance of fun things and not-so-fun things. The longer they take to complete their chores, the less time they will have for fun things like board games with us or watching TV. Gia Lee, Chicago

When I am catching attitude, I re-word my request by saying, “I need help. I can’t do this all myself. I am asking you for your help.” I notice when I word it like this, they seem to feel some sense of responsibility to ME, not necessarily the task at hand. Kerry Quirin, Downers Grove

Eventually kids will get tired of eating off the same old dirty plate and wearing the same old dirty clothes. A few weeks of that and they will be lining up to help (I hope). Ryan Salzwedel, Chicago

I put them on a chore-based allowance. They earn their allowance based on the number of chores they complete each week. My oldest isn’t consistent, so when she wants to go to the movies, etc., if she didn’t earn the money, she can’t go. Rani Morrison, Oak Park

Disengage. Then consider the best approach: an incentive, a penalty, or something fun. Lately turning a chore into a contest between the tortoise (our son) and the hare (one of us) seems to work well. Kate AtkinsTrimnell, Homewood

If I’m tired of fighting about chores I take away electronic time. That usually is enough to kick them into gear. Tracie Guzolek, Chicago

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The sun will come out tomorrow It might be raining today, but Chicago weather can change at anytime. So get your kids ready to go out and play when the rain clouds part. Gather some terra cotta pots of varying sizes, put down some newspaper and pull out the paint. Talk about what you’ll plant when the sun comes out and how your favorite plants will need water, sun and soil to grow big and tall. Let imaginations run wild with the decorating, and by the time the paint is dry, maybe it will be dry outside, too. If you have a garage—or a lot of plastic garbage bags—you can even tie-dye matching T-shirts to wear to a fun spring activity on a sunnier day. Rubber band the shirts together to make interesting patterns and keep the different colored dye in different buckets so you can carefully dip the shirt in them rather than a messier method

that might gett your house more colorful olorful than clean. Buy pairs off flip-flops from the dollar store re to fit every member of your ur family and start decorating some me fancy footwear for brighter spring days. Use i d U ribbons, water balloons, colorful pieces of a bandana, beads or really anything else. When the sun finally comes out, you can spend as much time outside enjoying it as possible because you’ll have fun outfits to wear and pots ready to be planted.

BY MELISSA SILVERBERG

pril showers may bring May flowers, but while the rain is coming down and you have energized kids stuck inside, it can be hard to see the beauty. Rainy spring days can test even the most patient parent’s willpower, but resist the urge to stick your kids in front of the TV. Turn a stormy day into one filled with memories that will last until the sun comes out again.

Bring the outdoors inside A lot of outdoor activities can happen inside with a positive attitude and minimal mess. When the kids wake up and see their day being ruined by falling rain, it’s easy to see their smiles fall as well. Start the day sunnyy on the inside and it will transfer to your kids. Start the day at your local YMCA or gym by diving into the pool. It’s exercise, it’s fun and they’ll forget that they aren’t outside in the sun. Use a plastic kiddie pool filled with sand to make it a day at the beach. Pull out the summer sand toys and see who can build the best sand castle while staying dry from the rain. Bring out the chalk to play hopscotch or draw other games on the garage floor. After dinner make an outdoorsy dessert: stove top s’mores filled with gooey marshmallows and melted chocolate. Settle in for a

night of indoor camping with a tent, or just a fort made of sheets and pillows. Shut off the lights and pull out the flashlights. Thunder and lightning will just make the night seem more like an adventure.

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Don’t let the rain bring down your parade Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you have to stay inside. As long as there isn’t dangerous lightning or wind, a little rain won’t melt you or your kids. When it’s raining at school, the kids stay inside for recess, so getting to play in the rain can be an adventure for them and make you feel young again. Use stickers of letters and other designs to decorate a personalized umbrella for each kid. Bundle up with the right rain boots—check out our cover girl Avonlea Hong’s super cute Sperry rain boots from StrideRite!—and coats and then head out into the downpour. It can even be a learning experience: Go on a rainy day scavenger hunt to find where animals hide when it rains or how rain makes leaves and plants look different. Take pictures at your favorite spots in the rain and then go back on a sunny day to get a matching picture. Jump in a few puddles on the way home and then warm up with a toasty bath and hot cocoa when you get there.

See the sights Chicago has so much to offer that’s both fun and educational. Use a rainy day to take advantage of the city’s best offerings for the whole family. Plan a trip to the Shedd Aquarium to see what animals thrive in wet climates under the sea. Visit the Adler Planetarium to point out stars and constellations that may be hiding behind the clouds for days on end. The Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry and other major

Chicago museums have discounted children’s tickets and offer several free admission days each month. Check our museum free days at ChicagoParent.com.

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AUTISM AWARNESS MONTH

‘We take things BY JERRY DAVICH PHOTOS BY FRANK PINC

arryl Zdanky writes two words on a white board— “Good” and “Sick”— then shows them to her 20-year-old son, Danny. “Which one are you?” she asks. The headphones Danny always wears to silence the busy, noisy world still allow his mother inside. Danny lifts his head, utters an indecipherable sound and points to “Good.” But not before he coughs loudly. “Are you sure?” she asks. Danny doesn’t respond this time. He buries his head behind her back, gently rocks his body and utters a moan. It’s one of the few sounds he makes. Danny doesn’t communicate with words, sentences and conversations. He does so with a dry erase board, an iPad or texts. His last verbal words to his parents were “baba,” “dada,” and “dog.” He was 20 months old. Soon after, he was

ONE HOUR AT A TIME’

A day in the life of the Zdanky family

Today, 1 in 68 kids are diagnosed with autism, vastly more than the 1 in 150 kids doctors diagnosed in 2000, the year many experts started keeping track. “We’ve come a long way as far as awareness, and the funding for autism research has increased exponentially,” says Dr. Alan Rosenblatt, a nationally renowned specialist in neurodevelopmental pediatrics, author and member of Chicago Special Parent’s advisory board. Because of organizations such as Autism Speaks, there’s been a huge emphasis on early identification and a greater acceptance in the community, he says, making for a more compassionate place for all people with special needs. There’s still work to do.

diagnosed with autism. Since then, he has said nothing understandable. He mostly hums, with rare eye contact. He will sometimes nod yes or no. Or wave goodbye, sort of. But not always. “Natalie will be home soon,” his mother tells him. Danny doesn’t look up. Danny’s younger sister,

Natalie, attends the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation in Naperville, about 10 minutes from their home. The massive facility offers classes, therapies and compassion to a dozen or so students with autism, though it’s designed for many more. Here, specially trained Intense Behavior Interventionists, or IBIs, make

breakthroughs to the autism world on a daily basis. As a baby, Natalie’s first words were, “All done, all done, all done,” usually after eating dinner. And, while looking out the front door, “Outside, outside, outside.” Those also were her last words. Now 18, she still doesn’t talk. She wears

36 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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world-silencing headphones around the clock, just like Danny. “Natalie, what do you want to say about the mission of the European Union?” asks Cynthia Carhart, an IBI. In response, she points to prewritten words on a flash card. Without a sound, she points out her thoughts, one letter at a time, then one word at a time. Carhart writes down each word and reads them back to her: “For the betterment of man, this is good because it gives hope to many other countries.” Natalie looks away, for a moment, to an overhead light that’s shielded with cloth to reduce its brightness. It’s one of many touches here to avoid over-stimulating the sensorysensitive students. “You’re awesome, girlie,” Carhart tells Natalie over the indecipherable yells of another student. “Full thoughts and complete sentences. I’m super

proud of you, sweetie.” Natalie, who was diagnosed as a toddler, leans over and kisses Carhart’s cheek.

‘A magic way’ On this typical day in the life of a family dealing with autism, Danny stayed home sick from his job at the Supported Training Experiences Post Secondary vocational program, or STEPS, where he sorts and bags pens, ice packs and jewelry. The night before, Natalie vomited in the shower, yet still attended school the next morning. She excels there, even being voted the School Council vice president. Before she started classes and therapies there, nearly three years ago, she couldn’t respond with a yes or no answer. She would violently hit herself or slam her head against something. Her inner world was her only world.

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Turning Pointe has been, literally, a turning point in her life. “They have a magic way with Natalie,” says her mother, Tarryl. “They treat special needs kids as intelligent people,” says her father, Tom. When Tarryl first watched Natalie communicate at school, seemingly miraculously, she cried: “I couldn’t believe she could do that. After all these years, we had no idea.” Today, Natalie’s parents are convinced she hears everything, sees everything, understands most things. Whether she decides to reply is another story. Same with Danny. But her parents are elated at her progress. The couple hasn’t given up hope for more. They quietly dream of one day communicating again with their children. “Dog” or “outside” would be monumental. When the siblings were young, the family drove to Yale

University for a study on siblings with autism. “I met a woman at the Ronald McDonald House whose daughter started talking when she was 21,” Tarryl says. “She told me never to give up hope.” The two siblings have many similarities. Neither of them are potty-trained. Both peel their gums, sometimes until they bleed. Both enjoy watching cartoons. Both want to eat as soon as they get home from school. Both enjoy using the Proloquo2go program on their iPad. Both will shred papers, even important documents, if not “redirected,” a familiar word in the autism spectrum world. For all their obvious similarities, Danny and Natalie are quite different behind their societal label of low-functioning autism. Danny is more agreeable and affectionate. Natalie is more of an independent spirit. Danny CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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AUTISM

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

is an early riser. Natalie has trouble sleeping. Danny enjoys playing on a computer, often getting so excited he wakes the family. Natalie enjoys listening to Beyonce and will only sleep on a sofa. (Because of this, in part, the family cannot travel anywhere overnight.) Also, Natalie has little patience, while Danny has always been more laid back. “He’s just kind of chill,” says Evan Staley, an IBI at Turning Pointe who sports a tie-dyed shirt, mop of hair and easy smile. A couple of times a week, Staley picks up Danny for field trips to the library, arcade and fitness center, among other places. Their affection is mutual and it shows. Similar to Natalie, Danny is able to keep an eye on everything without literally keeping an eye on everything. “Danny and Natalie are both smart and intelligent, but it’s not always obvious with their

Natalie works with Cynthia Carhart, an Intense Behavior Interventionist at Turing Point Academy emotions and behavior,” Staley says. “They absorb more than most people think.”

Takes a toll on a marriage At home, Natalie and Danny are not always the friendliest of siblings. He turns off TV shows

Natalie likes. She is determined to get what she wants from Danny, sometimes taking two family members to stop her. “They’ve had their battles,” their mother says. The couple also has a 17-yearold daughter, Karisa, who started talking late. The couple instinctively thought she, too,

had autism. She didn’t. She’s a standout traditional student, taking advanced classes in high school while volunteering at Adler Planetarium. “She’s the glue between Danny and Natalie,” Tom says. As a family, they enjoy watching “American Idol,” taking walks in the park, and playing the classic board game Trouble. Karisa often watches her older siblings while her parents are at work. Transitions during the day, every day, are the most difficult challenges for Danny and Natalie. From bed to school to bus to home, even waking up to walking to the bathroom is a major transition. Both siblings are constantly “stimming,” which describes stimulatory behavior. The method changes frequently, from ripping papers and waving things to rocking their bodies and biting their hands. Danny gets easily overstimulated by noise, paralyzing him. Natalie

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Tarryl Zdanky and Danny enjoy a game involving nuts and squirrels. will need to have her teeth removed from picking at her gums. Both gorge themselves eating, so much so that they steal food from the kitchen cabinet if it’s left unlocked. The family needs more inhome personal support staff, similar to Evan Staley from Turning Pointe. “They are blessings for families like ours,” said Tarryl, who works at the local Whole Foods Market. Tom works long hours as a railroad telecommunications supervisor. He’s typically up by 4 a.m. and out the door before dawn for his long commute into the city. On the weekends, he wakes up early to spend time with Danny. It’s their time to bond. Tarryl is the one who juggles the homefront duties, activities and responsibilities. Each weekday morning, she wakes Danny and Natalie, cleans them, dresses them, makes their lunches, writes notes to teachers, and gets them on the school bus. If the bus is late, Natalie will take off her coat, shoes and socks for her mother to put them back on. On her days off from work, she makes doctor appointments, runs errands, performs housework, and works on her business project, “Tarryl’s Teaching Tools.” It’s a “Shopxplore” program designed to help parents with special needs children learn common activities, such as tasks in the home, grocery shopping and schedules for community outings. Along the way, it promotes independence and more familiarity with transitions. (For more info, visit kickstarter.com/ profile/tarrylsteachingtools.)

“I would like to make a difference in the lives of others,” says Tarryl, who also has a 32-yearold daughter and two grandkids. The difference she has made in the lives of her children has taken a toll in her marriage. “It takes a toll on any marriage,” she says. Over their 21-year marriage, she and Tom have taken only two vacation trips: One for their honeymoon and the other to Yale, with their young kids, for the study. Even their recent wedding anniversary had to be postponed, again. All their time gets invested into Danny and Natalie. This will continue until death do them part. Or until Tom and Tarryl can physically no longer care for them. They have no complaints. No regrets. No apologies. “We love these kids more than anything, and these situations have made our family stronger than I ever thought possible. We’re enjoying getting to know them better. Who they are and what they want in life, their life,” Tarryl says while checking the clock for Natalie’s arrival. Danny appeared oblivious to such societal trappings. In his world, clocks mean nothing. Repetitive routines stitch together the siblings’ tapestry of time. Their world is within the moment. This moment. Right now. And then it’s gone. Until the next moment arrives, as if unexpected. “Some parents say they take things one day at a time,” Tarryl says. “Here, we take things one hour at a time.” Jerry Davich is a Chicago area dad and freelance writer.

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Get your green on Places to rediscover nature’s true color with your kids ds

BY DONNA BOZZO s much as I love its hustly-bustly vibe of downtown Chicago’s towering vistas and concrete learning meccas, sometimes it’s great to escape for greener pastures. So when you are looking to get out of Dodge and get your green on, look no farther than the suburbs. These suburban stops get my green thumbs up.

Go cukoo! The chain of lagoons and islands extending from Willow Road north to Dundee Road is a haven for migrating cuckoos, flycatchers, vireos and thrushes, and as the ice breaks up in early spring, you’ll see common loons, canvasbacks and Bonaparte’s gulls. Forest Preserve District of Cook County, 1500 Willow Road, Northfield Open sunrise to sunset (800) 870-3666

Oncee in a blue ue After wintering in the sou southeast outh theast aand nd south central states, about a hundred h ndred nesting hu pairs of blue heron make a summer home on the eastern portion of the wet woods along the Little Calumet River at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. You can watch their return. The blue heron rookery is closed to the public to protect the bird’s habitat, but visitors can observe them nesting from the Heron Rookery Trail along the south side of the river. Tackle the Heron Rookery Trail as a family or join a ranger for a 90-minute guided hike. The trail is an easy-to-moderate two-mile hike parallel to the river. Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Open sunrise to sunset (219) 395-1882 nps.gov

A night out of town

Reel it in!

You can camp all year-round at Illinois Beach State Park where you will find more than 240 sites with showers, firewood and— ah, yes—electricity. Campers can fish, hike the marshes or o dunes, or hit the bike trails. Illinois Beach State Park, 1 Lakefront Drive, Zion (847) 662-6433 dnr.state.il.us $25-$35 per night $25

Teach a little man (or woman) to fish. Saturdays mornings starting next month, kids 5-15 can grab a pole at the pond in Lovelace Park. Folks from the Evanston Ecology Center are on hand to help bait and unhook. The best part? Fishing poles and bait are provided at no cost. Lovelace Park, Gross Point Road at Thayer Street, Evanston 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays May-October (847) 448-8256

On butterfl ttterfly wings

Geneva va P Park ark ar k Di D District ist stri r ct B ri Butterfly utte u ut tterf rfly rf l ly House opens next There’s Ho H ous usee op o enss ne en n ext x month. xt mon ntth h. Th T e e’ er es even where can seee ev en n a rroom oom oo m wh here erre yo yyou ou ca n se butterflies pupa bu utt tter erfl er f iees in n tthe he p upaa st up sstage. ag ge. e Butterfly House, 38W199 Butt Bu ttterrfflly Ho ousse,, 3 8W 8W19 W19 1 9 Kaneville Geneva Ka ane nevi v ll vi lle le Road, R ad Ro ad,, Ge G neva ne vaa (630) 262-8244 ((6 6 630 30) 30 0) 26 2622 82 28244 244 4

NPS

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Down on the farm

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Step back in time and experience 1890s farm life at Kline Creek Farm, where you’ll find 19th-century farm activities, such as baking, canning, planting, harvesting, and sheep shearing. Admission is free. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road West Chicago Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday-Monday (630) 876-5900 dupageforest.com Donna Bozzo is regular contributor at Chicago Parent, a mom living on the North Shore and the woman behind The Lady with an Alligator Purse website.

