Chicago Parent April 2016

APRIL 2016

| FREE

#CPplaydate April 10

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

NATURE’S CALLING!

Get out of the house and explore

Hop to it

Our ultimate b- day guide inside

EASY WAYS TO GO GREEN

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Who looks after you at any age?

Your primary care doctor.

CHGO_PrimaryCare.CentralCookSuburbanLife.03.02.16

Whether you’re 18 or 80, good health starts with your primary care physician.

The person who knows your history, your family and your health needs better than anyone. Someone who can refer you to a specialist if you need one. So take the smartest approach to your health. Let us help you find one that’s right for you.

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

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Spring into

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Preparing your little fish for a swim-safe summer is a stroke of genius! Warm weather is right around the corner, so now is the perfect time to dive into lessons. At Goldfish, we offer a proven curriculum, teaching children how to be confident in and around the water!

A few more reasons to try Goldfish: Kids learn life-saving swim safety skills that will stay with them forever Small class sizes! Our 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio gives your children lots of attention!

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2 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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Immediate availability in our infant program!

Inquire today.

O Now

p en!

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4 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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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

6 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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contents IN THIS ISSUE

64

13

GOOD TO O GO

18

NEED TO KNOW

20

HEY BABY

21

CRAFT

23

FAILING WITH GUSTO

25

REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

The scoop p on Chicago Parent’s Playdate, pluss a visit to Busy Burger urger and nd Robot Cityy The best green toys Great natural products you can trust for baby Make colorful eco-friendly fish this month The participation award

The line between rude and safety

APRIL 2016 | VOLUME 32 | NO. 4

FEATURES: EASY WAYS TO GO GREEN WOWS 26 BIG FOR LITTLES

ON THE COVER APRIL 2016

Nature centers that really let you and the kids breathe in spring

| FREE

#CPplaydate April 10

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

NATURE’S CALLING!

Get out of the house and explore

Hop to it

Our ultimate b- day guide inside

EASY WAYS TO GO GREEN

Cover kid: Logan Wagner, 8, Forest Park Frogs provided

by Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles travelingworldof reptiles.com

Photography: Thomas Kubik of TK Photography

33 CONSIGNMENT SALES MADE IS ... A BOAT 29 HOME Parents are teaching their

EASY A how-to guide to make money and recycle

daughter about nature, teamwork and dreaming big

Design: Claire Innes

Get your copy!

GOING PLACES Available now

ON THE FRONT LINES 36 FAMILIES Two moms on Chicago’s gun violence and what it’s like to lose a child ChicagoParent.com April 2016 7

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EDITOR’S NOTE SPONSORED

The Songs of Spring Cheep! Cheep! Cheep! Whirrrrrrr!

Brr-whump, brr-whump! What are those sounds that come in springtime from a creek, marsh, or pond?

Those are the songs of frogs and toads.

The sounds you hear are the males, singing to attract females. Different kinds of frogs and toads make different sounds. If you want to figure out what kind of frog you’re hearing, compare it to frog songs at mortonarb.org/frogs.

What comes next? Eggs that hatch into tadpoles, swimming like tiny black exclamation marks. Week after week, each tadpole grows. Gradually, it looks less like a fish and sprouts legs. In time, it becomes a tiny toad or frog and hops out of the water to start life on land.

You can see tadpoles turning into toads if you visit Wonder Pond in the Children’s Garden at The Morton Arboretum, where American wood toads lay thousands of eggs every spring.

Both frogs and toads are amphibians: animals that breathe air and live on land but must lay their eggs and start their lives in water. Most toads have stubby bodies, short hind legs and dry skin and live on land. Most frogs have shiny skin and longer hind legs and live in or around water.

You can find out more about frogs and toads when you visit Ribbit! The Exhibit, from Friday, April 8, through Sunday, September 25, at the Arboretum. Learn more at mortonarb.org/ribbit.

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

Baby steps We’ve been putting together a green issue every April for years now, and every year I intend to take big steps toward being more green.

You know me well enough now to know I hate to fail, yet I am still a paper plate mom when it comes to getting food on the table. This year, though, I’ve done something I feel TAMARA L. really good about—I no longer use O’SHAUGHNESSY plastic bags at the grocery store (or any store for that matter).

In an effort to afford my kids’ increasingly expensive activities, I needed to cut household expenses. The grocery bill was particularly out of control, coming in at least $250 a week. So, at the urging of Facebook friends, I made the leap to Aldi and cut my bill by more than $125 a week.

At Aldi, you bring your own bags or pay extra for bags. It’s as simple as that. I adjusted. Now bringing my own bags into every store is a habit. If I don’t have a cloth bag, I’ll buy only as much as

I can carry (which also has the added benefit of cutting down what I spend!).

I know for many of you, cloth bags are a no-brainer.

For others who are like me when it comes to going green, do what works for you and your family.

Remember, every little change counts.

Happy April. Get out and enjoy all of the green popping up.

We have some exciting changes coming up, starting with our email newsletters. We are improving the content and look of the newsletters.

I got a peek recently and love them.

I think you will, too.

This big effort is being headed EMILY

by Emily Adams, who has this ADAMS month been promoted to Chicago Parent’s associate editor. She has been invaluable here the past year and very much deserves the recognition.

She has spent countless number of hours exploring ways to make the newsletters work better for you on all the ways that you access Chicago Parent, whether it be your phone and tablet while on the go or on your computer in those rare quiet moments at home.

When we’re ready to unveil the newsletters, you’ll be the first to know.

Subscribe at chicagoparent.com/newsletters.

8 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

When it comes to going green, the one thing I’ll do 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 Downey, Megan Murray Elsener, Lindsay Pinchuk, Meredith Sinclair, Carrie Rodovich, Natalie Rompella, Marianne Walsh, Shannan Younger DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

Annette Coffee, Dawn Engelhardt, Lourdes Nicholls, Alicia Plomin, Karen Skinner

Despite a strong desire, I will not astroturf our entire front lawn. Call me John Muir.

Marianne Walsh

Actually remembering to bring my reusable bags from home when I go grocery shopping.

I sometimes forget them, and that stops this month!

Shannan Younger

Dave DiNaso’s Traveling World of Reptiles provided the frogs on this month’s cover—Red-Eyed Tree Frog, Booger, and Giant African Pixie Frog, Sumo.

DiNaso and his team perform nearly 1,000 shows in the Chicago area each year. You can even meet Sumo or one of his brothers at every show.

Parents can hire the Traveling World of Reptiles for birthday parties where kids can get a fun hands-on experience with a dozen different animals.

For info, visit travelingworldof reptiles.com or call 888-SLITHER.

SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR

Kamil Brady

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Philip Soell

ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER

Andrew Mead

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney CIRCULATION MANAGER

Jill Wagner DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Shanez Hudson 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.

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COLLEGE OF DUPAGE

Get Your Geek On! Saturday, April 30, 2016 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Free

Come for the knowledge.

Stay for the fun.

Keynote Speaker: Olympia LePoint “Reprogramming Your Brain to Master STEM” Speaker: Diandra Leslie-Pelecky “The Physics of NASCAR”

Highlights:

• Live STEMinars • Fermilab’s Mr. Freeze demonstrates cryogenics • Physics of flight with a real airplane • Weather balloon launch • Interactive displays • Dozens of hands-on exhibits and demonstrations College of DuPage staff and industry experts will be on hand to provide an inside view into STEM education, as well as some of the most in-demand and cutting-edge careers of today and the future.

This event is funded pursuant to a grant from the Illinois Community College Board and funded partially through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006.

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ON THE WEB

Joking around at ChicagoParent.com Laughter is the best medicine

April is a month when it’s OK to act a little silly, no matter your age. So JACKIE MCGOEY it’s easy to see why we planned our Spring Chicago Parent Playdate for April 10.

Visit bit.ly/cpplaydate to get the lowdown on activities and entertainers.

Use the hashtag #cpplaydate on keep track of all Instagram to kee the fun.

Looking for more big ol’ laughs? Just head belly laughs bit.ly/cphahaha. We to bit.ly/cp together our pulled tog favorite p places to down with a come do case of the giggles.

Proud bookworms If there’s one thing we have in common as editors of Chicago Parent, it’s that we all developed a love of reading as kids. Children’s Book Day falls on April 2 and blogger Shannan Younger rounded up recommendations from local librarians on the best books for kids. Head to bit.ly/cpmomfactually to see their picks.

Win great stuff this month Speaking of books, The Jungle Book gets reimagined this month as a liveaction feature film! Visit our Contests page to enter to win tickets to see Mowgli, Bagheera and Baloo come to

life on the big screen.

Plus we’ll also be giving away family packs of tickets to our huge playdate, the next blast at Adler Overnight as well as the cute eco-friendly Don’t Dump Dumpty! family game featured on page 18.

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12 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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A

ll parents know spring fever is a very real thing—and it tends to infect our kiddos the most. Fight back against this seasonal affliction with a certain cure: Chicago Parent’s Spring Playdate.

On April 10 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), Chicago Parent brings together of all of our favorite people—our trusted

advertisers, most entertaining performers, and you, our faithful readers—for a day of play, music and fun for everyone from the sweetest babies to your too-cool tweens.

It all takes place at the perfectly manicured, oh-so-green (turf) fields of Northbrook’s Athletico Center (1900 Old Willow Road).

Kids will enjoy bounce houses, train rides and sports challenges, in addition to festival favorites like elaborate face painting, epic balloon twisting, and some visits from your kids’ favorite characters (hint: their names rhyme with Fanna and Schmelsa).

At the entertainment stage, you can show off your dance moves along with Miss Jamie from the Farm or Ben Tatar and The Tatar

Chicago Parent Spring Playdate

Good to

for spring fever u Advance tickets are $4 kids under 2, $8 kids 2-14, parents free. u Get tickets at chicago parent.com/playdate

Tots, hear stories from Chicago’s own Storybook Mom, or laugh ‘til it hurts, thanks to the funny folks at Storytown Improv.

You’ll also get to meet some of the advertisers from these very pages, who not only bring helpful information for moms and dads, but also fun activities (think games, crafts and dino fun) for your littles.

All of that, combined with a day out of your stuffy house, guarantees a day that will vanquish spring fever for good ... until next year, at least.

Elizabeth Diffin

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GOOD TO GO

Busy Burger is busy but so worth it!

New menu focuses on all American staple

H

aving the word “busy” in your restaurant’s name comes with certain expectations.

Opened in 1991—and recently revamped— Little Italy/University Village’s Busy Burger more than lives up to those promises. Fast, jam-packed and with killer menu items (made fresh daily with natural ingredients), its busyness is a no-brainer.

Owner Joe De Vito decided to streamline the menu (which formerly featured the Chicago staple Italian beef and other items of that ilk) to focus on the burger.

After all, “it’s right there in the name!” De Vito, having been in the restaurant business since he

was 14, opened the original Busy Burger at 18. He’s also the owner of celeb-fave Jellyfish.

Efforts to focus on the burger have paid off in spades: The burger stuffed with Wisconsin cheddar, BBQ sauce and bacon is a challenge my husband gladly accepted.

I stuck with the classic cheeseburger, which came on a butter-toasted bun and featured an incredibly delicious spicy sauce. (My kids dug their perfectly portioned kiddo meals, but note to self upon our return: the 2-year-old doesn’t enjoy sharing those cheese fries. Order two.)

The “new” Busy Burger is De Vito’s nod to the college vibe of the neighborhood.

Keely Flynn

Busy Burger

1120 W. Taylor St., Chicago eatbusyburger.com

Chicago Parent needs a few good moms and dads.

We are looking for friendly, outgoing readers to staff Chicago Parent booths at events throughout the city and suburbs. Must have a car and flexible schedule.

Events are mainly on weekends.

Email Kamil Brady at kamil@chicagoparent.com.

4/30/16.

14 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

Let the sparks fly Robot City Workshop has something for all

S

ure, learning how to build a robot is great, but what about when you want to buy a fully realized one?

Or how about all those times you say to yourself, “I just wish I had more robot-heavy date night options.” No fear, Chicagoland, Lakeview’s superbly cool Robot City Workshop has each of those very real concerns covered.

The store sells things you absolutely need in your life right now: a robotic duck, a running microbug and light-up snap circuits come to mind. Your 5- to 10-year-olds will have a blast creating a

DIY robot kit in-shop (and will most likely graduate to reprogramming everything in your home possessing buttons, but don’t worry about that right now). Beginner workshops come in three stages and start inventors off on the right foot toward creating their own servants, er, robotic pals. Intermediate and advanced workshops teach everything from soldering to electronics troubleshooting to building a robotic arm. (Think of the future household potential!)

Camps are available for summer weeks, CPS days off, after school, half days, full days or any combination that floats your metallic boat. They

offer birthday parties and both options include robotthemed decorations, goody bags and DIY robot kits.

As for that date night mention? These evenings feature the choice of 12 DIY kits, two beers from Metropolitan Brewery and popcorn service from an Omnibot 2000, the background ambience of a robot-themed movie, and a finale robot movie trivia

quiz. If that kind of date doesn’t set off sparks, maybe it’s not meant to be.

Keely Flynn

Robot City Workshop 3226 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago

Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. daily robotcityworkshop.com

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 April 2016 15

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Acting, Singing, Dancing, Crafts, Outdoor Activities, and Motivational and Self Esteem Building Workshops!

Get out of the house!

1

Great fried chicken is worth its weight in tater tots, and Evanston’s Arlen’s Chicken has exceptionally great fried chicken. The latest offering from the folks who brought us DMK Burger Bar is casual comfort food at its finest, complete with crispy fried chicken, buttery biscuits and signature milkshakes 6/16/15 9:57 AM to die for.

(The toasted marshmallow milkshake recommended by the fantastic manager is a must.) arlenschicken.com

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Camps & Workshops taught in the Palatine/Schaumburg, Rolling Meadows area For more info - visit our website at www.artreachspotlite.com or call our offices at (847) 372-7798 or (773) 604-1892.

It almost seems too magical to be real, right? Holi: The Festival of Colors, is the Vedic Cultural Society’s vibrant invitation to metaphorically throw away your cares while physically flinging handfuls of (organic and safe) dyed flour. Whether you’re there to forgive and forget, welcome spring

or just enjoy permissible messes, all are welcome at Naperville’s Riverwalk April 9. Admission is free, but $2 donations are accepted for the flour.thefestivalofcolors. org

3

Why should the big kids get all the down and dirty fun?

The creators of the popular Hogwash improv/ dance/music extravaganza for kiddos 3-12 have given little ones their own weekly series—Pigpen at the Bughouse Theater. Music?

Shaking? Story time? Your 3-and-under piglets (or thereabouts, they’re not carding) will find all three in a casual atmosphere with friendly folks at 10 a.m.

Thursdays. City parents will thrill to this interactive musical experience with an “anything goes” mindset.

Best of all, it’s free! hogwashkids.com Keely Flynn

16 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

A must-attend show for moms Be warned: You’ll laugh and you’ll cry

“L

isten to your mother.”

Not only is that oft-uttered phrase very good advice, but it’s also the name of a widely popular, nationally reaching reading series.

Created by writer Ann Imig, the shows strive to celebrate motherhood and foster connection while helping the communities in which they’re being performed.

To date, LTYM has contributed more than $80,000 to charities and non-profits that focus on women and children. (A portion of Chicago’s 2016 ticket sales will benefit Mujeres Latinas en Acción, a non-profit that works to empower and advocate for Latina women.)

So where do the stories come from?

Turns out, everyone has a story—and performers share stories that focus on motherhood, whatever that means to the writer. As for the cast, authentic

code Use PARENT AGO ff CHIC get $2 o o t ! s t e tick

voices aren’t limited to stage training or pageviews in the slightest. (I was lucky enough to be a 2014 cast member and can attest to the magic of the event.)

When asked how the shows differ and evolve from year to year, LTYM Chicago’s co-producer Melisa Wells shares that “everyone’s story is unique…which is always fun.” Co-producer Tracey Becker adds that each year has “a general theme that resonates through most of the pieces.

This year’s theme seems to be focusing on Strength.”

In a show designed to make you laugh, cry and immediately want to call your own mom, do they have any favorite moments from past shows? Wells loves the audience’s response and immediate connection. “The ‘Me too!’ moments in the lobby are priceless.”

Becker says: “In 2012, Melisa and I were sitting backstage in the dark as our cast began to go through their pieces.

