Chicago Parent February 2018 by Chicago Parent

FEBRUARY 2018

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

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BIG CAMP GUIDE INSIDE

Go for the

gold

Hamilton star ‘takes a shot’ at epilepsy

ChicagoParent.com Month 2018 1

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Your child is our mission. Please join us for an Admissions Coffee February 7, April 18, May 4 Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, K-8 school that warmly welcomes children of all faiths. Inspired teaching, personalized learning, and a supportive community ensure that our students thrive academically and grow in goodness, self-knowledge, and service to others. In Chicago since 1876 and 200 years around the world

Join us for an Admissions Coffee February 7, April 18, May 4 9:15-11 am To register, call 773.681.8418 or admissions@shschicago.org 6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660 | www.shschicago.org

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lookingglass theatre company

Theatre Camps summer 2018 REGISTER TODAY! • Programs for Kids Entering Grades K–8 • Financial Aid + Payment Plans Available lookingglasstheatre.org/education 773.477.9257 X 193 Photos: Louise Lamson

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2/20 - 2/23 Mid-Winter Break Camp 4/9 - 4/12 Spring Break Camp 6/18 - 7/27 Summer Camp For more detailed program information and to sign up, please visit www.gemschicago.org/campGEMS. 350 East South Water Street Chicago, IL 60601 | 312.809.8910

Join Camp GEMS this year for daily fun in science, language, Field Studies and sports! Camps will run on select dates in February and April, as well as summer break. Each camp has a unique and engaging theme to excite campers. Campers in preschool through Grade 8 are welcome to register.

2 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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the footsteps of comedy giants Kids & Teens ages 6 to 18 can walk in have an epic summer learning will pers cam edy Com this Summer. ter arts and sketch comedy! thea improv, stand-up, storytelling, After camp programs are also available.

COME JOIN US AT CAMP! Summer Comedy Camp:

Spring Comedy Camp: Camp 1: March 26-30 Camp 2: April 2-6

Camp 1: June 4-8 (one week) Camp 2: June 11-22 Camp 3: June 25-July 6 Camp 4: July 9-20 Camp 5: July 23-August 3 Camp 6: August 6-17 Camp 7: August 20-31

Advanced Comedy Camp (ages 15-18): July 23-August 3

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT SECONDCITYSUMMERS.COM OR CALL (312)664-3959

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Discover your capable, confident Montessori child. Children learn best when they’re working with activities they love. At Guidepost, your child will enter the wonderful world of Montessori lessons and learning materials designed to captivate and inspire. Montessori

GP010818

Spanish Immersion now available for toddlers through kindergarten-aged children.

Visit us online to RSVP for an upcoming event, or to book a tour. We’d love to show you around!

Toddler • Preschool • Kindergarten

wickerpark.guidepostmontessori.com 773-663-4732

Spanish Immersion programs now available!

1530 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

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contents EDITOR

Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR

Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR

Jackie McGoey ASSISTANT DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER

Katina Beniaris ART DIRECTOR

Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS

Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea IT AND DIGITAL DEVELOPER

Mike Risher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Matt Boresi, Danielle Braff, Jerry Davich, Megan Murray Elsener, Keely Flynn, Kelly K. James, Cheryl Leahy, Marianne Walsh DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

Annette Coffee, Christine Griffith, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Philip Soell

ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER

Andrew Mead

FEBRUARY 2018 | VOLUME 34 | NO. 2

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney

FEATURES

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Jill Wagner

22 ADELAIDE’S SHOT 26

LIFE IN CHI 11

INSIDE VOICE

FAILING

BE MY VALENTINE 7 ideas to share the love with your family

FRIEND 10 things she wishes you knew (but probably won’t tell you)

30 STAYING CONNECTED

The importance of being a couple, not just parents

33 SUMMER CAMP TIME

Tips from kids and parents who’ve done it

David Oromanor BUSINESS MANAGER

“Hamilton” star and his wife focus on hope while raising awareness for epilepsy

THAT 28 DIVORCED

DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Joyce Minich CREDIT MANAGER

Laurie Myers

WITH GUSTO

COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar

VIVA DADDY

YOU

CRAFT

PUBLISHER Dan Haley FOUNDERS

Natalie Goodman, Carolyn Jacobs

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

GET OUT OF TOWN: THE DISNEY LOWDOWN

EDITORS

chiparent@chicagoparent.com CALENDAR, PLUS 6 SPOTS TO GO FOR THE GOLD

TO FIND A COPY

circulation@chicagoparent.com FEBRUARY 2018

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

| FREE

BIG CAMP GUIDE GU INSIDE

ADVERTISING

ON THE COVER

dhaley@wjinc.com

Cover kid: Miguel Cervantes and his

daughter, Adelaide, 2, of Chicago

for the

gold

Photography: Thomas Kubik of TK Photography

Hamilton star ‘takes a shot’ at epilepsy

ChicagoParent.com Month 2018 1

Design: Claire Innes

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. © 2018 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Making it work

2/20 - 2/23 Mid-Winter Break Camp 4/9 - 4/12 Spring Break Camp 6/18 - 7/27 Summer Camp For more detailed program information and to sign up, please visit www.gemschicago.org/campGEMS.

Dr. Laura Berman would be so disappointed in me. I have always put the kids first, work next and my marriage last, opposite from what the renowned Chicago sex and relationship therapist suggests in this month’s issue. I always have good intentions to do better, then the kids need something and it’s right back to TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY the back burner. It’s a good thing Bob is a patient man who puts up with me. Making a marriage thrive is work, and life has a way of throwing challenges in its way. Miguel Cervantes, the Chicago star of “Hamilton,” and his wife, Kelly, are surely finding that out, yet making it look easy despite the challenges they face. They are featured this month talking about their sweet little girl, Adelaide, and trying to raise awareness about Infantile Spasms, a rare and devastating form of epilepsy. You’ll also read more about their #MyShotAtEpilepsy Challenge to raise funds for epilepsy research. I encourage you to take the challenge; we’ll be doing it here at Chicago Parent. I also want you to meet Brittany and Michael Reyes, who have been married for nine years, Myshotatepilepsy.org with two children who have special needs. The Reyeses are featured on the cover of our first digital-only magazine, a winter issue of Chicago Special Parent available starting this month at ChicagoParent.com. The issue tackles ways to keep relationships strong, particularly when you have a child with special needs. Brittany Reyes told us: “It either makes you or breaks you, and I’m fortunate that it has kept us together.” I wish you many great moments this month that keep your relationships strong. I know I’ll keep trying, too.

350 East South Water Street, Chicago, IL 60601 | 312.809.8910

6 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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ON THE WEB

L is for love on ChicagoParent.com PDA alert We’re all about public displays of affection. And this month we’re shouting our favorite products—the ones that make life easier, more fun and just better overall—from the rooftops. For all the stuff we love, visit bit.ly/ XsandOs.

JACKIE MCGOEY

Love to win? Head over to our Coupons & Contests page to enter to win Classic Cinemas movie tickets to see “Peter Rabbit,” “Early Man” and “Fifty Shades Darker.” (Spicy Valentine’s Day date night, anyone?) Plus, we’re also giving away tickets to the Chicago Auto Show and, because we’ve already got spring on the brain, the Chicago Flower & Garden Show.

Blogger you should know Katie Adams is a Libertyville mom who likes to have fun. As a working mom, she believes you can do it all with a lot of support and patience. This month, watch for her sweet ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day with toddlers and some make-ahead breakfast ideas for busy parents.

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ChicagoParent.com February 2018 7

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IMAGINE. DESIGN. BUILD.

Explore the world of engineering and Chicago’s iconic movable bridges with FREE, fun activities for ages 5–12. Learn more at architecture.org/efest

FEBRUARY 24–25 10AM–3PM

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COMING IN SUMMER 2018 THE CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER 111 E. Wacker Drive above the dock for the CAF River Cruise New awe-inspiring exhibits and a state-of-the-art design studio with fun, hands-on activities for kids and families. 8 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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WE LOVE playtime Special Needs Playdate Feb. 11

ereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one way to bust the wintertime blahs while showing the kids some love: the second annual Chicago Parent Special Needs Playdate.

Kids with special needs and their siblings can get their wiggles out while mom and dad gather great info on therapies, camps, schools, hospital programs and more. Performances by the Royal Princess Parties, Mary Macaroni, Buddha Belly Yoga, Bubbles Academy will get kids singing, while everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fave game gurus, The Playground Games, keep them moving. Mickey and Minnie will even appear thanks to Happy Kids Chicago. Plus, fun-loving Skates, the Chicago Wolves mascot who has a special love for kids with special needs, will be on hand. When kids need a break, they can hit the quiet room.

Special Needs Playdate u 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 11 u DePaul College Prep, 3633 N. California Ave., Chicago u $5 kids 3-14, free kids 2 and under and parents; bit.ly/2EtV670

Life in Chi

Photos by Thomas Kubik

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Sunday, February 11 • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Chicago Parent brings our popular Playdate event to families with special needs.

Chicago Parent brings our popular Playdate event to families with special needs.

Be part of our special day! Bouncy Houses • Live Entertainment • Quiet Room • Vendors & Resources

DePaul College Prep

3633 N. California Ave., Chicago Thanks to our sponsors:

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T H E R A P E U T I C

F A R M

T H E R A P E U T I C

F A R M

T H E R A

Visit ChicagoParent.com/specialneedsplaydate for advance tickets and info! 10 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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T H E R A P E U T I C

F A R M

T H E R A P E U T I C

F A R M

T H E R A

INSIDE VOICE

Love (of the arts) is in the air The season of love is upon us! Even if you’re not a fan of pricey candlelit dinners (or tiny classroom valentines), there are still so many ways to explore KEELY FLYNN how lovely it is to, well, love. And if you can enrich your kids artistically in the city you adore? That just makes our hearts flutter, too.

Chicago Dance’s ‘Dances from the heart’ Get your pulse racing with Chicago Dance’s annual (and international!) smorgasbord of visual delight. Its Valentine’s Day program features the best of the best and, quite literally, something for everyone in these 13 performances. Irish dance? Hip hop? Check and check. Tap, ballet and urban fusion are also well-represented, as are Mexican folkloric, musical theater and plenty more. And for a treat as sweet as the day, audience members will be given a little sugar, courtesy of Eli’s Cheesecake—the way to anyone’s heart. 8 p.m. Feb. 10; Athenaeum Main Stage, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago; dancechicago.com

Short Shakespeare: ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Hey parents, want all the fun of Shakespeare’s silliest play with the added benefit of kids who sit still the whole darned time? Short Shakespeare is for you! ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is part love story, part madcap comedy, and all wonderful storytelling. When the members of a love quadrangle, a troupe of would-be actors, and a divided Fairy Court all take to the same woods with very specific goals in mind, what could possibly go wrong? (Oh, just about everything.) In Chicago Shakespeare’s family-friendly take on the love fest, the cast remains onstage after each show for a questionand-answer session that then extends out into the lobby for photos, meet-ups and sharing the love. Feb. 3-March 10; The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago; chicagoshakes.com

‘Cosi fan tutte’ at the Lyric Opera of Chicago When words fail you, say it with Mozart. (A good motto year-round, too!) ‘Cosi fan tutte,’ translated from the Italian to “That’s what women do,” is considered one of Mozart’s wittiest and best operas, and concerns a wager between two soldiers and their older, more cynical friend regarding the faithfulness of their fiancées. But, since this is a comedy, there will be more than one instance of mistaken identity in this Italian production with English projections, as well as music to send your heart soaring. (Wondering how your child would do with a three-hour opera? Good readers will thrill to the supertitles above the action—as my 8-year-old did—and the Lyric’s breathtakingly beautiful space evokes a feeling of fanciness like no other.) Feb. 17-March 16; Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago; lyricopera.org ChicagoParent.com February 2018 11

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LIFE IN CHI

Free in February Mark your calendars for these free days at our favorite spots, perfect for curing cabin fever. Days can change at the last minute, so confirm before heading out. Adler Planetarium Feb. 2, 5-9, 19-22 Brookfield Zoo Free Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays in February. ($14 parking fee still applies.) The Hamill Family Play Zoo is free all month. Shedd Aquarium Feb. 2, 14

The Field Museum Feb. 1-28 Museum of Science and Industry Feb. 1, 5-8, 12-15, 20-22, 26-27 Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Free Thursdays for Illinois residents. Kids under 3 are always free. Chicago History Museum Free 12:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays The Art Institute of Chicago Free for Illinois residents 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. Kids 13 and under are always free.

Museum of Contemporary Art Free 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays for Illinois residents; kids 18 and under are always free Chicago Children’s Museum Free 5-8 p.m. Thursdays and the first Sunday of every month for kids 15 and under. Always free to kids under 1. DuSable Museum of African American History Free Sundays. Midway Village Museum Free Thursdays in February. Midwest Museum of Natural History Free the first Wednesday and Thursday of every month.

FREEze Day

Brookfield Zoo’s annual FREEze Day is Feb. 11. Enjoy dogsledding demos and games by the Green Valley Dog Drivers and special zoo chats on winterhardy animals throughout the day. Admission is free; czs.org/events.

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12 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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FAILING WITH GUSTO

MARIANNE WALSH

Rarely pure & never simple

I came home the other day to an athletic cup sitting on my kitchen counter. Denials were issued all around. I am not sure how I feel about living in a world where athletic cups wondrously appear from the heavens. Yet, it was not the only miracle that week. Earlier, I discovered an entire cache of Halloween candy wrappers shoved deep under my couch cushions. The boys vowed solemnly that they were unaware of the witchcraft that placed them in this location. One son theorized a friend might have left them there. Another suggested the wrappers came with the couch. The last one speculated it was his father. Deeply upset that my brood was obviously in cahoots with Pinocchio, I reached for the nukes. God, one dead grandmother and the risk of eternal damnation later, I still could not secure a confession. Technology was cononfiscated. Treats were withheld. Tears ears were shed.

Nothing. Frustrated and angry that my usual methods were failing, I thought about high school. If they were lying to me now over minor offenses, what would our world be like when the big dogs came into play? Drinking. Driving. Drugs. How could I keep them safe and on course when I couldn’t even get a straight answer on the durable hard-shell protective cup now sitting in my kitchen with “Protect this House” plastered across it? That’s when Joe called from the firehouse. He reminded me to order new athletic pants for Jack because his old ones were ripped. “I took out the cup; we can use that with another pair. I left it on the counter so you wouldn’t forget.” This sounded vaguely familiar. I went for broke. “Do you know anything about how a bunch of old candy wrappers wound up under the couch?” Joe hesitated. He’d make a terrible felon. felo The boys are officially off the hook and I feel perfectly ready for high perfe school. I totally got sch this. th Just don’t hook ho me up to a lie detector. detector

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VIVA DADDY

Bring it in

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While I can’t hug you from the pages of a magazine, I would if I could. I’m a hugger, you see. From a long line of huggers. I’m Italian, I’m in the Arts—it’s a recipe for lots of hugs. My daughter Viva, too, is like a pint-sized Leo Buscaglia. If she sees you looking glum, expect a baby bear hug. Instant cheer-up! Hugs are just the best. Since MATT BORESI it’s February, the month of love and affection, it’s a great month to get some hugging done. Hugging isn’t just a cozy custom (or, depending on your personal wiring, a musky and awkward invasion of personal space), it’s better living through chemistry. A good hug releases all kinds of brain mojo, from oxytocin (the bonding chemical), to dopamine and serotonin (mood lifters), to endorphins (a pain blocker). Hugs also lower heart rate and blood pressure, and reduce cortisol, lowering stress. Think about the pharma cocktail you’d need to get all those benefits when you can get them from a healthy cuddle. There aren’t too many parenting or childhood woes, from physical pain to deep blue funk to our old pal existential dread that can’t be mitigated by a squeeze. Now sure, you can’t just crash through life throwing your arms around strangers any more than you can go around petting strange dogs. You don’t want to end up bitten, or sued, or even on the receiving end of a deep eye roll. But if the context and the relationship are clear, hugs are a low-cost, highly effective social tool for establishing camaraderie and spreading joy. Viva, in the clear-headed way of young children, has a keen eye for when someone needs a hug, and an open channel

ILLUSTRATION BY STEPHEN SCHUDLICH

when she needs one herself. If she’s feeling sad, scared, hurt or—contrary-wise—particularly happy, she’ll ask for a hug or just come take one. Does that sound like your kid, as well? Over time, our cynicism makes us standoffish from one another and disconnected from our own bodies, and we forget just what joy and comfort a hug can bring. This month, make like Viva and give, and get, some quality hugs. If it helps, wrap this magazine around yourself for a moment. It’s a start. Viva Hugs. Viva Viva. Viva Daddy. Viva is 6 years old. Daddy is about 7x that age. They live happily with Mommy in Chicago.

14 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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At Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago, our mission is simple: deliver world-class care to children who need it most — regardless of their ability to pay. For over 90 years, thousands of families with children in need of orthopaedic care, specialized plastic surgery, cleft lip and palate repair, physical rehabilitation, and spinal cord injury care have come through our doors with hopes of finding the very best pediatric specialty care. Under our roof, those hopes are answered every day — 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 have provided care for over 1.3 million children.

Do You Know a Child For a consultation, or to refer a patient, call: Who Needs Expert Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago Specialty Care? 773-385-KIDS (5437)

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YOU

3 must-try nights out

CHERYL LEAHY

he month of February is touted as a month to celebrate love, but hitting up a packed, overpriced restaurant on V-Day doesn’t carry the sentiment that I crave. My suggestion? Pick another non-heart holiday evening this month, and take it easy with one of my preplanned date nights. P.S.: All of these restaurants are family owned and operated. Feel the love?

The Romantic There is a hidden gem amongst Chicago’s ever-evolving dining scene and I am kicking myself for just discovering it. Prosecco recen recently celebrated 10-year ntl tlyy ce cele lebr brat ated ed iits ts 1 0 ye year ar aanniversary, nniv nn iver ersa sary ry,, an and d this River North orth ccontemontemporary Italian n restaurant resta taurant offers some of thee most incredible dishes ishes and a delicacies I have ever experienced. ver exp xperienced. Chef Mark can an bee seen s table-hopping ng amongst am mongst o laughter and genuine d genui uine smiles and his sis,, Stefania, ensures sures everything runs smooth h as butter. Insider er tip: Order the he Avocado Salad ad to start and end with homemade made Tiramisu and a shot of their very own Limoncello. Keep the good times rolling with a stroll to the Flamingo Rum Club—you can’t miss the vibrant flamingo mural of Insta-fame on the exterior. It offers an array of entertainment from salsa classes to burlesque performances. What to wear: Cocktail dress that makes you feel fabulous (my secret weapon is Fox’s Designer Off-Price), heels and simple jewels.

The Casual Every year on my birthday my husband takes me to Half Shell in Chicago’s Lincoln Park for King Crab Legs and beer. We always have Anthony as our server, whose grandfather started this Chicago institution in 1968. You can’t beat the prices and cozy laid-back atmosphere. Insider tip: This no-frills restaurant doesn’t offer reservations or take credit cards, so bring cash, patience and an appetite. It is worth the wait. After dinner, head around the corner to Replay, a beer and bourbon-focused arcade. Best part? They have more than 65 vintage arcade games play FREE, arca ar cade de g ames am es yyou ou ccan an p layy fo la forr FR FRE E featuring classics like Donkey Kong, g, Skee-Ball and Tron Pinball. What to wear: Elevated sneake sneakers, ers,, boyfriend jeans and a graphic jacket. T-shirt topped with a Moto jack ket.

The F Fusion Fus s Located Lo ocaa in a secluded strip mall next to a liquor liq quo o store, Mesa Urbana in Northbrook is unpretentious as gourmet restaurants aas u get. get t Step inside and be prepared to savor unique Mexican food with a modern, un n urban twist. urb Owner Moe Ow w Taleb Tale T e is one of children and 13 3 ch h if th the he rrestaurant slammed, siblings gets sla amm within arrive wit hin n minutes, needed. Insider pitching in as ne eed tip: The Urbana Margarita is a must. All juices are fresh-squeezed, syrups are made in house and the house tequila is 100% organic. Catch a play after dinner at the intimate 60-seat Oil Lamp Theater in nearby Glenview. Make sure to grab a bottle of your favorite wine or beer at the liquor store because the OLT is BYOB. February’s show is “Last of the Red Hot Lovers”—just right for the month of love! What to wear: Jumpsuit, booties, a structural cuff and statement earrings.

16 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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CRAFT

Tissue paper hearts

Show a little e love wi with th this t easy ccraft raft STORY AND PHOTOS HOT OTOS BY MEGAN MURRAY Y ELSENER ELS LSEN E ER

ill your house use with love. To get in thee spirit for Valentine’s Day, spend a winter afternoon noon with your kiddos creating tissue ue paper heart wreaths. With supplies ies you likely have at home, each heart will be unique and bursting with love!

Material: u Tissue paper (pinks, red, white, purples, p etc.) u Glue u Cardstock paper u Scissors u Pencil u Ribbon, optional

Directions:

Fold your piece of cardstock in half horizontally. Draw half of a large heart. Then draw another half heart inside the larger heart. Try to make it about 1 to 1 ½ inches in thickness. Cut out the heart.

2 3

Cut the tissue paper into 1 ½-inch square or rectangle shapes.

Wrap a piece of the cut tissue paper around a pencil eraser and dip it into glue. Then stick it to the heart cardstock. Repeat with varying colors of cut tissue paper until the heart is covered.

Allow to dry, then display around the house. Punch a hole near the top for the ribbon to hang if desired.

18 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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The Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy (ELSA)

An incredible college experience for young adults with differing abilities. Elmhurst College offers an excellent post-secondary experience for students with differing abilities. On our beautiful campus in Elmhurst, Illinois, students learn and grow in three key areas: • Academics and career exploration • Independent living skills • Social and recreational skills

LEARN MORE (630) 617-3752 elsa@elmhurst.edu elmhurst.edu/elsa FOLLOW US facebook.com/elsa-elmhurst

This four-year certificate program is for students, ages 18 – 28, who have earned a high school diploma or certificate of completion. Students continue to grow as individuals and build their skills for lifelong-learning opportunities, with the goal to work productively and live as independently as possible.

Join us for an Information Session on Feb. 28.

ChicagoParent.com February 2018 19

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GET OUT OF TOWN

The Disney lowdown

Tips and advice for your family’s vacation BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

re you thinking about booking your family’s maiden voyage to Disney World? Whether you are dying with excitement or dreading the crowds, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip for your kids that they will never forget. But it requires some definite planning. Here are some pro tips from local moms.

Book it! Disney World is made up of four parks, two water parks and the Disney Springs shopping area. A definite must-do is Magic Kingdom. It is the classic Disney park with Cinderella’s Castle, fireworks and all of the classic attractions you’ll remember from your childhood. When planning, don’t count out the Certified Disney Travel Agent who can help plan an epic vacation. Sonya Andonov MouseSavers.com has tons of information. For example, we learned that renting a stroller from a company that delivers and picks up directly at your hotel is much cheaper and more convenient than renting one in the park. Valerie Gager Check the crowd calendar (undercovertourist.com/orlando/crowdcalendar). If you can, look for weeks in the year when the crowds are lightest and that typically means less expensive, too. Bekah Kalita Book meals in advance! Character buffets fill up quickly and need to be booked 180 days before your trip. Tina Harle

Don’t underestimate how much fun you can have at your hotel. If you are going to stay at a Disney hotel, take advantage of what the hotel has to offer and build in a day to enjoy the pool and skip the parks. Shayna Williams Try a reseller (dvcrequest.com) to buy points to stay at one of the timeshare Disney properties. Staying in a onebedroom condo was cheaper than a hotel room. Plus we had a washer, dryer and kitchen and pre-ordered groceries from Garden Grocers, which were delivered. Meghan Hubbard Burkhart

Feed them! Pack a collapsible cooler and rent a locker for it until lunch. Instead of ice packs, use frozen water bottles. You’ll be able to drink them instead of buying water. Erica Alhorn

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The character lunches are worth every penny. Instead of standing for 45-60 minutes to see one character, you are relaxed in a sit-down restaurant that has air conditioning, and five to seven characters will come visit. Emily Tower

You need to make reservations 120 days out for most restaurants. If you want something like Cinderellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Castle (which you do, you really do!), you need to reserve at 11 p.m. 180 days out. Heather Cohen Have a late afternoon treat to hold you over. While most people are eating at 6-7 p.m., you can get in more rides, then do dinner at 8:30 p.m., and go until the kids pass out or park closes, whichever comes first. Lisa Mitchell

Ride it! FastPasses are key to an enjoyable trip. Once you use your three reserved, you can add more (one at a time) using the app or at an in-park kiosk. Gerrianne Hartman Download the Disney app a week beforehand and check wait times for all the rides throughout the day. Plan out

which ones to use your FastPass on based on wait times, so you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t waste your passes on rides that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t as long. Erica Alhorn If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your first visit, be sure to get your â&#x20AC;&#x153;first Disney tripâ&#x20AC;? pin. You will be treated special all day. Tina Harle Touringplans.com app is a

must-have if you want to avoid lines. Elyse Cutler Arrive 30 minutes before the park opens to put on sunscreen. Go back to your Disney hotel for lunch and a swim. You will miss the crush of the heat and afternoon crowd. Head back to the park at 5 p.m. and enjoy shorter lines and cooler weather. Meg Sweeney Nelligan

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Adelaide’s shot

“Hamilton” star and his wife focus on hope while raising awareness for epilepsy

BY JERRY DAVICH PHOTOS BY THOMAS KUBIK

iguel Cervantes felt numb. He had just finished his third, and most critical, audition in New York City for “Hamilton: An American Musical,” the most popular Broadway show of our time. He left it all on that audition stage. Everyone within earshot stopped what they were doing to watch or listen. It was that powerful. Cervantes understood it was his once-in-a-lifetime shot to portray the hit musical’s lead character, Alexander Hamilton, in the upcoming Chicago show. It could take him from relative obscurity to realized dream. Still, he had one unshakable thought on his mind. It wasn’t the daunting amount of musical lyrics he had to memorize, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the show’s brilliant creator who was on hand for the audition. Nor was it the rhythmand-rap choreography or the instructions to portray Hamilton as an “earnest, ambitious hothead, a man possessed, Eminem meets Sweeney Todd.” Instead, his thoughts focused on his baby daughter who had just been hospitalized with an unknown ailment. And an unknown future. Cervantes exited the stage, sat down and cried. “I went into that audition as though it was the most important thing in my life, but clearly it wasn’t,” Cervantes recalls. “My heart was with Adelaide. I had to go be with her.”

When the baby was born, her mom, Kelly Cervantes, remembers the nurses mentioning “that Adelaide was a little floppy.” By 3 months old, it was “abundantly clear” that Adelaide was not developing on schedule. Unlike her brother, Jackson, now 5, she kept missing typical milestones. Doctors ordered a barrage of neurological tests. “Every test came back normal,” Kelly says. At 7 months old, Adelaide suffered her first seizure. “Her face went limp on one side,” Miguel recalls. At 9 months old, Adelaide was diagnosed with epilepsy, confirmed later as a severe, incurable form known as Infantile Spasms. It’s a rare epilepsy syndrome that can have profoundly negative long-term consequences including severe developmental and cognitive delays. “We had never heard of it,” says Kelly, who was living in New Jersey and commuting into New York City. When Miguel was chosen to be Hamilton, the young family relocated to Chicago. As Miguel prepared to portray

the reemerging Founding Father, he struggled as a fledgling father to a baby with very special needs. The couple underwent a crash course in epilepsy, a condition still underestimated, underfunded and, for most Americans, entirely misunderstood. Infantile Spasms, or I.S., was even more mysterious and frightening. “All we were given were a lot of maybes and could be’s,” Kelly says.

“Doctors could only tell us, ‘Hmmm… that’s interesting,’” Miguel adds. They learned that one in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime, with 150,000 new cases every year. And the most catastrophic cases occur in children, with long-term consequences regarding the complex neurological jungle of the brain. “Miguel and Kelly are facing many unknowns, which can be disappointing,” says Laura

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Lubbers, chief scientific officer for Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy, or CURE. “Infantile Spasms is rare, but clearly very catastrophic.” The couple were reminded of this fact during their first week living in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Adelaide stopped breathing and had to be rushed to the ER. Another night, her heart stopped. Immediate panic led to a new normalcy. Milestones became “inchstones,” as Kelly calls them.

“Do we have months or years with Adelaide, or do we have a lifetime with her?” she wonders. Last summer, Adelaide made milestone-like strides. She laughed. She smiled. She gave her parents tangible hope for the first time. By the fall, it all went away. No more smiles. No more laughs. No interaction of any kind. At 2, she now weighs 30 pounds without the ability to move any part of her body or even swallow.

“She’s a sack of potatoes,” Kelly says as Adelaide wakes from a nap. “Our goal is to get her to want to move or talk or react.” Miguel places his daughter into her carry cradle and props up her drooping head. His facial expressions, which serve him well with his acting career, often say more than his words regarding his daughter. When discussing her future, he shrugs in frustration. “There’s likely no treatment

for her,” he says flatly, kissing her forehead. “It’s unclear. Everything is unclear.” As Miguel prepares to leave home for that night’s performance at CIBC Theatre, a 3.5mile, 30-minute commute, Kelly prepares for her complex daily routine with Adelaide. Filling six syringes of medication each morning, preparing a special diet through a feeding tube,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

rechecking her water feed, and attaching a G-tube at night. Plus, several hours of physical therapy each week, driving from Lake Forest to Frankfort, one to two doctor appointments each week, and biweekly blood draws, to name a few routines. “It can be tough,” Kelly says. “But Adelaide is the strongest human I’ve ever met. Our family’s own superhero. Epilepsy sucks, but Adelaide is an inspiration. She is worth every tear, every sleepless night, every long day.” “She may be unresponsive most days, but somehow she still manages to make such a strong impact on so many that she meets,” Kelly adds. “We will never stop fighting so that she has the best opportunity at the most fulfilling life available to her.” That is why the couple is using Miguel’s high-profile stage persona for “Hamilton” to raise awareness for their daughter’s plight and for others afflicted with epilepsy and I.S. “This is us taking our shot as parents of our baby girl,” says Miguel, referring to his character’s signature song, “My Shot,” the third song in Act One. Alexander Hamilton’s character sings with ferocity on stage, “I am not throwing away my shot!” Miguel, the loyal father, says, “This ‘Hamilton’ experience is very cool, but I have something else to share with people. Something that will still be around after ‘Hamilton’ ends. Otherwise, I’m not using my platform for its best purpose.” Kelly adds, “Raised awareness alone won’t find a cure or new treatments. But it can draw more funding, which can bring new research that’s so badly needed.” The couple has partnered with the Epilepsy Foundation and CURE to host the #MyShotAtEpilepsy Challenge to promote awareness and raise funds. It encourages supporters to strike a Hamilton-like pose,

“This is us taking our shot as parents of our baby girl.” take a photo, share it on social media and make a donation to the cause. “We don’t know how much our efforts will help our daughter, or the world, but we have to try,” Miguel says, wrapping his arms around a listless Adelaide. “We’re holding on to a heavy rock but carrying a hopeful parachute.” “This campaign gives us a peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to help other families with this disorder,” Kelly adds. The couple’s last hope, possibly, will get explored this year with yet more tests for their daughter through the Undiagnosed Diseases Program. The organization was established to provide diagnosis and treatment for patients with unknown disorders. “It’s important for them to keep hope and support new research,” says Lubbers, whose sister was born with tuberous sclerosis complex, a leading cause of genetic epilepsy. “She started having spasms when she was three months old, and she is now 53.” Like any parents of a child with special needs, Miguel and Kelly have hope that Adelaide will someday walk, talk and feed herself. But these days, they’re hoping for a crucial first “inch-stone.” “I hope she looks at me and smiles,” Kelly says. “I hope she someday knows who I am,” Miguel says. “I don’t feel like I’ve ever really met my baby girl.” Jerry Davich is a Chicago area dad and writer who lives with two huge “Hamilton” fans.

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u Epilepsy is twice as common in children as in adults u The most catastrophic cases occur in children, with longterm consequences u Epilepsy receives 10 times less funding than other neurological disorders Source: Epilepsy Foundation

Take Your Shot The Epilepsy Foundation and CURE have joined to host the #MyShotAtEpilepsy Challenge to promote awareness and raise funds for epilepsy research. All proceeds from the campaign will be split between both organizations and used to advance breakthroughs in epilepsy treatments and research.

You can pose in your neighborhood, in one of your favorite places, or anywhere around the world. Take a shot that is meaningful and special to you. Challenge friends to top your submission in creativity. Watch the public service announcement, #MyShotAtEpilepsy Campaign, at myshotatepilepsy.org.

“Til the Calm Comes” u Watch the music video “Til the Calm Comes,” written and performed by Miguel Cervantes, with some of the Chicago cast of “Hamilton,” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqESJUipg98. u Online Q&A: Read more about Infantile Spasms with Laura Lubbers, chief scientific officer for Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy.

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Scavenger hunt

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

o beyond the little chocolates and candy conversation hearts this Valentine’s Day to really show some extra love to your family. Here are some festive ideas to celebrate the sweetest holiday of the year with more fun and love this year.

Send the kids or your spouse on a customized Valentine’s scavenger hunt filled with clues and surprises. Start by making four clues and then four rewards or treats to be found. The rewards can be four pieces of a homemade puzzle that, when put together, have a special message. Be creative with your clues and incorporate some rhymes. “Roses are red, violets are blue, for your next clue look in a ____,” or “February 14th, full of red and pink, to find the next clue, look under the _____.” Give them an envelope with a hint for the first location, then send them on their way to find each clue and reward.

Love coupons Create a lovingly homemade coupon book or packet for each of your children n that they can cash in as desired. Make each coupon good for things like no chores for the day, family trip for ice cream, stay up 30 minutes past bedtime, movie outing and movie of your choice, a special outing with mom or dad, game night or extra 30 minutes of screen time. You can find cute free printables on Pinterest or custom create your own!

S’mores popcorn and flick

Heart H eart attack Starting on Feb. 1, put a heart on your child’s bedroom door every day with a reason why you love them. Cut hearts in all different sizes and colors and include one positive, unique thing about your kid on each heart. Then each day leading up to Valentine’s Day, tape up another heart so that by Feb. 14, your child feels overwhelmed with compliments and love about the great little people they are. Challenge your spouse and kids to do the same in return for you! It can be a love-fest all around.

Skip the plain popcorn and sweeten up movie night at home with this sweet and savory s’mores popcorn drizzled with chocolate and Valentine’s colored M&Ms: Pop two bags of microwave popcorn, then spread popped popcorn on a baking sheet. Melt ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle melted chocolate over the popcorn. Immediately toss ½ cup Valentine M&Ms, ½ cup Golden Grahams cereal, and ½ cup miniature marshmallows on top of popcorn. Let the chocolate set for 30 minutes or put in refrigerator for 10 minutes. Enjoy the sweet treat with a family-friendly love flick like “Lady and the Tramp,” “Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown,” “Enchanted,” or “You’ve Got Mail.”

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Cupid’s photobooth Get out the love props and make a photobooth in the corner of your house. Use a festive plastic tablecloth or sheet as a backdrop. You can find lots of adorable free graphics online to print, cut out and attach to

wooden sticks or dowels. Print mustaches, glasses, lips, hearts, hats and arrows to give your photobooth participants lots of options. Add in some giant heart pillows, necklaces and anything pink, white or red! Then snap away with a camera or even more fun, a Polaroid camera!

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Love birds Valentine’s Day isn’t just for people, so share some lovin’ with the birds outside by making hanging heart bird feeders. Mix together ¾ cup flour, ½ cup water, 1 envelope unflavored gelatin, 3 Tbsp. corn syrup and 4 cups birdseed. Spray a spoon with cooking spray and use it to spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray the heart-shaped cookie cutter with cooking g spray, p y, then press to make hearts from smoothed mixture. Press in a hole near the top of the ssm mooth thed ed mixtu heart. them firm up overnight. the he th earrt. Let the

Heart chain link An activity that’s easy for all ages is creating a heart chain link filled with love. Take 1.5-inch by 5-inch strips of red, white and pink construction paper, and instead of stapling them into a circle, pinch the two open ends together and staple to create a heart shape at top and pinch the bottom to make a point. Repeat and add hearts to the chain link. Once it’s as long as desired, write in black Sharpie different qualities about the person you love on each heart link. Hang the compliment filled chain link around the table chair of each person in the family and feel the love all around. Megan Murray Elsener is a Chicago Parent contributor, freelance writer, and

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10 things

your divorced mom friend wishes you knew (But probably won’t tell you)

BY KELLY K. JAMES

he stat says that one in two marriages will fail. Considering that, it’s a testament to love and hope (and denial?) that so many of us get married. And it shouldn’t be so surprising that a lot of us wind up divorced. So, as a divorced mom amongst mostly married ones, let me share 10 things I—and other divorced moms friends—may not have the nerve to say to your face:

It’s not contagious. We can still hang out.

My divorce may make your marriage better. You’re welcome. Because you may have noticed that all four of us—me and the kids and their dad—have suffered. Or maybe you overheard me say, “I love you. I’ll see you on Sunday,” when I hugged my 7-yearold daughter goodbye at school on a Wednesday morning, and you thought, “I don’t want that.” (I didn’t either.) You may put extra effort into your marriage, and that’s awesome. It’s even more awesome if your spouse does the same.

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I’m lonely. I might act like I’m fine, but I often feel like the hunchback freak among all these happily coupled couples. Even if my marriage wasn’t what I wanted, there was someone there. I had someone in my bed. Someone to parent with. Now I’m alone nearly all the time (not counting my kids), unless I make plans to be with another person. So yeah, I’m lonely, even if I hate to admit it.

I still love him. I always will. He’s a good guy in many ways even if we weren’t meant to be married forever. That doesn’t mean I’m not angry and hurt and heartbroken and disappointed and afraid. Did I mention heartbroken? But I don’t want to bash him. Please don’t bash him for me, even when you’re trying to show me you love me. I’ll tell you if I need to vent.

I don’t want your husband. Don’t worry. He’s an awesome guy. And if you have a happy marriage, I’m envious. I might want to have that again … one day. In the meantime, if you trust me (and you should), let me hang out with you and your hubs if we did that before. I still like being around men I like, but you are way more important to me than he is.

Yes, you can set me up. It’s hard to meet someone new regardless. Now imagine doing it with a recent divorce, midlife and two school-aged kids in the mix. Online dating is a terrifying proposition (and yes, I’m doing it) but women like me do it because we have few options. Setting me up, even if it doesn’t work out, tells me you care.

Treat my kids the same. The last thing I wanted was for my kids to have divorced parents. Think of how they feel—the foundation they took for granted is gone. No matter how much parenting I and their dad do, no matter how much we reassure them that our love for them hasn’t changed, they’re fragile. If you’re in their lives, let them know that their world, as far as you go, is still the same.

Include me (and my kids). I saw you slip away to give your husband a squeeze and a kiss when my kids and I were there. And my heart seized. It made me sad and envious. But your mutual love gives me hope that I can have that in the future. More importantly, I want my kids to see what loving, stable, positive relationships look like. If I can’t show them that (at least not now), it would be great if you would.

I’m here. Finally, some of you are going to find yourself in my shoes. That’s not what I want for you. But it’s not up to me. And if you wind up, despite what you expected or wanted or hoped, facing the end of your marriage? Call me. I’m here. And I’ll help you find your way to the other side. Kelly K. James lives with one son, one daughter, and one kick-ass cat in a Chicago suburb.

Respect my privacy. I know when the news came out, people whispered and gossiped and speculated about what had happened. Divorce scares people—married people most of all. My story: we’re two different people. Of course there’s more to it than that. And if you’re a really close friend, you already know what happened. If you’re not a very close friend, prepare yourself for pat answers and vague explanations, and let it go at that. ChicagoParent.com February 2018 29

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Staying connected The importance of being a couple, not just parents BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

arenting is exhausting. The days are long and the needs of family, home and work can be overwhelming. So it’s easy to see how couples can drift apart during the chaotic years with young children. The good news is that feeling disconnected as a couple once you have children is completely normal. “When couples transition from being lovers into also being teammates who are working together to raise a human being, it has a massive impact on their bond,” says Dr. Laura Berman, a New York Times best-selling author and renowned sex and relationship therapist. “From lack of sleep to shifting hormones to physical exhaustion, becoming a parent is one of the most difficult things you will ever do. You are both enduring these enormous physical and emotional changes, which makes it natural for your relationship to change,” she says. It’s common for parents to become more businesslike with each other as they tend to the details of parenting. Basics like grocery lists and carpool pickup replace the latest gossip at work or naughty banter that occurred pre-kids.

Tune in, not out If you’ve reach a point where you only talk to your spouse about the kids or errands, that’s a sign your connection is drifting. “Once your relationship outside of the kids has totally been eradicated (i.e. you never talk about books or politics or your shared love of sports or theater), then you should be aware that you are headed down a dangerous path,” Berman warns.

“Lack of sex is also a sign, but really lack of connection in general. You don’t look up from your phone when she walks in the door after work. You don’t bother to pick up his favorite beer at the supermarket. You don’t give hugs, kisses or use pet names anymore.” Yet realizing the lack of communication is the first step to reconnecting. Berman has a few simple suggestions to get back on track.

u Remove the TV from your bedroom. Television sucks up time that couples could be spending together when the kids are asleep. Ban smartphones and laptops, too. u Set an intention to spend 20 minutes each day connecting with your spouse outside of your parenting duties. Don’t talk about the kids, school, errands or the bills. Just snuggle on the couch, have a glass of wine and talk about your dreams. u Stop thinking “It’s not my turn.” Often couples play the blame game and think, “It’s not my turn to be romantic, plan a date night, etc.” And they sit there and seethe in bitterness and wait for their partner to plan something. You have to create the energy you want in your relationship. If you want a playful, sexy relationship, you have to be playful and sexy. You have to bring that energy and passion with you, rather than expecting your partner to create it for you because it’s “his turn.”

30 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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Making time Stop tending to your spouse’s feelings as just another thing on your “to-do” list. “Having children adds vast layers of complexity to a relationship,” says Aniko Blake, therapist at the Chicago Center for Relationship Counseling. But putting importance on navigating couplehood along with parenthood can help when

Explo Explore some BIG IDEAS as we bring to life some of WTTW Kids most beloved children’s programs, live on stage as part of challenges come up. Plus, this shows the kids what an adult relationship can—and should—look like, she says. Berman says: “The absolute best gift you can give your kids is two parents who are healthy, happy and fulfilled, so carve out time to work on your marriage.” Megan Murray Elsener is a Chicago Parent contributor and mother of three.

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32 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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Kids’

(and parents’)

summer camp tips

Advice from those who’ve done it

I Holden Morris at Camp Hayo-Went-Ha.

Parent perspective: Alli Lamb Why camp: I had gone to a sleep-away camp for many years. Camp was in my blood and I couldn’t wait to give my child that same magical experience. So once Madden finished fourth grade, I knew it was time and it felt like a rite of passage. Selecting: I met with directors and watched their camp videos to find a camp that I felt mimicked an experience similar to mine. I wanted a place that thrives on friendship, love and adventures. Prep: Preparing took a lot of time, money and shopping. Two large duffel bags and a lot of sleepless nights making lists of more and more items! We packed and talked a lot about what to expect. Together we talked through her fears, excitement and questions. Best part: She went to a camp where she knew no one and that was hard for her. But she came back with perseverance, coping skills, knowledge of herself and how to truly make a bed!

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER t may be dreary outside, but now is the time to start dreaming of canoeing, swimming and making friends around the campfire. Sleep-away camps begin their enrollment and registration season now. Here is camp advice from both parents and kids based on their own sleep-away camp experience:

Kid take: Madden Lamb, 10 Why camp: I picked a camp (Camp Agawak) based off my likes, hobbies and that it had a waterfront. Prep: Getting ready, my mom and I talked a lot about camp and what I may need to be

Madden Lamb ready for, which helped. And the most important thing to pack was pictures of my family! Best part: The campfire. Plus I saw my first shooting star and a bald eagle.

Parent perspective: Megan Patterson

busy outside doing things and the staff and camp’s reputation made us all feel at ease. Prep: It was basically essentials. Best part: Camp allows Noah to really be himself. He loves the outdoors and water, so camp allows him to fish all day, swim and make friends. When Noah he returns home, he is more conPatterson fident, less shy and has become more of a leader.

Why camp: We found that when his summer activities and practices ended, Noah was bored. Two years ago, he told us he was ready to try camp and we wanted him to have the experience, meet new people and have a chance to be a little more open to try new things. Selecting: We knew about Camp Anokijig from friends and after a lot of research we decided this was the right place. They have a zero electronics policy, the kids are always

Kid take: Noah Patterson, 11 Why camp: At the end of fourth grade, I told my parents I felt old enough and was ready to try sleep-away camp. We CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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• BIRTHDAY CENTERPIECE • BIRTHDAY HOST & MIC ANNOUNCEMENT • GIFT FOR BIRTHDAY PERSON

12 -$14 PER PERSON MINIMUM 10 PEOPLE

(Birthday package available during any public session.)

PRIVATE EVENTS, GRADUATIONS, SHOWERS AND MORE! DAY TIME AND EVENING AVAILABILITY 7 DAYS A WEEK

325 - $500 (Taxes Included)

As Seen on TV WGN’s Ch. 9 “Around Town”

PUBLIC SKATING HOURS WED EVENING 6:30PM-9PM $7 FRI EVENING 7:30PM-10:30PM $8 SAT MORNING 10:30AM-1PM $7 SAT AFTERNOON 1:30PM-4:30PM $8 SAT EVENING 7:30PM-10:30PM $8 SUN AFTERNOON 1:30AM-4:30PM $8 SUN EVENING 6:30PM-9PM $7

As Seen on TV ABC’s Ch. 7 “190 North”

PLUS $3.00 FOR SKATE RENTAL

like us on Facebook

7231 West Archer Ave. • Summit (1/4 Block West of Harlem, 3 Blocks South of I-55) Additional parking across Archer Avenue in our lot

708-458-0300 • www.fleetwoodrollerrink.com

Camp 2018

CHICAGO PARENT’S ANNUAL CAMP GUIDE January - May For more information, call (708) 386-5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

did research and got a spot at Anokijig. Prep: My first year I went shopping with my parents and prepared for what I needed. It was lots of stuff, like open- and closed-toe shoes, sleeping bag, swimsuits, bug spray and lots

of clothing options for hot and cold weather. I brought my two stuffed animals and one became our cabin mascot! Best part: Making new friends who I now see each year when I go back. I love fishing, being outdoors and swimming in the lake.

