Chicago Parent June 2016

JUNE 2016

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

Cool dads rule CP_Cover_June_2016.indd 1

| FREE

CAMP MOM S’mores not required

Go play!

100 + ideas for fun

5/3/16 12:58 PM

SHARE THE

wonder adventure family fun goodness

At Fair Oaks Farms, America’s premier agricultural theme park, you’ll get an up-close view of 21st century farming practices. Witness a calf’s birth, learn about raising pigs and marvel at the bounty that comes from combining modern farming with home-grown gardening methods. And who would have thought a farm could be fueled with sustainable “poo power,” another fascinating modern practice that takes the waste out of waste. It’s a full day of hands-on agricultural adventure thanks to state-of-the-art games, challenging activities, a 25-foot climbing milk carton, 4D movies and fresh-from-the-farm restaurants. Udderly amazing. That’s Honest-to-Goodness Indiana.

VisitIndiana.com/FarmToTable

C E L E B R AT I N G O F

2 0 0

Y E A R S

STAT E H O O D

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INDIANA IS CELEBRATING 200 YEARS

Find great attractions and events throughout 2016 at VisitIndiana.com/ChicagoParent

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Great care without going a great distance.

Next-day appointments available.

No matter where you live, you’re close to quality health care. In fact, whatever your health needs are, chances are we can meet them. From yearly exams to managing chronic conditions, we’re here to keep you healthy – and keep you from all that extra traveling.

Call 877-648-4753 to make an appointment today. chicagomedicaldocs.com/stayhealthy

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Immediate availability in our infant program!

Inquire today.

O Now

p en!

ChicagoParent.com June 2016 3

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9th Annual

Family Event

AND CRAFT / VENDOR SHOW Saturday, June 25, 2016 é 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday, June 26, 2016 é Noon – 6:00 pm Located at the intersection of Arlington Heights Road and Devon Avenue in Elk Grove Village The “Little Boots Rodeo” is an event where families help their children participate in 14 events in a non-competitive atmosphere. After completing all events, the children will be certified as an official Cowboy or Cowgirl on stage, their name announced over the speaker and receive a certificate!

Rodeo Participant Events Qwacky Track ~ Marble Madness ~ Cow Milking ~ Pick-a-Star ~ Sandy Candy Corn Stripping ~ Chicken Toss ~ Pennies in the Corn ~ Crabbing ~ Dino Eggs Panning for Gold ~ Kids Mechanical Bull ~ Pig Puzzle ~ Dinosaur Breath

General Public and Family Events Large Petting Zoo ~ Raffle ~ Lasso ~ See Sue the “Live” T-Rex ~ Pig Races Water Balloon Toss ~ Wagon Rides ($2 / person) ~ Pony Rides ($2 / person) Little Boots Railroad ($2 / person) ~ Camel Rides ($3 / person) Bungee Fun ($3 / person) ~ Butterfly Tent ($1 / person) ~ Pick a Pearl ($1 / person) Best Dressed Cowgirl and Cowboy Contest (Trophy awarded every hour)

Meet Sue the “Live” T-Rex

Pig Races

Corn Stripping

Camel Rides

Little Boots Railroad

Pony Rides

Bungee Fun

Pennies in the Corn

Panning for Gold

FREE OSCAR MEYER HOT DOG AND DRINK FOR PUNCH CARD PARTICIPANTS Huge Model Train Display on site from LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago Proceeds will benefit The District 59 Education Foundation, The Elk Grove Farmers Market, The Lion’s, Lioness, Leo Clubs of Elk Grove Village and the Kenneth Young Center Rodeo organized and sponsored by the Little Boots Foundation in Elk Grove Village, IL a 501c3 Foundation We requested each child bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to one of Elk Grove’s various food banks Certification events entrance fee is $12.00 per punch card (only 1 child per punch card) Main: 630-766-8980 / Cell: 630-878-7627 / www.littlebootsrodeo.org / www.facebook.com/littlebootsrodeoegv

Subject to Change www.littlebootsrodeo.org or https://www.facebook.com/littlebootsrodeoegv

4 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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PRIVATE INFANT CARE & PRESCHOOL - SIX WEEKS TO SIX YEARS THEIR HAVEN IN THE BIG CITY...

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The best way to discover Sonnets Academy is to visit one of our schools. Schedule a tour today! sonnetsacademy.com

BOUTIQUE URBAN CHILDCARE CHIPAR0616_005.indd 1

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SUMMER ASSIGNMENT:

EXPLORE

YOUR WORLD! Keep kids active, engaged, and learning all summer long with FUN and FASCINATING nonfiction books from Nat Geo Kids.

The best-selling kids almanac on the planet invites kids to create a virtual time capsule for this year’s Almanac Newsmaker Challenge. They’ll have a blast creating and photographing their “artifacts” to share with other kids around the globe. Find out more at: natgeokids.com/almanac

Studies show what smart moms already know: that going outside is good for kids’ physical and mental development.This spiralbound, write-in activity book provides all the inspiration and motivation they’ll need, with fun facts, games, puzzles, brainteasers, stencils, stickers, and more.

ites!

Loved the movie? Get the book! Kids learn real-world science as they explore Bird Island, Bird Village, and beyond with the Angry Birds as their guides.

Also check out the Angry Birds Playground books for younger readers.

more summer favor

AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD ● Get a FUN Freebie at natgeokids.com/fun-pack Copyright ©2016 National Geographic Partners, LLC

6 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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contents IN THIS ISSUE UE 13

GOOD TO GO

19

GOOD SENSE EATING TING

21

CRAFT

25

REAL PARENTS IN N THE TRENCHES

The scoop on America’s rica’s Cup, MSI Brain Games and Barrel of Monkeys’ celebration ation Conventional or grass-fed beef?

Sizzling sidewalk paint

Best ways to celebrate rate the end of a difficult ult school year 26

VIVA DADDY

50

CALENDAR

65

Those crashy, bashy, y, smashy days of summer mmer Your best guide to a fun-filled month

JUNE 2016 | VOLUME 32 | NO. 6

FEATURES

ON THE COVER DADS 34 SUPER And the cool things they do with their kids

JUNE 2016

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

| FREE

Cover family: Meredith Sinclair and her son, Truman, of Wilmette

CAMP MOM S’mores not required

UNITE 40 FOODIES Indulge your taste buds and share the wealth at a food swap

43

THE ZOO WITHIN A ZOO Hamill Family Play Zoo celebrates 15 years of fun

Cool dads rule

Photography: Thomas Kubik of TK Photography

Go play!

100 + ideas for fun

Design: Claire Innes

Available Now

28 31

GO PLAY! How not to feel so overwhelmed and grown-uppity CAMP MOM 10 ways to keep the kids entertained during these long summer days

GOING PLACES Going Places FREE | SUMMER 2016

Water, water

everywhere

PASSPORT

TO PLAY

11

WAYS TO CHILL OUT

ChicagoParent.com June 2016 7

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EDITOR’S NOTE SPONSORED

There’s life underground You can see living things all around you and even above you: trees, birds, squirrels, butterflies, bees, little brothers. Did you know there also are things living underneath you, in the soil?

It’s harder to see them, because they mostly live underground. You may spot some of the bigger ones, like earthworms and roly-polys, if you dig a hole or lift up a rock. An anthill is the entrance to a long, deep tunnel where thousands of ants live down below. See a mushroom? It’s a small offshoot of a big fungus that spreads a web of thin fibers through the soil.

But most of the things that live in the soil are so small you can only see them with a microscope. There are lots of them: The amount of soil you can hold in the palm of your hand is home to millions of living beings.

All of us depend on these tiny workers. They break matter down into little bits so other kinds of life can use it. They make the soil a good place for the roots of trees and other plants, including the plants we eat.

The whole world depends on healthy soil that is full of living things. Now you know how things we can barely see can be so important!

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

Summer stuck

TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY

Most of us probably love summer for its sunny skies, festive street fests, bountiful beach time and the unstructured feel the days take on after school gets out. But if you’re like me, it also comes with a lot of challenges that I don’t face the other nine months of the year. Namely, what am I going to do with the kids every day while I work?

I certainly don’t want them spending their entire summer Chicago Parent recently brought inside watching home 22 national awards from the crazy YouTube videos Parenting Media Association. or Snapchatting Using words like “pitch w morning til night. ght. perfect” and “captivatperfe I decided some me ing,” ing the judges from new ideas the University of th were in order Missouri School of M this month JJournalism awarded to help all of Chicago Parent C us. We have honors for editorial, ho more than design and photogrades 100 things you u ChicagoParent.com, phy, C can do with your our Going Places, Hey Baby kids, no matter if Chicago and Chicago Chi you are stuck Special Parent. Find S working long a complete list at hours during ChicagoParent.

C the week or ccom/2016awards. are lucky We’re really proud of W enough to be the work we do here “stuck” with thee you and it’s always for yo kids most of thee nice have that recognized i tto h summer. by experts in our industry.

I particularly can’t wait to try some of the ideas Megan Murray Elsener created to become “Camp Mom.” I also love the ideas from Meredith Sinclair, our playful columnist who graces this month’s cover with her boy. On a personal note, I refuse to acknowledge the fact that Meredith is leaving Chicago Parent after nearly a decade as she prepares for her family’s move to California. I’ll miss her deeply.

By now, I also hope you’ve signed up for our new newsletters, Saturday Stuck and Monday Lifesavers, for other great ideas to do with the kids. If you haven’t, I think you are going to love them.

Go play.

Happy June.

Chicago Parent wins big

8 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

The one thing I plan to do just for fun this month

EDITOR

Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR

Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR

Jackie McGoey ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Emily Adams ART DIRECTOR

Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS

Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea IT AND DIGITAL DEVELOPER

Mike Risher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Matt Boresi, Megan Murray Elsener, Keely Flynn, Cortney Fries, Emily Paster, Melissa Silverberg, Meredith Sinclair, Marianne Walsh DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

At the end of June, I am doing something that I have been looking forward to for months: Seeing James Taylor play Wrigley Field!

Emily Paster

I’m going to read in my backyard on a blanket as much as possible. (This is also in the works for July and August, FYI.) Keely Flynn

I’m taking a special trip just with my 7-year-old son. While I’ll miss my husband and daughter, I’m grateful for the extra bonding time with my boy.

Cortney Fries

I can’t wait to drink fruity cocktails on my new patio as the sun sets on long summer nights.

Cheers!

Megan Murray Elsener

Annette Coffee, Dawn Engelhardt, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Philip Soell

ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER

Andrew Mead

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney CIRCULATION MANAGER

Jill Wagner 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

dhaley@wjinc.com

Chicago Parent is published monthly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago Parent, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. © 2016 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

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.

ChicagoParent.com June 2016 9

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RIDE LIKE A CHAMPION New Traditions Riding Academy, LLC located at the Palos Hills Riding Stables, 10100 S. Kean Avenue, Palos Hills, IL 60465

www.newtraditionsridingacademy.com Riding in the new traditions of world class instructors

GROUP AND PRIVATE LESSONS….SUMMER CAMPS…..SCOUT GROUPS….PARTIES

boarding/training/professional care (708)598-7718 NTRidingAcademy@aol.com

www.newtraditionsridingacademy.com 10 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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ON THE WEB

Soak up summertime at ChicagoParent.com

F

lip flops on in 3, 2, 1 …

School’s out, swimsuits, sunscreen and shades are on, and we’re convinced that there’s nothing better than summertime in the Chi. For all the best fairs, festivals and family-friendly travel destinations, head to bit. ly/SummerFunCP.

JACKIE MCGOEY

Just keep swimming

Dad’s day Celebrate that special guy in your life this June. Whether he’s a sports fanatic, a techie or a total jokester, there’s something in our gift guide for every type of dad. Head to bit.ly/ CPDadsDay.

The long-anticipated Pixar film, Finding Dory, hits theaters this June. Visit our Contests page to enter to win a family five-pack to see if your favorite forgetful fish friend finds her family (say that five times fast!).

Plus, enter to win tickets to Brickworld (a Lego lover’s dream); new films The BFG and The Secret Life of Pets; and a KidzBop swag package.

Tiptoe into our enchanting world of Dance this Summer!

Classes & Camps with cherished literature, classical music, costumes, theatrics & more.

Fairytale Ballet ®

1½-6 yrs

Academy Ballet

15

Classes & Themed Workshops 6-17 yrs

AFairytaleBallet.com Chicago/Lakeview (773) 477-4488

Celebrating!

Chicago/Bucktown (773) 606-0318

Evanston

(773) 477-4488 ChicagoParent.com June 2016 11

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Chicago Grammar School Sapere Aude -- Dare to Know

The Classical Experience begins here Aspects of a Classical Education • The rigor of the traditional • The creativity of the progressive • Integrated arts and academics • Analysis that enables critical thinking • Cultural literacy

Our commitment to the liberal arts challenges the ordinary. CGS students enjoy and thrive in an environment that nurtures curiosity, develops academic proficiency, and inspires personal virtue and wisdom.

900 N. Franklin, Chicago IL 60610 312.944.5600 www.chicagogrammar.org

Chicago Grammar School Celebrating Leonardo’s Notebooks Summer 2016 JK – 8th Grade Weekly Programs in Art & Design June 13--July 22 Oil Painting on Canvas ALSO Standardized Test Prep for 7th and 8th Grade students.

Skills course in preparation for the NWEA-MAP, HSPT and ISEE.

Mosaics Clay Sculpture

Mechanics Architecture Games & More

Register online 900 N. Franklin

312.944.5600

www.chicagogrammar.org

12 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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Amazing race

O

ne of the iconic images of summer in Chicago is the sight of sailboats gracefully gliding along the city’s waterfront.

While it’s true that sailing can be a relaxing way to spend a few hours, this month you should get ready for a revved-up version of the sport.

The world’s best sailors and fastest sailboats are making a splash in Chicago June 10-12 during the first America’s Cup race on freshwater in the event’s 165-year history. Forty-five-foot catamarans from six countries will be flying above the water at speeds of 40-50 mph.

The seven-tenths of a mile race course starts and ends just east of

Navy Pier. The actual course tual cour rse depends on daily wind conditions.

In addition to daily races, aily race es, the east end of Navy avy Pier will w become an America’s ca’s Cup Race Village.

Each team—Britain, itain, France, Sweden, Japan, New Zealand and the USA—will have their heir own n area where kids can autoan get au utographs or photos with the bestt sailors in the world. $19 ld. Entryy is $ 19 kids under 13, $35 5 adults..

“This is like being ng in thee pit at a NASCAR race,” say says ys Tod Reynolds, director ector of Chicago’s America’s a’s Cup events. “The boatss will be moored 15 feett from the east end of thee pier.

u Ra Racing ng is 1: 1 30 30-3 p.m m.

JJune 11-12.

11 12 Practice P ti races begin June 10.

Good to

Amer eric ic ca’ a s Cu C p

u More info: acws-chicago. americascup.ccom

You get geet tto come as close as possible, without po ossi actually actuaally stepping on the boats.”

For a free freee vview of the race, try the south sou uth end of Navy Pier o or aalong the lakefront fro ont between Navy Pier Pi ier and the Museum Campus.

Ca am Reynolds hopes the Rey R excitement excitem men will have a impact on the Windy global im mp City’s sa sailing ailin reputation. this “With thi is eevent, the lake is our stadium.

NBC Sports stad will be b broadcasting b the TV around V images im world, highlighting the w worl Michigan and our Lakee M incredible skyline.” incr red Andrea Guthmann An

ChicagoParent.com Ch hica June 2016 13

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GOOD TO GO

Time to celebrate creativity

W

hat happens when a beloved Chicago theater company teams up with a university theater department to showcase public school-written stories? Something wonderful: Many kids suddenly have a future creating, experiencing and appreciating the arts.

Barrel of Monkeys, working with 14 underserved Chicago public schools (in 48 classrooms), have crafted works of theater with third- through fifth-graders.

On June 7, the University of Chicago’s Department of Theatre and Performance Studies will invite student authors, their families and the rest of the adoring general public to the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts for the annual Celebration of Authors live theater.

Directed by Artistic Director Joseph Schupback, a company of 30 Barrel of Monkeys actors and musicians will perform stage-ready works of creative writing; the kind that can only come

from the minds of kids. (Who better to pen sketch comedy?)

Sure, it’d feel good to support an arts program this terrific, but who knows?

You might be inadvertently witnessing the next great Chicago playwright in his or her earliest stage.

