MAKING THE GRADE Annual education guide
JANUARY
2016 | FREE
CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES
EASE THE FREEZE 10 hot spots JUMP-START YOUR
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ChicagoParent.com January 2016 1
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#resolutions HAPPIER! HEALTHIER! SAFER!
While some resolutions are a might-do, swimming lessons are a must-do. Sign your kids up for classes at Goldfish Swim School for a happier, healthier and safer new year! Here’s a few more reasons to try Goldfish:
Shiver-free swim lessons in our 90-degree pool Kids learn water safety skills that will stay with them forever A proven, confidence-building curriculum for kids 4 months to 12 years Escape the winter blues with a FREE Family Swim at Goldfish! Call your nearest location to schedule your swim today!
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2 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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LEARNING SPANISH THROUGH MUSIC
DEDICATED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHOLE CHILD Our amazing Spanish Instructor, Se単or Hamlet, uses
Multilingual education through music provides a foundation
interactive songs and musical play to create a bilingual
for Sonnets Academy students to excel cognitively. Our
atmosphere of enthusiasm, confidence & fun. In our
enrichment programs introduce Spanish Language Arts &
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music during infancy and toddlerhood when children are
can discover how to express themselves through the arts,
intrigued by phonetic and rhythmic components of language
language and wellness.
and follows through to preschool and pre-kindergarten when
"Our Spanish Curriculum uses interactive musical play and art to create a fun bilingual atmosphere that encourages students to express themselves through language while having fun!."
students are experimenting with grammar and language structure. Singing and conversing in Spanish during group activities builds both self confidence and social skills - key components for developing great communication skills and self expression.
-Se単or Hamlet, Spanish & Music Programs Director
Lincoln Park 312.951.1024
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FROM SIX WEEKS TO SIX YEARS
West Loop 312.733.7580
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New for Fall 2016 Comprehensive Preschool and 8th Grade Programs
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Attend an Admissions Coffee-and-Tour Session To learn more about GEMS World Academy - Chicago, tour the school, and meet faculty, join us for an admissions coffee-and-tour session. To learn more and reserve your spot, visit gemschicago.org/Parent 312-809-8910 admissions@gemschicago.org
As a premier international school, GEMS World Academy – Chicago approaches learning from a global perspective that helps students develop an intuitive sense of their connections to people, ideas, and cultures. Our master teachers lead students through structured interactions with Chicago’s neighborhoods, institutions, and environment, empowering students to ask and answer deep questions. To know the world, you have to explore the world – up close and in focus.
Connections through Language:
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4 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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Lincoln Park Location Now Open!
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ChicagoParent.com January 2016 5
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Resolutions are fine. But don’t start an exercise program without first consulting your doctor to see what is right for you. Start 2016 with a healthy conversation.
Call 1-866-384-3278 to set an appointment. chicagomedicaldocs.com/stayhealthy
6 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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CLIENT: Tenet Physicians Network JOB NUMBER: 53171
SCALE FILE BUILT TO: 100% STUDIO: RYAN EVERETT
12/15/15 2:12 PM
contents
IN THIS ISSUE 15
GOOD TO GO
23
CRAFT
25
GOOD SENSE EATING
27
FAILING WITH GUSTO
Where to find jams for itty bitty music lovers, plus bowling at Kings Bowl America and a new all-ages theater Snow dough for inside fun Sprouted grains
Heated debate
40
JANUARY 2016 | VOLUME 32 | NO. 1
FEATURES
39
COLD COMFORT Best places for chicken noodle soup
53
CALENDAR
64
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS
Old dad, new tricks There’s no reason to hibernate this month Baby’s first movie at Chicago Children’s Museum
MAKING THE GRADE
19 Best workouts for busy moms: Four places to try
36 Parenting in 2016: New Year’s resolutions just for parents
VIVA DADDY
ON THE COVER
JUMP-START YOUR NEW YEAR
21 Fun ways to playfully kick off 2016: From jammies to cupcakes, make the most of the next 366 days 31 Kick it off: Make this the year you try new experiences
29
Annual education guide
JANUARY
2016 | FREE
CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES
EASE THE FREEZE 10 hot spots JUMP-START YOUR
New Year
40
10 PLACES TO FREEZE OUT WINTER You can win the war on cabin fever
43
BANISH WINTER BLAHS A trip to Wisconsin Dells should make your to-do list this winter
Cover kid: William Everett Pierce, 4, Chicago Photography:Thomas Kubik, TK Photography Design: Claire Innes
In this issue
MAKING THE GRADE Annual education guide ChicagoParent.com January 2016 7
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EDITOR’S NOTE
366 days to go
Artist
Inventor
Scientist
Big Dreams Start Young At Chiaravalle Montessori, we respect the potential in your child and treat them like the adult they will become. We honor each student’s strengths and support their challenges. Learn how Chiaravalle prepares children for school, for the world and for life.
School life, real life and dreams co-exist here. Enrolling for 2016-17 Infant/Toddler – 8th Grade 425 Dempster, Evanston
RSVP for a Parent Tour Call 847.864.2190 www.chiaravalle.org
TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY
I am a notorious New Year’s resolution failure. I really do set out every year with a solid plan to succeed, but by February, I end up hating myself when I fall off the wagon and find myself back to my old habits. I abhor failing. If that sounds familiar to you, then you’ll really like this issue. Here are three takeaways (“resolutions,” if you must) in this issue guaranteed to be something you can stick to:
1
Teach kids to do more for themselves. Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of How to Raise an Adult, tells us that we parents probably hold our kids’ hands too much. Guilty as charged. So this year, resolve to do a little less, literally. Have the kids do more for themselves. Not only will the kids gain life skills they’ll need sooner than later, but they’ll also get the message that they are capable individuals, she says. (And an upside for us? More time to do the things we actually enjoy.)
2 P M A C R E SUMM P
M A C R E M M SU
Founded in 1909 and nestled on the pristine shores of Lake Hubert in the Minnesota Northwoods, Camp Founded in 1909 and nestled on the pristine shores of Lake Hubert in the Minnesota Founded in 1909 nestled on the andHubert Camp Hubert focus Northwoods, Camp Lincoln and Lincoln Camp and Lake focusLake on skill and character development for boys and girls aged 5 to 17. We strive to create a safe summer on skill and character development pristine shores of Lake Hubert in camp environment for children that encourages the discovery of self and a sense of for boys and girls aged 5 to 17. Northwoods, Camp wonder in the the naturalMinnesota world! We strive create afocus safe summer Lincoln and Camp Laketo Hubert 7460 Market Place Drive,environment Eden Prarie, MN camp for 55344 children that on skill and 800-242-1909 character development encourages the discovery of self and a for boyswww.lincoln-lakehubert.com andsense girls aged 5 to 17. of wonder in the natural world!
Have more fun. One of our wonderful mom writers, Megan Murray Elsener, searched out positive new experiences for us to try this year instead of fixing negative old experiences. Top of my list: A family game night. Megan found a subscription service that delivers it right to the front door. Done.
3
Live in the now. Dr. Shefali Tsabary, a 30 Second Mom contributor and world-renowned clinical psychologist, wants us to embrace our life as it is, to love it and live it—and take just one step toward a dream we have.
I’ll probably still try to drop some of my “baby” weight this year, get out of my desk chair a bit more to keep the ticker healthy and get my ear cartilage pierced to feel a little more hip. You and me for the win in 2016! Together, we’re going to have a great year.
We strive to create a safe summer that 7460 Market Place encourages the discovery of self andDrive a Eden Prarie,world! MN 55344 sense of wonder in the natural
8 January 2016 campChicagoParent.com environment for children
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800-242-1909 www.lincoln-lakehubert.com
12/16/15 4:14 PM
Lakeshore Academy of Artistic Gymnastics Call today to enroll for Winter classes! Winter Term starts Jan. 25th
Classes for ages 6 months through adults
Call Us Today! Downtown Chicago 937 W. Chestnut Street 312.563.9400
Mt. Prospect 520 E. Business Center Drive 847.376.8826
lakeshoreacademy.com ChicagoParent.com January 2016 9
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CONTRIBUTORS
My parenting resolution for 2016
EDITOR
Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR
Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR
Jackie McGoey ASSISTANT EDITOR
Emily Adams ART DIRECTOR
Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS
In 2016, I am going to spend more one-on-one time with each of my kids. Whether it’s a special outing or reading a book just the two of us, it will help slow down time! Megan Murray Elsener
I’m resolving to turn my phone off more in 2016 to show my daughter that screen-free life not only exists, it can be awesome. Shannan Younger
An expert told me to give five minutes of positive attention before trying to improve anything. So, more praise at dinner before pushing the vegetables! Cortney Fries
My 2016 parenting resolution is to be more zen and less stressed. And to continue to take advantage of all of the wonderful kidfriendly activities in the city. Jenny Muslin
Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea IT AND DIGITAL DEVELOPER
Mike Risher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Matt Boresi, Megan Murray Elsener, Sara Fisher, Keely Flynn, Cortney Fries, Caitlin Murray Giles, Jenny Muslin, Christine Palumbo, Meredith Sinclair, Marianne Walsh DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES
Annette Coffee, Dawn Engelhardt, Erika Goodman, Lourdes Nicholls, Alicia Plomin, Karen Skinner SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR
Kamil Brady
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER
Philip Soell
ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER
Andrew Mead
ADVERTISING DESIGN
Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney CIRCULATION MANAGER
Jill Wagner DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR
Shanez Hudson
EXERCISE & WELLNESS PREGNANCY STUDY The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently pregnant or less than 6 weeks postpartum to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth Participants receive a motivational exercise program or a health and wellness program, which begins after the birth of your baby (participants can sign up for the program during pregnancy) Program delivered to you via the mail and phone Must be 18 years of age or older Must not currently exercise regularly Must not take antidepressants Must have a history of depression You will receive $100 for your time
Call 612-625-9753, send the word ‘TEXT’ to 612-345-0325, or email mompro@umn.edu to see if you qualify for this research study.
BUSINESS MANAGER
Joyce Minich CREDIT MANAGER
Laurie Myers PUBLISHER
Dan Haley COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar FOUNDERS Natalie Goodman, Carolyn Jacobs
HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-5555 ChicagoParent.com EDITORS
chiparent@chicagoparent.com TO FIND A COPY
circulation@chicagoparent.com ADVERTISING
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Chicago Parent is published monthly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago Parent, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. © 2016 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.
10 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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Chicago Grammar School …experience the richness of a classical curriculum.
Sapere Aude – Dare to Know Congratulations to our students! On the Iowa Test of Basic Skills May 2015, the CGS class scores ranged from 98th99th percentiles.
Follow us on Facebook
900 N. Franklin, Chicago, IL 60610
The
312-944-5600
www.chicagogrammar.org
Preschool at CGS ...begin the Chicago Grammar School experience.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, our program sparks children’s curiosity, enabling them to experience the world purposefully, acquire social skills and build the necessary foundation for a successful and joyful academic journey. • Active learning • Creative play • Daily art and gym classes • Nurturing environment with low student/teacher ratio • Half, full and extended day option Follow us on Facebook
900 N. Franklin, Chicago, IL 60610
• Private log-in for daily photo/narrative reports
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www.chicagogrammar.org ChicagoParent.com January 2016 11
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find your adventure with
JCYS Camps that put the
FUN IN SUMMER! starting at age 6 weeks BUFFALO GROVE Horner Grove Day Camp (age 6 weeks - 6) Counselor-In-Training (ages 13 - 15) CHICAGO Big City Day Camp (grades K - 8) Sunflower Day Camp (ages 15 months - 5) Counselor-In-Training (ages 13 - 15) HIGHLAND PARK Camp STAR* (ages 6 - 12) Jon Vegosen Champ Camp (grades 1 - 6) North Shore Day Camp (grades K - 6) NSDC Sports (grades K - 6) Sunflower Day Camp (ages 15 months - 5) Counselor-In-Training (ages 13 - 15)
Register today at jcys.org/ register
* For children with ADHD and related disorders
INGLESIDE (Round Lake area) Camp Henry Horner Day Camp (pre K - grade 8) Camp Henry Horner Overnight Camp (grades 3 - 10) Camp Red Leaf** (ages 9 & up)
jcys.org
wbu Jewish Council for Youth Services Serving children and families for over a century
** For individuals with various disabilities 12 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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ON THE WEB
Fun happens at ChicagoParent.com
1
There are tons of great reasons to love January, but one definitely is that every year, American Girl unveils its new Girl of the Year doll. And we have one!!! Head to ChicagoParent.com Jan. 7-15 for your chance to win. The winner will make the girl in their life happy for the whole year.
2
You won’t want to miss our next live chat over at Chicago Parent’s Facebook page Jan. 13. Chat with Cultural Care Au Pair and other local experts who will help you find balance and calm in your day-to-day family life. Learn tips from experts in childcare, household management, meal preparation, parenting/life coaches and other real moms on how they manage family schedules, find work/life balance and make sure everyone in the family gets what they need!
3
We love giving away family fun, and this month is no different. We have family five-packs to Norm of the North and Kung Fu Panda from Classic Cinemas and to The Nut Job 2 from ArcLight Cinemas. Plus we have an inside track on this year’s must-sleepover, Adler Planetarium’s Astro-Overnight. We have a family five-pack of tickets for the first one on Feb. 5. Find details at adlerplanetarium.org.
Submit your questions to Digital Editor Jackie McGoey (jackie@chicagoparent.com) in advance or jump into the conversation the night of the chat. All participants are eligible to win great prizes!
CREATIVITY CAN’T BE TAUGHT WITH FLASH CARDS
As one of the Chicago area’s premier cultural institutions, Kohl Children’s Museum’s outreach work is elemental to who we are. We reach the underserved in the city with substantive training, programs and activities. We provide professional training to help develop stronger educators in low-income neighborhoods. We create engaging learning experiences that welcome children with special needs and their families. Explore our 17 interactive hands-on exhibits and discover for yourself why we’re surprisingly serious about play.
2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview | (847) 832-6600 | kcmgc.org ChicagoParent.com January 2016 13
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TIMBER RIDGE WINTER FUN FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS Kids Love Timber Wolves, Timber Tykes and Sunday Kids for Fun on the Snow. Families learn to Ski or Snowboard together Special programs on Sun., Tues. or Wed. Racing for all (ages 5 thru Seniors) NASTAR most Sat & Sun. for medals Snowtubing for more fun!
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14 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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u 4 45 544 544 4 N. Li L nc n ol oln n Avve. e.,, Ch C ic icag ago u oolldt dtow ow wns nsch choo ool. l.or orgg
Jams for itty bitty music lovers 1 3 2 Not only does Roscoe Village’s Beat Kitchen offer up $6 tickets for its familyfriendly Sunday concerts, but it has that beer you love in stock. (Beat that, rest of the weekend plans!) beatkitchen.com
The place where you can get your banjo on with the best of ‘em is the exact same spot to experience some of the city’s coolest concerts with
your offspring, Old Town School of Folk Music. (Don’t even pretend you’re doing it for the kids.) oldtownschool.org
Turns out that the best place for reading is also the best place for getting your rock n’ roll on. Many of Chicagoland’s public libraries feature live performances by beloved children’s artists, but Bolingbrook’s Fountaindale Public Library takes it
Good to go
Olld Town O Old n Scho Scho Sc ool of Fo olk l Mu usi sc
Fountaindale Public Library
up a notch—its 7,000-square-foot media center encourages budding musicians to immerse themselves in the creation of their own jams. fountaindale.org. Keely Flynn
ChicagoParent.com January 2016 15
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GOOD TO GO
Inside family fun: Bowling Kings Bowl America opens in Chicago
I
s it possible to have an exceptional evening out with the whole family? Kings Bowl America seems to think so, and my clan would wholeheartedly agree. With decor befitting a cool cat lounge and facilities impressive enough for even the most serious bowler, Kings Bowl has a heck of a lot that appeals to the younger set. Foosball? Air hockey? Laser bumpers set to show up on your child’s turn to bowl? (Or yours; they won’t judge.) And if you’re worried about wrangling a larger group for a child’s birthday, fear not; the new Kings Bowl in Lincoln Park has a semi-private (and ropedoff!) pair of lanes at the back of
Everyone—from the doorman to manager to server— was incredibly friendly and welcoming. The attached parking in the NewCity plaza is a major draw as well. (City parents, can I get an amen?) Lincoln Park’s Kings Bowl is a must-visit (and must-chill, must-play and absolutely must-return). Keely Flynn
the facility. This spot, however, keeps you within a stone’s throw of Kings’ impressive bar. Its executive-chef designed menu is top notch, too; the buffalo wontons and Southwestern spring rolls were so good that
my husband and I didn’t even want to share them with the kids. (Thankfully, their thin crust pepperoni pizza was so off-the-charts the kids couldn’t have cared less what we were eating.)
Kings Bowl
New location in Lincoln Park, 1500 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago (312) 973-4920 kingsbowlamerica.com/ lincoln-park
is part of your favorite social networks
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2/29/16.
Join the Twitter party! Follow us @ChicagoParent On Pinterest pinterest.com/chiparent
16 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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GOOD TO GO
All-ages theater means all ages at Stage 773
M
any arts-loving parents face this problem: you’re jonesing to see something new and exciting with the fam, but more often than not, “family friendly” means it’s actually geared towards the sippy cup set. Stage 773’s Inoffensive Theatre Series aims to change all that and, at the same time, put some of Chicago’s best theater companies on your “all ages” radar. The lineup currently features Barrel of Monkeys and their hit kidwritten, grownup-performed sketch comedy, “That’s Weird, Grandma,” Theatre Unspeakable’s “hilarious history in under an hour” production of “The American Revolution,” and the tiny space/largely heroic
“Superman 2050.” For Stage 773’s Director of Programming Amanda Long, the impetus to start this series was their beloved show “Bri-Ko.” While it didn’t quite jive with the company’s other programs, she knew it was something special. “So we thought, there are more Chicagobased artists creating smart, creative, engaging theater,” Long says. “Let’s bring a bunch of inoffensive theater together for audiences to enjoy in one funky-fun place.” “Saying what my favorite bits are would give away some of the magic,” Long says. “So I’ll just say that one … involves our co-worker Brian Peterlin trying to eat chips very quietly. It’s silly. There’s so much to love.” Keely Flynn
Stage 773
Inoffensive Theatre runs select Saturdays at 2 p.m 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago stage773.com for current and upcoming shows
The Magical Journey begins here...
Your child will be captivated with our unique Fairytale Ballet program featuring cherished childhood literature that comes to life each week with exquisite costumes, props, classical music and ballet education. Every week a new fairytale with costumes awaits! ®
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& Academy ChicagoParent.com January 2016 17
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GOOD TO GO
Get your family in harmony
S
ay you’re good at a handful of instruments—among them the ukelele and vocal beatbox—and have a history that includes three grownup albums and years of touring the country as a singer/songwriter. How do you follow up that kind of cool? If you’re Rebecca Stoelinga, aka Super Stolie, you become a beloved children’s performer with legions of brightly dressed fangirls and boys. Her new third album for kids, Family in Harmony, is mellower and a bit more introspective than her earlier offerings. Hopes, fears, rules and a sense of fair play permeate these sweet and fun songs. “Rock, Paper, Scissors” and “The Whale Song,” in particular, are personal favorites; both share great, accessible themes while managing to be on opposite sides of the musical spectrum from each other. Her fluent Spanish in “Boca Boca Boca” and “Paz Amor y Gozo” is not
only impressive but lovely as well. And for my kids’ money, it’s hard to get sillier than the wordplay in “Chicken in the Kitchen.” Super Stolie was, in all probability, that kid on the elementary school playground
who had the really, really fun ideas. Her lyrics are smart, tight and never cloying. And parents? I dare you not to sing along in the car, even without your pint-sized passengers. Keely Flynn
18 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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BEST IN CHI
Best workouts
for busy moms 4.0
SARA R. FISHER
In my *gasp* fourth year writing this column, I can say one thing definitively: every year I try new workouts, someone has invented yet another way to torture my body. By ‘torture,’ I mean kicking my butt until it burns. Literally. Here are some of the newest, best workouts I’ve found for you.
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Studio Lagree Locations in Lincoln Park and Highland Park, (847) 433-8658 studiolagree.com Studio Lagree is like Pilates on steroids. Big, bad mega reformers are weighted with pulleys to create a total body workout in a momtime-sensitive 50 minutes. Lagree tests your body with a core workout that is unforgiving, but super satisfying and body changing.
Go Row 525 W. North Ave., Chicago (312) 878-4999 gocyclestudio.com Go Row, a studio in Old Town, makes good use of the WaterRower—a rowing machine that uses water resistance just like on the lake—with an interval training class. Owner Emmy Rigali is motivational and tough. The timed training encourages you to compete in a friendly environment (I came in last in the rowing challenge and was still smiling).
Title Boxing Club 2417 N. Clark St., Chicago (773) 327-7500 titleboxingclub.com Title Boxing Club is a studio with
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boxing-only workouts that use real boxing techniques, but for people like me. (I’ll never be Laila Ali.) The upper body workout was second to none. If I were to go back, I’d look for a kickboxing class to get the leg burn with the arm fatigue.
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Crosstown Fitness Locations in Lakeview and West Loop crosstownfitness.com After a friend convinced me to try this bootcamp fitness studio, I nearly unfriended him after the third round of frog jumps. But at the end of the 50-minute cross training session, I felt energized and stronger. Each class throughout the day offers something different, so it’s impossible to get bored. It is one of the nicest of the new studios I tried, but fair warning, their “kid’s club” literally will fit just one kid. Better to go solo and get a babysitter.
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ChicagoParent.com January 2016 19
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Photo by Jade Albert
Learn more at
autismspeaks.org/signs Some signs to look for:
No big smiles or other joyful expressions by 6 months
No babbling by 12 months
No words by 16 months
Š 2012 Autism Speaks Inc. "Autism Speaks" and "It's time to listen" & design are trademarks owned by Autism Speaks Inc. All rights reserved. The person depicted is a model and is used for illustrative purposes only.
20 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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WELL PLAYED
Four fun ways
to playfully kick off 2016
MEREDITH SINCLAIR
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has been wrapped and tied and stored away for another year. Now it’s time to set our intentions and make the most of the next 366 days we’re calling 2016.
Play with your Pajammies From January through the beginning of May, many Chicagoans spend a whole lot of time complaining about the cold and gray chilling us to the bone. If you could use a big dose of warm and cozy with a splash of whimsical fun, then you must nab yourself a pair of PJ Salvage flannel jammies. I bought a pair for my mom and myself for the holidays (so we could match). These flannels are super-soft and warm, but also lightweight with the most playful patterns imaginable. Mine are covered in French macaron cookies. Yummy indeed. pjsalvage.com
Play with your tootsies Last year my mom got both of my boys a one-year subscription for socks. Yep, SOCKS! The thing kids never want to get as a gift, right? Wrong. The company, Foot Cardigan, has taken socks from boring to brilliant! FC is home to the silliest, grooviest, most awesome line of socks there ever was. Each month my boys receive a mystery sock bomb. From lobsters and monkeys to robots and popcorn, they never know what playful pattern their podiatric package will reveal. And they’re super comfy too! footcardigan.com
Play with your sweet tooth I recently attended the grand opening of Gigi’s Cupcakes in Wilmette and it completely changed my concept of what a cupcake is capable of. We had a back-bakery tour and got a taste (literally) of what cupcakes are like when made with heaps of the freshest, finest ingredients, big dashes of creativity, and a whole lot of love. I particularly loved the minis, which are just the right pop of playful indulgence as we all try to maintain our New Year’s fitness resolutions. With unique flavors like white midnight magic, Scarlett’s red velvet, and even tiny, perfect cheesecakes with cherries on top, Gigi’s is your answer to “what’s for dessert?” gigiscupcakesusa.com
Play with your family One way to survive our long winter is by taking advantage of the creative staycations hotels create to help us hibernate in style. My son, Maxwell, and I recently took advantage of the Loews Chicago Hotel’s new “Snowed Inn” package as part of our yearly get-away. We had a ball enjoying hot chocolate and cookies upon arrival, free in-room movie rentals and 20 percent off at the spa, restaurant and mini bar. The package also includes a custom pillow fort in your room! Now that’s how to survive the tundra months. “Snowed Inn” at the Loews runs through March 31; loewshotels.com ChicagoParent.com January 2016 21
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CRAFT
Snow dough Make your own snow to play iindoors ndoor ors
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MEGAN MURRAY Y ELSENER ELS SEN ENER E ER
W
e know the bitter cold and snow dayss are coming. Prepare yourself with a few ew household supplies for this easy projectt that will keep the kiddos busy without venturing outside. Snow dough is a great sensory activity for preschoolers, ool o ers, oler s, but keeps older kids entertained as well.
Directions
1
In a large bin or plastic Tupperware, mix ½ cup of white hair conditioner with three cups of baking soda. Using your hands or a spoon, mix together the baking soda and conditioner until it creates a crumbly texture.
2 3 4
Add a generous amount of glitter er for the snow dough to sparkle. Double the recipe for double thee fun if you desire more snow.
Mold the snow dough together to make snowballs, snowmen, mountains and more. Add small figurines, Lego men or plastic animals to create scenes.
Supplies Baking soda Hair conditioner (white) Glitter (optional) Tupperware or bin
ChicagoParent.com January 2016 23
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24 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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GOOD SENSE EATING
Sprouted grains:
A hippie favorite returns Sprouted grains, a popular food of the ‘70s, are back. In fact, they are becoming trendy and can be found in bread, cereal, pasta and snack chips. Sprouted grains refer to seeds of grain that are soaked in water and allowed to germinate or begin to sprout. Once a root appears, the grains can be frozen, dried or mashed and cooked into baked goods. They’re considered a whole grain and can be CHRISTINE wheat, rye, barley, spelt or oat. Even naturally PALUMBO gluten-free corn, rice, amaranth and millet flours are being made from sprouted grains. Proponents say the health benefits are significant: they are said to be higher in nutrients such as protein and vitamins. But are the benefits being overstated? “Whether there’s a significantly greater amount of nutrients or not, that’s not really clear,” says Julie Miller Jones, Ph.D., CNS, professor emerita at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minn. “Is it 10 percent more, enough to make a nutritional impact?” Spouted grains are a touch sweeter and more flavorful than traditional whole grains. “You’re breaking down some starch, which makes it taste sweeter,” says Jones, who attended a presentation on the topic at the American n Association of Cereal Chemists International all meeting last fall. She say ssays a s it’s a way for food compam ampamp nies to “get a sweet taste asste without added sugar.”” Some of the enzymes meess produced during the sp sproutpro rout uting process also can mak make m akee certain proteins easierr to
digest, she says. “It breaks down grain protein and legume protein, both of which are harder proteins for us to digest.” In addition, sprouting activates certain plant enzymes that start breaking the cell wall down, which also improves digestibility. As to the protein increasing, she says since the starch is being used up, it’s the percentage of protein that is going up, not the actual amount. Is there a downside to sprouting? Jones says that depending on how long you do it, “you can take all the bet beta glucan (fiber) out of things likee oats or barley.” While sprouted flour can be sp p purchased d online and at natural foods fo oo stores, mainstream supermarkets are beginssu ning to offer it as well. n For more information on how to sprout tti your own or baking with yyo grains, check ssprouted p out Bread Revolution by ou o Peter Pe Reinhart. P Christine Chr ris M. Palumbo, RD, is a
Sprouted Coconut Waffles Serves 4 Ingredients 2 large eggs ¼ cup yogurt 1 ¼ cups water 3 Tbsp. coconut oil ¼ cup maple syrup (plus more for on top) 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 1 ¼ cups sprouted whole wheat flour ½ cup coconut flour ½ tsp. sea salt 1 tsp. baking powder 4 Tbsp. dried, shredded coconut
Instructions In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Add the yogurt, water, oil, syrup
1
and vanilla. Mix until blended. Add the remaining dry ingredients to the egg mixture and mix until blended. Follow the waffle iron instructions for cooking. Adjust the consistency of the batter by adding more water or flour as needed. Serve with butter and maple syrup. Nutrition facts per serving: 410 calories, 51 g carbohydrates, 11 g protein, 19 g fat (15 g saturated fat), 490 mg sodium, 13 g fiber Used with permission from copyright EssentialEating.com
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Naperville-based nutritionist. Follow Nap Nape eer Twitter @PalumboRD, Facebook her on nT at Chr Christine Christ isttin Palumbo Nutrition or Chris@ ChristinePalumbo.com. Chr Christ istine ineP Pa P
ChicagoParent.com January 2016 25
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Specıal Parent CHICAGO
A Chicago Parent EMPOWERMENT GUIDE
Chicago’s only local magazine and resource guide to life for families who have children with special needs. • 50,000 copies distributed in early intervention specialist offices, and local libraries • Expanded special needs resource directory online at ChicagoParent.com
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FAILING WITH GUSTO
Heated debate
I attempted mirrors. I handed him pictures of me. I talked to him non-stop. The ear-piercing performances continued unabated. One afternoon, I grabbed my dad and headed to lunch with Danny in tow. Desensitized to the howling, I forgot to warn my father in advance. My dad became increasingly edgy, and afterr 10 long minutes of the usual fussing, he unbuckled his seatbelt to investigate. e. He yanked on the straps to make sure they were not too tight. ght. He felt Danny’s diaper to seee if he was wet. He checked his head for fever. My dad’s gaze finally settled on Danny’s outfit. It was a cold November day,, and my son was once again bundled led in his winter coat. He offered d three simple words: “Maybe he’s hot.” My initial reaction was righteous indignation. It was November! I had set the heat to a sensible 68 degrees! And wasn’t I the one drenched in maternal instinct and nurturing? Certainly I would have recognized if my baby was overheated! I pulled over and removed Danny’s coat to prove the point, confident the wailing would commence instantly.
Danny cooed, grinned and gave me his nowfamiliar “thanks, Mom” look. It is the same look I currently get when I let him stay up late or skip piano practice. I felt like a jerk. The books had told me to dress the baby the same way I would dress for various temperatures. I had been wearing a down coat and gloves. Danny, it seemed, ran hotter. Eleven years later, I fight a daily battle with my son over the inappropriateness of wearing shorts in winter. He insists he does not need a thick coat and that hoodies work just fine. He kicks off his blanket and remains warm to the touch even on the coldest of nights. I complained to my husband last winter about the skirmishes regarding outerwear. Joe thought I was overreacting. “Maybe he’s hot.” Memories from that long-ago day flooded back and the righteous indignation returned. Looking to escape my ire, Joe quickly threw on a pair of shorts before taking ou our three sons out for ice cream. It was January January. I try to embrace the yin yi and yang of parenting. I know my paren tendency tenden to overprotect and an overdress is muted by b Joe’s encouragement of cargo agem shorts shor and butter pecan. My husband peca also offers offe an innate ability to defuse any situation before things really hot. But with get rea the bo boys all gone to Baskin-Robbins? Bask Things did get T hot. I put the ho thermostat at 75 th degrees and I set de my electric blanm ket to incinerate. k While the yang’s away…. ya Marianne Walsh is a Ma Chicago mom of three Chi boys. boys Want more? Go to ChicagoParent.com and Chica
Talk back
When my oldest child, Danny, was six month old, he developed a nerve-wracking new habit. My mellow baby started screaming like a lunatic whenever he was strapped into his rear-facing car seat. I scoured the internet and decided the impetus was separation anxiety. Many experts MARIANNE write how babies become WALSH inconsolable when not in the immediate presence of their mothers.
webandofmothers.blogspot.com. webandof
ChicagoParent.com January 2016 27 Chicag
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VOICE: DAVID TELISMAN
7 New Year’s resolutions my son chose for me
I
can say with absolute certainty that I have never carried out a single New Year’s resolution. Maybe they just haven’t been practical, sort of like my grand idea of creating a flu shot that protects against all strains of the illness. I’m changing my approach this year. A good leader delegates to trusted advisors, and to that end I’ve asked my 7-year-old to make my 2016 New Year’s resolutions for me and to help me. Here they are in his words:
7
“You need to lose your food baby.” Everyone promises to lose weight when the new year starts, but not everyone’s kid puts it in these words. My son scores points for originality. I’ve grown quite portly over the last few years, so it’s time to opt for a side of fruit over the pancakes when I order the meat lovers omelet.
6
“Eat as much food as you want to.” What? Huh? How are these meant for the same person? “You just told me to get rid of my food baby, and now you’re saying to eat more?” I asked him. “Well, I feel bad for telling you that you have a food baby, so you could keep eating a lot.”
5
“Watch more football with me.” Twist my arm. Watching football is only my favorite thing to do. Talk about an attainable resolution! We watch the Red Zone channel
from noon to 6:30 p.m. every Sunday, but apparently we have been shortchanging ourselves. We will resolve to catch the Thursday and Monday night games as well now. However, this means more football snacks, which will turn my food baby into a food young adult.
4
“Don’t be so grumpy in the morning.” I’m not, nor have I ever been, a morning person, so this one might be unrealistic. “I’m very tired in the morning,” I said. “So sleep more,” he says. “That’s easier said than done. After you guys go to bed, I usually have work to do, and after that I watch Property Brothers and Real Housewives of fill-in-the-blank city. I wind up falling asleep around 11:30, which is too late.” “That’s not fair that you get to watch so much TV.”
3
“Buy me the Lego 10188 Star Wars Death Star set.” This is one of the largest and most complex sets in the Lego line with nearly 4,000 pieces and a sticker shock price of $400. I had to reinforce the meaning of a New Year’s resolution: It’s when you make a positive change for yourself, I explained. Like a goal. “Exactly,” he said. “Exactly what?” “I ask you every year to get it for me, and you never do. That’s something you would change, and it’s positive, and you
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should make it your goal.” “But how does this make me better?” “Oh, it would make you A LOT better if you got it for me.”
2
“Don’t put me in timeout so much.” “I’m going to need your help with that one,” I said. “How?” “By not giving me reasons to put you in timeout.”
1
“Be the best dad.” “Whoa, I need some criteria here,” I said. “How do I become the best dad?” “You already are.” “That’s sweet. But you’re still not getting the Death Star.”
David Telisman writes the blog Chocolate Diapers. He lives in Northbrook with his wife and two sons.
Looking for Childcare Solutions? You can find great options in our Childcare Services section.
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www.grins4kids.com 28 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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VIVA DADDY
Old dad, new tricks
MATT ROCCO
T:3.75”
it’s not it’s it’s ’s not it’s not ’s fault not ’s
The New Year is a time for resolving to grow. As a dad north of 40, I find what is growing fastest about me is my nose hair and my desire for those darned kids to get off my lawn. My daughter, on the other hand, learns new things every day. New words, new scientific facts and new ways to stall bedtime well past the cold open of SNL. Viva: Learn to tie shoes. Daddy: Learn the Dunaway pocket square fold.
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by TheShelterPetProject.org o1650_Hdln_Death_Vertical_r0.eps
Viva: Learn the difference between “want” and “need.” Daddy: Learn the difference between “further” and “farther.”
Visit us at any of our locations! In the city:
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1460 N. Halsted St. Suite 506
by TheShelterPetProject.org
T:15.75”
680 N. Lake Shore Drive Suite 1207 In the suburbs:
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Niles, Skokie, Park Ridge, Libertyville, Glenview, Grayslake, Highland Park and Hoffman Estates
Katherine K. Hamming, M.D.
ILLUSTRATION BY STEPHEN SCHUDLICH
Robert P. Miller, M.D.
Viva: Learn your candy consumption limits. Daddy: Learn your cured meat consumption limits.
David L. Walner, M.D.
Viva: Learn patience. Daddy: Learn patience. That should be plenty of challenge for both of us, and there’ll likely be an extra lesson in disappointment when she learns all of the above and J N : PCH0-PETS-O1650 Ver.B Daddy never figures out that pocket square fold. J N : PCH0-PETS-O1650 Ver.B Viva Resolutions. Viva Viva. Job Number: PCH0-PETS-O1650 Ver.B J N : PCH0-PETS-O1650 Ver.B Client: Pet Adoption Viva Daddy. Output%: None File Name: O1650VerB_R1_Divorce_Vertical. ob
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Viva: Remember to brush. Daddy: Remember to vote.
Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Illinois
by TheShelterPetProject.org
T:15.75”
Viva: Figure out how to call for help in case of an emergency. Daddy: Figure out to whom I should complain about Daylight Savings Time.
fault ’s it’s fault not fault ’s fault
S:3.625”
S:15.625”
Viva: Learn to swim. Daddy: Learn to swim.
T:3.75”
by TheShelterPetProject.org
T:15.75”
Viva: Learn phonics. Daddy: Learn Uber.
T:3.75”
S:3.625”
T:15.75”
Viva: Learn to set the table. Daddy: Learn to arm the vacation laser thingies on the house security system.
T:3.75”
S:3.625”
T:15.75”
Viva: Learn all the Beatles albums by cover art. Daddy: Learn the names of all the Disney Princess “Palace Pets.”
T:3.75”
S:3.625”
S:15.625” S:15.625” S:15.625”
I believe that children should be an inspiration, not only to keep us from getting into fistfights every time someone honks when a stoplight has just turned green, but also an inspiration towards selfimprovement. If my 4-year-old can stretch her knowledge and consciousness every day, can’t I? Here are 10 learning goals for Viva for 2016, and 10 learning goals for Daddy. (Twelve seems a little unrealistic so let’s leave some grace months.)
Does your child snore? Does your child have multiple ear or sinus infections?
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On Staff at: Lurie Children’s Hospital Rush University Medical Center
Client: Pet Adoption
Color Sp: 4C
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Justin O’Brien J. Blackburn
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CW:
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Date: 9-23-2009 2:35 PM
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AB: K. Candelaria GCD: Claxton Date:John 9-23-2009 PM AD: N.2:35 Sangdee Brand: Pro Bono Community Brand: Pro Bono Community
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ChicagoParent.com January 2016 29
Black Black
Date: 9-23-2009 Job Number: PCH0-PETS-O1650 Ver.B Vertical_Divorce.eps, AdC_logo_blk.eps, Maddie_BW_NoTag_wtBkg.eps, HSUSLogoV_Black.eps, AdoptLogo_Blk_w17K.eps, o1650_Hdln_Divorce_VertStackd_r0.eps
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2:35 PM
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Notes:
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Trim:
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Des: None
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AB:
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PP:
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K. Nosalik
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K. Candelaria
12/15/15 2:34 PM
It’s Never Too Early...
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Make 2016 the year you branch out to try new experiences
Kick it off
R
BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER ather than make a resolution you won’t n’t keep, start off the new year by challenging yourself to try new things in 2016. Pick one of these new resources in each area of your life, from fashion to fitness, food and family. You may find they make your life easier, tastier and more fun. That’s way better than that resolution you likely will have forgotten by February!
Fitness ClassPass classpass.com A new year generally means reminding yourself that you should be more active and get to the gym. Add some variety to your fitness routine with ClassPass, a monthly membership that lets you create a workout routine that works for you with access to the largest network of fitness studios. Whether it’s cycling and circuit training or Bikram and barre, ClassPass allows you to attend your choice of group fitness classes all through the city. For $99 a month, with no
commitments nts and the ability to cancel anytime, time, try that Pilates, yoga, dancee or weight class you’ve been thinking ing about. With ClassPass, you can row, lift, run un and downward dog your way to fitness in 2016. 016. Orangetheory eory Fitness orangetheoryfitness.com Want to burn 500-1000 calories in one hour? Orangetheory Fitness promises weight loss and strength performance with its five zone heart-rate interval training. Each 60minute session consists of treadmill interval training, indoor rowing and weight room or
resistance training. The idea behind resista Orangetheory is pushing participants Orange into the “orange zone,” which creates excess p post-exercise oxygen consumption continues to burn calories after your and cont workout. With all fitness levels welcome, workout power walkers to elite athletes, from pow Orangetheory is gaining a steady followOrange and can kick-start your new year. ing an Fitb Fitbit fitbit.com fitbi Ready to be held accountable to Read yourself and your fitness? Think yourse you get those 10,000 steps a day yo that doctors recommend? Start th tracking your steps with a Fitbit tr tracker, which all of your friends tr are also using. With a variety of ar products from waist clip-on to pr wrist trackers, Fitbit monitors your w steps, quality of your sleep and st ccalories burned. It syncs to your smartphone or computer. You can track your calorie intake by scanning food barcodes and make sure you’re drinking enough water. Best yet, it allows you to challenge other Fitbit wearers so you can compete with your spouse or friends to keep yourself accountable. CONTINUED ON PAGE 32
ChicagoParent.com January 2016 31
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Social Table
KICK IT OFF
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31
Food Blue Apron blueapron.com That meatloaf and spaghetti meal rotation gets old real quick. With Blue Apron, you skip the grocery store completely and have everything delivered to you in a box with pre-portioned fresh ingredients. The family plan lets you pick two or four meals a week that come with easy directions. A refrigerated box arrives with all the components for the meal. Make it a family event and cook the dinners together. It’s an easy way to get dinner on the table, while also giving your taste buds a new experience. The price breaks down to what you would spend at the store, but you don’t have uneaten leftovers.
Lincoln Park neighborhood. With professional guidance, you cook, drink and eat for a three-hour class and leave the cleaning up for the staff. The Social Table has public classes each month and also offers private classes if you wish to make a guest list, pick the menu and rock your own playlist. Get a group of parents together for food, drinks and fun, while also learning something in the kitchen.
The Dinner Club thedinnerclub.biz The next time the kids ask, “What’s in all official arena parking lots with ticket purchase. for dinner?” you’ll have Visit arena website for details. an answer. Even better, dinner will already be prepped. At The Dinner Club in La Grange, you assemble meals at stations where all the ingredients are chopped, prepped and ready for you. Then you Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com in all official arena parking lots with ticket purchase. Visit arena website for details. take home eight to 12 meals 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Office to store in your freezer until Social Table you are ready to eat them. At thesocialtable.com about $4 per serving, it’s way All parents need a night out DisneyOnIce.com less expensive than fast food away from the kiddos and it and much more nutritious. doesn’t hurt when good food The Dinner Club was designed and wine are included. The Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com •Social 800-745-3000 Venue Box Office by two sisters to help create Table hosts•small, intihealthy and delicious meals to mate BYOB dinner party-style DisneyOnIce.com bring busy families back to the cooking classes in an adorable #DisneyOnIce dinner table together. little yellow house in Chicago’s
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32 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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Fashion
game right to your home each month. You can customize your subscription and list the games you already own so there are never repeats.
Le Tote letote.com Bored by your current closet and wish you could constantly try new clothes? Le Tote is like the Netflix of clothing. It rents out apparel and accessories to wear and return. You select styles you love, get sent a box filled with clothing and accessories that you can wear for as long or as little as you want, and then you send the box back for a new shipment. And if you love anything you receive, you can buy it. With free shipping and just $49 per boutique box, your wardrobe can get a total rotating upgrade as often as you desire. Stitch Fix stitchfix.com Wish you could have a someone else pick out clothes for you? Stitch Fix brings a stylist to you; you complete a personal style quiz online so your personal stylist gets to know you and your preferences. Five pieces of clothing and accessories are then delivered to your door. Try on and keep what you love and send back the rest. You only pay for what you keep and then your feedback makes your next “fix” even better. For only a $20 styling fee (and that amount is deducted from whatever you decide to buy), it’s worth getting your fix on.
Get your museum on Your family has no doubt visited Chicago’s world-class museums. But have you discovered some of the more hidden gems? Challenge your family to explore off the beaten path and learn about Chicago’s many amazing cultural backgrounds, neighborhoods and museums. Try the National Hellenic Museum for some Greek mythology and stay for gyros in Greektown. Head to Andersonville and the Swedish American Museum or to Hyde Park for the DuSable Museum of African American History. Try dim sum in Chinatown after you explore the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago. Get inspired in Pilsen by the National Museum of Mexican Art and fill tummies at Los Comales.
Family Game Box Monthly gameboxmonthly.com Start a new 2016 tradition of family game night that doesn’t involve screens or iPads. Game Box Monthly delivers a new, unique and sometimes hard-to-find board
Emerald City Theatre emeraldcitytheatre.com Theater should be for all ages, and the Emerald City Theatre makes that happen with fun and entertaining shows for the family. For the littlest family members, try the Little Theatre with plays geared toward ages 0-5. For grade school and older kids, the theater offers productions at the Broadway Playhouse and the Apollo Theater. Sign up for the yearly season subscription pass so the family can return time and time again. Megan Murray Elsener is a freelance writer and mother of three.
Emerald City Theatre
Rent the Runway renttherunway.com Nothing to wear for a big black-tie event or formal wedding? You can wear designer dresses and wow the crowd for less than you imagine. At Rent the Runway, you can choose from thousands of designers like Narcisco Rodriguez, Versace, Oscar de la Renta or Vera Wang. Rent dresses and accessories for a fraction of their actual cost, wear and return. Now that it has a Chicago store location, it’s even easier to try on dresses and find the ideal fit. Go big and stun the crowd at your next fancy event! ChicagoParent.com January 2016 33
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Three trends SPRING MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP Begins February 13th! 12 Weeks of Musical Theatre Exploration culminating in a fully staged musical!
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• Lite Brite Wall • Climbing Wall • Transportation Station • Engineering Mega Station • Tubes and Tunnels • Water Play • Dress up Stage • Toddler Area • Private Birthday Parties
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to watch
1
Household managers Tiffanie Kinder, founder of Nanny Connections, says she’s seeing more families hiring household managers who help with morning and afternoon routines, kids’ activities, groceries, errands and more. She says this trend might have something to do with an increase in the stay-at-home dad/working mom dynamic. Expect to pay about $18-$25 an hour.
2
Adult coloring books There’s nothing quite like the simplicity and joy you get from coloring with the kids. This relaxing pastime has taken on new life with the new coloring books created just for adults that are flooding the market. Don’t be surprised to see Wine and Coloring Parties this year. Get your Crayolas ready.
3
On-point names Trendy Chicago moms are already picking the cool baby names ahead of the rest of the nation (take that, NYC and Dallas). So in 2016, baby name guru Bruce Lansky, author of 100,000+ Baby Names, predicts parents will pick places, such as Ireland or Malaysia, the last names of celebs, as in Aniston or Beckham, or a favorite character in a book or movie and abscond with their last name to create their baby’s first name.
New year, new you: 10 maverick acts MIND: Release judgment of shoulds and accept the as-is. SOUL: Make 10 heart connections today. LOVE: Drop on the floor and play with your kids. BODY: Pledge to eat only very divine things. NATURE: Touch it, feel it, breathe it. LIFE: To chores, say, “Thank you for allowing me to live.” PEACE: Write your worries on a paper and allow them to nap today. FUTURE: Take one, just one, step toward a dream you have. PAST: Recognize that it doesn’t exist anymore, only in your mind. THE NOW: Enter it, embrace it, love it, live it. Dr. Shefali Tsabary, 30 Second Mom contributor, world-renowned clinical psychologist and author
34 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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Parenting in 2016 New Year’s resolutions just for parents
J
BY SHANNAN YOUNGER
ulie Lythcott-Haims says her role as freshmen dean at Stanford University for a decade afforded her a view of the future—and what she saw frightened her. A parenting shift is needed, she says. In her book, How to Raise an Adult, her parenting recommendations make good New Year’s resolutions for moms and dads seeking to raise confident, capable kids who grow up to be independent, happy adults.
Teach kids to do more for themselves. “Remember, your job as a parent is to put yourself out of a job,” says LythcottHaims. “We won’t be around forever, so we need to know our adult kids can fend for themselves.” She encourages parents to not do what the kids can or can almost do for themselves. Not only will
kids gain valuable life skills, it also sends kids the message that they are capable individuals. Lythcott-Haims cites studies showing that excessive parental hand-holding not only deprives kids of opportunities to learn, but also leads to higher rates of anxiety and depression.
Stop saying “we” when you mean your son or daughter. While children’s activities do feel like they involve the entire family, Lythcott-Haims implores parents not to say “we are playing soccer this spring” or “we have a dance recital.” Your children are playing and performing, not you. Using “we” deprives children of accomplishment and can lead to parents being too intertwined in their children’s lives. It’s OK to make the separation between parent and child clear from a very early age, and in fact will make separation down the road easier.
36 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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It’s not school, it’s Quest!
u Make sure your kids have some free time. Cutting back on an activity or two this year could have benefits for both you and your children, including less time in the car, less hectic schedules, less stress and more downtime. Kids need to know what it’s like to have unscheduled downtime before their freshman year of college. “We are on autopilot in our minivans and serving as our kids’ concierge,” Lythcott-Haims explains, citing how the days of “go out and play” are long gone and replaced by a very full schedule of activities. Parents don’t have to sign their kid up for every single opportunity, she says, and should fight the perceived notion that doing so is required to be a good parent. “Stop cultivating kids like bonsai trees,” she urges.
An independent school for gifted children from Preschool through Eighth Grade.
2015-16 Open House Schedule Thursday, February 18, 2016 Grades K – 8 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2016 and Saturday, April 23, 2016 Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Play Date (Ages 3 - 4) 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
u Don’t sweat the small stuff. This may be a common New Year’s resolution, but it takes on greater importance when viewed in light of the impact on kids. “Our kids don’t need to feel that every moment is make or break,” says Lythcott-Haims. “It messes with them.” Letting a few small issues go and not insisting on perfection takes pressure off you and your kids, and teaches them a valuable lesson in the process. “Our kids need to know that failure happens, and that it is OK,” she says.