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special advertising section // Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Plum Creek Nature Center 27064 S.Dutton Road, Beecher. Registration is required for scheduled activities. (708) 946-2216 ReconnectWithNature.org Registration is required for scheduled activities. Celebrate Earth Day with many exciting nature oriented activities. The first 100 visitors will receive a free Earth-friendly gift. Easily accessible for all participants..,. Registration is required for scheduled activities. (708) 946-2216, Visit ReconnectWithNature.org for more information.

Little Green Tree House Childcare and Preschool Eco-Friendly Child Care Center 118 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago 3111 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago (now open) (312) 492-9876 littlegreentreehouse.com Parents who desire an ecofriendly, healthy place for their

Green Directory

children to grow and learn, will love Little Green Tree House. They use a creative and themebased curriculum combined with earth-friendly living. It’s a safe and healthy environment that incorporates the best teachers, organic food, and non-toxic supplies.

Montessori Academy Montessori Academy of Chicago 1335 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 243-0977 www.montessoriacademychicago.org The school is devoted to a green future for the next generation. Initiatives include a fully organic menu and a recycling program which utilizes city drop-off sites. This shows the children how to take responsibility by being an example themselves.

The Morton Arboretum 4100 Illinois Route 53 Lisle, IL 60532 (630) 968-0074 mortonarb.org The Morton Arboretum is the champion of trees,

and trees define the awardwinning Children’s Garden, celebrating its 10th birthday this summer. Families can explore, learn, and play among trees while splashing through secret streams, climbing colossal acorns, and sliding down giant tree roots. For details, visit mortonarb.org/childrensgarden

Museum of Science and Industry Smarthome Exhibit 5700 South Lake Shore Drive Chicago (773) 684-1414 www.msichicago.org The Smart Home: Green + Wired exhibit, a fully-functioning, eco-friendly home on the Museum’s grounds. 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.

A LIFETIME LOVE OF LEARNING STARTS HERE. • Children ages 2-14, Toddler through Middle School • Enriched curriculum - Spanish, drama, art, music and phys ed • Quiet study areas and outdoor class space • Before and after school programs available

Accepting applications for Toddler and Preschool Please call Julie Einstein at 773-271-1700 to learn more.

established in 1966

www.rpmschool.org | 1800 W. Balmoral Ave. Chicago

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Spring cleaning hacks Get your house sparkling with natural and safe household materials and tips

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER kip the dangerous and toxic cleaners this spring and give your house a fresh scrub down with simple items you already have around the house. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be happily surprised at what a little baking soda, lemons and olive oil can really do.

Kitchen

Stainless steel appliances are stunning, but known to show every little fingerprint and smudge. Get those appliances shining again by using baby oil on a dry cloth. If your fridge needs freshening, leave out your morning coffee grounds to dry and in the evening, put them in a small

bowl in the back of the fridge. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the best homemade deodorizer with a kick. Sinks take a beating on a daily basis. To clean your stainless steel sink, create a paste of baking soda and water and give a good scrubdown. Scratches also may be removed with a very fine steel wool. Simply give the entire sink a gentle

once-over and it will remove any hairline scratches. Oven cleaners can be one of the most toxic cleaning products and are dangerous for exposed skin. Use water and baking soda instead. Spray the oven with water and then liberally apply baking soda. Let sit for at least a few hours or overnight. Easily wipe down for a clean and environmentally friendly result. Your oven hood can often be overlooked when cleaning. Literally cut the builtup grease on yours with a little vegetable oil and elbow grease. To avoid stinky garbage cans, sprinkle baking soda at the bottom.

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Bathrooms The best basic cleaner that can be used all around the house is literally just water and vinegar. Mix one part white vinegar and one part water in a spray bottle for quick and easy cleanups. Skip the toxic toilet cleaners by creating your own toilet bowl cleaner. Combine ¼ cup baking soda with 1 cup vinegar and scrub safely away. To get rid of tough shower and sink water stains, grab b a lemon from your kitchen. The acid from m the lemons breaks down the muck as you u scrub the stains with them. Unclog a drain and remove hair build-up naturally. Pour ½ cup of baking g soda down the drain, followed by 1-2 cups white te vinegar. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes before flushing it with boiling water.

Living and dining rooms Skip the lemon Pledge and make your own wood cleaner. Combine 1 teaspoon of olive oil and ¼ cup lemon juice in a small-lidded jar, shake and polish away all those wood pieces in your home. Put baking soda into a salt shaker and tackle those carpet stains and odors. Liberally sprinkle the baking soda on rugs and carpets, let it sit for 10 minutes and then vacuum. Goodbye smells and stains! Did your last dinner party leave white spots on your wood dining room table? Fear not! Pour white vinegar in a bowl, drench a rag in it, and wipe down the wood. Let it air dry, and then repeat if necessary. Ditch the dust on your lampshades with a trusty lint roller. Simply use a lint roller to gently pick up all the dust, fur and debris that has landed on your lampshades.

Bedrooms and closets Take control of your wardrobe and what actually gets worn. Put all your clothes back in your closet by reversing the way your hangers are hung. As you wear each item, change the hanger back to normal. Next spring it will be clear what you actually wear and what can be donated. Put those old pillowcases to good use, cleaning dust off ceiling fans. Just slip the old pillowcase on each fan blade and that nasty dust will slide off with it and not disperse throughout the room. Bacteria, dust mites and dead skin cells are happy to keep living on your pillows unless you remember to wash them at least three times a year. Use a gentle detergent, wash on warm water setting, and run the rinse cycle twice.

Megan Murray Elsener is a writer and mother of three.

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Going Green

family-style

When parents and kids work together, great things can happen

BY SAMANTHA SCHULTZ pring is a gentle reminder to think about how to get more green to preserve our environment. Whether your changes are big or you start small, moving to a greenified ified life can easily become a family affair. ffair. Check out these simple ways to activate the eco-friendly ly love in your own home and communityy this year.

Reduce

One of the main elements of a greener lifestyle is reducing consumption. Teach kids from an earlyy As a family: Tea ot lights when they are not age to turn off lig the Flip art? love they in a room. Do de for per over aand use the other side paper ng those drawings. Brushing speciaall d he faucet the off Turn s? white w pearly pearly brushing. whilee b he the weather gets nicer, When Wh der walking to close desticonsiid nsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the park, the store or ons natio Not only will you reduce l N school. gasoline consumption and ur ga your you n footprint, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll arbon carbo ca exercise in the process. lso ex also al As a community: Organize elect onics drive. Carpool an a electr t school, work or other to ties. activi a

Reuse

Look arou nd your house. Th e more ite ms you can re purpose and use in an way, the b other etter it is ffo or creatin g a green lliiffestyle. As a famil y: Use cloth nap kins inste ad of paper. Buy the c ute lunchbox in disposable stead of b rown pa sacks. Dit ch the Zip per bags and loc buy reusa washable b conttainers le or Think . might con outside the box. Yo u newspape sider wrrappiing gif ts in old r, fabric o r family a example. rtwork, fo Turn old r T-shirts in Finding w to a quilt. ays to reu se have save what you s ti alr reduce ov me and money and eady erall wast h elps e. As a comm u n it y : H ost a com wide gara munityge they need sale. Families can buy items while sup porting th mission o e overall f less is m ore. Or ha little entr ve your epreneurs set up a le stand and monade learn the fine art o tive sellin f suggesg.

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Garden

Transform your backyard into a gardening haven and enjoy family time building a space that grows food, flowers and enhances the environment. As a family: Start seedlings indoors and transplant outside. Kids will love digging in the dirt, choosing the best flowers watering the plants and cho Not only will your and plants for your space. N “greening” the earth, but you family be literally “greening will also reduce your weekly grocery budget. As a c community: Talk with com leaders leadeers about hosting a community-wide tree plantcom mm ing g or o effort to beautify a park pa ark with flowers. Some schools have even sch started gardens mainsta tained by those in the tai community as a group co effort. ef

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Recycle

It’s more than just the literal act of recycling paper and plastic. Consider how you can recycle in other areas of your home and family life. As a family: Donate toys, clothes and other items to charitable organizations or pass them down to friends. Overflowing with art from your child’s classroom? Send to a family member to let them know that you are thinking of them. Compost food scraps and recycle them back to the earth when you start your garden. As a community: If your community already collects recycling each week, kudos. Make sure to fill your bin each week. If a community collection is not already in place, talk to your village or local board about recycling as a larger community. This is another opportunity to recycle paint, toxic cleaning supplies, batteries and more. What practical ways can you help reduce, reuse and recycle? Share with us on social media and find even more ways to go green. Samantha Schultz is a freelance writer, blogger and mom of two living in the south suburbs.

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Be part of the country’s most elite and cutting-edge interdisciplinary art school. Children’s Multi-Arts Camp and Middle School Programs in art, design, and mixed media begin in June, July, and August. Register now! saic.edu/cw | saic.edu/msp | cs@saic.edu | 312.629.6170

Your Kids are growing. Our low prices are blooming! Everything is in bloom including low prices on all of the kid’s stuff you need for spring. Amazing savings on toys, clothing, furniture and equipment. Once Upon A Child will also pay you on the spot for the items your kid’s have outgrown. How refreshing is that? We buy and sell gently used clothing, toys, and baby gear

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GREEN LIVING: host a bike drive

Working Bikes gives bikes new home

BY CORTNEY FRIES ave any old bikes collecting dust in the garage? Working Bikes, a Chicago nonprofit, wants to give them new homes.

The organization that started as a oneman recycling effort in a Chicago garage has now grown over the past 16 years to provide

more than 50,000 people around the world with a bike. This spring, hone your child’s leadership skills and host a community bike drive that will teach them the importance of recycling, repurposing and giving back. Last year, Working Bikes supporters diverted about 9,000 bikes from scrap metal heaps through bike drives.

How to host a bike drive

Contact Working Bikes at events@workingbikes.org or (773) 847-5440.

Plan a three-hour oneday event, preferably on a Saturday.

Consider incorporating your bike drive into a broader community event, such as an Earth Day celebration.

Pick a centrally located, easily identifiable location for the drive.

Working Bikes provides brochures, tax receipts and banners.

6 7 8

Working Bikes’ upcoming events Saturday, April 18, Elmhurst College Recycling Event

Saturday, April 18, Whole Foods Deerfield Bike Drive Sunday, April 19, Party for the Planet at Brookfield Zoo Saturday-Sunday, April 25-26, bike drive at St. Jude’s Church in New Lenox Working Bikes also accepts crutches, sewing machines, wheelchairs and monetary donations. Drop off at their warehouse, 2434 S. Western Ave. Check workingbikes.org for other dropoff spots in suburbs.

Secure at least two volunteers, but the more the merrier. Publicize your event. On the day of the event, arrive early to get set up.

Once collected, bikes are repaired. Some are donated to partner organizations in Africa, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. Others are gifted to homeless transition and youth empowerment programs in Chicago. In May 2014, for example, Working Bikes collaborated with T.A.G. Foundation for the Bronzeville Bike Giveaway. During the event, 500 kids received bikes, new helmets and locks. “I hope this encourages other ordinary people, like me, to do something big. There’s something beautiful about donation. It spreads more good karma,” T.A.G. Founder Angela Ford says. Need a bike? Working Bikes also sells refurbished bikes in its 20,000-square-foot shop in Chicago’s Little Village. Proceeds benefit shipments of donated bikes. Cortney Fries is a Chicago mom of two and frequent Chicago Parent contributor.

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MONEY SMART WEEK

Warning! Crisis ahead

Student debt worries on many Chicago parents’ minds

BY JOSEPH BUSH he numbers on student debt are alarming. But the cultural domino effect for the $1.2 trillion in student debt weighing down kids’ lives is even more frightening. “What happens in a student debt bubble is you get lifestyles re-setting,” says Joe Orsolini, a certified financial planner with Glen Ellyn’s College Aid Planners. That includes the fact that three in 10 millennials are still living with their parents, the highest number since the 1950s. “When you’re living with your parents, you don’t have a car and can’t afford to go to restaurants, you don’t date or get married, when you don’t get married, you don’t have kids. These things are cycling through our economy. It’s a big problem,” he says. And it doesn’t look like it will get better anytime soon. According to the non-profit College Board, tuition and fees at private nonprofit colleges are on the rise, already to $31,231 for the 2014-15 academic year. Costs rose 2.9 percent to $9,139 for in-state residents who attend four-year public schools. Add to that room and board, books and living expenses, and the cost of college seems unreachable to families that didn’t or couldn’t start saving early.

Two things to consider What can parents do right now to minimize those crushing student loan debts? Fortunately, there are many organizations that want to help. People interviewed for this story agree on two things: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form should be filled out, regardless of need and income. FAFSA provides information for eligibility for federal and state loans, as well as scholarships.

Be wary of any organization charging money to help fill out the FAFSA or win scholarships. “The most important thing for families to remember is there is nothing in the whole process that you can’t receive free assistance for,” says Jacqueline Moreno, managing director of college access initiatives for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, a state agency that tries to make sure that financial considerations don’t keep people from post-secondary educations. The best hope for easing the financial burden of education is an early start on savings and an investment strategy, as well as searching for scholarships. “The student debt crisis is really a student planning crisis,” says Moreno. “One of the best ways for students to reduce their debt is to plan better.” The ISAC website (isac.org) is a good

place to start that planning, with a student portal that is a one-stop shop for parents and students beginning the college quest. It includes financial tools as well as assistance in searching for scholarships.

Free money, please Moreno, who was a scholarship coordinator at a private four-year university before joining ISAC, says there are several important factors to consider when seeking scholarships: Don’t just focus on large, prestigious scholarships. There are many local scholarships to be found at the ISAC student portal. Academic qualifications are not the only kind that earn scholarship money. There are scholarships for career path, area of study, affinities and many niche reasons, like color of hair, dominant hand and last name.

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Once in a college, look for department-specific scholarships that are not broadcast by the financial aid office or a website, but come from inside the profession. Don’t overlook small-amount scholarships. “People should apply for every last dollar that they can because they need to think about compounded interest if they finance what’s missing from the student loan,” Moreno says. Richard Blasen, an awareness outreach representative at the U.S. Department of Labor,, says and students should be y parents p

College-bound babies A 529 prepaid tuition plan replanning for your wards you for p child’s future. future It protects tuition inflation you from tu market fluctuaand marke tions, and offers flexible payment plans and tax advantages. advantag Sandra Houston, Sa director, College Illinois

aware of loan forgiveness or grant programs for students who perform public service, military service or teach certain subjects in low-income areas. He also says there is discretion for financial aid directors in cases of personal hardship such as injury, death or

job loss. Chicago-area families have an asset that can help, right in their backyard. The Economic Awareness Council is a CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

Celebrating 25 Years of Montessori Education

Pre-K through 8th Grade Independent School Guiding Bright & Gifted Children Onward & Upward

Still Accepting Applications for: Early Childhood, Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten For more information:

The Avery Coonley School 1400 Maple Avenue Downers Grove, IL 60515 www.averycoonley.org admission@averycoonley.org 630-969-0800

We invite you to see our classic Montessori school, April 22, or May 13. By appointment please, 773-779-7606

Our students prefer complex challenges to simple tasks. They are perfectionists, voracious readers and have an insatiable appetite to learn. They are motivated children of high intelligence.

