Chicago Parent August 2017 by Chicago Parent

AUGUST 2017

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Lessons from 13 Reasons Why

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

BACK TO SCHOOL: #squadgoals

Stuff we love Stress busters

The school/life balance Helping kids manage

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contents IN THIS ISSUE 13

BEST IN CHI

VIVA IVA DADDY

An n unforg unforgettable giraffe encounter, counter, plus ummer shows not summer to miss

School chool supplies upplies and da man 22

YOU

CRAFT

CALENDAR

Rule back to school: Looks for mom Get your hands ooey and gooey with this easy sea slime recipe Hundreds of ways to make the most of August

AUGUST 2017 | VOLUME 33 | NO. 8

FEATURES ON THE COVER

25 REAL FOOD 28 FOR FAMILIES

BEYOND SAD Lessons from 13 Reasons Why

Cover kid: Jaylah Mickle, 14, of Willowbrook

How to use those farmers market finds

Photography: Thomas Kubik of TK Photography

RAINY DAY RESCUES Great places to run, jump and play when the weather is a downer

Design: Claire Innes

TO SCHOOL 34 BACK • The school/life balance

• Jitters: Ways to bust stress and anxiety • Stuff we love • The littlest learners • Kindergarten survival guide • The lowdown on lice • Helping your child with math • #Squadgoals: How to help your tweens and teens succeed socially • Special needs: What you need to know before the new school year

Thanks to Tutu School Chicago, 2223 W. Roscoe St., for providing such a fun space for this month’s photoshoot. Find out more about the new school at tutuschool.com/chicago.

-5 ChicagoParent.com August 2017 5

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EDITOR’S NOTE SPONSORED

Who’s that stopping by? If your garden has lots of flowers, you might see something magical this summer: a monarch butterfly, with wings of blazing orange, black, and white, that has stopped by to eat sweet nectar from the blooms. If your garden has the kind of flowers called milkweeds, look for something even more interesting: the special caterpillars that will grow up to be monarch butterflies. These caterpillars only eat milkweed. They have yellow, white, and black stripes, and they wave long black antennae. A caterpillar busily munches leaves for weeks, getting bigger all the time, and then wraps itself in a chrysalis, like a caterpillar sleeping bag. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar changes. After 10 days, it steps out of the chrysalis as a beautiful butterfly. Your yard is just one stop in an amazing journey that monarch butterflies make every year. They spend the winter way south in Mexico, sheltered in fir trees. In spring, millions of butterflies fly north. On the way, they stop several times to lay eggs that will become caterpillars and then butterflies. The new butterflies keep flying north, all the way to Canada. In the fall, the last generation of monarchs turns around to fly south, returning to Mexico for the winter. It’s a long, long distance to fly, and scientists still don’t know how the monarchs find their way. So if a monarch butterfly stops by your yard, you will be part of something mysterious and amazing.

Letting balls drop I have always been one of those parents who lets my kids decide their own passions, then does everything humanly possible to accommodate their choices. My mom would tell you I’ve spoiled them rotten. I don’t agree; so far, they are kind, empathetic and interesting. I love being with them. But my youngest, Zoe, has taken TAMARA L. things to the extreme lately. In O’SHAUGHNESSY addition to Irish dance, harp and school, she’s decided to join the school marching band AND the swim team despite the fact she’s never even had one swim lesson. So lately, she eats two meals in the car, changes her entire outfit (bra included) and naps as I zoom m along the Tri-State to get her from place to place. She thinks she can do it all, but my wall calendar says otherwise. As the school year gets under way,, conflicts are popping up all over it. I even heard her friends complaining to her over Facetime recently that she’s too busy for them. Plus, I am never home and am always exhausted. Something has to give. And that’s OK. While Zoe might be disappointed, it is yet another lesson I can teach the kids as they move closer every year to being out on their own and making their own schedules. This juggling act is one of the many back-to-school stories we’ve included in this month’s issue because I know I’m not the only parent on the verge of

dropping some of my balls. I found the advice helpful and hope you will, too. We also have tips for every stage, from keeping the littlest learners in love with learning to helping high schoolers through the friend maze. I wish you and your kids a successful and fun new school year. Let me know how it goes. Happy August.

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CONTRIBUTORS

What we’re most looking forward to when school resumes

EDITOR

Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR

Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR

Jackie McGoey INTERN

Brooke McKenzie ART DIRECTOR

Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS

I’m looking forward to the energy that a new school year brings. The books are new, the backpacks haven’t been used and there’s an eagerness that’s brimming, whether you’re starting kindergarten or college. Danielle Braff

I love seeing all the first day of school photos on social media. It’s fun to see the smiling faces, especially the very happy moms! Shannan Younger

The sudden decrease in water and Gatorade bottles with one sip taken out of them restores my sanity. Marianne Walsh

The routine that comes with school can be a relief. Leave the planning to the teachers and let my house stay clean for more than a few hours. Megan Murray Elsener

Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea IT AND DIGITAL DEVELOPER

Mike Risher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Danielle Braff, Matt Boresi, Jerry Davich, Megan Murray Elsener, Keely Flynn, Cheryl Leahy, Melissa Silverberg, David Telisman, Shannan Younger, Marianne Walsh, Jennifer Wood DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

Annette Coffee, Christine Griffith, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner MEDIA COORDINATOR

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Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney CIRCULATION MANAGER

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Laurie Myers PUBLISHER Dan Haley 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

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dhaley@wjinc.com

8/31/17.

(847) 619-1900

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. © 2017 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

8 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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ChicagoParent.com August 2017 9

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ON THE WEB

Welcoming August

on ChicagoParent.com Summer days are drifting away We’re totally in denial that school days are inching closer. (Nope, nope, nope.) And we’re embracing summer in all its glory while we still can! From tips to host the perfect barbecue to the most relaxing weekend road trip destinations, we’ve rounded up all of our favorite ways to spend lazy summer days. Visit bit.ly/ ly/ CPSummerDays. ys.

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Arts and culture

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Tourists flock to our city year-round to soak up all the art, culture and entertainment that Chicagoland offers. You’ve got a leg up—you already live here! But if the sheer number of optionss RegisRegisseems overwhelming, check out bit.ly/ tered teredsign sign for insider deets on the best CPArtsyFartsy est shows, exhibits and performances for families. milies Unicode: Unicode:

We’ve got basketball on the brain. Head to bit.ly/CPWin to enter to win tickets to see the Chicago Sky play on Aug. 30 or Sept. 3. Plus, you can also win tickets to see the Kane County Cougars, a Write Dudes Scribble Stuff gift pack and more!

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An unforgettable

giraff

encounter

So Brookfield Zoo’s Giraffe Feeding experience really couldn’t have come at a better time. The daily experiences let you get up-close-andpersonal with one of the zoo’s five giraffes—Jasiri and Arnieta are the regular participants—and feed them some pieces of leafy green kale. The encounter costs $10 and takes place right at Habitat Africa: The Savannah. While Giraffe Feeding is offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., earlier is better, because once food supplies run out (or those giraffe tummies get full), the feeding station closes up shop. Zookeepers ask that you not pet the animals, as tempting as it might be! But if you’re lucky, you might get to feel the giraffe’s tongue as she chows down on the kale. Our kid editor, Eden, reported that it was “soft and itchy,” but hopefully you’ll get to jjudge yourself. d for yourself All we know is that feeding the ridiculously tall creatures is a bucket-list-worthy endeavor—and one we won’t soon forget. Elizabeth Diffin Photos provided by Brookfield Zoo

here’s just something about giraffes. From Toys ‘R’ Us spokesman Geoffrey to Melman from Madagascar, the long-necked animals have always been popular. But after Giraffe Watch 2017 (we were on the edge of our seats waiting for April’s baby), I’d say we’ve pretty much reached Peak Giraffe.

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INSIDE VOICE

Grab hold of summer with both hh han hands ands and nds nds

KEELY FLYNN

August is a great time to pretend that summer will last forever. (Some say “denial”; we prefer “optimism.”) Take this month to bask in free, fresh air-happy, artistic festivals that’ll provide warm ‘n’ toasty memories all winter long. (Whatever the heck that is.)

The 21st Annual Chicago SummerDance You’re never too young (or old) to two-step. Chicago’s SummerDance invites dancers of all abilities, musical preferences and heights to Grant Park’s Spirit of Music Garden (601 S. Michigan Ave.) to tread the 4,900-squarefoot boards with their fellow Chicagoans. One hundred percent free, the one-hour lessons are followed up with live music dance parties. A smattering of August’s downtown offerings are Steppin’, Swing, Cajun and Bollywood, and SummerDance in the Parks treats eight neighborhood parks to similar experiences. On Aug. 26, the SummerDance Celebration will be a full day of dance lessons, DJ dance parties and—for the folks who prefer to step back and cheer along—a dance-off finale featuring the best of the previous weeks’ students. chicagosummerdance.org

Bucktown Arts Fest Like you needed another reason to adore artistically leaning street festivals! That said, it doesn’t hurt that the Bucktown Arts Fest is a nonprofit volunteer-run event with proceeds going directly toward arts education. OK, a few more perks: it’s completely free (with no gate donation request), with abundant, family-friendly entertainment that includes kids’ musicians, dance and theatrical performances, and many local bands, plus the festival showcases individual artists—not mass producers—allowing the focus to remain on independent artisans. This is a really easy way to support the arts, find that new great piece for your home, and, did we mention there’s a sangria booth? Aug. 26-27, 2200 N. Oakley Ave., Chicago; bucktownartsfest.com

Shakespeare in the Parks We’re pretty sure this is the way theater was intended to be viewed; out in the open, with the Chicago skyline as a dramatic backdrop. Now in its sixth year, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks continues to offer its wildly popular—and utterly free—performances to 18 parks across the city, brought to us through a partnership with Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Chicago Park District. This year’s production is Romeo & Juliet and, if you’re unsure whether your kids are ready for the star-crossed Montague and Capulet kids and all of that familial in-fighting, this abridged (75 minutes!) show, with its open-air setting and exceptionally cool theater truck-turned-stage, is a pretty neat way to test the waters. They’ll bring the Bard; you’ll BYOB(lanket). chicagoshakes.com

14 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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Explore our new exhibit May 10 through Aug 27 THE PLACE WHERE AWESOME LIVES

BRING THE WORLD DOWN TO SIZE. May 10 - Aug 27, enter a child-sized laboratory to explore how scientists impact your health and wellness. Explore machines, processes, and technology that demonstrates the role science plays to keep your body healthy. See for yourself why we’re The Place Where Awesome Lives! Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago • 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview • (847) 832-6600 • kcmgc.org

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GET OUT OF TOWN

Charm and culture, closer than you think An easy family trip to Wisconsin

BY KEELY FLYNN rts-happy Chicagoans love Spring Green, Wis., for its attractions both quirky and aesthetic (Frank Lloyd Wright’s studio, anyone?), but a large part of this spot’s getaway appeal for families is the ability to get there fast—yet still feel like the weekend’s been spent a world away.

Dining

The House on the Rock Carousel

Attractions The House on the Rock A tour of Alex Jordan’s 14-room house built on Deer Shelter Rock scoffs at reality, especially the gravity-defying Infinity Room and the world’s largest carousel. You won’t be able to process every single sight in this cavern of wonders on your first go, but you’ll have a heck of a great time trying. 5754 State Road 23, Spring Green Cave of the Mounds This Nationa National Natural Landmark was accidentally discovered in acciden during limestone quar1939 du ur rying; rying g; ffurther exploration revealed reve eal a world under their thei ir feet. The one-hour tour tou ur showcases dazzling zlin ng crystal formations and d ffossils straight out of sc sci-fi ci- novels, yet also thankfully thank kfu offers secure and an nd lighted walkways for the less intrepid fo aamong us. 2975 Cave of the Mounds Road, Blue M Mounds Mou un

Freddy Valentine’s Public House Housed in the historic State Bank of Spring Green, it features fresh bites—including gluten-free and vegetarian items—and it’s also kid-friendly. (Their mac ‘n’ cheese bears no resemblance to the boxed stuff, and the kids’ menu boasts a side salad worthy of any adult palate.) 134 W. Jefferson St., Spring Green Rumbleseats Want a little muscle car with your milkshake? The vibe of this retro carhop joint is half the fun; the attached play lot, spicy “rumble sauce” and exceptional root beer floats are just neato bonuses. E4851 U.S. Hwy. 14, Spring Green

Lodging The House on the Rock Resort The resort is tucked onto a lush golf course and surrounded by beautiful woodlands. The spacious suites make traveling with kids feel like an actual vacation, and the spa and two swimming pools redefine “a little something for everyone.” 400 Springs Drive, Spring Green The House on the Rock Inn Mere moments from the actual House on the Rock itself, this comfy option has a major perk for kiddos: one of the pools features a 45-foot-long submarine. (No judgment here, grownups.) 3591 State Road 23, Dodgeville

The shows American Players Theatre The country’s second largest outdoor theater dedicated to the classics, APT is easily the most magical. The recently renovated 1,088seat The Hill amphitheater and the 201-seat indoor Touchstone Theatre grace the 110 acres of stunning forests and meadows. (Traversing the moonlit path to the hillside theater alone is something pretty special.) Nine rotating shows run the gamut from sparkling Shakespeare to French farce and back to Russian drama, and the core company works with the industry’s absolute best—many of whom reside in Chicago when not “playing in the woods.” 5950 Golf Course Road, Spring Green

The House on the Rock Resort

16 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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Dr. Purnendu Gupta leads the hospital program for the treatment of infantile, juvenile and adolescent scoliosis. Clinic visits provide teaching moments to educate patients on their condition, and discuss their progress.

Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago, offers a premier pediatric orthopaedic service for a range of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, including those related to complications of the upper and lower limbs, hand, foot, joints and spine. Every day, our care provides healing to meet the hopes of children and their parents, and offer life-changing results. Those hopes are met in our other areas of expertise as well. For over 90 years, families with children in need of plastic surgery, cleft lip and palate repair, spinal cord injury care, and physical rehabilitation have seen their hopes realized right under our roof — by physicians, nurses, and specialists using the latest technology, innovative research, and a collaborative, family-centered approach. It’s how the 22 Shriners Hospital locations provided care to over 121,000 children last year alone. facebook.com/shrinerschicago twitter.com/shrinerschicago shrinerschicago.org

Do You Know a Child Who Needs Expert Specialty Care?

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Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago 773-385-KIDS (5437) 2211 N. Oak Park Ave., Chicago, IL 60707

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The AHSS Early Learners Group is a structured, small group, classroom environment tailored specifically to help your child begin learning age-appropriate skills that will develop their social, academic, and transitional abilities. Designed for those students who are not quite ready for, or who are struggling in, a traditional classroom. AHSS uses evidence-based methodologies to promote skill acquisition that enhances the individual therapy your child receives. The curriculum and goals for each Learners Group are developed based on the specific needs of each child. By providing structured training, in a group setting, each child can learn the needed skills to more fully participate in future outside social and academic situations.

AHSS Autism Center 18 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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FAILING WITH GUSTO

Working it out

MARIANNE WALSH

One of the most cherished ideals of my 1970s childhood was hard work. Putting in time and effort was how kids improved at academics and sports. It was also how they earned money and the respect of teachers, coaches and parents. It was not always fun, and reward was not instantaneous, but that was the whole point. When summer began, my three boys evaluated their depleted Slurpee funds and realized that income was a priority. They huddled up to discuss strategy. “I hear the best way to make cash is to find what we love to do and get paid for it,” suggested Danny. “Let’s play hockey then!” Jack announced excitedly. My head damn near exploded off my body. These could not possibly be my children. “Work is work for a reason!” I busted in, ready to whip out charts and graphs on

the average earnings of people who simply “do what they love.” I would be a freaking cookie taster if this was a viable plan. Or a professional napper. How did we arrive at a place where kids truly think they will wake up and get paid exorbitant amounts of money for having fun? No studying or fuss necessary. Only suckers work late. CEO in a week. I tried calming down, but failed. So I sent in my husband. Joe is a hard-working lunatic. He explained to the kids that there will always be enjoyable aspects of a job (the people, the pay, the hours), but there will also be stuff they hate (the people, the pay, the hours). Find a ratio that supports you, your family and your goals. Keep your mouth shut. Be on time. Don’t be lazy. Stay away from nonsense. Right there. Everything they needed to know. And he didn’t even swear. The boys settled on a lawn care business. Danny invested in a mower and hooked up his equipment wagon to his bike. He said he liked a having a job where he could set his own pace and be outside. He employed his youngest brother and a few friends. They quickly cornered the market during a summer where most 12- to 15-year-olds wanted nothing to do with 90-degree heat. Jack stayed home, waiting for the NHL to call, and watched his brothers devour every possible flavor of Slurpee. My 1970s parenting model assures me that everyone learned what they needed to learn this summer. And for that, I am eternally grateful. Marianne Walsh is a Chicago mom of three boys. Want more? Go to ChicagoParent.com and webandofmothers. blogspot.com.

Life in Chi

s a retro-style mom who disagrees with almost all of today’s parenting philosophies, instilling the values I was raised with becomes trickier with each passing year.

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VOICE: MARIA SALMON

Parenting goals a la the Bard

id you listen in English class or sleep through the semester on Shakespeare? In World Lit, Hamlet was the one play that really woke me up. My love for this play lay dormant, though, until I became a mom. While I know it details a prince trying to avenge his father’s murder, I can’t help but apply these quotes to parenthood.

I am cruel only to be kind. I do not want to be harsh to my daughters, but parenthood isn’t all bubbles and gummy bears. Perhaps Hamlet could’ve said to his mother instead, “For your own good…” At least that’s how I apply it to everything including bedtime, school work, manners and safety. Sure I flirt with the idea of letting them stay up super-late, eat the entire bag of Halloween candy or lick the sidewalk, but none of that is in their best interest. If left to their own devices, they would skip homework, guzzle soda and ride bikes without helmets! We have to enforce limits, even as they sulk and whine. I remind myself, it’s for their own good! Same for health. No matter what, a potato chip is a potato chip. Kale, blueberries and celery are always the better choice. Sorry (not sorry) but eating right is important and it must be enforced. Peeps? No. Frosted stuff? No. Chocolate? Well, sometimes— nobody’s that cruel.

To thine own self be true. Our daughters are not the hand-clapping, toe-tapping extroverts that we expected. The instant before any class would begin, they plastered themselves against the wall and preferred to strip the rubber from their shoes. They stayed glued there until the end, eyeing everyone suspiciously like detectives examining suspects. This. Drove. Me. Nuts. But I probably drove the two of them nuts as I stood in the circle motioning for them to join in. Shaking their heads, they preferred to be their own awesome selves and left me singing “Farmer in the Dell” by myself. To everyone’s relief, I finally understood. To ask our kids to be anyone other than themselves is wrong (and probably annoying to every teacher we came in contact with).

Words without thoughts never to heaven go. I try to live in the moment and enjoy all of life, but man, oh man, have I blown my temper before. It’s in the split second before my angry words charge out that I take a breath and remember this quote. How will it impact my kids if I call them “thoughtless” or “irresponsible”? I don’t know, but I’ve come close to using them many times. Shakespeare has this correct—words without thoughts never go to heaven (or whatever peaceful place we envision) and we don’t know how much they hurt kids until it’s too late. Better to skip them in the first place.

Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. Babies and toddlers. Diapers. Need I say more?

Maria Salmon is a Chicago mom of two.

20 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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VIVA DADDY

Supplies and Da Man New school supplies are the consolation prize one offers one’s child after announcing that instead of going to the beach all day and having MATT BORESI bedtime at 10 p.m., they are legally mandated to spend seven hours a day in a building full of kids they hate reading Robert Frost poems for the next 10 months. “Sorry I’m sending you to academic prison, but here is a Lisa Frank folder with some rainbow cats eating ice cream.”

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The Chicago Public Schools’ school supply list is fairly typical. For some reason, the tiniest kids, like my rising kinFree shipping on U.S. orders over $59 *Use promo dergartner, Viva, code BTSCB25 at checkout. Expires Sep 15, 2017. need giant pencils and crayons—the big fat kind that make them look like they are dragging in firewood ILLUSTRATION BY STEPHEN SCHUDLICH from the backyard. It seems more logical to me that the littles would need tiny pencils, and the giant ones would be for unsteady olds who still write checks. Through sixth grade, the items one evidently must buy in the largest quantities are glue sticks. I could have sworn everything at school was done on Chrome Books now, so I’m not sure what the stockpiles of glue sticks are for—I think teachers must just melt them on pyres as sacrifice to the pension gods. Seventh through 12th grade is mostly about hoarding folders, which, again, seem to be a throwback to the era of corralling stacks of wet, blurry, stinky mimeographs instead of the digital era. Maybe all the folders are for printed out e-mails. I don’t relish announcing to Viva that the next 13 years of her life are mostly going to be about memorizing Civil Educating curious and bright learners since 1918. Educating curious and bright learners since 1918.8 Spaces remain for 2017-2018 in select cohorts from Pre-K through Grade War battles, labeling plant cells, eating potato wedges, reSpaces for 2017-2018 in select citing “The Road Not Taken” and being told to quiet down Spaces remain remain for 2017-2018 in select cohorts from Pre-K through G for the announcements. I can at least show her, though, cohorts from Pre-K through Grade 8. that while I’ve forgotten who won at Antietam, I still have my rad Return of the Jedi pencil bag. And that has made 201 Sheridan Road201 Sheridan 201IL Sh all the difference. Wilmette, IL 60091Wilmette, Viva Supplies. Viva Viva. Viva Daddy. Wilme

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7/21/17 9:50 AM

YOU

CHERYL LEAHY

Rule back to school

hy should kids be the only ones who go on a back-to-school shopping spree? This is your chance for a fresh start too!

