THINGS TO DO

Lookingglass Alice Photo by Liz Lauren

Switch on Summer 2022

Please check events before heading out due to the pandemic. Plus, easily find even more fun for your family at

ChicagoParent.com /Calendar. Through July 31

Chicago

FREE May 1 River Forest

May 7

Naperville

May 14 Chicago

FREE May 14 Chicago

Opens May 20

Chicago

Lookingglass Alice

See a circus-infused spin on the classic that has toured the country and now is coming back home. Times vary by date. $50. Lookingglass Theatre.

lookingglasstheatre.org.

Spring Festival & Trailside Museum’s 90th Anniversary Celebration

Enjoy guided wildflower walks, bird banding, animal encounters and crafts. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History. fpdcc.com.

Naperville Food Truck Festival

Enjoy 25-plus of the area’s best food trucks, a DJ, beer garden, bubble artist and a vendor village featuring local businesses. 1-7 p.m. $5-$10. Naper Settlement. naperville.il.us.

Carnival of the Animals

See the debut of A&A Ballet’s take on “Carnival of the Animals” and a world premiere of “The Firebird.” The show features new choreography and sand art animation. Ages 3 and older. $25$55. 3-4 p.m., May 14. Athenaeum Theatre. aacenterfordance.org.

Switch on Summer 2022

Watch as the official switch of summer — iconic Buckingham Fountain — is turned on. Enjoy in-person, family-friendly activities and entertainment, food vendors, giveaways and special guest appearances. ComEd will also livestream on its Facebook page. Noon-3 p.m. Buckingham Fountain.

comed.com

Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories

Hear from Native Americans and Indigenous people about their music, dance, art and stories. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free with museum admission. Field Museum. fieldmuseum.org.

June 3-5

Chicago

FREE June 4-5

Chicago

June 9-Oct. 9

Chicago

June 10-12

Chicago

FREE Opens June 24 Elmhurst

FREE June 25

Chicago

Do Division Street Fest

Enjoy two live music stages, local designer runway shows, vendors and a kids zone with a mega slide, petting zoo and musical performers. 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $10 donation. Division Street between Damen and Leavitt.

westtownchamber.org.

75th Annual 57th Street Art Fair

See nearly 200 artists with live music presented by Buddy Guy’s Legends. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 57th Street, Hyde Park.

57thstreetartfair.org.

Prince: The Immersive Experience

Get your purple rain fill at the newest immersive experience making its worldwide debut featuring the music and life of Prince. $39.50. The Shops at North Bridge. princetheexperience.com.

Andersonville Midsommarfest

Experience the annual Swedish celebration by dancing around the Maypole. Family-friendly activities include a pet parade. 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $10 donation. 5217 N. Clark.

andersonville.org/midsommarfest.

Eat Your Heart Out: Iconic Chicagoland Foods

Explore the history of many favorite Chicagoland specialties. 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Elmhurst History Museum.elmhursthistory.org

Dragon Boat Race for Literacy

Enjoy a day out in Chinatown for the annual dragon boat races. Cheer on teams raising money for literacy and explore the vibrant community. Races 8 a.m.-5 p.m., trolley rides 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ping Tom Memorial Park.

chicagochinatown.org.

Soak in Nature

Where to take a nature bath for all the feel-good benefits. Clothes not optional!

BY LORI ORLINSKY

Fresh air, beautiful scenery and the sounds of the great outdoors. There is nothing more peaceful than unplugging from technology and truly connecting with nature. This ritual practice — also known as nature or forest bathing — comes from a Japanese concept developed in the 1980s.

During a nature bath, you experience nature therapy by “bathing” in the energy of clean air to awaken the senses. Taking a mindful stroll is known to ease stress, restore positive moods and boost immune function.

Here are five places to get you started on taking a nature bath with kids this summer.

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

ORGANIZED NATURE BATHS

Chicago Botanic Garden

The Chicago Botanic Garden offers nature baths with certified nature and forest therapy guides. Instructors combine standard and progressive methods to deliver uplifting classes for all ages and abilities. Participants connect with forest life through mindful activities on a gentle walk, typically covering less than a mile and ending with a tea ceremony using native plants. $50 for non-members; 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe

chicagobotanic.org Garfield Park Conservatory

Led by an experienced horticultural therapist, Garfield Park Conservatory offers guided nature bath walks for families. Each walk begins with grounding activities that include breath work and sensory work with plants around the conservatory. At the end of each walk, guests enjoy a tea ceremony that highlights plants from the walk as well as an art-based activity using plants and plant material. Sliding scale ticket prices 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago

garfieldconservatory.org Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum offers two- and three-hour forest therapy walks led by a certified forest therapy guide. No two walks are the same, as each one visits different locations on the 1,700-acre property. Participants experience a series of guided, gentle “invitations” to commune with nature and notice new details. The walks conclude with a calming tea ceremony where guests can reflect over tea made from edible plants foraged along the trail. $32; 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle

mortonarb.org

Get the kids excited about nature at some of the great nature centers around Chicago at ChicagoParent.com /LatestIssue.