Keely Flynn

Celebration of Authors u 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 7

u Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., Chicago u barrelofmonkeys.org/coa

is part of your favorite social networks

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14 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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THREE TO SEE

Come Enjoy a Day in Glenview OPEN HOUSE FOR THE KIDS! Sunday, June 5th from 12-3pm Face Painter • Home Run Derby Bozo Buckets • Carnival Prizes

Excite your senses this month

1

Doodle’s Doughnuts Doughnuts, bacon and coffee, is there a more perfect trifecta? To make your foodie heart aflutter, take a look at the Old Town establishblishish ment’s menu. Pink lemonade, Samoa and Hot Cocoa handcrafted, small-batch doughnuts top the list, while the thickcut bacon comes in honey sriracha, candied ed d and standard. And caffeinafffeina tors will be buzzing over their partnership with Chicago-based Metropolis coffee. Make sure to try the Doodle Doughnut, a Bismarck (filled with chocolate or vanilla cream) that comes with a piping bag of colored icing, just perfect for doodling!

1419 N. Wells St., Chicago; doodledoughnuts.com

2

Remix Chicago Logan Square continues its tradition of being cooler than other neighborhoods with Remix, a celebration of everything eclectic and repurposed. Go for the incredible art made from recycled and

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Pretty mudroom withclosets cubbies andbuilt-ins laundry roomclosets with lots offinished storage.

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Beautiful mastermaster bedroombedroom with office,withthe Anne DuBray Cantigny Park; the Robert R. home.

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Beautiful master bedroom with office, organized walk-in and spa-like organized walk-in and spa-like bathroom. Additional ensuite McCormick mansion showcases 847-657-3747 bathroom. en-suite plusatwo plusAdditional two otheren-suite family bedrooms sharing jack-and-jill bath. the life of the creator of the bathroom. plus two Additional other familya bedrooms sharing jack-other fam Anne.dubray@cbexchange.com finished basement with huge 2nd family room/rec room, Tribune Company and the Firstand-jill Fully bath. Fully finished basement withFully huge 2nd family room/rec room,with hug and-jill bath. finished basement kitchenette, full bathroom, and a bedroom. Detailed lighting Division museum is dedikitchenette, full bathroom, and a bedroom.

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Backyard blue stone patio kitchenette, full with bathroom, and a bedroom. De cated to all things U.S. Army 1st throughout.

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Anne DuBray Anne.dubray@cbexchange.com 847-657-3747 Anne DuBray Anne.dubray@cbexchange.com

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ChicagoParent.com June 2016 15

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GOOD TO GO

Your kid’s gray matter matters

T

here comes a point during summer vacation where you can actually see the hard-won concepts from the recent school year leak out of kids’ ears like a dripping faucet. (For some of us, this occurs during Week Two. Darn you, streaming ‘80s cartoons!)

The Museum of Science and Industry wants to help you combat brain drain with its popular (and seriously fun) Summer Brain Games.

This free program of weekly emails sends out hands-on experiments for the budding scientists in your household.

(The younger set might need a little backup, but your tweens on up will be golden.)

I spoke with Bryan Wunar, MSI’s director of community initiatives, to get the scoop.

What’s on tap for this summer?

We’re inviting kids to take a voyage of exploration with hands-on science activities related to the theme of travel.

Learn about engineering, physics and materials science as you build and launch a glider, move a vehicle with propulsion, engineer a parachute and more.

What’s the best part of this program, in your experience?

Summer Brain Games is a fun way for families with kids of all ages to stay active and enthused as they learn more about the world around them. It emphasizes handson learning and reinforces what kids learn in school.

Do you have a favorite experiment or project from summers past?

We love rockets! Every year we have featured some sort of rocket, from water rockets to ones powered by balloons.

This year we’ll build and launch a glider.

Which kind of activities get the best responses?

Kids like activities where they can challenge each other, as well as ones where they can tinker and customize their design. A great example is the egg drop challenge—kids use their creativity to design a landing craft for a raw egg, then see whose egg survives from the highest drop.

Keely Flynn

Do you have a Pre-school aged child?

Birth to age six is the most crucial stage of child development. What happens to a child during these years lays the foundation for the rest of the child’s educational career - and life. Dr. Maria Montessori knew this.

We invite you to experience the Montessori Method at Council Oak. Located in the beautiful Beverly Hills/Morgan Park neighborhood. Please call for a reservation at an upcoming “Coffee.”

Summer Brain Games u All families who register online will receive a voucher for one free museum entry ticket for use this summer. u msichicago.org/summerbrain

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16 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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Playtime

Light up the sky

Play-Doh, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, has stepped up its game with the new Play-Doh Town. The cute playsets come with fun little figures and encourage kids to make up stories about their pretend town. Playsets range from a firehouse to a pet shop, and figures include a police officer, hairdresser and even a pizza boy. $5.99-$39.99

Watch our weekly newsletters for details about how to win Play-Doh Town, Wet Head or Night Shotz Rockets for your family.

Sneaky learning Avoid the summer brain drain with a new interactive reading game, Oooka Island, for kids in pre-K to second grade. The kids become the heroes in the 24-level adventure when they try to find missing books. The game also includes 85 ebooks to help kids learn to read or become more confident readers.

Parents even get weekly progress reports. $7.99 monthly; one year plus a collection of Ooka Island books, $149.99, ookaisland.com

Wet, silly fun

Need to know

Imagination builders

We know kids love rockets, and we recently discovered a kid-friendly version perfect for night-time fun—Jump Rocket LED Night Shotz Rockets from GeoSpace. With just a foot stomp, the light-up LED rockets shoot up to 100 feet in the air (don’t worry, they have soft foam noses). $24.99, amazon.com

Your kids probably begged for Pie Face! over the holidays. This summer’s must-have game is Zing’s new water roulette game, Wet Head.

Simply fill with water and take turns pulling out the plugs. The Wet Head Challenge app even lets players capture the drenching and share their videos on YouTube or social media. $14.99

ChicagoParent.com June 2016 17

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MOM OF THE MONTH

Amy Rubenstein is rooted in the arts

H

ot on the heels of The Windy City Playhouse’s rollicking “The Explorers Club,” Deerfield native, mom of two and Artistic Director Amy Rubenstein describes how she’s creating a distinctly modern space in Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood.

You spent time in L.A. flipping houses.

What was that path like?

The market was so right and anything touched turned to gold. But the you touc business expanded and I ended busin up buying a building from my To find now-husband... Life got in the n more info about way, and acting sort of took a w Windy City Playhouse, backseat. And when the market b visit windycity ccrashed out there … I thought, playhouse.com if we’re moving back to Chicago, that’s the opportunity to get back th into theater. I went to theaters and looked around at the audiences—and it was like dragging my husband by the hair to get him to come with me.

{M.O.M}

Not a theater fan?

No! It just didn’t interest him! It was boring or depressing, he wasn’t connecting to it at all. And none of our peers were going to the theater; they said, “Oh, we’re really not theater people…” (Additionally,) if the show’s going to be at 7:30, and if you want to have dinner beforehand, you’d have to go out at 5:30. With children, that’s a really hard hour. So we wanted to get rid of that obstacle. We (created) an environment that’s a great night out in one location, highly entertaining, with the highest form of art.

Each show we change up the drinks (a professional mixologist is on staff), and it has the feel of a swanky bar. We always open an hour before the show starts so people can have drinks with their friends.

We have an extended intermission and then we stay open basically until people leave.

Are either of your kids showing an aptitude or interest for the theater?

Yes! They both love it. My son—who’s 7—auditioned for “A Christmas Carol” at The Goodman last year and he just loves theater. He’s my theater buddy. He sees everything. My husband, I still have to drag

>>

And looking toward the future?

We do have plans to start a youth education program with drop-in classes for younger kids on the weekends. We try to make everything at the theater as easy as possible, and we’re particularly excited about our neighbors. It’s just really about getting that word out. We’re convinced they’ll fall in love.

him out to the theater, but my son will come with me to see anything. We don’t censor anything [onstage], so he definitely sees theater that is not “appropriate.” (She laughs.) We went and saw Moby Dick together. He was mesmerized and begged me to take him back again. And they see everything at the Playhouse.

My daughter, my 5-yearold, she likes to usher, so she’ll go a couple of times a month. And my son likes to choose plays with me. We were finalizing our 2017 season, and we had a difference of opinion, my son and I, and he was really upset with the choice we were making on a show. It ended up that we didn’t get the rights to this one particular show, and he was thrilled!

Do you think he’ll be an artistic director someday?

He just told me two days ago, “If you get tired of running the theater, I’ll run it for you.” So now I know I have a successor.

Keely Flynn

6 sunburn-soothing tips for kids Here are a few things that may help soothe a child’s sunburn, plus what not to do! 1) Take a bath in clear, tepid water.

2) Dab plain Calamine lotion on the skin; do not use one with antihistamine.

3) Keep your child out of the sun until the burn heals. 4) Do not use medicated creams such as hydrocortisone or benzocaine unless advised by your doctor. 5) Don’t put alcohol on the skin as it can over-cool it. 6) Try putting vinegar on the burn. Your child may smell like a pickle, but it can bring relief.

Dr. Hannah Chow-Johnson Loyola University Health System, 30 Second Mom contributor

18 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD SENSE EATING

Conventional

or grass-fed beef?

In spite of today’s high beef prices, some families are opting to pay even more for grass-fed beef. They believe it’s tastier and more nutritious than conventional grain-fed beef. Are they on to something?

First, some beefy definitions: CHRISTINE PALUMBO Conventional beef. Cattle that spend the majority of their lives grazing on grassy pastures. They are then “finished” for the last three to nearly 12 months on a primarily grain-based diet that may include corn, soybeans, roughage and nutritional supplements. The animals are often given antibiotics and hormones.

Grass-fed beef.

These cattle eat grass and forage from the pasture until they are harvested.

“Grass-fed” beef can still be found in the meat case, but there is no legal definition of this term.

Instead, look for private bodies that certify beef as having been raised on grass. These include American Grassfed, Food Alliance and Animal Welfare Approved, which also look at the confinement of animals, environmental stewardship and use of hormones and antibiotics.

Better nutrition?

Proponents of grass-fed beef point to its superior nutritional profile. For example, a serving of grass-feed beef provides roughly 2 fewer grams of total fat and one more gram of protein.

One widely heralded claim is that it provides a greater amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

While it is true grass-fed beef contains double the omega-3s, the overall amount is very small.

Conventional beef contains 0.02 gram omega-3s per 3½ ounces compared to 0.05 gram per 3½ ounces. If you want omega-3s, go for fatty fish and omega-3 eggs.

Two undisputed benefits of grass-fed, pasture-raised beef are the long-term sustainability of animal farming and in the ways the animals are cared for.

Two more labels you may encounter in the meat counter: Naturally raised beef.

This is a USDA certification that the meat is harvested from cattle raised completely free from growth hormones, antibiotics or animal by-products. This could be either grain- or grass-fed. By contrast, “natural” beef can come from cattle raised on a feedlot, fed genetically modified grain or grain grown with pesticides, or given antibiotics or hormones.

Grass-fed organic beef. This meat comes from cattle fed on only 100 percent organic grass and forage. These cattle are never given antibiotics or hormones.

Consumers Union recommends this whenever possible.

If grass-fed or other premium beef is not in your budget, watch the portion size and select extra lean cuts of conventional beef.

Southwest Chicken Dip Prep: 10 mins Cook: 25 mins Yield: 10 ½-cup servings Ingredients 1 1/2 cup Stonyfield Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt 1 8 oz. package Neufchatel or cream cheese (softened) 1 cup salsa 1 tsp. chili powder 2 cups chicken breast (cooked and shredded) 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed) 1/2 cup corn 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese Garnish: sliced scallions, shredded cheese, beans and corn

Preparation Preheat oven to 375°F.

1 2

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl until incorporated.

3

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or cast iron skillet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Remove from oven and garnish with scallions, shredded cheese, beans and corn.

Serve with celery sticks, carrot sticks, pita chips and/or crackers.

Nutrition per serving (without garnish): 190 calories, 8 g carbohydrate (4 g sugars), 16 g protein, 11 g fat (6 g saturated), 1 g fiber, 330 mg sodium, 8% DV vitamin A, 2% DV vitamin C, 15% DV calcium, 4% iron.

Used with permission from stonyfield.com

4

5

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

ChicagoParent.com June 2016 19

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Chicago Parent is having a new baby, too!

Hey Baby, (in conjunction with Bump Club and Beyond) will be published in the first week of November. It is an essential guide for expectant and new parents.

SPRING 2016 EDITION NOW AVAILABLE!

SP RIN G 20 16

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CONNECT WITH CHICAGO PARENT • 708.386.5555 • ADVERTISING@CHICAGOPARENT.COM 20 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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5/12/16 12:36 PM

CRAFT

Sizzling sidewalk paint

Brighten that summer cement with a rainbow of colors

S

PHOTOS AND STORY BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER chool is finally out and the best season of the year has arrived. Skip the expensive storebought sidewalk paint and whip up this easy recipe all summer long.

It makes being outside that much brighter!

Directions

use plastic cups for each color, too. Pour the mixture into the tray holes. Add either washable paint or food coloring and stir well to get the desired color.

1

To make the paint, you need equal parts cornstarch, baking soda and water. I start with a glass measuring cup and mix 1/3 cup water with 1/3 cup cornstarch and 1/3 cup baking soda.

It will be tough at first, but keep stirring to mix well.

2

I suggest using a cupcake tray as your paint holder to hold a variety of colors. I made the recipe ratio three times to fill the six-cupcake holes. Or you can easily

3

Get painting. Use foam brushes or paintbrushes to make sidewalk masterpieces. You can store extra paint in a jar with a lid.

4

Supplies u Baking soda u Cornstarch u Water u Washable paint or food coloring u Foam brushes or paint brushes u Vinegar u Spray bottle

Once your painting is done, put vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz the painted sidewalks to watch the paint erupt and sizzle.

ChicagoParent.com June 2016 21

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Lakeshore Academy of Artistic Gymnastics

Gear up for the 2016 Summer Olympics at Lakeshore Academy!

Our half day Gymnastics and Rock Climbing camp registration is now open! Please call for details and pricing.

Call Us Today!

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Mt. Prospect 520 E. Business Center Drive 847.376.8826

lakeshoreacademy.com 22 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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FAILING WITH GUSTO

The source

One of my favorite expressions is “Consider the source.” It is why I can’t bite my tongue when the neighborhood know-it-all tells me everything I’m doing wrong (while her son lights the dog’s tail on fire after gorging on forbidden processed foods).

Consider the source.

It is why I ignore Facebook posts and articles about not sticking up for your child when he or she is being treated poorly. These posts usually come directly from the people who run everything, dictate everything and simply don’t want to be challenged on anything.

Consider the source.

I do not welcome financial counsel from the bankrupt and I do not seek marriage advice from the thrice-divorced.

Consider the source.

If a friend of mine is a regular patron of Denny’s, I simply cannot take her restaurant recommendations very seriously. Her favorite entrée is Moons ns Over My Hammy for chrissakes.

Consider the source. ource.

When I had myy first baby, I would listen en reverently to the park mom pitching the latest theory on parenting. She seemed to know her stuff. She spoke oke with authority. She he had cute shoes.

Twelve years later, ater, I now see her rotten en kid around the neighborhborhood and the only ly word that comes to mind nd is “jagoff.”

No, my sourcess no

longer include online gurus, celebrities or moms with cute shoes.

They are instead the parents of adult children I find intelligent, warm and accomplished. These moms and dads miraculously raised wonderful people without the aid of the internet or fad parenting.

These are the sources I consider.

So when I asked an old acquaintance how he managed to raise five of the nicest boys I have ever met, I took his comments to heart: Love them.

Keep them busy.

Buy plenty of duct tape.

The advice was both simple and breathtakingly complex. Loving them was easy. Keeping them busy now requires a matrix worthy of Stephen Hawking Hawking. assuring our house is And assu with duct tape at all flush wit times? My husband could use a tthird job. But the advice still guides me every day. would encourage I wo every parent to find the right vvoice. The right source. sou And seriously. Load A up on duct tape. u You’re going to go tthrough that sh*t llike water.

Marianne Walsh is a Chicago Ma mom of three boys. Want more?

Go to ChicagoParent.com and

Talk back

MARIANNE WALSH

As a semi-practicing Catholic, I was a bit surprised by Pope Francis’ recent comments on “helicopter parenting.” In his treatise on family life, His Holiness suggested that parents who constantly keep track of their children are actually sabotaging their kids’ independence.

Perhaps if the institution had done a better job tracking its own black sheep, I’d listen.

A little helicopter priesting would have gone a long way.

webandofmothers.blogspot.com. weban

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VOICE: CHRIS THOMAS

I love my children, but…

Time away is a good thing sometimes

I

never thought I could love anything more than I would my wife and the Chicago Blackhawks, but then my three smiling kiddos came along and changed everything (New order: Wife and kids tied for first, Hawks close second). That being said, and remember I love my children, my favorite part of this past summer was when I went on vacation without the kids.

No, my wife and I didn’t just ditch them, nor did we leave them and run away. We planned and successfully executed a kid-free vacation. And I have no regrets. In fact, I highly recommend it, and here is why:

3

Not everywhere you want to go is kid-friendly

The least you can do is give yourself some vacation time. Sure, you can try to “take some breaks” while your kids are home with you, but this leads to problems. The only way to get some true alone time is to be alone.

Destinations such as Niagara Falls, Orlando and Wisconsin Dells are filled with activities, restaurants, rides and attractions for kids and families. And when planning a vacation with your kids, you should totally consider places like this. But if you are truly going to take a break, wouldn’t it be nice to go a place where you don’t have to worry about ordering off a kids’ menu, waiting in line for attractions, and, maybe most importantly, being surrounded by families and kids? It isn’t necessary to book a trip to a kid-free location, but you can easily move off the beaten path and find a destination that provides you with exactly what you are looking for, just with fewer families and fewer kids.

2

4

1

You need a break

Name a job where you work for free, are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the only benefits you receive (while awesome) are the intangible benefits of love? This would be parenting, and if we followed the labor laws of this country it would actually be quite illegal.

Your kids need a break from you

Name a job where your boss is there, with you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This would be being a kid, and if it was a real job they would have quit a long time ago. Yes, they love being around you, and of course you love hanging out with them, but a vacation away from you isn’t a bad thing for them either. Make yourself feel better about “ditching” them by setting up a vacation for them as well. It doesn’t need to be extravagant: a trip to Grandma and Grandpa’s house will do the trick (even if it is just on the other side of town).

Your ideas of fun are dramatically different

So even if you end up in what might be considered a family-friendly zone on a vacation where you have ditched them, your idea of fun will certainly be different from the kids. For example, we spent the week in Destin, Fla., where every single day a full-size pirate ship sailed the ocean, carrying kids and parents on an adventure. It actually looked like a good time, but so did deep sea fishing, sleeping in and bumming around on the beach for an entire day. My kids wouldn’t have enjoyed our seven-hour fishing journey; sleeping in isn’t in their vocabulary; and while the beach

Make yourself feel better about “ditching” them by setting up a vacation for them as well. and ocean would have been fun for a couple of hours, they certainly wouldn’t have made it the whole day. Different ages equal different interests. Different interests equal different vacations.

As parents, we consistently give up our ideas of fun, our hobbies and our interests in order to provide what is best for our kids. This is the way it should be. Ever since my kids where born, every decision I make runs through this filter in my mind: Is this what is best for my kids and family?

For 51 weeks last year this was the way I thought. For one week, though, we decided to put ourselves first.

And when we returned, we were relaxed, refreshed and even more in love with our kids.

And we didn’t feel guilty.

Because it was fun.

Chris Thomas is a Brookfield dad and frequent contributor to Going Places, our three times a year magazine filled with family fun ideas.

24 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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PARENT PANEL

What’s the best way to celebrate the end of a difficult school year that had too many bad grades?

Celebrate some of their finer accomplishments.

If they’re a gifted artist, take them painting, or a star athlete, have them shine at a special game.

Gia Lee, Northbrook

I would use it as a teaching tool. Some times in life will be difficult, even when you try your hardest.

Next year will be a fresh start, kids will mature over summer and saying “we trust you will see better results next year” may go a very long way. Positivity is powerful.

Kerry Quirin, Downers Grove

@

u Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

By not celebrating. Just start the summer and introduce Summer Bridge Activities books. They’re a fun way to bridge grade levels, so that the most possible knowledge is retained. There are lots of fun activities and fun facts.

Anne Rezabek, Elgin

Discuss it, forget it and move on. No one (especially this mom) wants to be tortured all summer long with punishments. Everyone gets a fresh start in August!

Cherish Walsh, Streamwood

Some years are rough. Have a goodbye party to the grade. Then let your child take a break, and work with them to plot a course for a successful upcoming school year.

Kate AtkinsTrimnell, Homewood

Put away all of this year’s books and supplies and immediately go out and buy some new ones. Discuss how you can together make next year a better one. Give a big hug and kiss, and then go out for ice cream!

Lisa Cheruff, Skokie

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VIVA DADDY

Those crashy, bashy, smashy days of summer

MATT ROCCO

Ask any doctor and they’ll tell you: childhood injury rates skyrocket in the summertime. Ask any mom and they’ll tell you: the last person who should be watching a child is their dad. Now combine the two— summertime and more time being a father to your kids—and you’ve got a recipe for medical copays.

All 10 minutes of sumwhen the chicken salad is mertime in Chicagoland are a sweating too much to eat. sprint to pack in as much fun Dads are so excited to take off as possible. Between snowy their wingtips and act like kids Easter and snowy Halloween, again that the old man is as we throw our families into likely to suffer a concussion, dangerous behavior in inhospi- dislocate a shoulder or chop table environments: submergoff a toe as the kids. ing ourselves in liquid we My own father grew up on are unable to breathe, diving a farm, so most of his ideas of from preposterous heights having fun with me involved into concrete containers of tornadoes, electric fences said liquid while doing flips, starting fires and standing around them, lighting explosive devices sold only in Indiana and standing under them, climbing rocks and trees higher than we can comfortably fall, pushing through plants whose oils are designed to give us weeping sores, antagonizing dangerous mammals, ILLUSTRATION BY STEPHEN SCHUDLICH hanging out in clouds of insects that feed on our blood, or bulls. It’s a miracle I’m putting wheels on shoes, alive, but I’m no more careful boards, frames and engines with Viva. If we lived near a and racing them, shortening volcano, I guarantee she and I our grass with gas-powered would spend the summer playspinning knives, paying money ing “jump over lava.” for mechanized thrill rides I hope you share my goal operated by tattooed driftfor the summer: pay attention, ers, standing for hours under take it easy and keep everyone a celestial ball of exploding in one piece. It’s easier said gas pounding us with deadly than done, especially with all radiation, and eating gallons those trampolines, M80s and of mayonnaise-based dishes mayonnaises lying around. left in the afternoon sun.

Viva Roughhousing. Viva Oh, and trampolines.

Viva. Viva Daddy.

Moms sometimes know when to say when; when to Viva is 4 years old. Daddy is about 10x stop running poolside, when that age. They live happily with Mommy in to come in from the sun and Chicago.

26 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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Going Places FREE | SUMMER 2016

Water, water

everywhere

PASSPORT

The Ultimate Guide to Family Fun!

TO PLAY

GP Cover Summer 2016.indd 1

11

WAYS TO CHILL OUT

Summer edition now available!

5/3/16 12:30 PM

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

NEW EXHIBIT! MAY 18- SEP 4 SPONSORED BY:

SURPRISINGLY SERIOUS ABOUT PLAY! Want to know how an Etch-a-Sketch works?

Curious about what makes a jack-in-the-box pop up? Toys: The Inside Story includes 12 different hands-on stations that illustrate simple mechanisms commonly found in toys, and lets you create your own toy-like combinations. Discover The Place Where Awesome Lives!

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ChicagoParent.com June 2016 27

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5/13/16 11:45 AM

Go play!!!

4

ways not to feel so overwhelmed and grown uppity

28 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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BY MEREDITH SINCLAIR PHOTOS BY THOMAS KUBIK hen was the last time you allowed yourself to be fully overcome with playfulness?

I’m talking about the kind of overcome that stops time, squashes your adult ego, has you forgetting that you even own a phone that proclaims to be so smart and has your inner 8-year-old jumping for utter joy.

It’s been a while, hasn’t it?

Most of us grown-ups don’t often enough turn off the notifications and “to-do’s” for a beat and make time for fullon frivolity.

W

Mainly it’s because we’ve got super important grown-upitty things to attend—jobs, homes, toddlers, teens, permission slips, travel sports upon travel sports upon travel sports, breakfast, lunch and dinners and an endless stream of extracurriculars.

I mean who has the tiiiiiiiime to play around? But with all of our gettin’ it done, many of us are missing out on the game-changing joy and mind-altering magic of goofing off. Kids included.

Extensive research in the field of play theory strongly suggests that there are great big benefits to being “well played,” and they’re all lurking just below play’s seemingly frivolous exterior. The benefits include things like stress reduction, increased memory and mental agility, enhanced creativity, problem solving and invention, improved focus, attention and mental state, and a deeper connection with family and friends.

Turns out, play is seriously good for us.

In my new book, Well Played, The Ultimate Guide to Awakening Your Family’s Playful Spirit, I share simple, everyday ways to help kids and their grown-ups harness the magical powers of playfulness within our busy new millennium lives.

These ideas are ones I’ve developed and tested in my early childhood and elementary

classrooms, with my own two boys, and throughout my work in the field of play over the last 10 years. None of them take a ton of money, time or a Master’s degree in craftiness. What they do require is a simple shift in perspective and the willingness to jump in and let the genius of play unfold.

Summertime is the perfect time to intentionally disconnect from all the “busy” of our lives, to playfully reconnect to the folks we love most—our kids, our partners, our friends and even ourselves.

As Plato once said, “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than you can in a year of conversation.” What I know for absolutely sure is that play invigorates the body and mind, opens us up like nothing else and puts us back in touch with the stuff that makes our hearts sing and our spirits soar.

So are you ready to reap the rewards of a life well played?

Here are a few simple ideas from my book to get you started.

Play with your family amily Become the next Partridge Family Even if no one in yourr family knows how to play one lick, chord or note and the last adjective that would ever describe ya’ll is “musical,” grab some up-cycled instruments (eBay is the best for this!) s!) and fake it til ya make it. t.

There is nothing like sitting around the living room or kitchen, making “music” together during a family jam session. My son Truman, who actually plays the guitar, began asking the rest of us to join in on various instruments we had collected over the years (a harmonica, a ukulele, a drum box and a tambourine) and it turned into some of the best spontaneous fun around.

Pro Tip: Start hunting and gathering inexpensive, used instruments from tag sales, thrift stores and online sources. Keep them in a pretty basket in the corner of your family room and encourage kids and grown-ups alike to partake.

Instruments elevate any room and make you look all artistic … even if you’re not.

Play with your mate Build a time machine There’s nothing wrong with a little marital Netflix and chill. But if that’s your dating game every Friday night, then it’s time the two of you have a little talk.

Playfulness in our mates is super sexy. It’s innately flirty and gives us a peek into our partner’s softer, more vulnerable side. Think about the kinds of dates you and your partner planned when you first were falling in love. I bet the ones you remember as being the most fun and flirty were the ones when you were being the most fun and flirty.

If it’s been too long since you’ve acted like high school sweethearts (even if you

never were high school sweethearts), all puppy love, pecks on the cheeks and piggyback rides, then build an imaginary time machine and reproduce some of the dates from your early courting days.

I met my husband when I was 15, so I have loads to work with. But even if you met your mate just five years ago, I’m sure there are some playful and adventurous first dates in your vault.

Plan a romantic re-do of one of your most playful dates and watch the connection happen in a way Netflix just can’t match.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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PLAY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

Play with your friends Two words: Field trips!

Most parents I know spend a lot of time planning their kids’ summer experiences. Camps, classes, lessons and adventures abound for our younguns over the warmest months here in Chicago.

But when’s the last time you grabbed a batch of your best playmates and went on a field trip or adventure?

Playing with our friends is an important piece of living a wellplayed life. And doing something a little risky, adventurous or brand new not only invigorates our adult souls, but it also bonds us with our pals in a much deeper way. Whether it’s exploring an unfamiliar neighborhood or museum, taking a flying trapeze lesson for the 40 and over, hitting the trampoline park for a fitness class or scheduling a go-carting girls’ night out, take turns planning something other than another wine- and gossip-fest with your best gal pals. You’ll feel like you’re back in junior high—in a good way.

Play for yourself Create a Personal Play Profile Before you can take full advantage of the unicorn-like benefits of play, you have to take a note from Socrates and really “know thyself.”

The first thing I have readers do in my book is to create a Personal Play Profile. Five selfreflective questions that take 15 quiet minutes to answer help you tap into what really lights your fire and awakens your own playful spirit. And once you remember and record what those things are (Hint: they’re often related to what did it for you when you were a child), you’re ready to TURN OFF YOUR PHONE and reconnect with your

slightly neglected inner child.

We all need to stop helicopter parenting ourselves now and again and jump into something we’ve never done before, without the hope of “likes” or comments and approval from the digital universe.

Embracing playfulness when no one’s looking or applauding is the truest way to get to know who you really are and what you really love.

Meredith Sinclair, a Northshore mom of two, has been a Chicago Parent columnist for 10 years, is a frequent contributor on national and Chicago morning news shows and now is the author of her first book.

30 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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Camp Mom 10 ways to keep the kids entertained during these long summer days

BY MEGAN MURRAY E ELLSE ENE ER chool’s out and summer dayys ar are lo are ong ng.. In Inst stea st eaad off dreading summeer break, emb mbra race ra cee the h tim imee wi with t you th o r kids and make your own fun for or lit ittl t ee-to to-n no co c st st.

With a little prreparation an and d creaatiivi vity ty, piick ty c a the heme me for each day or week and mak ke itt a fu un n faam milyillyy af affaair ir. r.

You’ll be their fave “camp counselor” nselor” before long long.

Here are some ideas to get g you y started:

1

Cook it up

The kids are in charge of meals for the day, from searching for recipes to menu planning and making the grocery list. Let them lead the way at the grocery store and you can be their sous chef in the kitchen. Try new foods as a family and let the kids use all those kitchen gadgets. Throw in some math skills by having them double or triple the recipes.

2

Brick-by-Brick

Bust out that bin of Lego bricks in your house. Challenge the kids to a build-off and start creating your own Lego village. Print out blank figurine pictures online and let everyone create their own personalized mini-figs. If you’re up for a splurge and a field trip, head to Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg or to the Museum of Science and Industry to see the Brick by Brick exhibit. Top the day off with a special screening of “A Lego Brickumentary,” available for free on Amazon Prime.

3

Draw the day away

Spark your inner artist and get that sidewalk chalk and paint ready. (See this month’s craft to make your own sidewalk paint with supplies you have at home!) Go beyond just drawing hopscotch squares and create masterpieces. Lie down on the ground and draw superhero capes flying from your back or a handful of balloons in your outstretched arm.

Surprise your neighbors with a drawing to greet them when they come home.

Trace your bodies and create self-portraits. Let your imagination carry you away and make those sidewalks shine.

4

Fly with the birds

Delve into the beautiful world of birds. Head to the library to check out books about birds, especially local ones you see in your own backyard. Have the kids each pick a species to feature on a poster board and share interesting facts they can gather. Try your hand at creating bird feeders for your yard, whether it’s covering a pinecone in peanut butter and birdseed or making sugar water to attract hummingbirds. For a hands-on experience, head to the Brookfield Zoo’s Wild Encounters parakeet exhibit to be surrounded by birds and get the chance to feed them.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

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CAMP MOM

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

5

Splish and splash

Nothing says “summer” quite like your good old hose and water, so make a day dedicated to all things wet and wonderful. Make your own homemade sprinkler by poking holes in an empty two-liter plastic bottle and use duct tape to secure to your hose. Create water bombs by cutting sponges into strips and tying them together with string. Fill the blow-up pool with plastic balls and dish soap for bubbles. Create a homemade bike wash for your neighborhood.

The water ideas are endless and can be repeated all summer long.

7

Mix it up

Children and adults cannot deny their love for science and explosions. Let the kids research science projects online that they want to attempt. Or try some classics like mixing baking soda with vinegar or dropping Mentos into Coca-Cola. Dye your flowers by letting carnations, roses or even celery sit in colored water and watch as the colors seep through them to the top. You’ll be surprised at how many household items can be used to create amazing scientific results.

6

The windy city

Take advantage of those windy Chicago o da days ayss and make them a learning experience. Us Use se ttin in or coffee cans to create and decorate your own w wind in nd chimes. Tie different color ribbons around a wooden ood den hoop and watch as the wind blows the colors around. arrou oun nd. nd Make your own kites from paper and string and have dh avve a competition to see which one flies the longestt aand nd d highest. And if it’s not quite windy enough for yyou, ou u, bring some fans outside to explore creating your own urr o wn w n wind!

32 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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9

Map it out

8

Get dirty

Get out and explore your local neighborhood together on an adventure walk.

Have the kids create their own maps with keys and legends for what they find important in the area. Make your own treasure hunt with a checklist of items that need to be found like bird feathers, different types of leaves or rocks. Head to your local forest preserves to hike and really soak up nature and all the beauty summer has to offer.

Let the kids see the fruits of their labor by allowing them to create and grow their own gardens.

Head to the garden store to let them select their items to grow, whether it’s tomatoes or green beans or herbs.

Designate an area for them to plant, let them research how to care for the plants and take all responsibility for watering and weeding. If they pick fruits or vegetables, help them find recipes to cook once they are ready to be picked. Maybe they’ll even pitch in and help weed the rest of the yard with you!

10

From dusk to dark

Part of the joy of summer is staying up long past bedtime in the warm summer air. Create your own drive-in movie theater in your yard with personalized cars made from cardboard boxes. Project your favorite movie on the side of your house or garage with bags of popcorn treats for all.