Uniforms Wearing a uniform at our age doesn’t sound so appealing, does it? Think about it, though. You don’t even have to think of what to wear in the morning, you know your outfit matches and each piece can be swapped out for another with ease. Enter: The Momiform. Every season I assemble a uniform of sorts—a look that I know works with my body type and lifestyle. There are variations in colors, textures and prints, but my seasonal momiform is always ready to pull on and get out the door. After a summer chock full of over-indulgences, this fall I am opting for leggings that offer control around the midsection and pull double outfit duty for nights out. Two brands that offer a bit of shaping magic are Spanx and Lyssé, both of which I discovered at a little boutique in the ‘burbs called Fire & Ice (fireandiceglenview.com). During the day, I wear them with a long tank or tunic and fun sneakers. At night, I dress them up with heels and a slouchy sweater or slip dress. The key with leggings is to pair them with a top that balances the slim cut and hits at least the top of your thigh.

School supplies After buying your children’s school supplies, make sure you have all of yours—backpack, crayons and lunch box. Yes, I own a backpack and I LOVE IT. It is actually my laptop bag, with a specific padded compartment to keep my computer safe. Herschel (herschelsupply.com) is my go-to backpack brand—they have classic colors and patterns and stand the test of time. If you are a mom on the go, packing healthy snacks or even your favorite microbrew requires piles of clunky ice packs and a

massive cooler. I finally bought myself an adult lunch bag from PackIt (packit.com), which you can actually freeze, and it stays cool for up to 10 hours. Extra credit for the adorable designs. Crayons aren’t for preschoolers anymore! I am talking about lipstick crayons. Keep one in the car and swipe on while stuck in the carpool line. Since they aren’t as heavily pigmented as traditional lipstick, crayons don’t require the same precision for application. You can find a wide selection for under $10.

Gym shoes The lazy days of summer are almost behind us, so it’s time to get in gear and back into a routine. Whether you toss sneakers into your backpack to walk during lunch at work or are chasing after toddlers, a comfyyet-stylish pair of shoes is key. Metallic sneakers can take you from soccer mom to dance floor diva, from household CEO to weekend warrior.

22 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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7/20/17 11:10 AM

CRAFT

Under the

sea slime Get your hands ooey and gooey with this slime recipe

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

lime has been all the rage, even causing a shortage of Elmer’s glue and doubling glue sales across the country! Now that the shelves are restocked, try this simple recipe and incorporate sea creatures or fish for some end-of-summer fun. These sea slime bags are great for party favors or backyard barbecues.

Directions:

If using Borax, mix 1 cup of water with 4 ounces of Elmer’s glue. We used the blue glitter glue, but if using clear or white glue, feel free to add blue food coloring or glitter. Briskly mix the water and glue together. In another bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of Borax with 1/3 cup of warm water and mix until dissolved.

Pour the Borax mixture into the glue mixture and stir until the slime comes together. (Make sure to be careful because Borax can be harmful if swallowed.)

If using liquid starch, mix ¼ cup of water with 6 ounces of glue. Stir briskly to incorporate the water into the glue. Add ½ cup liquid starch to the mixture and again stir well to incorporate. The slime may need 5 minutes to allow some of the water to absorb.

Materials: Elmer’s glue Borax or liquid starch Water Clear treat bags Twine or ribbon Plastic fish or sea creatures

4 5

Knead the slime with your hands until it’s bouncy and stretchy.

Place the slime ball into a treat bag. Add plastic sea creatures. Tie the bag up with ribbon or twine.

Megan Murray Elsener is a Chicago Parent columnist and mother of three.

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Beyond sad Lessons from 13 Reasons Why

BY JERRY DAVICH ick Kirchhoff just happened to be home early to change clothes es before coaching high school baseball practice when the deputy ty coroner knocked with soul-crushing news. Kirchhoff’s youngest son, Ryan, had just killed himself in a car crash. “Only in hindsight am I certain that Ryan was dealing with depression before his death,” Kirchhoff says after a few seconds of reflection. “Something prompted what he did that day. Something beyond his coping skills. Something that developed into hopelessness.” Warning signs hid in plain sight for years, masked by typical adolescent behavior, he realizes now. But in the weeks leading up to his suicide, Ryan’s grades began dipping and the day before his death, police arrested him. “Too often, parents have no inclination of what’s going on in their child’s mind,” says Kirchhoff, a long-time pediatric dentist and dad of four. In Illinois, suicide is the leading cause of death for kids ages 10 to 14 and the third leading cause of death among those

15 to 24. It is preventable, says Courtney Collins, Illinois area director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This fact may seem skewed to some parents in the wake of the recent Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why,” the 13-episode adaptation of a best-selling novel by Jay Asher. The controversial show chronicles the life and death, by suicide, of 17-yearold Hannah Baker through 13 audiocassette tapes she made before killing herself. Each tape profiles someone in her life who either victimized her, ignored her or

Suicide warning signs u Watch for a change in behavior, particularly after a painful event or loss. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do. u While there’s no single cause for suicide, suicide most s often occurs when stressors of eexceed coping abilities of ssomeone suffering from a mental health condition. m Depression is the most D common condition associcom ated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. undiagnos how to have a conversau Learn h tion about mental health and suicide at afsp.org/mentalhealth. Raising the question about thoughts of suicide does not increase the risk or plant the idea; it creates the opportunity to offer support. Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention didn’t defend her, according to her point of view. Advocates like Collins insist the issue of teen suicide is much too complex to paint it in such broad brush strokes. Still, “13 Reasons Why” has sparked uncomfortable but crucial conversations between fearful parents and confused children. Netflix already plans a second season so if your tweens and teens haven’t heard about it or watched it (even secretly), they will.

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7/20/17 11:11 AM

Hope survives Aysha A. Hagene, a psychotherapist at Someone die s by suicide Simply Counseling in about every Chicago and Evanston 11.89 minute who specializes in des in this countr y. pression, anxiety and stress, gets a lot of questions about the series from tweens and teens struggling with some of the same issues as the main character. While Hagene acknowledges make a world of difference to the show tackled intense conyour kid.” tent, particularly the unyielding Once you get them talking scene as Baker made the choice about things bothering them, to live or die, she says the series don’t just tell them things will opens a way for parents and get better. Instead, share your kids to talk about what’s going own challenges growing up, on in their own lives. (with less detail, of course.) “It But be prepared to hear about let’s them know everyone goes things you don’t want to hear. through tough times and gives “As a parent, you are going to them hope,” Hagene says. probably be scared and really Get involved in their school, react, but I think the best thing she says. Find out how the is to listen calmly and reflect school is dealing with bullying your teen’s feeling. Keep the and cyberbullying while listenteen talking instead of trying to ing for hints about other issues present solutions right away,” that may be going on with kids she says. in the school. At the same time, be alert Or help them find a safe place for red flags. If they say things like ‘people would be better off to talk and a person they trust without me’ or ‘would anyone outside their friend and family even come to my funeral?’, seek circle. Seeing a therapist is not professional help, she says. It just for those in crisis. Even the could mean they are thinking National Suicide Prevention through suicide. Hotline offers a 24-hour online Hagene, a mom whose own chat to empower kids going mom committed suicide, knows through tough situations, not life can get busy and tweens just those considering suicide. and teens often choose to keep parents in the dark about their lives. A lot of times, she’s found, kids think parents will make Like many parent survivors, things worse for them. Kirchhoff advocates for choosBut she says not to give up. ing to talk openly about suicide Plan for one-on-one time—she rather than whispering later suggests going for an ice cream about suicide notes. or pizza or doing something else It’s something that had been they enjoy—just to chat about rattling around Kirchhoff’s mind what’s going on in their lives. like a broken piece of glass “Most often, the teen is so since 1970, when his brother, glad that the parents took some John, cut short his own life. interest in their lives,” she says. He was just weeks away from “Just being there to listen is graduating from Michigan State really helpful.” University. Or go for a walk together. “Even a 10-minute walk can CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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ChicagoParent.com August 2017 25

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BEYOND SAD CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

“Back then, we just didn’t talk about suicide, except within the family,” says Kirchhoff, who lives in Crystal Lake. “I didn’t want this to happen with Ryan’s death.” Just days after Ryan’s death, Kirchhoff took part in his first Out of the Darkness walk to raise money and awareness about suicide. Within months, he joined the local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and today, he is co-chair of its Illinois chapter and vice chair of its Public Policy Council. Kirchhoff, who often speaks publicly about his son’s suicide, now talks with kids like Ryan struggling with suicidal thoughts. As a kid, Ryan was creative and selfreliant, while popular at school with plenty of friends. At home, he enjoyed a close-knit family life, his father says. “So why did he do it?” asks Kirchhoff, who has repeatedly asked himself this very question since April 7, 2005. “I don’t know.” “Will I ever know why? Probably not, at least not in this lifetime. Jerry Davich is freelance writer, author and dad.

These are LPP’s core values. They are felt, heard and seen in action everyday. We believe these values will be present in our students throughout their lives as active citizens, lifelong learners, and loyal friends. More information available at lppschools.com

26 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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7/20/17 11:11 AM

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ChicagoParent.com August 2017 27

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7/20/17 11:12 AM

Real food

for real families How to use those farmers market finds

Fin F nd the h Roa Roaastte ted

Straw Str S raw wb w berr erry, er ry, y Ba Bas B aassiill

BY KATHRYNE TAYLOR arents of picky eaters, take heart! I was once the pickiest of eaters. I went through a peanut butter sandwich phase—no crust, hold the jelly, white bread only. My parents never would have guessed that I would grow up to become a food blogger and write a cookbook, but that has happened. If you’re wondering what to cook up with your farmers market finds, here are a few of my favorite recipes from my new cookbook, Love Real Food: More Than 100 Feel-Good Vegetarian Favorites to Delight the Senses and Nourish the Body.

aand d Go Goatt Ch Goat Che C hees he ese se Crost Cr Cro ssti tini n re rec reci ecip ec pee aatt Chi Ch hicag caag agoP oPa Paaare P reen entt.c ent .ccoom m

Green Goddess Hummus Outrageous Herbaceous Chickpea Salad Here’s a simple chickpea salad that I could eat every single day. It’s bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Lemon and garlic take it from tasty to transcendent. This salad packs well, so it’s perfect for potlucks and picnics. It’s also a great lunch option; pile it onto greens and drizzle some extra olive oil and lemon juice on top for a quick and substantial green salad. Makes four side salads Ingredients 2 cans (15 oz. each) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 3 cups cooked chickpeas 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped 1½ cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (about 1 bunch)

½ cup chopped red onion (about ½ small) ½ cup chopped celery (about 2 ribs) 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 3 Tbsp. lemon juice (from 1 to 1½ lemons), or more if needed 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced ½ tsp. fine sea salt Freshly ground black pepper

Directions 1. In a medium bowl, combine the chickpeas, bell pepper, parsley, onion, celery, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Toss until combined. Taste and add additional lemon juice, salt or pepper if necessary. 2. Serve immediately, or chill until you’re ready to serve. Leftovers keep well, chilled, for up to four days.

Hummus is here to stay, and for good reason—it’s a healthy snack and spread. Most of the big-brand, store-bought hummuses skimp on tahini, which means that they aren’t rich, thick or flavorful enough to do hummus proper justice. This homemade hummus has just the right amount, plus it’s free of preservatives. Serve with veggies or pita chips, or use it as a sandwich spread. Makes 1¾ cups Ingredients ¼ cup tahini ¼ cup lemon juice (from 1½ to 2 lemons) 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped ½ tsp. fine sea salt ½ cup lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley (some stems are OK) ¼ cup lightly packed fresh tarragon leaves, basil or cilantro 2 Tbsp. roughly chopped fresh chives or green onions 1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas, rinsed and drained, or 1½ cups cooked chickpeas Chopped fresh herbs (whatever you have left), for garnish

Directions 1. In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and salt. Process for about 1½ minutes, pausing to scrape down the sides as necessary, until the mixture is well blended.

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Lemony Almond-Blueberry Cake This almond-blueberry cake is lightly sweet. It would be a great treat to serve as dessert, but it’s wholesome enough to pass for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack. It’s also easy to make and gluten free. Time warning: Cake requires about 1 hour 45 minutes combined baking and cooling time. Makes one loaf cake (about eight slices) Ingredients 2 cups (8 oz.) plus 1 Tbsp. packed almond meal 1 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. fine sea salt ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon 4 eggs 2 / 3 cup maple syrup or honey ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 ½ tsp. grated lemon zest (from 2 medium lemons, preferably organic) 1 cup blueberries (6 oz.), fresh or frozen

2. Add the herbs and process for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth. 3. Add half of the chickpeas and process for 1 minute. Add the remaining chickpeas and process until the hummus is thick and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes more. 4. If your hummus is too thick or hasn’t yet blended into creamy oblivion, run the food processor while drizzling in 1 to 2 Tbsp. of water, until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt, if necessary. 5. Scrape the hummus into a small serving bowl. Lightly drizzle olive oil over the top and sprinkle with chopped herbs. Leftover hummus keeps well, chilled, for four to six days.

Lemon-Maple Glaze 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 2 Tbsp. maple syrup or honey

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Generously grease a 9 × 5-inch loaf pan and dust it with almond meal to prevent sticking. 2. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of the almond meal, the baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Whisk to blend. 3. Crack the eggs into a medium bowl and beat with a whisk until the yolks and egg whites have blended together. Add the maple syrup, olive oil and lemon zest and whisk to blend. Pour the wet ingredients into the almond meal mixture and stir until there are just a few clumps remaining. 4. In a small bowl, toss the blueberries with the remaining 1 Tbsp. almond meal (this helps prevent the blueberries from sinking to the bottom of the cake). Gently fold the blueberries into the batter. 5. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until the cake is deeply golden brown, the center is firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 70-75 minutes. 6. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and maple syrup until blended for the glaze. (If you’re using honey and having a hard time blending it into the lemon juice, place the bowl on top of your stove to warm it up while the cake bakes, or warm it briefly in the microwave until you can whisk them together.) 7. Once the cake is out of the oven, place the cake, pan and all, on a cooling rack. While the cake is warm, use a pastry brush to brush the glaze over the top. It should soak right in. Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate or cutting board. Carefully flip it back over, then use a bread knife to cut it into 1-inch-thick slices. 8. Store any remaining cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to four days. Kathryne Taylor is the personality behind the hugely popular blog Cookie and Kate, named after her crumbcatching dog, Cookie. In seven years, the vegetarian and all-natural food blog has grown from a hobby to a full-time project, and now garners over two million visits per month.

ChicagoParent.com August 2017 29

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30 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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7/20/17 2:14 PM

Rainy day

rescues Drop in spots you really need to try

BY DANIELLE BRAFF arks, beaches and backyards make for very easy entertainment options. So easy, in fact, that we depend on the outdoors to satisfy our kids whenever they want to run, jump and play. But when rain destroys our plans, we need a back-up: a place where we can drop in unannounced when our children need to get their energy out, stat. We found a few special places that are perfect for those dreaded rainy days.

Brooklyn Boulders Ages 4 and up Get your energy out Kids can climb walls (theirs, not yours) rather than furniture. There are even one-time structured classes where instructors teach kids how to safely climb. And the best part? While they’re climbing, you can grab some shoes and climb, too. You’ll realize why kids have this super powerful urge to climb walls: It’s super fun. Everyone is free to stay as

Flipside Academy of Movement Ages 5 and up Get your energy out Imagine a construction site, filled with tires, ropes, a rock climbing wall, bars to swing on and plenty of mats. And then let kids play. They will climb, jump and swing, and they will enjoy themselves. It’s essentially

a playground without rules (except for safety, of course). We visited a parkour class, and the first part of it was free play, followed by some loose-format instruction and then more play. Who knew that letting kids play on random equipment could be so much fun? Times Open gym is 5-6 p.m. MondayThursday and noon-1 p.m. Saturday.

long as they want after the class to get the rest of their energy out—if there’s any remaining. Times Open gym is 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.-10 p.m. weekends. Kids’ classes are 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10:30 a.m.-noon weekends. Price $39 for a single class, $375 for a 10-pack; $25 for open gym (plus $5 for shoes). Location 100 S. Morgan St., Chicago brooklynboulders.com/chicago Price Open gym is free for students registered for multiple classes, or $12 for everyone else. Location 7918 W. 26th St., North Riverside flipsideacademy.wordpress.com

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

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BOOK SMART & LIFE SMART

RAINY DAY RESCUES

From preschool through 8th grade our engaged students learn to make good decisions. Nurtured in a climate of creativity and computational thinking, they explore problem solving in fresh and useful ways.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

Sky Zone Trampoline Park Ages If you can jump, you belong here Get your energy out You only need 60 minutes to be exhausted for the rest of the day. Kids (and adults) will literally be bouncing off the walls, because there are trampolines on the walls and on the floor. You can simply jump, you can play trampoline basketball or dodgeball, or you can jump off a trampoline into a pit. There’s a separate trampoline area for toddlers, and one for adults; we couldn’t resist getting our jump on with the kids, who were delighted to see us having so much fun. Times It’s open daily, but the hours vary by day and location. Check website for details. Price $16 for 60 minutes. Location There are four in Illinois: Elmhurst, Aurora, Orland Park and Joliet. skyzone.com

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Ages 5 and up, though there is a soft play area for younger kids Get your energy out Scale a wall, jump from building to building like Batman, crawl up webs like Spider-Man and fly through the air like the superhero you always wanted to be. Yes, this place is that much fun (for adults and for kids). Funtopia is essentially rock climbing with a twist: you’re climbing castles, construction sites and every child’s fantasy world. Our kids also really loved crawling through the pitch-black caves (an added feature), where they wore miniature mining suits and looked for rocks. We all slept like babies that night. Times 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Price $15 to climb for an hour or $19 for 1 ½ hours; $10 for the jungle gym; $12 for the cave; and extra for a few other little things your kids may notice. Pro tip: Make a reservation in advance. Location 2050 Tower Drive, Glenview funtopiaworld.com Danielle Braff is a Chicago mom of two and freelance writer.

32 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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7/20/17 11:45 AM

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BACK TO SCHOOL

The juggling act How to help kids keep all the balls in the air Jaylah Mickle, 14, of Willowbrook, is one busy girl with school, dance, track, basketball and a host of other activities. Her mom, Ericka Polanco-Webb, says helping her stay organized is key.

BY MELISSA SILVERBERG PHOTOS BY THOMAS KUBIK

fter years of running her two kids through a long schedule of sports, homework and activities, Arlington Heights mom Jamie Bartosch heard a surprising question: Can we just do nothing today? “That, to me, was a real wakeup call,” Bartosch says of JJ and Annie, who are starting seventh and ninth grades this fall. “I thought I was being a good mom by putting them in a lot of stuff and helping them to try things, but that was like, whoa, we have to bring this down a notch,” she says. Bartosch’s family is not the only one racing around from activity to activity, a schedule that gets even busier as school starts and

homework is thrown back into the mix. Juggling so many busy schedules can get stressful and exhausting, not just for the

parents, but for the kids. Michael J. Bradley, a clinical psychologist who has worked with teens for almost four decades and is the author of the new book, Crazy Stressed, Saving Today’s Overwhelmed Teens with Love, Laughter, and the Science of Resilience, says the stresses facing kids today are the worst he’s seen. In addition to school, sports, activities, family time and friends, Bradley says technology is pushing on students and stressing them out from all angles. “The typical day for a teenager makes my head spin, I don’t know how

they do it,” he says. And for many teens and young adults, the balancing act is getting more difficult to keep up, Bradley says, as record numbers of children are being diagnosed with anxiety and depression. “Our expectations have gotten way out of hand,” Bradley says. “We’ve raised the bar beyond what most of these kids can handle and it’s a recipe for disaster.” The good news, though, is that parents have the power to change their kids’ schedules, set expectations from a young age and find time for fun.

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Head off stress at an early age While high school is typically the time that student stress can boil over, Bradley says it’s important to start preparing your child from birth to deal with stress. Two things parents can do from a young age are to build resilience and to let children make decisions on their own. “We need to make sure our mission is not to control our kids, but to make sure they can control themselves,” he says. “They need to learn how

to make decisions and handle the consequences of those decisions.” That could mean missing a homework assignment or sporting activity because they weren’t ready and then handling the fallout on their own. Bradley says parents today have a difficult time letting their children fail at anything, but it can be an important lesson. “Failure in the proper doses can be very strengthening,” he says.