DIY NATURE BATHS

Forest Glen Woods

Located just outside of Jefferson Park on the far northwest side of the city, Forest Glen Woods is a small natural habitat that is part of the Lower North Branch preserves. Nature bathers can take in some of the best natural habitat on the Chicago River and see an abundance of plants that include swamp buttercup, trout lilies and wild geranium. This is also a popular location to observe migratory and nesting birds, snapping turtles and monarch butterflies. 5420 N. Forest Glen Ave., Chicago

fpdcc.com

LaBagh Woods

LaBagh Woods boasts a wealth of diverse natural areas, including wooded landscapes, wetlands, savannas and sedge meadows. Located at the southern start of the popular North Branch Trail, nature lovers can take in large oaks, hickories and maples. LaBagh has also been dubbed a birdwatching paradise. North Cicero Avenue, north of West Foster Avenue, Chicago

fpdcc.com

Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve

Thorn Creek in Will County gives families more than 1,000 acres to bath in. Not only does it have nearly two miles of trails and a nature center to explore after your bath, it offers a vast variety of habitats, such as forest, prairie, savanna, wetland and Thorn Creek — as well as wildlife (flying squirrels!). 247 Monee Road, Park Forest

reconnectwithnature.org

THINGS TO DO | Celebrate Big Celebrate a Summer of Culture

From Pride to AAPI and Juneteenth, get your family out of the house to experience all that May and June offers

BY KARI ZAFFARANO

There’s so much to enjoy this summer, but it is also a great time to celebrate and learn more about the many people who call Chicagoland home. Make celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Juneteenth and Pride month part of your summer traditions.

Find a summer full of fun at

ChicagoParent.com /LatestIssue.

AAPI EVENTS

FREE DIY Origami Butterflies

May 9-13 • Chicago Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by creating a colorful origami butterfly. All supplies are provided. Noon-3 p.m. Clearing Branch Library. chipublib.bibliocommons.com.

AAPI Restaurants Week 2022

May 13-22 • Chicago Taste different foods. OCA Greater Chicago is hosting AAPI Restaurants Week featuring AAPI-owned restaurants. Check website for participating locations. Times and prices vary by location. ocachicago.org.

FREE Spring Festival: Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May 15 • Chicago Celebrate with arts, storytelling and craft projects. 1-3 p.m. Caldwell Woods. fpdcc.com.

JUNETEENTH EVENTS

FREE Juneteenth Celebration

June 16 • Chicago Enjoy food and music at this celebration, held in partnership with the Base Chicago and Tilton Park Advisory Council. 6-7:45 p.m. Tilton (George) Park.

chicagoparkdistrict.com.

FREE Juneteenth Independent Festival

June 18-19 • Elgin Join Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the African-American Coalition of Kane County for a celebration. There will be live bands, BBQ, a DJ and a parade. 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Festival Park. cityofelgin.org.

FREE Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival & Parade

June 19 • Flossmoor Delight in a parade, live music, vendors, food trucks and more at this celebration of African American culture. 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (10 a.m. parade). Homewood-Flossmoor High School. youmatter2.org.

PRIDE EVENTS

Chicago Pride Fest

June 18-19 • Chicago Experience live music on three stages, food and drink, more than 100 vendors, drag shows, pet parade, giveaways, games, DJs and more. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $15 donation. Northalsted on Halsted Street from Addison to Grace Street. northalsted.com.

FREE Navy Pier Pride

June 25 • Chicago Families with kids of all ages can enjoy this family-friendly event that spreads pier-wide. Experience music, dance, storytelling and other activities. Noon11:30 p.m. Navy Pier. navypier.org.

Pride in the Park Chicago

June 25-26 • Chicago Experience this annual outdoor music festival expanding to two days in Grant Park. It features LGBTQ+ performers, artists, vendors and more. 2-10 p.m. Saturday and 3-10 p.m. Sunday. $100-$275, Free/10 and under with paying adult. Grant Park. prideparkchi.com.

THINGS TO DO | Get Out of Town Crank up the Fun

Exhilarating Midwest outdoor adventures: Familytested, family-approved for summer

BY CORTNEY FRIES

When it comes to summer, outdoor adventures might be something that fits on everyone’s list. We tried out some of the adventurous excursions in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota and Nebraska so you’ll know what to expect. Tank Down the River in North Platte, Nebraska Photo courtesy of AJ Dahm, Nebraska Life Mag

Whitewater Raft in South Bend, Indiana Photo courtesy of South Bend Venues Parks & Arts

WHITEWATER RAFT IN SOUTH BEND, INDIANA

Get a taste of class 2 whitewater rafting close to home at East Race Waterway in South Bend, Indiana. Open mid-June until early September, this urban adventure might be just the adrenaline rush your family is looking for.

RIDE HIGH IN SILVER LAKE SAND DUNES, MICHIGAN

Soaring sand dunes and sugar sand beaches lure families to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes area of Michigan. Off-road in an ATV or UTV for a rush your kids won’t forget. Or leave the driving to Mac Wood’s Dune Rides and sit back with a smile spread across your face as they take you on a wild ride. Afterward, get out on the water in a boat, WaveRunner or paddleboard rental from Wave Club Water Sports.

PAINTBALL AND AIRSOFT PARK IN ALTON

Near St. Louis in Alton, Illinois, you’ll find Bing Field, the ultimate paintball and airsoft park. Perfect for older kids and birthday parties, experience an epic battle akin to a real-life video game.

TANK DOWN THE RIVER IN NORTH PLATTE, NEBRASKA

A unique spin on a floating trip, found only in Nebraska, tanking involves a round, buoyant livestock watering tank and up to eight of your favorite friends and family. Relax and float down the river, listening to tunes and taking in the scenery. Dusty Trails offers tanks with benches and room for a cooler. You can also go horseback riding, kayaking or canoeing.

SLEEP IN A FLOATING TENT IN TROY, OHIO

Camping becomes even more memorable when you sleep in an inflatable, floating tent. Float Troy in Troy, Ohio, offers the only floating tent experience open to the public. