Chicago Parent May/June 2023

Things

WIN $250!

What do you think of our content? Take our annual reader survey to help us provide the best resources to local families. The survey only takes 10 minutes and you’ll automatically be entered to win $250.

BY KATINA BENIARIS EDITOR’S PICKS

6 Ways to Raise the Happiest Kids on Earth

Best Diaper Bags for Parents

Bilingual Playroom Opens in Logan Square

Watch This, Do That: The Super Mario Bros. Movie Autism Prevalence Higher, According to New Report

VISIT:

EDITOR’S PICKS VISIT:

Best Libraries to Visit with Kids

Dinosaur Attractions in the Midwest

Scenic Hiking Trails for Families

Berry Picking Farms Worth the Drive

Mini Golf Courses to Putt Putt Around

Selfie Museums to Check Out

Share your pics! Tag your family moments on Instagram with #ShareChicagoParent for a chance to show it off here. Don’t forget to follow us @ChicagoParent

Hello Summer!

Maybe we’re a bit biased, but something really special happens in Chicagoland when summertime rolls around. Make summer 2023 the best one yet with Chicago Parent’s fun family guide!

@oplaceswego

CHICAGOPARENT.COM/LATESTISSUE CHICAGOPARENT.COM/LATESTISSUE

To read any of the stories on this page, hover your phone’s camera over the smart link or visit the site above.

How do you encourage your kids to take risks?

Read tips for raising risk-takers and why it’s important on Page 24.

CEO & PUBLISHER: Alexis Bourkoulas

Content

VP OF MARKETING AND CONTENT: Julia Elliott

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy

I tell my daughters not to count themselves out, ever — go for it because you just might succeed! I also emphasize how much they will grow and learn by putting themselves out there.”

CONTENT

MARKETING MANAGER: Kim Kovelle

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER:

Katina Beniaris

SENIOR EDITOR: Claire Charlton

SPONSORED CONTENT EDITOR: Jenny Kales

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Nikki Roberts

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kelly Buren

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Lindsey Lawson

PHOTOGRAPHER AND GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Lauren Jeziorski

AUDIENCE AND SALES DEVELOPMENT

ASSISTANT: Kari Zaffarano

CONTRIBUTORS: Cortney Fries, Thomas Kubik, Cheryl Leahy, Steffy McCourt, Tara Moler, Kate Schweitzer, Jenny Sherman, Jon Wilcox, Stacey Winconek, Lainey Yehl

PRINTER: Walsworth, St. Joseph, Mich.

Sales / Administrative

My son is 4 so at his age I don’t need to encourage him to take risks! For us, it’s more about the language I use when watching him take a risk. Eliminating the words, ‘be careful,’ and teaching him how to be careful so he knows how not to get hurt or he understands if he gets hurt what not to do next time. He now says to me, ‘Mama, don’t worry, I’ll watch my feet so I don’t slip on the ice.’”

If you do, please subscribe (see Page 3 for details)!

I encourage Jordan to take risks by explaining why something is safe for him to do and how I am right there for him if he needs me. I am also there to try something with him first, so he is comfortable. We went on his first roller coaster together last summer!”

SENIOR MARKETING STRATEGIST: Dawn Ferencak

BUSINESS MANAGER

Amy McIntire

SALES ASSISTANT: Carlos Figuera

SPECIAL PROJECTS: Ruth Robbins

I’ve learned that the best thing I can do is to get out of the way. I’m always there if my kids need me, but I encourage them to listen to their own inner voice, not just mine.”

Plus, stay in the know about all things family in Chicagoland by signing up for our weekly enewsletters packed with trending stories and fun things to do. Simply scan this smart link.

Handpicked

Bits of fun, inspiration and cool finds for you

Chase the Dark

The warm weather is coming for us and we couldn’t be any happier. Right there with us? With that nice weather comes so many more opportunities for fun-filled days and to just hang out with

family and friends outside once the sun sets. Sweeten your favorite hangout with the cutest lanterns around, made with love by your kids. Since summer officially clicks on June 21, try this oh-so-simple lantern jar project to add a little light to your nightlife, perfect for decorating your porch, deck or lawn. You just need some colored tissue paper, Mod Podge, a mason jar (or four) and a battery-operated light or candle. Plus, willing little hands, of course. We challenge you not to smile when you set it up and turn them on. Let the summer fun begin!

sdnah t o o !

Celebrate You

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day ideas that aren’t a crowded brunch or BBQ

BY STEFFY MCCOURT

There are two days each year where we get to honor moms, dads and those who have played these important roles in our lives. Even so, we’d argue every day should be about recognizing and celebrating these special people. Most parents say it’s not the gifts they want, but quality time with their family or time off from the regular chores. Try these ideas this year.

Something New

Mom or Dad gets to create a Something New Jar. Each gets three to four strips of paper to write a hobby, interest or activity that they have always wanted to try. Pull one every weekend this summer. Some ideas to get you started include cooking class, sailing, making bread, knitting, fly fishing, horseback riding, snorkeling, art class/workshop or ziplining. Or you could also create a Go Somewhere New Jar. Set the boundaries to a tank of gas or under two hours away. My family has also created a weekly Family Night Jar. On the strips of paper, we listed an activity that we could do at home, or within our city, that would cost nothing. One of the fun nights we’ve had include a Mini-Golf Course (in each of our bedrooms). It all totals up to time well spent together laughing. No wrapping required.

Listen

Gather the family for snacks and drinks. Film Mom and Dad and kids telling stories. StoryCorps, a nonprofit organization, has created an art out of collecting and archiving the stories that make us who we are. The StoryCorps app guides you from start to finish through an entire interview after you pick the topic or theme. As anyone who has ever lost a loved one knows, having a recording of that person’s voice telling their own stories is a treasure worth more than gold.

A Picnic

Reserve a shelter at a local park and invite the entire family or make it all about your mom or dad group. There is no cleaning the house before or after, which makes this kind of celebration a winner. Create a theme and make it a pitch-in where everyone brings something. Ideas for themes include family recipes, food from a favorite location (southwestern, southern, Italian, etc.) or a favorite decade. Get some yard games going, including a hula hoop contest and a watermelon eating contest.

Book Clubs, Reimagined

Try out a fun twist this summer with your mom pals

BY CHERYL LEAHY

If the idea of a book club evokes anxiety about actually finding time to read the book, much less force your brain to analyze subplots and themes, you might want to try another way to connect with friends this summer.

Here are alternative “clubs” that are anything but anxiety-inducing!

Binge Club

Finding time to watch a 45-minute dramedy on Netflix is infinitely more feasible than finishing that 400-page novel in a month’s time. First, select a show or series that ignites a spark in your group. Looking to lighten up? Try stand-up comedians. Want some spice? Sex/Life is sure to unearth single-lady vibes. Royal obsession? The Crown is a dramatic feast of the political and personal life of Queen Elizabeth II. Gather to watch together, or screen separately and dish monthly at your meeting.

Pitch-In Club

Charities are always in need of volunteers and can provide an ideal way to connect with friends and a cause at the same time. Gather up a group with similar interests and skills and match with a volunteer organization. Here are two to consider: Humble Design (humbledesign.org) fully furnishes home interiors for individuals, families and veterans that are emerging from homelessness. Volunteers can help sort donations in the warehouse or assist on deco day. Through Lasagna Love (lasagnalove.org), volunteers prepare lasagna each week and deliver them to the doorstep of a local family in need. You can get together and bake, then take turns delivering.

3 Culture Club

CHERYL LEAHY

is a mom of two. She can be seen in lifestyle TV segments across the country sharing the latest products and services ideal for families.

4

Childhood Revival Club

Chicago is a city full of culture, and much of it remains unexplored by residents. In addition to the Art Institute and Lyric Opera, there are dozens of cultural gems ready for you to visit. Have one person in your group captain the monthly outing by organizing the details and researching how to make the experience stellar. For example, attend a concert of a music genre you don’t normally tune into — check out Live Wire Lounge, SPACE Evanston, Ravinia and Thalia Hall. Or visit an art gallery that has a specific focus, such as Gallery Guichard in Bronzeville, which specializes in art of the African Diaspora.

Did you love to draw as a kid? How about tap dancing? Exploring nature? Playing the piano? Now is the time to resurrect the hobbies from your youth, this time with friends! Each person in the club finds a group class that speaks to them, then the others tap (literally) into that inner child.

Want to start a book club for your kids this summer?

Get tips at ChicagoParent.com/ LatestIssue.

Food on a Roll

Our readers’ favorite food trucks in Chicagoland

BY KARI ZAFFARANO

The warmer months are upon us and so are outdoor events, festivals and plenty of summer fun for families. What makes getting out and about even better? Food trucks!

On Instagram, when we asked our followers to vote for their favorite food trucks in their communities, the nominations rolled in — proving there’s a huge fan base for delish food on the go.

Check out readers’ four mostloved food trucks, according to votes, when tummies start to rumble.

The Cheesie’s Truck

The food truck menu features different types of grilled cheeses called The Mac, The Tenderizer, The Popper, The Caprese and The Frenchie. It also offers Tendy Tots with bacon, chicken tenders and cheddar cheese sauce.

@cheesies_chicago

Photo by The Cheesie's Truck

KARI ZAFFARANO

is a busy mom on the go. As Chicago Parent’s Audience & Sales Development assistant in charge of our online and print calendars, she has the inside scoop for families seeking fun things to do.

@keepupwithkari

Soul and Smoke

This business is Blackowned and women-led and features three locations, two food trucks and a grocery line. Try the soul favs including Cajun shrimp and grits, signature mac and cheese, smoked rib tips, smoked pulled pork, prime brisket sandwich and more.

Keep an eye out for Soul and Smoke at events this year, including Lincoln-Roscoe Art Fair + Craft Festival

May 13-14, Deerfield Art Fair

June 3-4, Winnetka Music Festival June 16-17 and Gold Coast Art Fair June 16-19. @soulandsmoke

Find the full list of reader-nominated food trucks and prepare to drool at ChicagoParent.com/ LatestIssue.

The Fat Shallot

The food truck menu features sandwiches like Truffle BLT and Buffalo Chicken and soups, salads and cookies. If you can’t spot the food truck roaming Chicago’s streets (don’t worry, they have a schedule online), nab the tasty food at its Lincoln Park restaurant or inside the Merchandise Mart and Revival Food Hall.

@thefatshallot

Aztec Dave’s

This authentic Mexican food truck has been around since 2015. This family-run business features recipes inspired by their grandmother with a modern twist. All of the food is homemade and prepared fresh daily – including the flame-grilled meats and original salsas.

@aztec_daves

How to Boost Your Kid’s Confidence

Use this mom-approved tip to ditch the comparisons with others and find the “good”

BY TARA MOLER

We all want to raise emotionally resilient, confident and compassionate children. Still, it’s difficult to watch when they struggle, when they say “I’m just not good at….” or “I’ll never be as good as …..”.

We shower them with “that’s not true, you are great at basketball!” Or “Well, she’s had a lot more practice than you…”

And that may work.

For a bit.

Until the next thing comes along they aren’t “as good at.”

How many times do we say those types of things to ourselves, too? “I’m just not good at presenting in front of people,” “I’m not good enough for the next promotion,” “I’m not as skinny/beautiful as…,” “I’m definitely not as patient as that mom I just saw on IG.”

Objectively, we (and our kids) may not be “as good” at something as another person, but that doesn’t mean all is lost. There will always be

someone better/faster/more talented in a certain thing.

The more I sink into a more overall fulfilling and less rushed life, I’ve come to believe that comparison is the thief of joy. The antidote is self-confidence.

Instead of comparison, we can grow confidence in what we do have to offer. And we can also teach our kids how to do the same thing.

MOM-TESTED TIP TO TRY

Confidence is not something you have, it’s something you create and grow. Same for your kids. While you can’t grow it for them, you can help them grow it themselves.

Here’s how to teach the skill of growing confidence: Help them focus on the good, instead of just the “not good enough.”

For example, my daughter wanted to play soccer. But when she got to the field and saw all of the people and other players, she became over-

whelmed and scared — and wouldn't even step foot on the field.

So, in following what I teach in the Motherhood Balanced Program for my clients, I bought her a journal and titled it her “Brave Book.”

We started writing very small examples of when she had to be brave (essentially doing something she was scared to do). One example was going to swimming class with a new instructor, which made her nervous. But she did it. We celebrated by writing it in her “Brave Book.”

I helped her keep looking for those “brave” examples. It creates clear evidence (for herself) of all the ways she’s brave and she pulls from those examples when she needs to believe it to try something new.

So, help your child find and build evidence for themselves. Help them by prompting them to write down or draw all the ways they are already good at something or identify a particular quality (kind, smart, a great teammate or good at math) even if

they aren’t “as good” as someone else.

Once they can start finding their own evidence, their confidence will grow, bit by bit. And that’s a skill they can use for a lifetime.

TARA MOLER

is a certified life coach who helps working moms create space in their life to have fulfillment in their work, their relationships, and themselves .... guilt-free.

@motherhood_ balanced_w.tara

REAL LIFE: CHRIS JONES

‘Choose Kindness and Generosity Over Division and Fear’

BY TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY • PHOTO BY THOMAS KUBIK

South Sider Chris Jones might be a recognizable name after his stint on America’s Got Talent and his famous hypnosis of fellow comedian Howie Mandell, but many people might not know the man behind the jokes and mystery is a devoted dad who aches for a better world for all people.

Jones, who performs hundreds of shows a year around the country, says he is driven to be the best version of himself for his daughter, who he happily admits has him wrapped around her tiny finger.

“Years ago, I had so much drive as a performer. I wanted to be the best hypnotist PERIOD. I wanted people to say that they had seen other hypnotists but I was the best. Now, after 13 years, and becoming a dad and husband, I’m not as funny as I used to be. ... Dad jokes creep into my show,” he jokes.

And that’s OK with him. “I want my actions on stage to reflect how I treat people off stage. I’m now less of a caricature and more of a smiling mid-30-year-old on stage.”

Part of that is doing more for others, something he hopes to inspire others to do in their daily lives through big and small gestures.

Jones is thrilled he can help high school and college students reach their own dreams. He gives $1,000 to his high school, Mt. Carmel, for an essay scholarship, a tribute to his mom. He also gives $10,000 to

FAST TALK FAST TALK

his alma mater, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, to inspire first-generation college students who are marginalized.

Beyond that, he also performs SAFE Graduation and Post Prom Shows to keep prom goers and the people who love them entertained and safe. He’s hopes for more shows like that in Chicagoland.

The need for those shows arose out of a traffic stop in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, for a U-turn that strangely landed him a night in jail. “Being African American and a traveling entertainer comes with some challenges,” he says. “Getting arrested in South Dakota might be one of them.” Charges were dropped, of course, but doing a show felt to him like the only thing he could control.

Recently, after an early morning flight from a late-night show, Jones chatted about being a parent and how he hopes to inspire others to "choose kindness and generosity over division and fear."

FOUR THINGS YOU’VE LEARNED THAT MIGHT INSPIRE OTHER DADS:

Jones says seeing other dads with their kids motivates him. He's learned:

1 “Patience is real,” he says.

2 “If you are fortunate enough to have a partner, listen to your partner because your partner is

a mirror. Sure you can get mad at the mirror, but your partner doesn’t lie.”

3 If you miss time with the kids, you can’t make it up by cramming all the fun into one day. He learned that firsthand.

4 Mr. Rogers was right, he says. “Look for the helpers. … It’s easy to feel helpless, but there’s a helper.”

YOUR KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY GOAL:

Jones says he’s fortunate his parents instilled those beliefs in him and his sister and he lives them every day. “There’s something bigger than us. There’s something that connects all of us. If we plug into that, I think we’ll find gratitude.”

If he could travel around the country and just hypnotize people, he says, “I’d wave my hand and say, 'never drink and drive, respect elders, respect children, respect animals.'”

HOW YOU ROLE MODEL FOR YOUR DAUGHTER:

“I’m doing everything I can so that my daughter can see women being tough and independent,” he says. He also performs for free for the Chicago Red Stars, a team full of strong, tough women.

“I don’t care that she is seen as great by the world," he says. "I just want her to, of course, be happy, to be safe.”

WORST DAD JOKE:

As told to my nephew: “Hey, this kid called you an owl. “And he goes, who, who, who, tell me.”

WHO INSPIRES YOU:

He met Bishop Desmond Tutu. He also met Barack Obama before he became president, saying he was so kind to him while autographing a photo that read: “Christopher, Dream Big Dreams.”

YOUR MANTRA:

“Do good, know better, do better.”

MOST HATED TASK AT HOME:

Doing the dishes and putting them away. He says there are just too many sippy cups. If he had his way, he’d have just five cups, five bowls, five plates.