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January 6, 13, 20, 27 February 3, 10, 17, 24 March 2, 9, 30 April 6, 27 May 4, 11, 18
Reservations required for these events. Contact Director of Admission, Kitsana Salyphone at kitsana.salyphone@questacademy.org or call 847.202.8035, ext. 438 questacademy.org 500 North Benton, Palatine, IL 60067
CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
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PARENTING RESOLUTIONS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37
u Don’t worry about college. It’s not a shock that parents start thinking about college when their kids are little, but LythcottHaims stresses, “One does not have to mortgage childhood to get into an elite school.” When Lythcott-Haims asks a group of high schoolers what
they want her to tell their parents, she frequently hears, “Tell them that the brand name of college we go to isn’t as important as they think.” She says she couldn’t agree more. “It’s the kid, not the school, that leads to a bright future.”
u Remember how you parented when your child was learning to walk. A parent helping a baby taking her first steps offers support, realizes stumbles are inevitable, doesn’t make too big a deal out of those stumbles when they happen and encourages a quick recovery. In the world of overparenting, that may be the last time parents are comfortable with the idea of their kids failing, says Lythcott-Haims. Parents should keep those early days in mind. They should continue to let their kids fall and
encourage them to pick themselves up when falls happen. As much as parents would like their children’s path in life to be perfectly smooth, there will inevitably be potholes and unexpected turns. Teaching them to handle that as children means that they will be fully capable of doing so when they reach adulthood. Shannan Younger is a frequent contributor at Chicago Parent and the mom behind the Mom Factually blog.
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38 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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Cold comfort Best places for chicken noodle soup
Café Vienna
A
BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER s if the bitter temperatures, bone-chilling wind and snow isn’t enough, winter brings nasty colds along for the season, too. So we went on the hunt for the best five places to get good ol’ chicken noodle soup to cure that winter cold—and any other reason you need winter’s hot comfort food.
Mariano’s Fresh Market
Cafè Vienna
Goddess and Grocer
marianos.com 1649 N. Damen Ave., 901 N. Larrabee St., 1127 N. State St., Chicago The idea of grocery store soup goddessandgrocer.com usually brings to mind large vats of congealed broth lacking When your cold leaves you Chicken Dumpling taste or appeal. Mariano’s flat on your couch surrounded Soup Fresh Market, with locations by tissues, the idea of warm throughout Chicago and the chicken soup delivered to your suburbs, is changing that door is the next best thing to and brings its A-game to being healthy. The Goddess and chicken dumpling soup. The Grocer will deliver homemade deep chicken flavor, sweet chicken matzo ball soup to you. carrots and German-style It’s a simple soup, but it’s always on spaetzle dumplings combine for a the menu and one of the store’s most delicious soup that will hit the spot. Send popular items. Put down the snotty your spouse or best friend to grab you a tissue and easily order online to get large container the next time a cold hits. you on the road to recovery.
Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli 1141 S. Jefferson St., Chicago mannysdeli.com Since 1942, Manny’s Coffee Shop & Deli has been a family-operated restaurant with recipes handed down from generation to generation. It is just as famous for its chicken broth soup as for the amazing deli sandwiches. Served as its daily chicken soup special is chicken broth with the option of matzo ball, kreplach (dumplings filled with meat or cheese), noodles or rice. Manny’s chicken soup will warm your soul and fill your belly on any winter day.
2523 N. Clark St., Chicago cafeviennachicago.com What may appear to be an average bakery on the outside is truly a delightful treasure inside. Serving traditional Austrian breads, pastries, soups, sandwiches, breakfasts and dinners, Café Vienna uses authentic Austrian recipes with only the best, all-natural ingredients. Its chicken noodle soup is simple and delicious, with chicken breast, veggies and noodles. Pair it with a slice of one of the homemade European artisan baked breads and you’ll quickly become a huge fan, sick or not.
XOCO 449 N. Clark St., Chicago rickbayless.com/restaurants/xoco If your taste buds aren’t totally useless, treat yourself to award-winning Chef Rick Bayless’s take on Mexican street food. XOCO, the casual counter service restaurant, serves “caldos,” which are meal-in-a-bowl soups. The wood-roasted chicken pozole is made with Gunthrop Farms chicken, pozole corn, rich broth, crunchy garnishes, crushed red chiles and lime. It will leave you coming back for more, whether you are healthy, sick or just hungry.
Chicken Pazole Caldos
Megan Murray Elsener is a freelance writer and mom of three.
ChicagoParent.com January 2016 39
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winter 10 places to freeze out
D
BY JENNY MUSLIN
on’t let bitter Chicago temps keep you stuck at home! We set out to find some great destinations that will keep your family active—and help you escape any winter blues.
Adler Astro-Overnights
The City of Big Shoulders also is the city of big dreamers. And there’s nothing better to kickstart your littles’ imaginations than a fun sleepover under the stars. Adler Planetarium is THE place to start. This winter through summer, families with kids 6-12 get a magical, out-of-this-world experience at AstroOvernights. It’s a night filled with fun hands-on activities, two sky shows and a continental
You can win the war on cabin fever
Adler Astro-Overnights
breakfast come morning. Chicago Parent is even hosting the bedtime story. $60 per person overnight, $30 per person evening only (6-10 p.m.). For the ultimate VIP experience, sleep under the stars in the Grainger Sky Theater for $70 per person. Get your tickets soon because these will sell out quickly. 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago (312) 922-7827; adler planetarium.org
E
Our cover boy William Everett Pierce, 4, isn’t afraid of the cold. Photo by Thomas Kubik/TK Photography
40 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com Frozemo CHIPAR0116_040.indd 1
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Exploritorium
The Kids’ Table
Your kiddos won’t miss the outdoors when they set foot in this suburban indoor playground. The facility is centered around interactive play ideal for kids 1-8. A life-size Lite Bright, expansive water play area and climbing wall are just a few of the attractions to keep little ones on their toes. $5 per person 4701 Oakton St., Skokiee (847) 674-1500; exploritorium.org
Frozemont
For the child who has an interest in cooking or the one who has yet to discover their way around a kitchen, a drop-in cooking class is a great way to expose your little one to new tastes and flavors. At each hands-on class, kids learn to connect with wit food by making delicious deelicious meals. Class themes change weekly based on the sseason. Choose from two tw Chicago locations. $25 per class for kids 2 and up 2337 W. North Ave., Chicago C 2864 N. Lincoln Ave., Av Chicago Av ((773) 235-2665; kidstable.com tabl ta blee Legoland Discovery Center
They can’t do this in California! At Rosemont’s Polar Peak Tubing Hill, take advantage ge of the snow drifts and gett your your u thrills thr hril illls l sliding sli lid d ng down d wn a steep, do steep p, twot otw story stor st o y hill. or h Kids 2-5 will enjoy enjo en joyy the children’s hill hiill while sitting h on o an adult’s lap, and a older kids can sprint down the s main slope. While m you’re there, take y a few spins around tthe he free outdoor NHL-sized ice skating N NHL H next to rink nk llocated o Exploritorium Polar Peak. P ola lar Pe Pea a $3 per er rrun, un tubes provided $8 skate rentals 5501 Park Place, Rosemont mon nt (847) 349-5008; rosemont. mont mo nt.. com/mbfinancialpark/ frozemont
Legoland Discovery Legola C Center t
Get your fill of Legos at this miniamusement park. Leave yourself at least a few hours to experience rides, 4D cinema and countless Lego attractions. Although the space is ideal for ages 3-10, discounted Toddler Tuesdays ($7) feature exhibits just for littles. Buy tickets on online onli line ne aahead head d off time to avoid lengthy lines. $13 and up The Streets of Woodfield 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg (847) 592-9700; lego landdiscoverycenter. land la n discoveryce com/chicago c m/chic co
Morton Arboretum Take in Mother Nature as you crosscountry ski or snowshoe among 4,000 different types of trees and shrubs. Yes, it’s a workout, but it makes for a fun family outing and the ideal place to try out these winter sports for the first time. $9, $6 kids 2-17 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle (630) 968-0074; mortonarb.org
Growth Spurts Escape a dreary day at this engaging indoor play space. Activities include a crooked house kids can run through, toddler jungle gym, loads of learning toys and a creative painting station. Adults can enjoy a latté from the coffee bar while children play in the imaginative and spotless surroundings. Check hours before going. $12 kids 404 Linden Ave., Wilmette (847) 850-9059; agrowthspurt.com
Oak Brook Park District Family Aquatic Center
Who says you need to travel to a warm day at the cclimate cl lim imat atee to sspend pend pe nd dad pool? p po oll? At tthis hiss iindoor hi water park, w wa terr p te ark r kids of aalll ag al ages es will have blast a bl blas as splashing aamong am o the many m ma a water ffeatures, fe e which w iinclude n a water playground, p pl l water w Oak Brook Park vvortex, o District Family zero-depth zero Aquatic Center We’ve found the splash area and sp North Shore’s best 105-foot 1 05--fo foo o slide. sledding hill! Bundle up Pack a lunch Pa lun and in your layers for a day ttake ta ke a rrest e t at the large es Ghirardelli Ice of winter fun at Lovelace eating area that borders the ti th tb Cream and long-time Park, a long n tim popularr pool. Your pass is good all day long, so Chocolate Shop destination for sledding ng and even if you run home to take a nap, you skating. own tube skatin ing. Bring yourr ow o n tu can return in the afternoon for more sled and make countless trips or sle Warm up with a decadent cup of hot water fun. down the snow-laden hills. cocoa, the perfect treat on a winter day. dow $12, $8 kids; discounts for residents 2740 Gross Point Road, With five different types of hot choco1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook Evanston late offered, from a classic topped with E (630) 645-9581; obparks.org/aquatics (847) 448-4311; whipped cream to a decadent sea salt caramel version, you can’t choose wrong. ccityofevanston.org/ Jenny Muslin is a freelance writer and mom to an active parks-recreation/parks 830 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago p 2-year-old who loves to explore Chicago and the suburbs. (312) 337-9330; ghirardelli.com
Lovelace Park
Ghirardelli G h rdelli Ice Ice Cream and Chocolate Choco Shop
ChicagoParent.com January 2016 41 zemont CHIPAR0116_041.indd 1
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COMING SOON to Willowbrook in 2016! Serving Infants through Pre-Kindergartners, offering: Kiddie CamsTM LuvNotesTM Red Carpet ServiceTM Double Secured Entry 6258 Kingery Hwy S Willowbrook, IL 6052
For more information: email us at willowbrook@littlesunshine.com or visit us at www.littlesunshine.com 42 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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Banish winter blahs A trip to Wisconsin Dells should make your to do list this winter
Y
BY CORTNEY FRIES
our family so needs a mini-escape and you’ve always wanted to check out the “The Waterpark Capital of the World,” but when it comes time to book the trip, the choices can become a tad overwhelming and you never make the reservation. So we put together an insider’s guide to the warm waters, winter sports and fun indoor activities to keep your winter boredom at bay.
WHERE TO STAY
Wilderness Resort 511 E. Adams St., (800) 867-9453; wildernessresort.com Best for: Winter tanning Wilderness boasts four indoor water parks, all accessible through inside walkways. Wild WaterDome’s transparent roof makes sunbathing possible even when there’s snow on the ground. Here you can ride the waves in America’s largest indoor wave pool. Or try the new slideboard experience, a surfboard ride that combines the thrill of water slides with the interactive skill of gaming, which opened in December. When your time in the water is done, have some fun at the new indoor attractions. Spin around the spiraling two-story go-kart trail, test your agility in the Lazer Maze or have a showdown in the Lazer Tag arena. CONTINUED ON PAGE 44
ChicagoParent.com January 2016 43
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WISCONSIN DELLS
Kalahari Resort
Smile wider, laugh louder, have more fun. Get a free Winter Guide.
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Safari Land Explore Chicagoland’s Largest Indoor Amusement Park And Experience The Largest Indoor Roller Coaster In Illinois Exhilarating Family Fun filled with adventure, food, games and rides! Tilt-A-Whirl • 3DMaxFlight Simulator • Bumper Cars Kiddie Go Karts • Cosmic Bowling • Soft Play Video Games • Atlantis Restaurant
Birthday Parties & Group Packages
701 W. North Ave., Villa Park 630•530•4649 www.safarilandfun.com
1305 Kalahari Drive, (608) 254-5466; kalahariresorts.com/ wisconsin Best for: Family slides Kalahari offers Disney-caliber comforts within an Africanthemed atmosphere. There’s fun for all bravery levels, from bodyboarding to tot slides. With rafts for up to three people, family water slides are great for getting 3:45 PM little ones used to big rides or sharing group giggles. Kalahari’s indoor theme park features a six-story Ferris wheel, ropes courses for tykes and teens, bumper boats and even a pulse-pounding pendulum ride.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43
Great Wolf Lodge 1400 Great Wolf Drive; (608) 253-2222; greatwolf.com/ wisconsin-dells Best for: Festive suites Great Wolf’s warm indoor water park is sure to thrill your whole pack. With zero-depth entry pools and many mini water slides, even the tiniest tots will have a great time while the big kids swirl down the tornado slide. After splishing and splashing, snuggle up in your own winter wonderland.