A really good laugh resonated through

the auditorium and she and I looked at each other and smiled. We then clicked pretend cameras at each other and took a mental photograph together of that perfect moment. We knew we had brought together something truly special.”

Keely Flynn

Listen to Your Mother 2 p.m. Sunday, May 1 Athenaeum Theatre, Chicago listentoyourmothershow.

Readings By Local Writers on the Beauty, the Beast, and the Barely-rested of Motherhood

Chicago’s 5th Annual

Listen To Your Mother Show Sunday May 1 at 2:00pm

Athenaeum Theatre

2936 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago

Tickets available online at athenaeumtheatre.org, by phone at (773) 935-6875, or in person at the box office.

Chicago 2016

More information: listentoyourmothershow.com/chicago

Sponsored locally by…

10% of ticket proceeds to benefit Mujeres Latinas en Acción, a nonprofit organization that empowers Latinas by providing services which reflect their values and culture, and being an advocate on the issues that make a difference in their lives.

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The Best Green Toys

Need to know

on the market

W

BY JENNY MUSLIN e’ve all been warned about the dangers off toxic chemicals in products, and that includes udes our kids’ toys. Here are our favorite green playthings, which are safer alternatives to their mainstream, made-in-China counterparts. Best of all, these award-winning products will grow with your children. dren.

How many toys can do that?

Creative Playhouse by Plan Toys, $123, plantoys.com Boys and girls will spend hours playing with this modern modular dollhouse, composed of three units that can be arranged in 10 ways. Features include a moveable staircase, solar cell roofs that flip to become gardens and modern furniture to decorate each room. Add-ons like dolls, a playground and other furniture can be purchased to enhance the playhouse. Toys are made from sustainable materials like natural rubberwood and dried with a chemical-free kiln.

They aare then assembled using formaldehyde-free glue rather formal toxic wood glue, as well than to as organ organic color pigment and safer water-based dyes. s Ages 3+

3 in 1 bike by Wishbone, $229, wishbonedesign.com Husband and wife team Rich and d Jen set out to create a child’s bike that hatt would be environmentally sustainable and reduce consumption. They achieved their goal: a bike that would grow with a child so parents wouldn’t have to keep buying new replacements. Starting at 12 months old, d, the bike can be used as a baby walker. The he walker transforms into a push tricycle, then to a small balance bike and finally to a large balance bike. All Wishbone products are made from sustainably-harvested birch and eucalyptus wood, non-toxic glues and finishes, and recycled packaging. The website’s “design studio” lets kids customize their bikes with personalized nameplates, colored seat covers and grips, and funky stickers.

Ages 1-5

Don’t Dump Dumpty Game by Begin Again, $30, beginagaintoys.com Think of this learning game as a whimsical Jenga for kids. Take turns stacking the numbered blocks and placing Humpty Dumpty on top.

Then, try to remove a brick from the without he wall withou letting him fall. The game g me can be played alone or in pairs, alll intended to help develop basic math skills. We love that it’s eco-friendly! It is made of all natural rubberwood (sustainably harvested wood)) and uses non-toxic child-safe stains.

Ages 2+

My Activity Clock by Maple Landmark,, $27, maplelandmark.com Maple Landmark been making ecork has b friendlyy educati educational wooden toys since 1979 at its shop in Vermont. My Activity Clock teaches toddlers how to tell time, learn the days of the week and note the weather outside. Putting the interchangeable activity disks in and out of the clockface helps children develop gross motor skills and learn about creating a schedule and routine. The backs of each activity disc are blank so children or parents can write in their own activities.

18 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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MOM OF THE MONTH

Joshua’s Dragon New book promotes understanding of special needs

Dragon fighting Stacey Glorioso

u Husband Tom; kids, Grant, 11, Genna, 9, and Griffin, 5. Family dog, Georgia. u Plainfield

{M.O.M}

u Disabilities advocate and private pediatric occupational therapist.

Author of Joshua’s Dragon.

CHIPAR0416_019.indd 1

What draws you to children with special needs?

When I was growing up, I had a cousin with a developmental disability. I saw how much he struggled in his daily life, but I also saw how much he had to overcome. ... The kids (I work with) are just amazing. There is just something so special about my children who have special needs. They are so happy to make that next step.

As you are going into schools with the book, what’s your biggest takeaway?

Kids are showing empathy to Joshua. ... They are feeling this empathy now that they may not have had because they have more understanding. But also, they are cheering him on for his courage and his bravery at the same time.

>>

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a mom so far?

I try to teach my kids—it’s hard in today’s society—that you don’t have to be perfect. I always tell them to set small goals, come up with a strategy

and try to conquer their dragons.

As for me, from my first child to my third, I’ve learned everything doesn’t have to be so planned out. You don’t have to worry about every little detail.

I don’t worry so much about the little things and I try to enjoy more of the positive things.

The one room in your house you wouldn’t want anyone dropping by to see: My office. It’s a pigsty. I have so much stuff everywhere. I’m working two jobs, I have Joshua’s Dragon books piled up. I know where everything is. It’s the one place that I can be disorganized.

What is your dragon?

I cannot stand being the center of attention. It makes me incredibly nervous. I’ve had to overcome my dragon because I have something really important that I need to say.

So it was a victory for me this year because I conquered my dragon.

Stacy Glorioso says she feels students are empathetic to their peers with special needs, but really don’t understand what they face every day. That’s why she says her new book, Joshua’s Dragon, and related school program is meant to highlight kids’ victories and strengths in a fun way.

“How we are more similar to each other than different,” she says.

Joshua is a composite of the kids she treats in her private practice, including those with autism, sensory processing disorders and cerebral palsy.

“I always felt like (kids with special needs) were dragon slayers, constantly trying to keep their dragons, their challenges, their obstacles, at bay,” she says.

She expects to reach 25,000 students with the message this school year.

“We have this theme that everybody has a dragon, nobody’s perfect, and we’re trying to teach kids it’s OK to be different and it’s OK to have dragons. If Joshua can deal with his dragon every single day, then we can, too,” Glorioso says.

Learn more at oshuasdragon.com.

Gradually go green: Adopt one new “green” habit If you’re finding it hard to go green, why not try and adopt one new “green” habit to help the environment (and even save money)? Whether it’s starting a carpool, walking more instead of driving, using cloth grocery bags instead of paper or plastic, replacing all of the light bulbs in your home with CFL bulbs, turning down the thermostat at night or when you’re away, recycling more, or updating your appliances with more energy-efficient models, a little change can make a huge difference.

Margaret Steck, 30 Second Mom contributor

ChicagoParent.com April 2016 19

3/17/16 1:22 PM

HEY BABY

Natural

just like your baby Great products you can trust

Clef Foonf Convertible Car Seat

W

BY LINDSAY PINCHUK ith Earth Day around the corner, we turn this month to showcase organic and natural products across all categories for baby and family. Organic options are not just limited to food and personal care anymore. Many pieces of baby gear are made with an organic option. Some may not say organic, but come in the most natural form available without even trying.

When shopping for your baby, here are some favorites.

Beco Gemini Organic The Beco Gemini is already a favorite, but if you are looking for one made with organic cotton, this is the one for you! We love the new large pocket on the waist belt. $150; becobabycarrier.com

using it or after it has been in an accident. $449.99; clekinc.com

Stokke Tripp Trapp

Beco Gemini Organic

BabyBjorn Bouncer Balance Soft With an organic cotton option, this bouncer is great for city living and small spaces. Not only does it have a small footprint, but it folds flat and can slide under a bed or behind a couch for easy storage. $175; babybjorn.com

Clek Foonf Convertible Car Seat This car seat comes with some of the best technology and convenience features on the market and has zero compromises when it comes to safety. The BONUS: Its fabrics are GREENGUARD Select Certified and free of flame retardants. Just like all Clek seats, the Foonf is recyclable when you are done

The Tripp Trapp is made from solid wood. It’s as eco-friendly as products come. Not to mention it looks good and will hold your baby up until they are 250 pounds. Talk about longevity. $249.99; stokke.com

Dapple Baby Bottle & Dish Liquid

effective for babies and tots. $5.99; babyganics.com

Baby Mantra Shampoo and Body Wash This Chicago-based personal care line contains all organic and natural products and no toxins, but we love their shampoo and body wash for our littlest babies. $12.95; babymantra.com

Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress

If a parent is going to put their organic dollars towards ONE item in their baby’s This plant-based cleaner line should nursery, the crib mattress should be a staple in every home where Stokke be it. A baby spends the most kids are present. The dish liquid Tripp Trapp time in their bed and on their is a favorite, but they also have mattress. An organic crib incredible wipes for cleaning mattress is made with safe toys, laundry detergent and and non-toxic materials, and more. $12; dapplebaby.com doesn’t have the chemicals found in many mattresses.

Prices start at $249; naturepedic. com This alcohol-free hand sanitizer is from another wonderful ecoLindsay Pinchuk is the mom of two behind the friendly product line. With nationwide phenomenon Bump Club and diapers, shampoos, insect repelBeyond and Gearapalooza. She also is co-founder of Hey Baby Chicago. lents, sunscreens and more, all of their products top the list as safe and

Babyganics Foaming Hand Sanitizer

20 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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CRAFT

Eco-friendly fish Create a sea of floating fish for Earth Da D Day ayy

D

PHOTOS AND STORY BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER ER ig through that recycle bin this Earth Day and d turn a plastic water bottle into an undersea creation. With just some paint and eyes, those see reused bottles can take on a new existence.

Materials Empty clear plastic water bottle with cap Paint (tempera or acrylic) Scissors Paintbrush Stapler Hole punch Glue (craft clue or glue stick) Googly eyes Yarn or string

ChicagoParent.com April 2016 21

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22 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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FAILING WITH GUSTO

The participation award

Not everyone wins.

It is why I never threw a game of Candy Land in my life.

Things got tricky when my youngest son turned 3. There was nothing Joey coveted more than his older brothers’ trophies. He would line them up in ascending height order, rearrange them by color and then sub-categorize them by sport. Joey polished them. He talked to them. He made them his friends.

It was only a matter of time before Joey began his relentless siege to secure his own. Every morning, the first words out of his mouth were: “When will I get my trophy, Mommy?”

Perhaps if Joey had been my first child, I would have engaged in intellectual conversation about winning and losing. About hard work. About striving to be the best.

Instead?

I drove to Goodwill, plunked down $1.99 and bought my kid a random pillar of victory* to get him off my case.

Despite this obvious lapse in judgment, I still hated meaningless trophies.

Last month, myy older two boys asked sked to participate in a local chess tournament. nt.

I hesitated when n Joey insisted he should ld play, too.

Joey has attention ion issues.

The diagnosed d kind. During coach-pitch baseball (where every ery player has the ball all thrown to him until il he or she hits it), Joeyy saw a LOT of pitches. es. I’m talking 58 strikes es here. Butterflies distracted tracted him. He felt the urge to wave to everyone walking king through the park. When he got bored, he would plop down, hum a tune from “Frozen” and draw aw smiley faces with his finger across the dusty first base.

With this in mind, I reluctantly registered all three boys for the tournament, cringing at the improbability of Joey being able to sit through four to five rounds of chess.

Despite these fears, I dropped the kids off with my usual directive: “Do your best.”

I may have prayed, too.

Three hours later, I returned and the boys rushed over to fill me in on their evening. Danny ccomplained about having to play eighth-graders.

Jack was pleased with his 2.5 points. And 2 Joey?

Joe The boy I didn’t consider capable of through a single sitting th game lost twice and scored two draws.

He played fo four games. TWO

1

DRAWS. AWS. It was so much more than I ever thought possible.

Despite not landing nding a trophy or winning a single game, me Joey received a participation medal. al The next day, he proudly packed his prize in his backpack to show his teacher. He wore it around his neck for a week. He hung it on his wall like he had seen his brothers do—the sole entry in a vast sea of emptiness.

He then asked if he could play in another tournament soon.

I once thought participation medals meant nothing.

I could not have been more wrong. * If Jeni Thompson, the 1999 YMCA Sharks’ Rookie of the Year, is out there and still wants her trophy back, feel free to contact Chicago Parent.

Marianne Walsh is a Chicago mom of three boys. Want more? Go to ChicagoParent.com

Talk back

MARIANNE WALSH

For many years, I have been philosophically opposed to “participation” prizes. It felt like a disservice to have kids believing that mediocrity rity was cause for celebration. I beamed with pride ride the first time my oldest son deposited his “everybody erybody wins” ribbon directly into the trash. While le I certainly wanted the boys to enjoy learning ning games and sports, I felt they should also understand derstand that not everyone can be a standout.

and webandofmothers.com

ChicagoParent.com April 2016 23

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VIVA DADDY

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What’s getting Viva into trouble lately is her budding love for bathroom humor.

If it has to do with body parts or body functions, break out the microphone and ILLUSTRATION BY STEPHEN SCHUDLICH the brick backdrop, because the Chuckle Hut is You can’t escape potty open for business. humor—and the more Every song is “improved” shocked you are, the more when she scans in some your kid will use it. The scatology or anatomy, and I more you laugh, the more regularly find her in Target your kid will use it. The seeking out dolls who record more you try to stop it, the and repeat a child’s words more your kid will use it. so she can make them say, You’re in deep doo-doo on “bottom,” “underwear” or this one. the ubiquitous “poopy.”

We’ve told Viva she can A battery powered parrot only use bathroom words saying “poopy”? Call the in the bathroom, and have Kennedy Center, this bird given her a pass (pun needs a Mark Twain Prize. intended) on her poopy Potty humor goes way schtick when near the potty. back: the world’s oldest Of course, this mean every recorded joke is a flatutime we cross the threshold lence joke from Sumeria, to a restroom, she becomes 1900 B.C. (Though it a 4-year-old Lenny Bruce. doesn’t translate well from We’ll try our best to cuneiform.) Pop culture curtail it and ignore it, and seems to have opened up with any luck it’ll wear the floodgates on bathroom off. Until then, it’s only a humor for kids lately, beginmatter of time before I hear, ning with Pumbaa the gassy “Knock, knock.” warthog in “The Lion King,” “Who’s there?.” “... who paved the way for the Toilet!!!” (sigh) crass, inexplicably Scottish Viva Potty Talk. Viva Viva. ogre “Shrek,” who blazed Viva Daddy. a lowbrow trail for the “Despicable Me” Minions’ Viva is 4. Daddy is about 10 times that gross-out blasters. We stand age. They live happily with Mommy in on the butts of giants.

Chicago.

24 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

How do you manage the line between teaching your kids not to be rude when addressed by an adult and keeping them safe by not talking to strangers?

When you’re with mom or dad, please speak when spoken to. When you’re not, don’t engage “strangers.”

Ryan Salzwedel, Chicago

They speak when spoken to.

They are not to engage in more than “hi,” “please” and “thank you” without my being present. It was hard because they are both very friendly.

Rani Morrison, Oak Park

@

u Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

Have open conversations about the reasons behind not talking to strangers and help them begin to make those discerning and critical decisions on their own.

Gia Lee, Northbrook

Set clear rules.

If a child is alone, they should know to never speak to a stranger even if they come across as rude. Safety first.

If they’re with you or another trusted adult, politeness pays!!

Lisa Cheruff, Skokie

I teach my kids to be polite to everyone, but if they ever feel uncomfortable, to leave the situation and find a trusted adult.

Manners are huge in my house, but I also teach them to have respect for themselves.

Tracey Guzolek, Chicago

It’s never rude for a child to ignore a stranger. ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ is enough, but to answer any questions by an adult we don’t know is a huge no-no!

Anne Rezabek, Elgin

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ChicagoParent.com April 2016 25

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Big wows for littles He H eri eri rita tag ge e Far arm

Nature centers that really let you and the kids breathe in spring

S

BY SHANNAN YOUNGER

pring is a wonderful time to head to some of the fantastic nature centers in and around Chicago. These nature centers are open to all ages, and families are welcome to drop in and learn more about the plants, animals and habitats, for free. They also offer educational programs that require advanced registration, often for a nominal charge.

While they all offer a chance to experience and learn more about the natural world around us, each nature center is a little different, so see which one fits your children best.