Parent perspective: Amanda Morris Why camp: At age 8, Holden came home from school and said he was going to summer camp with a friend. He’d never even made it through a week at Grandma’s, but I wasn’t going to be the one to tell him he wasn’t capable of doing this. When I picked him up from that first two-week stint, the first thing he said to me was, “I’m doing four weeks next year!” Prep: The first year, I carefully packed 14 shorts, 14 pairs of underwear, 14 socks and a fresh tube of toothpaste. Most of it came back completely untouched. It’s an allboy camp and there’s not a lot of washing or clean clothes-wearing happening. Best part: I love that he’s completely off the grid for the summer without phones or TVs or even electricity. Camp Hayo-Went-Ha has been life changing for him. He lives the rest of his year waiting for the summer and it’s truly his other home. He comes back more mature, more confident, more independent and grateful every summer.

Kid take: Holden Morris, 14 Why camp: It was six years ago when we chose Hayo-WentHa. We got a list of camps and looked at websites. I liked that it had a zip line. Prep: Swim trunks and a pair of Chacos are really all you need. As I have gotten older, the trips require more specialized gear. So I started asking my grandparents to contribute to my camp fees and camp supplies as presents instead of getting other stuff I might not need. Best part: You get to experience new things and get a good tan. This will be my seventh

summer at camp and I’m doing eight weeks this summer. I’ve been at camp for half my life!

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Matthew Fielding at YMCA Camp Echo.

Parent perspective: Sarah Fielding Why camp: I went to sleepaway camp as a child and have amazing memories from the experience, so I wanted that for my children. I thought Matthew was ready for the independence and he wasn’t hesitant about being away from home for a week. Selecting: We picked the camp (YMCA Camp Echo) I went to growing up because I knew it was an amazing camp and I have friends who send their kids there. Best part: To be completely honest, when you have multiple children, it’s amazing to have one (or more) gone for a whole week. It allowed me much needed alone time with

my spouse and other children. I also felt like I was giving my kids something really special—a way to be on their own, gain confidence, meet new people and to be really independent.

Kid take: Matthew Fielding, 12 Why camp: My mom and aunt went to the same camp when they were my age and it sounded fun. Prep: Just need to pack clothes, toiletries and playing cards. Best part: My favorite part of camp is the sailing. Megan Murray Elsener is a Chicago Parent contributor and mother of three.

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camp 2018 // special advertising section

Preschool Gymnastics! CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A TRIAL CLASS! Classes are currently available Ages 2-6 years old

Lakeshore Academy Gymnastics Lakeshore Academy of Mount Prospect 520 Business Center Drive Mount Prospect IL, 60056 847-376-8826 www.lakeshoreacademy.com 36 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section // DAY CAMP The Actors Gymnasium 927 Noyes St, Evanston (847) 328-2795 actorsgymnasium.org In Circus & Performing Arts camp, kids learn circus skills like juggling, tumbling, trapeze, tightwire, stilts; take fun-filled field trips; and perform in their very own circus theatre show!

Adler Planetarium Summer Camps

Half and Full Day camps available 1300 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago (312) 922-7827 www.adlerplanetarium.org With tools like telescopes, programmable robots, and high-altitude balloons—and new friends around every corner—Adler summer campers share adventures of cosmic proportions.

The Ancona School 4770 S Dorchester Ave (773) 924-2356 anconaschool.org/summer-2018 Day Camp - Journeys is a hands-on, Grades 1-8, student-centered eight-week adventure comprised of four unique two-week journeys: Makers, Theater, Cooking, and Ecology.

Angelic Organics Farm Camps for Kids 1545 Rockton Rd. Caledonia, IL 61011 (815) 389-8455 LearnGrowConnect.org/camps Kids ages 5-16 explore life on a 200-acre farm, connecting to the land, adorable animals, and each other. Organic meals. Overnight Camps & Day Camps.

Apachi J Camps Northbrook, Chicago, Skokie, Lake Zurich, Flossmoor (224) 406-9242 jccchicago.org/daycamp The 9 JCC Chicago Apachi Day Camps – each with its own special blend of camp – offer summers filled with exploration, art, sports, swimming and friendship. 3yrs-8th grade.

The Avery Coonley School 1400 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove (630) 969-0800 averycoonley.org A diverse offering of summer enrichment

courses for curious kids from kindergarten through eighth grade designed andtaught by outstanding educators.

Camp GEMS 350 East South Water Street, Chicago (312) 809-8910 gemsworldacademy-chicago.com/ page/camp-gems GEMS offers fun and educational seasonal camps during school breaks! Join Camp GEMS for daily fun in science, language, Field Studies and sports! Camps will run on select dates in February and April, and summer break.

Chicago Architecture Foundation 224 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 922-8687 architecture.org/camps CAF camps are designed to help kids explore the world around them. The camps build teamwork and problemsolving skills. Plus, campers go outside everyday!

Chicago Red Stars Academy 710 W Belden Avenue, Chicago (773) 697-8699 chicagoredstars.com/academy/ Camps provide a professional, fun and welcoming environment for girls to further develop soccer skills. Campers receive a t-shirt and a free ticket to a Red Stars game.

Decoma Day Camp Northbrook (847) 945-4455 www.decomadaycamp.com Generations of children have enjoyed fantastic summers, special friendships and lifelong memories. Highlights include: individual attention, small staff/camper ratios, mature experienced counselors, and flexible programming.

Foundation Sports Camp at Chicago Indoor Sports Day Mon-Fri 9AM- 3PM 3900 S Ashland Ave foundationsportscamp.com

Foundation Sports Camp is hosting its inaugural camp at Chicago Indoor Sports this summer. We are looking for a few “Super Sports Hero’s” to join our teams. Girls and Boys Ages 8-13 will enjoy Flag Football, Basketball, Soccer and more..

Funtopia- Glenview 2050 Tower Dr, Glenview (224) 432-5435 www.funtopiaworld.com/glenview If you are looking for a place that offers physically and mentally stimulating activities during school holidays, then come and join Funtopia’s Spring Break Camps.

Fusion Academy Lincoln Park (312) 763-6990 Lake Forest (847) 295-4039 FusionSummerClass.com Join us for classes over the summer! Learning over the summer doesn’t have to be boring. At Fusion, we have the ability to customize classes to each student’s individual strengths, interests, and learning style.

German International School Chicago (GISC) 1447 W Montrose Ave, Chicago (773) 880-8812 germanschoolchicago.com German-immersion summer camps, including field trips, for students ages 3-12. In partnership with the Lycée Français de Chicago. Learning German has never been more fun!

Homewood Science Center 18022 Dixie Highway, Homewood (708) 206-3369 homewoodsciencecenter.org STEAM learning is hot this summer at Homewood Science Center! Registration opens in March at www.homewoodsciencecenter.org Don’t miss out - sign up for our email list!

iD Tech Camps Held at Northwestern, Loyola, GEMS World Academy, Benedictine, and Lake Forest College (888) 709-8324 iDTech.com At iD Tech Camps, students ages 7-17 can learn to code, design video games, mod Minecraft, engineer robots, model 3D characters, build websites, print 3D models, and more.

Instituto Cervantes Chicago 31 W. Ohio Street, Chicago (312) 335-1996 Info.chicago@cervantes.org www.chicago.cervantes.es

camp 2018

in a fun way so students learn the language, meet new friends, and explore the Spanish-speaking world.

Kiddie Academy

Educational Childcare Algonquin, Batavia, Naperville, Plainfield, Oswego, Streamwood (800) 554-3343 KiddieAcademyChicago.com Our CampVentures program and curriculum make your child’s summer as educational as it is fun through themed events, activities and trips.

Latin School of Chicago Pre K -12th Grade 59 W. North Blvd., Chicago (312) 582-6000 (312) 582-6060 Admissions latinschool.org

Summer at Latin offers recreational activities for campers ages 4-14, and credit and non-credit enrichment in English, language arts, computer science, history and the arts, for grades 6-12. Register at www.latinschool.org/ summer.

The Little Gym of Chicago 3216 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago (773) 525-5750 TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL Combining physical activity, gymnastics, games, and arts & crafts, we’ll help your child beat the heat of summer by staying cool at The Little Gym.

North Shore Country Day School Summer Programs 310 Green Bay Road, Winnetka (847) 441-3350 www.nscdscamps.org daycamp@nscds.org A variety of traditional camp and enrichment program offerings for children ages 3-14 for full-day and half-day experiences. Transportation and extended care available.

Piven Theatre Workshop 927 Noyes St, Suite 110, Evanston (847) 866-6597 piventheatre.org Learn the Power of Play with Piven Theatre Workshop! This summer, Piven Theatre’s nationally acclaimed actor training center will be offering camps and conservatories for youth and adults!

The Ultimate goal of all Summer Camp activities is to tackle Spanish content

JOINOUR SPRING&SUMMER SPANISHCAMPS March & June to August

1 312 335 1996

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SPRING MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP Begins February 10th! 12 Weeks of Musical Theatre Exploration culminating in a fully staged musical!

AFFORDABLE SUMMER CAMPS One, Three, and Six week sessions available! Acting, Singing, Dancing, Swimming Crafts, and Outdoor Activities! Early Registration Discounts! Camps & Workshops taught in the Palatine/Schaumburg, Rolling Meadows area For more info - visit our website at www.artreachspotlite.com or call our offices at (847) 372-7798 or (773) 604-1892.

Summer Cooking Camps / Ages 4-13

STER REGI Y! D TO A

Kids & Family Classes, Field Trips, Birthday Parties, Summer & School-Holiday Camps, Adult BYOB Events & More!

tastebudskitchen.com/bannockburn 2521 Waukegan Road 847-230-0330

Summer Lab 2018 Fun and love of learning never go on vacation

At Lab, we take our mission as seriously in the summer as we do in the academic school year. Summer Lab programs are about igniting and nurturing an enduring spirit of scholarship, curiosity, creativity, and confidence. We value learning experientially, exhibiting kindness, and honoring diversity. Full day, morning, and afternoon programs are available for children of all ages, June 18â&#x20AC;&#x201C;July 27. Join us! Save $150â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Register by March 15. Complimentary Bus Service.

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special advertising section // River Forest Community Center

Summer Camp Programs 8020 Madison St., River Forest (708) 771-6159 rfcc.info Full and part-time programs for parents & tots and children ages 15 mo.- 12 years. Arts, swimming, games, sports, special events and more.

Sacred Heart Schools

Summer at Sacred Heart 6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 262-4446 shschicago.org Make this the BEST summer yet! Learning, and friendships, and fun! Please visit www.shschicago.org/summercamp for the most updated information!

Seton Montessori Institute and School 5728 Virginia Ave., Clarendon Hills (630) 655-1066 www.SetonMontessori.org Accredited camp and school on beautiful four-acre campus with swimming pool. Offering full and half day programs for toddler through elementary.

Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Place, Skokie (847) 674-1500 skokieparks.org/summer-camps For decades, the Skokie Park District has provided summer camps that focus on adventure, friendship, fun, exploration, discovery and safety.

St. Benedict Preparatory School

Summer Lab at The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools

3900 N Leavitt Street, Chicago (773) 539-0066 www.stbenedict.com

1362 E. 59th Street, Chicago (773) 834-7766 summerlab.org

Enjoy summer at St. Benedict Prep. Weekly-themed enrichment camps for grades PK-2 include half day and full day options with before camp and after camp hours available. Weekly athletic camps are offered for grades 1-8.

Summer Lab programs range from sports and theater to urban adventure and academics. Summer Lab runs from June 19 - July 28 for children ages 3 - 17.

Summer Adventures in Learning at Science & Arts Academy 1825 Miner Street, Des Plaines (847) 827-7880 www.scienceandartsacademy.org/ summer Unique preschool-8th grade summer program offers early child development; enrichment in math, science, technology, and the arts; physical education, camp games, waterpark visits, and entertainment.

Summer at Near North Montessori 1434 W Division St. Chicago (773) 384-1434 summer.nnms.org This is summer at Near North Montessori: gardening, cooking, pottery, robotics, graphic design, dance--plus daily swimming. NNM offers specialty and excursion programs for children ages 3-10. Choose one week or come for the whole summer, June 18-August 3.

camp 2018

in-camp activities and canoe trips in Minnesota and Canada provides opportunities for growth and resiliency. Unique enrollment of 75 boys.

Cub Creek Science Camp 16795 State Route E, Rolla, MO 65401 (573) 458-2125 MOScienceCamp.com A summer camp with its own hands on, interactive, zoo! For animal, science, and adventure lovers aged 7 to 17!

Taste Buds Kitchen 2521 Waukegan Road, Bannockburn (847) 230-0330 tastebudskitchen.com/ bannockburn

Camp Timber-lee

Budding chefs age 4-13 whip up batches of fun and new recipes each day during our weekly hands-on summer cooking camps and every school holiday.

OVERNIGHT CAMP: Camp Anokijig W5639 Anokijig Lane, Plymouth, WI 53073 (920) 893-0782 anokijig.com

N8705 Scout Rd. East Troy, WI 53120 (262)642-7345 www.timber-lee.com Spend a week learning about God through His word and through amazing outdoor experiences! Try classic camp, an adventure trip or specialty camps in the arts, music, horsemanship, zoology and others! Co-ed, overnight camps, grades 2nd-12th.

YMCA Camp Glacier Hollow

New friends, positive values, personal growth, and outrageous fun are the foundations of the Anokijig experience. Customize your summer adventure, including horses and adventure trips

CAMP CHIPPEWA for BOYS 22767 Cap Endres Rd SE Cass Lake, Minnesota (218) 335-8807 www.campchippewa.com

1000 Division Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481 (715) 342-2980 x308 glacierhollow.com Offering a variety of Overnight Camps, Adventure Trips and Teen Leadership programs for youth ages 7-17. A special camp for youth with learning disabilities is also available.

Established 1935. Balanced program of

Registration opens February 7 Camps and Classes for Preschool-High School

LATINSCHOOL.ORG/SUMMER ChicagoParent.com February 2018 39

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camp 2018 // special advertising section His Best Summer Yet!

PS O H S K R WOR

2018

E SUMM

• No auditions • Every child gets a part • In Wilmette

Ages 8 to 13 The Sound of Music • July 9-14 Oklahoma! • July 16-21 The Addams Family • July 23-28 Once Upon a Mattress • July 30-Aug. 4 Mary Poppins • August 6-11 For teens Cole Porter’s Anything Goes youth production June 11-29 (audition required)

Your Son’s Adventure Begins At

Our mission is to develop Character, through Adventure, inspired by Tradition. Since 1935. Cass Lake, Minnesota 2-, 4-, and 8-week sessions June – August

MusicTheaterWorks.com/summer • (847) 920-5360

Contact: Mike Endres, Camp Director mike@campchippewa.com

218-335-8807

www.campchippewa.com

Catch up, get ahead, or try something new

this summer. Join us for classes over the summer! Learning over the summer doesn’t have to be boring. At Fusion, we have the ability to customize classes to each student’s individual strengths, interests, and learning style. Over 250 classes are taught with just one student and one teacher per classroom. We offer academic tutoring, enrichment, and classes for credit for grades 6 through 12. Students can enroll at any time, and take classes at a time of day that works best for them. Learn more at FusionSummerClass.com.

Fusion Academy Lincoln Park FusionSummerClass.com 312.763.6990 Fusion Academy Lake Forest FusionSummerClass.com 847.295.4039

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special advertising section // SPECIALTY CAMP: Angelic Organics Weekend Camps for Adults & Families 1545 Rockton Rd. Caledonia, IL 61011 (815) 389-8455 LearnGrowConnect.org/camps Angelic Organics Lodge now offers weekend-long farm experiences. Adults enjoy Farm Camp, Homesteading & Wellness Retreats. Families enjoy Spring Break and 4th of July Camps.

Apachi Ivrit Northbrook & Chicago (847) 763-3627 jccchicago.org/daycamp All of the fun of day camp while learning Hebrew. 4yrs-2nd grade.

Apachi Sports Chicago at Walter Payton College Prep (847) 763-3504 jccchicago.org/apachisports Multi-sport day camp offering a full menu of team sports, fitness activities and sports field trips. All ability levels. 3rd-7th grade.

ArtReach Educational Theatre 3201 Meadow Dr, Rolling Meadows artreachspotlite.com Affordable Summer Camps. Year-Round Musical Theatre Workshops, Acting/ Dance Classes and Private Voice Lessons in the Palatine/Schaumburg area!

BIG IDEA Tech Camp Northbrook (847) 272-7050 jccchicago.org/bigidea Innovation meets summer fun. Choose from 13 tech workshops – coding, graphic design, animation, robotics and more. 4th-9th grade.

Black River Farm and Ranch

bring stories to life with weekly costumes, props & crafts. (2&3,3-6yrs). Academy workshops include ballet story study w/ performance (7-17yrs).

ComedySportz Summer Camp!

Improv Playhouse Performing Arts Camps

929 W Belmont, Chicago (773) 549-8080 www.cszchicago.com/ summer-camps

Summer Horse Camp for Girls 5040 Sheridan Line Croswell, MI 48422 (810) 679-2505 blackriverfarmandranch.com

ComedySportz Summer Camp is energetic, spontaneous, and team-oriented comedy for kids! Professionally taught, personally supported, family friendly, equally for creative newcomers or future stars!

Campers will experience bringing in the horses, feeding, grooming, saddling them. Trail rides, mounted lessons, & ground lessons. Full of adventure creativity, and fun.

EcoApachi STEM

Center for Talent Development (CTD) at Northwestern University 2017 Summer Program 617 Dartmouth Pl., Evanston (847) 491-3782 ext. 2 ctd.northwestern.edu/summer CTD’s Summer Program provides lifechanging residential and commuter programs for academically advanced children, age 3–grade 12, at Northwestern University and other Chicago-area sites.

CircEsteem Uptown, Chicago (773) 732-4564 www.circesteem.org Develop self-esteem, teamwork & indi-

camp 2018

vidual potential through circus skills! Learn acrobatics, aerials, juggling, gymwheel, tightwire and more! Come for the circus, stay for the friendships!

Chicago at Northside College Prep (847) 763-3504 jccchicago.org/ecoapachi Explore life science like never before with hands-on experiments, activities and camp fun. 3rd-7th grade.

Emerald City Theatre Summer Camp 2018 2936 N Southport Ave, Chicago EmeraldCityTheatre.com “Emerald City Theatre is proud to offer our world-class summer camps for ages 3.5 – 15! Sign up today for camps in Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and Lincoln Square.”

A Fairytale Ballet & Academy Lakeview, Bucktown, Evanston (773) 477-4488 (LV & EV) (773) 606-0318 (BT) AFairytaleBallet.com Exclusive Fairytale Ballet mini-camps

Libertyville, Highland Park, Lake Forest (847) 968-4529 improvplayhouse.com Musicals. Film. Comedy. Modeling. Engage your child in fun-filled, ACA Accredited programming, stellar, professional staff, flexible schedules and diverse, arts choices. 18th Anniversary Year!

Intercultural Montessori Language School - Oak Park Oak Park (708) 848-6626 oakpark@intercultural montessori.org West Loop (312) 265 1514 info@interculturalmontessori.org Children ages 3-6 can learn a foreign language while experiencing fun summer activities! Register now for our Chinese, Japanese, or Spanish programs

Lifeline Theatre Summer Drama Camps 6912 N. Glenwood Ave Chicago (773) 761- 4477 www.lifelinetheatre.com Our camps not only teach kids how to

Splash at Camp Anokij a e k ig! Ma Person al New Friends

Positive Values

Growt

s geou Outra n! Fu

• Traditional and Specialty • Overnight, resident camp activities, plus HORSES, • Boys & Girls, ages 7-16 Teen Programs, and • Sessions from 4 days to Adventure Trips 1 or more weeks of summer fun! ing community with many Camp Anokijig is a welcom your own camp experience ect opportunities to self-dir

www.anokijig.com Plymouth, WI ChicagoParent.com February 2018 41

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camp 2018 // special advertising section

It’s not just camp. It’s Apachi. (and that makes all the difference in the world)

Lake Zurich • Northbrook • Skokie • Chicago • Flossmoor • jccchicago.org/daycamp 42 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section // embody characters and act out stories, they also help them to gain confidence, express themselves, and work patiently and respectfully with each other.

Lookingglass Theatre Company 875 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago (773) 477-9257 x193 www.lookingglasstheatre.org/ education Lookingglass Theatre offers various camps for students entering K-8th grade (fall 2018)! Complete details including dates and themes are available at www. lookingglasstheatre.org/education. All sessions culminate with a final camp performance for family and friends!

Make Your Own Musical Summer Camp Porchlight Music Theatre 2350 N Racine Ave, Chicago (773) 777-9884 Students will enter the world of music, drama, dance, and writing while practicing teamwork, challenging themselves, and having tons of fun as they create a BRAND NEW MUSICAL!

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts 6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-3456 Master-SH-Yu.com World Class Instruction in traditional martial arts is the foundation of our program. Children are expertly guided in the culture, customs, movement, and life skills of martial arts practice

Music Theater Works Summer Workshop 516 4th Street, Wilmette (847) 920-5360 MusicTheaterWorks.com/summer No auditions or experience needed. Kids 8 to 13 make friends and gain confidence while putting on an unforgettable musical after only six days.

Noggin Builders 3000 Dundee Rd. #201, Northbrook (847) 687-2450 www.nogginbuilders.com

camp 2018 2013

Ready to Welcome your New Year!

- Winter Camps Jan 2-5, 2018 - Self-Defense Strategies in 12-weeks - Grow your confidence by Spring!

Explore, build, create! Your curious explorer will have a blast while enhancing problem solving and critical thinking skills with our fun, hands-on activities in STEM.

The Second City Training Center 230 W. North Ave., Chicago (312) 664-3959 SECONDCITYSUMMERS.COM Your kids can walk in the footsteps of comedy giants. Comedy campers ages 6 - 18 will have an epic time learning improv, stand-up, storytelling & sketch comedy

Sports Broadcasting Camp (800) 319-0884 playbyplaycamps.com facebook.com/ sportsbroadcastingcamps

Learn from the pros. Meet sports celebrities. Make play-by-play, reporting, sports talk radio and sports anchor tapes.

6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park

708-383-3456

www.master-sh-yu.com | Follow Us!

Celebrating 20+years of excellence serving our communities.

The #1 Summer STEM Camp for Ages 7–18 Empower your child to take their STEM skills to the next level. From coding and game development to robotics and design, your child will develop in-demand skills and ignite lifelong passions—all within a fun, inclusive environment. Get ready for the best summer ever!

CAMPS & ACADEMIES

Held at 150 prestigious universities Northwestern | GEMS World Academy Loyola | Benedictine | Lake Forest

Get a brochure and ﬁnd a camp near you! iDTechCamps.com | 1-888-709-8324 ChicagoParent.com February 2018 43

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The Avery Coonley School

Summer Program ROM PS RUN F 31 M A C G N WEEK-LO to August

June 11

An exciting and educational summer program for children ages 4-14. Three (3) sessions available: June 18-29 / July 2-13 / July 16-27 View the 2018 Summer Program Guide online:Â www.averycoonley.org/summerprogram 1400 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, IL, 630-969-0800

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special advertising section // Summer Camps at Lillstreet Art Center 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago (773) 769-4226 www.lillstreet.com In these multimedia and specialty art camps, young artists ages 3 - 18 years can learn pottery, photography, jewelry making, drawing, fashion design and much more.

Trinity Academy of Irish Dance:

Intro to Irish Dance Chicago, Elmhurst, Palatine, Western Springs (877) 326-2328 www.trinityirishdance.com Trinity’s four-day introductory courses will focus on Irish dance basics such as foot placement, balance, and posture while learning a traditional Irish dance.

SPECIAL NEEDS Camp Kodiak 200 Kodiak Rd. McKellar, ON P0G 1C0 (705) 389-1910 and (877) 569-7595 www.campkodiak.com Integrated, non-competitive camp for children & teens with & without ADHD, LD & high-functioning ASD. SOCIAL SKILLS program, ACADEMIC program, 50+ activities, 2:1 ratio, professional staff.

Camp Odayin P.O. Box 2068, Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 351-9185

info@campodayin.org http://campodayin.org/ Camp Odayin provides fun, safe and supportive camp experiences and community building opportunities for young people with heart disease and their families.

FIELD TRIPS Fleetwood Roller Skating Rink 7231 W. Archer Ave., Summit (708) 458-0300 fleetwoodrollerrink.com Celebrating 60 years of family fun! New light show and sound system. Public skating, private parties, fundraisers. Artistic speed and roller derby skating.

Odyssey Fun World 19111 Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park (708) 429-3800 3440 Odyssey Court, Naperville (630) 416-2222 odysseyfunworld.com Tinley Park has an 11 acre outdoor park! Naperville has paintball! Both locations have 200+ arcade and redemption games plus a laser tag arena.

PlayGround Games

(847) 373-6925 www.ThePGGames.com Book the Ultimate Glow Events for your entertainment needs! Glow Events, Inflatables, DJ/Emcee Services, Event Lighting, Birthdays, Bubble Soccer, Team Building, and Youth Groups.

Pump it Up Party Chicago (312) 664-7867 Orland Park (708) 479-2220 pumpitupparty.com The only 100% private party place with gigantically fun inflatables. Safe and clean environment. Brightly decorated private party room. Trained/dedicated staff for your group.

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

camp 2018

THE AWARD-WINNING

N Br atio oa n’s dc #1 as tin Spo g C rts am p

SPORTS BROADCASTING CAMP is back for our 13th year in Chicago July 9-13, 2018

Options and pricing for all ages, Safari Land is great for field trips. With wristband guests can receive unlimited access and play on exciting attractions

Sugar Factory 55 E Grand Ave- Chicago, 5445 Park Pl -Rosemont (773) 598-8026 www.sugarfactory.com Plan a SWEET celebration at Sugar Factory with two locations in the Chicago area! Perfect for camps, birthdays, showers, date nights, moms night out and more!

Wonder Works, A Children’s Museum 6445 West North Avenue, Oak Park (708) 383-4815 www.wonder-works.org Thousands of square feet of fun, a place of creative play for kids birth to age eight. Kids, parents and caregivers can unleash their imaginations!

• Boys and Girls age 10-18 will have an opportunity to learn from the pros in the industry • Make sports anchor tapes from a TV studio • Make Play-By-Play tapes of the Super Bowl and NBA Finals • Make reporting tapes at a professional stadium • Meet sports celebrities… and much more Day/Overnight sessions available For more info call 800.319.0884 or visit www.playbyplaycamps.com facebook.com/sportsbroadcastingcamps youtube.com/sportsbroadcastcamp

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camp 2018 // special advertising section SETON SUMMER CA CAM AMP IS FILLED WITH ADV DV RY RT D ENTURE OF EVERY R SORT R !

FUN

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46 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section //

camp 2018

Summer Circus Camp

North Shore Country Day School Summer Programs

* Ages 6-16 * Located in Ravenswood * Before/Aftercare * Financial Aid Available

* Aerials * Acrobatics * Juggling * Balance

Bird Early ntil U Rates ! 3/16

Weekly Sessions June 25-August 24 Fun, friendship & fantastic feats!

(773) 732-4564

www.circesteem.org

Summer adventures begin at an early age. Climb on a rock. Climb a bigger rock. Learn what “jib” and “mast” mean while you get your sea legs. Achieve your ﬁrst bullseye. Find out just how artistic you are as you create things from paper, paints and clay. For children 4-10 years of age, it’s all part of Day Camp at North Shore Country Day School.

COMEDYSPORTZ SUMMER CAMP

FUNNIER THAN SUMMER SCHOOL

GYMNASTICS•ARCHERY•TENNIS ROCK CLIMBING•SAILING•CANOEING•SWIM LESSONS

A TIME FOR FUN, FRIENDSHIPS, ADVENTURES AND GROWTH.

Call 847.441.3350 for more information or visit www.nscdscamps.org

www.cszchicago.com ChicagoParent.com February 2018 47

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camp 2018 // special advertising section THIS IS YOUR SUMMER! BOYS & GIRLS AGES 3-12 NO CARPOOL NEEDED

Door to door transportation or free extended care

SAY GOODBYE TO BROWN BAGS Daily lunch included

PLANNING A TRIP?

We’re as ﬂexible as you are—choose your weeks, 3 or 5 days/week

PEACE OF MIND

Celebrating 70 years of camping—your kids are in great hands! Exceptional Swim Program • Fun-Filled & Unique Activities • Exciting Theme Days & Events • Optional Specialty Camps (Golf, Horseback Riding, Tennis) Shortened Day Camp For Preschoolers

CALL US: 847-945-4455

DECOMADAYCAMP.COM

TRINITY ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE

Intro to Irish Dance

Ages 3 1/2 – 10

Trinity’s four day courses will focus on Irish dance basics such as foot placement, balance, and posture while learning a traditional Irish dance.

CHICAGO NORTHWEST | LAKEVIEW ELMHURST | PALATINE | WESTERN SPRINGS

For more information including how to register visit WWW.TRINITYIRISHDANCE.COM | (877) 326-2328

SUMMER CAMPS 2018

“The teachers were amazing! We were very impressed by how much they accomplished in only two weeks!”

- Summer Camp Parent

Acting! Musical Theatre! Comedy! Film! Fashion!

For Ages 3.5-15 Early Bird and Sibling Discounts Available! Enroll today at EmeraldCityTheatre.com or call 773.529.2690

Visit improvplayhouse.com or call 847-968-4529 NOW!

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special advertising section //

This is Summer at Near North

River Forest Community Center

Summer Camps

Registration Begins March 8th Half-Day Camps

Full-Day Camps

Breakfast Club (15 mos. – 2 yrs) Parent/Caregiver and Tot Camp M,W : 9:00 am–10:00 am

Young Voyagers (3 yrs. - 1st gr.) M-F: 10:00 am– 4:00 pm Extended Care: 7:00 am-10:00 am & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm

Three For All (3 yrs. by 9-1-18) M,W: 10:15 am–12:15 pm T,Th : 9:30 am–11:30 am Little Explorers (4 & 5 yrs) M-Th: 9:00 am-11:30 am Summer Scene (K – 7th grade) M-F: 12:00 am – 4:00 pm

a summer like no other! Summer programs June 18 to August 3

camp 2018

Adventure Camp (2nd – 4th gr.) M-F: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Extended Care: 7:00 am-10:00 am & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Urban Safari (5th – 8th gr.) M-F: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm Extended Care: 7:00 am-10:00 am & 4:00 pm-6:00 pm

Unforgettable Adventures from June 11th – August 24th Arts & Crafts, Games, Sports, Swimming Field Trips, Special Events, and More!

River Forest Community Center 8020 Madison Street • River Forest, IL 60305 708-771-6159 • www.rfcc.info

Week-long camps for ages 3-10 Half and full-day camps for preschoolers Chicago city excursions for ages 6-10 Early morning and extended day options Outdoor play areas & climbing wall Daily swimming in indoor pool Urban farming, robotics, arts & more Lunch options available

1434 W. Division St.

www.nnms.org

Chicago, IL 60642

773-384-1434

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camp 2018 // special advertising section

WE BUILD HAPPY CAMPERS

Scholarships Available

Weekly Newsletters 2018

Be in the know about family events, coupons and great giveaways!

YMCA CAMP GLACIER HOLLOW DAY CAMPS Ages 5-13 OVERNIGHT CAMPS Ages 7-14 • Co-ed • Girls Only • Youth with Learning Disabilities

ADVENTURE TRIPS Ages 12-17 • Rock Climbing • Caving • Backpacking • Kayaking

Find us on Facebook

Join the Twitter party! Follow us @ChicagoParent

50 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section //

Learn the Power of Play at Piven Theatre Workshop SUMMER CAMPS AND THE CONSERVATORY ARE OPEN FOR REGISTRATION!

camp 2018

LEARN HOW TO FLY THIS SUMMER IN CIRCUS CAMP! Spots available in 4-week, day camps Starting June 11 & July 9 4th Grade and up

For more information visit piventheatre.org or call 847.866.6597 Scholarships available

847.328.2795 www.actorsgymnasium.org/summer-camp

PIVEN THEATRE WORKSHOP 927 Noyes Street | Evanston, IL 60201 Box Office: 847.866.8049

Aerial silks Lyra/Aerial Hoop Stage Presence Trapeze Juggling Contortion Acrobatics Tight rope Rolling Globes Spanish web Unicycle

Kids converge on Camp Foley each summer from all over the world. They put aside their phones and computers and work on faceto-face social skills. Camp Foley has over 30 activities for campers to chose from. They can try new activities and take risks in a safe, kid-focused environment.

9303 Father Foley Dr. Pine River, MN, 56474 218-543-6161 • www.campfoley.com

AT CHESTERBROOK ACADEMY

New discoveries, great friends & fun times for campers ages 3 to 12.

Middle school camp for ages 12-14 is also available at our Naperville elementary school!

chesterbrookacademy.com/camp

• • • • • • •

Day camp with extended hours Field trips and events Exciting STEM activities Arts and crafts Sports and games Music, dance and drama Swimming

877-959-4182

BARTLETT • LAKEWOOD • LISLE • NAPERVILLE OSWEGO • SAINT CHARLES • SHOREWOOD • WESTMONT • WHEATON CBA_ChicagoParent_Feb18_7.42x4.625.indd 1

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camp 2018 // special advertising section

Join

! n u f the

Discover new worlds at Lifeline Theatre’s Drama Camps! Children explore their imaginations and hone their natural performing abilities while gaining sound theatre training in a fun-filled atmosphere. Our camps not only teach kids how to embody characters and act out stories, but also help them to gain confidence, express themselves more fully, and work patiently and respectfully with each other.

DRAMA KIDS

SUMMER CAMP For ages 5–7 July 9–13 (Session 1), July 16–20 (Session 2) 9:00–12:00 noon

Making Summer Magic Seventy inclusive summer day and overnight camp programs for children with disabilities at 15 sites throughout the Chicago area and the Midwest Call 847-205-0274 or visit keshet.org

$200 (one session) or $350 (both sessions) per child

DRAMA STARS

SUMMER CAMP For ages 8–12 July 16–27, Monday through Friday 9am–3pm (Full Day) or 9am–noon (Half Day)

$650 (Full Day) or $395 (Half Day) per child

CALL 773-761-4477 or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com to register your child today!

Keshet is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community. Keshet and the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago are proud partners in providing an inclusive community serving children and adults with disabilities.

Academic Adventures for Bright Young Learners 2018 Summer Program Age 3 – Grade 12 • • • • •

Academics that engage advanced learners Enrichment and credit courses in a range of subject areas Leadership and civic engagement offerings Residential options held on top-tier college campuses Single and multi-week programs

Center for Talent Development Northwestern University

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMS

www.ctd.northwestern.edu | 847/467-1575

Other Great Programs for Age 4 – Grade 12 • Assessment to identify strengths • Rigorous, individualized online courses • Weekend programs

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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.

www.CEOmoms.biz (847) 991-4242 office • (847) 530-5999 text

3330 N. Lockwood Ave., Chicago, IL 60641 HOURS 6:30 AM - 6:30 PM

CP_Mrkplc_Class_Feb2018.indd 53

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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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calenda dar d aarr FEBRUARY

It may not feel like spring is on the way, but the proof is in the sap. At Sap’s Rising, you can wander the sugar maple forest while learning about the history of maple syrup production—and fantasizing about the great meltdown that is [hopefully] on its way. Then come back next month for the Maple Syrup Festival, where you’ll actually get to taste some of the sweet stuff for yourself. Free. 1:30 p.m. Feb. 24-25. River Trail Nature Center, 3120 Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. (847) 8248360, fpdcc.com.

The Bard meets [Chance] the Rapper in Magic Tree House: Showtime with Shakespeare, Emerald City Theatre’s latest take on Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House series. This show, designed for kids 5 and up, travels with Jack and Annie to Shakespearean England, where they must overcome some nasty stage fright to save the playwright’s latest offering. Best of all, the musical incorporates rap, R&B, pop and rock—not to mention some sick beats worthy of a guy who favored hip-hop-esque iambic pentameter. $14-$24. Through Feb. 25. Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 529-2690, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

CELEBRATE WITH SKATES

BIRTHDAYS OUTINGS AND MUCH MORE

At The Laboratory, love is a science. Parents get a much-deserved (and ideally, romantic) night out while kids 5-12 enjoy Valentine’s Night Out: Spa Chemistry, a workshop that delves into the science behind homemade soaps and bath bombs. Littles will nosh on pizza before creating their own spa essentials—served up with the kind of chemistry that will result in heart eyes, not eye rolls. $40, $36 members. 6:15-9 p.m. Feb. 10. 2349 W. North Ave., Chicago. (312) 953-2996, thelaboratorychi.org.

CHICAGO WOLVES

CHICAGOWOLVES COM

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CALENDAR

Drag Dr agon ons Lo Lov ove ve Tac acos s &O Otthe herr St Stor Stor orriiie es Seee FFeeb. Se b. 2

2 | FRIDAY CPS DAY OFF SCHOOL. Join one of

the open jumps. $12. Check website for times. Pump It Up Chicago, 821 W. Eastman St., Chicago. (312) 664-7867, pumpitupchicago.com

Kate and Cocoa: School Days and Interrupting Chicken. Recommended for families with kids 3 and up. $20, $14 kids. 7 p.m. McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 9424000, atthemac.org.

ASTRO-OVERNIGHT. Families with kids 6-12 sleep over at the planetarium and enjoy exclusive hands-on science activities, including activities about comets, constellations and planets, plus two sky shows, an exclusive storytelling experience in the Grainger Sky Theater and access to the Doane Observatory. A light evening snack and a continental breakfast are provided. $60, $30 evening only; $70 VIP. 5 p.m.-8 a.m.; 6-10 p.m. evening only. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-STAR (7827), adlerplanetarium.org.

PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BULL RIDING. See rising stars and

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS & OTHER STORIES. A musical review of five

CHICAGO

beloved children’s books, including Dragons Love Tacos, Cowgirl

established veteran riders take on the biggest, baddest bovines in an action-packed battle of strength and endurance. The PCB Tour presents the best rodeo athletes from across the nation all competing for the winning ride on 2,000-pound bucking bulls. $18, $10 youth. 7:30 p.m. Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. (847) 649-2270, searscentre.com.

3 | SATURDAY

ACCESS WEEKEND. Features

services for people with disabilities

integrated into public performances, including a pre-show touch tour of the set prior to the show for guests who are blind or have low vision (8:30 a.m.) and live open captioning for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing (9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.). $35. Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave. (872) 2229555, chicagochildrenstheatre.org. ONCE UPON A SYMPHONY: STONE SOUP. Vibrant music, engag-

ing storytelling and enchanting visuals blend together in a playful concert experience designed especially for the youngest audience members. $17. 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 294-3000, cso.org.

SUBURBS DOG ADMISSION DAY. Hit the trails with a furry friend. Fee includes an arboretum bandanna for dogs. $5. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630)

968-0074, mortonarb.org. NATURE DISCOVERY DAY.

Visit the nature classrooms, complete a craft to take home, explore the science of nature, go sledding or cross country skiing, view live animals and enjoy a roasted marshmallow around a crackling campfire. 10 a.m.-noon. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org. DADDY/DAUGHTER WINTER LUAU. Dads and daughters 3 and up

enjoy a luau featuring treats and a DJ playing favorite tunes. Each couple receives a commemorative photo. Tropical dress is encouraged. $22, $15 resident. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Ranch View School Gym, 1651 Ranchview Drive, Naperville. napervilleparks.org. THE LINCOLN CARNIVAL.

Features games such as “Plinko” and “Bozo Buckets,” a goldfish toss, bingo, face painting and airbrush tattoos, balloon animals and a cake

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CALENDAR walk. Plus, raffles and healthy meals and snacks. 25 cent game and food tickets. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Lincoln Carnival, 1111 S. Grove Ave., Oak Park. ptolincoln.org. JAPAN FEST. This year’s theme is “School.” Watch performances, learn to speak Japanese, make crafts, sample delicious Japanese food and drinks, and play fun games. Noon-4 p.m. Oak Park and River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park. (708) 434-3386, oprfhs.org. PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP BULL RIDING. Hoffman Estates. See

Feb. 2.

4 | SUNDAY CHICAGO ACCESS WEEKEND. See Feb. 3.

Today includes a sensory-friendly performance with a quiet room for children on the autism spectrum or with Down Syndrome (9:30 and 11:30 a.m.). $35. Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave. (872) 222-9555, chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

SUBURBS MOTHER AND DAUGHTER SENSATIONAL SPA SOCIAL.

Mothers and daughters 3-8 enjoy pampering, plus activities, crafts and light snacks. $15, $12 resident; $7 additional child. 11 a.m.-noon. Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

5 | MONDAY MOON MONDAYS. The Buzz Aldrin

Education Cart, a tech-equipped mobile exhibit, is available for exploration. Free with museum admission. 2-3 p.m. Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago. (773) 728-8111, swedish americanmuseum.org. FOX VALLEY SUMMER ACTIVITIES FAIR. More than 75 or-

ganizations sponsor interactive tables with projects, physical challenges, science experiments, raffles, giveaways and more. Includes academic, sports, enrichment and overnight camps, as well as volunteer opportunities. 5:30-8 p.m. Wredling Middle School, 1200 Dunham Road, St. Charles. wredlingpto.org.

6 | TUESDAY SENSORY FRIENDLY EXHIBIT HOURS. Visitors can

explore the interactive exhibit, XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness, and enjoy sensory activities during the library’s quiet hours. This event is especially suited for those with autism spectrum and sensory processing disorders. Quiet space is available. To help prepare kids for a library visit, read a guide online. 1-3 p.m. Arlington Heights Memorial Library, 500 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights. (847) 392-0100, ahml.info.

7 | WEDNESDAY FAMILY CHEFS: TARTELETTES AU CHOCOLAT. This hands-on workshop

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the March issue is Jan. 29. 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 65.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar ChicagoParent.com February 2018 57

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CALENDAR gives parents the opportunity to bake or cook a recipe with kids, and to savor the treat together. Plus, take the recipe home. $40 pair, $20 additional family member. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Alliance Francaise de Chicago, 810 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (312) 337-1070, af-chicago.org.

9 | FRIDAY REEL SCIENCE: WALL-E. Includes pre-show trivia and videos on a theater screen, a movie screening and a post-show talk with Adler astronomers and other experts about the science of the movie. Popcorn, candy and beverages are available for purchase. $15, $12 kids. 5:30-9:30 p.m. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922STAR (7827), adlerplanetarium.org. CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR PARTY. Kids 4-9 celebrate the year

of the dog. Have fun making special Chinese crafts, enjoy Chinese food and play games to celebrate the Chinese New Year. $10. 6-7:30 p.m.

Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com. DOWNERS GROVE ICE FEST.

Unique ice sculptures line the streets of downtown while visitors enjoy an array of events, including live ice carving demonstrations. Plus, Pancake Breakfast, shopping and dining. Check website for schedule. Main Street, Downers Grove. downtowndg.org.

10 | SATURDAY Japa Ja pan F Fe es stt

CHICAGO KIDS COOKING CLASS: VALENTINE’S DAY CAKE POP BOUQUET. A chef demonstrates how

to make cake pops. Kids 5-12 receive a decorative vase to create their own Cake Pop Bouquet in time for Valentine’s Day. Each child receives their own chef hat to customize, apron and recipe card. $25, $15 adults. 9:45 a.m. Maggiano’s Little Italy, 516 N. Clark St. (312) 6447700, bit.ly/2CKeqgB

See Fe Se F b. 3

FAMILY DAY. Take part in workshops, open studio sessions, gallery tours, and performances, all designed and led by Chicago artists. Free for families with kids 12 and under. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. (312) 2802660, mcachicago.org.

SUBURBS CHICAGO TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW. Travel enthusiasts can meet

with travel experts from around the world. Includes access to dozens of inspirational, educational and culturally focused sessions on five

EXERCISE PREGNANCY STUDY

are currently less than examining the effect of

The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently less than 20 weeks pregnant to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth.

phone

is part of your favorite social networks

DETAILS:

: , WIC, SNAP)

,510 for a family of four, 2,311 if single). me (you will be allowed

• Program delivered to you via the mail and phone

• Program can be delivered in English or Spanish

• Must be 18 years of age or older

• Must be considered low-income, defined as:

• Must not currently exercise regularly

-Enrollment in any government assisted program (e.g., WIC, SNAP) AND/OR

• Must not take antidepressants

nish

• You will receive $100 & a FitBit for your time (you will be allowed to keep the FitBit after the study is over)

-Annual income that is considered low (less than $45,510 for a family of four, less than $30,044 for a family of two, and less than $22,311 if single). Find us on Facebook

To see if you qualify for this research study: English Speaking: Call or TEXT to 612-345-0325 or mompro@umn.edu. Spanish Speaking: Call or TEXT to 612-237-1004 or mompro@umn.edu. U of M 2018 - Kinesiology Dept MNP 1017 S3.indd 3 58 February ChicagoParent.com

CHIPAR0218_058.indd 1

Join the Twitter party! Follow us @ChicagoParent On Pinterest pinterest.com/chiparent

8/29/17 11:48 AM

1/18/18 11:30 AM

CALENDAR stages, along with hands-on activities for the whole family. Guests can get their picture taken at the Green Screen experience, scuba dive in a dive pool and ride a live camel. $15, $22 two-day; free kids 16 and under. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. (203) 878-2577 ext. 100, travelshows.com/chicago. CHOCOLATE WEEKEND. Celebrate chocolate and its connection to the natural world. Visit, taste and buy specialty chocolates and treats from a variety of vendors. Free with arboretum admission. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. VALENTINE FAMILY GEOCACHE.

Families with kids 6 and up use a GPS unit to find out if valentines are hidden at Lincoln Marsh. Enjoy marshmallows and hot chocolate afterward. $12.50, $10 resident. 1-2:30 p.m. Northside Park, 1417 N. West St., Wheaton. (630) 665-4710, wheatonparkdistrict.com. DADDY DAUGHTER WINTER BALL. The gym is transformed into a

beautiful castle, providing a magical night of dinner, dancing and crafts. Participants are encouraged to come dressed as a favorite princess. Check website for cost. 5-7:30 p.m. Lake Forest Parks and Recreation Center, 400 Hastings Road, Lake Forest. (847) 234-6700, cityoflakeforest. com/parks-and-recreation. BUCKAROO BALL DADDYDAUGHTER DANCE. Enjoy some

tasty grub, make a craft or two and have the biggest hoedown ever. All little ladies will leave with a goody bag and digital photograph. $35 dads, $25 daughters; $20 second child. 5-8 p.m. Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. (847) 2019032, roundlakeareaparkdistrict.org. DOWNERS GROVE ICE FEST.

Downers Grove. See Feb. 9. WINTER CHILLY FEST. Enjoy an

indoor chili dinner, and then head

Chin Ch na atto ow wn Luna Luna Lu nar Ne N ew Ye Yea arr Pa arra ad de See Se ee Feeb. b 25

outside for outdoor activities. There will be glittering lights and wildlife treat trees on display, skating on the frozen pond and a figure skating exhibition (weather permitting), creative snow and ice games, snowshoeing and hayrides through the woodland, and a campfire with hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows. $6; with dinner: $11, $8 kids under 10 in advance; $13, $10 kids after Feb. 9. 4-8 p.m. Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie. (847) 677-7001, skokieparks.org.