WHERE TO PLAY INDOORS
Rick Wilcox Magic Theater 1670 Wisconsin Dells Parkway.; (608) 2545511, rickwilcox.com Best for: Mesmerizing illusions Want to add some wow to your Wis Dells getaway? Illusionists Rick and Suzan Wilcox keep audiences guessing, and laughing, in their Vegas-quality magic show. Kids will be captivated by the double levitation. Parents will appreciate that, even though it’s in Wisconsin, the show isn’t too cheesy. Audience members can volunteer to participate in the action and get a great prize. Check for tickets first. Shows resume in February.
44 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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Knuckleheads Trampoline Park * Rides * Bowling 150 N. Gasser Road, Lake Delton; (608) 254-7332, dells knuckleheads.com Best for: Giant trampolines Got a few cooped-up kids? Knuckleheads is just the place to set those jumping beans free. Shoot hoops, play dodgeball, take a flying leap into the foam pit or bounce around the huge trampoline court. A 60-minute session is enough to wear anyone out. Little leapers will love the jumping pillow. Cool down at the 4D theater, bowling alley, arcade or indoor coaster.
WHERE TO EXPLORE OUTDOORS
Tommy Bartlett Exploratory
Bigfoot Zipline Tours
560 Wisconsin Dells Parkway; (608) 2542525, tommybartlett.com/ exploratory Best for: Brain boosters Examine the silly side of science in more than 175 handson exhibits. Ever wonder what
it’s like inside a thundercloud? Find out as your hair stands on end (an awesome photo opportunity). Tykes can tackle the Big Dig while bigger kids get a kick out of the interactive sports.
1550 Wisconsin Dells Parkway; (608) 254-5555, bigfootzip.com Best for: High-flying fun Experience the cool exhilaration of zipping through the treetops over frozen waters. Bigfoot Ziplines is open year-round and thrill seekers ages 4 and up can glide across seven different ziplines, including the longest at almost 1,400 feet long. CONTINUED ON PAGE 46
Summer Camp for Kids with Special Needs Rose Deneen
Assistant professor of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management
Offering 8-week, full day, and overnight integrated camp options
Has worked in food service for nearly 40 years. Is passionate about sharing her knowledge of the culinary arts industry. Enjoys getting to eat sweet treats every day.
How will YOU fill in the blank? #fillintheblank @morainevalley
Spring classes start Jan. 19.
REGISTER NOW!
For more information, call 847-205-0274 or visit Keshet.org.
A RAINBOW OF HOPE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
ChicagoParent.com January 2016 45
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WISCONSIN DELLS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45
WHERE TO EAT
MACS Macaroni and Cheese Shop
Woodside Ranch
Woodside Ranch
Cascade Mountain
W4015 State Road 82, Mauston; (800) 626-4275, woodsideranch.com Best for: Horseback heaven Take in a peaceful winter horseback ride at Woodside Ranch, a 15-minute drive from the Dells. With more than 1,000 wooded acres and 100 horses and ponies, no two trail rides will be the same. Wagon and sleigh rides are also available.
W10441 Cascade Mountain Road, Portage; (608) 742-5588, cascademountain.com Best for: New skiers Small children or anyone new to skiing will feel confident here. Try the Cascade Kids program, where kids 4-10 can learn the basics of skiing and snowboarding. Kids ski free with a paid adult.
208 Broadway; (608) 6782300, macandcheeseshop.com Best for: Wisconsin cheesiness There’s nothing like comfort food on a cold day, and MACS has mac ‘n’ cheese down. Not only have they mastered the gooey goodness of the Original Mac, with bubbling cheddar and mozzarella cheeses atop noodles with crispy breadcrumbs, but their unique offerings hit the mark.
High Rock Cafe 232 Broadway; (608) 254-5677, highrockcafe.com Best for: Fresh favorites Looking for fresh food in a contemporary setting? Sit on the second floor of High Rock Café and overlook the downtown
Dells. The hearty, flavorful wraps and savory soups are sensational, and the garlic tator tot and broccoli salad sides are worth the upcharge. While this restaurant is slightly more upscale, it offers classic kids’ meal with quality ingredients.
Buffalo Phil’s Pizza & Grille 150 Gasser Road, Lake Delton; (608) 254-7300, buffalophilsgrille.com Best for: Traindelivered food Retrieving your meal from a model train is fun, especially when a cast of stuffed animal characters accompanies it. Buffalo Phil’s offers Lil’ Buckaroo meals, plus it’s connected to Knuckleheads. Cortney Fries is a frequent Chicago Parent contributor and Chicago mom of two.
! n u f e in th
Jo Pre-K through 8th Grade Independent School Guiding Bright & Gifted Children Onward & Upward
Upcoming Tours
January 6 and January 20
Junior Kindergarten Information Night January 7
For more information:
The Avery Coonley School 1400 Maple Avenue Downers Grove, IL 60515 www.averycoonley.org admission@averycoonley.org 630-969-0800 Our students prefer complex challenges to simple tasks. They have an insatiable appetite to learn. They are motivated children of high intelligence.
Lifeline Theatre’s 2016
SUMMER DRAMA CAMPS & CLASSES
DRAMA KIDS
SUMMER CAMP For ages 5–7 June 20–24 (Session 1), June 27–July 1 (Session 2) 9:00–12:00 noon
$200 (one session) or $350 (both sessions) per child
DRAMA STARS
SUMMER CAMP For ages 8–12 July 11–22, 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!
46 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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special advertising section // ArtReach Educational Theatre Musical Theatre Workshops, Voice Lessons, and Summer Camps 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine artreachspotlite.com
Arts Education
Lifeline Theatre
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts
Skokie Park District
World premiere musicals for children based on beloved books. 6912 N. Glenwood Ave, Chicago (773) 761-4477 lifelinetheatre.com
NinjaCamp, AirborneKicks, Artistic Weaponry 6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-3456 Master-SH-Yu.com
9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 SkokieParks.org
DePaul University School of Music/Community Music Division Music instruction for all ages in a university setting 804 W. Belden Ave., Chicago (773) 325-7262 Music.depaul.edu/cmd
Kohl Children’s Museum Interactive art programming daily. Themes change each month! 2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview (847) 832-6600 kcmgc.org
Lakeshore Academy of Artistic Gymanstics 937 W. Chestnut St., Chicago (312) 563-9400 520 E. Business Center Dr., Mt. Prospect (847) 376-8826 lakeshoreacademy.com
Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Camp
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Specializing in Dentistry for Children & Adolescents
Dennis R. LaMonte, D.D. Steven T. Kuhn, D.D.S. Our newly Specializing expanded in Dentistry for Exceptional Specializing Comeand enjoy our Children & in Dentistry forGeneral & Cosmetic decorated office Adolescents Children & Dentistry will office allow- Steven us T.to Dennis R. LaMonte, D.D.S., M.S. Kuhn, see D.D.S. Ourexpanded newly Adolescents for Adults We’re excited to see T. Kuhn, D.D.S. Dennis R. LaMonte, D.D.S., M.S. expanded more of you & Steven your Exceptional Michael Kasper, Niki Kasper, D.D.S. Modern you and your & Cosmetic and decorated office family’s smiles! General Same&relaxed & fun atmosphere – now expanded General Cosmetic Dentistry family’s smiles! provide the entire family with quality dental servi Dentistry will allow us to see for Adults CHICAGO PARENT’S for Adults 10313 West Lincoln Hwy. , in Frankfort ANNUAL CAMP more of you & your Michael Kasper, D.D.S. Niki Kasper, D.D.S. Niki Kasper, D.D.S. Michael Kasper, D.D.S. GUIDE family’s smiles! Same relaxed & fun atmosphere – now expanded to We offer a relaxed & fun atmosphere, providing January May | Diplomats of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
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camp 2016 // special advertising section DAY CAMP Avery Coonley School, The Enrichment program for preschool - 8th grade. 1400 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove (630) 969-0800 averycoonley.org
Bright Horizons Early Education and Preschool Day camp full of fun, friendships, and exploration! Locations throughout Chicagoland (877) 624-4532 brighthorizons.com/ ChicagoParent15
Chicago Grammar School 900 N. Franklin, Chicago (312) 944-5600 chicagogrammar.org
JCYS Big City Day Camp 957 W. Grace Street, Chicago (773) 281-2533 jcys.org
JCYS Camp Henry Horner 26710 W. Nippersink Road, Ingleside (847) 740-5010 jcys.org
JCYS Counselor-In-Training Camp 26710 W. Nippersink Road, Ingleside (847) 740-5010 957 W. Grace Street, Chicago (773) 281-2533 800 Clavey Road, Highland Park (847) 433-6001 jcys.org
JCYS Horner Grove Day Camp
JCYS Sunflower Camp Highland Park 800 Clavey Road, Highland Park (847) 433-6001 jcys.org
JCYS Sunflower Day Camp Lakeview 957 W. Grace Street, Chicago (773) 281-2533 jcys.org
Lakeshore Academy of Artistic Gymanstics 937 W. Chestnut St., Chicago (312) 563-9400 520 E. Business Center Dr., Mt. Prospect (847) 376-8826 lakeshoreacademy.com
Little Green Tree House Preschool and Childcare 118 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago (312) 492-9876 littlegreentreehouse.com
Montessori Academy of Chicago 1335 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 243-0977 montessoriacademychicago.org
Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 SkokieParks.org
OVERNIGHT CAMP Animal Camp Jamaica Teen travel program for boys and girls ages 14-18! Business Address: 16795 State Route E Rolla, MO 65401 (573) 458-2125 AnimalCampJamaica.com
1700 Weiland Ave, Buffalo Grove (847) 279-0900 jcys.org
Black River Farm and Ranch Summer Horse Camp for Girls 5040 Sheridan Line Croswell, MI 48422 (810) 679-2505 blackriverfarmandranch.com
Camp Anokijig Friendship and values, personal growth, and OUTRAGEOUS FUN! W5639 Anokijig Lane, Plymouth, WI 53073 (920) 893-0782 or (800) 741-6931 anokijig.com
Cub Creek Science Camp
SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP Camp Lee Mar Special needs camp with traditional activities, academics, speech, daily living skills & more 450 Route 590 Lackawaxen, PA 18435 (215) 658-1708 leemar.com
Camp STAR 800 Clavey Road, Highland Park (847) 433-6001 jcys.org
A summer camp with its own zoo! 16795 State Route E, Rolla, MO 65401 (573) 458-2125 MOScienceCamp.com
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SPECIALTY CAMP ArtReach Educational Theatre Musical Theatre Workshops, Voice Lessons, and Summer Camps 3839 W. Frontage Road, Palatine artreachspotlite.com
Lifeline Theatre Summer Drama Camps, June 20-July 22, for ages 5-12. 6912 N. Glenwood Ave, Chicago (773) 761-4477 lifelinetheatre.com
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts NinjaCamp, AirborneKicks, Artistic Weaponry 6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-3456 Master-SH-Yu.com
26710 W. Nippersink Road, Ingleside (847) 740-5010 jcys.org A Rainbow of Hope for Individuals with Special Needs 3210 Dundee Road, Suite 100, Northbrook (847) 205-0274, keshet.org
FIELD TRIP Kohl Children’s Museum Interactive art programming daily. Themes change each month! 2100 Patriot Boulevard, Glenview (847) 832-6600 kcmgc.org
Safari Land Indoor Amusement Park Perfect for field trips 701 W. North Ave., Villa Park (630) 530-4649 safariland.com
JCYS Jon Vegosen Champ Camp 1195 Half Day Road, Highland Park (847) 433-6001 jcys.org
JCYS North Shore Day Camp 800 Clavey Road, Highland Park (847) 433-6001 jcys.org
JCYS NSDC Sports 800 Clavey Road, Highland Park (847) 433-6001 jcys.org
48 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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e Friend k a M New Friends
Positive Values
s at Camp Anok ijig! Person al Growt h
s geou Outra n! Fu
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800-741-6931 www.anokijig.com Plymouth, WI
Chicago Parent needs a few good moms and dads. We are looking for friendly, outgoing readers to staff Chicago Parent booths at events throughout the city and suburbs. Must have a car and flexible schedule. Events are mainly on weekends. Email Kamil Brady at kamil@chicagoparent.com with your resume and a cover letter about yourself.
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Traveling Players presents
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Chicago Parent needs a few good moms and dads. We are looking for friendly, outgoing readers to staff Chicago Parent booths at events throughout the city and suburbs. Must have a car and flexible schedule. Events are mainly on weekends. Email Kamil Brady at kamil@chicagoparent.com with your resume and a cover letter about yourself. 50 Janaury 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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Make your next Birthday Party a
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save the date!
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52 January 2016 ChicagoParent.com
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JANUARY
1
Your kids’ chicken-scratch handwriting might occasionally resemble the images etched into the walls of the pyramids, but at Introduction to Hieroglyphs, they’ll see what real rudimentary writing looked like. Kids 9-12 can learn the basics of the Egyptian hieroglyphic writing system, as well as how to read some of the key symbols. Afterward, they can create their own Egyptian-inspired code (hopefully one that mom and dad know how to crack). $10, $5 member. 1-3 p.m. Jan. 23. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.