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camp 2015 // special advertising section Daycamp The Accelerated Center 1900 Old Willow Rd. Northbrook (224) 326-2061 acceleratedcenter.com

Avery Coonley Summer Program 1400 W. Maple Ave., Downers Grove (630) 969-0800, option 2 averycoonley.org

Baker Summer Discovery Camp 201 Sheridan Rd., Wilmette (847) 425-5800 bakerdemschool.org/ summerprogram.html

Brickton Montessori School 8622 W. Catalpa, Chicago (773) 714-0646 Brickton.org

Bughouse Studio 4845 Oakton St., Skokie (847) 674-3774 bughouseartstudio.com

Chesterbrook Academy 1571 Oswego Rd, Naperville, IL 60540 (877) 959-4182 chesterbrookacademy.com/camp

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

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

Council Oak Montessori School 11030 S. Longwood Dr. Chicago (773) 779-7606 Counciloakmontessori.org

Deerfield Park District 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield (847) 945-0650 deerfieldparks.org

JCC Apachi Day Camps Chicago at UIC (773) 938-8348 Chicago at Northside College Prep (847) 763-3504 Northbrook (847) 272-7050 (847) 726-0800 Lake Zurich gojcc.org/daycamp

JCC Apachi Village Day Camp (3-5 years) Northbrook (847) 272-7050 gojcc.org/village

JCC Early Childhood Preschool Summer Camp (18 months-3 yrs) Lakeview (773) 871-6780

Rogers Park (773) 761-9100 Skokie (847) 763-3523 Glencoe (847) 835-0008 Northbrook (847) 272-8707 (847) 901-0620 Lake Zurich gojcc.org/earlychildhood

River Forest Community Center

(773) 761-4477 lifelinetheatre.com

Summer Camp Programs 8020 Madison Street, River Forest (708) 771-6159 rfcc.info

The Little Gym of Chicago

JCC Neighborhood Camps

Roycemore School

Loras All-Sports Camps

(3 years-9th grade) Rogers Park (773) 761-9100 (847) 763-3511 Skokie (773) 753-3080 Flossmoor (708) 753-3080 Hyde Park gojcc.org/daycamp

Kiddie Academy Camp Adventure Arlington Heights: 880 W. Dundee Road (847) 595-0722 Batavia: 2201 Main Street (630) 761-4500 Bolingbrook 540 W Boughton Road (630) 679-9400 Carpentersville: 112 Tay River Drive (840) 844-8600 Crystal Lake: 720 Cog Circle (815) 893-0924 Naperville: 2828 Patriot’s Lane Coming Soon! Plainfield: 13703 S. Route 59 (815) 609-0900 Streamwood: 1040 Sutton Road (630) 497-0200 kiddieacademy.com

Life Skills Summer Camp 1409 N. Ogden Ave. Chicago (773) 231-7414 LifeSkillsEducators.com

McGaw YMCA Summer Camps 1000 Grove St., Evanston (847) 475-7400 mcgawymca.org

Montessori Academy of Chicago 1335 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 243-0977 (ask for Cassie Martin) montessoriacademychicago.org

Mt. Prospect Park District When school is out, camp is in! 1000 W. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect (847) 255-5380 mppd.org

Museum of Science and Industry Fab Lab Summer Camp 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (773) 684-1414 msichicago.org/whats-here/fablab/summer-camp/

1200 Davis Street Evanston (847) 866-6055 roycemoreschool.org/summer

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

Summer Programs at Parker 2015 330 W. Webster Ave., Chicago (773) 797-5104 fwparker.org/summers

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

UIC Soccer Camps UIC Campus - Chicago Boys and Girls 4-14 (312) 996-6755 uicsoccercamp.com

Specialty Camps ArtReach Education Theatre 3839 W. Frontage Rd. Palatine (847) 372-7798 artreachspotlite.com

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

Elmhurst Art Museum 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave, Elmhurst (630) 834-0202 Elmhurstartmuseum.org

Envision Middle School Camps Check website for locations near you (844) 320-0388 TryMyFuture.com

GreenApple Campus Hey Robotics, Digital Media & LEGO Maniacs! Locations Chicago & Naperville (630) 778-8480 GreenAppleCampus.org

Lifeline Theatre

3216 North Lincoln Avenue (773) 525-5750 thelittlegym.com/ChicagoIL Kids ages 7-13 1450 Alta Vista St Dubuque, IA 52001 lorasallsportscamps.com

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts 6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-3456 Master-SH-Yu.com

The Paintbrush ...... a hands-on art studio for kids **Take $10 off your FIRST 10-week Camp Session 2646 N. Halsted, Chicago ***NEW ADDRESS!*** (773) 636-1968 www.thepaintbrush.net

Pine Grove Equestrian Center 21797 W IL Route 176 Hawthorn Woods (847) 370-4646 pinegroveequestrian.com

Pump It Up Chicago (312) 664 PUMP (7867) Orland Park (708) 479-2220 pumpitupparty.com

Schaumburg Boomers 1999 Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg (847) 461-FOWL (3695) Boomersbaseball.com

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

Vertical Endeavors Climbing Camps 246 Windy Point Drive Glendale Heights (630) 784-9000 verticalendeavors.com

Field Trips Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier 700 E. Grand, Chicago (312) 527-1000 chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Boulevard Glenview (847) 832-6600 kohlchildrensmuseum.org

Summer Drama Camps 6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago

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special advertising section // Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Step back in time with epic battles, royal feasts, and romance 2001 N Roselle Rd., Schaumburg (888) 935-6878 medievaltimes.com

Museum of Science and Industry 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (773) 684-1414 www.msichicago.org

Putting Edge Glow-in-theDark Mini Golf 4105 North Harlem, Chicago (708) 457-8377 puttingedge.com

Safariland 701 W North Ave, Villa Park (630) 530-4649 safarilandfun.com

OVERNIGHT CAMP Animal Camp Jamaica Seven Palms Villa Runaway Bay Jamaica (573) 458-2125 AnimalCampJamaica.com

Now Enrofolrling Summer

camp 2015

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

Camp Agawak 7851 Agawak Road Minocqua, WI (715) 356-5383 agawak.com

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

Camp Jorn YMCA PO Box 430 13591 Zenner Ln. Manitowish Waters, WI (715) 543-8808 campjornymca.org

Chicago Parent needs a few good moms and dads. We are looking for friendly, outgoing readers to staff Chicago Parent booths at events throughout the city and suburbs. Must have a car and flexible schedule. Events are mainly on weekends. Email Kamil Brady at kamil@chicagoparent.com with your resume and a cover letter about yourself.

Cub Creek Science and Animal Camp (573) 458-2125 MyAnimalCamp.com

We make math make sense. Score big with Mathnasium this summer!

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Call 844-GOT-MATH or visit us on the web at: mathnasium.com/chicagoland ChicagoParent.com April 2015 51

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Evanston & Skokie Focus // special advertising section Evanston/Skokie SKOKIE SPORTS PARK calendar of events Adventure Golf Batting Cages & Party Room

Golf Range PGA Pro Group & Private Lessons

photo courtesy of the mcgaw ymca

McGaw YMCA

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

Personal, engaged college prep

Healthy Kids Day Saturday, April 25th 10:00am – 1:00pm McGaw Y, 1000 Grove Street, Evanston HKD is a FREE, community-wide event and is designed to help kids get a jump start to their summer. We have a fun day of activities and demonstrations planned, as well as participation from various community organizations. www.mcgawymca.org The Race To Build Confidence 2015 McGaw YMCA Annual Youth Triathlon Sunday, July 12, 2015 The Annual Youth Triathlon is for youth ages 5 to 14. Sign up before July 7th to receive a discounted rate! We also offer Youth Tri Clinics to master all elements of the Triathlon.Go to www. mcgawymca.org/youthtri for more details.

Join us Saturday, April 25 for Tuesday, March 17, 8:30-10 AM Join us Saturday, April 25

Admissions Open House

Tuesday, March 17, AM Call Amanda at 8:30-10 847-866-6055

or Amanda visit roycemoreschool.org Call at 847-866-6055 or visit roycemoreschool.org

for

Share Fair Nation & STEMosphere

FREE interactive expo with STEM-

FREE interactive expo with STEMSaturday, April 25, 2015 inspired activities & exhibits! & exhibits! 1200 Davis Street in Evanston inspired activities 1200 Davis Street in Evanston 9:00am - 3:30pm byFamily the Morgridge the Morgridge Foundation Family Foundation Age 3 through 12 Sponsored bySponsored Age 3 through GradeGrade 12

Hosted at Roycemore School, 1200

Davis Street in Evanston FREE event where educators, students and communities to come together with leaders in education innovation to experience hands-on, brains-on methods. Teachers can attend intensive classroom sessions. STEMosphere exhibitors will include KEVA Planks, The Nature Conservancy, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, Khan Academy and Anatomy in Clay. Visit ShareFairNation.com/ events for more information and to register.

Skokie Park District For more information on Park District programs, call (847) 674-1500 or go online to www. SkokieParks.org. Golf season is here! Skokie Sports Park, 3459 Oakton St., Skokie Weber Park Golf Course, 9300 Weber Park Place, Skokie March 30 marks the official opening of the 2015 Skokie Park District golf season, with both the Sports Park Golf Range and Weber Park Golf Course open daily, weather permitting. Pool Passes on sale April 1 Skokie Water Playground, 4700 Oakton St., Skokie Devonshire Aquatic Center, 4400 Greenwood St., Skokie Skokie Park District pool passes go on sale April 1. Not only do these passes offer Skokie residents a 20% discount, but by purchasing your pass before April

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special advertising section // Evanston & Skokie Focus 30 you receive a free Splash Pass good for five visits to either one of our two award-winning facilities! Devonshire’s ‘Getting to Know: The Sound of Music’ April 25 – May 3. Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St., Skokie The Devonshire Playhouse Young Performers present a timeless classic, abbreviated for young children, telling the story of a young governess who marries a widowed naval captain, just as Austria is invaded by the Nazis. Call (847) 674-1500, ext. 2400 for times and tickets. Skokie’s Spring Greening Sunday, April 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Niles North High School, Skokie Join us for this green community fair, featuring reuse and recycle dropoff (see SkokieSpringGreening.org for acceptable items), a green products and services showcase and sale, and recycled and repurposed crafts. Earth Day: Picnic for the Planet Sunday, April 26, 12-4 p.m. Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel, Skokie Visit the Emily Oaks Nature Center’s Earth Day Picnic for the Planet for a fun look at earthfriendly food. Also: entertain-

ment, and a native plant sale! Play in the World Wiffle®Ball Championship July 11-12 Channelside Park, 3100 Main St., Skokie Gather five players today and enter the 36th Annual World Wiffle®Ball Championship, Skokie’s renowned mini bat and ball tournament. (Men, women and kids 10+ welcome.) Register online now at www.SkokieParks. org/world-wiffleball-championship while spots are still available.

Skokie’s Spring Greening Sunday, April 19, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Niles North High School 9800 Lawler, Skokie Skokie’s Spring Greening is a community fair for residents to promote sustainable and green living. Now in its fifth year, the event will be held on Sunday, April 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Niles North High School. Residents are invited to drop off household items for recycling and reuse and to visit the indoor fair, featuring green products and services, sales of repurposed crafts, family activities, and lively music!

CERAMICS CLASSES

SUMMER ART CAMPS & BIRTHDAY PARTIES for kids of all ages! bughouseartstudio.com 4845 Oakton, Skokie 847.674.3774

Galt Toys + Galt Baby has been serving families in the area over 30 years. We have unique hand-selected toys, baby furniture, strollers, and car seats. • Free Gift Wrap • Free Assembly and Local Stroller Delivery • Free Car Seat Installation by a Certified Safety Technician With Purchase of a Car Seat

Galt Toys + Galt Baby Old Orchard Shopping Center Next to Bloomingdale’s 847-329-7712 photo courtesy of the mcgaw ymca

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COLLEGE DEBT

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49

non-profit organization focused on preparing families for present and future economic and financial decisions. Its new online app calculates college costs and helps build a budget at collegebudgetbuilder.org. Tracy Frizzell, executive director of the Economic Awareness Council, encourages parents to include their children in the planning process from the start. “That can have a huge impact on not only appreciation of the importance of the college experience, but on their financial skills as well,” Frizzell says. “They’re seeing you save and make sacrifices and choices and seeing you weigh wants and needs.” Joseph Bush is a dad and freelance writer

An independent school for gifted children from Preschool through Eighth Grade. Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Play Date Saturday, April 18, 2015 (Ages 3 - 4)* 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. *Reservations required

Timing matters. If you start saving when your child is born, about a third of your college savings goal will come from the earnings. If you wait until the child enrolls in high school, less than han 10 percent of the savings will come from earnings. Save for college in the parent’s name, not the child’s name. Student assets are assessed more heavily by financial aid formulas than parent assets. 529 plans are reported as a parent asset on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) even if the child is the account owner. How much do you need? Base your college savings goal on the full cost of a four-year college education the year the child was born. For a child born this year, save $250 a month if the child will enroll in an in-state public college, $400 a month for an out-of-state public college and $500 a month for a private non-profit college.

Then, learn more about our . . . • Innovative curriculum for active learning • Committed faculty who challenge their students • Nurturing culture and small classes

847.202.8035, ext. 438 today. questacademy.org 500 North Benton, Palatine, IL 60067

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at leslie.kovich@questacademy.org or call

Saving for college? Repairing your credit? Wish you were better at managing your money? Smart Money Week, April 18-25, can help. Coordinated by The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and hundreds of local partner organizations, the nearly 1,600 free events offered last year drew 50,000 residents. Find more info at moneysmart week.org.

living in Warrenville.

Does your child. . . • Thrive on complexity? • Seek deeper understanding? • Make connections?

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Money Smart Week devoted to money

Mark Kantrowitz Senior vice president and publisher of edvisors.com and author of Filing the FAFSA. Get more tips at edvisors.com/ plan-for-college/money-saving-tips.

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CircEsteem

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day P arty H eadquarters... Skating Parties

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

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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

ChicagoParent.com April 2015 55

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Celebrations // special advertising section

Spring babies are

so lucky Ideas to throw them an equally terrific birthday party

photo courtesy of deerfield park district

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special advertising section // Celebrations By Shannan Younger

pring is coming! Really, it is. With more sunshine and warmth, it is a time to celebrate and that’s especially true for those with birthdays. Here are some ideas for throwing a spring birthday bash your little one won’t forget. Go for a swim Make a big splash with a party at Timber Ridge Lodge at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis. Birthday celebrants are made to feel special throughout their event, starting with an announcement of the birthday child’s name and age on the sign in the lobby at the check-in desk and getting to use a special birthday tube in the water park. Parents have fun by hitting the water, too. “Parents can also enjoy the water park time since the lifeguards are so attentive and on their toes,” says Courtney Nobilio, director of marketing communications at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. “They know their children are very safe.” The indoor water park is open all year and the outdoor pools open on Memorial Day weekend. The birthday package includes time at the water park, lunch and arcade tokens. “We can work with you to create the just-right arrangements for everyone on the guest list, and maybe even something special for your little guest of honor,” Nobilio says. Those special surprises can include the Moose Mountain Adventure package — karaoke, balloons, signs and even a mascot appearance. Bounce around and play in a tree house The kids might have spent the winter bouncing off the walls at home, but

spring birthday parties at the Deerfield Park District can include fun in a bounce house or a chance to climb the indoor tree house at Jewett Park. It offers a wide variety of party options, with themes including hip-hop dance, indoor swimming, magic, ceramics, mad science and yoga. “It’s really difficult to come up with something we don’t already have,” says Mark Woolums, Jewett Park program manager, of the variety. If a parent has a unique idea, however, Woolums says the park district can make it happen. Parents can leave the activities to the staff working the party. “Our staff is dynamic and energetic,” Woolums says. “They can read the room and the kids and figure out quickly what they want to do, get them all involved and engaged. They have experience with different age groups and temperaments.” Hit the links Putting Edge might be located in Norridge, but the glow-in-the-dark mini-golf courses “makes you feel like you have entered an alternative universe,” says Natasha Saladino, marketing manager at Putting Edge. “We turn down the lights and turn up the music to create an 18-hole fantasyland full of vibrant colors and themes.” Also, forget the rule about not wearing white until Memorial Day. Saladino suggests wearing white clothes so that the kids glow under the black lights. Spring weather in Chicago can be unpredictable, but that isn’t a concern at Putting Edge because it is entirely indoors. There is nothing worse than booking your child’s birthday at an outdoor facility, only to have it rain or snow that day

continued on page 58

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Celebrations // special advertising section

PHOTO COURTESY OF PUTTING EDGE

Spring parties continued from page 57 “We are weather guaranteed,” Saladino says.