BEST FOR: TIME TRAVELERS

Willlllow Wi owbr broo br broo ook k Wiild W dllilif ife fe Cente en nte terr

BEST FOR: ANIMAL ADVENTURERS URERS

Spring Valley Nature Center

Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Location: 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg Hours: Museum & Visitor Center: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily for museum and visitor center (Hours differ for the farm) In addition to 135 acres of fields, forests, marshes and streams, Spring Valley also features Volkening Heritage Farm, an 1880s living history farm that gives guests an idea of what Schaumburg was like as a rural German farm community. Little ones can visit the livestock and assist the authentically dressed interpreters with seasonal farm chores. There is also a log cabin on the grounds. Three miles of handicapped-accessible hiking trails are great for walks.

Good to know: The farm and farm buildings open April 1.

The log cabin is home to special programs each season and can also be rented for private parties of up to 30 people.

Location: 525 S. Park Blvd., Glen Ellyn Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily A wildlife rehabilitation facility that provides es care and medical treatment for injured and orphaned ned animals native to northeastern Illinois, Willowbrook Wildlife Center is part of the Forest Preserve District off DuPage County. Permanently disabled eagles, songbirds, ds, owls, raccoons and foxes are just a few of the 80 native tive Illinois animals on display here. Visitors can peek into o the kitchen where food is prepared for the animals. If you’re ’re lucky, it may be feeding time and you can see one of the staff the st staf afff members or volunteers feeding animals in the nursery.

Good to know: The center accepts native mammals mmals and birds raised as pets, as well as injured, ill an and d orphaned wildlife. See the website for animal admissions information.

26 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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BEST FOR FOR: BUDDING BIRDERS HALF PIN HALF PIN HERPETOLOGISTS & HALF PINT

North Park Village Nature Center Location: 5801 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily Visitors marvel that they are still in the city because it seems worlds away when wandering through this 46-acre nature preserve. A variety of wildlife call the area home, including deer who are often spotted by those on walks and birds who can be spotted in the birding area. North Park Village Nature Center features a variety of different environments, including woodland, wetland, prairie and savanna. The educational facility has several activities for little ones, including bones they can touch and identify. If you have questions, the friendly staff is more than happy to help.

Good to know: The Turtle Club of the Chicago Herpetological Society holds a meeting at North Park Nature Center each month and it’s open to kids 3 and older. No registration is required, nor is a turtle, although if you have one you are welcome to bring it.

BEST FOR: EXPLORERS B

Lake Kat Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive, Palos Heights Location: 7 Hours: Lak Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is o open daily from dawn till dusk. The Frank Passarelli Na Nature Center is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.-4 a.m.- p.m. Saturdays.

In addition to the Nature Center, there’s the Children’s Forest that features a salamander mound and a manf made ma waterfall. Enjoy a one-mile-loop walk around Lake Katherine or go off explore the ar trails along the ridge of the Cal Sag Channel. tr There are several different garden, including Th Heritage Garden where crops are grown and the H then donated to the local food pantry.

Good to know: On the first Thursday of each month at 3:45 p.m., the Stories at the Lake children’s program features nature-themed children’s books read aloud by a Lake Katherine educator followed by fun activities. No registration is required.

H dd Hi dden en Oak aks s Na N ture Cente ter

BEST FOR: HANDS ON LEARNING

Hidden Oaks Nature Center

exhibits on sounds in nature, explore all the different plants and animals that live in a burr oak tree or have fun with touch boxes.

Scavenger hunts are also available.

Families can enjoy a meal or snack at the new pavilion on the grounds or at the tables on the rooftop garden.

Good to know: Hidden Oaks is home to three beehives and the locally grown honey is available for sale at the front desk. Although the staff says that honeybees are not aggressive unless provoked, visitors sensitive or allergic to bee stings should exercise caution.

Location: 419 Trout Farm Road, Bolingbrook Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. MondaySaturday; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday “As long as they aren’t destructive, kids can touch anything,” says Faith Gebert of Hidden Oaks Nature Center. While the facility is aimed at preschooler visitors and their parents, she says kids of all ages enjoy visiting and getting the chance to explore the sounds, sights, smells and feels of nature.

Families can enjoy interactive

BEST FOR: PRIVATE EYES IN TRAINING

Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center Location: 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily Visitors can explore the world of Saltt Creek and/or use microscopes and spotting otting scopes to examine creatures that make ke their homes in the area. Kids also can learn rn how to identify common birds and animal tracks. racks. In addition, they can get up close and personal sonal with the 13,000-year-old skeleton of a woolly ly mammoth.

Good to know: It’s a great place to stop and smell the flowers. The Wildflowerr Trail—starting near the visitor center and traveling ing through the woods and restored prairie—showcases owcases many native species of wildflowers.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

ChicagoParent.com April 2016 27

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

BEST FOR: LITTLE PROFESSORS

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center Location: 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs Hours: In the spring, grounds open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., building opens at 9 a.m.

The Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center is one of six nature centers of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Learn about Longjohn Slough, visit the animals living in the schoolhouse and in the spring, the pear, apple and plum blossoms serve as lovely reminders of the orchard that was planted in 1906.

Good to know: Hours change seasonally, with longer hours in the summer, so it’s good to check before going.

BEST FOR: HIGH ENERGY LITTLES

Knoch Knolls Nature Center Location: 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday There’s a great playground adjacent to the building that houses the nature center with sections for kids ages 2-5 and 5-12. There are also several hiking and biking trails, as well as an 18-hole disc golf course. After some gross motor movement, kids can focus on the exhibits indoors, which highlights the confluence of the East Branch and West Branch of the DuPage River, the area’s first inhabitants and how the river has influenced the area for hundreds of year.

Good to know: Don’t miss the 900-gallon freshwater fish tank in the Nature Center that gives you a glimpse at what the DuPage River looks like underwater. Keep an eye out for turtles in the pond.

Shannan Younger is a Naperville mom, freelance writer and blogger behind the Tween Us Parents blog and the Mom Factually blog at the Chicago Parent Blogger Network.

28 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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REAL LIFE

Home is... a boat

We’re teaching our daughter about nature, teamwork and dreaming big

“Y

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MEGAN DOWNEY ou’re crazy!” We get that a lot.

To be honest, I’ve said it about us any number of times.

My husband, Aaron, and I have a condo in Oak Park with our daughter, Claire, who just turned 4. But for half the year, we live almost full-time on a 36-foot sailboat, Clarity. Her home base has been 31st Street Harbor and during the sailing season, we’ve spent five out of seven days on the water with Lake Michigan as our backyard.

Sailing was always part of our family DNA. Aaron has been an active racer since we met, and on our first date, he took me on a sunset cruise. He proposed on the bow of a boat we chartered in Michigan, and Claire did her first offshore passage from Chicago to South Haven at 6 months old.

The first summer we had the boat, Aaron told me he’d like to try spending half-time aboard, and if I’m being honest, my initial reaction was not elation, but a gutwrenching ‘How the heck am I going to do this?! And with a toddler?!’

Sure, we have the aft cabin, the v-berth, the head, the galley, the salon. They are rooms, for lack of a better word, since they’re separated by doors. But the boat is 36-and-ahalf feet long from stem to stern and 12 feet across at its widest point. The space is a little bigger than a modestly sized bedroom.

The more seasons we spend on Clarity, though, the more it just feels like home.

We have pillow fights in the aft cabin and hang Claire’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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HOME IS A BOAT

paintings in the main salon.

She works on her letters at the navigation station and her Cheerios and beads find their way to every nook and cranny of the boat.

The topsides are a big part of our living quarters. We grill burgers and swim off the sides.

Claire climbs in the rigging like a jungle gym and we drag sleeping bags out on the bow and search for shooting stars. Tethers, life jackets and netting around the perimeter of the boat all help keep Claire safe at the dock

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

and on the water, though it ultimately comes down to us keeping a watchful eye.

When we’re at our marina we have a beach, a swimming pool, a playground and the lakefront path all within a five-minute walk. Aaron and I both work remotely from the boat as much as possible, and we sometimes do the morning commute from the boat to Oak Park and drop Claire off at preschool.

The highlight of each season has been a monthlong summer cruise, port-hopping to all of the lakeside towns on Lake Michigan. The dock, the lake, the ports we visit, all become a natural extension of the home that travels

“We are tested in countless ways during these long trips. All day is family time.

Weekdays and weekends are blurred. We are together All. The. Time.” with us wherever we go.

The first two years, we cruised the Michigan side as far north as Beaver Island, just south of the Upper Peninsula, and last year, we stayed west and sailed up to Door County. When we’re cruising, we follow a routine. On the days that we’re planning a

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READ BOOKS

imagine explore discover

MAKE ART

invent create construct

passage, we check the weather, ready the boat, test our systems and go.

Aaron and I work as a team to get the boat off the dock and set the sails, and once we’ve settled into our course, we take turns managing Claire and Clarity.

Safety is the No. 1 priority, and Aaron and I have both taken first-aid and marine emergency courses.

Aaron also went through extensive safety training during his schooling to obtain his master captain’s license.

Our cruising schedule is completely dependent on weather windows—wind, waves and storms are all factors that determine whether or not we cast lines and when. There have been times that we’ve been socked in a port for more days than planned and times that we’ve rocketed up the coast, soaking up the magic marriage of favorable winds and calm seas.

We are tested in countless

ways during these long trips. All day is family time. Weekdays and weekends are blurred. We are together All. The. Time.

I’ll admit: This took some getting used to at first, but we’ve come to cherish this closeness. It’s allowed Aaron and me to work through issues more quickly, be in tune with one another and extend grace in challenging situations, with each other and with Claire.

I had other concerns, too, when we started doing longer cruises.

Could we keep Claire entertained during 14-hour passages?

Would she miss her friends? On rainy days when we’re stuck down below, how will we avoid going stir crazy? But Claire spent the better part of our longer sails this past summer happy as a clam, making Play-Doh smashcakes in the cockpit and building Lego towers.

During one of the rainier days on the water, she and I cozied up down below. We put on a play with her stuffed animals

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HOME IS A BOAT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

Most Common Questions What about garbage?

A: We try to reduce waste as much as possible. For instance, whenever I buy provisions, I get rid of the excess packaging before the groceries even come on board. I also wash and reuse things like Ziploc bags. Some inevitable garbage does build up, though.

When we’re cruising, we offload our waste whenever we’re in port.

What if you get sick?

A: Motion sickness is the worst! We try to avoid sailing in conditions that precipitate it, but sometimes, it’s unavoidable. I have medicine on board to combat the symptoms (for both children and adults), along with a stash of ginger candies and Vernors Ginger Ale. Also, the rule is, whoever is feeling sick takes the helm.

The focus on steering the boat and keeping an eye on the horizon keeps the nausea at bay.

How do you do your laundry?

A: When we’re cruising, enough marinas have laundry facilities that it hasn’t been a problem (though quarters become a

and made a message in a bottle that Claire sent overboard later that afternoon.

When we’re docked at new

hot commodity). And there’s something soothing in the simplicity of washing clothes by hand in the cockpit and spreading them out on the lifelines to dry in the afternoon sun.

How do you cook when the boat is heeled?

A: This does take some getting used to, but the boat really is designed with this in mind. The stove is gimballed, meaning that no matter what angle the boat is at, the cooking surface is level. Clamps are used to secure pots and pans. In addition, all counters and storage areas have a serious lip, providing a more usable work surface and keeping the contents from flying across the salon.

How do you keep Claire safe?

A: This is our No. 1 priority. At the dock, Claire is always in a life jacket. When we are underway, we most often have Claire in a harness and connect it to a tether that we can clip anywhere on the boat. This eliminates the possibility of her ever falling overboard; we also sometimes double up and put her in a life jacket as well. In addition, we have netting all the way around Clarity that acts as a fence for additional safety, and if the conditions really deteriorate, we bring her down below.

ports, Claire’s our social ambassador, introducing herself to everyone she sees. We hike up sand dunes and make sand castles

at the beach. We collect rocks and tour lighthouses.

And we make friends with the ducks that take up residence on our stand-up paddleboard and the animals that call the harbor home.

With this cruising lifestyle, the day-to-day needs are still there.

I have to do the laundry, clean and prepare meals—sometimes when my ingredients are sliding back and forth.

When something breaks, as it often does at the most inopportune times, Aaron assumes the role of boat mechanic and master problem-solver.

It might sound overwhelming, but truthfully, you just figure it out. There’s a sense of freedom—and pride—that comes with solving these problems on your own, and a simplicity in the lifestyle that, for us, was a much-needed alternative to the daily grind.

All of these elements, challenging and gratifying, made us fall in love with life on the water. What better way to teach

Claire about nature than to immerse her in it? What better way to show her teamwork than to set an example with our partnership in running the boat?

And what better way to encourage Claire to dream big than to actually live our dreams for our family?

So, with the sailing season finally upon us again, we’ve decided to sell our Oak Park condo and many of our possessions, head east and become fulltime cruisers, with our family compass pointed south toward the islands.

As we’ve shared our plans with family and friends, we’ve gotten amazing support, and also a healthy dose of, “So… how are you going to do that?”

I’m not sure yet. I can’t wait to find out.

Follow their journey at sailingclarity.wordpress.com.

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A how to guide to make money and recycle

Consignment

D

BY NATALIE ROMPELLA o you have mountains of old clothes and toys to get rid of, but find children’s consignment stores too picky? Consider trying large-scale consignment sales instead. Many towns now have organizations, such as mom groups, that hold large sales in school gymnasiums or fitness centers.

Although it may seem overwhelming with the pricing, sorting and tagging, here are some ways to make it less painful—or even pain-free!

To find a sale near you, Google your hometown and the words “consignment sale.” If you’ve already missed the deadline to register for the sale, visit to get an idea of how it is set up and the most common prices.

All year Begin collecting hangers (one sale I participated in only

sales made easy

allowed items on wire hangers).

Collect safety pins. These will be used to pin items onto

hangers and to pin tags onto clothing.

As your children outgrow clothing, toys and books, store them in a central location.

Periodically pull clothes from closets and drawers you think might no longer fit your children. Big tip: You definitely don’t want kids to be trying on clothes the week of the sale. And if you expect them to try on a big pile in one sitting, you may have one unhappy child!

Collect clear plastic bags of various sizes, such as from online clothing orders. These will be used for toys with many pieces.

One month before the sale Find out when you need to register. Write down drop-off and pick-up dates and times— and be sure you can do both.

Review the guidelines. Be sure you know how items should be tagged, which way hangers need to face, where tags need to be placed, etc.

Two weeks before the sale Locate the safety pins, hangers, clear bags and clear packing tape. You might want to invest in clear packing tape in a CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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CONSIGNMENT SALES MADE EASY

How to price items Be wary of attributing greater value to much-loved items; they won’t sell as well as that new dress with the tag still on. If you find you’re doing this, you might not be ready to part with the items yet. Remove them from the sale pile (often they’re too worn to sell anyway).

Remember you won’t be getting the whole percentage of thee profit. Often your cut is between 40 and 60 percent.

If your goal is just to get things out of the house, you might want to price a little low the first year and see what sells. This iss is especially true if you don’t want to lug that baby gate or stroller back home. I got rid of my baby gates for $6 each (with all hardware and instructions) because I hoped someone could use them and I didn’t want them back in my basement.

Higher-end clothing brands can go for about a dollar or two more than less-expensive brands. Ideally, items should be priced lower than the clearance price would be at the store. I sell most shirts for around $2, higher-end brands between $3 and $4. Sometimes I’ll get bold and add 50 cents to a price.

Shoes often sell for around $4 or $5 a pair.

Items on hangers (versus folded) sell more quickly and for higher prices.

You need to decide whether 50-cent and $1 items are worth your time to prep, as well as the cost of the tape, hanger and safety pins you are giving away with them. Consider donating them instead and getting a tax deduction.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

sturdy dispenser. One of the most frustrating parts of prepping for a sale is when tape sticks to itself on the dispenser.

Put all like items together, such as clothing, books, toys and shoes.

Rewash anything that needs some freshening up. I usually use a scented detergent so it’s obviously freshly washed.

Clean Velcro. This is a picky thing, but your items will sell better if the Velcro on coats and shoes is lint-free. An easy way to clean it is to use an open safety pin. Simply run the sharp end through the lines of the Velcro hooks, and presto, it looks brand new again.

If you are using paper tags or labels, print/copy them and begin cutting them out. Be sure to keep an un-cut master copy in case you need to make more tags.

One week before the sale Clean and prep toys. For toys with many man n pieces, such as a collection of plastic dinosaurs, put them in a clear bag. Tape din n tthe h bag closed so that kids at the sale ccan’t pull them out (this includes bags with a zip-seal; put tape over the seal). w Tape games closed (and reinforce boxes).

T Bee sure to track down any instructions you have for games and toys (sometimes you can find them online). Puzzles can be put into plastic bags as well.

Begin tagging items. Many sales will allow you do this online rather than writing out the information. This is great because then you print neat labels and can track your items as they sell! Something that saves a TON of time: Have someone hold up

the item as you enter it into the computer or write out tags. I have my 5-year-old do this.

She holds up an item, I type on the computer what it is, and then I say “next.” She sets the item in a laundry basket and moves on to the next item. Another method that works well is laying out a bunch of items on a couch or bed, cataloging them all at once, moving them, and doing another load.

Once you finish your labels, print and cut them out if needed.

Attach tags/labels to items. Again, if you can get help with matching tags and/ or attaching tags to items, you can save valuable time.

Sort clothing into boy and girl piles, then by size.

Put clothing on hangers. For pants, wire hangers with paper attached work well because you can stick the safety pin through the paper and the garment won’t shift around.

Shoes can be tied (by the shoelaces) or taped together. You can also use a piece of string or yarn through the loops in the back.

Tape labels on all non-fabric items.

Many sales have tear-off labels—be sure not to tape over the part to be torn off. Painter’s tape is a nice option for items such as books, as it doesn’t ruin the cover when the new buyer removes it.

Night before/day of sale If other people/sale volunteers will be unloading your car, be sure to remove items you don’t want accidentally brought into the sale.

Load up your vehicle. Also bring spare tape, safety pins, a pen, a permanent marker and scissors for any needed repairs.

34 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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After the sale Decide whether you want to try selling the remaining items. If so, remove the tags and take them to a resale shop.

If you plan to keep the items until the next sale, keep the tags on.

After the first couple consignment sales, you can really get a system going and prep your items quickly. It can be rewarding to know someone will be enjoying your items and that you made some easy money.

And don’t forget to shop the

sale to score a few bargains of your own!

Natalie Rompella is a Libertyville mom of two, freelance writer and published children’s author.

Upcoming consignment sales Chicago, April 1-2. Babies, Tots n’ More. babiestots consignment.com Ingleside, April 1-2. Big Hollow Clothing Resale. big hollowpto.com/resale.html Mooseheart, April 2.

Tri-Cities Mothers of Twins and Triplets Club. tcmottc.org/ advice.html Hoffman Estates, April 2. One Plus One Mothers of Multiples. oneplusonemoms. org/resale.html (Sellers must be members.)

Lake Zurich, April 7-9.

Here Whee Go Again. hwgakidz.com Arlington Heights, April 9. Double Take: Mothers of Multiples Club. doubletake motc.org (Consignors must be members.)

Oak Park, April 9.

West Suburban Mothers of Multiples. wsmoms.org/home/ multiples-sale Park Ridge, April 9. Park Ridge Newcomers Club Kids Sale. parkridgenewcomers club.org Northbrook, April 16.

Babies, Tots n’ More. babiestotsconsignment.com Wheaton, April 15-16. Trendy Tots

Resale Semi-Annual Children’s Consignment Sale. facebook.com/ events/1692971084271799 Yorkville, April 15-16.

Bugaboo Children’s Consignment Sale. bugaboo consign.com

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Naperville, Elmhurst & Chicago www.greenapplecampus.org 872.240.4230

Evanston, April 16. Moms of Multiples. momsofmultiples.org/resale (Consignors must be members.)

Frankfort, April 21-23.

Kids Closet Connection. kidscloset.biz Rockford, April 28-30.

Just Between Friends. rockford.jbfsale.com Palatine, April 28-30.

Here Whee Go Again. hwgakidz.com Crystal Lake, April 30.

Mothers & More of McHenry County. mchenrymothers.org/ resale.html Lake Barrington, May 6-8.

Growing Cents of Style Sale. growingcentsofstyle.com Plainfield, May 13-14.

Moms Encouraging Moms. plainfield umc.com/resale Lake Zurich, May 14.

Multiple Choice Mothers of Multiples Club. multiple choicetwinsclub.com ChicagoParent.com April 2016 35

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PART TWO IN A THREE-PART SERIES ABOUT OUR CHILDREN AND CHICAGO GUN VIOLENCE

FAMILIES ON THE FRONT LINES

Two moms talk

Noemi Espinosa

about Chicago’s

gun violence and what it’s like to

lose a child

I

BY EMILY ADAMS

t was Halloween night 2009, and Frankie Valencia’s world was at his fingertips.

He lived in a happy, financially secure home in Chicago’s relatively “safe” Lincoln Park neighborhood.

He had just been nominated

to intern at the White House.

Then gangbangers changed all that, crashing the party he and his friends were attending. The night that Joy McCormack got the call she would never wish on any parent.

“The house was a multimillion-dollar home and everyone thought it was going to be safe,” McCormack says. “But the gangbangers came in with

semi-automatic weapons and opened fire.”

From that point on, McCormack says life was never the same. And following the heartbreak of losing her son, she says one of the hardest things for her was in the aftermath.

“We were thrown into this devastating, chaotic experience, and we didn’t understand how this could have happened to our son,” she says. “And what was crazy to me was that there was no response. You literally are told your child was shot and killed, and that was it.

We were turned out of the hospital, like, ‘That’s it, go home.’”

Pam Bosley felt similarly isolated when her son Terrell was killed outside the church where he played gospel music in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood.

“He was doing all the right things,” she says.

“School, church, no drugs or anything. The hardest part is not having him here. But the other part of it is I still don’t know what happened. His case is still unsolved.”

McCormack says no parent should have to navigate losing their child to gun violence alone.

“There were really no victim services in Chicago for families that have suffered a violent loss

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“People feel that all of the kids getting shot are in gangs or into drugs. They need to understand the perception is wrong, and that the majority of kids who are being shot in Chicago are innocent and are tragically caught in the crossfire.”

Pam Bosley, mom and where they did exist, it’s because there was a case that’d been solved and you’re in a court system,” she says. “But the reality is that 70 percent of cases never see a courtroom. So the majority of families who are forced into these experiences are dealing with it by themselves.”

That realization led McCormack to found the nonprofit Chicago Survivors in 2010 as a way to reach out to victims’ families and help them through the tragedy.

“The majority of homicides affect a person who is under 30, which means they are often survived by parents, siblings or children. And all of those family members are thrown into this new world of navigating their loss.”

McCormack saw that firsthand as her son Victor went through the trauma of his brother’s death.

“It’s completely changed the trajectory of Victor’s life,” she says.

McCormack says Victor lives with PTSD. He tried going away to college, but ended up back home.

“It was very difficult for him to be around and fit in with everyone else who have so-called normal lives. And because he’s

Gabriel Sanchez, above, eighth grade, Heritage Middle School, 2007. Below, Mario Ramirez

Latino and his brother was murdered, there was a stereotype that followed him around that he was into things he had never even been exposed to.”

McCormack says the loss hit Victor especially hard.

“He was just about to cross a threshold where he was starting to have some responsibility, and now the person he relied on so heavily to be his male role model was gone,” she says. “So how do you fight for hope and

believe people when they tell you that you can be anything you want to be and you can live the American dream if you just work hard enough when you CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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Chicago-Parent-Print-Ad.pdf

1

3/11/16

11:58 AM

GUN VIOLENCE

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

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see someone who was doing that and know that his life was taken?”

But McCormack says Victor’s story has a more positive ending than most in his situation.

“We are grateful we didn’t lose Victor. Many kids who have been through this self-medicate because they can’t deal with the pain and psychological impact.

He didn’t. Instead, he now works with Latino youths and tries to make an impact on their lives.”

Bosley says she feels that perceptions play a huge role in how the cases are treated by police and media.

“People feel that all of the kids getting shot are in gangs or into drugs. They need to understand the perception is wrong, and that the majority of kids who are being shot in Chicago are innocent and are tragically caught in the crossfire.”

After her son’s death, Bosley made it her career to make the communities in Chicago safe for children. As the violence prevention manager at The ARK of Saint Sabina, she helps to provide a safe haven for Chicago children to learn, play and express themselves, as well as to conduct programs for youth outreach and community events.

“The goal is to bring youth together to bring awareness to the violence and to talk about solutions to the violence,” she says.

Frankie’s and Terrell’s families have made real change by helping so many Chicago families

Chicago’s gun problem u Part one, in the March issue, why Chicago’s gun violence hurts all of us u Part three, find out what parents everywhere can do to make a difference for Chicago’s violent streets

like them who have been victims to violent loss, but McCormack says the work is far from over.

“It’s shocking how many people don’t care about the gun problem. There’s a real consequence to not caring about this. I just want people to care about this before they have to,” she says.

Bosley agrees.

“I have hope,” she says about finding a solution to end the violence. “It’s not going to happen overnight, because this madness didn’t happen overnight. But I do believe it will happen.”

McCormack invests her hope in future generations, even if she has little for her own.

“My life is devastated. What I can say is that I’m willing to fight. It doesn’t have to be this way. This isn’t normal. It’s not just another weekend in Chicago. Our children dying this way is actually completely preventable.”

Emily Adams is Chicago Parent’s associate editor.

38 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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ChicagoParent.com April 2016 39

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Evanston & Skokie Focus // special advertising section Evanston/Skokie calendar of events THE QUALITY OF MERCY PROJECT

PHOTO COURTESY OF SKOKIE PARK DISTRICT

In conjunction with its upcoming production of Tim Robbins’ Dead Man Walking, April 14-May 15, 2016, Piven Theatre Workshop proudly announces The Quality of Mercy Project, an expansive three-month public programming initiative inviting discussion of the complex issues arising from the themes of the play, including, but certainly not limited to: forgiveness, compassion, the death penalty, mass incarceration, racial inequity, and social justice.

Among highlights of The Quality of Mercy Project are panel discussions addressing Life and Death in the Criminal Justice System, Finding a Path Where Forgiveness and Justice Can Intersect, and The Black Male Experience in Evanston; a screening and discussion of The Innocent, a documentary about men and women wrongly sentenced to death who lived to tell about it; and a special reading and book signing with

Sister Helen Prejean whose bestselling book, Dead Man Walking: The Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty That Sparked a National Debate, has been adapted for the stage.

The majority of The Quality of Mercy Project programming is free of charge and open to the public, and will be presented at a variety of venues in Evanston, IL, March – May 2016.

The Quality of Mercy Project is a collaborative effort of Piven Theatre Workshop with five key community partners: The Chicago Innocence Center, Evanston Art Center, Literature for All of Us, James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy, and Evanston Township High School. Each week during the run of Dead Man Walking, Piven Theatre Workshop will highlight the work of one of these featured partners.

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APRIL 16-MAY 15 At Piven Theatre Workshop Dead Man Walking, A Play by Tim Robbins, Adapted from the Book by Sister Helen Prejean, and directed by Mikalina Rabinsky.

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APRIL 17 Earth Day at Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel, Skokie noon-4:00 PM Visit the Emily Oaks Nature Center’s Earth Day Picnic for the Planet for a fun look at earthfriendly food. Also: entertainment, and a native plant sale!

APRIL 30 Healthy Kids Day® 1000 Grove St., Evanston 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM

Join us on Saturday, April 30, for Healthy Kids Day®. HKD is a free, community-wide event and is designed to help kids get a jump start to their summer. Our goal and commitment to the community is to raise awareness about health and encourage families to get active. We have a fun day of activities and demonstrations planned, as well as participation from more than 30 community organizations.

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MAY 7 Children’s Day 1655 Foster St., Evanston 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM Fleetwood-Jourdain Center Is hosting their annual afternoon dedicated to children. There will be a face painter, games, food and fun. Last year, hundreds of children and parents attended this special afternoon featuring the Jesse White Tumblers. For more information call 847-448-8254.

MAY 21 & 22 26th Annual Skokie Festival of Cultures Oakton Park 4701 Oakton St., Skokie 11:00 AM-7:00 PM Since its inception in 1991, the Skokie Festival of Cultures has become one of the premier ethnic festivals in Illinois, attracting more than 450,000 visitors and dozens of cultures, all representing Skokie’s tremendous diversity.

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Birthday party invitations 411

By SHANNAN YOUNGER

“Y

ou’re invited!” are two of the best words in the English language to kids. Since birthday party invitations are the first thing everyone sees for your child’s big celebration, we asked some experts for advice on creating the most inviting.

PAPER OR ELECTRONIC? When it comes to deciding whether to send birthday party invites by email or snail mail, there are advantages to either option.

Cost can be a factor, with paper invitation costing more but Denise Arenz, manager at Ashley’s Custom Stationery in Hinsdale, recommends that parents investing in a party also budget for printed invitations since they set the tone of the occasion, as well as guests’ expectations.

Snail mail also can be fun.

“Nothing beats how special getting real mail feels. It’s especially exciting for kids,” agrees Sarah Neikirk, head of personal design services at Paperless Post, a website offering both online and paper invitations.

“The decision really comes down to time,” she says.

“Paper invitations require a little more advanced planning since you’ll need to have them printed

and shipped before you mail them out.”

Some parents prefer printed invitations so that they have a sweet keepsake from the event, which is one reason why Arenz recommends ordering a few extra invitations. For those who prefer the electronic route, Neikirk points out that Paperless Post allows customers to order a single paper invite to keep as a memento.

No matter your choice, seize the opportunity to personalize it. Jessica Bailey, Evite’s in-house party stylist, says photos are always fun, as people love to see the child they’ll soon be celebrating.

ANOTHER OPTION: GET CREATIVE You can also send a nontraditional invitation. Arenz says a customer hosting a pool party attached a card with the party information to a beach ball. “It was something unique. Everyone got a kick out of it,” she says.

Other ideas might include a packet of seeds for a floral- or garden-themed party, or designing your invitation to look like a ticket if it involves a sporting event.

TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND CONFIRM ADDRESSES Electronic invitations can get lost in cyberspace and the U.S. Postal Service is not perfect. Be sure to double check that you have the most current addresses

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for your invitees.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS The invitation is an opportunity to tell guests everything they need to know.

Err on the side of giving too much info, rather than leaving guests wondering.

If it’s a drop-off party, Arenz encourages parents to include not only the start time of the party but also an end time. “Hosts don’t want to be answering texts during the party from parents asking what time is pickup or having a guest there longer than anticipated,” she says.

She also recommends indicating on the invitation if the party is outdoors and whether there is a rain date.

ENCOURAGING RSVPS Giving people a deadline to let you know if they are able to attend can encourage prompt RSPVs. “It’s the tiniest

special advertising section // Celebrations

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAPERLESS POST

of things,” Bailey says. “It puts it in people’s head that there is a deadline and cannot be done the day before.”

Avoid using “regrets only,” which Arentz says can lead to an inaccurate headcount.

ASKING GUESTS TO SKIP GIFTS Many parents prefer to skip gifts for the guest of honor, and that wish should

be noted on the invitation. “‘No gifts, please’ is clear, concise and polite,” says Neikirk.

“Reminding your guests that, ‘Your presence is present enough,’ is also sweet.”

Guests often want to do something to honor the birthday girl or boy, so Evite added a donation button that allows the hosts to select a charity in lieu of gifts. Baily suggests

seeing if there’s a charity that ties in with the party theme.

For example, a family hosting a party with an animal theme could request a donation to an animal rescue or humane society.

“It’s a lovely way to teach your child to give back and care about others when celebrating their big day,” Bailey says.

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Celebrations // special advertising section

Do’s and don’ts of birthday party decorating

By SHANNAN YOUNGER

compare it to how much they want to spend on decorations, there’s usually a disconnect,” she says. “Parties seen on Pinterest can be very expensive and take a lot of work to execute.”

B

irthday party decorations can transform a space into a child’s dream come true, but it can also take on a life of its own. Here are some tips for your little one’s celebration.

DO MAKE OR INVEST IN REUSABLE DECOR “Just like other major holidays for which we anticipate reuse, we can approach birthday celebrations the same way. Go big with a giant candle, photo booth frame or birthday cake hat,” suggests Candice Blansett-Cummins, founder of Wishcraft Workshop in Chicago. “Having something with which the child can interact gives us the extra joy of watching them grow relative to the size of the item.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF CIRCESTEEM

DON’T GET TOO CAUGHT UP IN PINTEREST Many parents head to Pinterest for birthday party inspiration and while it can

be a wonderful source of ideas, Lindsey Mensch of Lili Marie Parties advises parents to not get too carried away.