Find what works for your family When Christina Rogers is racing around taking Isabella, 10, and Michael and Magdalena, twin 7-year-olds, to three different sports leagues and endless club meetings—student council, book club, jump rope club—it can seem hectic, but there is a method to her madness. During the school year, the Tinley Park mom balances

part-time work on top of the busy schedules of her three kids, but she does it with a set of ground rules that keep everyone on track. Each kid is only allowed to play one sport per season. Every activity has to be written down on the big white board in the

ENROLLING NOW

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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THE JUGGLING ACT dining room command center. She’s also learned that it’s OK to say ‘no’. “Don’t worry about what the friends or neighbors do, it’s not a competition,” Rogers says. “In order to keep your sanity, you have to put your foot down on the commitments.” If you are busy scheduling your student in activity after activity, step back and make sure they are actually enjoying it. Bradley suggests a few questions to ask about an overly busy kid: Is she smiling? Is she tired, but happy? Does she wake up saying she can’t wait to go to this activity? Or is her head down, shoulders hunched? Does she have the worried look of a Wall Street executive? Is she really having fun?

Schedule downtime After Bartosch’s kids asked for a night off, she realized how important it was to plan to do

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

nothing. “It’s so important to give them a break. I think building in time to just chill at home is so important,” Barosch says. Make downtime a priority and don’t reschedule or cancel it any more than you would cancel an actual activity on the calendar. “That’s my job as the scheduler to make sure everyone gets a night off built in each week.”

Stay organized With two very busy daughters, including our cover girl, Jaylah, a son with special needs and a baby, Ericka Polanco-Webb of Willowbrook has her hands full. And juggling the schedules of the kids’ three schools, their inschool and afterschool activities, her son’s doctor appointments and all the things everyday life throws at you can be a real struggle, she admits. “Having a plan has worked with the hustle and bustle,” she

says. “... Every day I’m thinking what I can do to make this or that easier for them.” Key is using a huge chalkboard to manage everyone’s schedules and the week’s meals. But she also holds a family meeting every Monday night to look over grades and talk in detail about each person’s schedule. They also talk about what worked the previous week and what can be improved the coming week. Even the family dog is on a schedule.

Compete for happiness Parents admit that pulling back on activities—even if it is best for your family—can be difficult in such a competitive environment. “There’s so much pressure on kids nowadays to be the best,” Rogers says. “When we were kids we didn’t start organized

sports until we were practically teenagers, now it’s like if you haven’t started baseball by age 5, you’re behind. It’s a bit much.” Jaylah juggles four dance classes, track, basketball and school as well as carving out time for a social life. It can mean very early mornings and very late nights. “For her, it is all about time management,” Polanco-Webb says. But when the schedules conflict and are impossible, she focuses on what the kids really love. For Jaylah, that’s dance. “We’ll always find a way to make it all work.” As kids get closer to high school and college applications, many parents struggle with the idea of pushing their kid into every activity, AP class or sport in the hopes of helping them get ahead later in life. Bradley says we should worry more about happiness. “It’s all about helping kids find out who they are: purpose and passion,” he says.

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36 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Back-to-school

jitters

Ways to bust stress and anxiety before things gets out of hand BY DANIELLE BRAFF and MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

iper Pezalla loved school ... right up until the week before second grade

started. That’s when her back-toschool jitters began. “She’d be up at night crying and would be inconsolable,” says her mom, Anne Pezalla. “She didn’t want to go to school—she just wanted to stay home with me.” When Amanda Simkin’s 5-year-old son, Logan, began his first year in his new preschool, his jitters came on strong g the week before school began.

Logan started complaining of stomachaches. “It got so bad that instead of going to the first day of school, we went to the emergency room,” says Simkin, of Arlington Heights. Anne Pezalla and Amanda Simkins aren’t the only mothers who have dealt with a nervous child—and they definitely won’t be the last to comfort a child anxious about returning to school. “This generation of children does experience elevated rates of stress and anxiety,” says Lisa Lowry, licensed clinical social worker at Lowry and Associates in Chicago. Assoc In fact, school-related anxiety affects 2 to 5 percent a of school-age children, but it’s school much more mo common in times of transition: when a child transit starts kindergarten, middle kin school or high school, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association Associatio of America. In presc preschool, for instance, anxiety appears in the form a of separation anxiety, says separa Colleen Napleton, Co executive director of Inner Life Psychological Services based in Hinsdale and in Chicago. “The first separations are often really difficult,” Napleton

Piper and Anne Pezalla says. “It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid, and it’s not easy for toddlers to handle.” But fortunately, these jitters tend to dissipate after a few weeks. For kids nervous about starting a new school or transitioning to a new grade, a few weeks is all it should take to adjust, as long as they don’t have bigger anxiety issues, says Dawn Huebner, author of What to Do When You Worry Too Much. Huebner explains that some children are prone to getting nervous before school starts, while others will walk confidently through those doors without a care in the world— and it has to do with how they’re biologically wired. “Some children have more trouble coping with change, so each new school year feels like a minefield,” Huebner

Photo by Frank Pinc

says. “These same children tend to have more easily triggered danger alarms.” Many are also more prone to thinking about what can go wrong rather that what can go right. Some of the signs may be complaining about headaches or stomachaches or generally about not feeling well. Kids might also have a hard time getting out of bed during the week, but no problems on the weekends, says Gregory Chasson, licensed clinical psychologist and owner of Obsessive-Compulsive Solutions of Chicago. Fortunately, back-to-school jitters, or the absence of them, have little to do with how well students will do in school once the year is under way, Huebner says. CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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JITTERS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

What to do

Making Bright Kids’ Futures Brighter Only one school in the Chicago area specializes in the needs of children of average-to-superior intelligence who have learning disabilities— Hyde Park Day School, with campuses in Chicago and north suburban Northfield. Individualized programming is offered to every child, grades 1–8.

There are a few other ways parents can help ease jitters. “A good first step is validating your child’s anxiety and letting him know that it’s OK to experience this emotion and that we all get anxious from time to time,” Chasson says. “Perhaps the most powerful strategy for parents is to model effective coping. You can show your child that anxiety is not deadly and that we can choose healthier strategies than to avoid, escape or ritualize as a way to cope with that anxiety.” Pezalla and Simkins came up with solutions that fit their kids. When Piper, of Oak Park, became terrified of school, her mother tried talking about school, setting up playdates with her school friends and playing in the school playground—to no avail. “What finally worked was getting a local artist to make matching lockets for us,” Pezalla says. “I put my picture and her father’s picture in hers; her picture and her brother’s picture in mine. She loved it.” In Logan’s case, for the first few weeks of school,

his morning routine included 20 minutes of bathroom time before school. But before long, he made a good friend and the situation resolved itself, his mother says. Tamar Chansky, author of Freeing your Child from Anxiety, suggests parents help their kids take charge of their fears. Have them list out their worries and then fact-check each worry to create a more accurate version of what’s going to happen, Chansky says. If the back-to-school jitters don’t dissipate, however, this may be more than a case of school nerves, says Ronald Rapee, author of Helping Your Anxious Child. Anxiety can begin at any age, but it usually emerges in the preschool years. “Even when a child shows a serious level of anxiety at a later age, parents will often say that he has been a sensitive or emotional child for as long as they can remember,” Rapee says. The best question for a parent to ask themselves is: “‘Is the anxiety affecting my child’s life?’” Rapee says. If the answer is, “Yes,” then it’s worth seeking help, he says.

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BACK TO SCHOOL

Stuff we

love (Almost) too cute for school

Your little ones will ill skip out door this year and the doo nd you’ll swooning at thee cutebe swo ness thanks to the 27 animal options ani ns in Skip Hop’s Zoo Sk Packs. (Our P Our faves are fa the London th don Leopard L d aand Dax ax Dalmatian.) LLunchboxes, hboxes, $15, matching water $7, adorable backpack, w bbottle, l $7 d able backpack $20; $2 skiphop.com

Stick it to the man St ... With the unconventional and fun styles off Postiit Notes, that is. The emoji Postits are sure to be a hit. One pack ck iincludes four emotions for kids ds tto stick on every surface imaginable (from $2.99) so maybe they’ll stay more organized. For ttrendy kids (or parents), pick up a fun vintage Post-it Pop-up Note Camera Dispenser (from $9.99). C post-it.com p

What’s that stink? Parents of active kids know that their odors can be overwhelming (hazmat suit, anyone?). Now Remodeez comes to the stinky rescue. Packs of activated charcoal and coconut husks neutralize and absorb the odors. Perfectly sized for shoes, lockers and even gear bags and mini-vans filled with boys. $9.99, remodeez.com

Better baggies B The earth has a ton of baggage, specifically all those sandwich bags we use c to o pack lunches and snacks. Stasher is an n easily sealable, freezable and reusable alternative. Did we mention that they are alt te also als so microwave and dishwasher safe? The will love the fun patterns or the special kidss w notes parents can write using a dry erase marker. $9.99-$11.99, stasherbag.com rbag.com

Snacktastic If you consider yourself a smart cookie, the choice off Otis Spunkmeyer’s Chocolate Chunk hunk Cookie is easy for this year’s ’s lunches. And Spunkmeyer means no artificial flavors or colors rs for hungry tummies. Their snack cakes satisfy i f a multitude l i d off tastes, including Iced Lemon loaf or this fall, the Iced Pumpkin and Cinnamon Crumb Loaf cakes.

Handy helper

Germs Ger erms begone The crud cru that comes home in the bottom of the kids’ lunchkid boxes box can be seriously serio disgusting! That’s That’ where ee-cloth comes come in. The allergy-free alle polyester and p polyamide fibers make combating m lurking lurkin bacteria, yeast and mold mo nightly a breeze. It is reusable up to 300 washes. $7.99, ecloth.com

While moms have the uncanny ability to find every misplaced item their kids lose, they can’t recreate their kids’ notes for that important test. Now your kid can digitally store their notes with the IRISNotes Air 3. It creates editable digital copies of any notes or drawings when the receiver is clipped onto standard paper and paired with the digital pen. Come to think of it, moms might want one, too. $149, irislink.com

Lunch.Mastered. tered. Nalgene’s dishwasherwashersafe Lunch Box Buddy uddy ($24.99) is a parent’s best friend. Just ust add Nalgene’s portion ion control storage containers tainers and you’ll have making king lunches the night before mastered. stered. Plus, you probably already know bottles beat ow few water wat b Nalgene’s; this year’s Marvel Collection line includes cludes kid fave Spider-Man. ($11.99). nalgene.com Compiled by Brooke McKenzie ChicagoParent.com August 2017 41

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42 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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PRESCHOOL

The littlest learners

Tips to support learning

How to avoid school burnout from day one

Talk to your child and listen to their responses. Ask questions about what they are thinking and feeling and respond supportively.

Take the time to answer their questions. If you don’t know the answer, look it up together or even talk about what your best guess might be.

BY JANE BOKUN

tarting preschool or pre-kindergarten is a big step, one that can be as scary, as exciting or as overwhelming as you let it be. That goes for both you and your child. “That’s why it’s so important to introduce your child to the idea of being in a classroom away from a parent ahead of time,” says Diego Ferney Giraldo, early childhood education officer at Chicago Public Schools. Don’t sweat the small things and don’t worry about if your child has absolutely everything in order before they begin school, says Jake Hanifin, preschool director for Butler Children’s Prep of Chicago. “That’s what preschools are for, to teach kids how to get ready for the next phase of school.”

He says it’s a great idea for parents and their kids to visit the new preschool and get to know their teachers and the environment before the first day. While things like potty training are important to achieve before preschool, don’t forget to keep learning fun, says Kay Viecelli, of Sprouts Academy Preschool

in Chicago. “When they learn through play, we don’t seem to have a problem getting them where they need to be,” she says. According to Viecelli, there is more than enough time to conquer all fears before they enter kindergarten. Luckily, preschool also often gets kids ready for the 300 early learning standards, including social, emotional, science and math learning, that kids must know before entering kindergarten. As always, she says, it’s important to make sure kids are enjoying learning and excited to go to school. “We don’t want them burned out or not enjoying learning,” Viecelli says.

Read aloud to your child.

Encourage your child to draw and write—in a journal, on scrap paper, anywhere.

Share your interests with your child and encourage them to tell you about what they like.

6 7

Play at the local park.

Attend meetings with your child’s teacher and follow through on the teacher’s suggestions for how to support academic development at home.

Praise your child for hard work and trying again—this teaches your child to keep going, even when they are faced with a challenge. SOURCE: CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ChicagoParent.com August 2017 43

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Big brother’s kindergarten SURVIVAL GUIDE Been there, done that and here’s the important stuff BY DAVID TELISMAN

e have a kindergartner on our hands. While it’s not exactly a major milestone like entering young adulthood or completing a marathon, our 5-year-old boy feels a change is in the air. He’s excited and a little anxious so his older brother and early childhood education elder statesman provided the following kindergarten survival tips for him and other kindergarten newbies.

Dress nicely on your first day

“It’s important to make a good first impression,” he emphasized, rifling through his brother’s closet like a Hollywood stylist. He assembled an outfit of khakis and an argyle sweater. “This is pretty good,” he said before spotting a button down and clip-on tie and swapping tops. “This is what you need to wear.”

Pretend school is like our house

Yikes! Among other things, that would mean that each stair step in the building would be inadvertently booby trapped with a neglected Duplo car and all the boys bathrooms’ sinks smeared with toothpaste. My son offered clarification: “I’m trying to tell him to think of school like another home so that he’s comfortable.” Oh. CONTINUED ON

Jake Telisman and little brother, Evan.

PAGE 46

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KINDERGARTEN GUIDE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

Brush your teeth before going to school

I mean, vanity and good personal hygiene go hand in hand, but my youngest son doesn’t see it that way. “I don’t need to brush my teef all the time,” he said. “The toofpaste is too spicy.” His older brother wasn’t having it. “Trust me, you do. I had three cavities because I wasn’t brushing my teeth enough. And you want good breath. Your teacher will appreciate that.”

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My son wants his little brother to become the first-ever valedictorian of a kindergarten class. How will he gain a competitive advantage over his fellow ambitious students? “I made a workbook for him when I was in timeout yesterday. But he hasn’t done any of them yet.” His little brother just shrugged and smiled.

Go to the bathroom. Don’t wait. “It’s not healthy to hold it in, and you can’t concentrate well when you have to go to the bathroom, and then you won’t learn as much.”

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Bugs bego ne

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BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER ack to school time comes with one dreaded threat: lice. But when that note comes home from school, don’t freak out! “The biggest misconception about lice is that it means you are dirty or that it affects certain groups more than others,” says Eduart Tare, owner of Hair Butterflies. “Lice do not discriminate! No matter the race, religion or economic status, anyone can get lice.” Each year, between 6-12 million kids ages 3-11 in the United States get head lice.

In fact, lice actually thrive in clean hair and are very contagious. Despite popular belief, they do not jump, fly or swim and they can only be transferred by direct contact. “Lice can only crawl. So sharing personal items like brushes, hats and hair ties help spread lice along with social activities,” Tare says. There is no complete safeguard against lice, but there are things you can try. Maria Botham of Hair Fairies suggests trying

a natural route since lice have not developed a tolerance for natural products. “Try to use products with natural oils, such as tea tree, witch hazel, rosemary, lavender, peppermint and nettle with astringent properties. Also wearing protective hairstyles and applying prevention oils before school are good safeguards,” Botham says. It’s also a good idea to do weekly checks on your child’s hair, especially considering only 50 percent of head lice cases cause itching.

Nits to nymphs When checking for lice, it’s important to understand the different stages and what to look for. Head lice eggs, called nits, are hard to see and are often confused as dandruff. When the eggs hatch to release a nymph, the nit shell becomes a more visible dull yellow and remains attached to the hair. Nymphs mature about seven days after hatching and become adults called louses with six legs, each with a claw, and are tan to grayish-white. Adults multiply quickly, laying up to eight eggs a day and can live up to 30 days on someone’s head. “Nits are usually about ¼ inch away from the scalp,” Tare says. “They vary in color from a translucent white to a darker brown-gray. Nits will not come off easily. Anything that flakes off is definitely not nits.” Bothan says nits can look like sesame seeds. “If you run your finger through the hair strand with a nit, it feels like a knot on a string.” Check dry hair in a well-lit area using a comb with a Nit Free Terminator,

48 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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working up from the nape of the neck in small sections, Tare says. If you find them, Tare says “prepare to spend lots of time combing the hair.” “Comb daily, at least for the first week, and repeat the treatment process by then. Nits are very easy to miss the first time around.” Both Hair Butterflies and Hair Fairies offer a free service where you can send a picture and they help determine whether you are dealing with lice. “Once lice is discovered, it’s important to get everyone in the household checked to avoid the spread,” says Botham. “Also to curtail the spread, it’s important to notify your school, friends and family who may have been in contact.”

Don’t freak out! The confirmation of lice can leave you scratching and in panic mode. But don’t destroy your house trying to kill them. Lice can live no longer than 48 hours off a person, so that means you do not have to replace furnishings like couches, carpets, furniture or mattresses. Instead, lice treatment centers recommend daily washing of clothing, bedding, brushes and hair accessories used during your lice infestation for at least seven days. Plus, vacuum the mattress, couches, floors and car interior. Put stuffed animals or blankets into the dryer for 30 minutes on high heat. Items that can’t go in the dyer should be put into plastic bags for at least 72 hours. “Concentrate on the

daily wear like school clothes, sweaters and jackets. No need to wash everything in the closet,” Botham says. The easiest way to treat lice is by going to a lice treatment center. “Although it is costly, it gets the job done and helps get you back to your daily routine

right away,” Tare says. Once your lice infestation is over, take a deep breath and know you survived one of your rites of passage as a parent. Megan Murray Elsener is a freelance writer, columnist at Chicago Parent and mother of three.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Want to help your child with math? Just stop what you are probably doing

BY PAULINE ZDONEK

ith the adoption of the Common Core state standards in mathematics, the biggest complaints I hear are from parents. They struggle to help their child with math homework since it looks so different from the way most of us were taught math. While I applaud parents trying to help, especially since parental involvement is tied to higher student achievement, I have advice for parents struggling to help their child with math.

Stop teaching the tricks

A large amount of research has gone into the progression of teaching students mathematical concepts. The shift has moved away from teaching students to blindly follow rules and toward making sure they understand the larger mathematical ideas and reasoning behind the processes. When that foundation is there, the tricks become a natural shortcut in problem solving. However, by teaching the trick before a child has this foundation, you may be inadvertently doing more harm than good. Students become reliant on tricks and fail to master the conceptual understanding needed to use the tricks appropriately. Remember, kids will be more successful in the future as a problem-solver than as a memorizer.

Insteadâ&#x20AC;Ś Have your child teach you what they learned in school using their homework. The act of teaching another person is a learning process in itself and will help your child grapple with the concept and apply it even when the connection is not obvious. By letting your child lead the learning, you may come to realize how you can support your child in their homework, or your child may realize what needs to be done on their own. At the very least, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve shown genuine interest in what your child is learning and provided moral support for their struggle.

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Instead…

Stop worrying about it being correct

The role of homework is evolving. It should be an opportunity for students to practice concepts and skills and for the teacher to see what students do or do not understand. If you’re helping your child, the teacher is seeing what you know, not what your child knows.

Support putting forth a full effort on homework. If they are really struggling, encourage your child to seek extra help from the teacher. Not convinced this is for you? Think about your child in college. Do you want them coming home every time they have a challenging assignment or do you want them to be independent and seek the support resources available to them on campus? Help them learn to become more independent. When children know you support them no matter what, they are more likely to seek help.

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Stop the negative math talk

Never tell your child that you weren’t a math person, you are bad at math or you hated math growing up. You are still the number one person your son or daughter looks up to, so if you aren’t a math person, he or she might believe they won’t be one either.

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This shuts their mind to the mathematical challenges ahead of them. Every time they suffer a setback, it will reinforce the belief that they are also bad at math. This only makes it more difficult to learn in the future.

potential becomes

actual.

Instead…

just Explain to your child that math is difficult at first, you more the and r harde the But new. is that like any task get. will you work on mathematical content, the better around Additionally, show your student that math is all ons. fracti with ure meas and cook help them. Have them at the need you y mone of nt amou the total to them Ask Older grocery store based on what you put in the cart. with bills pay them Have tip. and tax kids can estimate see the role they When book. check your ce balan and you are doing in math plays in everyday life, the learning they tant. impor and nt releva more es the classroom becom Pauline Zdonek is a Naperville mom of two and a coach.

Here’s where student

school math instructional

Fusion is a revolutionary private middle and high school where positive relationships and one-to-one classrooms unlock academic potential. Along with our full-time program, we also offer tutoring, test preparation, classes for credit, and a robust roster of electives that motivate and inspire. Fusion is open year-round. Connect with our campus today to see how Fusion Academy can help!

Fusion Academy Lincoln Park FusionLincolnPark.com 312.763.6990 ChicagoParent.com August 2017 53

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MIDDLE SCHOOL/HIGH SCHOOL

New school y new How to help your kids succeed socially

BY SHANNAN YOUNGER

new school year brings not only new school supplies and new teachers, but also new classmates and, for kids entering high school, usually a new school. Whether your child is starting at a new school or simply in a different class, the beginning of a new academic year can be a great chance to make new friends. So we asked some experts for their tips on how you can help kids have great friends—and be a great friend back.

Have family discussions about friendship

Kortney Peagram, founder of Bulldog Solution, recommends that families sit down together and define their family culture by answering questions like “Who are we?” and “What matters most to us?” Doing so helps kids become clear on the importance of traits like kindness, generosity, loyalty, positivity, etc. Encourage kids to exude those characteristics not only at home but also in their friendships and interactions with others. Similarly, Kristen Dua, a family therapist at Individual and Family Connection, encourages families to spend time talking about friendship. “One fun way is for each to make a Top 10 list for important friendship qualities, like trust, laughter, shared interests, etc.” Discuss which current friends have qualities on the list and encourage kids to identify how they demonstrate their own top qualities as a friend.

Hello, my name is ...

Introducing yourself on the first day of school sounds like an easy way to start making friends, but doing so can be really tough for some kids. Peagram suggests parents role play and rehearse those first day introductions with their kids (yes, even if they roll their eyes!)

to help them know what they’re going to say. That can make them feel more at ease. “Kids are more open to meeting new friends or talking to someone new when they feel comfortable and confident,” Dua says. “Also, smiling is a great place to start and it doesn’t even involve talking!”

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year, w friendships 3

Focus on quality over quantity

“Kids just need one good friend,” says Peagram. As long as your child has that one friend, don’t worry about the number of friends your kid has. However, Peagram cautions parents not to confuse followers for friends. One student she has worked with had a very large number of social media followers but no good friends she saw in person regularly, which was a problem.

Stick to the facts

What if your child has friends you don’t especially like? It’s very normal to have opinions about your child’s friends, but sharing those feelings may not be the way to go. “If it’s negative and not evidence-based, keep it to yourself unless it’s a safety issue,” Peagram recommends. Instead, solicit your kid’s opinion. Asking “What do you think?” can start an important conversation and get your kids reflecting.

When to get involved in friend problems?

Visualize fantastic friendships forming

Jill Hope, founder and empowerment coach at iShine and author of the upcoming book, The Powerful Girl Within, acknowledges that it can be difficult for parents to watch their children deal with difficult friendships and/or make friendship mistakes, but she says kids need to learn for themselves. “There are going to be friendship issues, and as long as your child isn’t getting in with the wrong crowd, that’s

Hope also stresses helping kids think about what friendship looks like to them. “When kids are deciding what they want, then they bring that same energy to their friendships. The people who have the qualities they appreciate will attract each other, and those who don’t

OK. Dealing with those issues builds character, helps them understand how to be in relationships with friends and allows kids to learn how to manage themselves. As painful as it is as a parent to watch, it is actually good for them.” Dua says that by letting teens handle problems solo first, you are empowering them with confidence needed now and later in life. “Parents can help their child build critical problem-solving skills by identifying their choices and possible outcomes for the situation,” she says. “This is empowering, but also sends the message ‘I’m here for you.’”

will fall away.” She encourages both kids and parents to visualize what a great start to the school year looks like, noting that positivity from parents makes a big difference. “Fear is picturing what can go wrong,” she says. “Instead, consciously flip a switch and focus on what can go right.” Illustration by Shannan Younger is a freelance writer and mom.

Claire Innes

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SPECIAL NEEDS

No glitter required

What you need to know before the new school year starts

BY JENNIFER WOOD hen it comes to the new school year, many parents of kids with special needs are especially anxious that their kids get the perfect teacher and be placed in the perfect class so that they can have the perfect year. I am a parent who is now an attorney, but I used to be a teacher, too. And even I made the mistake of worrying about a perfect start to a perfect school year: “If only my son can get Mrs. So-and-So, the whole year will be perfect. She does cartwheels and backflips for the kids, and when she walks into her classroom every morning, glitter falls from the ceiling.” Well, he didn’t get Mrs. So-and-So. He was placed with a very seasoned and

sage teacher who was about as excitable as moss. But she was nice and predictable,

balanced and certain, and that’s exactly what he needed. He had a great year, even without the glitter. So, if you want to alleviate your child’s back-to-school worries, then start with yourself. Let preconceptions go and carve out some meaningful and realistic expectations for a happy and successful school experience. You will find that what you want for your children is the same thing that teachers want for their students. When area teachers were asked recently what they want parents to know, their top answer was: “I want

parents to know that I will love their kids as if they were my own, and that I will take good care of them throughout the year and keep them safe.” Isn’t that what parents want most, too? Teachers also need parents to know that communication is key. If you have questions, ask before jumping to conclusions. If you promise not to believe everything your child tells you about what goes on at school, teachers say they promise not to believe everything your child tells them CONTINUED ON PAGE 58

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SPECIAL NEEDS

The U.S. Department of Education recognized Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary School with the 2013 National Blue Ribbon award for exemplary high performance. Queen of Angels was one of only 50 private schools in the nation to receive this honor. Located in the Lincoln Square and Ravenswood neighborhoods, Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary School offers a strong core curriculum, enrichment programs, dedicated faculty and supportive parish community for students from Preschool to 8th grade. 2017-2018 New Family Tour Dates: October 4th • November 1st • December 6th • January 10th February 7th • March 7th • April 11th • May 2nd (all times 8:30am) Catholic School Week Open House January 28th - 10:30am to 1:30pm

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 57

about what goes on at home. Read the newsletters and classroom updates. Be patient and open-minded. Help your child to accept responsibility for his part in misunderstandings and mistakes. Don’t be overly quick to ly qu blame the teachers or other kids. Parents and nd teachers must be on the same team. As a school law attorney, I ofte often work with families when tru trust has been broken. Parents n need to be able to trust teachers, and teachers rs, an need the support port of parents in order to make learning meaningful. l. Teachers nervous hers report being ne at the beginning of the scho school year, too, and are excited to get to know their students. Help the teacher acher get to know your child: Write a let letter that describes your son or daughter. Tell the teacher what you expect and have your child tell the teacher what he expects, too. Are your expectations different? Probably, and that can be extremely informative. Still stuck on perfect? You need to get over that. It’s OK if your child stumbles and falls once in a while. Kids learn as much from failure as from success, arguably even more. Your child will learn to

practice perseverance, to solve problems and to believe in himself. As children age, the coursework becomes more challenging, so you should expect your children to falter. Let them learn from it. They have to earn their grades. Speaking of grades, while teachers’ jobs may depend on them, every interviewed ery teacher interview said tthe functional unctional skills, social socia ocial growth and emotional development of each student in her classroom are far more important im ortant than the academic tasks teac teachers are charged to carry arry out. Parents must also remember that this is a new year. Children are usually in a different clas classroom with h different peers and a different teacher, so it’s bound to be a different experience. Let it be different. Relax and let things get going. Be supportive, encouraging and optimistic— and let your child see that. His whole outlook on things, even if he doesn’t come home covered in glitter every day, will depend on YOU. Jennifer Wood is the force behind Wood Law, a family and special needs specialist, and a busy mom who has three boys on the autism spectrum.

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Back-to-School Education Guide // special advertising section SUBURBS Alcuin Montessori School 324 North Oak Park Avenue (708) 366-1882 alcuin.org

Alcuin Montessori offers a crosscurricular learning environment, for ages 0-14, balancing academic and emotional intelligence. Featuring: An Excellent Montessori Curriculum: Spanish, Art/ Theater, Gym/ Swim, Before/After Care

Ascension School

Rooted in Catholic teaching and philosophy Ages 3 - 8th grade. 601 Van Buren, Oak Park (708) 434-1523 Ascension-School.com We provide your child with a warm and nurturing environment while challenging them with a rigorous curriculum and enrichment programs.

Association Of Illinois Montessori Schools (AIMS) ilmontessori.org

AIMS is a professional organization for Member Montessori Schools to encourage and promote standards of excellence and support best practices in authentic Montessori education.

Avery Coonley School

Pre-K ~ 8th grade independent school for academically gifted students. 1400 Maple Ave., Downers Grove (630) 969-0800 averycoonley.org A pre-K through 8th grade independent school for academically bright and gifted children. ACS provides depth, pace, and complexity of curriculum for gifted learners.

Baker Demonstration School Ages 3-8th grade 201 Sheridan Road, Wilmette (847) 425-5800 bakerdemschool.org

Baker is Chicago’s North Shore leader in progressive education, where students embrace opportunities to learn from teachers and from one another in a nurturing community.

Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool

(877) 624-4532 brighthorizons.com/ChicagoParent15 Programs for infants through private kindergarten, plus School’s OUT camps. Locations across Chicagoland. Call or visit us online to find the school nearest you.

Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn 5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn (708) 423-6709 www.cmoaklawn.org Grades served: Pre K – 4th Grade

Our mission is to positively impact a child’s potential in life through playbased education. We provide a fun, education learning environment for field trips.

Christ Our Savior Catholic School

900 E. 154th Street, South Holland (708) 333-8173 ChristOurSaviorCatholicSchool.org COS incorporates a blended learning technological curriculum along with project based learning/exploratory enrichment classes all in a Christ centered environment. Spanish, Music, Art, Gym.

Council Oak Montessori School 2521 Grove Street, Blue Island (773) 779-7606

Personalized education in an intellectually stimulating environment, serving children ages 3 - 14.

Fusion Academy

Western Suburbs (866) 526-6705 FusionAcademy.com Fusion Academy Lincoln Park is a revolutionary private middle & high school where positive relationships & one-to-one classes unlock academic potential.

The Gardner School

It’s all about caring. Award winning, academically focused, ages 6wks - 5 years Naperville (630) 657-5029 Glenview-Northbrook (847) 770-6260 Oak Brook (630) 576-4740 thegardnerschool.com

Holy Cross School

720 Elder Lane, Deerfield (847) 945-0135 holycrossdeerfield.org Twice Award-winning Catholic education in a caring community of faith and achievement, serving students from Preschool through 8th grade.

Jerusalem Lutheran School

Christian Education, High Standards PreK - 8 6218 Capulina Ave., Morton Grove (847) 965-4750 jerusalemlutheran.org

Kensington School

Elmhurst, Geneva, LaGrange, LaGrange Highlands, Naperville, South Naperville, St. Charles, Western Springs, Wheaton Coming soon: Glenview and Arlington Heights (630) 990-8000 kensingtonschool.com For over 45 years, Kensington School has created joyful, nurturing environments for infants through school age children utilizing project based learning and comprehensive, academic curriculum.

Kiddie Academy of Algonquin 2420 Harnish Drive, Algonquin (847) 458-0200 kiddieacademy.com/algonquin

Amazing Starts Here. Kiddie Academy of Algonquin offers a developmentally appropriate program and days filled with learning and fun to prepare your child for kindergarten.

North Shore Country Day School

310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka (847) 446-0674 nscds.org Chicagoland’s vibrant, engaging, independent school for grades JK-12. For families seeking a student-centered, transformative educational experience distinguished by meaningful connections between students, faculty and families.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School (OLPH)

distinction that makes OLPH an extraordinary place of learning

mize your child’s potential and prepare them for a lifetime of successful learning.

Quest Academy

British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park

500 N. Benton St., Palatine (847) 202-8035 questacademy.org An independent day school for gifted and talented students, preschool through eighth grade. An atmosphere dedicated to joy in learning, fostering confidence, initiative, responsibility and leadership.

River Forest Community Center Early Childhood Learning Center 8020 Madison St., River Forest (708) 771-6159 rfcc.info

Offering an age appropriate curriculum designed to encourage positive group interaction as well as foster individual growth

St. Catherine Laboure School 3425 Thornwood Ave, Glenview (847) 724-2240 www.sclschool-glenview.org

A PK-8th grade Catholic school united by scholastic achievement, Catholic values, and lifelong learning.

Science & Arts Academy

814 W. Eastman St. Chicago (773) 907-5000 www.bischicagolp.org

Join us for a family friendly Open House Sunday, November 12th or Sunday, January 7th 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., register at; bischicagolp.org/openhouse

Catherine Cook School

226 W. Schiller Street, Chicago (312) 266-3381 catherinecookschool.org Preschool - 8th Grade Nurturing, technology-rich environment inspiring personal excellence and community values. Open House: Nov. 5, 2017 See website for Parent Tour Schedule

Chicago City Day School

541 W. Hawthorne Place, Chicago (773) 327-0900 www.chicagocitydayschool.org Chicago City Day School is an independent, co-educational, urban elementary school serving children in junior kindergarten through eighth grade.

The Gifted Choice ® 1825 Miner Street, Des Plaines (847) 827-7880 www.scienceandartsacademy.org

Chicago Grammar School

Science & Arts Academy educates Junior Kindergarten through 8th grade gifted students from over 50 Chicagoland communities. Attend our Open House on November 5th at 1:00pm to learn more.

West Suburban Har Zion Preschool

1040 N. Harlem Ave, River Forest (708) 386-9000 www.wsthzece.com WSTHZ preschool uses the Reggio Emilia philosophy and embeds Jewish values and Hebrew language. We have preschool and multiple extended day options. We welcome families of all faiths to our community.

Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart

Grades 9-12 760 E. Westleigh Rd., Lake Forest (847) 234-4300 woodlandsacademy.org Catholic, independent, day and boarding college preparatory school for young women

CHICAGO Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts

PreK-8, Extended Care 1439 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago (773) 348-4629 alphonsusacademy.org Principal Dr Casimer Badynee

The Ancona School

4770 S. Dorchester Ave., Chicago (773) 924-2356 www.anconaschool.org Join us for a Fall Open House! Register today at https://anconaschool.org/openhouse/

Blue Bird Day

1123 Church St., Glenview (847) 724-6990 olph-il-org

310 N. Loomis Street, Chicago (312) 243-8487 bluebirddayschool.com

Providing a premier private education in the finest Catholic tradition for Preschool – 8th grade children. Come discover the

New North Center location opening soon and open for enrollment! Therapeutic Preschool & Kindergarten programs maxi-

900 N. Franklin, Ste. 104C, Chicago (312) 944-5600 www.chicagogrammar.org

Chicago Friends School

K-7 1246 W. Thorndale Ave., Chicago (773) 442-2371 www.ChicagoFriendsSchool.org Our academically challenging curriculum nurtures the whole child; our commitment to Quaker values encourages service, peace, and thoughtful engagement with each other and the world.

Chicago Waldorf School 1300 W. Loyola Ave., Chicago (773) 465-2371 chicagowaldorf.org

Here every child is an athlete, musician, scientist, and avid reader. RSVP for a tour and see why we’re the fastest growing education in the world!

Chesterbrook Academy

14 Locations in Chicago (877) 959-4182 chesterbrookpreschooltoday.com Private Preschools & Elementary School. Now Enrolling! Contact us to schedule a tour

Francis W. Parker School Serving Junior Kindergarten through 12 Grade 330 W. Webster Ave., Chicago (773) 797-5107 fwparker.org

Parker is a school where inspired teachers, dynamic curriculum and a diverse community of learners thrive. Register for an Open House event at www.fwparker. org/openhouse..

The Frances Xavier Warde School Preschool (age 3+) – Grade 8 West Loop & Downtown (312) 466-0700 fxw.org

An independent, Catholic school in downtown Chicago that fosters an engaging, interdisciplinary learning environment in

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special advertising section // a tight-knit, service oriented community. Need-based tuition assistance is available.

GEMS World Academy Chicago 350 E. South Water St. Chicago (312) 809-8910 www.gemschicago.org admissons@gemschicago.org

With our expansion to Upper School, there’s never been a better time to join the GEMS family! Schedule your tour today at: gemschicago.org/Parent

German International School Chicago Now enrolling Pre-K through Grade 7 1447 W Montrose, Chicago (773) 880-8812 germanschoolchicago.com

Offering a bilingual education in a supportive, individualized learning environment that nurtures curiosity and creativity while fostering global awareness.

Guidepost Montessori School at Wicker Park

1530 N. Damen Ave., Chicago (773) 663-4732 wickerpark.guidepostmontessori.com Guidepost Montessori is a beautifullyprepared, new preschool opening Fall 2017 in the heart of Wicker Park. Visit us online for more info. at wickerpark.guidepostmontessori.com.

Hyde Park Day School

1980 Old Willow Road, Northfield 6254 S. Ellis,Chicago hydeparkday.org HPDS is the leading school in the Chicago area specializing in students of average to superior intelligence who have learning disabilities. We provide an innovative and comprehensive educational model that helps prepare students for successful transitions to a school in their home community. Our specialized and supportive environment teaches students to be self advocates and gives them the strategies to succeed.

Instituto Cervantes

31 W Ohio St, Chicago (312) 587-1992 http://chicago.cervantes.es/es Children will have the unique opportunity to learn Spanish in a playful and enriching environment through total immersion of language while highlighting each student’s creativity.

Jewish Child & Family Services

Therapeutic Day School and Yeshiva K-12 Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center 3145 W. Pratt Avenue, Chicago (773) 467.3900 jcfsschool.org Sandra Spicher, Principal The best educational, emotional and therapeutic services for students in grades K-12. Individualized, specialty support, low student-to-teacher ratio, statealigned curriculum and modern facilities.

Kidwatch Plus Educational Child Care 3330 N. Lockwood Ave, Chicago (773) 993-0536 www.kidwatchplus.com

Kidwatch provides educational programs and high quality childcare. We guide children to a positive self-image while building social skills in a group setting.

Back-to-School Education Guide

Little Green Tree House (West Loop/Lincoln Park/ Lakeview)

118 S. Ashland/1929 N Halsted/ 3111 N. Ashland (312) 492-9876 www.littlegreentreehouse.com Immediateenrollment opportunities – call or visit our website to book a tour today!

Northside Catholic Academy Serves grades PK-8 Primary School Campus (PK-4): 6216 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago Middle School Campus (5-8): 7318 N Oakley Ave, Chicago Admissions: (773) 743-6277 www.northsidecatholic.org

Start your child’s path to great learning and discovery at Northside Catholic Academy. We offer a challenging, diversified curriculum within a nurturing environment for grades PK-8.

Pope John Paul II Catholic School

Grades K – 8 (773) 523-6161 4325 S. Richmond St., Chicago www.pjpiischool.com Before & After Care. Financial Aid. 3 & 4 year old Pre-School (Full & Half Day)

Queen of Angels School

2013 Blue Ribbon Award winner Grades PreK (3 yrs.) - 8, extended care 4520 N. Western Ave., Chicago (773) 769-4211 queenofangelschicago.org Julia Byrns Kelly, Principal

Resurrection College Prep High School

7500 West Talcott Avenue, Chicago (773) 775-6616 Ext 129 www.reshs.org Grade 9-12 Mr. Richard Piwowarski, Principal Ms. Connie Castellucci, Director of Enrollment Resurrection College Prep High School is the largest all-girls Catholic, Christian school on the north side of Chicago. Open Houses on Thursday, October 19, 2017 from 6-8 pm and Sunday, October 29, 2017 from 1-3 p

Sacred Heart Schools

6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 681-8418 shschicago.org Grades served: K-8 Independent Catholic school for all faiths; single-gender classrooms on coed campus; free after school care; bus service to several neighborhoods; Kindergarten Early Decision option.

St. Benedict Preparatory School

3 & 4 year old Preschool – Grade 8 Before & After School Care Available 3900 N Leavitt St., Chicago (773) 539-0066 www.stbenedict.com Rachel Gemo, Head of Parish School

St. Josaphat School

2245 North Southport Ave, Chicago (773) 549-0909 www.stjosaphat.net Comprehensive education for Pre-K-8th grade. A welcoming community where children are Enlightened to discover God, Empowered to thrive as they Excel to meet the challenges as future leaders.

St. Mary of the Woods

Preschool-8th Grade 6959 N. Hiawatha Ave, Chicago (773) 763-7577 smowschool.org Mary Yamoah, Principal National Blue Ribbon School

FOREIGN LANGUAGE Intercultural Montessori Historic Oak Park (708) 848-6626 Chicago’s West Loop (312) 265-1514 interculturalmontessori.org

Dual-Language Montessori education for ages 3-12. Your choice of Chinese Mandarin/English; Spanish/English; Japanese/English

SUPPLIES Mabel’s Labels mabelslabels.com

Scuola italiana Enrico Fermi

1510 N. Claremont Avenue, Chicago (312) 971-8064 www.siefchicago.org Join us for our FALL OPEN HOUSES. Dates and registration at www.siefchicago.org/ openhouse

Sonnets Academy

Boundless learning through play. Six weeks to six years. Lincoln Park: 1932 N. Clark St. (312) 951-1024 River North: 430 W. Erie St. (312) 344-1926 West Loop: 229 S. Peoria St. (312) 733-7580 Hyde Park: 5548 S. Hyde Park Blvd., (773) 891-0029 sonnetsacademy.com Sonnets Academy inspires boundless learning through play in its discoverybased curriculum and enrichment programs for children six weeks to six years of age.

Our Label Packs include personalized, UV resistant, waterproof name labels perfect for identifying clothes, backpacks, shoes!

TUTORING/ENRICHMENT Center for Talent Development, Northwestern University Program sites at Northwestern and throughout Chicago (847) 491-3782 www.ctd.northwestern.edu

Supplemental enrichment and accelerative programs and resources for academically advanced students, age 4 – grade 12.

DePaul University School of Music Community Music Division Music instruction for all ages in a university setting. 804 W. Belden Ave. Chicago (773) 326-7262 music.depaul.edu/cmd

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.