BLAST SOME TUNES The Rock-n-Roll birthday party is one of the most popular offerings from the Mount Prospect Park District,

says Mindi Schwartz, rental coordinator and center director at the Rock Plex. The 2- to 6-year-old set rocks out with rhythm and rhyme, song and dance and the ever-popular parachute play and bubble making. The park district hosts Playtime Express parties for kids turning 1 and those between 2 and 4 can take advantage of the indoor playplex that features a climbing wall and trampoline. “We get many repeat customers, and we can create a different party for them each year,” says Schwartz. “We are continually updating and revising party offerings to keep it new and fresh.” One of the newest offerings is a Lego robotics party. HIT THE MINI-GYM The Mini-Gym and Playland at the River Forest Community Center is party central for kids between ages

3 to 6. The staff is available to do as much or as little as parents want — they can even get the cake and provide color-coordinated paper goods if needed. “We are flexible, and parents can pick and choose what they want to do and what they want us to do,” says Jessica Conrad, party coordinator and office manager at River Forest Community Center. In addition to securing the items for the bash, party leaders organize games and keep little celebrants busy and happy, which makes parents happy. “Parent feedback about our leaders is overwhelmingly positive,” Conrad says. TRADE IN CABIN FEVER FOR CASTLE FEVER Birthday kids rule on their special days, so why not make it official with a trip to Medieval Times for a memo-

ebrate! l e C

Birthday Parties! Walk-ins! (also Scouts,Brownies & Indian Guides Parties) or, Mom’s Night Out!

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Not valid with any other offer. No cash value. One coupon per customer per visit. Limit one coupon per foursome. Vaild at Norridge location only. Expires: July 31, 2015. Coupon Code: NO4PCP NORRIDGE PUTTING EDGE 4105 North Harlem Ave, IL. 60706

NORRIDGE PUTTING EDGE 4105 NORTH HARLEM AVE

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puttingedge.com

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special advertising section // Celebrations

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIMBER RIDGE LODGE

rable birthday bash? From preschoolers to teens, kids love getting the royal treatment, particularly on their special day. During the tournament, the King or Princess announces all the individuals in attendance celebrating birthdays,

You

can

which elicits cheers from the attendees. Sandy Martinez, marketing and sales manager, says she loves seeing the faces of the birthday boys and girls light up when they realize that they are the center of attention.

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Now flying in Naperville & Rosemont ChicagoParent.com April 2015 59

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Celebrations // special advertising section

Ready for action

Sports-themed parties are a perfect way to celebrate active boys and girls By CARRIE RODOVICH

hether you and your children want to do some old-school roller skating, swing from a trapeze or play some baseball, there are numerous places around the Chicagoland area that provide unique birthday party experiences. And the host organizations say the best thing about sports-themed parties is there’s minimal set up and clean up — families, and their guests just have to do is show up, relax and have a good time. At Fleetwood Roller Rink in Summit, manager Kathy VanderBeek says roller skating parties are seeing a resurgence in popularity, as many

children now have parents who went to their own roller skating parties in the 1970s and 1980s. “We do parties for people of all ages, including a lot of adult birthday parties,” she

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says. “People want to have the parties they couldn’t have when they were kids. They either want to have them for themselves now or have them for their kids.” Everything is provided,

from napkins to pizza, drinks and cake, making hosting a party at Fleetwood an effortless experience. “Mom doesn’t have to do anything,” she says. “We sing happy birthday in the center of the floor as well as at the party table.” She says the rink hosts about 15 to 20 parties per weekend. The facility also is available to rent for private parties of 40 people or more, shutting down the facility for non-party guests. “The parties are great exercise for kids, and they get three hours of skating. There’s no waiting in line to do anything,” she says. “Kids can skate the entire time if they want to.” Birthday parties with the Schaumburg Boomers make

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any little kid feel like a star. “It doesn’t get much better than a birthday at the ballpark, whether you’re an adult gathering some friends together in a luxury suite or having an entire stadium sing Happy Birthday as your little one stands on the field between innings,” says Ed McCaskey, director of marketing and media for the Schaumburg Boomers. Boomers baseball is the most reasonably-priced game in town, with proximity to the action and a good family environment. “The biggest thing that makes parties with the Boomers so special is our affordability, unique environment and winning track record,” he says. Dolphin Swim Club offers birthday parties at their locations in Crystal Lake and Loves Park, says Kelsey Klaus, activities director for the Crystal Lake swim club. Parties there offer a yearround opportunity to swim and play water games, she says. They offer 75 minutes of in-water swimming time with a certified lifeguard. It also includes a games coordinator who assists swimmers and facilitates games like Sharks and Minnows and diving for rings, as well as 45 minutes of pizza and cupcakes in the party room, she says. “We do everything from set up to clean up and offer a personalized party for every guest,” she says. “People love having parties here because you can swim year round, which sets us apart.” At Windy City Fieldhouse, activities are coordinated specifically to the child’s age group, including soccer, pillow polo and wacky relays, says Alexis Kniaz, special events sales manager. Big kids tend to like basketball, dodge ball and kickball, she says. There are theme parties Valpak®

Celebrations_April2015.indd 61

special advertising section // Celebrations

available, from scavenger hunts to laser tag, ultimate sports to Bounce N’ Play. “Our parties are designed to be hassle free,” she says. “A quick phone call the week of your party ensures we know all of your party details and specific requests. Parents simply show up 15 minutes prior to their event, where our experienced staff takes charge of everything.” Parties with CircEsteem are great for kids ages 6-13, with each party tailored to the child’s interests, age and ability. “Each party includes a short demonstration circus performance, games to get the kids up and moving and feeling connected, followed by four interactive circus skill stations,” says Maribeth Joy, executive director of CircEsteem. The skills could include trapeze, tight wire walking, gym wheel, juggling, plate spinning, feather balancing, clowning, rolling globe and rolla bolla. “What sets CircEsteem apart from all the rest is that, with the circus, there is something for everyone,” she says. “Not all children are physically strong or coordinated. By offering a range of circus skills at a party, each child has the opportunity to find a skill that really speaks to their interests or abilities.” She says CircEsteem’s mission is to build self-esteem through practice and performance of circus arts, teaching skills while focusing on feeling successful and celebrating tackling difficult challenges. “We meet kids where they are and challenge them appropriately,” she says. “At the end, participants usually walk away feeling really good about themselves and saying, ‘Wow, look what I can do now!’”

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ChicagoParent.com April 2015 61

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Celebrations // special advertising section

Make and take=hands-on fun Tune into kids’ creative side with one of these party places By Carrie Rodovich

al cost, older kids can paint a Teddy bear or a small, shaped box. “Everything is washable, dishwasher safe and microwavable,” says Martin, who stresses they use water-based, leadfree, nontoxic paint. Kids paint for about an hour, and then have time for a snack and presents while Martin and her staff clean up. “We have done over 5,000 parties,” she says. “We keep it structured and keep people moving, and give kids more than enough time to paint.” After the party, Martin fires the pieces in a kiln, and they

f you’re looking to host a party, but don’t want to worry about planning an activity or cleaning up after a mess, many places around the Chicagoland area offer creative options. At these places, kids can gather to have fun and do an activity led by a professional staff. When the party is over, parents can leave the clean up to the staff. In LaGrange, Sue Martin, co-owner of Ceramic Art Café, has been hosting birthday parties for kids of all ages for more than 20 years. At her studio, kids get to pick out a piece of pottery to paint, which could include painting an animal, plate, bowl or mug. For an addition-

photo courtesy of Ceramic Art Café

are ready to be taken home about a week later. She says kids are always

thrilled to see their finished project. “They say, ‘Wow, did I paint

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that?’” she says. Martin says it’s important for parents to relax during a birthday party and have fun, even if that means the child is painting something in unusual color combinations. “Art is in the eye of the beholder, and you have to let them do whatever they want to do,” she says. “People don’t always look at things the same way, and that’s what I love about it.” If you’re willing to host a party, Mad Science of Northern Illinois will provide science-themed birthday fun. Parties, which last about an hour, are perfect for children ages 4-12, says owner Greg Diblik. The parties are suitable for up to 30 kids ages 6 and up, or for about 20 kids for younger party-goers. “Mad Science birthday parties offer children a chance to participate in cool science experiments with a certified

special advertising section // Celebrations

Mad Scientist,” he says.

At the party, every child gets to make a take-home item like a super-stretchy Mad Science putty, slime or a highbouncing ball. Other experiments, like the science behind dry ice or cotton candy, can be added.

Mt. Prospect Park District has the BEST birthday parties!

The franchise has been entertaining and educating kids — and their parents — for more than 25 years, encouraging them to learn more about science and science-based careers. “Kids discover the fun of science as they take part in spectacular science demonstrations, including chemical magic, movie special effects and amazing bubbling potions,” he says. “Besides being very fun and exciting, our program is very educational. It is a great way to get kids interested in science.”

Book your party NOW! 847-255-5380 www.mppd.org SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The BIG Travel Issue!

LOOK AT YOUR PARK DISTRICT FOR PARTIES Deerfield Park District at Jewett Park Community Center 836 Jewett Park Dr., Deerfield (847) 945-0650 www.deerfieldparks.org

Itasca Park District 350 E. Irving Park Rd., Itasca (630) 773-2257 www.itascaparkdistrict.com

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

For more information, call (708) 386 5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com ChicagoParent.com April 2015 63

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Celebrations // special advertising section

Purple Monkey Playroom

The Paintbrush

2040 N. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL

2646 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL

773-772-8411 • purplemonkeyplayroom.com

773-636-1968 • thepaintbrush.net

Geared toward children celebrating their 1st – 6th birthdays, Purple Monkey offers everything from basic space rental, to fully custom celebrations, and everything in between. Now offering several Frozen-themed party packages!

From an intimate birthday workshop to a super blow-out pARTy for up to 25 kids we have just the pARTy you’re looking for. At The Paintbrush we put the ART in pARTy. You relax and enjoy the celebration, we take care of everything! Your kids have fun expressing their joy through ART! Adult pARTies, too!

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special advertising section // Celebrations

We throw WAND-erful birthday parties that create magical memories!

$219.99

All-inclusive party for 8 guests Private Party Room Character Host Pizza & Beverages Medieval Goblets

Adventure Realm

advrealm.com 331-777-4344

EVERY EVERYMORNING MORNINGMY MY HUMAN HUMANSHAVES SHAVESOFF OFF HIS HISFACE FACEFUR, FUR,HE’S HE’S FUNNY FUNNYLIKE LIKETHAT. THAT. —TUCK —TUCK adopted adopted05-04-11 05-04-11

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Celebrations // special advertising section

From ponies to pigs, animal lovers get up close and personal

Animals add that special something to a birthday By CARRIE RODOVICH

hether you prefer your critters big or small, want to host them in your home or visit them on a farm, little animal lovers will squeal with delight when animals become part of celebrating their special day. But hosting a party with live animals does include some extra considerations for mom and dad. Although the animals are used to being handled, kids must be told before the party that it is always important to treat them kindly and with respect and to approach them with caution.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FROG LADY

At Forest View Farms in Tinley Park, you can throw

Delicious Food, Fun Times And Lots of Trains! Perfect Place for Parties 7401 Madison St. Forest Park www.thejunctiondiner.com

is part of your favorite social networks Find us on Facebook Join the Twitter party! Follow us @ChicagoParent On Pinterest pinterest.com/chiparent

a party at the farm or bring their animals to your party,

says Laura Beall, a member of the office staff. The farm offers wagon rides as well as pony rides for young children and trail rides for the older kids. Visitors also can enter the petting zoo to pet the chickens, ducks, geese, llamas, pigs, goats, alpacas and rabbit. Beall says people worry about germs or catching something from the animals, but they don’t need to worry. “It’s getting harder and harder to find farms for people to come out and see what a farm does,” she says. “We want people to come out, have fun, pet the animals and enjoy them.” Sue Johnson, of Wheeling,

Great Birthday Celebrations Without the Work!

River Forest Community Center 8020 W. Madison, River Forest Private Birthday Parties in our Indoor Playland or Gymnasium! Three affordable packages to choose from, including a Deluxe Pizza Party Stop in and see why Chicagoland Parents give our Birthday Parties “Two Thumbs Up” Call Our Party Coordinator for more information

(708) 771-6159 Mention our ad and receive 10% off your party package

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started out as a pet shop owner and a teacher, and then decided to combine her interests to create Sue’s Party Animals more than 20 years ago. “My goal is for the kids to have a good time and learn a little something. I enjoy being with the kids,” she says. “I like teaching them the responsibility of being a pet owner and the importance of doing your research beforehand.” She says she takes a chinchilla, a rat, a hedgehog, guinea pigs, a bearded dragon, a rat, a gecko and a corn snake with her to parties. Sometimes guests are afraid. Although she never forces her animals on anyone, people often change their minds about the animals once they are exposed to them. “I like to have fun with the kids and help them learn the difference between what they can touch and what they shouldn’t touch,” she says. Gurnee-based Deb Krohn is known as “The Frog Lady” and brings about 20 reptiles to parties all over the Chicagoland area. “We get the animals out individually and have a meet and greet, whoever wants to hold the animals and pet them can,” she says. Although animal-experience birthday parties are good for any age, the most popular age group is between 8 and 12, Krohn says. “That age is old enough so you don’t have to baby them, but they’re young enough so they’re super enthusiastic,” she says. It’s also best for the party to include a smaller number of kids — generally less than a dozen — so everyone has a chance to pet and touch

special advertising section // Celebrations

everything without feeling rushed. Krohn says she brings frogs and salamanders, lizards, turtles and snakes to her parties, but the hands-down favorite animals are the bearded dragons and the 7-foot-long boa constrictor. Rebecca Cook, barn manager at Pine Grove Equestrian Center in Mundelein, says little cowboys and little cowgirls will learn a new appreciation for animals and taking care of them. “Look into a horse’s eye, and you’ll see the most gentle creature ever. You’ll see this calmness,” she says. At its parties, kindness to all animals will be a message that lingers long after the party, which includes rides, demonstrations and activities. Krohn says if you are going to host a party with live animals, it is important to make sure the person you hire likes kids as much as they do animals. “A lot of times, people love their animals, so that’s why they choose this as a job,” she says. “But if they don’t have patience for kids, or they’re not willing to be flexible with how they do things, it isn’t going to work. There are so many things that can happen and change, you have to be able to go with it.”

Giddy up and celebrate your child's birthday at Pine Grove Equestrian Center. Two affordable packages to chose from Spacious party room Indoor or outdoor arena (weather permitting) Safe clean environment See our website for more details: www.pinegroveequestrian.com

CHICAGO’S #1 HOME CHICAGO’S #1 HOME FOR FUN & HASSLE-FREE FOR FUN & HASSLE-FREE CHICAGO’S #1 HOME BIRTHDAY PARTIES BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR FUN & HASSLE-FREE VOTE BIRTHDAY PPARTIES LVAOCE TD BEST O TEDOBWE

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for parentsand convenient Hassle-free for parents KIDS PLAY TOGETHER with Hassle-free and convenient activities and games KIDS PLAY TOGETHER with for parents organized and facilitated activities and games by WCF event staff organized and facilitated KIDS PLAY TOGETHER with by WCF event staff activities and games Many themed parties organized andparties facilitated available including Many themed by WCF including event staff Ultimate Sports, available Mad Ultimate Sports,parties ManyScience, themed LaserTag, Mad Science, available including Build-A-Friend Stuffed Animals, LaserTag, Ultimate Sports, Scavenger Hunts more! Build-A-Friend Stuffed Mad Science, andAnimals, Scavenger Hunts and more! LaserTag, Fun and exciting for kids of Build-A-Friend Stuffed Animals, all ages, 1 to adult Fun and exciting for kids of Scavenger Hunts and more! all ages, 1 to adult No cleanup and Funcleanup andcatering exciting for kids of flexible No and options all ages, 1 to adult flexible catering options CALL NOW! No cleanup Dates filling and fast! CALL NOW! flexible catering Dates filling fast! options CALL NOW! Dates filling fast! Chicago's #1 Home for Birthday Parties

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Celebrations // special advertising section The Accelerated Center

will include reserved seats at our dining counter where the train will deliver everyone’s meals. A private party room is available. Visit our website for additional information.

1900 Old Willow Rd. Northbrook (224) 326-2061 acceleratedcenter.com The North Shore’s newest venue for Sports and Events. Our 96,000 sq. ft. facility hosts Sports Leagues, Classes, Camps and the most Interactive Celebrations around. Large occasions to birthday parties can feature built-in games, races and relays all facilitated by our engaging staff providing you with a worry-free event.

Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview (847) 832-6923 kcmgc.org/bdays 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 private room rental and full-day Museum admission for all your guests. Mention Chicago Parent when booking and save $20 off regular prices!

Adventure Realm 2011 63rd Street Downers Grove (331) 777-4344 Advrealm.com

The Little Gym Chicago (773) 525-5750 thelittlegym.com

We throw WAND-derful birthday parties that create magical memories!! All-inclusive party: Private Party Room, Character Host, Pizza & Beverages, Medieval Goblets.

When we’re not teaching fantastic gymnastics classes, we’re hosting the best birthday parties ever! We hold parties one at a time so your child’s friends are the only ones in the gymeveryone stays together and plays together. We handle it all from set up to clean up!

A Fairytale Ballet 3 Locations Chicago/Bucktown, Chicago/ Lakeview, Evanston (773) 606-0318 (BT) (773) 477-4488 (LV & EV) www.AFairytaleBallet.com A ballerina hostess leads the festivities in your home or in our Fairytale Ballet studio. Your child’s favorite fairytale will come to life as all children dress in beautiful costumes and dance with props to coordinating music creating a magical experience that is tutu much! Classic to modern themes from The Teddy Bear’s Picnic to Cinderella & even Frozen! Ages 2 & up.

Bughouse Studio 4845 Oakton St., Skokie (847) 674-3774 bughouseartstudio.com Bughouse Studio is a contemporary art studio that offers ceramic classes, summer camps and birthday parties for kids of all ages and abilities. For your special day, we’ll both sculpt and glaze our clay!

Ceramic Arts Café 26 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange (708) 579-3033 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!

CircEsteem & The Chicago Youth Circus (312) 731-HAHA 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.

photo courtesy of circesteem

Deerfield Park District for Indoor Fun, Parties & More! Treehouse Playground, 836 Jewett Park Drive (847) 945-0650 deerfieldparks.org & Fun Jump at Sachs Rec. Center, 455 Lake Cook Rd., (847) 572-2600 Book your Parties now! Sports & Games, Golf, Swimming, Yoga, Taekwondo, Rhythmic Gymnastics or Super Hero themes; Dance, Art/Ceramics, Cooking, Magic, Beauty, Science; and more. Enjoy our indoor Treehouse or Fun Jump. Or, “create your own” celebration! Party Coordinators and optional Food Packages are available as are Rentals to “do-it-yourself.”

Dolphin Swim Club Rockford Region (815) 282-3488 Chicagoland (Crystal Lake, Skokie) (847) 854-1300 dolphinswimclub.com

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.

Galt Toys + Galt Baby Strollers, Toys, Car Seats, Nursery, Furniture, Baby Gear, Gift Registry Old Orchard Shopping Center (847) 329-7712 galtbaby.com We have been serving families in the area over 30 years. We have unique hand-selected toys, baby furniture, strollers and car seats. Free car seat install with car seat purchases by our certified car seat technicians. Free local delivery & assembly on strollers.

iFLY Chicago Indoor Skydiving, ages 3-103 Rosemont (779) 368-4359 Naperville (779) 456-4359 Chicago.iflyworld.com

Dolphin Swim Club is a learn-to-swim facility that is committed to instilling self-confidence, a desire to learn, and safety awareness in every child. Our professionally trained teachers create a fun learning environment with four or fewer students per class in a warm, heated pool! Call about classes, birthday parties and more!

Your iFLY party can be as small as 5 or as large as 50 flyers and include: A flight training class with a professional instructor, All the flight gear, On site party coordinator, and Video clips of your flight sessions, All packages and can be customized to be tailored just for you. Customization can include: Private party rooms, personalized catering, Custom cakes, Party Bags & Favors and T-Shirts. Just bring your guests and let us do the rest.

Fleetwood Roller Rink

The Junction Diner

7231 W. Archer Ave. (at Harlem Ave.), Summit (708) 458-0300 fleetwoodrollerrink.com

7401 W. Madison St., Forest Park (708) 771-5276 thejunctiondiner.com

We’ve expanded! New Banquet Facilities now available for Graduations, Showers and private

The Junction Diner is the perfect place to celebrate your next birthday! We can accommodate large and small parties. Party packages are available. Parties

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 2001 N. Roselle Rd. Schaumburg (888) WE-JOUST (935-6878) medievaltimes.com Medieval Times is the perfect place to celebrate your birthday party! Where else can you be a Knight or a Princess on your special day? Our Medieval birthday package includes admission to our two-hour live jousting show, four-course medieval feast, slice of cake, group photo and personalized announcement during the show! Call for birthday party package details.

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

Odyssey Fun World Tinley Park: I-80 & Harlem Ave. Naperville: I- 88 & Rt. 59 (708) 429-3800 Odysseyfunworld.com Odyssey Fun World is a great place to have your child’s next birthday party! Featuring 2 levels of redemption and video games, Odyssey Fun World prides itself as beating the competition with the latest technology, and award winning redemption center. Our facilities offer several different party packages at discounted rates!

Pine Grove Equestrian Center 21797 W IL Route 176

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Hawthorn Woods (847) 370-4646 www.pinegroveequestrian.com Give your child a party theywill never forget at Pine Grove Equestrian Center. Kids will enjoy celebrating their birthday in a fun safe and unique party setting. Parents can sit back and relax while kids enjoy a ride on our horses. Two packages to chose from. Call today!

Pump It Up Party Orland Park (708) 479-2220 (312) 664-PUMP Chicago 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!

Putting Edge Glow-in-theDark Mini Golf 4105 North Harlem, Chicago (708) 457-8377 puttingedge.com

special advertising section // Celebrations

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 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.

Safari Land 701 W. North Ave., Villa Park (630) 530-4649 safarilandfun.com With party options and pricing for all ages, Safari Land 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.

Schaumburg Boomers

847.461.3695 or visit www.boomersbaseball.com for more information!

Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 SkokieParks.org Why throw an ordinary birthday party? We are the birthday party experts offering unique ideas including mini-golf 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 Exploratorium, our kids’ imagination playground.

Vertical Endeavors Indoor Rock Climbing 246 Windy Pont Drive Glendale Heights (630) 784-9000 verticalendeavors.com

photo courtesy of schaumburg boomers

ages. Your children go home exhausted and we handle the clean up!

Yu Kids Island

Schedule your event at our newest location, Glendale Heights! We offer Birthday parties, Holiday Camps, Group Events, Youth Teams and more!

1999 S. Springinsguth Rd., Schaumburg (847) 461-3695 x2207 boomersbaseball.com

Windy City Fieldhouse

What better way to say “Happy Birthday” than with a baseball stadium serenading your little one on their special day! Available for every game and age, celebrate a December “Half Birthday” in June. Schedule a Birthday they will N EVER forget by calling

The place for action packed, entertaining, hassle free birthday parties with creative onsite and offsite packages. Expert staff plan and manage an interactive party that includes games and competitions chosen by your child from a variety of NEW themed pack-

2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago (773) 486-7416 WindyCityFieldhouse.com/birthdays

Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg (847) 969-9000 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills (847) 680 3800 yukidschicago.com Yu Kids Island has Birthday Party Options ! The play system features movable rides that offer hours of fun for young children in a colorful and cheerfully decorated, safe environment. We offer space and clean-up, leaving you to enjoy your time! Have a relaxing coffee and snack in our cafe!!! FREE Wifi. Mon-Sat 10 am-9 pm Sunday 11am-6pm.

Code: CHIPAR

We turned the traditional game of mini golf indoors, turned down the lights and turned up the music. From the moment you walk in you have entered a world full of fun and imagination. Whether 6 or 60, Putting Edge is perfect for a friends, or fun-filled family outing.

River Forest Community Center

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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

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

Performer with an ActionPacked, High Energy Comedy Magic Show Includes: • Fire-Eating • Machete Juggling • Stilt Walker • & Much More

847-672-6165

www.letsclownaround.net

Perfect 5-star rating on Yelp “We Make Any Day a Fun Day”

Chicago’s best-reviewed magician

312-330-0925 Moonwalks, Bounce Houses, Waterslide Rentals & More! Learn more: thegreatscott.com (847) 361-0924

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Custom Painted Wall Murals

Make your next Birthday Party a

Call for a free estimate

ELAINE SINCLAIR muralist • B.F.A.

815.344.8965

Since 1991

www.muralsbyelaine.com

• Hands-on • No mess fun • Ages 5-12!

SuE’S Party AnimAlS

Book us for your next party or event! •We Entertain •We Educate •We're Cute & Fun •We're Clean & Safe

new lower rates!

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847-215-8508

We Come to You! Exciting hands-on experiments may include: • Slippery slime • Cool chemistry Also Available • Rocket launches • Cotton candy ....and lots more

is part of your favorite social networks Find us on Facebook Join the Twitter party! Follow us @ChicagoParent On Pinterest pinterest.com/chiparent

As seen on WGN, WTTW, and NBC Local!

North Cook and Lake

Chicago 773-227-3345

224-676-1635

630-393-3322

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

Magical Entertainment for all occasions!

630-855-4521 toll free:855-KDM-AGIC

www.kidzmagic.biz

Western Suburbs

Your Birthday Party Specialist H Fun Magic Shows H Balloon Twisting H Goodie Bags Available And Much More! Since 1989

708- Fun-Town (386-8696) www.mrbobsmagic.com mrbob@mrbobsmagic.com Mention Chicago Parent for extra savings

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#1 Birthday magician

Amazing Tim Adamz 3 Arrives Early

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Spring Special $10 Off Indoor & Outdoor Party Rentals for... • Birthday Parties • School Festivals • Church Events • Reunions • Picnics

Games/Concessions/Tables/Chairs also available! Face Painting!

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Local delivery, Setup & Pick-up included

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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!

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call Erin at

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

Traveling Players presents

Aurora area

Diane C

CLOE the Clown

• Magic Tricks • Games • Face Painting • Balloon Animals • Story Telling and More

Book your Birthday Parties Today!

11 (630

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Planning a Party? Check out our Entertainment & Party Planning section for the perfect entertainer, party supply or service.

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calendar APRIL

Easter egg hunts are sure to work up an appetite (all thatt jostling!), which is why Lincoln Park Zoo’s Eaaster Egg-Stravaganza includes a pancake breakfas kfast to start. Kids can check out the real-lifee animals that make their hom me at the zoo o, then snap a picture o with a certain vvisiting i bunny. Plus,, rid ides es on thee Endang gered Species Caro g rous usel us el or new w Lion nell Train Adve veent ntur ure re are inclu luded d iin the daayy’’s fu fun. $20, $15 mem mbers; $4 40 kids 2-12, $3 35 membe beer kids; free kidss 1 and under. 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. A April 4. Ap Lincoln Park Zo oo, 2 220 00 N. Cannon Drive, Chiccago. o. (312) 742-2000, lpzoo o.org g.

Got the next Amy Poehler growing up in your house? Or just a kid who’s been known to make up some tall tales? Tap into that talent for creating (or performing) elaborate yarns at The Great Greatest Story Never Told, a totally improvised show that starts with th an empty stosto vised an concludes with ith a real rybook and base on that day’s show. book based Good thing you can buy the befor you leave— book before you’ll want it as a meyou’ll whe Amy Jr. mento when accepts her first Emmy award. $15. 1:30-2:30 Saturda The iO p.m. Saturdays. The Chicago Theater, 1501 o. N. Kingsbury St., Chicago. 929-24 v. (312) 929-2401, ioimprov. com/chicago.

Bring your little half-pints to Laura Ingalls Wilder Day, where they can learn what it was like to live in the 1800s just like the Ingalls clan did. Families can dip candles, make cornbread, sew, weave and try their hands at blacksmithing. The most dedicated students can even study in the one-room schoolhouse (on a Saturda Saturday, no less!), or maybe just read some Little House on the Prai Prairie when they arrive back iin the 21st century. $7, $ $4.50 resident. Noon-3 p.m p.m. April 11. Blackberry Far Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Au Aurora. (630) 892-1550, fox x foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

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CALENDAR 1 | WEDNESDAY FAIRY TALE FOREST. Kids 6-9 hike

through an enchanted forest, build a house for fairies and gnomes, and construct a magical forest creature to bring home. $8. 1-2 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org. STROLLER TOURS. Caregivers discover the MCA’s exhibitions with a docent, exploring galleries without concern that their baby or stroller will disrupt the tour. Free with museum admission. 11:30 a.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. (312) 280-2660, mcachicago.org.

Sec Se eco con cond nd d Su un nd da ay

2 | THURSDAY

3 | FRIDAY

DAYTIME CAMPOUT. Kids 7-11 put

on PJs and grab a sleeping bag for a campout in the Nature Center. Make paper bag ‘campfires,’ enjoy a favorite campout treat, watch the stars in the Starlab portable planetarium, and then snuggle in for a movie. $18. Check website for times. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

Seee Ap Apr l 1122 Apri

GRANDPARENT/GRANDCHILD BINGO & PIZZA. Kids 6 and up,

with grandparent, enjoy 12 games of Bingo, a snack, pizza and a drink, and prizes for everyone. $22, $15 resident. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org. SPRING BREAK SPRUCE UP.

West Chicago. See April 2. SPRING BREAK SPRUCE UP. Spend part of spring break

helping with spring cleaning at the farm. Activities include cleaning the animal pens, sweeping the house and weeding the kitchen garden. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. (630) 876-5900, dupageforest.org/ klinecreekfarm.

4 | SATURDAY SUBURBS STARRY STARRY NIGHT. Kids

7 and up step inside the Starlab portable planetarium and take a tour of the night sky. Learn to identify constellations and discover stories

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the May issue is March 30. 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 Events, beginning on page 90.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

told about them for centuries, then head outside to practice identifying skills. Kids must be accompanied by a participating adult. $8. 7-8:30 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 4336901, hellernaturecenter.org.

5 | SUNDAY SUBURBS INTRODUCTION TO PRESCRIPTION BURNS. Hear

about the how, when and why of the prescription burn program, and see a burn in progress, weather permitting. 1-3 p.m. St. James Farm, Winfield and Butterfield roads, Warrenville. dupageforest.com.

6 | MONDAY MESSY MONDAYS. Features special

theme-focused art projects with professional artists. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycenter museum.org.

7 | TUESDAY A HANDFUL OF NATURE. Kids 3-5 enjoy stories, crafts, games and play in a texture-based sensory program. Rough, smooth, crunchy or fuzzy; children will find much hiding among the trees to start their own nature

collection. Adults must accompany children, who should wear shoes and clothes that can get dirty. $25, $18 members. 9:30-11 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. BABIES IN NATURE. Take a stroll

with a naturalist, and let nature engage the senses of infants and toddlers. No pre-registration required. $6 adult and child, $3 additional family member. 10-10:45 a.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernature center.org.