2
We know at least onee little boy who wants to be a ninja inja detective when he grows up, so o this year’s Japan Fest, with the theme “Ninjas and Geishas,”” is sure to be a hit. Say “konnichiwa” to an afternoon of fun, where families can practice ctice using chopsticks, try their hand d at calligraphy, experience martiall arts and learn a few Japanese phrases, plus try on a kimono or ninja costume to really get in a cultural frame of mind. Free. Noon-4 p.m. Jan. 30. Oak Park k and River Forest High School, 201 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park.. (708) 434-3386, oprfhs.org.
3
Stateside, king cake is traditionally served during the lead-up to Mardi Gras, but in France, it’s a dessert that’s whipped up to celebrate the Festival of Epiphany. This tasty treat, known as a “Galette des Rois,” is just as welcome in Chicago as Paris. Create your own version of the flaky delicacy at the Family Cooking Class, where kids 7-10 learn that you don’t have to be the second coming of Julia Child to mix up some French delights. Noon-2 p.m. Jan. 9. $35 parent/ child pair; $50 family of four. Alliance Francaise de Chicago, 810 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (312) 337-1070, af-chicago.org.
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CALENDAR
Ja apa pan Fe F es stt Seee Ourr Pi P cks
8 | FRIDAY
SUBURBS
10 | SUNDAY
OWL PROWL. Kids 6 and up, with adult, learn about owls with information and hands-on demonstrations, then head outside for a night hike to listen for owls. Dress for walking through snow. $6. 7-8 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.
SATURDAY SPLAT. Northfield Community Nursery School opens its classrooms and brings out the gooiest, bubbliest, splashiest activities for a messy good time. Dress for a mess. 9:30-11 a.m. Northfield Community Nursery School, 400 Wagner Road, Northfield. (847) 446-1116, nfcns. org.
CHICAGO
9 | SATURDAY
MUSHER MANIA. Experience the Siberian husky breed and watch sled dog teams in action. Pull a dog sled in the “human mushing” activity, play on snowshoes, take a photo with a sled dog and warm up by roasting marshmallows over the fire or visiting with vendors or enjoying a special viewing of “Icebound: The Greatest Dog Story Ever Told” in the warming tent. Become a musher in the “Great Race to Nome” activity, and pan for gold. Noon-4 p.m. Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Ave., Monee. (708) 534-8499, reconnectwithnature.org.
CHICAGO ONCE UPON A SYMPHONY: THE KING ELEPHANT AND THE MICE.
Originally from a collection of Indian fables passed down through centuries, this story teaches that we will find friends—and courage—in unexpected places. Recommended for families with kids 3 and up. $17. 10 and 11:45 a.m. Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 294-3000, cso.org.
WINTERFEST! Features multiple bands and performances, as well as crafts, face painting and other activities. Musicians include Miss Jamie from the Farm, Ice Cream Vendors, Mary Macaroni and more. $10. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont. (773) 281-4444, beatkitchen.com.
SUBURBS
15 | FRIDAY TODDLER EXPLORATION TIME. Children 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. 10:30-11:15 a.m. (18-30 months); 12:15-1 p.m. (3-5). Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 725-2400, oakparkconservatory.org.
16 | SATURDAY CHICAGO
MOSCOW FESTIVAL BALLET:
“Cinderella.” More than 50 of the company’s highly skilled dancers grace the stage in the lavish fulllength story ballet “Cinderella,” one of the most beloved ballets of all time. $55; $45 kids. 2 and 7 p.m. McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 942-4000, atthemac. org.
TOO HOT TO HANDEL: THE JAZZGOSPEL MESSIAH. A jazz combo,
orchestra and 100-person choir join soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson in one of Chicago’s favorite annual events. $25-$70. 7:30 p.m. Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway. (312) 922-2110, auditoriumtheatre.org/wb.
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CALENDAR SUBURBS NAPERVILLE PLAYS! Features
hands-on arts and science exhibits, a live performance and an exclusive traveling exhibit about the children of Hangzhou. $11, $10 seniors. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, naper settlement.org.
17 | SUNDAY CHICAGO TOO HOT TO HANDEL: THE JAZZGOSPEL MESSIAH. See Jan. 16.
Today’s time is 3 p.m.
SUBURBS TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. The concert
explores themes of brotherhood, struggle, adversity, triumph and love to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King. Features five-time Grammy Award winner Victor Wooten and the
Apostolic Church of God Sanctuary Choir. $10-$60. 3 p.m. Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College, 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville. (312) 2363681 ext. 2, chicagosinfonietta.org.
18 | MONDAY
About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the February issue is Dec. 28. 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 62.
BLACK CREATIVITY FAMILY DAY. Meet and interact with STEM
professionals in workshops, enjoy hourly facilitated workshops in the Innovation Studio (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), and visit The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition, which features more than 100 art works from both professional and amateur African-American artists from around the country. Free for Illinois residents. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago.org. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY ZOO CAMP. Each group explores
the zoo and participates in a variety of activities. Activities focus on animal diversity, environmental
Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar conservation and the ways the zoo cares for animals. The theme for this camp is “Armored Animals.” Kids in Pre-K through grade 4 investigate how animals use these adaptations, along with more unusual methods of protection, to fend off ferocious predators. $57-$67. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org. AFRICAN DANCE CELEBRATION. The Soli Performing
Arts Company celebrates African
culture through authentic dance, drum music and stories for the entire family. The dancers will wear authentic attire and play native instruments. 2-3 p.m. Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. (847) 929-5102, webrary.org. WHAT DOES IT MEAN, DR. KING?
Take a journey back in time and learn about freedom through an interactive musical drama. Pick up a ticket one hour prior to the performance. Free with museum admission. 1, 2 or 3 p.m. Chicago Children’s Museum,
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CALENDAR 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicago childrensmuseum.org. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY.
Kids 5-12, with adult, celebrate the inspirational Nobel Peace Prize winner by creating a colorful collage of Dr. King. $3, $2 members. 1-3 p.m. Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. (847) 3915399, desplaineshistory.org.
23 | SATURDAY CHICAGO
Today’s time is 7:30 p.m. and location is Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago.
21 | THURSDAY
SUBURBS
THIRD THURSDAY. A time designated for families of children with special needs to enjoy the museum. Accommodations are made so that all children can participate in general programs and resources are available to help visitors structure their visit. Free with museum admission. 5-7
Once On ce Upo on a Symp Sy mpho ph ho ony ny: Th ny: The K ng Ele Ki lep eph phan ant a d th an the Mic Mice Mi ce
JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER ORCHESTRA: WHO IS DUKE ELLINGTON? Families of kids 5 and
up explore the life and music of one of the greatest composers in jazz history. $25-$60. 1 p.m. Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 294-3000, cso.org.
TRIBUTE TO DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. See Jan. 17.
ORY
p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum. org.
PRESCHOOL AND ENRICHMENT FAIR. The fair
showcases more than 25 area preschools, daycare centers and enrichment programs for area families. Parents also can learn about educational opportunities at museums, dance studios, park districts
Seee Ja Jan. 9 Jan
and other programs. 10 a.m.-noon. Park Ridge Public Library, 20 S. Prospect, Park Ridge. (847) 8253123, parkridgelibrary.org.
is required. Check website for cost. 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m. or 1:15 p.m. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org.
TALES OF THE UNDERGROUND.
This special event offers a glimpse into what fugitive slaves endured on their trip to freedom. Light refreshments will be available. Registration
BUILDING EXTRAVAGANZA FEATURING LEGO. Kids 5-12
build skyscrapers, vehicles, cranes and a motorized project with more
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Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive in Millennium Park. (312) 334-7777, harristheaterchicago.org.
LEGO KIDZ NITE OUT: MINING & CRAFTING. Kids 7-10 experi-
ence the world of Minecraft with Lego bricks, gears and motors, while crafting shelters, mobs, critters and tools. Kidz Nite Out incorporates building and exploring STEM concepts through motorized creations, model builds, themed games and challenges. $65, $43 resident. 6-9 p.m. 95th Street Center, 2244 W. 95th St., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.
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than 200,000 Legos. Trained, expert instructors lead Lego projects. $27, $18 resident. 1-2:30 p.m. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.
SUBURBS EAGLE EXTRAVAGANZA. Kids 6 and up, with adult, travel to Starved Rock State Park for the annual Eagle Watch Weekend. See live bird shows, view wild eagles fishing along the river, make crafts and participate in hands-on activities. Meals are not included. $20. 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org. ECO-EXPLORERS: GROUNDHOG DAY CELEBRATION. Why do
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A single elimination tournament, with the top two finishers in each age division receiving awards. $8. 8 a.m. River Woods School Gym, 2607 River Woods Drive, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.
audiences in an exploration of sounds from across the globe, from faraway continents to discoveries right here at home. Recommended for families with kids 4-12. $12. 2 p.m. Harris Theater for Music and
we celebrate Groundhog Day? Kids 6-8 find out the answer while investigating the life of a groundhog. $21, $14 resident. 1-2:30 p.m. Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.
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Welcoming
T
.S. Eliot might have said that April was the cruelest month, but as longsuffering Chicagoans, we think January takes the cake. But rather than struggle under Mother Nature’s fickle, frost-bitten thumb all month, we’ve decided to embrace the joys of winter with these great family-friendly events. Long before there was fleece-lined leggings, the pioneers really had to rough Celebration it in winter. Step back in time at Spring of Winter Valley Winter Fest, which celebrates the V season the old-fashioned way, complete with show shoe walks, horse-drawn wagon rides and marshmallows roasted over a bonfire (those sweet treats have been around a lot longer than you thought). The day also includes indoor fun like crafts and other activities, not to mention some visitors of the canine variety. Noon-3 p.m. Jan. 16-17. $3, $12 family. Spring Valley Nature Center & ice rink, warm up with some snowHeritage Farm, 111 E. Schaumburg Road, shoeing, watch an expert carve an ice Schaumburg. (847) 985-2100, parkfun. sculpture, meet some sled dog friends com. and play a game of Holiday Bingo. Oh It’s OK to have a little fun, even if your yeah—and be sure to roast a marshmaltoes are frozen stiff. That’s the idea of low or two (sense a theme yet?). 11 Northbrook’s Winter Carnival, which is a.m.-1:30 p.m. Jan. 16. Free. Meadowhill Park, 1479 Maple Ave., Northbrook. all about having a good time despite—or (847) 291-2995, nbparks.org. maybe because of—the chill in the air. You’ll want to bundle up before you Show off your axels and salchows on the u
Winter Carnival
head out to Homewood-Flossmoor’s Celebration of Winter, which encouragess you to get up close and personal with whatever fresh powder is out there. Families can work together to build the ultimate snowman (Olaf would approve), brighten up the stark landscape with some Kool-Aid snow spray, go on a cross country skiing adventure, enjoy a hayride or sing some karaoke from the comfort of tthe great indoors. We call dibs on “Let It Go.” 3-6 p.m. Jan. 23. Free. Coyote Run Golf Course, 800 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor. (708) 957-0300, hfparks.com. There couldn’t be a better spot for a celebration of the great outdoors than a 47-acre natural area, unsullied by car tires or your kids’ bootprints. Head to Volo Bog’s WinterFest, which features snow-sculpting contests for the artistically inclined, winter bog hikes for the athletes, and cookies and hot cocoa for the rest of us. There will also be live music and storytelling, as well as winter-themed crafts, for those who prefer to enjoy the wonders of winter through a window. Noon-4 p.m. Jan. 10. Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside. (815) 3441294, dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/ parks/r2/volobog.htm. Elizabeth Diffin
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PERFORMANCES
Diisne D ey y Prre esen ntts The L Th Liion on Kin ng See this pag agge
DISNEY PRESENTS THE LION KING. Through Jan. 17. More than
80 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular. Check website for cost and schedule. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 977-1700, broadwayinchicago.com. PROSPERO’S STORM. Opens Jan. 14. Wizard Prospero wields crashing sea-storms, airy spirits, savage ghost hounds and terrifying creatures to exact revenge on his enemies—trapping them on his magical island. This vaudeville adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” uses puppets, singing, slapstick and magic to weave an enchanting tale of fatherhood and forgiveness. Recommended for families with kids 8 and up. $10. 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays. Chicago Playworks at DePaul University, Merle Reskin Theatre at DePaul University, 60 E.
Balbo Drive, Chicago. (312) 9221999, theatreschool.depaul.edu.