Have a challenge to see who can catch the most lightning bugs. Set off on an evening scavenger hunt with flashlights and glow sticks. Then lie under the moon and count the stars together.

Megan Murray Elsener is a full-time mom of three and part-time freelance writer.

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ChicagoParent.com June 2016 33

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SUPER dads ... and the cool things they do with their kids

BY CORTNEY FRIES

B

eing a good dad doesn’t require perfection, but connection. It calls for love and care, as well as the initiative to be involved day in and day out. We found five Chicago dads who are both tough and tender, and these magnanimous men engage with their families in remarkable ways.

Natural memory maker

Javier Guevara fly fishing with his daughter Justice.

Javier Guevara Kids: Justice, 12, Javier Jr., 7, and Julian, 18 months Wife: Jennifer Javier Guevara fell in love with fishing as a kid in Quito, Ecuador. Today, this Wheaton resident owns and operates Ecuador Fly Fishing Tours (ecuador flyfishingtours.com) with his family. Passionate about conservation and exploration, he shares the joy of the outdoors with his kids, the community and fishing enthusiasts. His company takes travelers to gorgeous remote destinations featuring waterfalls, volcanoes, mountains and creeks to collect memories.

When he’s not hosting tours, he can be found fishing with his family, in Ecuador and around Chicago.

Guevara’s kids appreciate the bonding time, playing in rivers and tossing rocks. One of their favorite spots is the Driftless Area in Wisconsin.

“It’s less than three hours away, but in the beautiful country, where you don’t see or hear a car,” he says.

“There are no cellphones, but beautiful streams, turkeys and bald eagles.” They also recommend the Milwaukee River in September, where big salmon swim up the lake to spawn.

Guevara believes in getting kids outside as frequently as possible. “Never be afraid of exploring,” he says. “There might not be something that catches your eye right away, but there are so many simple things that are so valuable.”

34 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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It’s not school, it’s Quest!

An independent school for gifted children from Preschool through Eighth Grade.

Quest Academy goes beyond others by providing: • • • • •

Good sport Hitesh Patel Kids: Yash, 9, Rian, 6, and Jhenna, 4 Wife: Alpita Hitesh Patel’s sportsmanship shines through every season as he coaches soccer, T-ball, baseball, football, hockey and basketball, to name a few.

He was an instructor at the park district before he started his 15-year career with the Chicago Police Department and is now a sergeant. This dad of three chose to work the night shift so he could spend as much time as possible with his kids, including school pickup and dropoff, as well as manning many after-school activities.

“As a coach, I get to be involved in my kids’ lives, see who their friends are and meet their parents,” Patel says. “As kids get older, they won’t want their parents as involved. I try to enjoy these times and get to know the people that they’ll be hanging out with for the rest of their lives.”

Not only has he protected Chicago streets from gangs, drugs and guns, he volunteers his time to provide security at his kids’ school. “Our most precious gifts are inside that building,” he says.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

Accelerated learning opportunities Advanced concepts and skills A differentiated curriculum An environment of like-minded peers Teachers who “get” your child

Schedule a tour today.

Weekday morning tours available by appointment.

Contact Director of Admission, Kitsana Salyphone at kitsana.salyphone@questacademy.org or call 847.202.8035, ext. 438 today.

questacademy.org 500 North Benton, Palatine, IL 60067 ChicagoParent.com June 2016 35

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SUPER DADS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

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Randy Johnson Kids: Jake, 11, and Austin, 7 Wife: Linda Randy Johnson met his wife, Linda, at a Chicago Park District youth circus program when they 11 and 12. After touring with Ringling Bros., Randy has performed in the Triton Troupers Circus, an allvolunteer show at Triton College every spring, with his family for 32 years.

Jake, 11, has been a part of the performance since he was in the womb (his mom performs the Spanish web).

Austin, 7, had his first major role this year in the 45th anniversary show. He played “Dead or Alive,” a classic

clown gag, with his dad.

“You can’t buy an experience like this,” Randy says.

“But it comes with a lot of hard work.”

While Randy is proud to pass on his passion for performing, he says the kids got into it for the non-competitive physical activity.

“You have to love a sport to stick to it,” says Randy.

“My kids didn’t love some of the sports they tried and practice became drudgery.” Jake and Austin were attracted to circus acts for their gymnastics-like quality without the competitiveness.

36 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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Scary fun Daniel Kmiec Kids: Katelyn, 11, and Carin, 7 Wife: Valerie Daniel Kmiec’s wife, Valerie, stayed home with their children until her dream of opening a salon came true nearly three years ago. Now Daniel, a machinist at O’Hare International Airport, is his girls’ primary caregiver.

“Both are sweethearts and exact opposites,” he says. “Carin is a girly girl who likes to play with Barbies and she also helps me work on cars. Katelyn is into gaming—chess tournaments and Minecraft.”

Not only does this hands-on dad have a soft spot for his girls, but he likes to plan intricate parties for them, namely, Halloween haunted house parties. He tricks out their garage with black lights and ghouls, packs a buffet table full of hot chocolate and punch with floating fingers and hosts

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classic kids games, like donuts on a string and bobbing for apples.

“As a kid, I helped my dad dress up a two-flat hallway for Halloween,” he says. “I wanted to carry on that fun family tradition. When the girls suggested we do a haunted house, I was crazy enough to say yes.”

It’s a big project, but he says it does model dedication. “I want to teach them that if you work hard, you can enjoy fun things with your friends,” he says.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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ChicagoParent.com June 2016 37

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SUPER DADS

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Important history lessons Scott Johnson Kids: Noelia, 7, twins Liliana and Benjamin, 4, and Abraham, 7 months Wife: Raquel Scott Johnson lived on a 100,000-acre cattle ranch in Kanab, Utah, until a volunteer mission brought him to Chicago. After his years as a Northwestern University wrestler, this big guy found the love of his life in a woman with Honduras heritage. When they married and had children, he taught himself, and his now four kids, how to speak Spanish.

“I see my in-laws as pioneers,” he says. “They gave up their lives in Honduras for something that was unknown. I would

never want those sacrifices to be forgotten in one generation.”

It’s evident that he enjoys teaching his kids life’s important lessons. “Everything I do, the kids are not only welcome to join, but I prefer it,” Johnson says.

When he gets home from work, he enjoys cooking with the kids. “It takes three times as long,” he admits. “But the excitement of making the food translates into excitement for eating it. My role as an adult is to teach my children everything to the point where they don’t need me any more.”

Cortney Fries is a Chicago mom of two and frequent Chicago Parent contributor.

38 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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5/13/16 11:27 AM

Foodies unite

Indulge your taste buds and share the wealth at a food swap

D

o you love to cook or bake?

Have a vegetable garden that, come summer, produces more zucchini or tomatoes than your family can eat? Do you raise backyard chickens or keep bees and find yourself with extra eggs or honey? You are a good candidate to join a food swap.

A food swap brings home cooks, bakers and gardeners together to trade their homemade and homegrown foods. No money changes hands, and all of the participants bring something they made, grew or foraged themselves. From its origins in Brooklyn six years ago, food swapping has developed into a national trend, with food swaps held in every major American city as well as many suburbs and small towns.

The idea is to encourage people to cook

STORY AND PHOTOS BY EMILY PASTER more, to cut down on food waste and to create community around food. Along the way, participants learn about different food traditions, get inspired and connect with others who share their love of food.

A friend and I started the Chicago Food Swap in 2011 and it is one of the most active and dynamic food swaps in the country. We meet every other month at the Community Cooking School in the Broadway Armory Field House, 5917 N. Broadway St., Chicago.

Typically a Chicago Food Swap event draws 30-60 attendees. Some examples of popular items to be swapped are jams, pickles, salsa, dips, baked goods, candies, granola, spice mixes, fresh pasta, home CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

ChicagoParent.com June 2016 39

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FOODIES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

brews and d infusi infusions, and homegrown vegetabless or he herbs.

To encourage encou urage people to start food swaps in their ow own communities, I have written a b book, ook, F Food Swap, that is both starting a food swap and a a guide to startin cookbook with more than 75 recipes that would be good to bring to a food swap.

These recipes—which include candies, baked goods, soups, dips, condiments, jam and pickles—are also ideal for bake sales, edible gifts and entertaining.

Some people tell me that they would love to participate in a food swap, but are afraid their food is not good enough.

That’s a misconception: anyone can participate in a food swap. There are all kinds of easy recipes, such as the two I’m sharing here, and DIY kit kitchen projects that would desirable swap items. make desir rable food f Emily Paster, a Chicag Chicago area mom, is the founder of the Chicago Food Swap and an the author of the cookbook Food Swap, which will be aavailable wherever books are sold

Citru us Sugar Infused sugar is an easyy swa wap p item em m that ha allmo most st anyone can prepare re, rega gard ga rdle rd lesss of cooking le experience. Flavorred ed sug ugar arrs ad add d an extra leevel ev l of flavor to baked d goo oods ds and are wonderful ull for sweetening g bev ever erag ag ges such h as lemonade or iceed tea. You can flavor su uga gar with herbs, spices,, citrus zest and moree.

Citrus sugar makees a beautiful hostess gif ift ft.

Makes on Ma ne pint Ingred In dientss Zest of Zest of two two lem l ons (or oth her citrus fruits, such as orange or lime) 2 cups granulated sugar

Directions D Dryy th Dr he ze zest st by sp pread a ing it out ut in an n eve v n layer on a

parchment-li line ned baking sheett and n baking in a 20 200° 0°F F oven until il criisp p, 30-45 minutes. (Yoou can also air-dry it byy leetting the mi mixt xtur ure sitt out ov over erni er n ggh ni ht. t) Crrumbl blee th thee ze z st witth yoourr fi fin ngeers r and nd com omm bine bi ne wit ith h the su suga g r.

on May 17.

40 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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5/13/16 11:17 AM

Turnip Green Pesto This peesto o recipe came about ut as a wa wayy to to usee up the th he gr gree gree e ns attached to th thee ti t nyy Hakurei tur urni nips ni pss at the th he fa farm rmer rm merrs ma market mark rk ket in laate t spring. Th spring Therre is no cheese in this is rec ecip ip pe, e so it it’s ’ss actua cttua u ll llyy ve vega gaan. n. The he lemon juicee ad adds ds brigh htn t es e s an and d fi fixess th thee vi vibr brran bran a t gr g een eeen co c lo lor. lor. r Makes 12 ounce cess or threee 4-ounce jars Ingredients 5 Tbsp. pine nu n ts 4 cups well-p packed,, coar packed coarsel selyy sel chopped bab by turniip gree green ns ns 3 cloves garlic, peeled 1 Tbsp. fresh hly squeezed lemon juice ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper ½ cup extrra-virgin olive oil

Directionss Lightly tooasst the pine nuts in a

d y sk dr skil ille il l t ov le over er med diu ium m he heatt unt heat nti til il they th eyy aree sli l gh ghtl tlyy br tl brow owne ow n d aan ne nd frag fr a ra ag rant ntt. Wa W tc tch h th thee pi pinee nut utss caarefu care full fu llyy soo the ll h y doo nott bur u n. n.

Comb Co omb m in ne th thee to toas assted teed pine piine p n nu uts ts,, tu turn rnip rn rnip p greeens, en ns, gar arli liic, c, leemo lemo m n ju uic ice, e, sal e, alt lt an and pe p pper pp per in th the he bo bowl owll of a fo food ood d pro rooce c ss ce ssor or. or r.

Pulse se seve veeral vera raal ti time mees to com o bine. With the he mot o orr run nn niing ng, add the olive oil in a slo low w, steady stream until the mixture resembles a thick paste.

Store the pesto in the refrigerator until needed.

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ChicagoParent.com June 2016 41

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42 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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5/13/16 10:24 AM

The ZOO

within a zoo

Hamill Family Play Zoo celebrates 15 years of fun

E

BY MELISSA SILVERBERG very week Desiree Weber packs up the car with her three kids and heads to the Brookfield Zoo. While Gabriella, 4, Mateo, 3 and Alyssa, 1, love seeing the animals, what really brings them back week after week is the Hamill Family Play Zoo, where adventure comes to life in the world of their imagination.

They pretend to be veterinarians and give medicine to stuffed animals, they get their faces painted, they create original artwork, play outside, help water the plants and explore the zoo from a whole new perspective.

“We absolutely love it,” says Desiree, who lives in Downers Grove.

Each year instead of a gift, Desiree says she asks her in-laws for a membership to the zoo.

“It’s like the gift that keeps on giving.”

As the Hamill Family Play Zoo celebrates

its 15th anniversary this year, officials say they are proud of the experiences they have built for families like the Webers and the 4.5 million other guests who have visited since June 2001.

“When children see an adult doing something, they want to help, they want to do it right along with them. Here at the zoo we have all those opportunities,” says Mark Freedlund, play programs supervisor at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. “It’s a zoo within the zoo.”

Kids can dress up like a zookeeper while watching the real zookeepers care for the

You are invited nvited The Hamill Family P Play lay Zoo will host a birthday bash sh h June 15 with h live music, scavenger ger hunts, zoo ge talks and more.

“It’s a birthday party ty for our ty zoo, and we want ev everyone veeryone to come help us celebrate,” braate,” says Mark Freedlund, nd, d playy programs supervisor orr at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. Z For the rest of the ye yyear ear on the 15th of each m month, o onth, the play zoo will hold old d special activities 10 0 a.m.-4 p.m. that include ncclude such things visits wit with w th zoo professionals, special art activities, s, s, participation in animal m training mal or a parade.

animals, they can help nurse lp pn urse a (stuffed) alligator back to health th h or pretend to be the CONTINUED ON PAGE 44

ChicagoParent.com June 2016 43

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HAMILL PLAY ZOO

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43

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zoo director for a day.

But it’s not just fun and pretend. Kids are learning.

“A lot of people think of education as what goes on in the classroom, but this field of informal education that goes on in zoos, museums and aquariums is so important,” Freedlund says. “We see children as scientists discovering their world, and we are helping them do that.”

Back when the Hamill Family Play Zoo opened, it was the first of its kind.

The goal at the time was twofold, says Dave Becker, senior manager of learning experiences at Brookfield Zoo. First, to bring the spirit of active involvement with the zoo to a younger generation. Second, to figure out how to plant lifelong roots of empathy toward conservation and environmentalism in children from an early age.

The Hamill Family Zoo launched a movement. In the past 15 years, Brookfield has

been the place for educators, zoos, museums and aquariums all over the country to visit and learn about creating an interactive exhibit for children, while Brookfield Zoo officials have traveled to the Dominican Republic and Argentina to share their expertise.

Just within the Chicago area, employees from Morton Arboretum, Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum have visited the Hamill Play Zoo while developing their own children’s play areas.

The idea of creating a place where play and learning are intertwined was a key aspect of developing the Play Zoo, Becker says. And, while kids are playing, they are learning a lot of important lessons.

“It helps children develop a sense of empathy for other living things,” Becker says. “... This is a way for children to feel like they are connected to the nature around them,” he says. “We hope it lays the groundwork for a lifetime relationship with the natural world and a deep understanding that

44 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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they are able to take care of the world around them.”

Going forward, Becker says the Play Zoo hopes to help families develop nature play experiences in their own homes and neighborhoods, as well as increase its training of educators around the world.

The zoo is also focusing more and more on inclusivity.

With the indoor and outdoor spaces and a variety of sensory activities, Becker says they have seen the zoo become a supportive place for children with disabilities and those on the autism spectrum. Since 2002, nearly 100 high school students with developmental disabilities have volunteered at the Play Zoo through its Good Works program to help learn skills that will help them as adults.

“There is so much to do there and it’s just so much fun,” Weber says, adding that she and her family plan to keep visiting every week for years to come.

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Every child gets their moment in the spotlight at Light Opera Works’ Summer Musical Theater Workshops. Perfect for kids 8-13 with or without theater experience, Manager Anya Plotkin says the kids quickly make friends and gain confidence while putting on an unforgettable show after only six days. This summer students will be doing Legally Blonde, The King and I and Guys and Dolls, plus others.

Not only do they learn to handle their solo responsibilities, they learn to work as a group, Plotkin says. “Watching that happen is so rewarding. It’s the best part of my year.” lightoperaworks.org/workshop.html

4 2

Working parents seeking a full-day camp option with lots of flexibility will especially love the day camps at Bright Horizons. School-age kids, 6-12, come back year after year because they make friends, are always on the go and get to do really cool things every day.

Camp themes rotate and this summer include Extreme Action Cinematography, Culinary Arts, The Science of Gross Things and Uncharted Territories, plus lots of great field trips. Camp counselors are carefully chosen to help the kids have a fun, active summer.

Camps run all summer long so parents aren’t left in the lurch until school starts. brighthorizons.com/chicagoparent16

3

Got a kid who likes to figure out how things work? Engineering For Kids camps for ages 4-14 are just the ticket.

With sites in Lake County, North Cook County, Aurora, Naperville, Olympia Fields and Hammond, Ind., kids get hands-on STEM lessons and fun, engineering-based design/build projects.

“We focus on the life skills of problem solving and critical thinking,” says Keith Poole, Illiana location owner. “We are here to inspire the next generation of engineers.”

Kids explore industrial, chemical, aerospace, marine and civil engineering, robotics, 3-D printing, software engineering and will even bring familiar stories to life in Twisted Fairy Tales. engineeringforkids.com

Before you think Shakespeare isn’t for kids, think again! The Viola Project uses the Bard’s words to empower girls to explore their world and activate their creative voices. The seven week-long camps—two in Oak Park and five in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood—are created especially for ages 10-16.

This year, girls will learn about social media safety, women in leadership, self defense and more.

They’ll also perform scenes from Shakespeare and learn from some amazing Chicago artists.

“Each child gets individual attention that helps them grow,” says Managing Director Catherine Gillespie. “We pride ourselves doing everything to make sure the girls are a success.” violaproject.org

46 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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Get the passports ready. The new Kleine Deutschschule German Language Center’s four summer full-day camps, geared for ages 4-10 and 7-12, will not only teach kids a new language, but expose them to a new culture through hands-on learning, says Julia Klein, owner, director and lead teacher.

“The best way to experience a new language and new culture is through fun,” she says.

Kids will learn about Germany through traditional German games, music, art, inventions and architecture.

Just don’t blame Klein if your kids are singing in German and begging to visit Germany by the time school starts again. germanlanguagecenterinchicago.com

5

7

Your kids want to be on their computers and you want them outside playing this summer. Fortunately, you can give them the best of both at this year’s Code Play Learn’s full-day sports and coding camps in Chicago.

Perfect for grades 4-8, Code Play Learn has teamed up with Legacy Sports to create a halfday of STEM fun that teaches problem solving through coding and a half day of team-based sports that emphasize character building, says owner Wil Greenwald.

The camp challenges kids with and without coding experience. “We want kids to leave with a fundamental understanding of how their technology works,” he says. codeplaylearn.com

8

Gifted and talented students, pre-K to fourth grade, don’t have to mourn the school year ending thanks to the Discovery Unlimited two-week camp at Roycemore School in Evanston. Organizers plan to let the kids get messy and chocolately while they use art, math, science, language arts and social studies.

The regular summer camps, for ages 3-12, promise games, arts and crafts and field trips along with a multipurpose room (karaoke!) that quickly becomes every camper’s favorite spot.

The camps are kept small and especially appeal to working parents with 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. hours where Communications Director Joan Daugherty says the kids are cared for like family. roycemoreschool.org/summer

On-the-go fun is the name of the game at River Forest Community Center’s half- and full-day summer camps. Think arts, music, movement, sports, outdoor time, swimming and field trips, says Lia A. Madonia-Garcia, the early childhood director. And you don’t even have to be a resident of River Forest.

“We definitely make it fun for kids and keep them excited and busy,” she says.

Rainy days are never a problem at the camps because River Forest has a full-size air-conditioned gym for the bigger kids and an indoor playground for the younger kids, she says. “We’re prepared for anything.” rfcc.info.

9

Kids 5-12 who enjoy a challenge and like to make friends but aren’t necessarily into team sports will find their happy place at Master S.H. Yu’s week-long Ninja camps in August. Master Wilson, children’s program director, says the camps are a great way to help kids cross train or get ready for the new school year—they help kids set goals and achieve balance in a fun way.

The camps focus on conditioning and flexibility while helping kids learn the beauty and history of martial arts along with culture, customs and etiquette. Visits to the year-round Oak Park studio are encouraged. master-sh-yu.com

10

If you want a classic summer camp for an active, imaginative kid, Little Beans Café offers one filled with outside play and rotating activities from art to yoga to theater.

Shannon Valko says the camps— the Chicago location has camps for ages 3-5 ½ while Evanston for ages 3-9—offer something new every day and are a great entry-level camp for young kids.

Flexibility rules here; parents can buy a flex pass to pick the camp dates or to fill in holes around other activities. Camps can be booked as little as 48 hours in advance, subject to availability. littlebeanscafe.com

ChicagoParent.com June 2016 47

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calendar CALENDAR

1

Ev wanted to send your Ever fears and worries out to fe sea—quite literally? Family se Day: Floating Ghost Boats might Da be your perfect chance.

Families Familie es can work together to build that boats th ha actually float from blocks of wood. Then load them o up with your greatest fears, u monsters or spookiest sscariest ca “ghosts” “gho ost and set them adrift—in neighborhood pond tthee bathtub, th baath No need to call the or wherever. wh her Ghostbusters, you’ve got this one Ghostb bu covered. ccovered d. Free. 1-4 p.m. June 4.

Museum of Art, University Smart M S Chicago, of Chic o cag 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 702-0200, A ssmartmuseum.uchicago.edu.

2

Don your red, white and blue a few days early and head to Kline Creek Farm, where you can experience what Celebrating the Fourth was like back in the 1800s. Play baseball using rules from 1887— before foul balls counted as strikes!—make allAmerican crafts and watch model hot-air balloon launches. Patriotic music and a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 5 p.m. help wrap up the tribute the old-fashioned way. Free.

1:30-3:30 p.m. June 30. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago.

(630) 876-5900, dupageforest.org/ klinecreekfarm.

3

You can’t pick a peck of peppers at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Pepper Sundays, but you can make pepper prints, play a few rounds of pepper tic-tac-toe and whip up a dried pepper mix to take home. For aspiring Peter Pipers out there, the events include pepper-growing tips (those pecks don’t grow themselves!), variety recommendations for those who don’t know a poblano from a serrano, and pepper plants for sale so you can start working your garden magic. It’s guaranteed to put a little extra pep in your step! Free; $30 parking. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 19. 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe.

(847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

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CALENDAR 1 | WEDNESDAY INCHWORMS PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM. Kids 18-36 months,

with adult, are introduced to nature through songs, simple crafts and outdoor exploration. Today’s theme is Dirt Don’t Hurt. $6, free parking.

9:30-10:15 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

NATURE SLEUTHS. Kids 6-10 work together to solve mysteries about the natural world through weekly themes and hands-on experiments. $8, $5 members. 4 p.m. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh. org.

3 | FRIDAY ASTRO-OVERNIGHT. Kids 6-12 can land on the Moon, explore the surface of Mars and shoot past asteroids—all in their pajamas. Features educatorled, hands-on science activities, shows in the Grainger Sky Theater and award-winning exhibitions. Light snacks, continental breakfast, two sky shows and telescope observing (weather permitting) are included. $60, $30 evening only. 5 p.m.-8 a.m.; 6-10 p.m. evening only. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org ONE. BIG. EGYPTIAN. MURAL. Kids 8-12 find out how

the amazing Egyptian murals were made by helping to create a giant chalk mural using the art “rules” of ancient Egypt that make their style so iconic. Program will be moved indoors and onto paper in the event of inclement weather. 10 a.m.-noon.

Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

Ha H ami millll Fam amiilly P Pllay lay ay Zo oo o Big Bi B rthd rtthd hda ay y Pa arrty ty See Ju Se Junnee 15

and limbo contests, plus “Finding Nemo” at dusk. 5-10 p.m. Bensenville Water Park & Splash Pad, 1100 W. Wood St., Bensenville. (630) 7667015, bensenvilleparkdistrict.org.

4 | SATURDAY

District showcases its summer programs, as well as music, games and prizes. Includes waterpark fun, DJ, games, prizes, community showcase, sandcastle contest, lifeguard safety demonstration, relay races, hula hoop

SUBURBS

CHICAGO WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY. ANCIENT GAME DAY. Kids 8

and up play the favorite games of ancient Egypt, Nubia, Mesopotamia and Persia outdoors in front of the Oriental Institute. Learn the principles of making board games and create one. 1-4 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St. (773) 7029514, oi.uchicago.edu.

CHICAGO RHYTHM FEST. The finale

SUMMER KICK-OFF CELEBRATION. The Bensenville Park

original choreography that showcases each company’s unique cultural traditions. $28-$68. 7:30 p.m. Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Parkway. (312) 922-2110, auditoriumtheatre.org/wb.

performance of the citywide celebration, Stomping Grounds. CHRP’s resident ensemble BAM!, alongside the Trinity Irish Dance Company, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, Mexican Folkloric Dance Company of Chicago, and Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater perform

Meet plant conservation scientists and pick up sustainable gardening tips and techniques. Take part in Family Drop-in Activities and shop at

the Farmers’ Market stand featuring fresh, organically grown produce.

Recycle plastic plant containers and bring any vase or container that holds water to the vase drive for Random Acts of Flowers in parking lot 4. An entertainment stage on the Esplanade features environmentally themed, family-friendly performances throughout the day. $30 parking. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the July issue is May 30. All events are subject to change. Please call the event sponsor at the number listed to confirm before you go. Events taking place on four or more dates during the month are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 65.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar ChicagoParent.com June 2016 51

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CALENDAR LAGRANGE PET PARADE.

Features marching bands, kids showcasing their pets, floats and clowns.

9:30-11:30 a.m. Cossitt Avenue and LaGrange Road, LaGrange. (708) 352-7079, lgpetparade.org.

STONE HUNT. Families with kids 5 and up search for gemstones and minerals specimens among more common rocks and minerals. Learn how to distinguish between rocks and minerals. Take home the rocks you find. Reservations recommended. $5, members free. 2-2:45 p.m. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.

5 | SUNDAY CHICAGO THE LASER COMEDY SHOW. Chris T:10”

Fair uses Laser Reactive Technology to draw characters and scenery on a glow-in-the-dark screen where the lines fade like a high tech etch-asketch. Chris brings the characters to life by voicing them over, creating sound effects, music and drawing action to open up a 2-D screen into a 3-D world. $12, $6 kids. 2 p.m.

Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. (773) 327-5252, stage773.com.

SUBURBS MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN FAMILY SUNDAY. Families can

rake miniature dry gardens, try chopsticks and practice calligraphy.

Today’s take-home projects include koinobori (mini carp kites). $30 parking. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

THE LION’S WHISKERS. A delight-

ful musical adaptation of a traditional Ethiopian folktale. The show features a cast of human characters as well as a multitude of masks and puppets and is highlighted with shadow puppetry and original songs. $10. 1 and 4 p.m. Ravinia Festival, 418 Sheridan Road, Highland Park.

(847) 266-5100, ravinia.org.

MID-AMERICAN CANOE AND KAYAK RACE. Experience the

excitement of paddling the scenic Fox River while enjoying a tradition that dates back to the 1960s. Rental boats are available. St. Charles to Aurora (10 miles) starts at 9 a.m.; Batavia to Aurora (6 miles) starts at 10 a.m. Check website.

8:30 a.m. Mount St. Mary Park, St. Charles. (630) 859-8606, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org/event/ mid-america-canoe-kayak-race.

NAPERVILLE PARK DISTRICT FRONTIER PARK KITE FESTIVAL. Enjoy gigantic kites,

exciting demonstrations, stunts and hands-on activities. Plus, live music, games and giveaways, and live performances. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 3380 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

7 | TUESDAY BARREL OF MONKEYS’ CELEBRATION OF AUTHORS.

Features performances of a selection of the best stories from the year.

Meet the authors, teachers and principals from the schools Barrel of Monkeys has worked with during the school year. A cookies and juice reception is at 6:30 p.m. Registration required. 7 p.m. The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., Chicago. (773) 702-ARTS, logancenter.uchicago.edu.

8 | WEDNESDAY SMARTY PANTS BIG BALLOON SPACE SHOW. This

balloon stage show features magic, comedy and Smarty’s giant balloon props all in an out-of-this-world outer space theme. Kids will learn all about space exploration, the history of the space program, how astronauts train for their missions and lots more in an all-ages show.

7-8 p.m. Villa Park Public Library, 305 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park.

(630) 834-1164, vppl.info.

INCHWORMS PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM. Wheaton. See June 1.

Today’s theme is Diggin’ in the Dirt.

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CALENDAR

Thir Th ird d Th T ur ursd sd sda day ay Seee Juune Se n 16

10 | FRIDAY DAY WITHOUT HUNGER.

Includes an outdoor BBQ, restaurant tastings, live entertainment, exhibits and activities for the family.

The theme is Celebrating Our Community’s Children, so there will be even more kid-friendly food and activities, and Loaves & Fishes will highlight its commitment to reducing food insecurity in kids. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Loaves & Fishes, 1871 High Grove Lane, Naperville. (630) 355-3663, loaves-fishes.org.

FAMILY CAMPOUT AT THE FARM.

Enjoy campfire stories, a scavenger hunt and games at Fischer Farm.

Campfire-roasted hotdogs, chips and a beverage for dinner, s’mores, and a continental breakfast will be provided. All kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. $6, free kids 3 and under. 5 p.m.-9 a.m.

Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave., Bensenville. (630) 766-7015, bensenvilleparkdistrict.org/pdcms/ fischer-farm.

KID ROCK’S BEACH PARTY BOOGIE. Kids 1-5 enjoy a variety

of musical instruments and props, including maracas, tambourines, scarves, parachutes and bean bags.

Songs and musical activities have a summer and beach theme. $10 first child, $8 sibling; free parking.

10-10:45 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

SMARTY PANTS BALLOON OLYMPICS. In this theatrical bal-

loon stage show, become part of a “summer games.” Things start off with an “opening ceremonies” and then audience members learn all about the history of the Olympics and how athletes train, and some will be chosen to compete in wacky balloon events. This show features magic, comedy and Smarty’s giant balloon props. Afterward, take photos with Smarty and the show’s balloons. 2-3 p.m. Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Oak Park. (708) 383-8200 ext. 2, oppl.org.

FAMILY TWILIGHT ADVENTURES.

Families with kids under 10 go on a hike, do activities and roast marshmallows before going on a silent tram ride through the woods after dark to see what animals come out when people go home. $19. 7-9 p.m.

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

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CALENDAR

SURE, AT FIRST I WAS A LITTLE TAKEN ABACK

BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. SURE, BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AT FIRST WAS HANGING A LITTLEOUT TAKEN ABACK ANDI NOW WITH HIM

BY THE WHOLE PEEING STANDING UP THING. IS THE BEST PART OF MY DAY. BUT I TAUGHT HIM TO THROW A STICK AND NOW HANGING OUT —WITH HIM EINSTEIN IS THE BEST PART OFadopted MY DAY.12-09-10 — EINSTEIN adopted 12-09-10

Mak ke e Mus usic c Ch hiica cago ago o See Ju Junne ne 21

11 | SATURDAY CHICAGO PLAYDATE AT OLD TOWN SCHOOL: OLD-TIME FAMILY MUSIC WITH DONA BENKERT & RICK VERAS.

Fiddle, mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, autoharp, limberjack, footstomping melodies, lively dances, oldtime fiddle tunes, sing-along games, and an Old Time Jam for all. Bring your instrument or borrow one. $7. 10 a.m. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4545 N. Lincoln Ave. (773) 728-6000, oldtownschool.org.

SUBURBS ROCK & MINERAL IDENTIFICATION. Geologist Sara

Johnson presents an introduction to rocks and minerals for families with kids 8 and up. Learn how to make a basic mineral test kit. Hands-on identification procedures include observation skills and hardness tests.

All materials provided. Reservations required. $5, $3 members. 10:30 a.m. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.

DAIRY BREAKFAST AND FARM DAY. Celebrate National Dairy Month

and enjoy a farm-style breakfast featuring plenty of dairy items. There will be farm tours, demonstrations, hayrides and hands-on activities

throughout the morning. $10, $5 kids 2-10, free kids under 2. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview. (847) 657-1506, glenview parks.org.

ANNUAL ROCK SWAP. Buy or swap for rocks, minerals, fossils, geodes, cabochons, slaps, jewelry and lapidary-arts treasures. 1-5 p.m.

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, 8013 Laramie Ave., Skokie. (773) 774-2054, chicagorocks.org.

SMARTY PANTS BALLOON OLYMPICS. See June 10. Today’s

times are 11-11:45 a.m. and location is Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect.

ST. NORBERT ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY. Features 5K fun run and Kids’

Dash at 8 a.m. Block party includes live music, beer garden, food and kids’ corner with games, inflatables, face painting and entertainment. $5, $10 after 7 p.m. Meadow and Walters Avenue, Northbrook. (847) 272-7090, stnorbertblockparty.org.

ISLAND RENDEZVOUS.

Re-enactors representing voyageurs, colonists and soldiers relive the fur-trade era. Activities include canoe racing and tomahawk throws.

Hands-on opportunities abound with skills and games, dancing to music of the era, buying unique quality goods and listening to tall tales. Plus, crafts, games, storytellers and vendors. 11

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CALENDAR a.m.-3 p.m. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E. Romeo Road, Romeoville.