BE MY VALENTINE FAMILY EVENT. Features a brunch buffet

CHICAGO PARENT PLAYDATE: SPECIAL NEEDS EDITION. An

and Valentine’s activities. Enjoy special performances by The Jesse White Tumblers and DJ Versage. Miss Kim from Bubbles Academy will be featured at the Little Kids Area. Other activities include a hair braiding bar hosted by Blo Blow Dry Bar, the Abt Arcade, crafts from Sew Crafty Studio, red carpet and event photos by Sheri Whitko Photography, treats from Chicagoland’s Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, a prize wheel with Blaze Pizza, cookie decorating, candy table, pop-up shops and more. All proceeds benefit the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. $100, $80 kids in advance. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The RitzCarlton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson St. (312) 926-7133, lynnsage.org.

all-inclusive day of fun for families that includes acoustic musicians and entertainers, including Royal Princess Parties, Mary Macaroni, Buddha Belly Yoga and Bubbles Academy, bounce houses, games, activities for kids with special needs and their siblings, and valuable information for their parents. A quiet room will be available. $5 kids 3 and up; free parents and kids under 3. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. DePaul College Prep, 3633 N. California. chicagoparent. com/playdate.

This middle-grade biography explores the life and works of Madeleine L’Engle—written by her granddaughters Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Léna Roy—coming just in time for the all-new A Wrinkle in Time film, directed by Ava DuVernay and featuring a multi-racial cast. Books will be sold before and after the event. Donations welcome. 2-3 p.m. American Writers Museum, 180 N.

11 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

BECOMING MADELEINE.

Michigan, 2nd Floor. (312) 374-8790, americanwritersmuseum.org.

SUBURBS CHICAGO TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW. Rosemont. See Feb. 10.

Today’s times are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. CHOCOLATE WEEKEND. Lisle. See

Feb. 10. WEEKEND FAMILY CLASS: SWEET TREATS: COLD EATS. Kids 4-10 put

together (and taste) some easy-tomake fruity treats like smoothies and flavored shaved ice and get recipes to make at home. $24. 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org. FREEZE DAY. Guests can enjoy fun-filled events, including dogsledding demonstrations by the Green Valley Dog Drivers and their four-legged friends. Mushers and their pups engage guests in games and answer questions about the sport on the zoo’s West Mall. In addition, special chats on winterhardy animals are featured throughout the day. Parking fee applies. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs.org.

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CALENDAR DUBLIN IRISH DANCE: STEPPING OUT. The world champion Irish

BRING YOUR PACK TO THE CHICAGO WOLVES SAT FEB

ADOPT A DOG NIGHT PRESENTED BY PREMIER VETERINARY GROUP

SAT FEB

SCOOTER VAUGHAN BOBBLEHEAD GIVEAWAY FIRST FANS

COURTESY OF CW

FAITH AND FELLOWSHIP NIGHT PRESENTED BY JUDSON UNIVERSITY

SUN FEB

FAMILY SUNDAY FEATURING GAMEWORKS ONE HOUR GAME PLAY GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY FIRST KIDS POSTGAME AUTOGRAPH SESSION

SAT MAR AMERICAN GIRL DOLL ACCESSORY GIVEAWAY

step dancers bring an epic tale of Celtic culture to life, complete with an eight-member Irish band and vocalist. This all-star cast incorporates traditional melodies and steps into an extravaganza of Irish sights and sounds. $48-$59. 2 p.m. McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 942-4000, atthemac.org. CHOCOLATE SUNDAE SUNDAY.

Enjoy a self-designed sundae, create special valentine crafts, and delight in the music of Auburn Jazz Ensemble. $3, $2 members; plus admission. 2-4 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Seee Fe F b. b 17

WINTER CHILLY FEST. Skokie. See

Feb. 10.

13 | TUESDAY THE CHOCOLATE TREE. Kids 18-35 months, with adult, take a hike, sing songs, listen to stories and sample some treats in a sensory-based program all about the trees that give us chocolate. $22. 9:30-10:45 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. LITTLE SQUIRRELS CHILDREN’S AUTHOR STORYTIME. Meet favorite books’

creators and illustrators, get books signed and hear a story from some of the most inspiring and creative children’s authors writing today. Today’s guest is Barb Rosenstock, author of Vincent Can’t Sleep and Ben Franklin’s Big Splash. 10:30 a.m. American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan, 2nd Floor, Chicago. (312) 374-8790, americanwriters museum.org.

14 | WEDNESDAY

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THE CHOCOLATE TREE. Kids 3-5, with adult, take a hike, sing songs, listen to stories and sample treats in a sensory-based program all about the trees that give us chocolate. $25. 9:30-11 a.m. The Morton Arboretum,

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

15 | THURSDAY THE CHOCOLATE TREE. Lisle. See

Feb. 14.

16 | FRIDAY TODDLER EXPLORATION TIME. Kids learn about plants and

nature by listening to a story, engaging in a hands-on learning experience, and enjoying a short walk in the conservatory. Registration is required. 9:30-10:15 a.m. Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 725-2400, oakpark conservatory.org. HEJSAN - STORY & CRAFT HOUR. A story and craft hour,

focusing on music. Explore the rich music culture of Sweden. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-noon. Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago. (773) 728-8111, swedishamericanmuseum. org. DOZIN’ WITH THE DINOS. Families with kids 6-12 stay overnight at The Field Museum. Guests get to sleep next to real dinosaurs, meet Field

Museum scientists and see rarely viewed items from the collections, and explore an ancient Egyptian tomb after dark. Activities include owl pellet dissections, drawing real specimens, and playing musical instruments from around the world. $65, $78 Premium Package, $90 Tour Package. 5:45 p.m.-9 a.m. The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org. KIDS’ NIGHT OUT: SWEET HEARTS. Parents enjoy the night

out while kids 4-12 make hearts, write Valentine letters to their parents, play Heart and Seek, Heart Beat and more. Dinner and juice are provided. $38, $25 resident. 6-9 p.m. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org. ADVENTURES IN STORYTELLING.

Stories from tellers of all ages are on display as you’re whisked into unique worlds and narratives. Discover new cultures with bilingual bards, witness the budding talents of youth tellers, participate in numerous workshops, and more. Free-$5; $17 opening and closing performances; $30 workshops. 7-9 p.m. Adventure Stage Chicago, 1012 N. Noble St., Chicago. (773) 342-4141, adventurestage.org.

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CALENDAR 17 | SATURDAY CHICAGO ADVENTURES IN STORYTELLING.

See Feb. 16. Today’s times are 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. PAW PATROL LIVE! THE GREAT PIRATE ADVENTURE. Using their

rescue skills, problem solving and teamwork, the pups set sail to save the day. Includes two acts and an intermission, and incorporates an innovative costume approach to bring the pups, their vehicles and their packs to life on stage. The production is interactive, engaging audiences to learn pirate catchphrases, dance the pirate boogie and help the pups follow the treasure map and solve picture puzzles during their mission. $25$89. 10:30 a.m., 2 and 5:30 p.m. Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St. (312) 902-1500, thechicagotheatre. com.

ORY

SUBURBS HOME SWEET HOMEWOOD CHOCOLATE FEST. Features live

music, children’s activities, demos by professional chefs and vendor booths featuring sweets, desserts and gourmet baked goods. Plus, the annual Chocolate Bake-off Contest for amateur bakers to be crowned “Home Sweet Homewood’s Master Pastry Chef.” 11 a.m.-2 p.m. H-F Park District Auditorium, 2010 Chestnut Road, Homewood. (708) 798-3000, homesweethomewood.com. ROCK & MINERAL IDENTIFICATION. Geologist Sara

Johnson presents an introduction to rocks and minerals for those 8 and up. Hands-on identification procedures include observation skills and hardness tests. All materials are provided. Reservations are required. $5, $3 members. 10:30 a.m. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.

LEARN TO DRAW GEORGE AND FRIENDS. Try out drawing

techniques presented by professional cartoonist Bruce Quast. Practice cartooning skills and pick up new tips and methods for sketching Curious George and other characters. George will stop by at 12:15 and 1:15 p.m. Included with “Curious George” admission. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discovery centermuseum.org. ROCKIN’ JEWELRY FOR KIDS.

Kids 8-16 make their own gemstone jewelry to keep. Choose two different types of jewelry to make with stones from the Museum Shop and learn how to work with jeweler’s tool. $10. 1:30 p.m. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.

dancing for girls 4 and up. $45 couple, $22 additional child; $30 resident couple, $15 additional child. 5-7 p.m. Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com. DECADES REWIND. Celebrate

the hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s, the most prominent decades in music history. Disco, Funk, Rock and Motown take center stage in this brand new theatrical concert featuring more than 60 songs, 100 costume changes and nostalgic videos. $40.50-$50.50. 7:30 p.m. Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N. Chicago St., Joliet. (815) 726-6600, rialtosquare.com.

18 | SUNDAY CHICAGO PLAY PALS. Kids 4-11 engage in

DAD AND DAUGHTER FAIRY “SWEET”HEART DANCE. Activities

include dinner, games, crafts and

theater education workshops from Emerald City Theatre while parents attend a performance of “Breach” at

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CALENDAR Victory Gardens Theater. Through an afternoon of theater games and activities, students engage their voices, bodies and minds to explore storytelling, create characters and build confidence. $40 (one adult ticket and up to three students). 3 p.m. Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. (773) 871-3000, victorygardens.org.

Be B e My Va Vale len nttiin ne Fa F ami m ly y Eve vent

PAW PATROL LIVE! THE GREAT PIRATE ADVENTURE. See Feb. 17.

SSeee Feeb. 11

SUBURBS FAMILY WINTER TREE HUNT.

Families with kids 5 and up learn about local trees and their unique features while following the clues on the map. The day’s adventure will end with sampling some sweet surprises that come from trees. $9, $6.50 residents. 10-11:30 a.m. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. (847) 9852100, parkfun.com.

19 | MONDAY PRESIDENTS DAY KUMBAYA CHESS WORKSHOP. The work-

shop provides children at all levels with a tangible means to improve their chess skills through instruction, practice and one-on-one coaching. The workshop features opening theory, middle game planning and combinations, and winning endgame

technique. Students are grouped according to skill level. $40 part day; $70 full day. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Edgebrook Lutheran Church, 5252 W. Devon, Chicago. (847) 775-9906, chess-ed.com.

and more. $135. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Trapeze School New York–Chicago, 5917 N. Broadway St., Chicago. chicago.trapezeschool.com/classes/ youth-programs. SEARCHING FOR SASQUATCH.

ALL DAY CIRCUS EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS. Each child receives

instruction in Flying Trapeze, Trampoline, Aerials, Juggling

Kids 6-10 spend an afternoon searching for Big Foot. Learn about the legends, play games, hike and search for clues of his presence. $15.

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CALENDAR 1-3 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

23 | FRIDAY DOZIN’ WITH THE DINOS.

Chicago. See Feb. 16.

24 | SATURDAY CHICAGO EXELON FAMILY SERIES: ABTKIDS. A special, one-hour

performance designed to introduce young audiences to the magic and beauty of dance. The performance, recommended for kids 4-12, is narrated by a member of ABT’s artistic staff and features child-friendly highlights from the company’s vast repertoire. $10-$15. 2 p.m. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive in Millennium Park. (312) 334-7777, harristheater chicago.org.

ORY

SUBURBS

N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

WEEKEND FAMILY CLASS: SWEET TREATS: COLD EATS. Glencoe. See

Feb. 11.

THE AMAZING SCIENCE SHOW FEATURING STEVE BELLIVEAU. Scientist Steve

BIRDHOUSE WORKSHOP. Learn about birds and decorate a wooden birdhouse to take home. Discover the perfect place for your birdhouse and explore some winter birds that live at the arboretum on a short walk through the woods. $13; $7 per birdhouse. 10-11:30 a.m. or 2-3:30 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

Belliveau makes science amazing in a thrill-packed show full of chemistry, physics and engineering, and exciting experiments that educate and entertain the entire family. 2-3 p.m. Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. (847) 929-5102, webrary.org.

DISCOVER ENGINEERING. Dozens

Features an Education Ring with veterinarians, behavior counselors, groomers, and many other speakers giving talks on feline health and wellness issues. Breeds are on display to pet with their owners present to answer questions. Multiple shelters will be represented with cats up for adoption. The main event is a CFA Championship and Household Pet Cat Show, where 250 cats of all

of professional engineers from local firms set up shop to give kids and adults hands-on experiences. Engage your brain and conquer fun challenges, meet high school robotics teams, erect an edifice, make-andtake some amazing stuff, and enjoy special science demonstrations. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711

LINCOLN STATE CAT CLUB FELINE EXPO AND CFA ALL BREED BENEFIT CAT SHOW.

breeds compete for Best in Show. $8, $6 seniors and kids 6-12, free kids 5 and under. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Kane County Fairgrounds, 525 S. Randall Road, St. Charles. (630) 584-2926, lscats.org.

25 | SUNDAY CHICAGO CHINATOWN LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE. The parade

features marching bands, colorful floats, traditional lion dances and a special appearance by Ronald McDonald. The parade travels north on Wentworth, then west on Cermak Road. 1 p.m. 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue. ccc-foundation. org/lunar-new-year-parade.

SUBURBS LINCOLN STATE CAT CLUB FELINE EXPO AND CFA ALL BREED BENEFIT CAT SHOW. St.

Charles. See Feb. 24.

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Six spots to go for the gold

very four years, snowy sports get their time to shine, thanks to the Winter Olympics. But don’t just watch the world’s best athletes show off their skills on the slopes, rinks and ice-covered tracks of PyeongChang, try their sports for yourselves! Here are six places where your family can imagine Olympic glory. SNOWBOARDING. As the redheaded stepchild of the more polished skiing, it only makes sense that snowboarding would get its bona fides from a guy nicknamed the Flying Tomato. Raging Buffalo Snowboard and Ski Park

in Algonquin became the world’s first snowboard exclusive terrain park back in 1993 and features halfpipes, table tops, rails and other snowboard standards that would make Shaun White proud. ragingbuffalo.com.

LUGE. Daredevils, rejoice! You might not be able to defy death here in Illinois, but our friendly neighbor to the East has you covered. Just three-and-a-half hours away is the Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, where anyone 8 and up can fly down the icy chute known as the luge. The 850-foot track was designed by a former Olympian, so you know it’s legit. And the adrenaline rush it gives you is likely to last until the next Winter Olympics in 2022! msports.org. ICE HOCKEY. If it’s good enough for the Blackhawks, it’s good enough for us! Johnny’s Ice House was the team’s official practice facility until a couple months ago, and it still retains some Madhouse on Madison vibes. Kids can sign up for youth hockey starting at age 2, or stop by on Saturday mornings for drop-in classes. And for fully grown Olympic wannabes, they offer adult programs, too. johnnysice house.com.

ALPINE SKIING. Our flat Midwestern terrain might not rival the slopes of South Korea (or even Wisconsin), but you can go skiing right here in Illinois. Villa Olivia, a facility of the Bartlett Park District, offers downhill skiing that’s perfect for newbies, especially of the kid variety. Ski lessons are available for ages 4 and up, or buy tickets for the whole crew so you can schuss down the hills together. Family Fun Night is offered on Feb. 28. villaolivia.com.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING. It’s an Olympic sport on its own terms, plus the basis of another (Biathlon), but cross-country skiing usually doesn’t get the same love as its hillier counterpart. Traverse some snowy paths at the Sagawau Nordic Center, where you can rent

skis, then explore four miles of carefully tended trails as a family from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Not feeling your cross-country cred quite yet? Lessons for ages 12 and up are offered every weekend. fpdcc.com/nature-centers/ sagawau-environmentallearning-center.