(630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.
perately wants a pet, but her mother says she can only have one that doesn’t need to be walked, bathed or fed. So she orders a sloth and names him Sparky. 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.
before in a freewheeling folk musical adventure of the puppet who becomes real. The show features six actor/musicians who move from character to character while playing instruments including guitar, upright bass, accordion, piano, saxophone, clarinet and violin. $5-$20. 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays; noon and 3 p.m. Sundays. Filament Ensemble Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. (773) 270-1660, filamenttheatre.org.
HAIRSPRAY - THE BROADWAY MUSICAL. Opens Jan. 20. Based
JUNIE B. JONES, THE MUSICAL. Opens Jan. 23. A
on the John Waters hit movie, Hairspray is a high-octane ride with thrilling choreography, rockin’ tunes and explosively colorful costumes, plus some really cool hairdos. $41-56. Check website for schedule. Paramount Arts Centre and Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.
precocious and lovable first-grader springs to life on stage. New friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament and a top-secret personal beeswax journal are all part of the fun in this one-hour production. Recommended for families with kids in preschool and up. $10-12. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. (847) 291-2367, northbrooktheatre.org.
SPARKY! Opens Jan. 16. Libby desBEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Opens
Jan. 15. Full of comedy, romance and audience participation, this one-hour musical adaptation is recommended for families with kids 2-6. Find out if true love can turn the Beast into a handsome prince. $6-$12. Check website for schedule. Chicago Kids Company, Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont, Chicago. (773) 2059600, chicagokidscompany.com. MARY POPPINS. The Naperville
Park District and Magical Starlight Theatre presents the story of The Banks family, a family fraught with frustrations, who is touched by the cool and confident Mary Poppins. A sign language interpreter will be present at the 7:30 p.m. performance on Jan. 16 and the 2 p.m. performance on Jan. 24. $12, $10 in advance. Check website for schedule. Jan. 15-17 and 22-24. Naperville Central High School Little Theatre, 440 W. Aurora Ave., Naperville.
PINOCCHIO: A FOLK MUSICAL.
Opens Jan. 22. Experience Pinocchio as he’s never been seen
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PERFORMANCES SNOWFLAKE. Opens Jan. 27. A tale
THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA. A
of a kindhearted soul who, with little more than imagination and hope, breathes life into what others regard as useless, transforming the simplest of objects into comedic treasures. Check website for cost and schedule. Chicago Children’s Theatre, Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago. (872) 222-9555, chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
variety show of short sketches and songs adapted from stories written by kids in Barrel of Monkeys’ arts education programs. The line-up changes each week by audience vote, so no two shows are ever the same. $12; $6 kids. 8 p.m. Mondays. Barrel of Monkeys, The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrelofmonkeys.org.
TREASURE ISLAND. Through Jan.
The Little Gym off-ers a wide variety of classes that help children ages 4 months through 12 years reach their greatest potential.
The Little Gym of Chicago www.thelittlegym.com/ChicagoIL (773) 525-5750
Find your special friend
31. Set sail with young Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver and a crew of swashbuckling rogues, regaling thrill-seekers of all ages with a story both epic and intimate, hilarious and harrowing. Recommended for families with kids 10 and up. $35 and up. Check website for schedule. Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 337-0665, lookingglasstheatre.org.
STORYTOWN. Kids are invited
onstage to decorate the backdrop and start to bring the story to life. As the tale unfolds, graphic artists construct props, paint backdrops, modify costumes and create an environment as unique as the story. A pianist supplies creates original songs on the spot. Recommended for families with kids 3-10. $10. 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 327-5252, stage773. com.
THREE LITTLE KITTENS. Three
little kittens are on the hunt for their missing mittens, and they need help finding them. Gather the clues and make new discoveries before Mother Cat comes home. This interactive spy story is the perfect way to introduce little ones 0-5 to the mystery and excitement of live theater. $15, $8 kids under 1. Little Theatre in Lakeview, 2933 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emeraldcitytheatre. com.
BEAT KITCHEN CONCERTS FOR KIDS! A series of music shows geared
toward families with school-age children. The Beat Kitchen’s full bar and brunch menu with homemade kid-friendly options is always available during the show. Jan. 3: Sarah Jayne Lane; Jan. 17: Mr. Dave; Jan. 31: Human-Tim + Robot-Tim. $6. Noon-1 p.m. Sundays. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont, Chicago. (773) 281-4444, beatkitchen.com.
A world premiere musical based on the book by JENNY OFFILL and CHRIS APPELHANS
SPARKY!
January 16–February 21, 2016
Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL 60626 For tickets call 773-761-4477 or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com
Sn S nowfl ow o wfl flak ak ke See th See Se this his is pag age age
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ONGOING EVENTS OTHER EVENTS WINTER WONDERFEST AT NAVY PIER. Through Jan. 10. 170,000
square feet of holiday fun features indoor ice skating, entertainment, rides and inflatable slides. There are thousands of glistening lights, plush holiday décor and holiday trees. $3.75-$5 general admission, $17-$25 for activities. Check website for hours. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. (312) 595-PIER, winter wonderfest.com. THE PROFESSIONAL BULL RIDERS CHICAGO INVITATIONAL.
Fans experience heart-stopping wrecks and exhilarating 8-second rides as the toughest men on dirt face the world’s top ranked bulls, weighing in at 1,700-plus pounds. $20 and up. 6:50 p.m. Jan. 9; 1:50 p.m. Jan. 10. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. (847) 635-6601, allstatearena.com. PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE CHICAGO BOAT, RV & STRICTLY SAIL SHOW. Activities for kids
Progre Pr og grre es es ss siv ve In Insu ns su urra anc nce Ch hic icag icag ago o Bo B oat at,, RV RV & Str tric ic ctl tly ly S Sa ail Sho how Seee thi thhis is pag agge
CHICAGO TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW. Features more than 1,200
include the Gypsy Rose III Landship, a life-size pirate ship full of hands-on fun; the “Be a Diver Pool” where kids can learn how to scuba dive in a heated pool and get their picture taken underwater; a paddle sports pond; a trout fishing pond and Rockin’ Rollin Bubbles, which are similar to hamster wheels on water. $14, $10 seniors on Jan. 14 only, free kids 15 and under. Check website for schedule. Jan. 14-18. McCormick Place - South Building, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. chicago boatshow.com.
travel experts from the world’s top destinations, tours and suppliers. Stages include the Destination Theater, the Savvy Traveler Stage, the Taste of Travel Stage and the Global Beats Stage. Speakers include family travel expert Collen Kelly. Family entertainment includes a rock climbing wall, camel rides and Segway rides. $16, $25 two-day; free kids 16 and under. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 23; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 24. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. (203) 878-2577 ext. 100, travelshows.com/ chicago.
ILLINOIS SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION. Watch snow-
WICKERICE. The only commu-
sculpting teams form “frozen art” from giant blocks of snow. Abstract shapes and whimsical figures take shape under the skilled hands of state teams and high school teams. Walk or drive the one-mile route to see the sculptures and cast votes for “People’s Choice.” Sunrise-10:30 p.m. Jan. 20-23. Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford. (815) 9878800, ilsnowsculpting.com.
nity-funded and maintained ice rink in the city. The Chicago Park District’s field house will be open during the hours of operation as a warming space and for restrooms. Skate rentals cost extra. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave., Chicago. (312) 742-7553, chicagoparkdistrict. com. ICE SKATING IN MILLENNIUM PARK. An outdoor
rink with warming facilities and a concession stand. One hour before the rink opens on Fridays-Sundays, enjoy Winter Workouts, free ice skating lessons for the community. $12 skate rental. Noon-8 p.m. MondaysThursdays; noon-10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink, 11 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 744-3316, millenniumpark.org. MAGGIE DALEY ICE RIBBON. Skaters can experience
“alpine in the city” as they lace up their ice skates and follow a path twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. There are places to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and to rent skates. $12 skate rental. Noon-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; noon-10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 552-3000, maggiedaleypark. com. TODDLER TUESDAYS. Legoland opens early on the second floor exclusively for toddlers and their parents. Includes story time, free play, creative building, music classes and water art,
special guests and treasure hunts. $7 in advance; $9 at door. 10 a.m.-noon. Tuesdays. Legoland Discovery Center, The Streets of Woodfield (next to Woodfield Mall), 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. (847) 592-9700, legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago. TINY TOT OPEN PLAY. Features an indoor playground boasting a ball pit, slides and soft mats along with a play kitchen, blocks, pint-sized basketball hoops and a variety of toys for kids 5 and under. $3. Noon-2 p.m. Tuesdays. Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg. (847) 490-7020, parkfun.com. 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, $4 members. 11-11:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. ICE SKATING AT LINCOLN PARK ZOO. Whiz past the goats and cows
at the rink in Farm-in-the-Zoo. Snacks and winter warming drinks
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ONGOING EVENTS are available for purchase. $5; $5 skate rental. Check website for hours. Fridays-Sundays, plus MLK Day. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.
per run. Check website for hours. MB Financial Park at Rosemont, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont. (847) 3495008, mbparkatrosemont.com.
EXPLORATION STATION. Try hands-on activities created by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. A new topic each month highlights special aspects of the conservatory. January’s theme is Habitat: Ponds and Streams. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturdays; 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sundays. Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 725-2400, oakparkconservatory.org.
RUN! JUMP! FLY! ADVENTURES IN ACTION. Through Jan. 10. The
GNOME HOMES. Children can
create a keepsake, light-up gnome home of their own made from natural materials. Tickets are limited and can be purchased in the Visitor Center. $10. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekends. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org. FROZEMONT. The NHL-sized ice
skating rink is free, with skate rentals available for $8. The ice rink will be open on Sundays only, starting Jan. 3. Two-story Polar Peak runs through Jan. 31. Tickets start at $3
www.classiccinemas.com
EXHIBITS
exhibit allows visitors to engage in exciting activities including surfing, snowboarding, kung fu and rock climbing in a fun and immersing environment. Visitors jump into “Action Star Training,” which are activities that build strength, coordination, balance and endurance, and can earn stamps for each adventure they try. Free with museum admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org. MATERIALS SCIENCE. Learn the
science behind familiar materials, like plastics and metals, explore where materials science is headed next and discover how breakthroughs in materials science have shaped our world. An Atomic Probe Field Ion Microscope is on display. Free with museum admission. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 6841414, msichicago.org.
plan your birthday party around these coming movies! 1-15: Norm of the North 1-15: The Nut Job 2 Nature’s 1-29: Kung Precious Fu Panda 3
Treasures Nature’s Precious Treasures
Adopt-A-Manatee® for the Holidays Adopt-A-Manatee® Ch C hiic cag ago Tr Tra av vel el & Adve Ad ven ntturre Sh Sho ow w See paage Se ge 62
for the Holidays Call 1-800-432-5646 (JOIN) savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte
Call 1-800-432-5646 (JOIN) ChicagoParent.com January 2016 63 savethemanatee.org Photo © David Schrichte
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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS
Baby’s first movie
Y
ou already know the Climbing Schooner, the Tinkering Lab and the firetruck-tastic Play It Safe exhibit. But you might not be familiar with the brand new and quietly brilliant Story Hub, a multimedia experience that keeps your visit to the Chicago Children’s Museum from being totally forgotten by the time you hit the parking garage.
Story Hub allows parents and kids to make a mini-documentary of their museum visit, using a variety of photos and conversational prompts to build the film. It’s designed to be the last stop on your excursion, so you can memorialize the successful excavation of some prehistoric bones in Dinosaur Expedition or the epic skyscraper you build in Skyline (or maybe even both!). Afterward, the movie is emailed to you, and once downloaded, makes an
excellent keepsake of your visit. And if you’re the type to visit the museum often, it could be a great little record of your child’s development from year to year. Of course, the big idea is to encourage two-way conversation between kids and adults, as well as to help little ones develop self-expression, the ability to verbalize and share the meaning of their experiences. And if they just happen to become the next Scorsese along the way, well, we’re not complaining. Elizabeth Diffin
Story Hub: The Mini-Movie Memory Maker Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago chicagochildrensmuseum.org
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Call Dr. Evans today, a Premier Healthy Start Provider, for more information on how we can help your child achieve their full potential.
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Every night in America, an estimated 9 out of 10 children suffer from Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) Healthy Start is an All-Natural Oral Appliance Therapy System delivered by dentists, which addresses the root causes of SDB by reshaping the child’s oral cavity and airway to optimize airflow and promote proper nasal breathing during sleep. As this happens, many of the symptoms of SDB diminish or disappear entirely. In addition, because Healthy Start has been specifically designed to promote proper growth of the jaws, most kids develop enough room for their teeth, and the need for braces can be eliminated. Healthy Start is appropriate treatment for children ages 3 - 12 years old.
Because Every Child Deserves a
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