8 | WEDNESDAY A HANDFUL OF NATURE. Kids 18-35 months enjoy stories, crafts, games and play in this texture-based sensory program. Adults must accompany children. $22, $15 members. 9:30-11 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

10 | FRIDAY OLD FASHIONED CAMPFIRE. Take a short hike with a naturalist along the trails, play games with friends and family, and enjoy marshmallows roasted over the campfire. $8, free kids 2 and under. 6-7:30 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

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LINCOLN PARK PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN

Why NAEYC Matters By JENNI SORENSON Community Resource Director

ll early learning environments are licensed under city and state regulations. An environment that obtains further accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) values and operates at a higher standard for education and professionalism. The excellence of NAEYC-accredited programs is demonstrated in a preschool’s commitment to strive to best serve it’s families and staff. NAEYC is an important partner in this endeavor. “All young children thrive and learn in a society dedicated to ensuring they reach their full potential.” – NAEYC Vision Statement The National Association for the Education of Young Children is the

nation’s leading organization promoting quality early childhood education. NAEYC supports and assures the quality of care provided in programs for our youngest learners. They are responsible for setting research-based standards and providing resources to improve early childhood program quality. Additionally, they enhance the professional development of early childhood educators and help families understand the need for high quality education in the early years of learning. These powerful statements become realized in NAEYC-accredited classrooms in a myriad of ways. Early Childhood programs accredited by NAEYC have undergone a thorough process of self-study and improvement through reflection. Being a NAEYC-accredited program is an active, ongoing process that requires a program’s vigorous commitment to providing the best care and education possible for each child and their family. Each NAEYC-accredited

program will meet all 10 of the NAEYC Early Childhood program Standards. Accreditation is conferred for five years. During this time, programs submit annual reports documenting their compliance with the NAEYC standards. Visits by NAEYC program assessors ensure that standards are met. The 10 NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards are derived from the latest research on the development of young children. They require that their programs: • Promote positive relationships for all children and adults to encourage each child’s sense of individual worth. • Implement a curriculum that fosters all areas of child development: cognitive, emotional, language, physical, and social. • Use developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate and effective teaching approaches. • Provide ongoing assessments of a child’s learning and development and

communicate the child’s progress to the family. • Promote the nutrition and health of children and staff from illness and injury. • Employ and support a teaching staff that has the educational qualifications, knowledge, and professional commitment necessary to promote children’s learning and development and to support families’ diverse interests and needs. • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with each child’s family. • Establish relationships with and use the resources of the community to support achievement of program goals. • Provide a safe and healthy physical environment. • Implement strong personnel, fiscal, and program management policies so that all children, families, and staff have high-quality experiences. www.naeyc.org

LPP Germania : 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago, IL 60610 • 312-482-9009 • info@lppgermania.com LPP Belden : 312 W. Belden Ave., Chicago, IL 60614 • 773-665-0110 • info@lppbelden.com LPP Webster : 2150 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614 • 773-248-3381 • info@lppwebster.com

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monthly drop-in program with interactive themes. The focus is on Robert McCormick’s love of innovation. Visitors can create their own inventions using recycled materials and test their knowledge about when some of history’s most important inventions made their debut. $5 parking. Noon-3 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

CHICAGO ONCE UPON A SYMPHONY: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK. Features

musicians of the CSO, a storyteller and sets and costumes created by Chicago Children’s Theatre for families with kids 3-5. This unforgettable version of the beloved fairy tale emphasizes Jack’s creativity and persistence, his love for his family and the importance of music. $17. 10 and 11:45 a.m. Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 294-3000, cso.org. CHICAGO’S NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART’S DÍA DEL NIÑO HEALTH WALK & FAMILY FESTIVAL. This family

festival is filled with interactive games, art activities, performances, wellness screenings and fitness. Beforehand, take the two-mile walk from the museum to the UIC Forum. Visit website for more information. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (10 a.m. walk). UIC Pavilion, 525 S. Racine Ave. national museumofmexicanart.org. FAMILY DAY: LOST AND FOUND. Based on the exhibi-

tion Doris Salcedo, families are invited to uncover hidden secrets, discover new ideas and find their artistic voice. Free for families with kids 12 and under. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. (312) 280-2660, mcachicago.org. REPTILEFEST. Features hundreds

of animals for visitors to touch, hold and look at. No animals are for sale. Includes lots of activities for kids. Experts are on hand to answer questions about reptiles and amphibians. $10, $7 kids 3-11, free kids under 3. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. University of IllinoisChicago Physical Education building, 901 W. Roosevelt Road. (312) 4094456, chicagoherp.org. ANIMAL ENRICHMENT WORKSHOP. Adults and kids can

make edible piñatas and other creative enrichment items for the zoo’s animals. Join the zoo in creating willow balls, wreaths, piñatas and

12 | SUNDAY

Re R ept p ilieF es st

CHICAGO

See Apprriil 11

REPTILEFEST. See April 11.

other enticing items for the cats, gorillas or the rhinoceros. Then head out to the zoo to see the animals pounce and play with their new items. $5, $4 members. 1-3:30 p.m. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive. (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org. CIVIC CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES. A series of innovative

public performances, educational performances at public schools and participation in the 2015 Chicago Youth in Music Festival. Today’s location is Davis Square Park, 4430 S. Marshfield Ave., at 3 p.m. cso.org.

SUBURBS SUNSET FIRE & PICNIC ON THE PRAIRIE. Enjoy an early spring

picnic while learning about the role of fire in managing natural areas, and then watch from a safe distance as trained staff burn the prairie at sunset. Picnic fare available for purchase or bring your own. $3, $12 family, free kids 3 and under. 6-8:30 p.m. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. (847) 985-2100, parkfun.com/spring-valley. COMMUNITY CLEAN UP THE PARKS DAY. Bring a group

for a fun clean-up party. The Park District provides bags and gloves. All participants receive a T-shirt and group recognition in the Fall Park District Activity Guide. 1-3 p.m. Woodridge Park District, 2600 Center

Drive, Woodridge. (630) 353-3300, woodridgeparks.org. FLOWER PETAL TEA PARTY. Kids

2 and up enjoy a cup of tea and sweet treats, discover which parts of trees and plants make the best teas, then plant some herbs to take home and grow. $29, $21 members. 10-11:30 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. JUNIE B. JONES. Meet Junie B.’s

new friends, see her work in the school cafeteria and learn what she does to make the best of a bad situation as Theatreworks’ original play brings Barbara Parks’ popular Junie B. Jones books to life on stage. Recommended for families with kids in grades K-5. $16, $14 kids. 11 a.m. McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 942-4000, atthemac.org. PASSPORT TO SAFETY & WHEELY BIG TRUCKS. Each child

receives a passport at the beginning of the event and uses it to meet local safety personnel and learn important tips to keep safe in and around their home. Afterward, touch, see and explore trucks and vehicles of all shapes and sizes. 10 a.m.-noon. Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300, dgparks.org. SECOND SATURDAY: INNOVATION. Families are invited to

the museum’s Gold Theatre for a new

SECOND SUNDAY. Workshops take place throughout the academic year, offering drop-in, hands-on art-making workshops for kids and families, providing an interactive experience that engages visitors of all ages in contemporary art, while also offering participants personal insight into the Art Center’s exhibits. 1-4 p.m. Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave. (773) 324-5520, hydeparkart.org.

SUBURBS KANELAND COMMUNITY FINE ARTS FESTIVAL. More than

15 professional visual artists demonstrate their art. Professional performances and workshops run throughout the day, while the Kaneland High School Art Club provides balloon animals and face painting and the Science Club makes instruments out of recycled material. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Kaneland High School, 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park. (630) 365-5100 ext. 180, kanelandarts initiative.org. WEEKEND FAMILY CLASS: GUMBALLS & SUPERBALLS. Kids

4-10, with adult, find out how people use parts of rainforest trees to make chewing gum and rubber. Create a bouncing ball and gum to take home. $23 per child. 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

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including fresh choreography and esteemed company repertoire. Also features special guests from Elements Contemporary Ballet and a new work by special guest choreographer and former dancer from Martha Graham Dance Company Sandra Kaufmann. $20. 7 p.m. Aerial Dance Chicago, 4028 W. Irving Park Road, Loft A (2nd floor), Chicago. (773) 4634402, aerialdancechicago.org.

FAMILY STORYTIME! Join Ms. Irica in the Music Explorers room for stories, songs and networking time. 11-11:45 a.m. Merit School of Music, Joy Faith Knapp Music Center, 38 S. Peoria St., Chicago. (312) 786-9428, meritmusic.org.

14 | TUESDAY A HANDFUL OF NATURE. Lisle.

FAMILY NIGHT OUT: KITES.

See April 8. THE MUSICAL ADVENTURES OF FLAT STANLEY. Flat Stanley

is a normal 10-year-old boy—too normal, if you ask him. His wish for adventure is granted when a bulletin board flattens Stanley, enabling him to mail himself all around the world. Recommended for families with kids in grades K-4. $8. 10 a.m. and noon. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. (847) 673-6300, north shorecenter.org.

Bring a kite or make one (complimentary). Wind permitting, Chicago Kite will demonstrate some larger, fancier models. $2 parking. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny. org.

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PUPPETS ALIVE!

15 | WEDNESDAY

17 | FRIDAY

A HANDFUL OF NATURE. Lisle.

AERIAL DANCE RAW 2. An

See April 7.

intimate evening of performances,

Contemporary animated and liveaction shorts incorporating shadow and body puppetry, presented in conjunction with Temptation: The Demons of James Ensor and interactive exhibition Puppets! 2-2:45

Chicago Parent readers: Use discount code CHICAGOPARENT to get $2 off! Readings By Local Writers on Motherhood

Chicago’s 4th Annual Listen To Your Mother Show

2 p.m. Sunday, May 3

Athenaeum Theatre

2936 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago

Tickets available online at athenaeumtheatre.org, by phone at (773) 935-6875, or in person at the box oﬃce.

Chicago 2015

10% of ticket proceeds to beneﬁt The Red Pump Project, a nonproﬁt organization raising awareness about the impact of HIV and AIDS on women and girls.

Sponsored locally by…

Listen To Your Mother: in 39 cities nationwide for 2015…and now a book!

Listen To Your Mother: What She Said Then, What We’re Saying Now, edited by LTYM founder Ann Imig and in bookstores on April 7!

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BAR W GUEST RANCH Whiteﬁsh, MT

866-828-2900 www.thebarw.com

Experience relaxing, Montana hospitality in the heart of Glacier Country. Enjoy exceptional horseback riding and outdoor activities for all ages.

LAZYRANCH U RANCH GROS VENTRECRIVER Granby, CO

970-887-3344 www.clazyu.com

C Lazy U is Colorado’s Premier Guest Ranch, perfect for families with children of all ages. The ranch features luxurious accommodations, a supervised children’s program and 8,500 acres of adventure.

FLYING E DUDE RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Wickenburg, AZ

888-684-2650 www.ﬂyingeranch.com

Breakfast is over, the horses are saddled and your day at the Flying E Ranch begins. Ride out over rolling Sonoran desert hills!

LAZY L&B RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Dubois, WY

800-453-9488 www.lazylb.com

This is the unique vacation your children will never forget with the perfect balance of adventure and tranquility. There’s great riding, fishing, swimming, riﬂe range, petting zoo and spectacular scenery.

THE VENTRE HIDEOUT LODGE & GUEST RANCH GROS RIVER RANCH Shell, WY

800-354-8637 www.thehideout.com

CHIPAR0415_078.indd 1

This 100-year old, upscale working cattle, riding & adventure ranch east of Cody and Yellowstone National Park is limited to 25 riders weekly and books up early in the season.

WHITE STALLION RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Tucson, AZ

Horseback riding, rocking climbing and unforgettable western adventures! See what our guests have to say @

888-977-2624 www.whitestallion.com

WIND RIVER RIVER CHRISTIAN GUEST RANCH GROS VENTRE RANCH Estes Park, CO

800-523-4212 www.windriverranch.com

BOOK NOW for a mountaintop family vacation with Rocky Mountain National Park as your front yard. Come invest in your family at Wind River Christian Dude Ranch.

LATIGO RANCH Kremmling, CO

800-227-9655 www.latigotrails.com

Voted Colorado’s Best and USA TODAY’s “Best Western Family Adventure.” Latigo specializes in making you feel like family comin’ home. Horseback riding, fishing, dancing, cookouts, archery - the list goes on.

PARADISE GUEST RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Buffalo, WY

307-684-7876 www.paradiseranch.com

Our award winning kids program exposes children to the natural world & also offers parents a chance to enjoy their own pursuits or spend time with their children.

CHEROKEE RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER PARK RANCH Livermore, CO

800-628-0949 www.cherokeeparkranch.com

Fantastic horses, breathtaking Colorado scenery, delicious food, incredible people, endless fun, & memories that last a lifetime! Come find your wilderness at Cherokee Park Ranch.

3/12/15 3:31 PM

GOOSEWING RANCH Jackson, WY

Goosewing Ranch combines the lifestyle of ranching in Wyoming with many modern refinements. This historic ranch offers a variety of family activities and adventures for those of all 888-733-5251 www.goosewingranch.com ages and abilities.

MEDICINE BOW LODGE & GUEST RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Saratoga, WY

800-409-5439 www.medbowlodge.com

What do guests say about Medicine Bow Lodge? The amazing beauty, relaxed atmosphere, the warm hospitality, everything about the horseback riding, taking care of the kids, and a true culinary experience.

SYLVANRIVER DALE GUEST GROS VENTRE RANCHRANCH

p.m. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan, Chicago. (312) 443-3600, artinstituteofchicago.org. CIVIC CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES.

Chicago. See April 11. Today’s locations are National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., at 2 p.m. and Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St., at 7 p.m. TODDLER EXPLORATION TIME. Parents and kids interact

during guided activities, facilitated by a Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory docent, and highlighting a different topic each month. 10:30-11:15 a.m. (18-30 months); 12:15-1 p.m. (3-5). Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 725-2400, oakpark conservatory.org.

18 | SATURDAY

Loveland, CO

877-667-3999 www.sylvandale.com

Saddle up for a transformational experience. Family owned and operated since 1946. Enjoy a wide variety of hands-on activities for all ages. Multigenerational families are our specialty!”

TANQUE VERDE RANCH GROS VENTRE RIVER RANCH Tucson, AZ

800-234-3833 www.tvgr.com

Discover America’s largest old time guest ranch. Plush accommodations, unparalleled amenities, supervised children’s programs and a vast array of exciting activities await you.

866-399-2339

www.duderanch.org

MUSIC AND DANCE. Features the symphonic soul of violinist Lee England, Jr., a performance by Muntu Dance Theatre and instrument share workshops. Noon-5 p.m. The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago, 915 E. 60th St. (773) 702-ARTS, logancenter. uchicago.edu. LEGO ARCHITECTS. Kids 6 and up and accompanying adults design and build a model structure. A youth educator introduces architecture concepts, guides the development of a floor plan and assists with construction of a Lego model. Participants take home their floor plan design and receive a photo of their model. A brief tour of the Robie House is included. $5 kids, free adults. 10 a.m.-noon. Frederick C. Robie House, 5757 S. Woodlawn Ave. (708) 848-1976, gowright.org.

SUBURBS

CHICAGO ONCE UPON A SYMPHONY: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK. See April

11. A CIRCUS SPACE ODYSSEY: CIRCESTEEM’S SPRING CIRCUS.

Features trapeze, gym wheel, acrobatics, juggling, clowning, stilt walking and trampoline performances by CircEsteem youth. $8-$18; $35 VIP. Check website for showtimes. Alternatives Inc., 4730 N. Sheridan Road. (773)732-4564, circesteem.org. AERIAL DANCE RAW 2. See April

17. CHICAGO MARITIME FESTIVAL.

Features a taste of almost every aspect of life on or near the water in Chicago through seminars, workshops, and concerts. Activities for younger sailors include model boat building, songs and “How to be an Underwater Detective.” $10 daytime activities; $15 kids’ concert plus activities $15; $23 evening concert plus activities. Daytime activities: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Children’s concert: 2:30-3:30 p.m. Evening concert: 7-10:30 p.m. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. (773) 575-7244, chicagomaritimefestival.org.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION.

Celebrate Earth Day at the sixth annual day of conservation and environmental stewardship. Projects may include invasive species removal, woodchipping trails or maintaining the Wander Woods Natural Play Area. Dress for the weather and for getting dirty. Call to register. 9 a.m.-noon. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 4336901, hellernaturecenter.org. KIDS FARE: JUMP THAT RHYTHM. The Jump Rhythm Jazz

Project leaps onstage, led by Billy Siegenfeld, to share toe-tapping music and exuberant dance. $6, $4 kids and students. Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. (847) 467-4000, pick staiger.org. EARTH DAY CELEBRATION.

Enjoy hikes and other programs providing information on what to do to help the earth. One activity will include stewardship, such as pulling Garlic Mustard and picking up trash. Noon-3 p.m. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org.

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CALENDAR EARTH DAY AT RED OAK.