(815) 886-1467, reconnectwithnature. org.

OLD-FASHIONED BASEBALL.

Watch vintage baseball as it was played in the 1800s. A Lincoln impersonator will throw out the first pitch and may play an inning or two.

A bluegrass band also performs. Call for times. Mt. Assisi Field, 13900 Main St., Lemont. (630) 257-2972, lemonthistorical.org.

SECOND SATURDAY: FROM FARM TO PARK. Environment is

the theme for June, a nod to Robert McCormick’s interest in farming when he lived at Cantigny. Activities include a “make and take” related to plants. $10 parking. Noon-3 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

NATURE NIGHTS. Bring a picnic

dinner and spend an evening in the garden. Includes a short tram ride, a planting project and s’mores around a campfire. This month’s theme is Sensory Stroll. Held indoors in case of rain. $26 per child. 5-7:30 p.m.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

12 | SUNDAY CHICAGO TWEEN AND TEEN STRESS MANAGEMENT. Kids 9-14 learn fun

and easy techniques that help cope with homework, tests and social pressures. Practice a sequence of yoga poses and breathing techniques designed to help unwind from daily life, and be guided through a meditation to help with stress management. Plus, leave with a handout of helpful exercises to use in daily life.

Pre-registration recommended. $25.

4:30-6 p.m. Bloom Yoga Studio, 4663 N. Rockwell St. (773) 463-9642, bloomyogastudio.com.

MASS ST. KIDS. Mass Street is a fun

place full of characters: a forgetful Queen, a stubborn King and a silly man with a big beard and a guitar.

When disaster strikes, the people of Mass Street must work together to save the town—and probably learn a lesson. $12, $6 kids. 2 p.m. Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. (773) 327-5252, stage773.com.

SUBURBS SLEEPING BEAUTY. This original

musical retells the story of the classic fairy tale. Will the princess sleep for 100 years or can a handsome prince save her with a kiss? Recommended for families with kids in preschool and up. $9.50; $7.50 students. 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Theatre at the Center, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Ind. (219) 836-3255, theatreatthecenter. com.

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY FESTIVAL. This circus-themed

family event spotlights an appearance by Jason Kollum and his comedy juggling and stilt-walking routine. Plus, performances by the Hip Hop Dance Troupe, Jesse White Tumblers and Bucket Boys. Kids can enjoy pony rides, bounce house, arts and crafts, origami, face painting, balloon twisting, caricature artist, an appearance by the Shriner’s Clowns, and more. Food and beverages available for purchase. Event raises funds for Arts4Kids Foundation, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, and Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Noon-5 p.m. #1 Dam Woods, Grove #1, Forest Preserve, 541 Dundee Road, Wheeling.

(847) 274-1648, facebook.com/ Arts4KidsFoundation.

CHILDREN’S CONCERT: JEANIE B! Jeanie B! will have young

and old alike up on their feet, dancing and singing along. Chairs and blankets welcome. $10 parking. Noon. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

ELDRIDGE ADVENTURE DAY.

Enter a fishing contest, take a guided nature walk or enjoy a pony ride or a visit to a petting zoo. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Eldridge Park, 363 Commonwealth Lane, Elmhurst. (630) 993-8937, epd. org.

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

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701 W. North Ave., Villa Park 630•530•4649 www.safarilandfun.com NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY 2016 SUMMER BASEBALL CAMPS

Wildcat Baseball Youth Experience Session 1 June 27-29 (Ages 6-12) Wildcat Baseball Youth Experience Session 2 July 25-27 (Ages 6-12) Northwestern Jr. Prospect Camp August 2-3 (Ages 12-14)

More information & registration is available at:

northwesternbaseballcamps.com ChicagoParent.com June 2016 55

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CALENDAR 13 | MONDAY

Clinard Dance Theatre and a special appearance by surprise guests. $40; $25 kids; $10 lawn. 8 p.m. Ravinia, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park. (312) 236-3681 ext. 2, chicagosinfonietta.org.

SMARTY PANTS BALLOON OLYMPICS. See June 10. Today’s

times are 2 and 7 p.m. and location is Carol Stream Public Library, 616 Hiawatha Drive, Carol Stream.

SNAKE DISSECTION. Each

14 | TUESDAY

participant gets a snake to dissect with direction from trained staff. $28, $22 members. 7-8 p.m. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.

FROGS AND FAIRIES AND MUDPIES...OH MY! Kids 3-5 enjoy

stories, crafts, muddy games and play. $25. 9:30-11 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

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15 | WEDNESDAY FROGS AND FAIRIES AND MUDPIES...OH MY! Lisle. See June

14.

HAMILL FAMILY PLAY ZOO BIG BIRTHDAY PARTY. Features live

music and entertainment, craft activities, experts who teach kids about their jobs, a plush animal clinic where

youngsters can bring their plush pals and more. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs. org.

PROGRAM. Wheaton. See June 1.

NATURE SLEUTHS. Sycamore. See

CHICAGO SINFONIETTA PLAYS.

June 1.

Concert features some “greatest hits” and most popular artists from the last few seasons including Adé Williams,

INCHWORMS PARENT-CHILD

Today’s theme is Down in the Dirt.

16 | THURSDAY

months enjoy stories, crafts, muddy games and play. $22, $18 members. 9:30-10:45 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

THIRD THURSDAY. A time for families of children with special needs to enjoy the museum.

Accommodations are made so that all kids can participate in general programs and resources are available

June 7 - August 13

ALWAYS LEGENDARY

GIVE YOUR FAMILY SOME LEGENDARY “ABE-SPIRATION” WITH A TRIP TO SPRINGFIELD.

Like no other destination, Springfield offers the best of Lincoln, the nostalgia of Route 66 and more for everyone to enjoy. Visit this summer when History Comes Alive! Experience live period music and interactions with nineteenth century characters. You might even get to meet Mr. Lincoln himself!

VISITSPRINGFIELDILLINOIS.COM

800-545-7300 Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

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CALENDAR to help visitors structure their visit.

Free with museum admission. 5-7 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum. org.

17 | FRIDAY FAMILY NIGHT OUT: MAGIC, MUSIC AND CARS! Features a

professional magic show and live music by country rocker Joe Kalish.

Stay for a movie in the park (Cars 2) at 8:30 p.m. $5 parking. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

ZOO NIGHTLIFE. Includes family activities, animal encounters, guided zoo night hike and lots of family fun complete with a campfire and s’mores. $9, $6 kids 2-12, free kids under 2. 7-10 p.m. Cosley Zoo, 1356 Gary Ave., Wheaton. (630) 665-5534, cosleyzoo.org.

18 | SATURDAY

Loft A (2nd floor). (773) 463-4402, aerialdancechicago.org.

SUBURBS SMARTY PANTS BALLOON OLYMPICS SHOW. See June 10.

Today’s times are 10-11 a.m. and location is Glenside Public Library, 25 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights.

FAMILY TWILIGHT ADVENTURES.

Lisle. See June 10.

FISH-O-RAMA. Kids 15 and under, with an adult, participate in an open fishing contest. Registration required. Fishing contestants are required to catch their own fish. All kids must be supervised by an adult.

Concessions and bait available for purchase. 8-11 a.m. Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincolnmarsh.org.

19 | SUNDAY

ages and levels of experience come together to perform in this inspiring community aerial dance event. $22. 5:30 and 8 p.m. Aerial Dance Chicago, 4028 W. Irving Park Road,

Ride

FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY JUNE 3 - SEPTEMBER 18

FREE TROLLEY SERVICE

Looking for an adventure close to home this summer?

Take a free ride on the Explore Elmhurst Express trolley running weekends from June 3 through September 18! Hop off the trolley to explore more and enter to win weekly prizes through a citywide sweepstakes!

For details, visit ExploreElmhurst.com.

EXPLORE RIDE

SHOP

EAT

ExploreElmhurst.com

CHICAGO

CHICAGO SPRING FLIGHT. People of all

®

PUERTO RICAN PARADE.

Humboldt Park’s Puerto Rican community celebrates the 36th anniversary of the People’s Parade.

3 p.m. Division from Western to Sacramento. cityofchicago.org/ specialevents.

enjoy

summer.

Register today for summer 2016.

World Environment Da D y See June 4

(630) 620-7322 | www.lombardparks.com ChicagoParent.com June 2016 57

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CALENDAR SUBURBS MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN FAMILY SUNDAY. Glencoe. See June

5. Today’s take home projects include kendama (origami cup and ball).

SWEDISH DAY. Features

Scandinavian song and dance, Swedish food, Viking encampment, children’s activities, Maypole raising, Piano Man tribute band, food and carnival games. $5, free kids 12 and under. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Good Templar Park, 528 East Side Drive, Geneva.

(847) 845-2640, swedishday.net.

21 | TUESDAY MAKE MUSIC CHICAGO.

Music-makers of all ages, abilities and musical tastes gather for performances and participatory events throughout Chicago’s public spaces, including Maggie Daley Park, Riverwalk, Daley Plaza, Lincoln Park Zoo and more than 15 Chicago Park District sites.

9 a.m.-6 p.m. Various locations, Chicago. makemusicchicago.com.

FROGS AND FAIRIES AND MUDPIES...OH MY! Lisle. See June

16.

22 | WEDNESDAY FROGS AND FAIRIES AND MUDPIES...OH MY! Lisle. See June 16.

24 | FRIDAY DOANE AT DUSK. See a variety of celestial objects like the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn and more. Guests enjoy nighttime telescope viewings after museum hours and related discussions with Adler astronomers.

9-11 p.m. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-STAR, adlerplanetarium.org.

25 | SATURDAY SUBURBS FUN AND FIT FAMILY DAY. The

5K Run/2-Mile Walk is designed to encourage families to stay active and healthy together. Post-run, enjoy special activities for children, browse

IIs sla land nd Rend Re nde ez zv vo ous us S e JJuune Se unnee 11

sponsor booths, visit Lambs Farm’s Farmyard or enjoy a meal at the Magnolia Café. Plus, a performance by Ralph of Ralph’s World and course obstacles by Cross Training Playground. $25, $100 family of five. Prices increase after June 2. 9 a.m.-noon. Lambs Farm, I-94 and Route 176, Libertyville. (847) 362-4636, lambsfarm.org.

NATURE NIGHTS. Glencoe. See

June 11.

VINTAGE BASE BALL GAME.

See how our national pastime was played under 1858 rules when the DuPage Plowboys challenge the Aurora Town Club. $10 parking.

Noon-3 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

26 | SUNDAY SUBURBS

to invite families of children with special needs to explore the exhibits while closed to the general public, allowing for calm, creative and collaborative play. Free with museum admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum. org.

29 | WEDNESDAY MILITARY SCIENCE: ROCKETS.

BRIAN WISMER PRESENTS: WACKY TEAM CHALLENGES. Join

the “Fun Wiz” for this interactive show full of wacky games, trivia, Simon Says and more. 2-3 p.m.

Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. (847) 929-5102, webrary.org.

GLENVIEW SUMMERFEST.

Showcases a range of regional businesses and civic organizations.

Favorites include the Glenview Fire Department’s fire pole and special entertainment and kid-friendly activities. Plus, balloons, crafts, puppies, live music and a beer tent.

9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Lehigh between Glenview Road and Washington Street, Glenview. (847) 724-0900, business.glenviewchamber.com.

MODEL SAILBOAT SUNDAY.

Watch model sailboats race across the North Lake. Demonstrations are organized by the Chicago R/C Model Yacht Club and held at the Waterside Terrace on the Esplanade. $30 parking. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicago botanic.org.

FAMILY LUAU AT SMALLEY POOL.

Enjoy Hawaiian fun in the sun, including games, prizes and Hawaiian music. Free with pool admission. 1-6 p.m. Norman P. Smalley Swimming Pool, 665 S. York Road, Elmhurst.

(630) 993-8985, epd.org.

EVERYONE AT PLAY. The museum

works with community organizations

Kids 11-14 learn about military rockets in a fun and safe environment.

Experiment with basic principles of rocketry and launch different types of rockets. Enjoy a rare opportunity to pick up a WWII “Super Bazooka,” a Vietnam-era LAW and other modern rocket launchers. All students take home an Estes rocket. $15, free parking. 10 a.m.-noon.

Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

30 | THURSDAY SMARTY PANTS BALLOON OLYMPICS SHOW. See June 10.

Today’s times are 1-2 p.m. and location is Roselle Public Library, 40 S. Park St., Roselle.

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EXHIBIT

Toybox science

D

on’t worry, this is a safe space.

You can be honest and admit that, at least once in your life, you have tried to trick a Jack-in-the-box.

We’ve all been there, wondering just how that sneaky guy always surprises, no matter how slowly you turn the handle or how cautiously you approach.

Kohl Children’s Museum is betting kids always will be curious about exactly how their toys work. That’s why they’ve introduced “Toys: The Inside Story,” an exhibit that examines the simple mechanisms found in popular toys, including gears, pulleys, linkages, cams and circuits.

“We’re making the innate sense of curiosity accessible to explore,” says Sheridan Turner,

president and CEO of Kohl. “It’s very interesting for children to be able to explore how things work.”

“Toys: The Inside Story” uses kids’ favorite toys and games, such as Etch a Sketch, Hungry Hungry Hippos, Operation and Hokey Pokey Elmo, to delve into engineering and math concepts.

The 12 hands-on stations let kids crank gears, build circuits and turn cams, gaining an inside look at the residents of their toy box.

Turner says she hopes it taps into kids’ natural inclination to ask “why?” and maybe will even inspire a few inquisitive youngsters to pursue a future career in mechanical engineering.

“It’s a very cool exhibit,” Turner says. “Once you start to understand the fundamentals, you can apply them into more

complex situations.”

As for that eternal question of how to trick a Jack-in-the-box?

Turner says it’s just not possible.

“He always pops up!”

Thanks to a video camera, kids can watch firsthand as a worm gear and cam mechanism work together to make Jack pop.

“We’re helping children to explore and see behind the magic of those fun toys,” Turner says.

And that’s a toy story we can really get behind.

Elizabeth Diffin

Toys: The Inside Story u Through Sept. 4 u Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview u kohlchildrens museum.org

Naturally Charming Gift for Dad Adopt-A-Manatee this Father’s Day

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Call 1-800-432-5646 (JOIN) savethemanatee.org

Photo © David Schrichte

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PERFORMANCES SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!

Through June 5. Through unforgettable songs such as “Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction,” a nervous schoolteacher discovers how to charm his students through imagination and music. Based on the animated series. $15 and up. Check website for schedule. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL.

Opens June 7. Bikini Bottom is reimagined for the Broadway stage, bringing the spirit of SpongeBob to life with humanity, heart and pure theatricality. Includes an original score from some of the biggest names in pop and rock. $35 and up.

Check website for schedule. Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (800) 775-2000, broadway inchicago.com.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family thrills audiences with its award-winning score. $35 and up. Check website for schedule. June 7-19. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 9771700, broadwayinchicago.com.

BOUND FOR BROADWAY. Opens

June 11. Join the fictional Craftworks Theater ensemble as they scramble to replace their leading man before sabotage and big corporate money swoop in to take over the space.

Recommended for families with kids 10 and up. $18, $13 student. 8 p.m.

MCL Chicago, 3110 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago. (773) 610-5930, mclchicago. com.

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: THE SUMMER STRIKES BACK. Opens

June 13. A 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. $12, $6 kids under 12. 8 p.m.

Mondays. Barrel of Monkeys, The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrelofmonkeys.org.

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GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL. Opens June 15. Grant

Park Music Festival presents more than 20 concerts. Check website for concert schedule and information.

Millennium Park, Chicago. grant parkmusicfestival.com.

DISNEY’S MY SON, PINOCCHIO JR. This new musical, which retells

the classic story from Geppetto’s perspective, features beloved classic songs and a host of new ones. Join the Blue Fairy, Stromboli and a lively cast of characters as Geppetto journeys beyond the toy shop to discover the meaning of family. $9. 7:30 p.m.

June 17; 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. June 18.

Overshadowed Theatrical Productions, 210 S. Walnut St., Itasca. (630) 2507518, overshadowedproductions.com.

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL— FLAMENCO PASSION PERFORMANCES. Features more

than 40 dancers, musicians and guest artists in a fusion of classical, traditional, contemporary and Flamenco styles. Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $26-$46.

7:30 p.m. June 17-18; 3 p.m. June 19. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd.,

Skokie. (847) 673-6300, northshore center.org.

THE SECOND CITY’S REALLY AWESOME IMPROV SHOW. Opens

June 21. Kids 5-12 join the talented performers of The Second City as they flex their creative muscles to present 60 minutes of interactive family-friendly creative exploration. $12. 11 a.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays. UP Comedy Club, 230 W. North Ave., 3rd Floor, Chicago. (312) 662-4562, upcomedyclub.com.