“People get amazing ideas from Pinterest, but when they

DO LEVEL UP “Height is an important factor in wow decorating, allowing the eyes to be delighted at multiple levels,” BlansettCummins says. Mensch recommends putting tactile, non-breakable items down low and elevating items such as food that you don’t want touched until a certain time.

Cupcake towers, cake stands and even paint cans hidden underneath a table cloth can add height to a table, and then height can be added from floor to ceiling with other décor.

continued on page 52

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Do’s and Dont’s continued from page 50

learn that they can drop off decorations and his staff handles all the set up.

Talk with the venue well in advance to determine what is feasible and permitted, what assistance is provided and what restrictions are in place in terms of time, vendors and décor. If you need food storage, Schrage says to be sure to check the size available at your venue, noting that one time a parent brought a two-footwide ice cream cake that did not fit in their freezer.

DON’T GET TOO SPECIFIC WITH A THEME Keeping a theme broad means that it will appeal to a wide variety of guests. Picking a very specific party theme can make it difficult for some little guests to relate to it, especially if you’re hosting children of varying ages.

A less specific theme also avoids the probDO USE lem of an BALLOONS indeciBalloons sive child are colorful changing and fun--and her mind can make a at the huge visual last minimpact. ute.

“Balloons are The the perfect birthday choice for child’s party décor favorite because color they fill a can be PHOTO COURTESY OF LILI MARIE PARTIES lot of space a good, for your dolbroad theme, Mensch says. lar,” says Tommy DeLorenzo It’s also avoids the problem of Balloons by Tommy. His of a theme that appeals more favorite spots to use balloons to one gender than the other.

She says dollar stores can be a at birthday parties are cake tables, entryways and centergood source of party supplies in the favorite color at a lower pieces for tables. cost than party stories.

DON’T THINK OF CRAFTS AS DO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR VENUE WELL IN ADVANCE “One of the biggest issues we encounter is last-minute planning,” says Logan Schrage, general manager at Kid’s Island Play Café in Chicago. He says customers sometimes come up with extravagant ideas just a few days before the party and it’s just not possible to make those ideas reality. On the other hand, he says parents are pleasantly surprised to

SEPARATE FROM DÉCOR Craft items can do double duty, keeping kids both entertained and making the party space colorful and festive.

Cummins-Blansett suggests having a quiet activity like coloring to start the party and keep kids from becoming overwhelmed off the bat.

“The giant paper and crayons or (washable!) markers make for another pop of color while also helping to set the tone and welcome everyone,” she says.

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special advertising section // Celebrations

Party games that keep the fun moving

By CARRIE RODOVICH

“For a great game, we combine that creative play with more structured activities,” she says. “We might use our imaginations to go searching for dragon’s gold, go camping and eat delicious s’mores, or jump down a bouncy snow mountain.”

Searching for dragon’s gold might mean using bean bags as gold and having an adult portray the “dragon” that kids need to sneak past to steal the treasure.

Parachute games are always popular, as well, and parents can always use a big bed sheet or blanket instead of a parachute.

“We have the kids sing different songs using the parachute such as the wheels on the bus or we even have the birthday kid sit in the middle

W

hether you’re doing the limbo or hitting a piñata in your backyard, games can really set the tone for a party. And good games can help make a party memorable by engaging the participants in a fun activity.

Kat Estoque, assistant program director for The Little Gym of Chicago, says party goers are led though games by a Serious Fun instructor.

“Our games range from everything dealing with small equipment such as our parachute or balls to themed Little Gym games involving everything from dinosaurs to princesses,” Estoque says. “All of our activities keep the party guest moving and active.”

Imagination is key, she says.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LITTLE GYM

continued on page 54

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Celebrations // special advertising section Party games continued from page 54 of the parachute to go on a birthday ride,” she says. “They can even go under the parachute to make a birthday tent where they can make pretend s’mores or sing happy birthday to the birthday kid.”

Older kids might want hands-on activities, says Dexter Codell, studio manager at the McGaw YMCA in Evanston, where birthday partygoers dabble in virtual reality through Google Cardboard.

“They really become engaged and they have something to take home at the end of it,” he says.

“Something like virtual reality is new and is instant gratification.”

Scott Green, a magician who performs as The Great Scott around Chicago, has

a 30-minute show for young children and a 45-minute comedy and illusion show for kids of all ages. He ends the 45-minute show by suspending the birthday child in midair, he says.

While parents might not be able to replicate that trick themselves, there are some easy, interactive games they

can facilitate on their own.

“The best party games keep all the children playing,” he says. “Games like Hot Potato and Musical Chairs are best avoided because they move slowly, one elimination per round, and leave a growing group of bored, frustrated eliminees milling about.”

For younger children,

games like “freeze dance” are popular. For older kids, the game “Wink Zombie” is popular. In that game, children walk around the room making eye contact with one another.

The child who is the “zombie” winks at a person, turning them into a zombie. The new zombie must silently count to 10 before dropping to the floor, eliminated. The winner is the first player to guess the identity of the zombie.

“The best thing about these games is they don’t require any supplies that you don’t already have,” he says.

“That means you can keep them as an ace in the hole if your party stalls or you need to keep the energy up.”

Or, if you don’t want to organize games yourself, you can always hire an expert.

54 April 2016 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section // Celebrations

Stress or success?

Tips for having a worry-free slumber birthday party

By CARRIE RODOVICH

W

hether your little one wants to host a few close friends or invite the whole class over for a slumber party, overnights have been a popular birthday party choice for decades.

Although they can be fun for many, they can be stressful for kids and parents alike if you’re not prepared for them.

Dr. Sarah Bauer, attending physician in developmental and behavioral pediatrics for Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, says some children are ready for sleepovers earlier than others.

“One child might be ready at 7 and another might not be,” Bauer says. “There’s really not a magic age. Part of it comes down to how the child is able to take care of themselves and what their expectations are.”

She suggests that a child know how to call their parents if necessary, be prepared for what will happen at the sleepover and be familiar with the hosting family and home.

“Going over to a cousin’s house is one thing, but spending the night at a friend’s house is something else,” she says. The parents also need to

be comfortable enough with each other to exchange information and ideas.

Parents who are hosting the sleepover should be involved in planning and overseeing the party to help ensure its success, Bauer says.

“You need to think about group dynamics, and make sure people aren’t getting excluded or isolated unintentionally,” she says.

Eirene Heidelberger, president and CEO of GIT Mom and the mom of three boys, agrees that planning the party helps make it successful.

“The best advice I give and follow myself is to always prequalify your possible sleepover guest,” she says. “I ask the parent point blank if he is a good sleeper and (ask them to) be honest because I want to save both of us angst at 2 a.m. if he wants to go home.”

Chicago mom Vanessa Harrison, who has two girls 12 and 9, says getting the kids

out of the house for a while as part of the party festivities is key. This could be going to a park, a pottery-painting shop or a movie.

Once they return and are fed, Harrison says she puts them on the lower level with their sleeping bags, pillows and stuffed animals and lets them talk until a pre-determined time.

“You need to set rules. Tell them you’ll check on them at 10:30, 11:30 and then lights out at midnight,” she says. “Then

in the morning have an easy breakfast and have their par-

ents pick them up early.”

If a child isn’t quite ready for an overnight, a “sleep under” is a great way to prep kids for an eventual overnight stay, Heidelberger says.

“All the guests arrive after 3 p.m. They come in their pjs, play games, have dinner, watch a movie and are picked up by 8 p.m.,” she says.

Hosting the right number of kids is also important to its success, Heidelberger says.

“In kid-land, they feel the more, the better. But the reality in mom-land is that just doesn’t work,” she says. “You have to be the bad cop and keep the guest count to two kids or three, max, because otherwise they rile each other up and your nerves will be on overload from the mess and loudness. It does not matter how large your home is. It’s not a hotel, and you’re not a concierge.”

During the party, Harrison suggests texting the other moms a photo of the kids in their jammies and sleeping bags. And remember that even though there will be giggling and screaming and some general upheaval, it will only last one night.

“Have a glass of wine and remember it will be over soon,” she says.

Across the universe... to the corner store... to the bottom of the sea... and beyond!

Jeannie Mcqueenie 9848 Winchester • 773 220-6693 www.jeanniemcqueenie.com Birthday Parties Creative, Fun Parties at Jeannie Mcqueenie Studio Puppet making and a live puppet show.

Book one today jeannie.mcqueenie@gmail.com

A unique spa catering to young girls (ages 3-18) who want to indulge and celebrate themselves! It’s a place to celebrate events, such as birthday parties, leading up to special events or the occasional girls day treat. Book online at www.vagaro.com/ Bestiesgirlsspa 630-587-BEST

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By CARRIE RODOVICH

W

hether your little one loves trains and candy or wants to the adventure of rock climbing or indoor skydiving, there are dozens of places around the greater Chicagoland area where you can fete your birthday kid with a party on virtually any theme.

Trains are always a favorite for the smallest of kids, and The Junction Diner in Forest Park is paradise for little locomotive lovers.

Owner Brad Wahl says the restaurant averages eight to nine birthdays a day. For those smaller walk-in birthday parties, kids get a free cupcake or can get their picture taken in the photo booth. The restaurant also limits prearranged birthday parties to one on Saturday and one on Sunday, so walk-ins can also use the party room and be served at the counter.

“Trains are certainly timeless; the kids love the predictability of the trains going around and around.

They love the utility of trains, and they love the little ones as much as they love seeing them in real life,” he says.

At the Little Beans Café, with locations in Chicago and Evanston, the littlest birthday guests can play in the

imagination village. The room, for kids 5 and younger, lets them play in the grocery shop, tree fort or camper, says Rob Spengler, one of the co-owners. In a separate room, kids 5-10 can play on the obstacle course, play games on the half-court gymnasium or sing in the karaoke room. The facility is popular for parties because there’s something to do for everyone, he says.

Private parties can rent the entire space, while semi-private parties share the space with the public but have private access to the party room.

“There is plenty of room for engaging, imaginative play for the littlest ones and we have many options for the older ones,” he says. “We’re the only ones who offer an obstacle course, and the karaoke is a great option for that age group, as well.”

For kids who love the movies, Classic Cinemas has 13

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locations around Chicagoland and all but a few of those theaters have party rooms. Kids love having parties with movies featuring their favorite characters, says Mark Mazrimas, marketing manager for Classic

Cinemas. A party at Classic Cinemas includes an hour in the party room, plus special roped-off seating area in the theater at show time and staff to bring around popcorn, drinks or other concessions, he says.

“Parents love it because it’s a turn-key party where we do all the work and everyone has fun at the movie,” he says.

For the candy-loving kiddos, Dylan’s Candy Bar’s downtown Chicago location is quickly becoming a popular destination for parties, especially among the elementary school set.

The party room opened last May with different party options, all of which end with a candy shopping spree, says Jim Broutman, event planner and personal shopper for Dylan’s Candy Bar. “Everything is based on candy; the rainbow cakes we serve are amazing,” he says.

“Everything is rainbow, Willy Wonka and very colorful.”

Partygoers do crafts and candy-themed games, like candy bingo, a relay race or a licorice limbo, he says.

“We can have parties for eight kids or 50, or you can buy out the second floor that holds 150 people,” he says. “We can do

sampling and tasting and customize the party to meet your needs.”

For the slightly older child who might want a more adventurous party, Vertical Endeavors in Glendale Heights offers a twohour party that includes climbing activities led by an experienced instructor.

“Vertical Endeavors is unique because we specialize in bringing the adventure of rock climbing to a level where anyone can be comfortable participating, from first-timers afraid of heights to seasoned pros who have been climbing as long as they have been walking,” says Tiffany Paino, the facility manager.

For those who are really adventurous, iFly Chicago has locations in Naperville and Rosemont where adventurers can try indoor skydiving.

The birthday child and their guests have a training session and watch a video before being suited up. Participants get to fly one at a time. Those fliers feeling extra adventurous can choose a “high-flight” option, where the flier and guide can go higher and faster than they would by themselves. After all the guests get to fly, the instructor puts on a demonstration, says Sarah Vogeley, a sales person for the Rosemont location. Those not flying can watch from outside the flight tunnel.

There are several party packages that could include video clips, flight certificates and a pizza party. “It’s a party that kids of all ages absolutely love.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF IFLY CHICAGO

Spring birthday ideas for your bigs and littles

PHOTO COURTESY OF DYLAN’S CANDY BAR

3/17/16 11:52 AM

special advertising section // Celebrations

6 kids’ birthday party problems solved

By SHANNAN YOUNGER

K

ids’ birthday parties can be a lot of fun, but tricky issues can arise. We consulted some local experts for their advice on how to avoid common birthday party pitfalls so that your event will go as smoothly as possible and everyone can enjoy the festivities.

in Naperville.

2.

XTRA E ATTENDEES If you want to invite just one child in a family and not all the siblings, Bernas suggests addressing the envelope of the invitation to that par-

ticular child. She also advises responding to RSVPs by saying, “We can’t wait to have [child’s name] at the party and look forward to seeing her.”

The experts also recommend planning for a few extra

1.

EOPLE FAILING P TO RSVP While it’s frustrating when invitees do not respond, chances are you need to know if they’re coming for planning purposes. “The best and easiest thing to do is make a phone call, but don’t make it seem like a job to them.

Remember the old adage that you get more bees with honey,” says Meli Bernas, owner of Cute Confetti Events

ie k o k S Park t ic r t Dis

PHOTO COURTESY OF DREAM IN RUFFLES EVENTS

Your Birth

kids. Having a few extra goody bags and pieces of cake can avoid a lot of awkwardness on party day.

3.

T HE PARTY GUEST WHO ISN’T PARTYING Often, there’s a little attendee, or two, who isn’t overly involved in the party and that’s OK, says Amy Rubenstein of Buffalo Grove.

Before she founded her party planning business, Creative Celebrations, Rubenstein was a preschool teacher and says that it’s perfectly normal for some kids to hang back. She recommends getting creative when getting children involved. “You can’t go into a party as a parent and expect every child to participate the same way.”

“I first get down on their level and invite them to join,

continued on page 58

day P arty H eadquarters...

Skating Parties

at The Skatium Ice Arena

Dance, Magic, Circus & Yoga Parties at Devonshire Cultural Center

Nature Games & Activities at Emily Oaks Nature Center

Exploritorium Parties at The Exploritorium

Adventure Golf

Historic Parties

at Skokie Heritage Museum

Swimming Parties

at Skokie Water Playground For details on all of our birthday party offerings, visit SkokieParks.org or call (847) 674-1500

at Skokie Sports Park

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Celebrations // special advertising section

Party problems continued from page 57

but never force a child to do anything that he/she is not comfortable with,” says Rubenstein. “If the child is still not interested, I see if they want to be my ‘special helper’ so they feel a part of the party but in a way that works for them.”

4.

ARENTS WONDERING P SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO? Parents often wonder if they should stay at a party or drop off their child. Ideally, that would be clear from the invitation, but if there is any uncertainty, it is best to ask.

“If you are staying, it’s important to remember that the party is for the kids, and it’s best for you to stay on the periphery. Don’t eat five pieces of cake,” Bernas says.

Danielle Mazurowski,

owner of Dream in Ruffles Events in Chicago, agrees. She encourages parents to help each other. “As a parent, you know how crazy a birthday party can be. Offering to help goes a long way,” she says.

5.

ELTDOWN BY THE M GUEST OF HONOR It’s not unusual for a birthday child to get a bit overwhelmed at their party and even have a meltdown, but that’s not always comforting in the moment to the parent surrounded by family members and friends.

First, try to avoid that scenario all together. Bernas advises thinking ahead of time about your child’s triggers, such as being hungry, tired or overstimulated (or all of the above), and make sure the child is as rested as possible, well fed and aware of the party plan.

If it does happen, take a deep breath and remain calm

so you can calm your child.

“Take the child out of the situation for a moment. Spend a

few moments calming them down, and then consider doing a quieter activity like a craft or game so when you reintroduce the child so the energy in the room is not overwhelming,” Mazurowski advises

6.

ON’T SWEAT THE D SMALL STUFF If the party doesn’t go as expected, fear not. “With everything going on, chances are kids don’t even notice if something doesn’t go according to plan,” Mazurowski says.

“And if they notice, just alter their focus. They’re resilient and just excited to be with each other outside of school.”