FAVORITE THING TO DO WITH YOUR DAUGHTER: Swim lessons. He says he’s almost drowned twice in his life. “It’s the sport that can save your life.”

WEST,Go Young Family!

Fill your travel bucket list with this parent-tested list guaranteed for fun family roaming and adventure

BY CORTNEY FRIES

Have you been watching the Yellowstone TV series and dreaming of wide-open spaces, outdoor adventures and endless skies? Going West can be freeing and eye-opening for all members of the family.

Here are some sublime Western destinations to inspire your family vacation planning. Whether you choose the Wild West or West Coast, happy trails this summer!

Big Sky, Montana

A gateway town to Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky is 47 miles north of West Yellowstone in Montana. Known for its majestic mountains, Big Sky is a mecca for outdoor adventure. Hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, archery, horseback riding, rock climbing and whitewater rafting are just some of the activities offered at Big Sky Resort. Spend your days exploring the mountain and nearby river, where you’re likely to spot wildlife like moose and grizzly bears. Wildflowers dot the landscape and the sun doesn’t typically set until 10 on summer evenings. Hang out at the base of the mountain, where you’ll find restaurants, kids activities such as a bungee trampoline and climbing wall, hot tubs and pools. June 29-July 2 is the inaugural Savor Big Sky Food, Wine + Spirits Festival.

Photo by Big Sky Resort

Yellowstone National Park

WYOMING, MONTANA AND IDAHO

The very first national park that spurred the entire national park system is a geological wonder spanning over 2.2 million acres. From bubbling mud pots to belching hot springs and spouting geysers, Yellowstone National Park is a vast wilderness unlike anything you’ve likely seen before.

Herds of furry bison roam, often causing bison jams on the roadways. Keep your eyes peeled for bears, wolves or bulging elk. Stand on the boardwalks of the Grand Prismatic and be blown away by the vibrant rainbow of steaming, sizzling colors. You’ll see dramatic canyons with gushing waterfalls and sparkling alpine rivers. The sheer variety of jaw-drawing views make Yellowstone a place pretty much everyone wants to visit at least once.

Cody, Wyoming

Recently named the Top Western Town in the U.S. by USA Today, Cody, Wyoming, is 52 miles from the East Entrance of Yellowstone. Get your family into the Western spirit by going to the Cody Stampede Rodeo or attending a knee-slapping Cody Cattle Company dinner show. Buffalo Bill Center of the West is a huge museum complex that covers famous cowboys and cowgirls, Native American culture and Western art. You can book interactive experiences like chuckwagon dinners and live birds of prey talks. Get muddy on an off-road UTV adventure with Tread ‘N’ Trails or go rafting down the Shoshone River for a taste of adrenaline.

Vista Verde Guest Ranch

CLARK, COLORADO

If horse ranching is calling your name, all-inclusive Vista Verde Guest Ranch provides a luxurious slice of this Western way of life. An hour from Steamboat Springs, but a world away in the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness Area, you’ll be surrounded by seemingly endless blue skies and tons of gorgeous trails to explore via horseback. Kids and teens programs can keep the younger crew entertained all day, or choose to partake in activities like fly fishing and paddle boarding together. Upscale chuckwagon dinners and barn dances light up the evenings and cozy cabin accommodations make you feel right at home.

Vail, Colorado

The Rocky Mountain town of Vail, Colorado, is stunning in summer with verdant views and a jovial atmosphere full of sunshine vibes. Families get kicks atop Vail Mountain with adventure passes for Epic Discovery Vail. Ride the scenic gondola to the Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster (a two-minute, twisty-turny descent around the mountain), or go rock climbing walls, do ropes courses, summer tubing, bungee trampolines, ziplines, mini golf and more. Live music dances on the cool night air as you dine outside at restaurants like Deca + Bol, which also features a bowling alley. Wake up to sunrise mountain views from your condo balcony at Antlers at Vail.

Photo by Vista Verde Guest Ranch

WEST,Go Young Family!

Winter Park, Colorado

Seattle, Washington

Seattle might be known for its grunge music and misty skies, but the cooler weather can be a delight in summer. Traverse the city for fish throwing and fresh-cut flowers at Pike Place Market or to sip coffee at the original Starbucks location. An hour outside of Seattle, Mount Rainer National Park offers spectacular hikes, especially in July and August when the wildflowers are blooming. Located on the shores of Puget Sound, Seattle has ferries to numerous locations for day trips or dinner. Bring your passport to ferry to Vancouver Island, Canada, where you can put your pinkies up for afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress.

Located less than 70 miles from Denver, Winter Park has been named one of Colorado’s top adventure towns. Downhill biking is the name of the game at Trestle Bike Park. Older kids and adventurous adults get stoked for the drops, jumps and bridges on the bike trails. You can also hike in the fresh mountain air, glide down Colorado’s longest alpine slide, play mini golf and enjoy an ice cream at Sunspot, the restaurant atop the mountain with epic views. Fly fishing is fun and rafting the Upper Colorado River with MAD Adventures is more like a gentle float surrounded by canyon eye candy. Ropes courses and climbing walls at Winter Park Resort keep kids active while parents soak in the sunshine from an Adirondack chair.

Yosemite National Park CALIFORNIA

Yosemite National Park in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California might be best known for its thundering waterfalls and epic scenery captured by photographer Ansel Adams. It’s also a hiker’s paradise with giant, ancient sequoia trees, wildflower-filled meadows and towering granite cliffs like El Capitan and Half Dome. Camp at one of 13 popular park campgrounds to sleep surrounded by natural beauty. Cool off with a swim or float down the Merced River. Summers can be busy at Yosemite, so plan in advance or avoid July and August. Sunny skies, fresh air and big, beautiful trees often do wonders to lift spirits and get mindsets soaring.

Highway 1, California

The Pacific Coast Highway along the coast of California is known as one of the most scenic drives in America, let alone the world. Take in the epic scenery and abundant sunshine with your family by starting in the surfer town of Santa Cruz. The Beach Boardwalk is a classic slice of summertime fun with rides, games and treats. You can’t miss the Monterrey Bay Aquarium, one of the coolest aquariums with incredible Pacific Ocean views, a wave crash tunnel and otter feeding shows. Paddle with Monterey Bay Kayaks and see sea lions, seals and sea stars. Hike around Big Sur for views you won’t ever forget. Then horseback ride the Santa Ynez Mountains with Circle Bar B Guest Ranch.

DANGER! Confident Kids

DANGER!

Confidentat Play take risks letting our kids

“Be careful!”

The power in

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve shouted that at my children. Whether it was my 8-year-old careening down a steep hill on her bicycle or jumping off a diving board at the local pool, or my 6-year-old as she stirred a pot of mac-and-cheese over a hot stove, I was apprehensively armed with those two seemingly fool-proof words of safety.

And I’m certainly not alone.

An army of well-meaning parents has been holding their breath and white-knuckling an endless terrain of risky behavior. Kelly Hawkins, a mom of two in the Chicago suburbs, can still see her tree-climbing kiddo tense up as she instinctively shouted “No!” up at him.

But like the thin branch we’ve all envisioned snapping beneath our children’s feet, there’s also a fine line between keeping our kids safe and getting out of their way.

In fact, the benefits in risk-taking are hard to ignore. Studies directly link “risky play” with increased physical

DANGER! Confident Kids at Play

activity, reduced obesity rates and lower screen time in correlation to outdoor time. It’s also been proven to foster creativity, confidence and a positive self-image.

Perhaps most paramount to parents, especially those who were raised to be perfectionists and people pleasers, is the ability for reasonable risk-taking to help hone a child’s self-trust.

“That’s a big one because we want to raise problem-solvers, not little compliant rule followers,” says Shannon Kroll, a Chicago-based child behavior specialist and mom of three. “I want my kids to pay attention to their own body and their own inner thoughts perhaps more than they are paying attention to me. If I can let them have the experience as opposed to interjecting myself, then I’m allowing them to build their own self-trust, which allows them to make better choices when they’re older. They’ll be more likely to say no to dangerous situations in high school and in college. And they’re more likely to speak up for themselves in those situations. But that learning starts now.”

How to Foster Safe Risk-Taking

One of the first things parents can do is learn the difference between risky play and danger.

According to Dr. Erin Avirett and Dr. Jordana Mortimer, child psychologists and founders of Mind & Child, it’s OK to forbid actions that are patently unsafe, like darting across a busy street or jumping into a pool alone when you can’t yet swim.

“Risky play, on the other hand, allows our children to learn their limits,” Avirett says. “Although they may earn some bumps and bruises, they will be safe.”

Because it can be difficult to distinguish unsafe situations with opportunities for reasonable risk-taking, parents often limit exposure to those activities. Mortimer notes common examples, depending on age, as play that involves great

When you notice yourself saying ‘be careful,’ take it as a cue to use different, more specific language, like ‘What’s your plan for getting down?’ or even simply, ‘You might fall.’"

“

heights or high speed, activities near dangerous elements like bodies of water or fire, the use of potentially harmful tools like knives or hammers, and play where a child could get lost, like at a large park.

A parent might not let their child ride their bike down a hill or hike a precarious path when other options exist. “Especially when our kids are young, we can help them safely engage in this risky play,” Mortimer says. “They can ride their bike down the hill, but they must wear a helmet. They can go on that hike, but they need to walk on the side of the trail away from the cliff’s edge.”

Once they’ve established boundaries for safe and unsafe play, parents should also practice switching up their vocabulary.

“We’re all conditioned to say ‘be careful’ — it’s what we were all raised with, but it doesn’t actually help anyone,” Kroll says. “When you notice yourself saying ‘be careful,’ take it as a cue to use different, more specific language, like ‘What’s your plan for getting down?’ or even simply, ‘You might fall.’ Obviously, as parents, we have more experience than our kids, but saying simply ‘be careful’ doesn’t impart any of that wisdom.”

Another bonus in this type of conversation is that it slows kids down. Predominantly in childhood but well into early adulthood, the frontal lobe of the brain — which is responsible for a host of cognitive skills, including the capacity to plan and control one’s responses — is still grossly underdeveloped. It’s why many toddlers and teens alike seem so eager to jump head-first, sometimes literally, into risky scenarios. “Encourage them to move a little bit slower or ask them questions in order to slow them down,” says Kroll. “That gives their brain time to catch up.”

Reframe your own thoughts

Kelly Hawkins says she has never been a risk taker. Yet, that perspective changed once she became a mom. “I encourage my kids to take risks, make the jump and to really put themselves out there,” she says.

But it took some effort and a tree-climbing lightbulb moment at the park.

“I realized that in the off chance that he did get hurt, it would have been superficial cuts, not broken bones. I did not like the potential long-term effects of these reactions, and I made a very conscious effort to work through my anxieties, take a deep breath and let logic step in before I react to a small situation with big emotions. I ended up erasing the phrase “be careful” from my vocabulary and now cheer him on at every opportunity,” she says.

Parents can also recalibrate how they respond when accidents invariably happen. My knee-jerk reaction?

“See, that’s why I told you not to …” But Kroll warns that such a response can impart guilt or shame and unknowingly instruct them to avoid taking similar risks in the future.

Instead, she suggests starting with empathy and comfort. “Once they’re calm, then you can teach,” she says. “Later, maybe it’s five minutes later, or maybe it’s five hours or even five days later, or the next time they climb the tree or jump off the diving board, you can say, ‘Hmm, I wonder what you’ll do differently next time.’ We want them to come up with new solutions.”

So often, however, parents attempt to rescue their children before they even have a chance to make a mistake.

“It’s important to resist the urge to step in and provide support too early,” Avirett says. “If your toddler is teetering on the edge of the couch, you can suggest they slide down on their tummy, but ultimately let them figure it out. Don’t just lift them off.”

If parents can avoid shielding their kids from getting this direct, real-world feedback — or, as Avirett

calls it, “feelings of uncertainty of outcome” — it will benefit them at every stage of life.

“As children approach the elementary school years, they will be asked to face tasks where they feel uncertain,” says Avirett. “This could be learning how to read, playing an instrument or starting soccer. These are times when they need to take risks. However, this leap can be difficult for some children, especially when they have not yet faced risks and seen the benefits of exploring those risks.”

Of course, parents shouldn’t force risks upon children, particularly those more apprehensive than others. “Pushing them to go on a rollercoaster or a water slide that they don’t feel ready for makes kids feel more scared, more cautious, not more brave,” says Kroll, who — in the spirit of fostering self-trust — recommends giving your child choice in certain risky behaviors.

Another solution is scaffolding, in which children are given opportunities that push them incrementally out of their comfort zones. “If your child is afraid to swim, start by getting them to sit on the first step by themselves,” says Mortimer.

Above all, Kroll adds, “the way you talk to your child becomes their inner voice,” so if parents reinforce the value of taking reasonable risks, making mistakes, and learning from them, “they’ll have that framework as the risks become bigger.”

When parents can get out of their own way and act not as a “be careful!”-shrieking shield but as a safety net, children will reap infinitely more long-term benefits.

As Kroll says: “The more they can trust themselves and their own experience, the more empowered they’ll be as they enter into adolescence and move through life.”

Pushing them to go on a roller coaster or a water slide that they don’t feel ready for makes kids feel more scared, more cautious, not more brave.”

“

GUIDE Summer Camp

MSI Camps

Day Camp, Specialty Camp

Ages: 5th-9th grade

Where: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

773-684-1414 camps@msichicago.org

msichicago.org/explore/whats-here/ tours-and-experiences/msi-camps/ Spring, summer and even Saturdays, MSI has your plans covered! Say goodbye to boring breaks. With camps for explorers, makers, tinkerers and everything in between, MSI has fun programs that spark everyone’s imagination and keep curious minds fed.

Bennett Day Camp

Day Camp

Ages: 4-16

Where: 955 W. Grand Ave., Chicago

312-236-6388 • summercamp@bennettday.org info.bennettday.org/summer-camp

Bennett Day Camp provides an enriching atmosphere that enables campers to develop self-identity, leadership skills and a lifelong sense of adventure. Campers and counselors participate in field trips, team sports, music, arts, scientific discovery and water play in a collaborative culture.

Camp Anokijig

Overnight/Away Camp, Specialty Camp

Ages: 7-16

Where: W5639 Anokijig Lane, Plymouth, Wisconsin 920-893-0782 • anokijig@anokijig.net anokijig.com

Outrageous fun is around every corner at Camp Anokijig! Since 1926, Anokijig has nurtured independence, character and confidence in campers as they build positive values, friendships and life skills through their camp experience. It offers a huge variety of traditional activities for campers to self-direct their own camp experience, build self-esteem and create an enriching week of summer camp. Specialty programs offered, too. Convenient, overnight oneweek co-ed sessions available.

Camp Deerhorn

Overnight/Away Camp

Ages: 6-16

Where: 3725 Deerhorn Road, Rhinelander, Wisconsin 800-713-3130 • deerhorn@deerhorn.com deerhorn.com

This is a third-generation family-owned summer camp for boys nestled in the Northwoods of Wisconsin founded on the words of The Deerhorn Creed, written by the grandfather in 1930. It teaches that “manliness requires kindness” and that we should “spread sunshine and good cheer, just for the fun of it.” Everyone lives the Creed every day at Deerhorn by being while having a blast in activities like horseback riding, water-skiing, archery and sailing or just hanging out on the beach with the camp dogs!

Camp Galileo Day Camp

Ages: Rising K-Rising 10th graders

Where: Multiple convenient locations in Chicago, North Shore, Northwest Suburbs and Western Suburbs 800-854-3684 • info@galileo-camps.com galileo-camps.com

Camp Galileo engages rising K-10th graders in creative STEAM-inspired projects and active outdoor games. The dynamic staff inspires kids to turn ideas into reality, collaborate with peers and play hard outside. Stanford research shows that kids who participate in Galileo’s curriculum tend to persevere at unfamiliar challenges, share their ideas more freely and respond better in the face of failure. Optional extended care 8-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. Enroll during Early Bird registration and save $50 per week!

Camp Jaguar at Frances Xavier Warde School

Day Camp

Age: 4-12

Where: 120 S. Desplaines St., Chicago 312-268-2530 • burket@fxw.org

fxw.org/summer-programs

While younger campers (entering PreK-2nd grade) stay grouped with their pack throughout the day and follow their age-appropriate schedule, older campers (entering 3rd-7th grade) get to choose the activities they enjoy most by customizing their day with weekly electives and daily options. Activities include daily swimming, rock climbing, dance, cooking, gaga, theater, sports league and game room. Hot lunch and snacks provided. After camp care available until 6 p.m.

GUIDE Summer Camp

Camp Kamaji for Girls

Overnight/Away Camp

Age: 7-15

Where: 32054 Wolf Lake Road, Cass Lake, Minnesota 218-556-1805 • kat@kamaji.com kamaji.com

Kamaji is a sleepaway, summer camp for girls, owned and operated by a local Chicago-area family! Kamaji is a kid-centric, fun-filled place to unplug and reconnect, learn new skills like horseback riding or sailing, be silly, grow independence and make life-long friendships with people from all over the world.

Camp Newaygo

Day Camp, Overnight/Away Camp, Other

Ages: 5-17

Where: 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, Michigan 231-652-1184 • campbiz@campnewaygo.org campnewaygo.org

Camp Newaygo has been providing amazing outdoor experiences in West Michigan since 1926. There is nothing like spending summers on Pickerel Lake, singing songs and making friends surrounded by woods and nature. Girls Overnight campers, Co-Ed Day campers and families enjoy a variety of activities in an inclusive setting including a 1,000-foot zipline, archery, kayaking, ceramics, fencing, outdoor cooking, paddleboarding, sailing, swimming, tubing, ukulele lessons, wilderness trips and more. Also look at Camp Newaygo for Family Camp, Mom and Me Weekends and Girlfriends’ Getaway.

Camp Nicolet for Girls

Overnight/Away Camp

Ages: 7-17

Where: P.O. Box 1359, 16040 Hwy. 70 East, Eagle River, Wisconsin 715-545-2522 • campnicolet@gmail.com campnicolet.com

Have a fun and educational summer adventure in Wisconsin’s beautiful Northwoods! International camp family with top-quality instruction in water skiing, horseback riding, sports, sailing and much more. Exciting trip opportunities and leadership training; family-owned and established in 1944. Recognized as a Pioneer of Camping, Camp Nicolet is celebrating its 79th year of excellent camping tradition. Accredited by the American Camp Association. Offering traditional three-, four- and seven-week sessions.

Camp O at the O-School

Day Camp, Specialty Camp

Ages: 6-15

Where: Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School, 6245 S. Ingleside Ave., Chicago 773-420-2900 • campo@oschool.org oschool.org/programs/camp-o

A supportive and structured day camp for young people who require additional supports to access the joys of summer camp. Camp O thoughtfully embeds social and emotional learning into camp activities. A low staff-to-camper ratio (1:4) allows for increased interaction and supervision with highly qualified and trained staff members. Campers partake in joy and silliness, discover new interests, make friends, build confidence and help create a dynamic Camp O community.

CodeWizardsHQ Virtual Camps and Classes

Day Camp

Ages: 8-18

Where: Virtual 800-213-2417 • codewizardshq.com

CodeWizardsHQ offers the most fun (and effective!) virtual coding camps and classes for ages 8-18. Hands-on interactive learning and highly rated instructors provide an experience students love. Minecraft and Roblox-themed coding camps are perfect for gamers interested in coding. Three-week accelerated classes cover the same content as our structured program. Students can complete three full courses in one summer. Learn Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, Scratch and Java.

Game On! Sports Camp 4 Girls & Game On! Sports Camp 4 Boys

Day Camp, Specialty Camp

Ages: Girls K-8th grade, Boys K-5th grade

Where: Chicago and Glencoe

847-229-9959 • info@gameonsports4girls.com gameonsports4kids.com

Girls: Empowering girls of all abilities through sports. Learn and play multiple sports daily in a warm, fun and spirited environment. Confidence-building programming designed to shape girls strong in body, mind and team.

Boys: A unique multi-sport experience like no other, this camp integrates confidence-building and empowerment into each day. Campers learn and play multiple sports daily in a fun, spirited environment designed to shape boys strong in body, team and character.

Immersive Structured Literacy

Summer Camp at Redwood Literacy

Day Camp, Specialty Camp, Educational

Ages: Rising 2nd graders-Rising 8th graders

Where: 410 S. Michigan Ave., Unit 306, Chicago 773-309-4524 • admissions@redwoodliteracy.com

redwoodliteracy.com/summer-camp

Looking for significant learning gains this summer? Join the six-week Immersive Structured Literacy Summer Camp. Students receive intensive intervention in reading, writing and assistive technology. It offers options in Rogers Park, Oak Park and Millennium Park with sessions either in the morning or afternoon.

Jellystone Park Camp-Resort

Overnight family campground and resort

Ages: 4-12

Where: 8425 HWY 38, Caledonia, Wisconsin 262-835-2565 • reservations@jellystone-caledonia.com

jellystone-caledonia.com

An award-winning, family-friendly campground and resort nestled in the woods. With lodging for a wide array of families, it offers four different cabin types, full hook-up campsites with water, sewer and electrical plus primitive sites for tent camping. Camping guests have access to entertainment and amenities, including a heated swimming pool, water park, mini-golf, bathrooms and showers, laundry facilities, gift shops, groceries/supplies, Wi-Fi access and supervised kids program.

Lillstreet Art Center

Day Camp

Ages: 3-16

Where: 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago 773-769-4226

lillstreet@lillstreet.com

lillstreet.com

Lillstreet Art Center offers a wide variety of summer camps for children and teens in multimedia and specialized art forms, including ceramics, photography, sewing, metalsmithing, printmaking, drawing, painting and digital art.

Lincoln Park Zoo Summer Camps

Day Camp

Ages: 4-14 (Grades PreK-8)

Where: 2400 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago 312- 742-2056 • camp@lpzoo.org

lpzoo.org/youth-programs/zoo-camps

Calling all nature nerds and animal lovers! Campers in rising grades PreK-5 will explore the zoo and learn

GUIDE Summer Camp

about animals and how the zoo cares for them, as they make new friends and spend time in the great outdoors. Campers in rising grades 6-8 will explore the relationships between animals, humans and ecosystems through team-building and immersive learning — all at your zoo.

Music Theater Works’ YouthREACH

Day Camp, Specialty Camp

Age: 8-13

Where: 516 4th St., Wilmette 847-920-5360 • aplotkin@musictheaterworks.org musictheaterworks.com/youthreach

Young performers who want to learn musical theater from professional teaching artists can find that at YouthREACH. No experience or audition is required and every child gets a part. Students should have a third grade reading level. Each week is different with exciting musicals that end with a performance on stage.

Porchlight Music Theatre Summer Camp

Day Camp, Specialty Camp

Ages: 4-17

Where: 2330 N. Halsted St., Chicago 773-777-9884

rebeccah@porchlightlightmusictheatre.com porchlightmusictheatre.org/summer-camp

Calling all Broadway-loving singers, dancers and writers! Join Porchlight — Chicago’s home for music theater — and learn from the experts all about music, drama, dance, writing and more while practicing teamwork, communication and problem-solving. Camp meets at the DePaul School of Music and students will perform on a collegiate stage. Payment plans, scholarships and financial aid are available. Chicago Parent families can use code PARENT for $100 off their camp purchase.

Russian School of Mathematics

Summer Math Enrichment Program

Ages: 5-16

Where: Various locations in the Chicago area 224-422-8449 • buffalogrove@russianschool.com mathschool.com/locations/buffalo-grove

Russian School of Mathematics is an award-winning, K-12 after-school math enrichment program trusted by parents for 25+ years. This summer, RSM offers a variety of courses through its six-week program for youth ages 5-16. The summer schedule is designed for students of all levels, from kindergarten to those

studying calculus, and will prepare them for the upcoming school year without the typical academic pressures. RSM offers summer classes at its branches in Illinois: Buffalo Grove, Naperville, Skokie, Schaumburg and Wheeling.

Snapology Summer Camps

Day Camp, STEAM Camp

Ages: 4-14

Where: 3701 N. Ravenswood, Suite 247, Chicago 312-622-0981 • chicago@snapology.com embed.snapology.com/licensee/58/events/location

Snapology offers the best STEAM camps in the area. The camps are made for both fun and learning, utilizing one of the world’s most exciting toys, Lego. It has camps inspired and associated with many of the top games, activities, movies and more. It offers robotics camps, technical camps and even camps for the PreK kiddos. Kids will love the fun camp topics and themes, just don’t tell them they’re educational.

Spanish Camps — Instituto Cervantes

Day Camp, Specialty Camp

Ages: 4-16

Where: 31 W. Ohio St., Chicago 312-335-1996 • info.chicago@cervantes.org

chicago.cervantes.es/en/cervanteskids_spanish/ workshops_camps_spanish.htm

The 2023 Instituto Cervantes Summer Camps program is designed to provide children of different ages the opportunity to learn Spanish in a rich, stimulating and motivating environment that fosters enjoyment and curiosity. Children will learn Spanish in a safe atmosphere where they will feel comfortable and free to actively participate. Students will be nurtured and encouraged to communicate in Spanish.