PIGPEN. An interactive experience filled with stories, music, laughter and fun, just for kids 6 months-3 years. 10 a.m. Thursdays.

Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park, Chicago. hogwashkids.com.

SHERLOCK HOLMES & THE MYSTERY OF PORTAGE PARK. This

geographically sprawling, unapologetically silly, immersive experience is designed to delight audiences as they travel the neighborhood by bike or on foot to help Sherlock crack the case. Recommended for families with kids 8 and up. $20.

11 a.m. Saturdays (no performance June 11). Filament Ensemble

Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. (773) 270-1660, filament theatre.org.

HOGWASH: AN IMPROVISED TALL TALE. Interactive kids’ show where

the kids help guide the story from scene to scene and song to song.

Kids create backdrop of the story and pick out the costumes. For tickets email shelby@bughousetheater.com.

Recommended for families with kids 2-12. $10 kids, free adults. 10:30 a.m.

Saturdays. Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park, Chicago. hogwash kids.com.

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.

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Meet

three sisters about to set out on an

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PERFORMANCES adventure to build their own houses.

Roxanne builds hers out of sticks, Petunia builds hers out of straw, and Babe builds hers out of bricks.

Which house will still be standing after the Big Bad Wolf tries to huff and puff and blow them all down?

Recommended for families with kids 2-8. $12. 10:30 a.m. weekdays; check website for schedule.

Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicagokidscompany.com.

THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE.

This show features a cast of all silly animals—and travels quickly through the County Fair Race. Recommended for families with kids 2-8. $12. 10:30 a.m. weekdays; check website for schedule. Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 2059600, chicagokidscompany.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

Th T hre ree Li ree Litt ttle lle e K tttten Ki e s See th Se thiis is pag agee

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, emerald citytheatre.com.

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Good health is right around the corner (877) 648-4753 to make appointment chicagomedicaldocs.com/ stayhealthy

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Summer Fun // Directory to advertisers Avery Coonley School

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Summer Program 1400 W. Maple Ave., Downers Grove (630) 969-0800 ext. 122 averycoonley.org

Funtopia

Brickworld Chicago Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center 1551 North Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg (317) 572-5346 http://brickworld.com/ LEGO Exposition. Perfect for families with LEGO loving kids.

Chicago Grammar School 900 N. Franklin Ste. 104, Chicago (312) 944-5600 chicagogrammar.org Art/Design Camp for JK-8: June 13 - July 22. Part-time and Full-time option.

NWEA-Map, HSPT, and ISEE test Prep for rising 7th and 8th graders July 5-July 22 from 8:30 to 3:00.

Classic Cinemas Wednesday Morning Movie Series June 8 thru August 10 At a Location Near You classiccinemas.com

Council Oak Urban Garden Summer Camp program Council Oak Montessori School 11030 S. Longwood Drive, Chicago (773) 779-7606 counciloakmontessori.org June 29-Aug. 14. For children in Montessori programs.

Explore Elmhurst Free Trolley Service Fri. – Sun. 6/3 – 9/18 ExploreElmhurst.org

A Fairytale Ballet & Academy Lakeview, Bucktown, Evanston (773) 477-4488 (LV & EV) (773) 606-0318 (BT) AFairytaleBallet.com Ballet with stories, costumes, props & fun! Ages 2-16

2050 Tower Dr., Glenview (847) 217-6212 www.funtopiaworld.com/glenview New unique FEC incl. Fun climbing, caving and much more

Grissom Air Museum 1000 W Hoosier Blvd.

Peru, IN 46970 (765) 689-8011 www.grissomairmuseum.com One of the nation’s fastest growing aviation museums

Hotels of Oakbrook KIDS’ FREE WEEK-ENDS Oakbrookhotels.com/kidsfree

The Jumper Store (773) 756-1919 TheJumperStore.com

Lakeshore Academy of Artistic Gymnastics

the happy, confident kid you love.

937 W. Chestnut St., Chicago (312) 563-9400 520 E. Business Center Dr., Mt. Prospect (847) 376-8826 lakeshoreacademy.com

Day Camps. Enjoy Summer!

(630) 620-7322 www.lombardparks.com

Half Day Camp! Gymnastics and Rock Climbing. Open to ages 5-12.

Camp is priced per week. June 20th, 2016-August 19th 2016 9am12pm or 1pm-4pm. Sign up begin in April.

Lifeline Theatre Summer Drama Camps & Classes June 20 -July 22 Ages 3.5-12 6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago (773) 761-4477 lifelinetheatre.com

Chicago’s leading party rental company; high quality bounce houses, concessions, games, tables and chairs for your special event.

Little Boots Rodeo

Kidwatch Plus

Little Green Tree House Preschool and Childcare

3330 N. Lockwood Ave., Chicago (773) 539-5431 Kidwatchplus.com Join us for a SEUSS-TASTIC Summer at Kidwatch Plus!

Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview (847) 832-6600 kohlchildrensmuseum.org 17 exhibits including 2-acre outdoor Habitat Park and “Toys” through Sept. 4!

Lake Geneva Canopy Tours N3219 County Road H Lake Geneva, WI 53147

(262) 248-9271 www.lakegenevacanopytours.com Outdoor fun for everyone!

Birthday parties, scout groups and more.

Fleetwood Roller Skating Rink 7231 W. Archer Ave., Summit (708) 458-0300 fleetwoodrollerrink.com Public skating, private parties, fundraisers. Artistic speed and roller derby skating.

Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo 3411 Sherman Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46808 (260) 427-6800 www.kidszoo.org See why we’re ranked a Top 10

Sat, June 25 – Sun, June 26 Arlington Hts. Rd and Devon Ave. Elk Grove Village www.littlebootsrodeo.org

Lombard Park District

The Morton Arboretum 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL (630) 968-0074 mortonarb.org Ribbit! The Exhibit (whimsical frog sculptures) runs through September 25

The NEW Island Rendezvous Event Isle a La Cashe Museum 501 E. Romeo Road (135th Street), Romeoville (815) 886-1467 ReconnectWithNature.org Free family fun! June 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

New Traditions Riding Academy, LLC 10101 So. Kean Avenue Palos Hills (708) 598-7718/7719 newtraditionsridingacademy.com

West Loop: 118 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago Lakeview: 3111 N Ashland Avenue Lincoln Park: 1929 N Halsted Street Evanston: 2814 Central Street (312) 492-9876 littlegreentreehouse.com

Horseback Riding Academy and Summer Camp Programs

Our highly educated teachers coupled with an eco-friendly environment with organic meals facilitate the optimal growth and development of the whole child.

Odyssey Fun World

The Little Gym of Chicago 3216 North Lincoln Avenue (773) 525-5750 www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL Offering programs that develop

Northwestern University Summer Baseball Camps Rocky & Berenice Miller Park (847) 467-1211 Northwesternbaseballcamps.com Luxury baseball camps unlike any other in the Chicago area

Tinely Park: I-80 & Harlem Ave. Naperville: I-88 & Rt. 59 (708) 429-3800 odysseyfunworld.com

Pump It Up Party Orland Park Chicago

(708) 479-2220 (312) 664-PUMP

Reed’s Canoe Trips Kankakee, IL (815) 932-2663 ReedsCanoeTrips.com Offering exciting and memorable trips seven days a week

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

Schaumburg Boomers Baseball Camps Learn from the champs 1999 Springinsguth Rd., Schuamburg (847) 461-3695 boomersbaseball.com

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Summer camp 2013 Fun

Directory special advertising to advertisers section // // Skokie Park District

Warren W. Cherry Preschool

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

1418 Lake Street Evanston (847) 492-1213 www.cherrypreschool.org

Sonnets Academy

A part-day, play-based, preschool welcoming children of all backgrounds and abilities.

sonnetsacademy.com Boundless learning through play. Six weeks to six years.

Lincoln Park: 1932 N. Clark St. (312) 951-1024 River North: 430 W. Erie St. (312) 344-1926 West Loop: 229 S. Peoria St. (312) 733-7580 Hyde Park: 5548 S. Hyde Park Blvd., (773) 891-0029

Visit French Lick West Baden 8102 IN-56, West Baden Springs, IN 47469 (812) 936-3418 www.vflwb.com

Summer Fun

Wells Street Art Fair Sat. and Sun. June 11-12 10am-10pm Wells St. and North Ave., Chicago (773) 868-3010 www.WellsStreetArtFest.us Old Town art happening features 225 artists plus kids’ activities.

REEDSCANOETRIPS.COM

Whitewater Valley Railroad 455 Market St. Connersville, IN 47331 (765) 825-2054 www.whitewatervalleyrr.org Travel through time on Indiana’s most scenic railroad!

Visit French Lick West Baden for a premier resort experience.

CHICAGO PARENT’S SUMMER ACTIVITIES GUIDE

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Around the world in 30 days

S

ummer might be the ideal time for a little international travel but—let’s be real—how many of us can really afford to circumnavigate the world before school’s back in session? Fortunately, Chicago’s epic festival scene is here for us (and our wallets). In this month alone, you and your crew can jet from Central America to Europe to Asia—and still make it back in time to catch the July 4 fireworks.

Begin with our friendly neighbor to the South, Mexico.

Flavors of Mexico is your chance to nosh on authentic treats just like your abuela would make. Check out the goodies on Restaurant Row, cooking demos throughout the weekend, plus music and cultural stages fit for the whole family. Free.

5-10 p.m. June 3; noon-10:30 p.m. June 4-5. 3000 W. 26th St., Chicago. (773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com.

Start practicing your “opas!” and head to Lincoln Park Greek Fest, a celebration of all things big, fat and Greek. Chow down on some Greek goodness (spanakopita, get in my belly), then check out the music and dance performances, as well as some Hellenic-flavored kids’

activities. $5 donation. 5-11 p.m. June 3; noon-11 p.m. June 4; 4 p.m. -10 p.m. June 5. 2701 N. Sheffield, Chicago. (773) 868-3010, lincolnparkgreekfest. com.

Get a taste of island living at Fiestas Puertorriqueñas, aka the Puerto Rican Festival. Kids will go wild for the carnival rides, while the adults enjoy Caribbean cuisine (and piña coladas galore) plus music that will get your feet tapping.

Free; carnival rides cost extra.

3-10:30 p.m. June 16-17; noon10:30 p.m. June 18-19. Division and California, Chicago. (773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com.

June is a good month to get your Scandinavian on, thanks to two events that are more Swedish than Ikea. Head

to Chicago’s Swedish hub for Andersonville Midsommarfest, complete with Swedish entertainment, music and dancing around the Midsommar Maypole, not to mention face painting, games and a pet parade. $10; free kids under 12.

5-10 p.m.

June 10; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. June 11-12. 5200 N. Clark, Chicago.

(773) 728-2995, andersonville.org. Or drive west to celebrate Geneva’s heritage at Swedish Days, where you can find food, special kidsonly activities and Sweden Väst, a tent that’s all Swede, all the time. Free; fee for some activities and carnival. June 21-26.

South Third Street and West State Street, Geneva. (630) 2326060, genevachamber.com.

Since you don’t have to deal with jetlag, make a quick stop in Europe for the Highland Games & Scottish Festival, also known as kilt central. Unique cultural activities include the

Highland Dance Competition, Haggis Eating Contest and “Heavy Athletics,” like the caber-toss, stone put and Scottish hammer throw. And yes, “laddies” can show off their stems in the Knobbly Knees Kilt Contest. $12, free kids Friday; $20, $5 kids 3-12.

Parking $5. 4-10 p.m. June 17; 8 a.m.-9 p.m. June 18. Hamilton Lakes, Highway 290 and Thorndale, Itasca. chicagoscots.org.

Wrap up your world tour in the Far East. The Dragon Boat Race for Literacy, which sets sail from Chinatown, is a nod to the traditional sport beloved in China. Chicago’s version of the 2,000-year-old endeavor includes on-land activities like music and dance—plus a few surprise special guests. Best of all, it’s free, which is better than any airline could do! 8 a.m.-5 p.m. June 25. Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W. 19th St., Chicago. (312) 326-5320, chicagochina town.org.

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ONGOING EVENTS FESTS MILK DAYS. Includes a dairy cattle show, demos on cattle care, feeding and milking, a milk-drinking contest, and live music. Also features a parade down Ayer Street, which is painted bright white. Plus, antique tractor display, two-mile and 10K milk runs, two-mile milk walk, junior dairy cattle show, talent show, bed races and a fireworks show Sunday evening. Check website for cost and schedule. June 2-5. 300 Lawrence Road, Harvard. milkdays.com.

TASTE OF WHEATON.

Includes Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K/10K, arts and crafts, food vendors, carnival rides, children’s games, beer garden and market place business expo. Fees for some activities. Check website for schedule. June 2-6. Memorial Park and downtown Wheaton. wheaton parkdistrict.com/taste.

CHICAGO GOSPEL MUSIC FESTIVAL. Showcases the best in

local, national and international Gospel Music performers. Takes place in the Chicago Cultural Center and Ellis Park. Check website for schedule. June 3-4. Millennium Park, Chicago. (312) 744-3316, chicagogospelmusicfestival.us.

DO-DIVISION STREET FEST.

Features food, crafts, live music and a huge sidewalk sale. Family activities include pony and train rides, face painting, climbing wall, bounce house, jousting, kids music and talent show, sports-infused activity area and family stage. $5 donation.

5-10 p.m. June 3; noon-10 p.m. June 4-5. Division Street from Ashland to Leavitt, Chicago. (312) 850-9390, do-divisionstreetfest.com.

DEERFIELD FESTIVAL OF FINE ARTS. Includes fine arts and

fine crafts, kids’ art activities, live music and food. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 4-5. Park Avenue and Deerfield Road, Deerfield. (847) 726-8669, dwevents.org.

HIGHWOOD REDHEAD DAYS.

Features a carrot cake contest, aerial

Do-D Do -Div iv vis isiio on Stre St treet re eet F es est See Se ee th this iss pag age

photo of redhead attendees, and lots of vendors selling “ginger-phernalia” and “red-centric” specials throughout Highwood all weekend. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. June 4; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 5.

17 Highwood Ave., Highwood. (847) 432-6000, redheaddays.nl.

57TH STREET ART FAIR.

Chicago’s oldest juried art fair features art in many media, with hands-on activities and playgrounds for kids. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 4; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 5. 57th Street, Chicago. 57thstreetartfair.org.

BUFFALO GROVE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL. Features works from

more than 100 artist and kids’ art activities. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 4-5.

Buffalo Grove Town Center, corner of Lake Cook Road and Route 83 (McHenry Road), Buffalo Grove.

(847) 926-4300, buffalogroveart festival.com.

DOWNTOWN HOMEWOOD ART AND GARDEN STREET FAIR.

Features more than 45 artisans and vendors, live music, science activities

by Homewood Science Center, 2-D chalk drawings and more. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. June 10-11. Martin Avenue and

Ridge Road, Homewood. (708) 7983000, homesweethomewood.com.

CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL.

The world’s largest free blues festival showcases performers on five stages.

Renowned artists such as Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal Trio, Zora Young and Clarence Carter are among the list of headliners at this year’s festival.

The festival closes with Centennial Tributes to Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters. Check website for schedule.

June 10-12. Grant Park, Chicago.

(312) 744-3315, chicagobluesfestival. us.

RIBFEST CHICAGO. Enjoy ribs and other food and listen to bands while the kids hang out at “Kids Square” featuring entertainment, inflatables and games. Plus, celebrity-judged “Best Ribs” award and amateur and professional rib-eating competitions. $5. Ribfest: 5-10 p.m. June 10; noon10 p.m. June 12-13. Kids Square: noon-8 p.m. June 12; noon-7 p.m.

June 13. Lincoln Avenue at Irving Park Road, Chicago. (773) 5253609, ribfest-chicago.com.

OLD TOWN ART FAIR. Juried art

fair features works of 250 artists in

various mediums, plus a music stage, kids’ art, activities at the Children’s Corner, garden walk, food court and vendors. $7 donation, free kids 12 and under. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 11-12. Lincoln Avenue and Wisconsin Street, Chicago. (312) 337-1938, oldtownartfair.org.

REMIX CHICAGO. Eclectic art fest held in the Logan Square neighborhood features art made from recycled and found materials.

Plus, indie music acts, food and free educational workshops for adults and kids. $5 gate donation.

Noon-10 p.m. June 11-12. 2300 N. Milwaukee, Chicago. (773) 4338048, remixchicago.com.

WELLS STREET ART FESTIVAL.

Features a wide variety of fine art, musicians, a children’s art area and food vendors. $7 donation. 10 a.m.10 p.m. June 11-12. Wells Street, between North Avenue and Division Street, Chicago. (773) 868-3010, wellsstreetartfest.us.

PROMENADE OF ART ARLINGTON HEIGHTS. Features

more than 110 juried artists, live music, food and kids’ activities. Art

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ONGOING EVENTS enthusiasts of all ages can get into the “art-filled action” by making their mark on a graffiti wall at the festival. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 11-12.