It’s also important to keep the big picture in mind. “You cannot worry about the little things, and sometimes you have to deviate from the plan,” Rubenstein says. “As long as the kids are having a good time, that’s all that matters.”

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special advertising section // Celebrations

A Fairytale Ballet

Ceramic Arts Cafe

Lakeview, Bucktown, Evanston (773) 477-4488 (LV & EV) (773) 606-0318 (BT) AFairytaleBallet.com

26 S. LaGrange Rd., LaGrange (708) 579 3033 Ceramicartcafe.com

Glenview, IL (916) 849-2712 funtopiaworld.com/glenview

A party to remember, for any occasion. Birthdays, showers, scout outings, luncheons and Mom’s Night Out! Kids (and adults) can choose and paint their own pottery.

Funtopia is a new and unique concept featuring Fun climbing walls, caving system, soft play area, rope course, quick jump and much, much more.

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Your child’s favorite fairytale comes to life with one of our exclusive Fairytale Ballets. All children are dressed in main character costumes and dance the story with themed props & music. 2+yrs

Animal Quest Entertainment Inc Lake Villa (847) 504-7036 animal-show.com We bring the animals to you!

Interactive Exotic Animal Shows and Mini Petting Zoos. Birthday Parties, Scout Groups, Schools, Camps, Libraries and more. Fully licensed and insured.

Apple Holler 5006 S Sylvania Ave Sturtevant, Wi 53177 (262) 884-7100 appleholler.com Packages available May - August Package includes: Host for up to two hours, hot dog lunch plus apple cider, Farm Park Admission, FREE cup of goat feed per child, Hand-led Pony Ride and MORE!

Besties Girls Spa 761 N. 17th Street, Unit 9, St. Charles (630) 587-BEST vagaro.com/Bestiesgirlsspa A unique spa catering to young girls (ages3-18) who want to indulge or celebrate themselves! www.vagaro. com/Bestiesgirlsspa

958 Harlem Ave., Glenview (847) 998-5657 collegenanniesandtutors.com Our nannies and sitters can be PARTY HELPERS! They can watch siblings, run games and crafts, help serve cake, etc. We can help you enjoy the party! Book your party helper today!

Dulcelandia 3253 W. 26th St., Chicago 773-522-3816 www.dulcelandia.com Piñata Birthday Fun! Come celebrate your child’s birthday party inside a Candy Store. Our birthday parties are unique from any other birthday party venues. Come jump, decorate your own pinata, break your own pinata and have cake and pizza in our party room! Call today!

Fleetwood Roller Skating Rink 7231 W. Archer Ave., Summit (708) 458-0300 Fleetwoodrollerrink.com Celebrating almost 60 Years of Family Fun! Visit our website for birthday and private party packages! Come party on the best skating floor around!

Funtopia

OdysseyFunWorld.com

Lincoln Park - Rosemont Naperville (779) 368 4359 Chicago.iflyworld.com Your iFLY party can be as small as 5 or as large as 50 flyers! Professional instructor. All flight gear. On site party coordination. Customization.

Jeannie Mcqueenie 9848 Winchester, Chicago (773) 220-6693 jeanniemcqueenie.com Puppet shows, private parties, a kids’ rock band and puppet making classes are just some of our offerings. Book a party at jeannie. mcqueenie@gmail.com.

The Little Gym of Chicago 3216 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago (773) 525-5750 thelittlegym.com/ChicagoIL Choose from instructor-led games, music, and fun LEGO® Juniors or LEGO DUPLO® building activities created especially for your birthday child. And you don’t have to worry about setup or cleanup!

Odyssey Fun World Tinley Park: I-80 & Harlem Ave. (708) 429-3800 Naperville: I-88 & Rt. 59

(630) 416-2222

Featuring two full floors of games, laser tag and rides. Several different party packages at affordable rates, all include private party coordinator for stress-free fun!

The Painted Penguin 2244 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora (630) 820-0005 ThePaintedPenguin.com The perfect place for your birthday party or group event! Special events are our specialty, and parties are a piece of cake. Ceramic and Canvas Options Available.

Pump It Up Party (708) 479-2220 Orland Park (312) 664-PUMP Chicago pumpitupparty.com The nation’s #1 indoor inflatable party place. Giant inflatables in your own private arenas and private party room exclusively for your child and guests!

Purple Monkey Playroom 2040 N. Western Avenue, Chicago (773) 772-8411 purplemonkeyplayroom.com WE plan, coordinate, set-up and clean-up. YOU celebrate!

Offering award winning celebrations for children 1-6 ranging from basic rental to custom blowouts.

River Forest Community Center 8020 W. Madison St., River Forest (708) 771-6259 ext. 208 Rfcc.info Hassle-free private party in our Playland/mini gym, ages 3-6, or gym/sports party ages 7 and older.

Catered to child’s specific interests.

Safari Land 701 W. North Ave., Villa Park (630) 530-4649 Safarilandfun.com Options and pricing for all ages.

Exciting attractions, State of the art and retro video games please even avid XBOX or PS3 players.

Skokie Park District 9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie

(847) 674-1500 SkokieParks.org Check out our parties featuring the arts, ice skating, history, nature, mini-golf, our gymnasium, as well as parties at the renowned Exploritorium!

Windy City Fieldhouse 2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago (773) 486-7416 WindyCityFieldhouse.com/birthdays Action packed, hassle-free parties with creative onsite and offsite options. Your child chooses the interactive games and our staff handles it all...even the clean up!

ChicagoParent.com April 2016 59

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special advertising section //

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calendar APRIL

1 e eir teenag ens (and th ie. Why e tw t a th t lf e se It’s no secr sters of the me? rts) are ma winning the app ga counterpa e b t t a a ch se p u Sna good else would eflection to take on the -r lf se t a l il istic Put that sk ies, an art t Not-So Self 9-12 will learn abou : p o sh rk o s e id k K . ta n Tween W eno own to ie phenom ne of their pear o p e a k is a d whole self m ’t n n that wo raits, the d rt o in k p e ct p e th A ir ind s are p.m. ril these selfie . 11 a.m.-2 home. And ! $12, $10 members , Chicago. urs . Michigan after 24 ho te of Chicago, 111 S itu 30. Art Inst du.

600, artic.e -3 3 (312) 44

2

There’s ssssssomething a little ssssstrange about this breakfast. Maybe it’s the guest list; these dining companions don’t need forks, they have forked tongues! At the aptly named Pancakes with a Python, you’ll join Sabrina and a few of her scaly friends for breakfast. During your meal, naturalists will teach about the various residents of the nature center, then you’ll head out to meet them in person. And for those who prefer scissors to serpents, there’s a craft project that’s sure to charm. $8. 9-10:30 a.m. April 2. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet.

(815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org.

3

It just took one television kerfuffle for the #NursesUnite movement to explode with support for the men and women in the field of nursing. Got an aspiring medical professional on your hands? They’ll love the Future Nurses Academy, where they can see what it’s like to be an R.N., L.P.N. or N.P., complete with hands-on experiences like taking blood pressures and reviewing X-rays.

Some real life nurses will be on hand to share their experiences (the PG version, at least). 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

April 23. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

(815) 963-6769, discoverycenter museum.org.

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CALENDAR 1 | FRIDAY ASTRO-OVERNIGHT. Kids 6-12 can

land on the Moon, explore Mars and shoot past asteroids—in their pajamas.

Features educator-led, hands-on science activities, shows in the Grainger Sky Theater and exhibitions. Light snacks, continental breakfast, two sky shows and telescope observing (weather permitting) 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.

GRANDPARENT/GRANDCHILD BINGO & PIZZA. Event for kids

6 and up, with adult, includes 12 games of Bingo, a snack, pizza and a drink, and prizes. $24, $16 resident.

Noon-1 p.m. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

Seco Sec Se con nd d Su un nda day y Seee Ap Apriil 10

MINE, CRAFT, BUILD WITH LEGO. An original game designed

THE LASER COMEDY SHOW.

by Play-Well instructors inspired by the popular video game Minecraft.

Check website for cost. 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton.

(630) 510-4941, dupagemuseum.org.

Performing artist Chris Fair uses Laser Reactive Technology to draw characters and scenery on a glow-in-the-dark screen. $12, $6 kids. 2 p.m. Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. (773) 327-5252, stage773.com.

2 | SATURDAY CHICAGO FAMILY DAY: SUCCULENT FACE VASES. Kids 4-12, with adult,

build vases with faces and take home a succulent plant, inspired by the work of Monster Roster artists. 1-4 p.m.

Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave. (773) 702-0200, smartmuseum. uchicago.edu.

FAMILY FESTIVAL: VAN GOGH’S BEDROOMS. Celebrate the

exhibition Van Gogh’s Bedrooms.

Look, learn and create together. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan. (312) 443-3600, artic.edu.

GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO SPRING SERIES AT THE HARRIS THEATER. See April 1.

SUBURBS NANO DAY. Meet real scientists, learn about future applications and delve into special hands-on projects. Free with museum admission. 11:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

WEEKEND FAMILY CLASS: GUMBALLS & SUPERBALLS. Kids

4-10, with adult, find out how people use parts of rainforest trees to make chewing gum and rubber. Create a bouncing ball and gum to take home. $24, free adults. 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

NAPERVILLE PLAYS PRESENTS TEAM S.T.R.E.A.M. Includes

hands-on activities, storytimes and on-site exhibits centered on science,

technology, reading, engineering, art and math. 1-4 p.m. 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville. (630) 420-6010, naper settlement.org.

3 | SUNDAY CHICAGO MR. SINGER AND THE SHARP COOKIES. From frontman Mr.

Singer’s handlebar ‘stache to the crowd-pleasing antics of the whole group, this talent will have little ones begging for an encore. $7. Noon. Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont. (773) 2814444, beatkitchen.com.

SUBURBS FROG FRENZY. Can you cut it as a frog? Test your amphibious attributes. 1:30-2:30 p.m. River Trail Nature Center, 3120 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. (847) 824-8360, fpdcc.com.

$14, $12 students. 7 p.m. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

4 | MONDAY OLD-FASHIONED CAMPFIRE. Take a hike with a naturalist, play games, and enjoy marshmallows roasted over the campfire. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $8, free kids 2 and under. 6-7:30 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernature center.org.

STOMPING GROUNDS. A series of free events in six communities showcasing Chicago’s most accomplished percussive dance companies.

Includes a Q and A with the artists, food trucks and costume exhibitions.

6 p.m. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. chicagotap.org.

5 | TUESDAY

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK.

HAPPY HATCHLINGS. Kids 3-5

The story of Anne Frank’s ordeal as a Jewish girl during WWII, living in hiding with her family. Recommended for families with kids in grades 5-12.

compare eggs from different birds, build nests and make a feathery craft. $25, $18 members. 9:30-11 a.m.

The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois

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

BABIES IN NATURE. Take a stroll with a naturalist and let nature engage the senses of infants and toddlers. $6 pair, $3 additional family member. 10-10:45 a.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernature center.org.

6 | WEDNESDAY HAPPY HATCHLINGS. Kids 18-35 months, with adult, compare eggs from different birds, build nests and make a feathery craft. $22, $15 members. 9:30-10:45 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.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.

SMALL SERENDIPITY. Kids 3-6, with adult, enjoy nature stories, crafts and activities. 10-11 a.m.

River Trail Nature Center, 3120 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. (847) 824-8360, fpdcc.com.

8 | FRIDAY KIDS’ CRAFT: PICTURE FRAMES.

Aesthetic Movement designer Isaac Scott carved beautiful picture frames for the Glessners. Inspired by his work, kids 3-13 use Popsicle sticks and wooden shapes to create picture frames for special photos or art.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. $5. 10-11 a.m. Glessner House Museum, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., Chicago. (312) 326-1480, glessner house.org.

LANTERN LIGHT CAMPFIRE. Kids 7-10 use tools to create a tin-punched lantern, and try it out on a night hike through the woodland. Then roast marshmallows. $13, $10 resident.

6:30-8:30 p.m. Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie.

(847) 677-7001, skokieparks.org.

9 | SATURDAY CHICAGO CHICAGO’S NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MEXICAN ART’S DÍA DEL NIÑO HEALTH WALK & FAMILY FESTIVAL. This family

festival is filled with interactive games, art activities, performances, wellness screenings and fitness.

Beforehand, take the two-mile walk from the museum to the UIC Forum.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. (10 a.m. walk). UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road. nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.

PLAYDATE AT OLD TOWN SCHOOL: DRUMTASTIC ADVENTURE WITH JOHN YOST & MARSHALL GREENHOUSE. Two drummers,

rhythm and blues, participation percussion, pandiero, surdo, Caixa, agogo bells, djembe, dun dun, dumbek, cajón, drum set, a drumming adventure around the globe and a drum circle for all. $7. 10 a.m. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4545 N. Lincoln Ave. (773) 728-6000, oldtownschool.org.

JUNIOR ARCHAEOLOGISTS. Kids

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the May issue is March 28. All events are subject to change. Please call the event sponsor at the number listed to confirm before you go.

Events taking place on four or more dates during the month are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 77.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

Ka K an ne ella and d Comm Co mmu mm un niitty Fi Fine ne Arts Arts Ar s Fe es sti tiva al See AApprriil 10 Se 10

5-12, with adult, dig into a simulated excavation while learning about the real science of archaeology. Includes a guided tour of the galleries. $10, $5 member. 1-3 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St. (773) 7029514, oi.uchicago.edu.

SUPER GRANDPA STORY & CRAFT HOUR. “Super Grandpa” by

David M. Schwartz is set in Sweden in 1951 and tells the story of 66-yearold Gustaf Håkansson. Read the book and make a bike decoration.RSVP to snyman@samac.org. 11 a.m.-noon.

Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, 5211 N. Clark St. (773) 728-8111, swedishamericanmuseum.org.

FAMILY GAME NIGHT. Families with kids 3 and up can play new games and old favorites, provided by Moore Toys and Gadgets in Wheaton.

Pizza and drinks will be served.

Bring a snack to share. 5-7 p.m. St. Matthew United Church of Christ, 1420 S. Gables Blvd., Wheaton. (630) 665-1236, stmatthewucc.org.

FROGGY TEA PARTY. Families with

kids 2 and up enjoy tea and sweet treats, play froggy fairy tale games, then plant a toadstool teacup garden to take home. $30, $22 members. 1011:30 a.m. or 2-3:30 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

SECOND SATURDAY: INVENTING! The program ex-

SUBURBS APE AWARENESS WEEKEND.

Features special Zoo Chats about each of the zoo’s species. Plus, ape-related activities throughout the day. Zoogoers will hear how they can help apes in the wild. Bring old electronics to the zoo’s recycling stations. Free with admission. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs.org.

plores Robert McCormick’s love of innovation. Make an invention using recycled materials or test historical knowledge about inventions. $5 parking. Noon-3 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

“NO ONE CAN STOP ME” ABILITIES EXPO. Network with

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CALENDAR more than 60 organizations that support people with disabilities and hear a presentation by a guest speaker.

Plus, song and dance demos, sensory story time and concessions. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. St. Mary Immaculate Parish, 15629 South Route 59, Plainfield. plainfield-township.com/services/ disability-committee.

10 | SUNDAY CHICAGO AMERICAN GIRL FASHION SHOW.

American Girl fashions come to life during a fashion show for families with kids 6 and up. Plus, special treats and door prizes. $50. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. campright scholarships.org.

BULLERBYN SWEDISH LANGUAGE PLAYGROUP. Sing

children’s songs, read fun tales and have fun in Swedish for kids 6 months-5. Kids can play in the

museum afterward. Reservations are recommended; lnordstrom@samac. org. $5. 10-11 a.m. Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, 5211 N. Clark St. (773) 728-8111, swedishamerican museum.org.

SECOND SUNDAY. Drop-in,

hands-on art-making workshops for kids and families, providing an interactive experience that engages visitors of all ages. 1-4 p.m. Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave. (773) 324-5520, hydeparkart.org.

SUBURBS KANELAND COMMUNITY FINE ARTS FESTIVAL.

Professional performances and workshops run throughout the day, while the Kaneland High School Art Club provides balloon animals and face painting and the Science Club makes instruments out of recycled material.

Kaneland High School, 47W326 Keslinger Road, Maple Park. (630)

365-5100 ext. 180, kanelandarts initiative.org.

12 | TUESDAY HAPPY HATCHLINGS. Lisle. See

CHICAGO PARENT PLAYDATE.