FIGURE SKATING. Show off your salchows, lutzes and axels at one of the area’s many indoor ice skating rinks. Former gold medalist Evan Lysacek trained at Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, where public skating is offered a few times a week. And former Olympian and Highland Park native Jason Brown spent his early years perfecting jumps and spins at Centennial Ice Arena, which is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays. sevenbridgesicearena.com; pdhp.org/centennial-ice-arena. Elizabeth Diffin

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ONGOING EVENTS EXHIBITS ROBOT REVOLUTION. Through Feb. 4. Guests interact with robots that rarely have been shown to the public, including a life-sized humanoid robot, the Cube Solver, who dazzles guests with its lightning-fast ability to solve a Rubik’s cube. $12, $9 kids. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org. ENCHANTED RAILROAD. Through Feb. 19. Watch an intricate miniature model railroad wind through scenery. The trains run at a child-friendly height. More than 10 model trains wind through a two-level display of tree collections from around the world. Free with arboretum admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. MondaysFridays; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. SaturdaysSundays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. BIRDS OF PARADISE: AMAZING AVIAN EVOLUTION. Guests can

challenge others to a bird-like danceoff in “Dance, Dance Evolution,” witness the transformations species undergo to attract their mates, put themselves in the shoes of a National Geographic photographer, discover maps and diagrams of the birds’ ranges across New Guinea, explore old and new scientific knowledge about the birds-of-paradise, and play interactive games to learn how sexual selection works. Free with museum admission. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org. LAURA INGALLS WILDER: FROM PRAIRIE TO PAGE. Exhibit

details Wilder’s lifetime of writing and explores various themes including “Educated on the Move,” which shows how the formal and informal education young Laura Ingalls received shaped the style of her writing, subject matter, and the values embedded in the Little House series. The exhibit will display the longhand manuscript of The Long Winter, reproduced typed Long Winter pages with handwritten

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notes by Wilder, merchandise and memorabilia. Free with museum admission. American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan, 2nd Floor, Chicago. (312) 374-8790, americanwritersmuseum.org. CURIOUS GEORGE: LET’S GET CURIOUS! Transport yourself to

the neighborhood where everyone’s favorite monkey lives and explore a world of science and engineering. Little ones can build, maneuver and manipulate in a colorful hands-on exhibition that encourages creativity. $11. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org. WASHED ASHORE: ART TO SAVE THE SEA. A traveling exhibit fea-

turing massive, colorful sculptures of ocean animals made entirely of plastic marine debris removed from West Coast beaches. The collection provides a powerful, visual reality of the proliferation of plastic pollution in the world’s waterways. Free with museum admission. John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org.

THE BIRD HOUSE. Features

macaws, aracari, serama chickens and native bobwhite quails. Learn about where these exotic birds live, what they eat and the adaptations that help them survive in their native habitats. Then, discover some of the fascinating bird species you can find in your own backyard. Every day at 11:30 a.m., enjoy a live bird showcase. Free with museum admission. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org. BUILD IT! Exhibit puts an innova-

tive spin on classic building blocks by letting children explore and interact with 10 varieties of blocks in a single space. Free with museum admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kcmgc.org. ART IS INSTRUMENTAL. This

hands-on, open-ended exhibit explores artists’ representations of instruments in both 2D and 3D works. Activities include building a musical sculpture out of household items, creating a still-life out of musical instruments, playing a tune on a PVC

pipe organ and conducting an “orchestra.” Free with museum admission. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org. TAKE A STAND CENTER. The ex-

hibit employs groundbreaking, interactive, three-dimensional technology to tell Holocaust survivor stories in an incredibly life-like way. Recommended for kids 11 and up. Free with museum admission. Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. (847) 967-4800, ilholocaustmuseum.org. RACE: ARE WE SO DIFFERENT?

Exhibit tells the stories of race from the biological, cultural and historical points of view, and explores how they have shaped the history of this country and society. Educational programs tailored for middle and high school students give youth the opportunity to talk about the history of race in Chicago, with help from facilitators, and how it continues to impact contemporary life. Free with museum admission. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago. (312) 642-4600, chicagohistory.org.

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ONGOING EVENTS EXTREME ICE. Through photographic documentation and time-lapse videography of glaciers, guests experience a visual representation of climate change. Plus, touch a real 7-foot-tall ice wall, interact with maps showcasing the potential impact of coastal flooding and see how rising temps will affect Chicago. Free with museum admission. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

OTHER EVENTS

Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. (800) 331-5706, motorcycleshows.com. CHICAGO AUTO SHOW. The

nation’s largest and longest-running auto exposition showcases more than 1,000 domestic and imported vehicles, auto-related exhibits, competition vehicles and project, antique and collector cars. Kids enjoy interactive displays throughout the show. $13, $7 kids 7-12. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 10-18; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 19. McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. chicagoauto show.com.

PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW. See sport

SHADOW PUPPET STORY TIME.

bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers and more. The show features stunt shows, seminars and family activities. The Kids Zone allows kids to experience the challenge and thrill of riding a bike on unique terrains. $18, free kids 11 and under. 1-8 p.m. Feb. 9; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Feb. 10; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 11. Donald E. Stephens

An exciting adventure into story and legend with Bill, the museum’s story time expert, and his trusty sidekick who puts on an amazingly shadowy performance. Free with museum admission. 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays. Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 3834815, wonder-works.org.

TODDLER TIME. Legoland

Discovery Center Chicago opens early on the second floor exclusively for kids 5 and under and their parents with unique and engaging programs. Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee and muffins the first week of every month. $7 in advance; $9 at door; free kids 2 and under. 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays. Legoland Discovery Center, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. (847) 5929700, legolanddiscoverycenter.com/ chicago. TINY TOT OPEN PLAY. Kids 5 and under and their parents can explore the indoor playground with ball pit, slides, tunnels and cushy mats. $3. Noon-2 p.m. Tuesdays. Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com. PAINT COVERED WEDNESDAYS.

Kids use a large variety of paints, styles and canvases as they learn to tell their stories. Painting helps

children by enhancing problem solving skills, improving fine motor skills, boosting self-esteem and allowing them to express themselves in a positive way. Free with museum admission. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 3834815, wonder-works.org. LITER-ARTLY. Storytelling is an

art form older than writing and still engages children and adults in a way only stories can. After story time, explore the artistic styling of an illustrator related to each day’s stories. Free with museum admission. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 383-4815, wonderworks.org. ARBOR READING ADVENTURES.

Enjoy interactive story time and fun crafts indoors before heading out on the grounds for an adventure walk. Themes change each week. $5. 1111:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.

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ONGOING EVENTS The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. SEWING WORKSHOPS. Kids 3 and up join Lucia, the museum’s sewing master, to learn all about the basics of sewing. Free with museum admission. 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 383-4815, wonder-works. org.

Improv Playhouse Theater bring classic folk tales to life with rollicking songs, a touch of improv, important life lessons and hilarious antics that will entertain children and adults alike. This month’s story is Gulliver’s Travels. Reservations required. 11 a.m. Saturdays. Round Lake Beach Cultural & Civic Center, 2007 N. Civic Center Way, Round Lake Beach. (847) 201-9032, rlbciviccenter.org. NATURE DISCOVERY DAYS.

JUICEBOX. A music and

performance series for the stroller set. Performances are on the first and third Friday at the Chicago Cultural Center and first and third Saturday at Garfield Park Conservatory. Parents and young children can enjoy Chicago’s best music, dance and theater in a kid-friendly setting. Parents are welcome to bring snacks and juiceboxes. 11-11:45 a.m. cityof chicago.org/specialevents. SMILIN’ SATURDAY STORIES. Professional actors from

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Designed for kids and adults to explore nature topics together. Enjoy fun hands-on activities, games, crafts, experiments, nature books and more. This month’s theme is Winter Birds and the Great Backyard Bird Count. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Feb. 19. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

artistic process. Free with museum admission. 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays-Saturdays; 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays. Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 383-4815, wonder-works.org.

BEGINNER’S ART STUDIO. Kids and adults can explore their creative sides. Materials change daily and trained facilitators assist with the

GNOME HUNT. Can you find all of the gnomes hiding in the Children’s Garden? Free with admission. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. The Morton

Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. WINTER PLAY. A self-guided

glimpse into the world of outdoor play. Possibilities include painting snow or building a fort. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

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Stop by MINI USA on February 19th at the Chicago Auto Show where we’re partnering with Chicago Parent. Let’s talk about how we can do more of what matters with the people we love while exploring places a MINI can take your family. Stop by for your chance to win a 1 year lease in a MINI, as well as some other cool giveaways! ©2018 MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks. ©20182018 MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks. 68 February ChicagoParent.com ©2018 MINI USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The MINI name, model names and logo are registered trademarks. CHIPAR0218_068.indd 1

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EXHIBIT

Korea comes to Chicago

n Feb. 9, the Winter Olympics will officially open in PyeongChang, South Korea. A week later, Lunar New Year will be celebrated throughout East Asia, observed as Seollal in Korea. And all month long, Chicagoland families can learn about modern-day Korea thanks to Chicago Children’s Museum’s new temporary exhibit, “Heart & Seoul: Growing Up in Korea.” To create the exhibit, the Houston Children’s Museum recruited Korean kids to share their experiences. “When you have a child create [an exhibit], they’re creating what they know,” says Rachel Giannini, early childhood specialist at CCM. “An exhibit that looks like the world you live in, just a little different, is really powerful for

Heart & Seoul: Growing Up in Korea u Through May 6 u Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago u (312) 527-1000, chicago childrensmuseum.org kids to see.” The exhibit includes lots of interactive components. Giannini says it’s aimed at kids over the age of 5—although littles will find plenty that’s on their level, too. It includes a classroom, an apartment,

ere

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to d more

a Hanok guest house and a restaurant to help kids understand what “normal” life is like in Korea. But the undisputable highlight is the K-Pop Studio, where visitors can duet with K-Pop stars on a large screen. There’s also an animation studio where kids can create their own Korean-inspired cartoons and a Taekwondo studio where on-screen Korean kids demonstrate martial arts moves. Giannini calls it a “small stepping stone in the land of empathy,” designed to teach kids about how they fit in to the grand puzzle that is humanity. Elizabeth Diffin

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PERFORMANCES SHORT SHAKESPEARE! A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. Opens

Feb. 3. A 75-minute abridgment of Shakespeare’s tale of love among mischievous fairies, young lovers and an amateur theatrical troupe. After each performance, the actors remain on stage for a Q&A session before joining the audience in the Lobby for conversation and photo ops. There will be an Audio-Described Performance at 11 a.m. Feb. 17 and an Open-captioned and ASL Duo-interpreted Performance at 11 a.m. Feb. 24. $22-$34. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays. Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, 800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 5955600, chicagoshakes.com. THE VAN GOGH CAFÉ. Through

Feb. 4. The story centers on 10-yearold Clara, who knows that anything can happen at her father’s small roadside diner. Filament’s immersive production puts the audience in the middle of the magic cafe complete with a full multi-course meal served by the characters. Recommended for families with kids 7 and up. $45, $30 kids. 5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Fannie’s Cafe, 5044 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago. filamenttheatre.org. FORTS! BUILD YOUR OWN ADVENTURE. Through Feb. 11. A

self-directed creative play experience that inspires the imagination and gets families playing together. Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $12 adult/child pair; $5 additional family member. 10 a.m. and noon Saturdays; 1 and 3 p.m. Sundays; 10 a.m. Feb. 6 (Toddler Takeover); 8 p.m. Feb. 10 (Grown-ups Only). Filament Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. (773) 2701660, filamenttheatre.org. JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK. Through Feb. 17. Junie B.’s

life is packed with amazing discoveries, cool new kids, and life-long lessons about being a good person and friend. Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $5-$10. 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and Feb. 2 and 9; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Feb. 4. Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-1999, theatre.depaul.edu.

Cind Ci nderella See this page

MONTAUCIEL TAKES FLIGHT.

Through Feb. 18. Montauciel’s name means “climb-to-the-sky.” This world premiere musical is inspired by the story of the first living creatures to take to the skies in a human-made flying machine. Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $15. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 7614477, lifelinetheatre.com. MY WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY SUIT.

Through Feb. 18. Step inside an enchanted room in The Land Beyond the Rainbow, where three friends are surrounded by birthday cards, balloons, presents and the Thinking Tree. But when hurtful words about skin color slip out, it becomes a story about how to celebrate the gifts inside each of us. Includes music, puppets and hands-on pre- and postshow experiences. Recommended for kids 4-7. $35. 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays; 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Sundays. Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago. (872) 2229555, chicagochildrenstheatre.org. BY THE DEEP BLUE SEA. Starring

Chicago teens, the show tells the story of Sebell, who ends up at an

orphanage and enlists the help of new colorful friends to uncover the mysteries of her past. $15, $12 online. 1 p.m. Feb. 18, 23 and 24. Prop Thtr, 3502 N. Elston Ave., Chicago. (773) 742-5420, propthtr.org. THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: STORIES FOR CHANGE. Through

Feb. 19. An evening of stories showcasing the ideas students have for the change they’d like to see in their lives and communities. Stories are written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed by Barrel of Monkeys company members. $15, $5 kids under 12. 8 p.m. Mondays. Barrel of Monkeys, 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrelofmonkeys.org.

with Jack and Annie, and travel back to Shakespearean England. The daring sibling duo learns to overcome stage fright to save the famed bard’s show. Recommended for families of kids 5 and up. $19 and up. Check website for schedule. Apollo Theater Chicago, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 5292690, emeraldcitytheatre.com. CHICKEN LITTLE. Through Feb.

28. Sing along with Chicken Little and her friends Henny Penny, Turkey Lurkey, Goosey Loosey and Foxy Loxy as they travel to tell the king that the sky is falling. Recommended for families with kids 2-8. $12. Check website for schedule. Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. chicagokidscompany.com.

CINDERELLA. Opens Feb. 22. See

that dreams really do come true in this re-telling of the most popular fairy tale ever told. Recommended for families with kids 2-12. $12. 10:30 a.m. selected weekdays. Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 445-3838, chicagokidscompany.com. MAGIC TREE HOUSE: SHOWTIME WITH SHAKESPEARE. Through Feb. 25.

Climb into a musical time machine

THE GREATEST STORY NEVER TOLD. Professional improvisers take

suggestions and volunteer performers to come on stage and co-create a 45minute story. Each original performance is transformed into a digital and physical storybook. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. with coloring, crafts, board games and dress-up fun for kids on the stage. $17.50-$25. 3 p.m. Sundays. Under The Gun Theater, 956 W. Newport Ave., Chicago. (773) 270-2440, greateststorynevertold.org.

70 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

A fest to return to again and again

t may be a holiday that originated in a small town in Pennsylvania, but Groundhog Day gets a lot of love in Illinois. That’s mostly due to a little movie that celebrated the rodent-focused day in an especially Midwestern way. The Bill Murray vehicle was filmed in Woodstock in the early ‘90s, and that’s something the McHenry County town commemorates each year with its Groundhog Days. The four days of fun center around everything groundhog, from a woodchuck-themed story time to Woodstock Willie’s prognostication on Feb. 2 (he puts Punxsatawny Phil to shame). Plus, there’s movie trivia, a tour of the movie’s sights (remember that B&B where Phil Connors woke up again and again ... and again?), and even a Groundhog Day Pub Crawl (grownups only, please). For truly out-of-the-box fun, check out Groundhog Carving—not as gruesome as it sounds!—or try your hand at Groundhog Bowling or Bingo.

Groundhog Days u Feb. 1-4 u Woodstock u Free; some activities cost extra u woodstockgroundhog.org

Sunday, dubbed Woodstock Willie’s Family Fun Day, is set aside just for families. It kicks off with Breakfast with Woodstock Willie, followed by a fun fair complete with groundhog crafts, photo booth, games, face painting, balloon artist and more. The rodent of the hour will make periodic appearances throughout the day. And be sure to include at least one viewing of the movie, which will be shown (for free!) at 10 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Classic Cinemas Woodstock. It’s a classic for a reason—and this special Illinois town’s claim to fame. Elizabeth Diffin

72 February 2018 ChicagoParent.com

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