121 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights.

(847) 926-4300, promenadeofart arlingtonheights.com.

6 CORNERS BBQ FEST. BBQ fest also features live music, arts and crafts, kids’ activity area, prowrestling shows and more. $5 donation. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. June 18; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. June 19. 4000-4080 N. Milwaukee Avenue from Irving Park Road to Belle Plaine Avenue, Chicago. sixcornerschicago.com.

CHICAGO TRIBUNE PRINTERS ROW LIT FEST. Festival

devoted to the love of storytelling and the written word. Lit Fest brings together lovers of literature, national best-selling authors, performers, and booksellers. Children’s programming includes storytelling, performances, sing-alongs and special activities.

Check website for schedule. June 11-12. Historic Printers Row, Dearborn Street between Polk Street and Congress, Parkway and the Harold Washington Library, Chicago. (312) 222-3986, printersrowlitfest.org.

HINSDALE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL. More than 150 juried

artists, food and beverage, children’s activities and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

ORY

The Ar Art Ce Cent nter er’s s Fest Fe es ival all of Fine n Crra aftt

WICKER PARK GREEN MUSIC FEST. Fest blends cutting edge,

See Se ee pa pagee 68

June 11-12. Burlington Park, 30 E. Chicago Ave., Hinsdale. (630) 3233952, hinsdalechamber.com.

Downtown Lockport. (815) 8383357, oldcanal days.com.

LOCKPORT OLD CANAL DAYS. Features parade, carnival,

Features music, food and kids’ activities. 3-11 p.m. June 17; noon11 p.m. June 18. Downtown Des Plaines Train Station, 1501 Miner St., Des Plaines. (773) 868-3010, tasteofdesplaines.com.

TASTE OF DES PLAINES.

music, craft fair, family activities, horse-drawn wagon tours, tour of the 1907 Hydraulic Power Plant, food and entertainment. June 16-19.

environmentally-conscious bands with environmentally-friendly production, eco-minded vendors and services, sustainability demonstrations, green arts and crafts and the Green Family Fun Fest with recycled arts and crafts, DIY musical instruments, henna artists, bounce house, mini-golf, kiddie play area and children’s musical programming. $5 donation. Noon-10 p.m. June 18-19.

Damen Avenue, between North and Schiller, Chicago. (312) 850-9390, greenmusicfestchicago.com.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY Pediatric dentistry

pediatric dentistry

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Outstanding Pediatric Dental Care – It’s at the heart of what we do.

As an award-winning practice, we pride ourselves on providing the finest comprehensive dental care for the children in our practice so they leave with a healthy smile and positive attitude toward dental care as they approach adulthood.

(773) 871-4964

Practice limited to infants, children and adolescents.

Doc

John P. Kenney, DDS, MS

Diplomate American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Children's Dentistry in Park Ridge 847-698-2088

811 W. Wellington, Chicago, IL 60657

Evenings and Saturdays available.

CHICAGO’S FAVORITE

Kids

101 S. Washington St., Suite 114 Park Ridge, IL 60068

Christopher J. Morin, DDS BigSmilesChicago.com chrismorin5@yahoo.com

Nominated as one of

24-Hour Answering Service We are an Authorized Under Armour Performance Mouthwear Provider - with Armourbite® Technology

1125 S. Harlem Ave., Forest Park (708) 386-5437 • (708) FUN-KIDS www.kidsdentistforestpark.com

Infants, Children, Teens & Special Needs Children

www.care4kidsteeth.com

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ONGOING EVENTS and more. Food and rides cost extra. Check website for schedule.

June 23-26. St. John of the Cross, 51st Street and Wolf Road, Western Springs. (708) 246-4404, sjcfest. com.

BRICKWORLD. Lego exposition fun

for the whole family with 66,000 square feet of Lego displays and vendors. Enjoy interactive activities, such as the Lego and Duplo play brick areas, fighting robots and seek and finds. $12, free kids 3 and under. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 18; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. June 19. Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg. brickworld.us/chicago.

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CUSTER FAIR. Eclectic art festival with works from more than 300 artists. Plus, unique folk and Native American music on two stages, an “EcoVillage” green vendor area, a children’s park with kids’ activities, and the cuisine from more than 30 restaurants. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. June 18-19. 600 Main St., Evanston. (847) 328-2204, custerfair.com.

GOLD COAST ART FAIR AT GRANT PARK. Showcases the work

of more than 250 juried artists from around the world, plus live music, food and fun activities for kids, including an art scavenger hunt and interactive mural. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

June 18-19. Grant Park’s Butler Field, corner of Monroe and Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (847) 926-4300, goldcoastartfair.com.

TASTE OF JOLIET. Features live

ART IN BLOOM. Enjoy one of the park’s biggest events of the year and a Father’s Day tradition. Features a juried art show, nearly 100 exhibiting artists, activities and crafts for kids, demonstrations, live music (Guitarra Azul and Classical Blast), delicious food and more. $10 parking. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 18-19. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

SJC FEST. Features carnival rides, midway games, food from area restaurants, a bake sale, face painting, live music and entertainment

music, carnival, food vendors and kid zone. Check website for cost and schedule. June 24-26. ATI Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium, 3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. (815) 741-7275, tasteofjoliet.com.

LOGAN SQUARE ARTS FESTIVAL.

Features art installations across the neighborhood, great local music, craft beer, food from neighborhood restaurants and family fun. Check website for cost and schedule. June 24-26. I AM Logan Square Gallery, 2644 ½ N. Milwaukee, Chicago.

(847) 675-2580, logansquarearts festival.org.

LONG GROVE SUMMER FEST.

Enjoy food, shopping and entertainment. Plus, activities, kiddie rides,

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Pediatric dentistry

Children’s Oral Care Only P.C. Caroline Scholtz, D.D.S., M.S. Gail Czarnecki, D.D.S. Pediatric & Laser Dentistry Dentistry for Special Needs

We take the fear out of dentistry for your child.

• Shots and drilling are no longer necessary

PEDIATRIC DENTAL ASSOCIATES, P.C.

George Lin, D.D.S. Anjali Talati, D.M.D. Kyung-Hong “Cal” Kim, D.D.S. Buffalo Grove Business Park 195 Arlington Hts Rd., Suite 150 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

847-537-7695

185 N. Milwaukee Ave. Ste 140 Lincolnshire, IL 60069 847/478.8100 5530 W. Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60641 773/282.8800

cocodds@comcast.net www.carolinescholtzdds.com

Pediatric dentistry

• Computer x-rays reduce your child’s exposure to radiation • We use smaller chairs and instruments • We welcome patients with special needs • Pleasant, comfortable surroundings

College Hill Professional Building 690 N. Route 31 Crystal Lake, Il 60012

815-459-2727

Ask us about our NO SHOT & NO DRILL Laser fillings!

www.kidsmyl.com

Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

16345 S. Harlem • Tinley Park

708-633-8700 • www.kidsdds.net ChicagoParent.com June 2016 67

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ONGOING EVENTS face painting, outdoor activities and tents of family and education-oriented products. $5, free kids. Check website for schedule. June 24-26.

Long Grove Historic Village, 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove. (847) 634-0888, visitlonggrove.com.

FOUNTAIN SQUARE ARTS FESTIVAL. Features the eclectic

works of more than 170 juried artists. The fest takes place in downtown Evanston, just steps from the eponymous Fountain Square. Also kids’ art activities, food and jazzcentric music lineup. $5 donation.

10 a.m.-9 p.m. June 25; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 26. Sherman and Church streets, Evanston. (773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com.

ELSTON AVENUE SAUSAGE & MUSIC FEST. Encased meats will be

in the spotlight. Plus, live music, arts and crafts, and activities for kids. $5 donation. Noon-10 p.m. June 25-26.

3800 N. Elston Ave., Chicago. (773) 868-3010, chicagoevents.com.

ORY

CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT WEEKEND. Meet Abraham Lincoln

and Sojourner Truth, hear music, and learn what life was like for people who lived through that time. There will be a firing of the cannon at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.

Concessions include hamburgers, hot dogs and soft drinks. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

June 25-26. Fischer Farm, 16W680 Old Grand Ave., Bensenville. (630) 766-7015, bensenvillepark district. org/pdcms/fischer-farm.

THE ART CENTER’S FESTIVAL OF FINE CRAFT. This revamped fes-

tival showcases original works from 120 juried artists and offers activities for children and families, as well as live entertainment and tasty festival treats. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 25-26.

Central Avenue and Sheridan Avenue, Highland Park. (847) 926-4300, festivaloffineartshp.com.

FRONTIER DAYS. Features family-friendly activities, live music, a carnival and a craft

Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs.org.

market. Carnival tickets and other activities cost extra. June 30-July 4. Recreation Park, 500 Miner St., Arlington Heights. (847) 577-8572, frontierdays.org.

BUTTERFLIES & BLOOMS.

EXHIBITS WHAT IS A PLANET? Witness

how astronomers and the media reacted to Pluto’s demotion in 2006; learn the current definition of a planet; voice your opinion through an interactive voting poll; explore artifacts that illustrate the evolving definition of a planet. Free with museum admission. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org.

FESTIVAL OF FLIGHT. Guests watch birds demonstrate their natural flight abilities during this interactive experience. The 20minute show features nearly 20 bird species. Free with zoo admission.

Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St.,

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

THE S.S. DISCOVERY. Kids under 6 can strap on life jackets, board the wooden ship and take part in a variety of activities. Navigate the ship, peer through a telescope and binoculars to spot dolphins jumping, and peek through the portholes to spy sea life and dry land. Free with museum admission.

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

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ONGOING EVENTS and standardized China’s currency, weights and measures. See treasures from one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries, including the terracotta warriors. Included in Discovery and All-Access passes. The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org.

BRICK BY BRICK. Features a collection of more than a dozen giant Lego-built structures of engineering marvels. Guests will learn how architects and engineers push the limits of design, materials and location; witness how form follows function; and explore Chicago’s impact as the birthplace of the skyscraper. Requires a separate, timed-entry ticket. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 6841414, msichicago.org.

LEGO EXHIBIT. See Lego sculptures and colorful Lego bricks set among tropical plants. Build for Lego contests and check out displays by area Lego clubs. Free with conservatory admission. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford. (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.

WEATHER TO CLIMATE: OUR CHANGING WORLD. Exhibit pres-

ents the fundamentals of weather

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RIBBIT! THE EXHIBIT. Exhibit

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and climate and explains how the two phenomena are connected. Use the interactive weather simulator to combine weather components; get on stage to be a meteorologist; create an animal designed for a changing climate; find out how much CO2 you produce; and gain scientific knowledge for how to combat climate change. Free

with museum admission. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, naturemuseum.org.

showcases 23 whimsical, largerthan-life frog sculptures fashioned from copper. Each frog has his or her own name, story and personality. Free with arboretum admission.

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

OTHER EVENTS

CHINA’S FIRST EMPEROR AND HIS TERRACOTTA WARRIORS.

FRUIT & VEGETABLE GARDEN FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES. Activities vary each

Explore the life of the ruler who vanquished his rivals, unified China’s states, constructed the Great Wall,

week and include Plant Parts, Powerful Pollinators, Super Seeds, Rainbow Garden and Wiggling

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ONGOING EVENTS 4:30 p.m. 5-8 p.m. Thursdays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

Worms. Parking fee varies, check website. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

HISTORY ALIVE! Kids 6-12 learn about a different military topic each week. Dress in a soldier’s uniform, interact with interesting artifacts and participate in games and crafts. June 2: American Revolution; June 9: Civil War; June 16: WWI; June 23: WWII; June 30: Vietnam. $5 parking. 1-3 p.m. Thursdays. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

TREE POSE YOGA. Kids 4-6, with

adult, learn about the environment while stretching, moving and breathing like the creatures around them with a certified YogaKids instructor. $17, $10 members. 9:30-10:30 a.m.

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

CHILDREN’S STORY HOUR.

Spread a blanket on the ground and enjoy an hour of children’s stories from the 1890s. 10 a.m.

Mondays. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago.

(630) 876-5900, dupageforest.org/ klinecreekfarm.

CHICAGO SUMMERDANCE.

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FARM CHORES. Kids learn how

1890s children helped around the house and farm. On Mondays, help with mom’s chores; on Thursdays, dad’s chores. 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays.

Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago. (630) 876-5900, dupageforest.org/ klinecreekfarm.

HISTORY CONNECTIONS.

Kids and families explore a different theme every Tuesday and learn about our nation’s military history.

June 7: Helmet Evolution; June 14: Smells Like History; June 21: Combat Communications; June 28: What’s New in WWII? $5 parking.

1-3 p.m. Tuesdays. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

WILD WEDNESDAYS. Kids 3-10 enjoy hands-on nature exploration through games and crafts. Each week has a theme. $5 parking. 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

DANCIN SPROUTS. Bring the family to enjoy musical entertainment on the Esplanade. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Picnicking is allowed at the concert site. $25 parking. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicago botanic.org.

and puzzles. Parking fee applies; check website. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wednesdays and weekends. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

AFTERNOON ADVENTURES. Kids 5-12, with adult, spend an afternoon learning and creating at the Des Plaines History Center. Families learn a little history, art, dance and nature. $3, $2 members. 1-3 p.m.

Wednesdays. Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines.

(847) 391-5399, desplaineshistory. org.

PARENT AND TODDLER YOGA.

Toddlers practice fun animal yoga poses and engage in activities like guided nature exploration, reading storybooks and more. After class, visit animals that inspire the class. $20. 10-11 a.m. Thursdays. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

ANIMAL TALES. An interactive

ACORN EXPRESS ADVENTURES.

Families with kids 2 and up take an open-air tram ride adventure through the arboretum. Plus, make a craft and explore new topics each week. $5, $4 member, plus admission. 11-11:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

NATIVE PLANT GARDEN FAMILY DROP-IN ACTIVITIES.

Activities vary each week and include programs featuring books

sensory experience accompany the nature-based story for kids under 2.

Program consists of 10 minutes of story and activities, and 10 minutes of social time for adults. Free with museum admission. 10:15 a.m.

Thursdays. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh. org.

THURSDAY FAMILY NIGHTS.

Enjoy live music, kid-friendly fare and entertainment after-hours in the Children’s Garden. $5 after

Begins June 24. Free one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors and two hours of live music and dancing. 6-7 p.m. dance lessons, 7:30-9:30 p.m. live music and dancing Fridays-Saturdays; 4-5 p.m. dance lessons, 5-7 p.m. live music and dancing Sundays. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 7424007, chicagosummerdance.org.

BLACKSMITHING DEMONSTRATIONS. Stop by the

wagon shed to see the blacksmith demonstrate the tools and techniques of the trade. 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Saturdays. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago.

(630) 876-5900, dupageforest.org/ klinecreekfarm.

TOT TIME AT SMALLEY POOL.

A chance for kids 5 and under to splash around without bigger kids.

Free with pool admission. 9 a.m.noon Saturdays. Norman P. Smalley Swimming Pool, 665 S. York Road, Elmhurst. (630) 993-8985, epd.org.

HORSE-DRAWN WAGON RIDES.

Enjoy a 30-minute ride through the fields and around the buildings, and hear about farming with real horsepower. Rides are weather-dependent. $5, $2 kids 5-12; free kids under 5.

Noon, 12:45, 1:30, 2:15 and 3 p.m.

Sundays. Kline Creek Farm, 1N600 County Farm Road, West Chicago.

(630) 876-5900, dupageforest.org/ klinecreekfarm.

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

Creativity on parade

I

mprov in an ice cream shop? Puppets on a playground?

Sounds like a pretty sweet start to summer, if you ask us.

Both events are part of the Pivot Arts Festival, a 10-day extravaganza of performance art for all ages. So while grownups enjoy tapas and hip-hop or a performance art house dance party, the littles among us get their own fun, creative events to kick off summer on the right foot.

On June 4, take part in a free puppet-making workshop, then show them off as you march in the Celebrate Community! parade. The parade ends up at the Swift School playground, where Alternatives/Uplift, Ascension Dance, CircEsteem, Dream Big, Everybody Dance Now, L’il Buds Theatre and Merry Music Makers put on a pretty

epic show. (And if you need additional incentive, Lickity Split Custard & Sweet Shop and Lovely Bake Shop will be providing refreshments.)

The next week, June 10, join our friends from Storytown Improv for an interactive—and fully improvised!—adventure at Lickity Split ($10). You never know what tale your kids’ creative minds will spin, but you can be assured that your kids will be begging for a Crazy Cake Concrete before you go home. (Custard + cupcake + sprinkles? Can’t say we blame them.)

And here’s hoping all that creative energy will be funneled into your kids’ playtime for the next couple of months, at least. You might want to start practicing your standing ovations, just in case.

Elizabeth Diffin

72 June 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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