Celebrate Earth Day by helping plant native trees in the morning, then stick around to do some fun, nature-inspired self-guided activities, all in honor of Mother Earth. 10-11 a.m. Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S. River St., Batavia. (630) 897-1808, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org. “NO ONE CAN STOP ME” ABILITIES EXPO. Network with

more than 60 organizations that support people with various disabilities and hear a presentation by a guest speaker. Plus, concessions and a raffle. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Plainfield Central High School Field House, 24120 W. Fort Beggs Drive, Plainfield. plainfield-township.com.

19 | SUNDAY CHICAGO A CIRCUS SPACE ODYSSEY: CIRCESTEEM’S SPRING CIRCUS.

See April 18. MISS JAMIE FROM THE FARM EARTH DAY SHOW AND CD RELEASE. Miss Jamie and her

puppet friends from the farm take the kids on a magical barnyard adventure that teaches healthy eating and happy (sustainable) farming in a sing-along, dance-along show that leaves children and parents alike stomping their boots and hollering for more. $6, free kids under 1. Doors open at 11 a.m., show begins at noon. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont. (773) 281-4444, beatkitchen.com.

SUBURBS AMERICAN GIRL AT SUR LA TABLE: MAKE & BAKE FRENCH TREATS. Kids 8-12 have the chance

to bake like the newest doll from American Girl. Each two-hour class begins with the fundamentals: following recipes, measuring, mixing and working safely in the kitchen. Then, guests learn how to make French pastry treats, including Apple Tarts, Chocolate Éclairs and Eiffel Tower Cookies. Each guest gets to take home an American Girl goody bag, including an American Girl apron, cookie

cutter from Sur La Table and more. $39. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sur la Table, various locations. (800) 243-0852, surlatable.com. SPRINGTIME ON THE FARM.

Experience a busy spring on a working 1880s farm by helping to till fields with a horse-drawn plow, plant a vegetable garden, watch a blacksmith, visit baby animals in the barn or help with spring cleaning in the farmhouse. Features kids’ crafts, refreshments and wagon shuttle to the farm. $4, $16 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. FAMILY DINO DIG. Go back in time to the age of dinosaurs. Dig for dinosaur bones and hike to look for dinosaur eggs. Children must be accompanied by a nonpaying adult. $12.50, $10 resident. 1-2 p.m. Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincolnmarsh.org. LITTLE DEBBIE SUNDAY. Features special promotions, plus kids have the opportunity to meet players after the game. Free with admission. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. (800) THE-WOLVES, chicagowolves.com.

20 | MONDAY FLY GUY AND OTHER STORIES.

This inventive musical revue is based on favorite children’s books and may include Fly Guy meets Fly Girl, Fluffy the Classroom Guinea Pig, Horace & Morris But Mostly Dolores, Kitten’s First Full Moon, Lilly’s Big Day and Paper Bag Princess. Recommended for families with kids in grades K-4. $12. 10 a.m. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. (847) 2636300, geneseetheatre.com.

22 | WEDNESDAY STORY TIME AND CRAFT.

Join Ruth and her friends for a surprise. Paperback Trading Co., 8825 S. Ridgeland Ave., Oak Lawn. (708) 5988442, paperbacktrading.webs.com.

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CALENDAR The Avery Coonley School

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25 | SATURDAY CHICAGO A CIRCUS SPACE ODYSSEY: CIRCESTEEM’S SPRING CIRCUS. See April 18. ONCE UPON A SYMPHONY: JACK AND THE BEANSTALK. See April

11. PLAYDATE AT OLD TOWN: STORYTELLING & WEST AFRICAN DANCE. Join Idy Ciss &

Mary Peterson for playing a djembe, a dance, Senegalese stories, a circle, a folktale, a song and a get-up-onyour-feet celebration of National Dance Week. Recommended for families with kids 7 and under. $6. 10 a.m. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4545 N. Lincoln Ave. (773) 728-6000, oldtownschool.org. KIDS’ CONCERT SERIES STOMP YOUR FEET TO THE JAMMIN’ BEAT. Environmental

awareness, neighborhood diversity and the ability of everyone to make his or her own music are just a few of the themes covered in this lively program of songs and stories

An exciting and educational summer program for children ages 4–14. Three sessions available: June 15–June 26, June 29–July 10, July 13–July 24 View the 2015 Summer Program Guide online at www.averycoonley.org/summerprogram 1400 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois

630-969-0800

for all ages. $12, $10 in advance. Noon. City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St. (312) 733-9463, citywinery.com/chicago. CIVIC CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES.

See April 11. Today’s location is North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Road, at 11 a.m.

SUBURBS ASTRONOMY DAY. Celebrate National Astronomy Week with free planetarium shows, star maps and star crafts. Check out the inner workings of a telescope and take a close-up look at our star, the Sun, with the Rockford Amateur Astronomy Club. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, dis coverycentermuseum.org. CIRQUE ZUMA ZUMA. This African Cirque-style show features non-stop action-paced entertainment and live music sure to wow old and young alike. Recommended for families with kids 7 and up. $46, $36 kids. 7 p.m. McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell

STEM Programs for Kids

Robotics & Invention • Adventure with LEGO Digital Media & Technology 3D Game Design ∙ App Design iPhone ∙ 3D Animation Coding ∙ Minecraft ∙ KidsCode Explore NASA ∙ ThinkTinkering

Chicago & Naperville

www.greenapplecampus.org 630.778.8480 ChicagoParent.com April 2015 81

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CALENDAR Blvd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 942-4000, atthemac.org. EARTH DAY CELEBRATION.

Includes games, activities, music, food and cold-blooded animals. Noon-4 p.m. James “Pate” Philip State Park/Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett. (847) 608-3100, bartlettparks.org. EARTH DAY WALK. Celebrate

Earth Day with a spring walk to the garden’s McDonald Woods, a 100acre oak woodland being restored to its pre-settlement condition. $25 parking. 1 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicago botanic.org.

Nowell Park, 5 Mills Road, Joliet. (815) 741-7275, jolietpark.org. SPRING SPRUCE-UP. Help spruce some local parks by picking up litter and doing other tasks to celebrate Earth Week. Locations include North Aurora Island Park, Blackberry Farm/Gilman Trail, Waubonsie Lake Park and South Island Park. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Fox Valley Park District, 517 N. Union St., Aurora. (630) 8987500, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

26 | SUNDAY CHICAGO A CIRCUS SPACE ODYSSEY: CIRCESTEEM’S SPRING CIRCUS.

See April 18. 3 ON 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT. A co-ed 3-on-3

HUMAN TIM + ROBOT TIM.

competition. First place for each division receives awards. Age groups are 6-8, 9-12 and 13-14. Each team may have up to four players. $40 team; $10 individual. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Human-Tim + Robot-Tim have been making music for kids and families around the Chicago area since 2009. Musically, the band encompasses a broad range of styles and

influences, falling somewhere on the “Indie-Rockin’ Twangy Electro-Folk” spectrum. $6, free kids under 1. Doors open at 11 a.m., show begins at noon. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont. (773) 281-4444, beat kitchen.com. MAGIC OF RHYTHM: A FAMILYFRIENDLY CONCERT. Percussionist-

turned-wizard Michael Folker juxtaposes music with magical illusions in this performance of the Chicago Philharmonic Chamber Players (cp2). Violinist Daniela Folker and percussionists Joel Cohen and Christopher Folker join him in combining melody, rhythm and exotic instruments from around the world. $10 reserved, $15 premier, $20 VIP; $5 kids in all sections. Noon. City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St. (312) 7339463, citywinery.com/chicago. CIVIC CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES. See April 11. Today’s loca-

tion is Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt Ave., at 3 p.m.

INFANT AND TODDLER GYM.

Includes soft places to crawl, a variety of textures to explore, parachute, bubbles and Music with Mr. David. Facilities also include a quiet room for feeding and diaper changes as needed. $10 family. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Florence G. Heller JCC, 524 W. Melrose Ave. 773-871-6780, gojcc.org.

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day of non-stop activities featuring the very best that Chicago has to offer families. Enjoy face painting, train rides, bounce houses, character visits, music and more. $5 kids 2-14 (limit $15 per family); free adults and kids under 2. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The Accelerated Center, 1900 Old Willow Road, Northbrook. chicagoparent. com/playdate. EARTH DAY CELEBRATION.

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CALENDAR grown and processed, and how food choices affect the planet. Plenty of earth-friendly foods will be available for sale and for sampling. Noon-4 p.m. Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie. (847) 677-7001, skokieparks.org. OPEN CLIMB. Check out a 50-foot

climbing tower. The tower provides a fun, challenging, and unique experience. No experience necessary, and a certified instructor will do the belaying. An adult must be present for children under 14. $18.75, $15 resident. 1-3 p.m. Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincolnmarsh.org.

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Eat to the beat

or most parents, the idea of listening to kids’ music while enjoying a nice glass of vino or whatever beer’s on tap (or maybe just a burger) sounds like a dream come true. So we found a couple of local spots where parents and kids can rock out and chow down at the same time.

City Winery Chicago has a brand-new Kids Concert Series that invites families to nosh on delicious brunch items (French Toast Bread Pudding, anyone?) while jamming to Amy Lowe and KingKatz on April 25. Their music touches on topics like environmental awareness and neighborhood diversity, so you know it will be stealthily educaMermaid_ChicagoParent.pdf 1 2/18/2015 tional for your little

rockers. $12, $10 in advance. Noon (doors open at 11 a.m.). City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 733-WINE, citywinery.com/Chicago. Roscoe Village favorite Beat Kitchen finds its kiddie audience nearly every Sunday afternoon with concerts aimed at a younger crowd. There’s no set kids’ menu, 3:43:43 PM but little ones will love the menu

choices, from tater tots to tacos (and a build-your-own pizza option). On April 19, Miss Jamie from the Farm sings about healthy eating and sustainable farming in an Earth Day show, while Human Tim + Robot Tim bring their “Indie-Rockin’ Twangy ElectroFolk” on April 26. $6. Noon (doors open at 11 a.m.). Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 281-4444, beatkitchen.com. Elizabeth Diffin

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PERFORMANCES JACK AND THE BEANSTALK.

Through April 2. Jack and his dancing Spanish cow Carmelita try to save their village from the crazy Giant. Recommended for families with kids 2-12. 10:30 a.m. select weekdays. Check website for dates. $12. Chicago Kids Company, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicagokidscompany.com. GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS. Opens April 3. Show is

based on the classic story of a young girl who ventures into the woods and stumbles on a cute house with three bowls of porridge, three chairs and three beds. Showing at Stahl Family Theater. 10:30 a.m. selected weekdays; 1 p.m. April 25. $12. Chicago Kids Company, 4104 N. Nashville Ave., Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicagokidscompany.com.

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THE DAY JOHN HENRY CAME TO SCHOOL. Opens April 7. When

his teacher is replaced by a megacomputer, Johnny couldn’t be happier. Then his steel-driving great-greatgrandfather arrives for show-andtell, and Johnny must take on the challenge of his life. Recommended for families with kids 8 and up. $10, $5 kids. Chicago Playworks at DePaul University, Merle Reskin Theatre at DePaul University, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-1999, theatre school.depaul.edu. PETER PAN AND THE PIRATES.

Follow Peter Pan as he battles Captain Hook and his team of swashbuckling bandits. For an additional $12, enjoy a special night for families with the “Prince and Princess Party” on April 10, featuring coloring, costumes, mini makeovers and more. Buffet dinner is included and begins at 5 p.m.; the performance follows at 7 p.m. April 7-12. $9.50, $7.50 kids. Theatre at the Center, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Ind. (219) 836-3255, theatreatthecenter.com. CINDERELLA - A CHICAGO KIDS COMPANY PRODUCTION. Through

April 10. See the favorite story with fun music-filled twists. Recommended for kids in grades PreK-3. $14, $12

kids 12 and under. Check website for performance times. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com. SPRING SPECTACLE. Enter Dracula’s castle for an epic experience inspired by the vampire tales of the 19th century. Expect a wild, immersive production of puppetry, intricate shadow shows, fantastic aerialists and eerie set design. April 10-26. $25, $15 kids, free kids 2 and under. Redmoon Theater, 2120 S. Jefferson St., Chicago. (312) 850-8440 ext. 111, redmoon.org. THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK.

Anne and her family are forced into hiding while the Nazis take over Europe. See what life was like for Anne while being hidden from the world for two years. Recommended for families with kids in grades 5-12. April 13-April 24. $14, $12 kids 12 and under. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com. CINDERELLA. Opens April 15. Sing,

dance and clap along with all the familiar characters in this fantastic story. 10:30 a.m. selected weekdays. $12. Chicago Kids Company, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicago kidscompany.com.

happens after the Queen tricks her daughter into eating the famous poisoned apple. 7:30 p.m. April 17 and 24; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. April 18 and April 25. $9. Overshadowed Theatrical Productions, 210 S. Walnut St., Itasca. (630) 250-7518, over shadowedproductions.com.

WORTHY. Opens April 17. A

modern fairy tale that whisks four young heroes on an adventurous quest, fighting dragons, monsters and villains in order to choose for themselves who they are and which paths they follow. Recommended for families with kids 8 and up. 7:30 p.m. Fridays, 4 p.m. Saturdays. $17, $12 youth. Adventure Stage Chicago, Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St., Chicago. (773) 342-4141, adventure stage.org. SNOW WHITE, THE QUEEN’S FAIR DAUGHTER. This classic tale

has all the familiar elements—the seven dwarves, mirror, glass coffin and apple. Fearing her secret might be discovered, the Queen abandons Snow White deep in the woods where she comes upon the small house of industrious seven dwarves and a surprise ending that reveals what

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES.

Through April 19. Based on the best-selling novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery, this world-premiere adaptation comes to the stage at Provision Theater. The Cuthberts expect to adopt a boy, but are in for a surprise when Anne Shirley steps off the train. Noon and 3 p.m. Saturdays; 3 p.m. Sundays. $15, $10 kids. Provision Theater Company, 1001 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. (866) 8114111, provisiontheater.org. WONDERLAND, ALICE’S ROCK & ROLL ADVENTURE. Opens April 22.

Lewis Carroll’s beloved, poetic tale is brought to life by a cast of actor/ musicians who create an eclectic, live rock soundtrack as Alice searches for her own inner musical voice. Throughout her journey, the actor/ musicians surround Alice in a live

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PERFORMANCES musical tapestry ranging from classic rock to punk to ska and even a little bit of Bollywood. Recommended for families with kids 7 and up. 10 a.m. Tuesdays; 10 a.m. and noon Wednesdays-Fridays; 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. Sundays. $10-$38. Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Ruth Page Center for Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (872) 2229555, chicagochildrenstheatre.org. THE LITTLE MERMAID. Opens April 22. The Theatre for Young Adults presents the classic tale with whimsical costumes, stunning sets and all-star talent. 10 a.m., with an additional show on Saturdays at 1 p.m. $15. Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 530-0111, drurylane oakbrook.com.

this vaudevillian romp of a musical. Check website for schedule. $15 and up. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emerald citytheatre.com.

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back in time to solve the mystery of the disappearing treasure. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays; 7 p.m. Sundays. $12-$18. Li’l Buds Theatre Company, 1206 W. Rosedale, Chicago. (773) 334-4543, lilbuds theatre.org. THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN.

PIRATES! Opens April 25. Jim’s

imaginary world collides with reality when a real pirate from 1718 appears in his bedroom. Kidnapped by Captain Freely, Jim is transported

FANCY NANCY: THE MUSICAL.

W rrtthy Wo hy

Through April 26. For 27 years, the world of Ivan the gorilla was a dull cage, but when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant captured in the wild, Ivan’s ambitions and imagination must grow

to meet the challenge of rescuing his endangered new companion. Based on the 2012 book by Katherine Applegate. Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. (No performances April 5.) $15. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 761-4477, lifelinetheatre.com. ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE’S WE ARE IN A PLAY! Favorite characters

from Mo Willems’ beloved Elephant and Piggie series take the stage for

From the top of her tiara down to her sparkly shoes, Nancy’s ready to take the spotlight in her first dance recital. But when someone else gets picked to be the prima ballerina, Nancy is stuck playing a dreary, dull tree. Can she still bring fancy flair to her role? Call for cost. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 9356100, emeraldcitytheatre.com. BINGO’S BIRTHDAY. Kids are in-

vited to Bingo the dog’s birthday, but no one can find Bingo in this interactive performance just for the very young. Call for cost. Emerald City’s Little Theatre, 2933 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 529-2690 ext. 810, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

Chicago Playworks for Families & Young Audiences

By ERIC PFEFFINGER directed by ERNIE NOLAN

APRIL 7 – MAY 16, 2015 at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre 60 E Balbo Dr, Chicago | 312 922 1999 | theatre.depaul.edu

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PERFORMANCES

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THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA.