Enjoy sports, bounce houses, character visits, music, train rides, obstacle courses, activities at every table and more. $8 kids 2-14; $4 kids under 2; free adults. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Athletico Center, 1900 Old Willow Road, Northbrook. chicagoparent/playdate.

ANIMAL EVIDENCE. Uncover

the mystery of local wildlife while hiking trails to examine the signs, tracks and other clues animals leave.

1:30-2:30 p.m. River Trail Nature Center, 3120 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. (847) 824-8360, fpdcc. com.

APE AWARENESS WEEKEND.

Brookfield. See April 9.

THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK.

Arlington Heights. See April 3.

Today’s time is 3 p.m.

ASTRO-OVERNIGHTS

April 6.

13 | WEDNESDAY HAPPY HATCHLINGS. Lisle. See

April 5.

15 | FRIDAY NIGHT HIKE. Take a night hike to learn about nocturnal animals that live at River Trail. Afterward, stop inside for refreshments. $2. 7:30-9 p.m. River Trail Nature Center, 3120 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook.

(847) 824-8360, fpdcc.com.

FAMILY NIGHT OUT: FLY A KITE! Bring a kite or make one.

Kites will also be available for sale.

Wind permitting, Chicago Kite will demonstrate some fancier models. $5 parking. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

AT THE ADLER!

SPEND THE NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM! Each evening includes hands-on activities and programs led by Adler educators, special sky shows and award-winning exhibitions designed for children ages 6-12.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR THESE 2016 DATES: April 1 · May 6 · June 3

Check out our new VIP option and sleep under the stars in our Grainger Sky Theater! For more information, please visit adlerplanetarium.org/astro-overnights

PRESENTING SPONSOR

MEDIA SPONSOR

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CALENDAR NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM CHILDREN’S PARTY. Kids 4-10, with

adult, experience a party featuring games, food, crafts, face painting and more. $10. 6:30-8:30 p.m. DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. (630) 510-4941, dupagemuseum.org.

TODDLER EXPLORATION TIME. Kids 18 months-5 learn about

plants and nature by listening to a story, engaging in a hands-on learning experience and enjoying a short walk in the conservatory. 10:30-11:15 a.m. (18-30 months); 12:15-1 p.m.

(3-5). Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 7252400, oakparkconservatory.org.

16 | SATURDAY CHICAGO FAMILY WORKSHOP: CREATING COLLECTIONS. Kids 6-12, with

adult, explore the museum’s galleries and collection of art objects,

then design collection spaces. $8, $5 member. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 2-3:30 p.m. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan. (312) 443-3600, artic.edu.

STOMPING GROUNDS. See April 4. Today’s time is 7:30 p.m. and location is Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave.

D a del Niño Di ño He H eal a th Walk k& Fami Fa m ly y Festi tiva va al

ONCE UPON A SYMPHONYGOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS. Introduces kids 3-5 to

classical music and the musicians of the CSO. Pre-concert activities begin 45 minutes before. $17. 10 and 11:45 a.m. Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 294-3000, cso. org.

BRI-KO. Filled with audience

participation, incredible costumes and mind-blowing props and visuals, Bri-Ko is fun for the whole family. $12, $6 kids 12 and under. 2-3 p.m.

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

See Ap Se A ri rl9

SUBURBS SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS. Snow White finds a home

with seven dwarfs as she runs from the evil queen. Recommended for kids in grades PreK-3. $14, $12 kids 12 and under. 11 a.m. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights.

(847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

CINDERELLA BALL. Kids 5-10, with

adult, enjoy an evening of dancing, music and refreshments. $35, $29 resident; $12 additional child.

3:30-5 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. Mokena Community Park District, 10925 W. La Porte Road, Mokena. (708) 3902401, mokenapark.com.

SUPERHERO SMASH. Bring your

superhero for an afternoon of games, crafts, snacks and fighting evil-doers. $12, $9 in advance. 2 p.m. Eola Community Center, 555 S. Eola Road,

Be part of the country’s most elite and cutting-edge interdisciplinary art school.

Children’s Multi-Arts Camp and Middle School Programs in art, design and mixed media.

Registration begins February 15. saic.edu/cw | saic.edu/msp | cs@saic.edu | 312-629-6170 ChicagoParent.com April 2016 67

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CALENDAR Aurora. (630) 851-8990, foxvalley parkdistrict.org.

WEE HEART MUSIC TEDDY BEAR PICNIC SING-A-LONG. Families with

kids 6 and under enjoy a sing-along with a spring theme. Kids are encouraged to bring a stuffed animal. $5, free parking. 9:15-10 a.m. or 10:15-11 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

17 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

Chicago Public School students, adapted and performed by Barrel of Monkeys Company Members. $15, $6 kids under 12. 2 p.m. Sunday. Barrel of Monkeys, The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 4091954, barrelofmonkeys.org.

SUBURBS KIDS’ PAINT DAY. A day of painting seasonally themed art. Light refreshments are provided. $25. 10 a.m.noon. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet.

(815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org.

LISA LOEB: LIVE IN CONCERT.

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Lisa Loeb presents a Kids’ Show. $15. 11 a.m. Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. (773) 728-6000, oldtownschool.org.

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: 15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOWS. Celebrate

15 years of “That’s Weird, Grandma,” the revue of stories written by

ORY

GEO-CACHING 101. Learn about and participate in a technologyinspired scavenger hunt. Check out a GPS unit or bring your own. Noon-2 p.m. River Trail Nature Center, 3120 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook.

(847) 824-8360, fpdcc.com.

farm by helping to till fields with a horse-drawn plow, plant a garden, watch a blacksmith, visit baby animals or help with spring cleaning.

Features kids’ crafts, refreshments and a wagon shuttle. $4 person, $16 family, free kids under 3. Noon-4 p.m. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. (847) 985-2100, parkfun.com.

ALLEGRO!!! SPRING SHOW. A

unique multimedia presentation of live music, choreography, costumes, lighting and video visual effects.

Recommended for families with kids 4 and up. $10. 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Avery Coonley School Performing Arts Center, 1400 Maple Ave., Downers Grove. averycoonley.org.

18 | MONDAY

SPRINGTIME ON THE FARM.

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: 15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOWS. Chicago.

Experience spring on an 1880s

See April 17. Today’s time is 8 p.m.

Babi Ba bies es in Natu Nat Na ture re SSeee AAppril 5

19 | TUESDAY BABIES IN NATURE. Highland Park.

See April 5.

20 | WEDNESDAY SESAME STREET LIVE - “MAKE A NEW FRIEND.” Elmo, Grover and

Abby Cadabby welcome Grover’s friend from India,. Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities. $12-$20. 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Rialto Square Theatre, 102 N.

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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CALENDAR Chicago St., Joliet. (815) 726-6600, rialtosquare.com.

NATURE SLEUTHS. Sycamore. See

April 6.

SMALL SERENDIPITY.

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

23 | SATURDAY CHICAGO

Northbrook. See April 6.

21 | THURSDAY JELLY FISH AND STARFISH DISSECTION. This month features

the unique anatomy of the starfish and jelly fish. RSVP by April 6. $15, $10 members. 7-8 p.m. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.

THIRD THURSDAY. A time for fami-

lies of children with special needs to enjoy the museum. Accommodations are made so that all children can participate in general programs and resources are available to help visitors structure their visit. Free with museum

between people with Alzheimer’s, their families and the community. $20. 11-11:45 a.m. (tour); 2-4 p.m. (workshop). Loyola University Museum of Art, 820 N. Michigan Ave. (312) 915-7600, luc.edu/luma.

“THE DREAM OF AMERICA” GUIDED EXHIBIT TOUR. Dive into

MINI MASTERS: LET THERE BE LIGHT! Kids 3-5, with adult, play

with lights and shadows to see how shapes and colors are reflected. $8, $5 members. 11 a.m.-noon or 2-3 p.m. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan. (312) 443-3600, artic.edu.

I REMEMBER BETTER WHEN I PAINT: AN INTERGENERATIONAL WORKSHOP. Enjoy a tour of the

Utermohlen exhibit, followed by a hands-on intergenerational arts workshop. The finished artwork will be displayed in the windows of Hershey’s Chocolate World. These intergenerational workshops are designed to help strengthen the social bonds

the history of Swedish immigration with a guided tour of “The Dream of America.” Uncover the stories of real immigrants and learn what life was like in Swedish neighborhoods like Andersonville. Reservations recommended. $4, $3 seniors and students.

1-2 p.m. Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, 5211 N. Clark St. (773) 728-8111, swedishamericanmuseum. org.

SUBURBS TRAIN DAY. Children can operate the Digital Command Control System for running the model trains

on the club’s portable layout. Plus, train related activities and gifts. Some activities cost up to $4. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Lambs Farm, I-94 and Route 176, Libertyville. (847) 362-4636, lambsfarm.org.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION.

Includes games, activities, music, food and cold-blooded animals.

Noon-4 p.m. James “Pate” Philip State Park/Bartlett Nature Center, 2054 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett. (847) 6083100, bartlettparks.org.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION.

Enjoy hikes, crafts, games and other programs on what to do to help the earth. Learn why it is important to preserve habitats, why it is good to recycle, etc. Noon-3 p.m. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org.

PARTY FOR THE PLANET. Celebrate the wonders of the natural world

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 April 2016 69

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CALENDAR and learn how to protect the planet.

Environmentally friendly organizations and businesses will be onsite. Free with zoo admission. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cosley Zoo, 1356 Gary Ave., Wheaton.

(630) 665-5534, cosleyzoo.org.

STARS OF DANCE CHICAGO. With a slate of more than 10 dance companies, there is something for everyone. $28, $14 kids. 8 p.m. Fermilab, Kirk Road at Pine Street, Batavia. (630) 840-ARTS (2787), fnal.gov/culture.

24 | SUNDAY CHICAGO SARAH JAYNE LANE. Sarah is an

indie-girl rocker turned indie-kids rocker. $6, free kids under 1. Doors open at 11 a.m., show begins at noon.

Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont. (773) 281-4444, beatkitchen.com.

required. 5-6:15 p.m. Holy Cross Lutheran Preschool, 27 W. Three Oaks Road, Cary. (847) 639-6533, holycrosschurch.org

ORY

STOMPING GROUNDS. See April 4. Today’s time is 5 p.m. and location is Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago.

Seee Ap Apri ril 9 ril

MASS ST. KIDS. Mass Street is a fun

place full of characters: a forgetful Queen, a stubborn King and a silly man with a great, big beard and a guitar. $12, $6 kids. 2 p.m. Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. (773) 3275252, stage773.com.

budding naturalists for a guided search of woodland wildflowers on a casual hike. 1:30-2:30 p.m. River Trail Nature Center, 3120 N. Milwaukee Ave., Northbrook. (847) 824-8360, fpdcc.com.

GROWING GARDENERS.

SUBURBS WEEKEND FAMILY CLASS: GUMBALLS & SUPERBALLS.

Glencoe. See April 2.

BULLERBYN SWEDISH LANGUAGE PLAYGROUP. See April 10.

27 | WEDNESDAY

Ap pe A Aw war are en nes ss We eek eken end d

WILDFLOWER WALK. Bring

Features storytelling and crafts for children and a presentation for adults about the value of gardening as a family. Plus, a family hands-on gardening experience. A light supper is included, and childcare for kids 2 and under is provided. Registration

GROWING GARDENERS. Cary.

See March 24. Today’s times are 5:45-7 p.m.

29 | FRIDAY FAMILY NIGHT. Crafts and activities for the whole family in celebration of the new exhibit, “Skål!

Scandinavian Spirits.” Reservations recommended. 4-7 p.m. Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago. (773) 728-8111, swedishamericanmuseum.org.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY Pediatric dentistry

pediatric dentistry

Every Tooth Counts Pediatric Dental Center Carmella Barrett Perry, DDS Specialist in Dentistry for Infants, Children & Adolescents

• Flexible Hours • Insurance Accepted

Located 2 blocks from downtown Flossmoor 2711 Flossmoor Rd, Flossmoor, IL 60422

(708) 799-9755

4801 W. Peterson Ave • Chicago, IL 60646

773-790-4282

www.everytoothcounts.com

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CALENDAR MOTHER SON RAMPAGE FEATURING JIM NESCI’S COLD BLOODED CREATURES. A night of exploring

inflatables, dipping into appetizers and riding an alligator. Jim Nesci presents his cold-blooded creatures show. $38 couple, $25 resident couple. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Worth Park District, 11500 S. Beloit, Worth.

(708) 448-7080, worthparkdistrict. org.

ARBOR WEEKEND CELEBRATION.

On Friday at 10:30 a.m., dress like a tree to get free admission and to enter the Kids’ Costume Contest. At 11 a.m., help Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat plant a tree after listening to a story. Plus, plant tree seeds, investigate tree cookies, and go on a hunt for five unique trees. Free with arboretum admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb. org.

HEJSAN–CHILDREN’S STORY AND CRAFT HOUR. A story and craft

hour. Free with museum admission.

11 a.m.-noon. Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago. (773) 728-8111, swedish americanmuseum.org.

30 | SATURDAY CHICAGO FAMILY MATINEE: SPANISH RHYTHM AND DANCE.A program

featuring dancers from Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater.

Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $6-$57. 11 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 294-3000, cso.org.

FAMILY SATURDAY FESTIVAL.

Today’s theme is Improvisation with featured artists Shanta and StoryTown. Kids’ workshops include

Lego Animation and West African Drumming with Kwame Steve Cobb.

Recommended for families with kids 2-12. $5, $20 group. Noon-4 p.m.

The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago, 915 E. 60th St. (773) 702-ARTS, logancenter.uchicago.edu.

MUMMY SCIENCE. Kids 9-12

get hands-on with an interactive mummy, learn about organic and inorganic materials and the scientific principles that make mummification possible. Plus, meet an Egyptologist and see how science can reveal what ancient Egyptians looked like. $10, $5 member. 1-3 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

THE ADVENTURES OF TAPMAN.

Follow Chicago’s premiere tap dancing superhero as he battles his arch nemesis, The MADD Tapper. Features comic book humor, elaborate special effects, and tap dancing including

Tap-Fu. $12, $6 kids. 2 p.m. Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. (773) 327-5252, stage773.com.

SUBURBS INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY. Participants

have their “Passports” stamped as they complete family-friendly activities to win prizes. Noon-4 p.m.

Moraine Hills State Park/McHenry Dam, 1510 S. River Road, McHenry.

(815) 344-1294, dnr.state.il.us/ lands/Landmgt/parks/r2/ morhills.htm.

ARBOR WEEKEND CELEBRATION.

Lisle. See April 29.

ART IN THE PARK. Features more than 100 artists, food vendors, kids’ court and live entertainment.

Check website for hours. Wilder Park, 175 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 834-0202, rglmarketingforthearts. com.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTORY TUTORING

Pediatric eye care Pediatric Ophthalmologists

Medical and Surgical Eye Care for Infants, Children and Teens

Tutor Services Individualized sessions to your child’s needs by a certified tutor.

Nanny Services We specialize in active role models who support your family’s lifestyle.

Sitters Available Days, Nights, Weekends

www.collegenannies.com Lincoln Park • 773-697-9326 Glenview • 847-998-5657

Deena F. Leonard, M.D. Dana L. Kolton, M.D. Kathy Anderson, M.D.

Muscle Imbalance (Lazy Eye) • Blocked Tear Ducts • Premature Infants • Routine Eye Exams

Buffalo Grove 847-459-6060 • Barrington 847-382-4116

www.eyesbypremier.com

Childproofing

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www.ChildproofingChicago.com ChicagoParent.com April 2016 71

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5

ways to celebrate

Earth Day

E

arth Day may not officially arrive until the 22nd, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate Mother Earth all month long.

These five ideas might not be what you automatically picture when you think “ecofriendly,” but they’re just some stealthy tools in your efforts forts to make your kids go just a little more green.

LEARN THE THREE RS. Grab a few water bottles out of your recycling bin and head to Recycle, Reuse, Renew, a fun workshop where kids 5-12, with adult, turn some garbage into a work of art—namely, a wind chime. $3, $2 members. 3-5 p.m. April 7. Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines.

(847) 391-5399, desplaines history.org.