Stages Chicago

Day Camp, Specialty Camp

Ages: 3 years-Grade 8

Where: 1255 S. State St., Unit 1808, Chicago 630-967-8463 • info@stageschicago.com stageschicago.org/summercamp

What do you get when you combine the magic of Broadway with the fun and freedom of summer? The ultimate Summer Camp experience! Whether your child has taken performing arts classes in the past or they are simply looking for something new to try this summer, Stages is for your family.

Steve & Kate’s Camp Day Camp

Ages: 4-12

Where: 4046 N. Leavitt St., Chicago 415-389-5437 • letschat@steveandkate.com

steveandkatescamp.com

Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s has put kids in charge of their own learning experience. Kids ages 4-12 choose from a variety of activities in real-time, including sewing, coding, building, baking, sports and more! Families can buy any number of days and use at any time – no weekly reservations required. Or, buy a Summer Pass, which covers the whole season. Either way, all unused passes are automatically refunded at summer’s end. Lunch, snacks and all hours (8 a.m.-6 p.m.) included.

StoryStudio Chicago Youth Summer Writing Camps

Day Camp, Specialty Camp

Ages: 5th-12th grade

Where: 4043 N. Ravenswood Ave., Suite 222, Chicago 773-477-7710 • info@storystudiochicago.org

storystudiochicago.org/youth-creative-writing-summer-camps

StoryStudio is proud to offer multiple week-long writing workshops for young scribes. With talented instructors, young writers can expect to learn elements of writing, build friendships and community with fellow peers, and get feedback on their creative works. Check out the different sessions, a mix of online and in person, ranging from creative writing to comedy to screenwriting.

Summer at Santa Catalina

Day Camp, Overnight/Away Camp, Specialty Camp

Ages: Grades 3-9

Where: 1500 Mark Thomas Drive, Monterey, California 831-655-9386 • summercamp@santacatalina.org

santacatalina.org/summercamp

Summer at Santa Catalina is dedicated to the mental, emotional and spiritual growth of girls through experiential education. It offers day and resident summer camp for girls in grades 3-9 including a five-week musical theater program. It intentionally builds the camp community to create opportunities for campers to try new things, build independent and creative thinking skills, and gain a sense of personal and community responsibility.

GUIDE Summer Camp

Summer Skate Jam with Little Ripper Skateboarding

Day Camp

Ages: 6 and older

Where: Wilson Skatepark, Chicago littleripperskateboarding@gmail.com littleripperskateboarding.com

This is a day skateboarding camp. Parents drop off children at a Chicago outdoor skatepark (this is usually at Wilson Skatepark) at 9 a.m. and pick up at 1 p.m. Instructors teach children of all levels how to skateboard with each other. This will be the third summer of this program with a designed four-hour program that includes group skateboarding, individual training, skateboarding education, exercise and much more.

The Field Museum

Day Camp

Ages: K-8th grade

Where: 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago 312-665-7200 • explorercamp@fieldmuseum.org fieldmuseum.org/summer-camps-programs

Spend the summer making discoveries at the Field Museum! Field Explorers Summer Camps are perfect for curious minds in grades K-8. Campers get the chance to join museum experts and scientists on guided explorations of the museum’s exhibitions and collections to find answers to their own scientific questions.

WeHaKee Camp for Girls

Overnight/Away Camp

Ages: 7-17

Where: N8104 Barker Lake Road, Winter, Wisconsin 715- 266-3263 • bob@wehakeecampforgirls.com wehakeecampforgirls.com

WeHaKee Camp for Girls, located in northwestern Wisconsin, is a camp open and accepting of girls from all walks of life throughout the United States and around the world. The goal is to make girls feel welcome and comfortable the moment they arrive at summer camp. Whether they’re horseback riding, water skiing, dancing or roasting marshmallows, at Camp WeHaKee it’s all about building great relationships. New campers can save up to $600.

Wildcat Sports Camp

Day Camp, Specialty Camp

Ages: 1st-6th grade

Where: 2311 Campus Drive, Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, Evanston 847-491-7314 • wildcatcamp@northwestern.edu nurecreation.com/wildcatcamp

As one of the North Shore’s best multi-sport day camps, Wildcat Sports Camp offers campers the exciting experience of learning and growing through exercise and sports. Each day campers are introduced to various games and activities while emphasizing teamwork and sportsmanship. Wildcat Sports Camp is administered on Northwestern’s Evanston campus.

Please check events before heading out. Plus, easily find even more fun for your family at ChicagoParent.com/ Calendar.

Things To Do

Through Sept. 10 • Chicago

Pixar Putt

Tee up at this pop-up, open-air mini-golf experience made up of 18 fun and interactive holes inspired by Pixar films. Advanced booking is recommended. Noon-10 p.m.

Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $27$32.50/adult, $22-$27.50/under 12, $102-$110/two children and two adults. Navy Pier. pixarputt.com.

FREE May 13 • Chicago

Switch on Summer 2023

Celebrate the arrival of summer at this 9th annual event featuring family-friendly activities, entertainment, local food vendors, fun giveaways and special guest appearances, plus the symbolic switch on of Buckingham Fountain. Noon-3 p.m. Grant Park. comed.com.

May 13 • Chicago

The Batman in Concert

Experience the caped crusader in a new way as Chicago Philharmonic performs Michael Giacchino’s iconic score alongside the film for a live concert experience. 8-10:30 p.m. $74.75-plus. Auditorium Theatre. chicagophilharmonic.org.

May 13, June 24 • Lockport

Family Days

Learn about animals with wings and talons on May 13 and T.Rexplorers June 24 at the ranch, featuring wolves, a tiger, cougar, bear, coyotes, skunk and porcupine. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Special guests at noon. $9, free/3 and under. Free parking at Walmart with free bus service to the ranch. Big Run Wolf Ranch. bigrunwolfranch.org.

Through May 14 • Chicago

Harry Potter: Magic at Play

Enjoy hands-on magical interactivity including games, exploration, sensory activations and more that celebrate Harry’s own journey in discovering the wizarding world. Noon-8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, noon-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays. $42.50/adult, $34/child ages 3-9, free/ under 2. Water Tower Place. harrypottermagicatplay.com.

May 17-28 • Chicago

Disney’s Aladdin

Fall in love with Aladdin at this performance, which is adapted from the animated Disney film and features five of the movie’s songs. Best for ages 6 and older. 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Fridays, 1 and 6 p.m. Sundays. $49.50-plus. Cadillac Palace Theatre. broadwayinchicago.com.

May 20 • Waukegan

Los Chicos del 512: The Selena Experience Dance, sing and celebrate the music of Selena. 7 p.m. $20plus. Genesee Theatre. geneseetheatre.com.

Through May 20 • Chicago

Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories

Hear from Native Americans and Indigenous people about their music, dance, art and stories at the Field Museum’s newest permanent exhibit. Great for all ages. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free w/museum admission. Field Museum. fieldmuseum.org.

FREE May 27 • Chicago

Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony & Parade

Remember the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for the country at the annual Wreath Laying Ceremony in Daley Plaza at 11 a.m. and parade starting at State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street at noon. choosechicago.com.

FREE May 30 • Plainfield

Sensory Playdate

Hear stories meant for kids ages 3-18 and enjoy crafts and activities in a sensory-friendly environment. No registration required. 6-6:45 p.m. Plainfield Area Public Library. plainfieldpubliclibrary.librarymarket.com.

June 1-4 • Hoffman Estates

Cirque du Soleil - Corteo

Watch a clown named Mauro that envisions his burial taking place in a carnival atmosphere. The fantasy teases reality with music, which is both poetic and mischievous. 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. $54-plus. NOW Arena. nowarena.com.

Through June 12 • Chicago

Salvador Dalí: The Image Disappears

Introduce the kids to the pivotal decade of the 1930s when Salvador Dalí emerged as the inventor of his own personal brand of Surrealism. It features 25 paintings, drawings and surrealist objects. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Monday and 11 a.m.8 p.m. Thursday. Free w/general admission. Art Institute of Chicago. artic.edu.

FREE June 24 • Chicago

Dragon Boat Race for Literacy

Learn about Asian culture while helping neighborhood literacy programs at this family-friendly event featuring dragon boat races, music and cultural dance performances. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Ping Tom Memorial Park. chicagochinatown.org.

FREE June 25 • Chicago

Chicago Pride Parade

Experience one of the largest parades in the country celebrating LGBTQ+ with colorful floats, performance groups and marching bands. The nearly four-mile route runs through the Northhalsted, Uptown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, beginning at Montrose and Broadway and ending near the intersection of Diversey Parkway and Sheridan Road. Noon. choosechicago.com.

Pixar Putt

Harry Potter: Magic at Play

Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories

Photo by John Weinstein

Your Best

Summer Fest Checklist

Start planning a summer full of family fun at events all over Chicagoland

BY KARI ZAFFARANO

Summer is just around the corner and the family fun events have already kicked into high gear. Find crafts, art, music and culture at these fairs and festivals for all ages.

NAPERVILLE FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

May 6 • Naperville

Indulge on treats from more than 25 of the area’s best food trucks, plus live DJ entertainment, beer garden, bubble artist, face painter and a vendor village featuring local businesses. Noon-7 p.m. $5-$15. Naper Settlement. naperville.il.us.

SPRING FESTIVAL

May 7 • River Forest

Enjoy guided wildflower walks, bird banding, interactive programs, kids tree climb and kids crafts. Noon-3 p.m. Thatcher Woods. fpdcc.com.

CULTURAL CROSSROADS CELEBRATION

May 13 • Elmhurst

Celebrate cultural diversity with performances. Plus don’t miss the last chance to see the In Pursuit of Happiness exhibit. Family-friendly activities will be outdoors and in the Education Center, including the Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, York High School’s

International Club and meet representatives from the Xilin Association and Immigrant Solidarity DuPage. 1-5 p.m. Elmhurst History Museum. elmhurthistory.com.

LINCOLN ROSCOE SPRING ART & CRAFT FAIR

May 13-14 • Chicago

Shop original art and handmade crafts from 70 artists. Also, food, live music and art activities for kids. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Lincoln Street. amdurproductions.com.

LONG GROVE CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

May 19-21 • Long Grove

Indulge in chocolate dipped treats like strawberries, doughnuts, cupcakes, cake pops, truffles, croissants, eclairs and funnel cakes, plus enjoy live entertainment on multiple stages throughout the town. Noon-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $5/day, $10/three days, free/ages 12 and under with purchasing adult. Historic Downtown Long Grove. longgrove.org

ART IN THE PARK

May 20-21 • Northbrook

Shop from more than 80 juried artists showing paintings, jewelry, sculpture, ceramics and more. This event features live music, festival food and art activities for kids. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Northbrook Village Green Park. amdurproductions.com.

BARRINGTON ART FESTIVAL

May 27-28 • Barrington

See 130 artists in all media including paintings, sculpture, jewelry and more. Live music and youth art activities, too. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Barrington. amdurproductions.com.

BELMONT-SHEFFIELD MUSIC FEST

May 27-28 • Chicago

Dance to top local tribute bands on the main stage, plus enjoy a community entertainment stage and other performers. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Donation requested. Logan Square Monument Park. chicagoevents.com.

DO DIVISION STREET FEST

June 2-4 • Chicago

Enjoy two live music stages, local designer runway shows, local retail and food vendors and a children’s area with family activities. The kids zone will have a mega slide, petting zoo and musical performers tailored towards kids. 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $10/suggested donation. Division Street between Damen and Leavitt. westtownchamber.org.

LINCOLN PARK GREEK FEST

June 2-4 • Chicago

Savor Greek culture and Hellenic pride with authentic Greek cuisine, music and dance performances. Plus, a craft fair. 5-11 p.m. Friday, noon-11 p.m. Saturday and noon-10 p.m. Sunday. $10/suggested donation. St. George Greek Orthodox Church. lincolnparkgreekfest.com.

FREE

THE 76TH ANNUAL 57TH STREET ART FAIR

June 3-4 • Chicago

See more than 200 artists, live music and lots of activities for kids. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday-Sunday. Between Woodlawn and Kenwood avenues. 57thstreetartfair.org.

ANDERSONVILLE MIDSOMMARFEST

June 9-11 • Chicago

Experience the Swedish celebration with dancing around the Maypole, testing flavorful international food and enjoying live music, plus family-friendly activities including a pet parade. 5-10 p.m. Friday and noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $10/suggested donation. andersonville.org.

WELLS STREET ART FESTIVAL

June 10-11 • Chicago

Experience more than 200 juried artists, tasty cuisine from local restaurants, musical stage acts and kids art activities. 10 a.m.-dusk. $10/suggested donation. Wells Street. wellsstreetartfest.us

THE SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES

June 16-17 • Itasca

Celebrate with an extravaganza of activities and attractions – from a Celtic rock stage to Highland Dancing to the Dogs of Scotland. 1-10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. $20-plus/adults on Friday, $30-plus/adults on Saturday, free/kids 12 and under; $5-$8/parking. Hamilton Lakes. chicagoscots.org.

HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

June 17 • Flossmoor

Celebrate African American culture through food, music, dance and arts. 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Sunday. Homewood-Flossmoor High School South Parking Lot. hfjuneteenthfestival.com.

CHICAGO PRIDE FEST

June 17-18 • Chicago

Enjoy live music by popular artists, three stages, food and drink, more than 150 vendors, drag shows, a pet parade, giveaways, games and more. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $15/suggested donation. Northalsted. northalsted.com.

GOLD COAST ART FAIR

June 17-18 • Chicago

Make your summer even better with our Guide to Summer for families at ChicagoParent.com/ LatestIssue.

LOGAN SQUARE ARTS FESTIVAL

June 23-25 • Chicago

Enjoy art installations across the neighborhood, great local music, craft beer, food from neighborhood restaurants and family fun. 5-10 p.m. Friday and Noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Suggested donation. Logan Square Monument Park. logansquareartsfestival.com.

LONG GROVE STRAWBERRY FEST

June 23-25 • Long Grove

Experience everything from strawberry-infused food and drinks to live music and family entertainment. Noon-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. $5/person, free/kids 12 and under. Historic Downtown Long Grove. longgrove.org.

Do Division Photo provided by The West Town Chamber of Commerce

Help for the Frugal Parent

As fun as it is, summer can be a real family budget killer

BY CHICAGO PARENT STAFF

Get spacey

Fill busy hands

If you are anything like us, you start off summer super excited about the huge list of must-do fun you created to keep the kids happy – while cramming in all that family time you feel you miss the rest of the year – before they have to head back to school again.

But before you run out of ideas or get too far into your list, you realize all that fun comes with a pretty hefty price tag when you add it up. Give your debit card a little break with these often-overlooked ideas for $5 per person or less.

Fill out these frugal finds by checking in with your park district, forest preserve, local library and community for movies and music in the park and other lowcost or free programming.

Adler Planetarium is always amazing for kids, but families on a budget can really enjoy a visit to the Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College in River Grove. With sky shows ranging from One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure to a look From Earth to the Universe, there is a show sure to entertain and educate. Kids tickets range from $3-$4, adults are $8-$10. triton.edu/cernan.

Go for a strike!

Every day this summer, kids can get two games free at select locations throughout Chicago and the suburbs through Kids Bowl Free. Some centers might charge for shoe rental so check in advance. Parents who don’t want to sit on the sidelines can buy an upgraded Family Pass, but it is entirely optional. Find the closest bowling alley and register in advance at kidsbowlfree.com.

Do good

Join other families in volunteering to help others, which not only is free, but creates memories money can’t buy. We’re partial to The Honeycomb Project, thehoneycombproject.org, which has 32 opportunities in May and June alone. Plus, Feed My Starving Children, fmsc.org, (minimum age to volunteer is 5) and Bernie’s Book Bank, berniesbookbank.org, which accepts all ages to help sort, sticker and pack quality books for Chicagoland children.

On the first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.-noon, head to your local Home Depot for a free Kids Workshop. Not only will the kids learn something and get to be with other kids, you might get a keepsake out of it.

Be warm and fuzzy

Just over the border in Whiting, Ind., the Mascot Hall of Fame is a not-so-hidden gem. It’s a fabulous hands-on children’s museum and hall of fame all wrapped up into one. Plus, the first Friday of every month is free admission. Even if you want to splurge and can’t get to the museum on a free day, check the museum’s online calendar for lower-cost family fun nights. If you can’t go on a free day, the admission price is pretty manageable at $10 each. It’s right on Lake Michigan so after or before the visit, check out the sights. mascothalloffame.com.

Explore to your heart’s content

Five bucks during the week gets your family into Cantigny Park, where you’ll find the unique Tank Park sure to spark the kids’ imagination as well as the Red Oaks Farm Playground, beautiful gardens, hiking trails and open spaces perfect for nature walks. Check the calendar online for nature programs. cantigny.org.