When Prince Wellington is forced to choose a bride, trouble arises when he falls in love with a commoner. She must prove her worth by to sleeping on a stack of mattresses atop a single pea. A Q&A session with the cast follows the one-hour presentation. Check website for schedule. $17.23. Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200, MarriottTheatre.com.

JUICEBOX. Parents and young children 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. 11 a.m. alternate Fridays. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago. (312) 7446630, chicagoculturalcenter.org. STORYTOWN. Every show begins

BUSYTOWN. The imaginative

characters of Richard Scarry’s books come alive in this musical. Recommended for families with kids in preschool and up. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays. $10-12. Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. (847) 2912367, northbrooktheatre.org. THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: SPRING INTO ACTION. Barrel

of Monkeys, a Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble, conducts creative writing workshops with third-fifth grade students in underserved Chicago Public Schools and turns their stories into professionally performed theater, presented both in-school and for the general public. The line-up changes each week by audience vote, so no two shows are ever the same. $12; $6 kids under 12. 2 p.m. Sundays. April 5-26. Barrel of Monkeys, The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrelofmonkeys.org.

with the audience choosing a location. Kids are then invited onstage to decorate the backdrop and start to bring the story to life. As the tale unfolds, graphic artists construct props, paint backdrops, modify costumes and create an environment as unique as the story. A pianist supplies live music and creates inventive songs. Recommended for families with kids 3-10. 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. $10. Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. storytownimprov.com. THE MAGICIAN AND HIS SHADOW. A theatrical magic show

that combines magical illusions with the story of a magician whose shadow takes on a life of its own. The show features sleight-of-hand magic, shadowgraphy, puppets who perform magic tricks and lots of audience participation. Recommended for families with kids 7 and up. 1 p.m. Saturdays. $14.50 kids; $17.50. Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, Chicago. (773) 975-8150, theater wit.org/index.html.

Earth Day Celebration! Sunday, April 19 Noon-4 p.m. Plum Creek Nature Center, Beecher Participants can: Free • Build a Worm Bin Family Events! • Make Nature Crafts • Go on a Salamander Safari • View Live Raptors from the Illinois Raptor Center • Meet the Frog Lady and Her Live Animals • And much more! The first 100 visitors will receive a free Earth-friendly gift. Activity areas are accessible for all. Registration required: 708.946.2216.

Kite Fly Festival! Saturday, May 2 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monee Reservoir, Monee Activities include: 10 a.m. Kite Fly Kick-Off 10:30 a.m. Parachute Kite Races 11 a.m. Live Falcon Demos 11:30 a.m. Candy Drop Noon Live Falcon Demos 12:30 p.m. TEAM 180 GO! Performance 1 p.m. Parachute Kite Races 1:30 p.m. Candy Drop Bring your own kite or purchase one on site. Food will be available for purchase. Activities are weather permitting. No registration required. The shoreline and sidewalks are accessible for all. For more information, call 708.534.8499. ReconnectWithNature.org

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ONGOING EVENTS SUPER HERO WEEK. Come

dressed in a favorite superhero (or villain) costume and get ready for an adventure of heroic proportions. Design a superhero logo, mask and more to create the perfect secret identity. Practice super strengths with obstacle courses, puzzles and more. Free with museum admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 1-3. Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 383-4815, wonder-works.org. TRASH TO TREASURE. Discover the world of recycling through fun games and make a recycled craft to take home. Free with arboretum admission. 1-4 p.m. weekdays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. ACORN EXPRESS ADVENTURES.

Kids 2 and up take an open-air tram ride adventure through the arboretum. Plus, make a craft and explore new topics each week. $5, $4 member, plus admission. 11-11:45

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a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays (no session April 24). The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. PEE WEE OPEN GYM. Kids 1-5

enjoy active participation, sports,

age appropriate equipment and an obstacle course all in a clean, safe and open environment. $7, $6 residents. 9-11:15 a.m. Thursdays-Fridays. Joliet Park District Multi-Purpose Center, 3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. (815) 741-7275, jolietpark.org.

HOLD A BABY LAMB. Hold the baby lambs, goats, chicks, piglet, feed the calf and watch the sheep shearing. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget a camera. $5; $12 family (up to four people), $20 family (five or more). 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekends. Enjoy Pioneer Farm, 17N400

day Camps Week-long day camps for boys and girls 4-14 CelebRating ouR 10th summeR additional information & online registration available www.uicsoccercamp.com | 312.996.6755 88 April 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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ONGOING EVENTS

You’re Opinions are Worth $$$! Big Timber Road, Hampshire. (847) 683-2863, enjoypioneerfarm.com. TREE-RIFIC TREES. Visit the

Children’s Garden to discover some interesting facts about trees and plant a tree seed to take home. Free with arboretum admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. EXPLORATION STATION.

Try hands-on activities created by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays; 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sundays. Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 725-2400, oakparkconservatory.org.

EXHIBITS MOVE IT! Kids 1-10 work out their

bodies and their brains in this new exhibit that provides an active play opportunity. Kids can climb, crawl, jump, balance and bend when they build an ultimate playspace out of large, movable components, and

scamper across the wavy net climber. Free with museum admission. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

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PUPPETS! An Interactive Puppet

Extravaganza. Include unique performances, puppet-making workshops, and the opportunity for visitors to visit the Ryan Education Center to interact and explore creativity through puppets. Inspiration is drawn from works in the Art Institute’s collection, including the drawing The Temptation of St. Anthony, the centerpiece of this winter’s special exhibition, Temptation: The Demons of James Ensor. Free with museum admission. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan, Chicago. (312) 4433600, artinstituteofchicago.org. BY ALL ACCOUNTS: THE STORY OF ELMHURST. Exhibit

takes visitors on a journey of discovery that shows how Elmhurst has changed and grown over the past 165 years. Includes a large-scale photograph of York Street in the 1920s that comes

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ONGOING EVENTS how to make a difference. Free with admission. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, nature museum.org.

to life, an interactive table-top map that allows time travel through the city, kinetic-type graphics and touch screen displays, and a mini-theater experience showcasing Elmhurst’s people and places. Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 833-1457, elmhursthistory.org.

ONCE UPON A FAIRY TALE.

RAINFOREST ADVENTURE.

Hands-on elements immerse children in fantasy stories and promote literacy by fostering a love of books, reading and storytelling. Activities include woodworking in Geppetto’s workshop, climbing up Rapunzel’s tower, building houses with the three little pigs, mining for diamonds with Snow White’s dwarves, creating Hansel and Gretel’s candy house, and sitting in Cinderella’s carriage. Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan. (847) 6232041, waukeganpl.org.

Visitors can climb a kapok tree, explore a gorilla’s nest and meet virtual rainforest scientists. The exhibit allows museumgoers to explore tropical rainforests around the world, learn about the challenges these delicate ecosystems face, and

Visit the newly restored conservatory. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Wilder Park Conservatory, Wilder Park, 225 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 9938901, epd.org.

BUILD IT! Exhibit puts an innovative

spin on classic building blocks by letting children explore and interact with 10 varieties of blocks in a single space. Kids can build structures and cast shadows using directional lights, examine building on vertical and horizontal planes, build and test the strength of their structures by using weights and use their creativity while focusing on STEAM concepts. Free with museum admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org. DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE. This special exhibit features water birds including the duck, goose, merganser,

ory

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grebe, heron and cormorant. View taxidermy bird mounts, play in a pretend pond, see how you measure up to a heron wingspan, learn about bird beaks and feet and more. Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 9418747, obtpd.org/lvnc.

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BUNNY BASHES UNDERWATER EGGSTRAVAGANZA.

Includes pool egg hunts, entertainment, games and prizes. Scheduled egg hunts by age group will be in the play pool and parents can assist small children. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. $18, $12 resident; free adults. 6-8 p.m. April 2. Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com. FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT. Kids in

grades 5-8 start indoors with a craft, then move outside for a Flashlight Egg Hunt. Eggs will be filled with goodies or prizes and hidden on the Village Green lawn under the moonlight. Bring your own flashlight and basket. Afterward, go inside for hot chocolate and popcorn and make an edible chocolate Easter basket to take home. $8-$10. 7-8:30 p.m. April 2. Palos Park Recreation Department, 8901 W. 123rd St., Palos Park. (708) 671-3760, palospark.org. FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT. Kids

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for candy-stuffed eggs under the moonlight. $12, $8 residents. 8 p.m. April 2. Downers Grove Park District, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300, dgparks.org.

HOPPY EASTER! Parent-Child Program. This holiday celebration for kids 3-5 includes stories, songs and crafts about bunnies, eggs and chicks, plus a special treat. $10 kids; free

parking. 1-2 p.m. April 3. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org. MOVIE: HOP. Enjoy a

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BUNNY BASHES complimentary screening of the 2011 Easter-themed comedy about E.B., a rabbit who does not want to succeed his dad as the Easter Bunny. $5 parking. 2:30 p.m. April 3. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org. BUNNY BRUNCH AT LAMBS FARM. Enjoy a buffet and then take a

walk over to the Bunny Patch, where kids can do crafts, activities and take a photo with the bunny. $16.95, $7.95 kids 23 months and under for activities. Seatings at 9 and 10:30 a.m. and noon. April 3-4. Lambs Farm I-94 and Route 176, Libertyville. (847) 3624636, lambsfarm.org. BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY.

A tasty springtime buffet featuring a visit from the Easter Bunny. Each child will get a decorated bunny cookie and a jelly bean goody bag. $44, $35 members; $33 kids, $27 member kids; free kids 3 and under. 9-11 a.m. April 3-4. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53,

ory

Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. BUBBLES ACADEMY EGG HUNT.

Bu unn nny Brrun nch ch

All of the rooms at La at amb m s Farm at Bubbles Academy See this page will be transformed— inspired by whimsical storybook themes. Includes art chicagofrenchmarket.com. projects, live music and refreshments, with the egg hunt taking place in the Meadow Room. Plus, the Bubble EGG HUNT. Hop into the museum Bunny will be hopping by for a visit. to fill your basket with yummy treats. $30. 2-4 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. April 4. Kids 9 and under can look for eggs Bubbles Academy, 1504 N. Fremont at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The rest of the St., Chicago. (312) 944-7677, bubbles time, children of all ages can create academy.com. springtime art and jump into eggcellent fun. Free with admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 4. Discovery Center HOP THE BUNNY TRAIN. Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. The fun-filled ride will be followed (815) 963-6769, discoverycenter by an Easter Egg Hunt through the market. Plus, get a chance to meet the museum.org. Easter Bunny. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 4. Chicago French Market, 131 N. BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER Clinton St., Chicago. (312) 575-0306, BUNNY. Enjoy a hearty buffet at Le

Jardin inside the Cantigny Visitors Center and have your child photographed with the Easter Bunny. Two strolling balloon artists and a face painter provide entertainment. $25, $17 kids 4-10, free kids 3 and $1 under; free parking. 9-10:30 un aa.m. April 4. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, P Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, W cantigny.org. ca WILDER PARK EASTER EGG HUNT. Kids 1-10 can hunt for eggs

and visit with the Easter Bunny. Bring a camera and a basket. 10 a.m. April 4. Wilder Park, 175 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 993-8901, epd.org. EASTER EGG ROUNDUP. Collect and decorate an egg, ride a horse, visit the newborn animals and the Easter Bunny. Advance tickets required. $22. 10 a.m. April 4. The Children’s Farm at the Center, 12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park. (708)

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BUNNY CALENDAR BASHES 361-3650, thecenterpalos.org/farm.

guests will be given a map when they enter to help them locate the eggs. This event is more open housestyle and for all ages. For photos, “Mr. Bunny” will be at the McCormick Museum and “Mrs. Bunny” will be at the First Division Museum. Kids can paint an egg-shaped ornament at the Education Center ($2). Parking fee applies. 9 a.m.-noon. April 4. 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

brunch and join in the Easter egg hunt before taking a stroll to explore the vibrant colors and spring blooms. $38, $33 member; $29 kids 3-12, $24 member kids; free kids 2 and under. 10 and 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. April 5. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org/calendar/event/ easter_brunch.

EASTER EGG PARTY. This party starts with crafts for all ages and an interactive walk-through Easter story, followed by breakfast for the entire family, and an enormous Easter Egg Hunt (for kids through fifth grade). Bring an Easter basket to decorate, or make a new one at the party. 9:30 a.m. April 4. Southminster Presbyterian Church, 680 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 469-9149, southminsterpc.org.

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runs continuously and eggs will be hidden throughout the park. All

brunch in Nichols Hall. Bring a basket and hop to the Rose Garden after

chef-carved prime rib, made-to-order omelet and pasta station and more,

BUNNY HOP & EGG HUNT. Kids

3-6 make a craft, jump in the bounce house, and enjoy other fun activities with the bunny, then finish up the morning with a colorful egg hunt led by the bunny. Bring a camera and basket. An adult must accompany each child. $27, $18 resident. 10:3011:45 a.m. April 4. Lincoln Center, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300, dgparks.org. EASTER EGG GEOCACHE HUNT.

Kids 6 and up hunt for Easter eggs using GPS units (provided). Inside each egg, find a treat or a prize. Children must be accompanied by a nonpaying adult. $15.75, $12.50 resident. 10-11:30 a.m. April 4. Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincolnmarsh.org.

buffet features an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Bunny costumed characters, who will be available for photos. Musical entertainment provided by the Banjo Buddies. Reservations are required. $49.95, $39.95 kids 3-11; $39.95 members, $29.95 member kids 3-11, free kids 2 and under. Seatings at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. April 5. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8355, CZS.org.

plus a visit with the Bunny. $59, $52 members; $39 kids, $32 member kids; free kids under 3. Seatings at 9:30 a.m., noon, and 3 p.m. April 5. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT. Grab

a flashlight and get ready to party at Blackberry Farm. Dance and play games with a DJ. Enjoy the train, hayrides and join the flashlight egg hunt for a chance to win prizes. Dinner provided. $20, $15 resident. 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 17. Blackberry Farm, 100 S. Barnes Road, Aurora. (630) 892-1550, foxvalleypark district.org.

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

Leaf-ing it up

pril is the greenest month—at least when it comes to holidays. And with Arbor Day planted on the last Friday of the month, it’s pretty safe to say the whole thing has gone to the trees. So this year when April

24 rolls around, head to The Morton Arboretum, a place that claims Arbor Day as its signature holiday—and celebrates accordingly. The bravest of visitors can display their creative sides by dressing as a tree and receiving free arboretum admission in return. It can be anything from a green T-shirt to an elaborate get-up, but remember that there’s a Kids’ Costume Contest at 10:30 a.m., so get in your Project Runway mindset now. The festivities officially kick off at 11 a.m., when everyone’s favorite monkey—Curious George, obviously!— plants a real tree with some pint-sized helpers (and the Man in the Yellow Hat). There’s also a storytime where kids

can hear Curious George Plants a Tree, one of the newer additions to the curious canon. Celebrations continue throughout the weekend in the Children’s Garden, where kids can plant tree seeds, check out tree cookies or hunt for unique trees. Or do a little shopping for trees, shrubs or whatever greenery suits your fancy (roaming Plant Geniuses can help you decide) at the plant sale, and then give those plants a home in your backyard. However you spend your time—there are 1,700 acres to explore, plus the always-popular Children’s Garden and the six structures that make up Tree House Tales—you can be sure it will add up to a pretty tree-riffic weekend for the whole family.

Arbor Day Weekend Celebration April 24-26 The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle mortonarb.org

Elizabeth Diffin

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AT The of our FEBRUARY 2014 | FREE

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Play, Eat, Learn, Shop & Explore!

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