Saint Clement School

2524 North Orchard, Chicago (773) 348-8212 StClementSchool.org PreK (4yrs)-Grade 8 Before and after school care available Principal: Mari Jo Hanson

Email Lori Smerz at lori@chicagoparent.com ChicagoParent.com August 2017 61

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Parents know that Catholic schools provide a safe and sacred space where students can grow to their full potential. At a Catholic school, your child will receive an outstanding academic foundation from people who share your values. Nationally, Catholic school students outperform others on tests for math, reading and science. They also lead in graduation rates, and they're the most likely to go on to college. Each school is its own vibrant community creating a secure and engaging environment for children to become responsible and confident young adults. Find a school near you at: schools.archchicago.org/schools

CITY

ALPHONSUS ACADEMY & CENTER FOR THE ARTS PreK-8, Extended Care

1439 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago (773) 348-4629 alphonsusacademy.org Principal Dr Casimer Badynee

THE FRANCES XAVIER WARDE SCHOOL

Independent, Catholic, Preschool – 8th grade Extended care & summer programs offered Need-based tuition assistance available

Old St. Patrick’s Campus 120 S. Des Plaines Street (preschool-grade 3) Holy Name Cathedral Campus 751 N. State Street (grades 4-8) (312) 466-0700 www.fxw.org Michael Kennedy, Head of School

NORTHSIDE CATHOLIC ACADEMY Preschool – 8th Grade

6216 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago (Primary School Campus PK-4) 7318 N. Oakley, Chicago (Middle School Campus 5-8) (773) 743-6277 northsidecatholic.org Christine Huzenis, Principal

ST. BENEDICT PREPARATORY SCHOOL 3 & 4 year old Preschool – Grade 8 Before & After School Care Available

3900 N Leavitt St., Chicago (773) 539-0066

www.stbenedict.com Rachel Gemo, Head of Parish School

SAINT CLEMENT SCHOOL PreK (4yrs)-Grade 8 Before and after school care available

2524 North Orchard, Chicago (773) 348-8212 StClementSchool.org Principal: Mari Jo Hanson

ST. MARY OF THE WOODS Preschool-8th Grade 2012 National Blue Ribbon School

6959 N. Hiawatha Ave, Chicago (773) 763-7577 smowschool.org Mary Yamoah, Principal

ST. ROBERT BELLARMINE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

2-yr. old program, 3 yr. Prek through 8th grade, Extended Care, Summer Program

6036 W. Eastwood Avenue, Chicago (773) 725-5133 srb-chicago.org Mrs. Carrie Mijal, Principal

SUBURBAN

POPE JOHN PAUL II CATHOLIC SCHOOL

ASCENSION SCHOOL

(773) 523-6161 4325 S. Richmond St., Chicago

601 Van Buren, Oak Park (708) 386-7282

Grades K – 8

www.pjpiischool.com

Before & After Care. Financial Aid. 3 & 4 year old PreSchool (Full & Half Day)

QUEEN OF ANGELS SCHOOL Preschool - Grade 8

4520 N. Western Ave., Chicago (773) 769-4211 QueenofAngelsChicago.org Julia Byrns Kelly, Principal

RESURRECTION COLLEGE PREP HIGH SCHOOL Grade 9-12

7500 West Talcott Avenue, Chicago (773) 775-6616 Ext 129 www.reshs.org Mr. Richard Piwowarski, Principal Ms. Connie Castellucci, Director of Enrollment

SACRED HEART SCHOOLS Independent, Catholic, Single Gender, Coed Campus, K-8, before/after school care

6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 681-8436

shschicago.org Mr. Nat Wilburn, Head of Schools

PreK – Grade 8

Ascension-School.com Mrs. Maryanne Polega, Principal

CARDINAL JOSEPH BERNARDIN CATHOLIC SCHOOL PreK 3 year old to 8th Grade

9250 W. 167th Street, Orland Hills (708) 403-6525 cjbschool.org Mary Iannucilli, Principal

CHRIST OUR SAVIOR CATHOLIC SCHOOL

900 E. 154th Street, South Holland 708-333-8173 christoursaviorcatholicschool.org/ Preschool 3 and 4 year - Grade 8

Extended Care available 6:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Principal: Mrs. Karen Brodzik & Asst. Principal Mr. Kevin McMillen

HOLY CROSS SCHOOL

a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and Leader In Me™ School Half and Full Day Preschool options for 3 and 4 year-olds. K-8 full day programs. Before & After School Daycare

720 Elder Lane, Deerfield (847) 945-0135

holycrossdeerfield.org Janice DiVincenzo, Principal

LA LUMIERE SCHOOL Grades 9-12

6801 North Wilhelm Road, La Porte, Indiana 46530 (219) 326-7450

www.lalumiere.org Mr. Adam Kronk, Headmaster

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP SCHOOL (OLPH) 3 yr. Preschool - 8th Grade, Extended Care Programs

1123 Church St., Glenview (847) 724-6990 olph-il-org Amy Mills, Principal

SACRED HEART SCHOOL 3 yr. old Preschool, 4 or 5 day option Extended-day JK, Full-day Kindergarten Grades 1 – 8

1095 Gage St., Winnetka (847) 446-0005 www.shwschool.org Kristen Fink, Principal

ST. BARNABAS SCHOOL Preschool-8th grade

10121 S. Longwood Drive (773) 445-7711 Stbarnabasparish.org Principal: Elaine Gaffney

ST. CATHERINE LABOURE SCHOOL PK3-8th Grade

3425 Thornwood, Glenview (847) 724-2240 www.sclschool-glenview.org Principal: Jodi Reuter

ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL 2 yr old Preschool – 8th Grade

1740 Lake Avenue, Wilmette (847) 256-7870 stjosephwilmette.com Michael Kendrick, Principal

WOODLANDS ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART Grades 9-12

EVEREST ACADEMY

760 E. Westleigh Rd., Lake Forest (847) 234-4300

11550 Bell Road, Lemont (630) 243-1995

Catholic, independent, day and boarding college preparatory school for young women

PreK 3, PreK 4, K– 8th Grade

www.everestadvantage.org Mrs. Lori Broncato, Principal

woodlandsacademy.org

Christine Schmidt, Principal

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Exceptional Catholic Education PRE-K THROUGH 8TH GRADE

Open Houses Thursday, October 19, 2017 ~ 6:00 to 8:00 pm Sunday, October 29, 2017 ~ 1:00 to 3:00 pm ST. BENEDICT PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Call for a tour today! 773-509-3814 3900 N. Leavitt Street I Chicago IL www.stbenedict.com

Shadow Days 8th grade girls welcome on select days & 7th grade girls on Friday, February 9, 2018

www.reshs.org 7500 West Talcott Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631 773.775.6616 Ext 129

CHICAGO CITY DAY SCHOOL

541 West Hawthorne Place • Chicago 773.327.0900 • chicagocitydayschool.org

... where education extends beyond the classroom. Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8 • Two-acre, urban campus with state-of-the-art facilities • Dedicated teachers and engaged students work together in small groups with great success • Challenging academic programs including lab science, foreign language, and enriched visual and performing arts • Field trips that help children develop an awareness of the vitality of city living

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Work From Home! “I am a Mom who left the corporate world to work from home. Now I help families achieve financial and physical wellness. How would you feel about being there when your kids need you most?” Benefits package for qualified individuals.

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Research discussions are strictly confidential and NEVER involve any sales. Please visit: www.focuscope.com or call 708.386.5086 to join the Focuscope Respondent Community.

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Offices in Oak Brook, Chicago, and Oak Park

Specıal Parent CHICAGO

A Chicago Parent EMPOWERMENT GUIDE

Chicago’s only local magazine and resource guide to life for families who have children with special needs. • 50,000 copies distributed in early intervention specialist offices, and local libraries • Expanded special needs resource directory online at ChicagoParent.com

Specıal Parent CHICAGO

SUMMER 2017

AN EMPOWERMENT GUIDE FROM

Anxious? Tips to try

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LOCAL RESOURCES YOU NEED

Power of perspective Finding reasons to smile

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New edition now available!

6/29/17 2:54 PM

For more information, call (708) 386 5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com 64 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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You’re always set for a sitter.

Exceptional sitters. Exceptional care. Whether you have a meeting at school or just need to run errands, College Sitters is the simple solution to your day to day needs. College Sitters are: Engaging, creative & fun | Professional & trustworthy | Matched to meet your families’ unique needs. Scheduling has never been easier or more convenient. So get excited and get started. Barrington + Schaumburg | 847.305.2952 Buffalo Grove | 847.905.9938 Glenview + Park Ridge | 847.998.5657 Lincoln Park + Evanston | 773.697.9326 Naperville North + Elmhurst + Glen Ellyn | 630.446.0592 Naperville South | 630.219.1175

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Summer Fun // sponsored Last minute summer fun for Chicago families

By SHANNAN YOUNGER

orried about summer going by too quickly? Don’t be! There’s still plenty of time to have fun with your kids. Spending time together helps you both make the most of the remaining days of summer and also make memories that will last far into the colder months and beyond. We found six great places everyone in the family will love.

PJ Masks Live at the Chicago Theatre Get ready to shout hooray! The PJ Masks are on their way, into the night to save the day! You may have seen Catboy, Gekko and Owlette on Disney Junior, and now you can see them leaping and flipping live in person when their acrobatic live-action show takes the Chicago Theatre stage. “There’s great, pumping music that’s a lot of fun,” says producer Josh Blackburn about the score that is almost completely original. “Think Adam West’s Batman meets pop music. There’s a fun spy feel.” The show also offers lessons about the power of teamwork and using your gifts and abilities to help the community as a whole. There will be six shows Sept. 30-Oct. 1 at Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago; tickets at thechicagotheatre.com/ events/2017/september/pj-masks-live-at-the-chicago-theatre.html

Funtopia Kids climbing the walls? Head to Funtopia at The Glen in Glenview where they can climb a magic beanstalk, a giant dinosaur skeleton or another one of the more than 50 individual climbing elements and activities instead. Or check out its Artificial Caving System, which is made of molds from real rocks to fully replicate the surfaces and textures of real underground caves. Kids explore tunnels and collect treasures while learning about geology. “We offer a wide variety of physically challenging attractions that are designed to be highly entertaining and mind stimulating,” says Zarko Drljaca, marketing manager of Funtopia. While traditional sports are about repetitive performance, at Funtopia there is always some kind of surprise for each activity. The Glen Town Center, 2050 Tower Drive, Glenview; book tickets online at funtopiaworld/Glenview

DuPage Children’s Museum The AWEsome water exhibit just opened this summer and it’s taking water play to a whole new level with a new water wall where kids can alter how water flows with magnets. There’s also a sculpture with water coming from the ceiling, new bubble tables and a giant water wheel. “It’s a little wetter than the previous water area because it’s more interactive,” explains Michelle Gonzalez, museum experience manager. She suggests bringing an extra pair of clothes, wearing sandals that can get wet and making it your last stop at the museum. On the dry side, check out the Color Fun Weekend Aug. 12-13. Note that the museum is closed for maintenance after Labor Day. 301 N. Washington St., Naperville; dupagechildrensmuseum.org

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sponsored //

Summer Fun

British Swim School Think that swim lessons are only to get ready for summer? Think again. “It’s never a bad time to start a program like British Swim School. We are a year-round water survival and learn to swim program,” says John Hale, marketing and operations director. It’s also a good time to capitalize on the fun kids have had in the water this summer. “It’s like any other sport, the more you practice, the more you learn,” Hale says. In addition to keeping safe and active, lessons at the British Swim School keep kids smiling, too, with song and games and lots of fun. To find one of the 19 Chicago area locations nearest you, visit britishswimschool.com

CYT Theater Did you know the nation’s largest children’s theater company is here in Chicagoland? Christian Youth Theater (CYT) has 6,000 students yearly throughout its 10 locations around Chicago and southeast Wisconsin. Formerly Spotlight Theater, the name is different, but the mission is the same. “We are all about building community. It’s an inclusive environment for kids where they feel safe and valued. On top of that, we stage beautiful shows,” says Kim Renko, director of marketing. Don’t miss Singin’ in the Rain at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre Aug. 11-13! Classes start at six locations in August for kids ages 8 to 18 and all locations in September. Once enrolled, kids may audition for a Broadway-style musical. Find out more at spotlight.org

JENNIFER HEIM PHOTOGRAPHY

Safari Land Indoor Amusement Park The largest indoor roller coaster in Illinois is just one of the exciting things you’ll find in Safari Land. The 62,000-square-foot space dedicated to family fun in Villa Park has recently received a facelift that includes not only a new look but also exciting new games. “We have something for all ages,” says Chris Troiola, owner of Safari Land. Little ones will love the Lion’s Den soft play area that features a jungle maze and Merry-Go-Round. Bigger kids will want to ride the Tiger Terror roller coaster as well as the bumper cars, go karts, bowling and more. 701 N. Aurora, Villa Park; safarilandfun.com

SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, October 22 Naperville Yard Sports Complex, Naperville

Fall

Playdate Visit ChicagoParent.com/playdate for advance tickets and info!

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Arts Education Guide // advertising directory Chicagoland’s Best

Family Fun Center

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5051 Cal-Sag Road, Crestwood, IL

A Fairytale Ballet & Academy

The Little Gym of Chicago

Lakeview, Bucktown, Evanston (773) 477-4488 (LV & EV) (773) 606-0318 (BT) AFairytaleBallet.com Fairytale Ballet incorporating costumes & props PLUS Academy level classes. 2-17yrs.

3216 North Lincoln Ave, Chicago (773) 525-5750 TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL Combining physical activity, gymnastics, games, and arts & crafts.

American Dance Center

A Musical Adventure thru August 27 Chicago Shakespeare Theater On Navy Pier (312) 595-5600 Chicagoshakes.com

A nationally recognized school and performing company. 10464 163rd Place, Orland Park (708) 349-4964 1933 Ridge Road, Homewood (708) 747-4969 AmericanDanceCenter.net

Dance Center Evanston 1934 Dempster Street, Evanston (847) 328-6683 www.dancecenterevanston.com Fun, progressive program for dancers ages 3-adult with classes in a variety of techniques.

Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview (847) 832-6600 www.kcmgc.org Daily “Adventures in Art” programming (free with Museum admission)

CALL: 708-389-7275 • www.hollywoodfunpark.com

Madagascar

Premier Showcase Educators and Artists Who Inspire Students Wednesday, September 13 8am - 3pm Abbington Banquets, Glen Ellyn (773) 761-0099 www.premier-showcase.com

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

Theatre at the Center Theatre for Young Audiences 2017 – 2018 Season – Call now for best seats 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN (219) 836 3255 TheatreAtTheCenter.com

AMERICAN DANCE CENTER

Nationally Recognized School & Performing Company

47 Years of Excellence!

Family Fun Land September 1st-4th

at the naperville jaycees last fling

Located at Naper Settlement in Downtown Naperville Open Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4 Petting Zoo • Face Painting • Bouncetown Bouncies Entertainment Stage and More! www.LastFling.org

COME MEET Miranda “Lou” May

of Disney Channel’s “Bunk’d”

★

Fall Sign-Up

View teacher bios, photos, schedules

- Daily Southtown

Dance in our Spectacular Showcase! June 2018

Where Talent is Born

Award-Winning Youth Division 3 years and up • Pre dance • Beginner Dance • Tumbling

The Joy of Progress Beginner to Advanced

Child • Teen • Adult • Ballet • Tap • Contemporary • Leaps/Turns • Modern • Jazz • Hip-Hop • Street Funk • Performance Teams • Scholarships

Sunday, September 3, 2017 3-5 pm *Event is subject to change, delay or cancellation. Talent can only meet as many fans as time allows. You must have a wristband to attend the meet & greet. Wristbands distributed at Family Fun Land on a first-come, first-serve basis starting at 10am, Sunday, September 3, 2017. Must be present to receive wristband. One wristband per person, available while supplies last.

★

Orland Park 708-349-4964 10464 163rd Place Invited as Illinois Delegate 2018 Dance Excellence International 6 Studios • Dancewear Shop Student Evaluations

Homewood 708-747-4969 1933 Ridge Road

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calendar AUGUST

They’re y’re litt little, tle, they’re fast, c catch them and if you can he rightt moment, at the y’re pret tty amazing. they’re pretty ot talkin ng about ut your No, we’re not talking ugh thee d description kids—although —but ab bout those is uncanny—but about k jewels of thee bird kingdom, rds. Cel lebrate their hummingbirds. Celebrate st speed d and striking lightning fast Hummingbird ingbird Festival colors at thee Humm & Nature Celebration ebration, a full day devoted to the he sma small-but-mighty all-but-mighty avians. Families ilies wi will ill enjoy fun nature activities, ities, in including ncluding the chance to make a bird b feeder, which just might aattract ttract the feathered friends iends to o your yard someday. Free. 1-5 5p p.m. m Aug Aug. 19. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center, 12545 W. 111th St., Lemont. (630) 257-2045, fpdcc.com.

Get ready for the biggest event of the season with a fun science class! At Science of the Chicago Air & Water Show: Airplanes, kids 5-12 can build model gliders and rockets and learn a bit about the forces that make them fly. Plus: pizza. It’s be great fl l i ’ sure to b preparation for the following weekend, when you can watch the planes perform their jaw-dropping stunts above Lake Michigan. But now the kids can explain the mechanics behind the magic to their science-impaired parents. $40, $36 members. 6:15-9 p.m. Aug. 12. The Laboratory Chicago, 2349 W. North Ave., Chicago. (630) 880-6458, thelaboratorychi.org.

Is there a kid alive hasn’t, li who h h ’ at some point, i been fascinated by fire engines, ambulances and any vehicle that comes equipped with a siren? Head out to the Chicagoland Emergency Vehicle Show, which is pretty much a dreamcome-true for little (and not-so-little) vehicle enthusiasts. The event begins with a 15-mile Lights and Sirens Procession on Friday and ends with an Emergency Vehicle Caravan to downtown Naperville on Sunday, with lots of family fun—including an inflatable fire truck slide, water games, fire truck rides and public safety displays—in between. Free. Aug. 4-6. Main Street and U.S. 34, Oswego. emergencyvehicleshow.com. ChicagoParent.com August 2017 69

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CALENDAR 1 | TUESDAY

The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

ARTS DANS LA RUE.

Embrace European culture at Oak Park’s French street festival featuring art, food, wine, music, film, dance, kids’ activities and more. Noon-4 p.m. Marion Street, between Lake and North Boulevard, Oak Park. (708) 383-4145, downtownoakpark.net.

MILITARY SCIENCE: ROCKETS.

Kids 11-14 learn about military rockets in a fun and safe environment. Experiment with basic principles of rocketry and launch different types of rockets. Enjoy a rare opportunity to pick up a WWII “Super Bazooka,” a Vietnam-era LAW and other modern rocket launchers. All students take home an Estes rocket. $15, free parking. 10 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

2 | WEDNESDAY INCHWORMS PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM. Kids 18-36 months,

with adult, are introduced to nature through songs, simple crafts and outdoor exploration. Today’s theme is “Butterfly Beauties.” $6, free parking. 9:30-10:15 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

3 | THURSDAY

MOVIE IN THE PARK.

Celebrate summer with a family movie night under the stars. Seating is on the grass by the red band shell. Blankets, chairs and snacks are welcome. Today’s movie is A Dog’s Purpose. $5 parking. 8:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

Dog Da Dog Days y at ys Cant Ca nttig gny S e pa Se p gee 71

WINDY CITY RUBBER DUCKY DERBY. Spectators cheer

on more than 50,000 yellow rubber ducks during the annual derby, which benefits Special Olympics Illinois. Family entertainment includes face painting, games, food and appearances by sports mascots. Donated prizes will be provided to the adoptive parents of the winning ducks. $5 to adopt a duck. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Chicago River, Columbus Avenue bridge to Michigan Avenue bridge, Chicago. chicagoduckrace.com. BOX CAR BUILDING AND A MOVIE ON THE VILLAGE GREEN.

Build a box car with Indian Prairie Library, then stick around for a showing of Disney’s Cars at 8 p.m. Cool off

with concessions and meet some of the characters from the movie. 7 p.m. Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge. (630) 6542782, shopburrridge.com.

p.m. Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge. (630) 654-2782, shopburrridge.com.

5 | SATURDAY

MIDDLE SCHOOL NIGHT AT THE POOL. Kids 11-14 swim and listen to

CHICAGO BEARS MEIJER FAMILY FEST. Join Coach John Fox and the

CHALK FEST. Adults, kids and pros are invited to show off their chalk drawing skills. Plus, a DJ, games, and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Burr Ridge Village Center, 701 Village Center Drive, Burr Ridge. (630) 6542782, shopburrridge.com.

music provided by a D.J. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. $10, $7 pre-registration. 8:30-10:30 p.m. East End Pool, 463 Schiller, Elmhurst. (630) 993-8986, epd.org.

EXPLORE A TRUCK. See a fire truck, police car, garbage truck, mixing truck, tractor and more. 2-4

MAKER MANIA. Use real tools and materials to create projects in the “Make It Workshop.” Make a musical instrument, design a boat that floats, learn to solder, make a toy car or invent something new. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

2017 Bears for a special opportunity to see the team in action. Festivities outside the stadium begin at 9 a.m., followed by Bears practice at 12:30 p.m. Families can enjoy interactive games, alumni autographs, giveaways, live music and more. $10 and up. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive. chicagobears.com/events/family-fest. html.

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the September issue is July 31. 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 88.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

4 | FRIDAY

DESTINATION ASIA OPENING CEREMONY. Kick off the Destination

Asia Festival with a formal ceremony, engaging performances, culinary delights and a Japanese lantern display on Meadow Lake. Free with arboretum admission. 6-8:30 p.m.

CHICAGO

SUBURBS NATURE NIGHTS. Bring a picnic

dinner and spend an evening in the garden. Each nature night includes a short tram ride, planting project, and s’mores around the campfire. $26 per child. 5-7:30 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicago botanic.org. MAKER MANIA. Rockford. See

Aug. 4.

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CALENDAR INSECT SAFARI. Families with kids 5 and up search for insects and spiders in the fields around Northern Woods. 1:30-2:45 p.m. Moraine Hills State Park/McHenry Dam, 1510 S. River Road, McHenry. (815) 3441294, dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/ parks/r2/morhills.htm. AT CANTIGNY. Lots of special entertainment for all ages and their furry friends, plus vendor exhibits and sales. $10 parking. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny. org. FISHING DERBY. Prizes are awarded for the shortest and the longest fish caught by each age level. A fishing license is required for participants 16 and up. Register at Barth Pond on the day of the derby. 9 a.m.-noon. Downers Grove Park District, 935 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 963-1300, dgparks.org.

KITE FEST. See stunts and tricks from professional kite flyers or take to the skies in a family fun fly. Includes free kite building for kids and a candy drop. Concessions and kite vendors will be on site. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Berens Park, 493 Oak Lawn Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 782-4955, epd.org.

6 | SUNDAY CHICAGO ECUADOR PARADE. Parade

takes place in the Albany Park neighborhood and features a vibrant train of floats, along with Andean music and dancing from local folkloric troupes, all celebrating Ecuadorian independence. Noon. 4346 N. California Ave. cityofchicago.org/specialevents. MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN FAMILY SUNDAY. Drop by the

Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden for hands-on activities related to Japanese arts and culture. Practice using chopsticks, rake miniature dry

gardens, make Japanese kites and more. $30 parking. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. LIVING HISTORY DEMONSTRATIONS. See soldiers,

cooks, seamstresses, voyageurs or craftsmen sharing their talents. The program is led by a group of re-enactors representing the fur trading community of the 18th century. Noon-3 p.m. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. 135th St. (Romeo Road), Romeoville. (815) 886-1467, reconnectwithnature.org.

GOING ON A BUG HUNT. Kids 18-35

months, with adult, hike, listen to stories and play games in an interactive sensory-based program. Crawl, buzz and jump like the insects found on a bug hunt through the garden. $22, $15 members. 9:30-10:45 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

9 | WEDNESDAY GOING ON A BUG HUNT. Kids 3-5

SUMMER POOL PARTY - FIESTA!

hike, listen to stories and play games in an interactive sensory-based program. Crawl, buzz and jump like the insects found on a bug hunt through the garden. $25, $18 members. 9:30-11 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

A summer fiesta-themed pool party. Enjoy food specials at the concession stand, games for kids of all ages and music provided by a DJ. Free with pool admission. 4-7 p.m. Roosevelt Pool, 2239 Fir St., Glenview. (847) 724-5670, glenviewparks.org.

NATURE PLAY DAY. Parents with kids 3-5 can participate in a hike, story, game, dancing or playing. 1011:30 a.m. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S. Dutton Road, Beecher. (708) 946-2216, reconnectwithnature.org.

8 | TUESDAY

Come find the best ideas and talent for your next school assembly or youth program. Premier Showcase brings you together with educators and artists who inspire students! Meet vendors with fantastic fundraising ideas!

Meet over 60 exhibitors. View 24 acts live on stage. Bring your calendar & book onsite Enjoy complimentary lunch. WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017 8:00 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3:00 p.m. WHERE: Abbington Banquets Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Purchase tickets online at www.premier-showcase.com Artists and vendors for booth information call 773.761.0099 - 888.883.0095

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CALENDAR hands-on activity stations, snacks, night hikes and bedtime stories. Pitch a tent on the lawn inside the Children’s Garden and get ready for a night filled with fun. Evening snacks and breakfast included. $37. 6:30 p.m.-9 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

INCHWORMS PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM. WHEATON. See

Aug. 2. Today’s theme is “Hoppin’ Grasshoppers.”

10 | THURSDAY BATS! BATS!! BATS!!! Kids 5 and up visit information and activity stations to bust bat myths, build bat bling and befriend a bat during a presentation with live bats. 6-8:30 p.m. Hammel Woods, 23435 Black Road, Shorewood. (815) 727-8700, fpdwc.org. IN SEARCH OF BATS. Investigate

the myths and facts about bats. Families roast marshmallows around a campfire while learning about bats, then go on a hike to find the mosquito-eating machines, using bat detectors to “listen” for them. $8. 7-8:30 p.m. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org. AURORA MUSEUMS AFTER DARK. Families can explore the

MOVIES IN THE PARK. Grab a blanket and popcorn and enjoy a movie. Movies begin at dusk (about 8:30 p.m.). Stop by early for a children’s craft project. Today’s movie is The Love Bug. 7:30 p.m. Wilder Park, 175 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 739-1071, epd.org.

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Aurora Regional Fire Museum and SciTech after hours. Museums feature activities for the entire family. At the Fire Museum, kids can learn about museum collections and make a mini collection; at SciTech, take part in STEAM Activities for kids. 5-8 p.m. auroradowntown.org.

2017-2018 Season

Rapunzel Oct. 5-7, 2017

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Dec. 5-16, 2017

I Have A Dream

Beauty and the Beast

Jan. 22-26, 2018

April 9-15, 2018

GOING ON A BUG HUNT. Lisle. See

12 | SATURDAY CHICAGO

Aug. 9.

11 | FRIDAY

BUD BILLIKEN PARADE, PICNIC & FESTIVAL. Parade

CHILDREN’S GARDEN CAMPOUT.

A campout designed for families with kids 2 and up, complete with

features floats, bands, drill teams, dance teams and celebrities. At the end of the route, there is a picnic with

Safari Land

Explore Chicagoland’s Largest Indoor Amusement Park And Experience The Largest Indoor Roller Coaster In Illinois Exhilarating Family Fun filled with adventure, food, games and rides! Tilt-A-Whirl • 3DMaxFlight Simulator • Bumper Cars Kiddie Go Karts • Cosmic Bowling • Soft Play Video Games • Atlantis Restaurant

Birthday Parties & Group Packages

Call now for the BEST seats! Groups: 219-836-3258 Box Office: 219-836-3255 1040 Ridge Road Munster, IN

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701 W. North Ave., Villa Park 630•530•4649 | safarilandfun.com Buy a $10 Game card, get a $5 card FREE Mon - Thurs ONLY

Not valid with other offers or promotions. Not Valid with reserved parties or events *Safariland reserves the right to make additions or deletions to the special at any time *limit one coupon per PAYING PERSON / Day • Offer expires 9/30/17

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CALENDAR entertainment, food and music. 10 a.m. Martin Luther King Drive from 39th Street (Oakwood Blvd.) to 51st Street. (773) 536-3710, budbilliken parade.com. CAMPOUT AT THE ZOO. Families can spend a summer night at the zoo. Stay for just the evening activities—including after-hours animal house tours, a campfire and s’mores and an optional dinner—or pitch a tent on the South Lawn and wake up to hooting gibbons and honking flamingos. Evening Encounter $40, $34 for members; full Overnight $65, $55 for members; add-on dinner $12. 7 p.m.-8:30 a.m. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive. (312) 7422000, lpzoo.org. THE WIZARD SCHOOL SCAVENGER HUNT. Families

with kids 10 and up search for art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the Harry Potter books and movies. $24.50, $15 kids 10-13 (includes museum admission). 1-3 p.m. The Art Institute of Chicago, 125 E. Monroe St. (877) 946-4868, watsonadventures.com.

SUBURBS ICE CREAM EATING CONTEST. Kids 7 and up find out

how much ice cream they can eat. Registration is required. 2-2:30 p.m. Gurnee Park District, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee. (847) 623-7788, gurneeparkdistrict.com. NATURE NIGHTS. Glencoe. See

Aug. 5. OPERA FOR THE YOUNG PRESENTS THE ELIXIR OF LOVE.

This adaptation of Donezetti’s The Elixir of Love moves the action to Lonesome Gulch, a town in the American Old West. Miss Addy, Jimmy Reno and Bill Corey form the love triangle of the story, with Dr. Dulcamara appearing as the “snake oil” peddler who sells the love potion. $10, $5 lawn. 11 a.m.; gates open at 10 a.m. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park. (847) 266-5100, ravinia.org.

COLORFUL COLORFUN. Get

creative with all the colors of the rainbow while exploring the museum. Activities include rainbow windsocks, color wheels and squeegee artwork. Free with museum admission. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum. org. FRENCH PICNIC UNDER THE STARS. Enjoy a French-themed

picnic (available for pre-purchase), live music and stargazing. Bring a telescope or view the stars and planets through scopes provided by the Naperville Astronomical Society. If the sky is clear, it will be an ideal night to witness the Perseid Meteor Shower. $15 parking. 6-11 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org. JUNIOR TOUR DE NAPERVILLE.

Kids 3-10 ride bikes, tricycles and big wheels on a path that is 1.246 miles long. Parents can walk or ride along with younger kids; older kids can see how many times they can go around the path. Each child receives a T-shirt and there will be snacks and drinks. $25, $17 resident. 9-11 a.m. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 8485000, napervilleparks.org.

Pre-K through 8th Grade Independent Day School for Bright & Gifted Children

SECOND SATURDAY: PAPER MAKING. Robert McCormick,

Cantigny’s benefactor, made his fortune in the newspaper business. Try making the raw material that he depended on. $10 parking. Noon-3 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

13 | SUNDAY SUBURBS COLORFUL COLORFUN.

Naperville. See Aug. 12. FRENCH CONNECTION DAY.

Day-long festival and family fun to commemorate the personal history of the park’s benefactor, Robert R. McCormick. Colonel McCormick named his Cantigny estate after a

Upcoming Tours October 11 November 8

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CALENDAR French village, scene of the first American victory during World War I. Enjoy live musical entertainment and have your photo taken by an Eiffel Tower replica. $10 parking. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org. THE GIRLS CAN DO IT ALL BALL!

This mother/daughter empowerment event features five strong, brave, fierce female characters and showcases activities that center on empowerment, building confidence and trying new things. $30. 1:30-3 p.m. The Levy Senior Center, 251 Canterbury Lane, Bolingbrook. chicagoprincessparties.com.

14 | MONDAY BROADWAY IN CHICAGO SUMMER CONCERT. The concert

features cast members from more than a dozen shows including Disney’s Aladdin, The Bodyguard, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Les Miserables, School of Rock and Wicked. 6:15 p.m. Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 7421168, millenniumpark.org.

16 | WEDNESDAY GOING ON A BUG HUNT. Lisle. See

Aug. 8. INCHWORMS PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM. Wheaton. See Aug. 2.

Today’s theme is “Buzzin’ Bees.”

17 | THURSDAY SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK. An evening of Shakespeare’s

Pericles, presented by Muse of Fire Theatre Company. Bring blankets, towels or chairs. 7-8 p.m. Glenview Park District, 2400 Chestnut Ave., Glenview. (847) 724-5670, glenview parks.org. TURTLE TIME PLAYDATE.

Kids 5 and under take part in a playdate that includes a craft, story and hike. Create a turtle craft and hike along the riverside searching for shelled friends. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. 135th St. (Romeo Road), Romeoville. (815) 886-1467, reconnectwithnature.org.

18 | FRIDAY

man’s best friend while listening to a story about dogs, counting them, practicing writing D for dog, playing a game and making a dog-themed treat. $39, $26 resident. 4-5:30 p.m. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 8485000, napervilleparks.org.

USAV CUP: U.S. MEN VS. Brazil. The U.S. Men’s volleyball team were the only team to beat Brazil at the 2016 Olympic Games. Among the U.S. players expected to compete is Thomas Jaeschke, a native of Wheaton and a star at Loyola. $28$43. 7:30 p.m. Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. (847) 649-2270, searscentre. com.

COOL SCIENCE: PUPPY-THEMED COOKING SCIENCE. Kids 6-11

FAMILY NIGHT OUT: MUSIC, CARS & T-REX! Enjoy a visit by

learn a bit about canine buddies in this edible class, then make tasty treats like puppy-roni pizza bits, pawsta salad, and paw-fect puppy chow. $54, $36 resident. 6-8 p.m. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

T-Rexplorers and meet Ranger the T-Rex. Cantigny favorite Joe Kalish will provide the tunes on this final Cruise Night of the summer. Stay for Movie in the Park (The Land Before Time) at 8:30 p.m. Food trucks are on site. $5 parking. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny. org.

COOL SCIENCE: LET’S LEARN ABOUT DOGS! Kids 3-5 learn about

15 | TUESDAY GOING ON A BUG HUNT. Lisle. See

Aug. 9.

MOVIE ON THE GREEN.

Enjoy a free movie at dusk. Today’s

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CALENDAR

Learn to

Ice Skate Check out our classes today at www.SkokieParks.org.

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movie is Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. 7:45 p.m. Odyssey Fun World, 19111 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park. (708) 429-3800, odysseyfunworld. com. STORYTIME AT THE FIRE MUSEUM. Read stories, sing songs

and dance a little. Plus, stay for some fun at the museum. Donations are welcome. 2:30-3 p.m. Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N. Broadway, Aurora. (630) 256-4140, auroraregionalfiremuseum.org.

19 | SATURDAY CHICAGO DANCE FOR LIFE. The annual ben-

efit dance concert showcases the city’s unique diversity of talent, dance traditions and styles by bringing together talented, world-renowned professional dancers from Chicago. Recommended for families with kids 8 and up. $15$75. 7:30 p.m. Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway. (312) 922-2110, auditorium theatre.org.

SUBURBS FARM & BARN FEST. Features sheep-shearing demos, petting zoo,

horse rides, farm antiques, raffles, stage entertainment, kids’ games and activities, face painting, food vendors, bingo and a chili cook-off. Plus, blacksmithing demonstrations, baby and kid contest, flea market and a 5 p.m. country concert. Some activities cost extra. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Historic Yunker Farm, 10824 W. LaPorte Road, Mokena. (708) 390-2401, mokenapark.com. USAV CUP: U.S. MEN VS. BRAZIL. Hoffman Estates. See Aug.

18. HOMEWOOD’S GIANT BLOCK PARTY. Includes fun activi-

ties, live entertainment, tasty summer fare and the annual Pooch Parade. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Hickory Road, between Dixie and Martin, Homewood. (708) 798-3000, homesweethomewood. com. FAMILY TWILIGHT ADVENTURES.

Families with kids under 10 go on a hike, do activities and roast marshmallows before going on a silent tram ride through the woods after dark to see what animals come out when people go home. $19. 7-9 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

9340 Weber Park Place, Skokie • (847) 674-1500, ext. 2900

Faith in Learning From a Christian Perspective Howe Military Academy 5755 N SR 9 Howe, IN 46746 (260) 562-2131 or (888) GO-2-HOWE Howemilitary.org 7th-12 grades Head of School: Tyler Osenbaugh Salem Christian School 2018 N. Richmond, Chicago (773) 227-5580 www.salemcs.org Pk3-8 Extended care available Principal: Hector Quintana

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CALENDAR DOG DAYS OF SUMMER.

Bring a picnic lunch, relax in the park and visit booths from local pet-related businesses and shelters. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Wandschneider Park, 831 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. (630) 9631300, dgparks.org PARK PALOOZA. Bring lawn chairs or pack a blanket and enjoy a lazy end-of-summer Saturday with music, food trucks, beer and wine garden, face painting and kids’ activities. Concessions are for sale. 5-10 p.m. Berens Park, 493 Oak Lawn Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 782-4955, epd. org. PLAY DAY. Families can explore the playground, get their faces painted, plant flowers in the Fragrance Garden, blow bubbles, draw with chalk, and socialize. Plus, libraries present sensory-friendly story times. 10 a.m.-noon. The Sensory Garden Playground, 2751 Navistar Drive, Lisle. playforalldupage.org.

CREATING CONNECTIONS. A sensory storytime focused on creating a positive library experience especially for families of kids with exceptional abilities and sensory processing issues. 2-3 p.m. West Chicago Public Library District, 118 W. Washington St., West Chicago. (630) 231-1552, westchicago.lib.il.us.

20 | SUNDAY SUBURBS

Childr d en dr en’s s Gard Ga rd den Camp mpou mp pou ut See pa Se page ge 72

ECLIPSE ACROSS AMERICA.

Gather info to understand how our tiny moon can block all the light from our gigantic sun. Take in a special planetarium show, explore sun-moon-earth relationships, manipulate models of scale, size and movement, and build tools to safely view the eclipse. Free with museum admission. 1-4 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycenter museum.org.

Searching for a quality Early Childhood Program?

VINTAGE BASE BALL GAME.

See how our national pastime was played more than 100 years ago as the DuPage Plowboys take on the Sunset Hills Colonels from Indiana. $10 parking. 1-4 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org. WENDY & DB CONCERT FOR KIDS. Wendy & DB love to get kids

singing, wiggling, jumping, dancing and having a great time. $10 parking. Noon-1 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org. WINFIELD CRITERIUM.

This competitive bike race attracts locals, national and international pro-ranked cyclists and offers spectators an opportunity to experience

Jewish Day Schools

Celebrate Knowledge

JCFS THERAPEUTIC DAY SCHOOL AND YESHIVA West Suburban Temple Har Zion Early Childhood Education Center offers FULL and PARTIAL day programs for children ages 2-5. Children of all religious backgrounds are welcome. Our Jewish preschool uses a REGGIO EMILIA inspired methodology. Our program is accredited by NAEYC. 2-Year-Old Program • Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. with extended day options

This play-based program introduces two-year-olds to a school setting in an engaging environment. 3 to 5-Year-Old Program • Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:30 a.m. with extended day options

In the mixed-aged classroom childrens’ interests, questions and discussions are the guiding factors used to plan the curriculum. Children learn to work together collaboratively.

Camp Zion • Monday-Friday, 9:00-12:00 p.m. (lunch included) with extended day options

For children ages 2-5. Campers play, learn, and make friends.We have three four-week sessions beginning in June. Optional swimming lessons at the West Cook YMCA for children 3 years and up. Extended Day Options

Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

For more information or to schedule a tour call Aileen at 708.366.9000 or email preschool@wsthz.org.

1040 N. Harlem Ave., River Forest • 708.366.9000 • wsthz.org

Joy Faith Knapp Children’s Center K-12 Sandra Spicher, Principal

3145 W. Pratt Blvd., Chicago (773) 467-3900 jcfsschool.org

KESHET

We see possibilities for students with intellectual disabilities. Pre-K through high school and Transition programs Dr. Melinda Remaly, Director of Education

3210 Dundee Rd., Northbrook (847) 205-0274 Keshet.org

WEST SUBURBAN HAR ZION PRESCHOOL Learning Should Be An Adventure

Ages 2-5 1040 N. Harlem Ave, River Forest (708) 386-9000 www.wsthzece.com

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CALENDAR championship-style bike racing. Food, drinks and entertainment are available for racers, spectators and visitors. Check website for schedule. Oakwood Park, 555 Winfield Road, Winfield. winfieldcriterium. com.

21 | MONDAY

Beach, including a shallow water start, parallel to the beach. The bike and run take place on closed park roadways and running paths along the lakefront. The event is open to boys and girls ages 7-14. Check website for cost. First wave starts 8:30 a.m. Montrose Avenue Beach. (773) 404-2372, chicagotriathlon.com/ race/kids-tri/.

ECLIPSE ACROSS AMERICA.

Rockford. See Aug. 20. Today’s times are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and the event includes eclipse-viewing.

25 | FRIDAY MOVIE IN THE PARK.

Wheaton. See Aug. 4. Today’s movie is Guardians of the Galaxy.

26 | SATURDAY

CAMPOUT AT THE ZOO. See Aug.

12. WILLY WONKA, JR. Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir is a golden ticket to adventure. $16-$52. 7 p.m. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. (773) 9356875, athenaeumtheatre.com.

SUBURBS

CHICAGO LIFE TIME KIDS TRI CHICAGO.

The swim takes place in Lake Michigan at Montrose Avenue

ALLEY ART FESTIVAL. Local artists converge on Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora and engage passersby with their art, craft, talent

and more. More than 60 artists display their wares, food is available for purchase, and events include free yoga, a creative children’s booth and live music. Check website for schedule. Water Street Mall, Aurora. auroradowntown.org/alley-art-festival/. HEIRLOOM TOMATO WEEKEND. Activities are planned

for kids and families—creating an herb mix (to create a delicious pasta sauce at home), playing tomato toss and “Sorting Supper,” searching for “Rainbows of Tomatoes” (tomato search), and more. In addition, displays and tours showcase the tomatoes growing at Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, chefs highlight recipes with heirloom tomatoes, and staff and volunteer experts share tips for cooking with tomatoes, preserving tomatoes, saving seeds and solving tomato problems. $30 parking. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

27 | SUNDAY CHICAGO WILLY WONKA, JR. See Aug. 26. Today’s time is 2:30 p.m.

SUBURBS BIKE THE GARDEN. Bicyclists can ride the full perimeter of the garden, including areas that are usually off-limits. After the ride, come to the McDonald Woods pavilion to enjoy festivities, check out the vendor, and learn at the information tables. Trek Bicycle Store of Highland Park will offer helmet checks, basic bicycle safety checks, and a flat tire and basic maintenance clinic at 8 and 9 a.m. Registration is required. 7:30-9:30 a.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org. HEIRLOOM TOMATO WEEKEND.

Glencoe. See Aug. 26.

who our children

BECOME IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS

what our children

ACHIEVE Night Out in the Parks brings world-class performances to Chicago’s neighborhood parks!

Enjoy FREE music, dance, movies, theater, festivals and family fun at your neighborhood parks all summer! View our upcoming Night Out events at:

www.NightOutInTheParks.com or access them in the free My Chi Parks™mobile app.

At Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts, we inspire and enable our children to reach their full potential by providing a rigorous education combining academic excellence, an arts-integrated curriculum and a strong Catholic foundation.

Check-in on the My Chi Parks™app during Night Out events to earn 200 Park Points™ THE OFFICIAL REWARDS PROGRAM OF THE CHICAGO

STAY CONNECTED.

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Join us for a tour and learn more at www.alphonsusacademy.org/admissions

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EXHIBIT CALENDAR

A solar

celebration

And even though the eclipse won’t truly be total here in Chicagoland—it will reach 90 percent totality—it only makes sense that our very own museum to the stars, the Adler Planetarium, has an epic eclipse extravaganza planned. Since March, when Adler’s “Chasing Eclipses” exhibit opened, the museum has been getting excited. Eclipse Fest takes place all day on Aug. 21 in the parking lot, where three tents will house fun activities centered around harnessing the power of the sun (think: solar cars, solar ovens and sundials), exploring solar science (how does sunblock really work?)

and playing with light and shadows. There will also be bubbles for the littlest explorers (because bubbles). In addition to science-y fun, there will be typical festival faves like bounce houses, chalk artists and obstacle courses.. Some of Adler’s local partners—from sports organizations to fellow museums— — will be on hand with fun activities. And iff you’ve ever wanted to soak an astronomerr in a dunk tank? Well, you’re in luck. Once the eclipse begins—at 11:54 a.m.,, to be exact—visitors can don their complimentary solar eclipse glasses or take advantage of specially outfitted telescopes to see the celestial sensation. It will take a couple of hours to reach 90 percent totality, but there will be periodic updates. “This is a huge celestial moment that doesn’t happen very often,” says Annie Vedder, the planetarium’s curator of experience. “We are geeking out.” If you can’t get to Museum Campus (or Daley Plaza, where a smaller event is planned), organize an eclipse party at home! Adler’s website explains how to make a pinhole projector, which allows you to safely view the eclipse (your RayBans are not going to cut it). Just supplement with Moon Pies and Sun Chips for

Dentistry For: Children • Adolescents • Special Needs tients New Pa e! Welcom

Complimentary Well Baby Checks!

Kids Are Special People

Eclipse Fest u 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 21 u Free (including general admission) u Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago u adlerplanetarium.org an out-of-this-world celebration. Whatever you do, be sure to have your eyes on the sky, because the next time we’ll spy a total solar eclipse in Chicago is 2099. And as Vedder says, “It’s not every day that the moon moves over the sun.” Elizabeth Diffin

Photo by Matt Glavin

n Aug. 21, the world will go dark. No, it’s not some kind of apocalyptic nightmare, and you don’t have to pull out your tinfoil hat. We’re getting ready for a total solar eclipse—something that hasn’t happened in the continental U.S. since The Village People’s “YMCA” was at the top of the music charts.

Come DANCE with us!

Dr. Russell S. Pollina

Diplomate American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics*

847-253-KIDS

601 W. Central Road, Suite 4 • Mt. Prospect, IL 60056 18 E. Dundee Road, Bldg. 5, Ste 100 Barrington, IL 60010 *provided by pediatric dentists

www.grins4kids.com

technique. performance. community.

Béa Rashid, Director 1934 Dempster Street Evanston, IL 60202 847-328-6683 www.DanceCenterEvanston.com

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Now O pen

Come Play With Us! August 24-27, 2017

Thursday 6-10 PM (Carnival Only) Friday 6-11 PM Saturday 2-11 PM Sunday 2-10 PM

5100 Museum Drive, Oak Lawn, IL 708-423-6709 Check our web site for programs and hours www.cmoaklawn.org Have your birthday party or Field Trip with us! Call for more details!

Live Entertainment, Great Food, Beer Garden, Kids Zone, Carnival Rides And More! Fireworks - Sunday at 9:00 p.m. and Annual Parade - Sunday at 12 Noon Adjacent to Worth Park District Terrace Centre 11500 S. Beloit Avenue • Worth, IL 60482 www.worthparkdistrict.org 708-448-7080

The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to positively impact a child’s potential in life through play-based education.

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TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT CHICAGOSKY.NET 80 August 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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social

Kids Eat Chicago...what a blast!

We got to see thousands of families during a whirlwind weekend at Kids Eat Chicago presented by Jurassic World: The Exhibition. From main stage singers and chefs to the darling MasterChef Junior competitors to even a fearless giant velociraptor, Kids Eat Chicago was a kid utopia during the record-breaking crowds at the Taste of Chicago. Thank you to all joined us! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see you next year!

Mark your calendar for our Fall Playdate! Thanks to our sponsors:The Playground Games and Brooklyn Boulders brought the fun, Noodles & Co. the family dining area, State Farm Agent Anthony Mootry the lawn games, BuyBuy Baby and Babyganics the diaper changing and nursing tent and Foss Swim School the face painting. Plus hats

Naperville Yard Sports Complex 1607 Legacy Circle â&#x20AC;˘ Naperville

October 22, 2017

off to the fine folks at Body Armor, Shriners Hospital Chicago, Chiro One, Go Go SqueeZ, Chicago Fire, West Loop Soccer Club, the Girls Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana and Codeverse.

Contact us at advertising@chicagoparent.com to learn how you can host an event. Stay in the know at ChicagoParent.com, sign up for newsletters, and learn more about our next event, Fall Playdate. Kids Eat Chicago photos courtesy of TK Photography ChicagoParent.com August 2017 81

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FAIRS & FESTS cultural exhibits and demonstrations, classical dances, drumming, ukulele, martial arts and fencing. Skilled master craftsmen (Waza) demonstrate crafts that will be offered for sale. Traditional Japanese cuisine is available. $7, $6 seniors and students, free kids under 12. Check website for schedule. Aug. 11-13. Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee St., Chicago. (312) 9437801, ginzachicago.com.

NORTHBROOK DAYS FESTIVAL. Features food vendors, car-

nival rides and games, and entertainment. Live music is featured each night at the main stage and during the day at the beer garden, food and children’s stages. Food and rides cost extra. Check website for schedule. Aug. 2-6. Shermer Road and Walters Avenue, Northbrook. northbrookdays.com. SUMMERDAZE. Enjoy food booths, beer tent, live music, and fun and games for the kids. 5-11:30 p.m. Aug. 4; 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Aug. 5. Warrenville Park District, 3S260 Warren Ave., Warrenville. (630) 3937279, warrenvilleparks.org.

CHICAGO HOT DOG FEST.

Features live music and family-friendly activities, plus classic Chicago-style hot dogs. Cost for food. Check website for schedule. Aug. 11-13. Chicago History Museum, Clark and LaSalle streets, Chicago. chicagohotdogfest.com.

JEFF FEST. The northwest side’s

cozy Jefferson Park neighborhood throws its annual community party with food, music, arts and crafts, and activities for kids. $5. 6-10 p.m. Aug. 4; 2-10 p.m. Aug. 5; 2-8 p.m. Aug. 6. 4900 Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. (773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com. THE MIDWEST WIZARD OF OZ FESTIVAL. Includes a carnival, color-

ing contest, Auntie Em’s pie-eating contest, and an attempt to break the world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as characters from The Wizard of Oz. Actors from the Spirit of Oz perform songs and skits and interact with visitors. Check website for cost and schedule. Aug. 4-6. Odyssey Fun Farm, 19111 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park. (708) 429-3800, midwestozfest.com. FESTA ITALIANA. Features authen-

tic music, carnival, kids’ activities and Italian food. Check website for cost and schedule. Aug. 4-6. Boylan High School Grounds, 4000 St. Francis Drive, Rockford. (815) 636-2902, griaa.com. DESTINATION ASIA FESTIVAL.

Explore diverse cultures through music, including Japanese drumming, dance, food and a bonsai show. The festival also includes performances by champion sumo wrestlers. Free with arboretum admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 4-6. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

RETRO ON ROSCOE. Features

local restaurants, artisans, vendors, chili cook-off and a family area with crafts, balloon artists, face painting, music, rides and more. $10. 5-10 p.m. Aug. 11; noon-10 p.m. Aug. 12-13. Roscoe and Damen, Chicago. (773) 665-4682, starevents.com/event/ retro-on-roscoe.

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THE FEST FOR BEATLES FANS.

LA GRANGE ENDLESS SUMMERFEST. Celebrate summer at

its best with family fun, live music and entertainment. Includes rides, entertainment, food vendors, beer garden, music and Sunday night fireworks. Check website for cost and schedule. Aug. 4-6. Gordon Park, La Grange. lagrangeendlesssummerfest.com.

listen to music and enjoy kids’ activities, including an art scavenger hunt. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 5-6. Glen Town Center, 1800 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview. (847) 926-4300, artattheglen.com. THE WORLD OF FAERIES FESTIVAL. A family-oriented event

EDGEWATER EDGEFEST. Features 70 food vendors, beer and sangria, live entertainment on two stages, a kids’ tent and activities, a dunk tank and a pet parade. $5 donation. 11 a.m. pet parade, noon-10 p.m. Aug. 5; noon-9 p.m. Aug. 6. Broadway Avenue between Thorndale and Ardmore, Chicago. edgewater.org.

with a vendor village and music, fairy tea parties, craft tent and a Quest for the family based on the theme “Thirteen Treasures.” Come dressed to fit the fantasy theme. $11, $8 seniors, free kids 12 and under. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 5; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 6. Vasa Park, Route 31, seven miles south of 1-90 Northwest Tollway, South Elgin. theworldof faeries.com.

ART AT THE GLEN. Families can stroll past the work of 185 artists, enjoy food from local restaurants,

ANNUAL GINZA HOLIDAY.

Experience a taste of Japan with

Features dozens of special guests and tons of events and activities to celebrate of the 50th anniversary of “Revolver.” Includes activities for kids, such as Beatles puppet shows, Beatles parade, and arts and crafts. $26 and up. 5 p.m.-midnight Aug. 11; noon-midnight Aug. 12; noon-11 p.m. Aug. 13. Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Bryn Mawr Avenue, Rosemont. (847) 696-1234, thefest.com. CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN’S KITE FESTIVAL. Enjoy

soaring stunt-kite performances set to music by members of the Chicago Fire Kite Team and members of the Kite Society of Wisconsin & Illinois. These high-flying professionals demonstrate awesome feats of beauty and great skill. Ice cream, beverages and lunch options are available for purchase. $30 parking. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 12-13. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

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FAIRS & FESTS

Ascension School offers a faith-based education for children ages three through eighth grade. To learn about our excellent preschool and elementary school, or for registration materials, please visit our website at: www.ascensionoakpark.com/school 601 Van Buren St. Oak Park, Illinois T: 708.386.7282

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juried artists, live music and fun art activities for kids. Get into the “art-filled action” by making a mark on a graffiti wall. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 12-13. Village Green, Milwaukee Avenue and Old Half Day Road, Lincolnshire. (847) 926-4300, lincolnshireartfestival.com. SOUTH ELGIN RIVERFEST.

Features food, carnival, kids’ activities, arts and crafts show, live music, entertainment and fireworks on Sunday night. Check website for schedule. Aug. 17-20. Panton Mill Park, Route 31 and State Street, South Elgin. (847) 774-1151, riverfestexpress.net. EDISON PARK FEST. Includes music, food, craft fair, dog show,

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bags tournament and basketball clinic. Kids’ Play Area features a rock climbing wall and waterslide, and Children’s Stage has kid-friendly performances, craft booths and a playground. Check website for schedule. Aug. 18-20. Downtown Edison Park, 6730 N. Olmstead Ave., Chicago. (773) 631-0063, edisonparkfest.org. TAYLOR STREET FESTA ITALIANA. Features authentic Italian

activities, delectable Italian cuisine, cooking demos and live entertainment. Plus, meatball- and cannolieating contests, trolley tours, big band music and more. $5, free kids 12 and under. Check website for schedule. Aug. 18-20. Taylor Street, between Racine Street and Ashland Avenue, Chicago. (312) 243-3773, starevents. com/event/festa-italiana.

CHICAGO WALDORF FOUR WINDS SCHOOL WALDORF SCHOOL PreK-12th grade

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920 West 19th Street Chicago (312) 421-3050 citygardenschool.com

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1220 W Lexington Street, Chicago (312) 733-5337 urbanprairie.org

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150 W. Bonner Road Wauconda (847) 526-1372 davinciwaldorfschool.org ChicagoParent.com August 2017 83

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FAIRS & FESTS GLENWOOD AVENUE ARTS FESTIVAL. Includes a street art fair,

indoor art displays and live entertainment on three outdoor stages featuring 48 acts. KidFest Area features hands-on arts activities. 6-10 p.m. Aug. 18; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 19-20. 6900-7000 N. Glenwood Ave. (Morse and Glenwood), Chicago. (773) 761-4477, glenwoodave.org. CHICAGO AIR AND WATER SHOW. One of Chicago’s longest-run-

ning events, the show includes a wide variety of civilian acts with daredevil pilots performing their aerial stunts in the skies above Lake Michigan. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 19-20. North Avenue Beach, Chicago. (312) 744-3370, chicagoairandwatershow.us. VINTAGE DAYS. Includes street food, live music, an old-fashioned ice cream social, a penny carnival, hayrides, craft drinks and more. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Check website for schedule. Aug 19-20. Old McHenry and Robert Parker Coffin roads, Long Grove. longgrove.org.

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

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FAIRS & FESTS MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN SUMMER FESTIVAL. Learn about

the summer festivals (matsuri) celebrated in Japan during this special weekend of activities. Listen to taiko drum and koto harp music, enjoy traditional folktales, and watch a tea ceremony. Kids can make projects to celebrate summer—fish prints (gyotaku), paper fans (uchiwa), kites and more. $30 parking. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 19-20. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. TROLLEYFEST. Vintage trolleys and trains run in conjunction with South Elgin Riverfest Express. $5, $3 seniors, $2 kids 3-11, free under 3; $8 all-day pass. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 19-20. Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. LaFox St. (Ill. 31), South Elgin. (847) 697-4676, foxtrolley.org. CHERRY VALLEY FESTIVAL DAYS.

Includes entertainment, amusement rides, kids’ activities, fireworks and

food. Check website for cost and schedule. Aug. 25-27. Baumann Park, 218 S. Walnut St., Cherry Valley. (815) 332-2152, valleydays.com. TASTE OF GREEKTOWN.

Food, music and entertainment, including Greek bands, artisans and games for both kids and families. Noon-10 p.m. Aug. 25-27. Greek Town, 400 S. Halsted, Chicago. (847) 509-8050, tasteofgreektown.com. PORT CLINTON ART FESTIVAL. Features more than

260 artists including a Youth Art Division with works from kids. Event includes kids’ activities, music, and food from many local restaurants at the Taste of Highland Park, which runs in conjunction with the festival. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 26-27. Central Avenue at the intersections of First and Second streets, Highland Park. (847) 926-4300, portclintonartfestival.com.

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RANDOLPH STREET MARKET.

Features art, antiques, vintage, handmade, food, drinks, live music and a kids’ area in Plumbers Hall. Every kid gets a treasure map to navigate the market. $8, free kids under 12. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 26-27. 1350 W. Randolph St., Chicago. randolph streetmarket.com. JACK AXE GAMES & FESTIVAL.

Includes a 1.5-mile course

where competitors encounter obstacles focused on strength and endurance. All obstacles can be scaled to ability. Festival includes live music, bouncy house and scavenger hunt, beer and food tent, food vendors, small farmers market and Jack Axe Game Zone. Check website for cost and schedule. Aug. 29-30. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. (630) 781-4054, jackaxe.com.

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505 N. Ridgeland Ave. Oak Park 708-524-9788 | www.MyKidsDentist.cc ChicagoParent.com August 2017 85

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Om away from home

ack-to-school time brings a load of stress for parents and kids alike, and no number of school supplies can reduce it. If you need a little Zen to go along with your freshly purchased pencils and pens, you’re in luck. This month features some fun yoga escapes that will make you want to Namaste in the carpool lane even after the kiddos are back in class.

ORY

u Infants and toddlers might not know much about anxiety, but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from a little stress-relief. Family Yoga combines infant massage and stretches with songs and games, plus some yoga techniques for mom (or dad). The focus is on restoring balance and health to your kid-weary body—score. $20 pair, $5 each additional adult or child. 11 a.m.-noon Aug. 19. Sweet Pea’s Studio, 3717 N. Ravenswood Ave., #214, Chicago. (773) 248-9642, sweetpeasstudio.com.

u Lions, monkeys and turtles aren’t just animals that live at the zoo—they’re also yoga poses you can try during Parent and Toddler Yoga. This class includes nature exploration and story time for kids 2-4, in addition to stretching and bending like a pro. After you’ve reached max relaxation, visit the animals that inspire the class. $20. 10-11 a.m. Thursdays. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org. u The tree pose might look

easy, but as parents know, balance is a hard thing to achieve. At Tree Pose Yoga, kids 4-6, with adult, learn about nature while they move, breathe and stretch like all the things that call the arboretum home. $17, $10 members. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Mondays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. u Get your oms together at Family Yoga, an interactive class that invites parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to experience yoga with the kids they love (ages 5 and up). The class teaches yoga poses, in addition to breathing exercises and relaxation techniques that are sure to come in handy when homework gets frustrating. $20 pair, $8 each additional adult or child. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 5. Bloom Yoga Studio, 4663 N. Rockwell, Chicago. (773) 4639642, bloomyogastudio.com. Elizabeth Diffin

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ONGOING EXHIBITS CHASING ECLIPSES. Exhibit immerses visitors in the spine-tingling, goosebump-inducing experience of a solar eclipse. Find inspiration in eclipse chasers from history, discover the cosmic scale of being in the shadow of the Moon, and prepare to chase down the great solar eclipse on Aug. 21. Free with museum admission. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org. DINOS & DRAGONS. Features 17

animatronic creatures. Along the winding outdoor path, guests can explore the origins of myths and legends through culture, literature and paleontology. Inside a tented area, get up-close views of live reptiles, including a 6-foot-long Komodo dragon. The exhibit also has hands-on activities, as well as a dinosaur dissection lab, dino dig boxes and an excavation site. $5, $3 kids 3-11. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 6888000, czs.org. BUTTERFLIES & BLOOMS.

Outdoor butterfly garden where visitors can immerse themselves with hundreds of live tropical butterfly species from around the world. A field guide is available to help visitors identify dozens of species in the exhibition. Visitors can also observe butterflies hatching through a window into the pupa emergence room. $6, $5 seniors, $4 kids 3-12. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., weather permitting. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. BRICK BY BRICK. Features more

than a dozen giant Lego-built structures of engineering marvels, including a 60-foot-long Golden Gate Bridge. Guests learn how architects and engineers push the limits of design, materials and location and explore Chicago’s impact as the birthplace of the skyscraper. Requires a separate, timed-entry ticket. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 6841414, msichicago.org.

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EXTREME ICE. Through pho-

tographic documentation and time-lapse videography, guests experience a visual representation of climate change. Plus, touch a 7-foot-tall ice wall, interact with maps showcasing the impact of coastal flooding, see how rising temps will affect Chicago, explore the work of ice scientists and learn the part they can play in mitigating the effects of climate change. Free with museum admission. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org. ROBOT REVOLUTION. A collection

of cutting-edge robots from some of the most innovative global robotics companies and universities. Guests interact with robots that have rarely been shown to the public. New robots include a life-sized humanoid robot, the Cube Solver, who has a lightningfast ability to solve a Rubik’s cube, a hexapod robot with snakelike and Adept Lynx, a self-navigating industrial robot. $12, $9 kids. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 6841414, msichicago.org.

TURN BACK THE CLOCK. Exhibit explores the urgency of nuclear weapons and climate change with one of the most provocative symbols of the 20th century, the Doomsday Clock. Free with museum admission. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org. OUR HOUSE: RETHINKING HOME IN A CHANGING CLIMATE.

Packed with fun, interactive experiences, the exhibit takes visitors through four climate change challenges and showcases creative solutions that reduce our environmental impact and support natural habitats for plants and animals. Free with museum admission. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org. JURASSIC WORLD: THE EXHIBITION. The exhibit immerses

audiences of all ages in settings inspired by the film franchise. Guests walk through the famous Jurassic World gates to get up close to the towering dinosaurs, some more than 24 feet tall, and explore the park through a specially guided tour.

Once on-site, visitors experience the family-friendly Gentle Giants Petting Zoo; step behind the glass into The Hammond Creation Lab; get a special preview of Jurassic World’s top-secret project, the Indominus rex; and go inside the Raptor Training Paddock. $15, $10 kids (daytime); $25, $20 kids (evening). 9 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 9229410, fieldmuseum.org. SPECIMENS: UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF LIFE. Visitors can see

some of the most amazing objects in the museum’s collections, including a giant clamshell (that they can touch), a nearly 6-foot-long sawfish snout, and a drawer full of now-extinct butterflies with silvery-blue wings. Included in Discovery and All-Access passes. The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org. ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN.

Visitors can see 25 displays of metal sculptures based on the traditional Japanese art of paper folding as they walk paths through the arboretum’s landscape. Free with arboretum admission. 7 a.m.-sunset daily. The

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ONGOING Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. MODEL RAILROAD GARDEN: LANDMARKS OF AMERICA. The

Model Railroad Garden is full of the sights and sounds of garden-scale trains traversing bridges and trestles, past miniature scenes of America’s landmarks and gardens planted to scale. $6, $5 seniors, $4 kids 3-12, free kids under 3. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. FORTS. Visitors can imagine,

construct and play within their own special places as everyday materials take on new shapes and purposes to become a fort builder’s paradise. Forts inspire both constructive planning and imaginative play. Free with museum admission. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 5271000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org. HELLO FROM JAPAN! Explore an immersive, child-sized Tokyo streetscape and Shinto park. Visitors learn how time-honored Japanese traditions co-exist with the contemporary culture of kawaii-inspired graphics and products. Free with museum admission. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org. STINGRAY TOUCH. Shedd staff

members guide guests through the 15-minute touch experience, while providing facts about stingrays, including information about how choosing sustainable seafood protects stingrays. The outdoor exhibit also allows visitors to see the cownose stingrays through various angles. $5 add-on. John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org. SCIENCE + YOU. Exhibit features a child-sized laboratory where kids can explore how scientists impact health and wellness through hands-on, interactive machinery, processes and technology. A demonstration area

allows guest scientists and educators to perform experiments. Free with museum admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kcmgc.org.

OTHER EVENTS MESSY MONDAYS. Each week, a

A party your kiddo will never forget.

guest artist presents a workshop on an art technique that is taught to children in several sessions over a four-hour period. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org. WILD WEDNESDAYS. Kids 3-10 enjoy hands-on nature exploration through games and crafts. Each week has a theme. $5 parking. 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org. DISCOVERY ISLE. Through Aug. 23. Different activities or demonstrations focus on natural or cultural history. 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. 135th St. (Romeo Road), Romeoville. (815) 886-1467, reconnectwithnature.org. DROP-IN PROGRAM. Stop by for

fun featuring the exhibit McDonald’s Hamburger University. This month’s theme is “Make It Your Own.” $1 per child. Noon-5 p.m. Wednesdays. Elk Grove Historical Museum, 399 Biesterfield Road, Elk Grove Village. (847) 439-3994, elkgroveparks.org/ museum. DANCIN’ SPROUTS. Enjoy musical entertainment for kids on the Esplanade. Food and beverages are available for purchase. The Café and Grille in the Visitor Center are open during concerts. Picnicking is allowed at the concert site. $30 parking. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. ACORN EXPRESS ADVENTURES.

Families with kids 2 and up take an open-air tram ride adventure through the arboretum. Plus, make a craft and

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ONGOING explore new topics each week. $5, $4 member, plus admission. 11-11:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES IN THE COVE. Explore the plants

and animals in aquatic habitats and learn what animals depend on ponds and lakes. Splash in the water table, examine macroinvertebrates or find out how a tadpole turns into a frog. Activities vary from week to week. Parking fee applies. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and weekends. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. THURSDAY FAMILY NIGHTS.

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Enjoy live music, kid-friendly fare and entertainment after-hours in the Children’s Garden. $5 after 4:30 p.m. 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

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Jerusalem Lutheran School

JERUSALEM LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Education, High Standards, PreK - 8

6218 Capulina Avenue, Morton Grove, IL 60053 (847) 965-4750 • www.jerusalemlutheran.org

Witness Always

LUTHERA N

SCHOOLS

6218 Capulina Ave. Morton Grove

(847) 965-4750

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL Preschool (Age 3) through Grade 8, extended care Jon D. Woldt, Principal 501 W. Park Avenue, Libertyville

(847) 362-4424 www.StJohnsLib.com Quality Education Accredited at the highest level by two national accrediting agencies

Excellent Programs Before School Care starting at 7:00 a.m.

Pre-S and Pre-K

Pre-School and Pre-K Full and Half day

8:00-3:00

Kindergarten Full day Jerusalem Lutheran School is an F-1 school, accepting all I-20 students. All International students welcome!

Great Value

1st through 8th Grades After School Care 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 p.m.

8:00-11:30

Kindergarten 8:30-3:00

Grades 1-8 Please Call for Current Tuition Rates

SAINT LUKE ACADEMY

Taste of Preschool, Preschool Age 3 through 8th Grade, Extended Care Donna Beck, Principal

Enrolling now! Call for a private tour today!

1500 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago

(773) 472-3837 www.stlukechicago.org

Lutheran schools admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin.

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ONGOING SUMMER NIGHTS. Enjoy live music,

kids’ entertainment, enhanced dining, a beer and wine garden, roaming performers, and special Zoo Chats with animal ambassadors on the zoo’s East Mall. Each night ends with a laser light show. Free with zoo admission. 4-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs.org. CHICAGO SUMMERDANCE.

One-hour dance lessons by professional instructors and two hours of live music and dancing are presented as a part of the largest annual outdoor dancing series in the U.S. 6-7 p.m. dance lessons, 7:30-9:30 p.m. live music and dancing FridaysSaturdays; 4-5 p.m. dance lessons, 5-7 p.m. live music and dancing Sundays. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 742-4007, chicago summerdance.org. SATURDAY FAMILY FUN. Enjoy

a covered pony ring, the Children’s Farm Animal Barn with farm animals, and horseback trail rides for riders 8 and up. Families can relax on a scenic hay ride through the meadows and woods. $3 pony and wagon rides; $30, $25 resident trail rides. Noon-4 p.m. Saturdays. Lockwood Park Trailside Equestrian Centre & Children’s Farm, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford. (815) 987-8809, rockford parkdistrict.org/lockwood.

of I-94, exit Russell Road and follow the signs, near the Illinois-Wisconsin border, Kenosha, Wis. (847) 3957773, renfair.com/bristol. DAILY ACTIVITIES. Meet the animals, view public milking demonstrations, take a tour and listen to stories about farm life. Every day is something new. Come for an activity and stay for a sweet treat at the old-fashioned soda fountain. 10-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays; 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Historic Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview. (847) 657-1506, glenviewparks.org/ historicwagnerfarm.

A NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE

Be a part of something greater.

FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES IN THE NATURE PLAY GARDEN.

Learn about how plants grow and the animals you might find at the garden. Pollinate flowers, compost with worms, build a life-sized bird nest, explore underwater life and more. Activities vary from week to week. Parking fee applies. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL.

Families are invited to join the fun with activities, including music and arts and crafts, for kids of all ages. Daily. Chase Promenade North, Millennium Park, Chicago. (312) 7421168, millenniumpark.org.

TOT TIME AT SMALLEY POOL. A chance for little ones 5 and under to splash around without the bigger kids. Free with pool admission. 9 a.m.noon Saturdays. Norman P. Smalley Swimming Pool, 665 S. York Road, Elmhurst. (630) 993-8985, epd.org.

STORYWALK TRAIL. Stroll or bike along the path and read “Rosie Revere, Engineer.” Daily. Little Bear Garden at Gallery Park, 2001 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 724-5670, glenviewparks.org.

BRISTOL RENAISSANCE FAIRE.

KIDS ADVENTURE GAMES. Kids

More than 1,200 performers, artisans and merchants take visitors on a trip through Elizabethan England with games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music and entertainment. Kids Kingdom is an enclosed play area filled with oversized sand boxes, a climb-aboard pirate ship, interactive games, crafts and other child-friendly diversions. $24.95, $11.50 kids, free kids 4 and under. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. weekends. West

Proud to be

6-14 experience the thrill of adventure racing working in teams of two to navigate an adventure course with zip lines, mud pits, water obstacles, a giant slip n’ slide and more, while they build confidence and teamwork. $150 per team of two. Aug. 4-6. Wilmot Mountain, 1/2 mile south of Wilmot on the east side of Fox River Road, Wilmot, Wis. kidsadventuregames. com.

Start your child’s path to great learning and discovery at Northside Catholic Academy. We offer a challenging, diversified curriculum that includes Spanish, music, art, computer science and gym. At NCA, we inspire our students to grow in character, intellect and spirit. Yet, what’s even greater is the sense of belonging you’ll feel when you join our community. Within this nurturing environment, your child and entire family will thrive. • Half-Day and Full-Day Preschool • Top-Ranked Academics K-8 • Small Class Size • Affordable Extended Care • Guardian Angel Scholarship Fund Now Accepting 2018-19 Applications Visit an Open House at our Primary School Campus (PreK-4) or Middle School Campus (5-8): • Wednesday, October 4, at 9am (Primary Campus) • Wednesday, December 6, at 9am (Primary Campus) • Sunday, January 28, 11am-1pm (Primary Campus) • Sunday, January 28, 12-2pm (Middle School) • Wednesday, April 11, at 9am (Primary Campus)

Northside Catholic Academy

For more information Northside call 773-743-6277 Catholic or visit Academy www.northsidecatholic.org ChicagoParent.com August 2017 91

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PERFORMANCES MARY POPPINS. Through Aug. 5.

Everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this musical adventure. Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $13-$20. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays. Overshadowed Theatrical Productions, 900 Foster Ave., Medinah. (630) 250-7518, overshadowedproductions.com. CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARKS. Through Aug. 27.

This 75-minute abridged production of Romeo and Juliet comes to 18 neighborhood parks across the city. At each location, a specially equipped truck rolls into the park, a stage unfolds, and a company of professional actors shares Shakespeare’s story of star-crossed lovers. Check website for schedule and locations. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 5955600, chicagoshakes.com. MADAGASCAR – A MUSICAL ADVENTURE. Through Aug. 27.

Follow Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, Melman the Giraffe and the plotting Penguins on a hilarious and unexpected journey from Manhattan to the faraway island of Madagascar. $34, $22 kids 12 and under. Check website for schedule. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 595-5600, chicagoshakes.com. CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PRESENTS LUZIA - A WAKING DREAM OF MEXICO. Through a series of grand

visual surprises and breathtaking acrobatic performances, LUZIA takes audiences on a surrealistic journey filled with wonders, playfulness and striking artistry. Rich in awe-inspiring moments, LUZIA enchants by incorporating rain into acrobatic and artistic scenes—a first for a Cirque du Soleil touring production. $35 and up. Check website for schedule. United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago. cirquedusoleil.com. DISNEY’S ALADDIN. A thrilling

production filled with beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes

Moth Mo ther er Goo os se e’s ’s G rden Ga rden n See this this pagge

make the possibilities infinite. Adam Jacobs, who originated the title role on Broadway, plays the iconic role. $35 and up. Check website for schedule. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 977-1700, broadwayinchicago.com. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. In this

original adaptation, Bella ventures from her little village to the Beast’s castle to save her Papa. There, she befriends enchanted characters and meets the Beast himself. Recommended for families with kids 2-10. $6-$12. Check website for schedule. Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont, Chicago. (773) 2059600, chicagokidscompany.com. MOTHER GOOSE’S GARDEN.

Join Jack and Jill as they search for Mother Goose and help out a gaggle of favorite characters along the way. Sing along to live music with Little Boy Blue, Miss Muffett and others as you experience the fun in teamwork through hand-puppetry and

interactive play. Recommended for families with kids 5 and under. $16. Emerald City’s Little Theatre, 2933 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 9356100, emeraldcitytheatre.com. THEATRE-HIKES. August brings a performance of Around the World in 8 Plays to the scenic wooded grounds of the Arboretum. Each performance lasts about three hours. 6 p.m. weekends. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: ATTACK OF THE PHANTOM OF THE BBQ. Throughout the summer,

Barrel of Monkeys premieres new stories from the 2016-17 school year written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed by company members. $12, $6 kids under 12. 8 p.m. Mondays. Barrel of Monkeys, NeoFuturist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrelofmonkeys.org.

HOGWASH: AN IMPROVISED TALL TALE. An improvised

children’s show full of music, art, laughs, and audience participation. Recommended for families with kids 3-12. $10 kids, adults free. 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park, Chicago. bughouse theater.com. GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL. A series of summer con-

certs showcasing classical music performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus in a spectacular setting. Check website for schedule. Millennium Park, Chicago. gpmf.org. ILLINOIS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL. The festival produces full

productions of Shakespeare and other plays in the spirit of Shakespeare’s work as well Theater for Young People performances. Check website for a schedule of shows and ticket prices. Ewing Manor, 48 Sunset Road, Bloomington. (866) IL-SHAKE, theshakes.com.

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e th S n i M Jo WM e f m co un o f

Final Weeks - Still Only $1 August 2ND

Series ends August 9th with

Doors open at 9AM • shows start at 10AM Co-sponsored by

www.classiccinemas.com

SHE SNORES MOREMORE SHE SNORES THAN THAN I DO, BUT I DO,I STILL BUT I STILL LOVE MY LOVEHUMAN. MY HUMAN. — BANDIT — BANDIT adopted 11-26-09 adopted 11-26-09

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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!

For more info or to book:

call Erin at

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

Available for birthday parties, communions, festivals and more!

708-296-8749

(773) 881-9379 or visit:

Booking now for Halloween Parties!

www.naturescreatures.net

Mary Macaroni

Princess & Character Parties Magic • Clowning Guitar Sing-a-Longs Face Painting & Balloons!

Children’s Parties! Corporate Events!

Call Today:

312-498-9845

www.marymacaroni.com

HOUSE OF BOUNCE Shaved Ice & Cotton Candy machines also available

Serving the greater Chicagoland area

Call Ron at 708-927-5455 www.houseofbounce.org

Magic & Juggling Shows Balloon Animals and Puppets

Themes to choose from: • Disney Princess • Scooby Doo • TMNT • Sports • Strawberry Shortcake • Plain • World of Disney 5 in 1 Combo • 30’ Dual Lane Obstacle • Water Slides • Slip ‘n’ Slides

SUE’S PARTY ANIMALS

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

You'll LOVE US!

Call Sue Johnson, Educator

847-215-8508

Perfect 5-star rating on Yelp Chicago’s best-reviewed magician

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

Learn more: thegreatscott.com (847) 361-0924 ChicagoParent.com August 2017 95

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

Meatless merriment

ust check the aisles of your favorite supermarket and it should be clear that we have lot of options when it comes to food. Many families are veering away from the meat-andpotatoes of our childhoods, choosing to go vegetarian, pescatarian or vegan. And since Chicago already has rib, hot dog and BBQ fests galore, it’s only fair that there’s a celebration that caters to the non-carnivores among us. Enter Veggie Fest. This free festival features yummy eats that don’t contain meat, from Indian treats to Caribbean delicacies—and

Veggie Fest

11 a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 12-13 Free Benedictine University, 5700 College Road, Lisle veggiefestchicago.com

classic American faves like nachos, fries, pizza and ice cream. The food court highlights vegetarian entrées from around the globe, as well as dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and raw options. Of course, it wouldn’t be a fest without some family fun, and Veggie Fest knows how to pull out all the stalks … I mean, stops. Kids can dress as their favorite veggie, fruit or animal and march in the Vegi-Kids Parade, which includes a costume contest for the most creative. The “Learn to Meditate for Families” tent is a great place to take a sensory

break from the day’s excitement, and parents of the littlest of littles can take advantage of a fenced play area that’s just for babies and toddlers. Plus, enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, clowns and musical entertainment that will set your pota-toes tapping. And for parents looking for ways to eat healthier, there are food demos, more than 100 vendor booths to visit, and health professionals who will talk about diet, lifestyle and environmental issues. All in all, it proves that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring or tasteless. And we can all raise a glass—of fresh coconut water, of course—to that. Elizabeth Diffin

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There is no limit to what your child can achieve!

Dream big! Our personalized approach to learning enables students in Preschool through High School to reach their highest potential. Learn more at our open houses! Visit www.bischicagosl.org for details. Preschool-Grade 5 Open House: Sept. 27 Grade 6-12 Open House: Oct. 7

www.bischicagosl.org admissions@bischicagosl.org (773) 998-2472

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Chicago

Chicago Southwest

Chicago Montessori

Montessori Foundations of Chicago

1713 W. Cullom Ave., Chicago 60613 773.525.4358 AMI accredited for ages 0 -12 years.

Intercultural Montessori Language School 114 S. Racine, Ste. 100 Chicago 60607 interculturalmontessori.org 312.265.1514

Dual-language Montessori programs for ages 3-12 in Spanish, Japanese & Chinese. Oak Park campus as well.

Near North Montessori

1434 W. Division St., Chicago 60642 nnms.org 773.384.1434

3575 S. Archer, Chicago 60609 www.montessorifoundations.com 773.254.5437

Providing a quality Montessori education to children ages 6 weeks to 6 years at an affordable price.

Suburban South Montessori Children's Schoolhouse

5935 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN mcshammond.com 219.932.5666

AMS Accredited (22 months - 12 years), Est. 1963 serving children 6 mos - 14 years; middle school, before and after care available. Est. 1968 Early morning, Afterschool & summer programs. Fully Accredited. Montessori School of Lemont

16427 W. 135th St., Lemont lemontmontessori.com 47 W. Polk St., Ste G15, Chicago 60661 815.834.0607 Est. in 1979; Preschool - 8th grade www.southloopmontessori.org offering Spanish, Mandarin and After 312.431.8050

South Loop Montessori School

Traditional Montessori experience set in the School Programs on 7 acres with natural heart of the city. Infants - 9 years old, AMS playground, chicken coop and nature trails Full Member School.

University Village Montessori School

1304 S. Halsted St., Chicago 60607 www.uvmontessori.com 773.800.9780

Southwest Suburban Montessori 8800 W. 119th St., Palos Park www.swsmontessori.com 708.448.5332

Forest Bluff School

8 W Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff forestbluffschool.org 847.295.8338

AMI Accredited 1982. Birth to 14 years. Paula Polk Lillard, Lynn Jessen founders.

Midwest Montessori Demonstration School 926 Noyes St., Evanston midwestmontessori.com 847.328.6630

Brickton Montessori School

Rogers Park Montessori School

Serving children 15 months through Kindergarten all day, every day.

Skokie Montessori School

www.SetonMontessori.org 630.655.1066

Developing confident, capable, creative children to be the leaders and innovators of Seton Montessori School tomorrow. 6 months - 6 years. Parent/child, 5728 Virginia Ave., Toddler, Primary, Kindergarten. Ext. 1963 Clarendon Hills

8401 Karlov Ave., Skokie www.skokiemontessori.com 847.679.4614

Serving children ages 2 -12 years. Full and partial schedules; summer program. AMS Full Member school.

Vernon Hills Montessori

21 Hawthorn Parkway Vernon Hills, IL 60061 www.vernonhillsacademy.com 847.918.0342

Buffalo Grove Montessori School

Riverwoods Montessori Schools

Est. 1966 serving children ages 2 through 14; Est. 1966, AMS Accredited & Living Legacy. 3 mos. - 12 yrs., Full & Half day, Full day, half day, early arrival. Elementary & Summer Camp. Fully Accredited.

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Greenbrook Montessori School

2031 Elmwood Avenue, Wilmette 847.256.2922

Suburban Northwest

1800 W. Balmoral Ave., Chicago 60640 3140 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods www.montessori-schools.com www.rpmschool.org 847.945.8661 773.271.1700

Suburban West

www.Greenbrook-Montessori.com

Chiaravalle Montessori

Est. 1986. Serving children 24 mos. through Toddler and Early Childhood, 1st through 8th grade. Accredited by AMS and ISACS. 8th grades Half to Full day. Extracurriculars and summer program. Deerfield, Glenview &

Est. 1993. Serving infants through Kindergarten. Full & Part time options available year-round.

Ronald Knox Montessori School 630.830.1675

Suburban North

425 Dempster St., Evanston 8622 West Catalpa Ave., Chicago 60656 www.chiaravalle.org www.brickton.org 847.864.2190 773.714.0646 Parent/Infant & Child, Full & Partial Day

418 W. Touhy Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068 montessoriacademyofillinois.com 847.292.1229

Demonstration School (MMTTC) ages 3 - 6 1675 Greenbrook Blvd., Hanover Park years, full and part time.

Est. 1970. Beautiful woodland setting. Serving children 2 - 6 years; am & pm, Serving children ages 2 months to 6 years full-day Kindergarten. Spanish, Gym, Yoga, 15 months - 6 years; afterschool, summer old. Offering Half, School and Full-day Music & Summer school. Accredited by camp, private piano & voice; semi-private programs with enrichment classes available. NAEYC. karate & music

Chicago North/ Northwest

Montessori Academy of Illinois

Est. 1965, a Lab School serving students 2 months - 12 years; accredited by AMS and NAEYC; offering full and half day, summer programs and Parent-Child class.

West Suburban Montessori School

1039 S. East Ave. OakPark 708.848.2662

AMI Accredited 1988; ages 3 - 12 years. Full and half day options available.

950 Ellen Dr., Buffalo Grove 847.541.8111 bgmsweb.net

AMS accredited serving infants through kindergarten, Providing a lifetime foundation for more than 40 years.

Childrens Learning World, A Montessori School, Inc. 8101 Golf Rd., Niles ciw-montessori.com 847.470.0370

6 weeks - 12 years, open year round.

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