Mascot Hall of Fame

Color Your World

Appreciate the beauty of the season by bringing your family to these gorgeous gardens

BY NIKKI ROBERTS

Chicagoland is so beautiful this time of year. Appreciate that beauty by practicing the art of hanami — the Japanese tradition of enjoying the beauty of flowers — at a peaceful Japanese garden or take a peaceful stroll through a hidden gem.

ALFRED CALDWELL LILY POOL

125 W. Fullerton Pkwy., Chicago

Tucked behind the Lincoln Park Zoo, the lily pond seamlessly blends classic Midwestern Prairie School architecture with the serene beauty of nature. This quiet hidden garden will make you forget you’re in a busy Chicago neighborhood! If time allows, take a stroll through the Lincoln Park Conservatory; admission is free!

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe

Exploring all the beauty that Chicago Botanic Garden has to offer by foot may be a bit too intense for young kids. Luckily, you can take a tram tour of the most popular areas. Stop at the Grunsfeld Children’s Growing Garden, a garden for family exploration. Your child’s favorite area will likely be the Nature Play Garden, a natural play space with rolling hills, tunnels and logs for hiding and climbing.

GARDEN OF THE PHOENIX IN JACKSON PARK

6300 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago

Also referred to as the Osaka Garden, this Japanese garden is one of Chicago’s hidden gems. The Japanese Government built the Phoenix Temple for the World’s Columbian Exposition and left it as a gift to Chicago. Today, the garden celebrates its partnership with its Japanese sister city, Osaka, with gorgeous flowers and stunning cherry blossom trees.

FABYAN JAPANESE GARDEN

1925 S. Batavia Ave., Geneva

After attending the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago, George and Nelle Fabyan fell in love with Japanese culture and commissioned a landscape designer to create their very own serene garden. Today, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County maintains this beautiful park so visitors can enjoy the quiet landscape and beautiful flowers, and grow an appreciation for Japanese architecture, art and culture.

GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY

300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago

The greenhouses are a go-to place, but did you know they have large outdoor gardens, too? Visit the City Garden, check out the rotating exhibits at the outdoor Artist Garden or explore at the Sensory Garden. Kids will love the Plant & Grow Garden, which includes a tree stump obstacle course and wooden musical instruments.

THE MORTON ARBORETUM

4100 IL-53, Lisle

With gardens designed to captivate the senses, kids will love exploring the grounds. There’s plenty of fun interactive spaces — like The Maze Garden and the 4-acre Children’s Garden — and no shortage of natural beauty. Visit the Ground Cover Garden and take in a living carpet made of flowers and foliage, or walk through the Four Seasons Garden to spot seasonal blooms.

* WORTH THE DRIVE ANDERSON JAPANESE GARDENS

318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford

Hanami comes naturally here. Twelve acres of landscaped waterfalls, streams, winding paths and koi ponds are surrounded by elegant grasses, flowers and shrubs. Yoga and sound bath classes are offered along with many other family-friendly events.

Photo courtesy of Fabyan Japanese Garden

Photo courtesyofChicagoParkDistrict

Day Tripping

Get to know Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood with these family-friendly spots

BY NIKKI ROBERTS

Known as Chicago’s Black Metropolis, the Bronzeville neighborhood was home to a thriving African American renaissance from the 1910s to the 1940s. Today, remnants of Bronzeville’s rich history can be seen in the restored monuments, cultural centers, stunning architectural sights, historical homes and delicious restaurants found throughout the neighborhood.

EAT

PEARL’S PLACE

3901 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago

Pearl’s Place is a classic soul food restaurant with “down home southern cooking” set in a fine dining setting. Feast on smoked ham hocks, jerk turkey or shrimp po’ boys, or order a breakfast entree — they’re offered all day. For dessert, there’s apple and peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, old-fashioned milkshakes and more.

SHAWN MICHELLE’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM

46 E. 47th St., Chicago

Once you’ve eaten your way through the many restaurants in Bronzeville, stop in at Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream for a sweet treat to finish the day. The ice cream here is homemade with simple ingredients, and it even has a vegan menu with dairy-free flavors, vegan cones and vegan brownies.

GETTING THERE

Bronzeville is accessible by the CTA 35th-Bronzeville-IIT Green line and 35th-Sox Red line stations, and the 1, 3, 15, 29, 35, 39 and 43 buses. The neighborhood’s western border is the Dan Ryan Expressway, making it easily accessible by car.

PLAY

MANDRAKE PARK

3858 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago

Mandrake Park is 10 acres of playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, baseball fields, running track and artificial turf fields. The park is popular for seasonal sports, making it the ideal play space for any athletic kid.

ELLIS (SAMUEL) PARK

3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Chicago

Run, climb, jump, swim or take a workout class at Ellis Park. The park’s playground and five-lane pool are popular attractions, as is the Arts and Recreation center that offers family activities and cultural programs.

EXPLORE

SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY ART CENTER

3831 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago

For more than 80 years, the South Side Community Art Center — the country’s oldest African American arts center — has provided Bronzeville with excellent arts and culture programming. Designated as a Chicago Historical Landmark, the SSCAC preserves Bronzeville’s rich history by showcasing established artists while also looking forward and featuring emerging artists. Admission to the SSCAC is always free, making it the perfect afternoon activity for families!

LEGENDS FARM

4431 S. Federal St., Chicago

Take a stroll through this small urban farm that has a production training farm and a community garden with 35 raised beds for Bronzeville residents. As you explore, use this visit as a learning opportunity to explain where our food comes from to your kiddos.

South Side Community Art Center

Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago

Shawn Michelle’s Homemade Ice Cream

Photo courtesy of Choose Chicago, Rachel Bires

A Camping We Will Go

Basic tips to help your family disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature

BY STEFFY MCCOURT

Summer is the perfect time to pull out the camping gear (or borrow it from a friend) and set out to explore the great outdoors. With so many amazing camping spots within driving distance, a weekend camping trip is an easy and inexpensive way to add a bit of adventure and beauty to your family’s life. Just don’t forget the bug spray.

PREPARATION

A healthy mindset is the first step to making your camping trip delightful. You are possibly traveling with children who have never been camping before; it will be expected that they have lots of questions. Visit the library and check out some books about camping. S is for S’Mores by Helen Foster James is a favorite camping picture book. Even though it is an alphabet book meant for younger readers, the illustrations and accompanying text make it a perfect read for older children, too. The Kids Campfire Book: Official Book for Campfire Fun by Jane Drake and Mordicai Gerstein is worth buying for its recipes that will help you prepare the cooler, songs to sing around the campfire, activities to keep kids entertained and a whole lot more.

As you pack, remember to pack lightly. Camping doesn’t require much: sleeping bags, old sneakers and clothes, matches to start the fire, a flashlight (for late-night bathroom trips or to ID those “scary” noises of things that go bump in the night) and a healthy

amount of camp food. Especially pack the snacks! Expect everything and everyone to return home dirty. This will be a sign of a good camping trip! (Packing plastic bags can save you from getting the car unnecessarily muddy or wet.)

SETTING UP CAMP

There is something so special about fitting your family into a tent after a long day of hiking, biking or swimming. The tent hugs the family as it fills with their sweet nature-inspired dreams. There are no electronics to interrupt the night, only evening critters making their lulling night noises.

As soon as you get to your site, unload and have the whole family help set up the tent. Make it a special experience and take your time. Model patience during the process; laugh at mistakes. Be sure that your tent is resting on a very flat area.

Creating a cozy space immediately upon arrival will lead to a peaceful evening.

THE CAMPFIRE

Before exploring too much, gather wood for the campfire. Many spots require you to purchase wood at the camp store or gather it from nearby. Most do not permit wood from outside the area because it may harbor an invasive species.

Most campsites will have a fire space already set up. Your family may want to spread out a couple of blankets near the fire or bring camp chairs.

EXPLORE

A first stop after camp has been set up is the camp store or visitors center. Not only will they have maps of trails and lists of activities at the campground or nearby, some spots also offer activity kits for kids so be sure to ask!

Use this list to get your kids excited about camping, then find some great family camping sites at ChicagoParent.com/LatestIssue.

LESLIE RANDOLPH

is a suburban mom and self-confidence coach for teenage girls (and the teenage girl that still exists in all of us). She helps teens learn to love and believe in themselves so they can go after goals with confidence. Find her at confidencecoachforgirls.com. the_coach_chronicles