MAKE AN ANIMAL SMARTER. Lincoln Park Zoo’s Animal Enrichment Workshops let you create edible piñatas and other “enrichment items” for the animals. Then you can go watch them receive their treats and see animal-style learning

in action. $5, $4 members; rs; $18 family pack. 1-3:30 p.m. April 9.

2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. hicago.

(312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org. rg.

EAT A LITTLE CLEANER. Our food doesn’t just magigically appear at Jewel, butt do you really know wheree it comes from? At this Earth h Day Celebration, head down the he picnic trail to learn aboutt how food is grown and processed. ssed.

And yes, there will be samples. mples.

Free. Noon-4 p.m. April 17.

Emily Oaks Nature Center, r, 4650 Brummel St., Skokie. (847) 47) 6777001, skokieparks.org.

GO FOR A WALK. Exercise se and the great outdoors just ust seem to go together, especially ecially

at the Earth Day Walk. Head out to McDonald Woods, an oak woodland that is being restored—and already bursting with wildflowers. Free, parking fees apply. 1 p.m. April 23.

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

HAVE A PARTY! If Earth Day is a celebration, then there’s no better way to mark it than with a blowout. At Party for the Planet, you can learn how to make a difference for animals, then immediately put it into action thanks to recycling stations. Plus, enjoy music, green crafts and help plant a tree! Free with zoo admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 6888000, czs.org.

Elizabeth Diffin

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PERFORMANCES

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RIVERDANCE - THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR.

An innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Features new costumes, lighting, projections and a new number, “Anna Livia,” featuring the female members of the troupe in an acapella hard-shoe number. $27-$72. 7:30 p.m. April 5, 7 and 8; 2 and 7:30 p.m. April 6; 2 and 8 p.m. April 9; 2 p.m. April 10. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 977-1700, broadway inchicago.com.

JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM.

Opens April 5. The story of Jabari, a 10-year-old boy who lives in his south side Chicago home. When his paintings come to life, they take him on a journey through the Civil Rights era. Recommended for families with kids 7 and up. $10-$39. 10 a.m.

Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Sunday. Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Ruth Page Center for Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (872) 2229555, chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS. Through April 8. The

Queen has banished Snow White to the woods, where she discovers that there are plenty of friends in the forest, including seven dwarfs and a prince. Recommended for families with kids 2-8. $12. Check website for schedule. Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 2059600, chicagokidscompany.com.

SHORT SHAKESPEARE! TWELFTH NIGHT. Through April 9. In this 75-

minute production, Viola is separated from her twin brother in a shipwreck.

She quickly adopts a male disguise and enters into the service of Duke Orsino—to find herself in the middle of a love triangle. Recommended for families with kids 8 and up. $22-$34.

11 a.m. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 595-5600, chicago shakes.com.

MAGIC TREE HOUSE: A NIGHT IN NEW ORLEANS. Through April 10.

Magic Tree House characters Jack and Annie venture through the streets of 1915 New Orleans, where they discover 14-year-old Louis Armstrong and set him on the path to become the “King of Jazz.” Recommended for families

with kids 5-13. $28. Check website for schedule. Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago. (800) 775-2000, broadway inchicago.com.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL. Through

April 10. The story of a girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to change her own destiny. Based on the novel by Roald Dahl. $32 and up. Check website for schedule. Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (800) 7752000, broadwayinchicago.com.

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: THE MUSICAL. Through April 11. An all-

musical revue featuring stories conceived and written by Chicago Public School students. Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $12, $6 kids. 2 p.m. Sundays; 8 p.m.

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

PENELOPE PENNYWORTH GIRL DETECTIVE: CASE OF THE BOOGEY MAN. Opens April 15.

Penelope Pennyworth is a 10-year-old

detective who solves crimes with her sidekick Matilda. Recommended for families with kids 3 and up. $15, $10 kids and seniors. 7 p.m. Fridays; 1 and 6 p.m. Saturdays; 1 p.m.

Sundays. Li’l Buds Theatre Company, 5451 N. Broadway, Chicago. (773) 334-4543, lilbudstheatre.org.

SIGHT UNSEEN. Through April

16. In the Wilderness surrounding a troubled city, a family fights to stay together. They navigate changing rules, determine who is friend or foe, and hope that their journey will lead them to Sanctuary. $17, $12 youth. Check website for schedule.

Adventure Stage Chicago, Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St., Chicago.

(773) 342-4141, adventurestage.org.

THE EXPLORERS CLUB. Through April 17. Actor, circus performer, gymnast and stilt-walker Wesley Daniel shakes things up as Luigi, a blue, Spoon-worshipping NaKong tribesman, who’s been brought to London by anthropologist Phyllida. Chaos ensues after Luigi insults the Queen, possibly setting the British Empire at war with the world. Recommended for families with kids 12 and up.

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PERFORMANCES masks or weapons. Recommended for families with kids 6 and up. $35-$65.

7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. April 19-24.

Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

(800) 775-2000, broadwayinchicago. com.

$15-$55. Check website for schedule.

Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. (773) 891-8985, windycityplayhouse.com.

LESTER’S DREADFUL SWEATERS.

Through April 24. Cousin Clara presents Lester with a hand-knit sweater, but when he ruins it, she makes others and Lester must find a way to stop the endless parade. The 1 p.m. April 2 performance features open captioning. There will be a relaxed/sensory-friendly performance at 3 p.m. April 17. Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $15.

11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 7614477, lifelinetheatre.com.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Journey with Alice as she chases a welldressed White Rabbit through an enchanting land where up is down and words don’t make sense. $9. 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 10

PETER PAN AND WENDY. Opens April 21. Wendy dreams of freedom and adventure outside the nursery walls. When Peter Pan flies into her life, Wendy must decide whether to embrace the most exciting adventure: growing up. $10. 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Chicago Playworks at DePaul University, Merle Reskin Theatre at DePaul University, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-1999, theatre school.depaul.edu.

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a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays. April 15-23. Overshadowed Theatrical Productions, 210 S. Walnut St., Itasca.

(630) 250-7518, overshadowed productions.com.

ONE-MAN STAR WARS TRILOGY.

A show where one plays all the characters, sings the music, flies the ships, and condenses the plots. Audience members can wear costumes, but no

SESAME STREET LIVE - “MAKE A NEW FRIEND.” Elmo, Grover and

Abby Cadabby welcome Grover’s friend from India. They explore

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PERFORMANCES the fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities. $18 and $28. $40 Gold Circle seats and $80 Sunny Seats are also available. 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. April 22; 10:30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. April 23; 1 and 4:30 p.m. April 24. Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. (847) 649-2270, searscentre.com.

THE JUNGLE BOOK. The story of

young Mowgli as he learns the importance of friendship and survival with the help of his new friends. $7 weekday; $10 weekend. 10:30 a.m. Check website for schedule.

AlphaBet Soup Productions, P.O. Box 85, Lombard. (630) 932-1555, absproductions.com.

SLEEPING BEAUTY. Will the princess sleep for 100 years? Or can true love save her with a kiss?

Recommended for families with kids 2-12. $12. 10:30 a.m. select days.

Chicago Kids Company, Stahl Family

Theater, 5900 W. Belmont, Chicago.

(773) 205-9600, chicagokidscompany. com.

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!

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

SKIPPYJON JONES IN THE CIRQUE DE OLE. Skippyjon Jones

discovers an extraordinary circus world. Upon reuniting with his Chihuahua chums, the gang takes turns performing circus stunts.

Recommended for families with kids 3-8. $10 and up. Check website for schedule. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 9356100, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

THREE LITTLE KITTENS. Three

little kittens are on the hunt for their missing mittens, and they need help finding them before Mother Cat comes home. The perfect way to introduce kids 0-5 to the mystery and excitement of live theater. $15, $8 kids under 1. Little Theatre in Lakeview, 2933 N. Southport Ave., Chicago.

(773) 935-6100, emeraldcitytheatre. com.

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.

JUICEBOX. Parents and young children can enjoy music, dance and theater in a kid-friendly setting. Kids can sit on the floor, walk around, meet the artists and sometimes play with instruments and puppets. Parents can bring snacks and juiceboxes. 11 a.m. alternate Fridays

at the Chicago Cultural Center and alternate Saturdays at Garfield Park Conservatory. cityofchicago.org.

STORYTOWN. Kids 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 a unique environment. A pianist 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.

HOGWASH: AN IMPROVISED TALL TALE. Kids help guide the

story from scene to scene and song to song with talented improvisers.

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

10:30 a.m. Saturdays. Bughouse Theater, 1910 W. Irving Park, Chicago. hogwashkids.com.

Introduce a new generation to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved classic filled with one hit song after another, delivered in a grand-scale Broadway production!

April 29 – May 22

Starring Broadway Sensations Kate Baldwin as Anna Leonowens and Paolo Montalban as the King of Siam Featuring “Shall We Dance?”

“Getting to Know You” “Something Wonderful” and more!

SAVE 20%

THE KING AND I Music by Richard Rodgers Book by Oscar Hammerstein II Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Based on Anna and the King by Margaret Landon Original Choreography by Jerome Robbins The King and I production created by the Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris on June 13, 2014. General Director: Jeanluc Choplin.

Production photo: Marie-Noëlle Robert | Artist photo: Todd Rosenberg

on performances through May 7 with promo code FAMILYFUN at lyricopera.org

OFFER IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY, AND NOT APPLICABLE TO MAIN FLOOR PRIME OR BOX SEATING. NOT VALID ON PREVIOUSLY PURCHASED TICKETS OR IN COMBINATION WITH ANOTHER OFFER. ONLY SPECIALLY-ALLOCATED SEAT LOCATIONS CAN BE ASSIGNED. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE. EXCHANGES ARE NOT GUARANTEED AND DISCOUNT MAY NOT CARRYOVER. FEES APPLY. EXPIRES 5/7/16.

Lyric Opera premiere generously made possible by The Negaunee Foundation, two Anonymous Donors, Robert S. and Susan E. Morrison, and Northern Trust.

LYRICOPERA.ORG | 312.827.5600

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Find furry friendship!

TM/© Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved.

Programs for kids 4 months through 12 years.

Try us out today

The Little Gym of Chicago www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL (773) 525-5750

TM/©2016 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved. 70707 3/16

become a favorite friend at sesamestreetlive.com

April 14–17 Star Plaza Theatre Box Office ticketmaster.com 800.745.3000

April 20 Rialto Square Theatre Box Office ticketmaster.com

800.745.3000

April 22–24 Sears Centre Arena Box Office searscentre.com 1.888.SEARSTIX (732-7784)

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ONGOING EVENTS EXHIBITS PETS UNLEASHED. Filled with climbable dwellings, caretaking props, accessories, movable structures and “pets” of all types and sizes, this exhibit provides a platform for self-expression and imaginative play.

The Anti-Cruelty Society will bring specially-trained dogs and guinea pigs on Saturdays at noon. Free with museum admission. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum. org.

ADVENTURES WITH CLIFFORD THE BIG RED DOG. Board the

Birdwell Island ferry and journey to the world of Clifford. Slide down Clifford’s tail, work together to fill Clifford’s big dog bowl with bones, hunt for sea shells at T-Bone’s beach or “work” in the fish and chip shop on Birdwell Island and more. Free with museum admission. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discovery centermuseum.org.

BUILD IT! Exhibit puts an innovative spin on classic building blocks by letting children explore and interact with 10 varieties of blocks in a single space. Stations include Shadow Play; Build It, Test It, Shake It; and Sweet Home Chicago. Free with museum admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

BRICK BY BRICK. Features a

spectacular collection of more than a dozen giant Lego-built structures of engineering marvels, including a 60-foot-long Golden Gate Bridge.

Guests will learn how architects and engineers push the limits of design, materials and location to make the seemingly impossible possible; witness how form follows function; learn how building beautifully uplifts us all; and explore Chicago’s impact as the birthplace of the skyscraper.

Requires a separate, timedentry ticket. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 684-1414, msichicago. org.

Builild Bu d Itt! See th Se this page

RIBBIT! THE EXHIBIT. Opens April 8. Exhibit showcases 23 whimsical, larger-than-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 MATHEMANIA. The museum offers creative approaches to teaching and reinforcing math concepts, such as counting and measuring ingredients to make play dough, learning basic fractions with the help of a giant pizza, or testing which shapes fly the farthest using a wind machine.

Free with museum admission. 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. daily. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand

Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum. org.

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

FROGTASTIC PLAY. Hop, croak and

ANIMAL TALES. Each week, an inter-

splash into imaginative play. Families can explore different natural objects to learn about frogs and their habitat as well as play games like the lillypad hop. Free with arboretum admission. 1-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

active 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) 8959777, mmnh.org.

INCHWORMS PARENT-CHILD PROGRAM. Introduce little ones

CRAFTS FOR KIDS. Kids 3 and up enjoy free crafts for kids at all Lakeshore Learning Store locations.

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. lakeshore learning.com.

18-36 months to nature through songs, simple crafts and outdoor exploration. April 6: Spring Surprises; April 13: Spring Showers; April 20: Make a Rainbow. $6, free parking. 9:30-10:15 a.m. Wednesdays.

HOLD A BABY LAMB. Farm is

open for holding the baby lambs,

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ONGOING EVENTS Outrageous Fun at

New Friends s Positive Value th w ro G Personal res!

Great Adventu • Coed, Overnight Resident Camp, Ages 7-16 • Sessions from 4 days to 1 or more weeks

• Wide variety of Traditional Camp Activities, HORSES, Specialties, Adventure Trips

Nurturing Independence, Character, and Confidence

Plymouth, WI 920-893-0782 www.anokijig.com

4477410-01

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PLAN YOUR PARTY AROUND THESE COMING MOVIES! 4-15: The Jungle Book • 5-6: Captain America: Civil War 5-20: The Angry Birds Movie 5-27: Alice Through the Looking Glass

Wednesday Morning Movie Series Starts 6/10!

Party Packages Include: Movie  Kids’ Pack  Party Room

Visit www.classiccinemas.com click “Plan an Event/Party”

goats, chicks, piglet and feeding the calf. Watch the sheep shearing and enjoy the whole farm experience. $5; $12 family (up to four people), $20 family (five or more). 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Saturdays-Sundays. Enjoy Pioneer Farm, 17N400 Big Timber Road, Hampshire. (847) 683-2863, enjoy pioneerfarm.com.

FROG CHORUS. Start a froggy

EXPLORATION STATION. Try hands-on activities at the Exploration Station created by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. This month’s topic is Hide & Seek. 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Saturdays; 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Sundays. Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 7252400, oakparkconservatory.org.

ethnic neighborhoods and cultural diversity with a weekly performance series. Enjoy authentic live music, dance performances, cuisine and folk art from various ethnic Chicago communities. April 3: Mexico; April 10: Poland; April 17: India. Noon-4 p.m.

Sundays. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. navypier.com.

band after exploring the different sounds frogs and toads make. Free with arboretum admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE WORLD. Navy Pier honors Chicago’s

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We are looking for friendly, outgoing readers to staff Chicago Parent booths at events throughout the city and suburbs. Must have a car and flexible schedule. Events are mainly on weekends.

Email Kamil Brady at kamil@chicagoparent.com with your resume and a cover letter about yourself.

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

Wild for

A

reptiles

fter a year away, ReptileFest is back—and we’re pretty sure it’s even better than you remember. This two-day celebration of everything that creeps, crawls or slithers is sure to be a big hit with all your pint-sized animal lovers.

The fest, the largest of its type in the nation, offers the chance to get hands-on— literally!—with iguanas, turtles, alligators and all of their reptile and amphibian friends. True adventurers can wear a snake like a necklace or kiss a frog and see if he really turns into a prince. But if you’re squeamish, there are more than enough creatures that can be viewed from a safe distance—or from behind a thick pane of glass.

There’s also an educational component, as members of the Chicago Herpetological Society teach about the care and keeping of various reptiles, as well as ways we can protect their futures.

No animals are for sale at the show, which is probably a good thing. Because after your kids get an eyeful of a color-changing chameleon or a grinning crocodile, you’d better believe they’re going to want to set up their very own menagerie.

Elizabeth Diffin

ReptileFest u Physical Education Complex of Northeastern Illinois University, 3600 W. Foster, Chicago u 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 9; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 10 u $10, $7 kids 3-11, free kids under 3 u reptilefest.com p

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Playdate 2016

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Athletico Center, Northbrook, IL April 10, 2016 • 10 am - 3 pm Sports Thrills • Character Visits • Bounce Houses Train Rides • Obstacle Courses

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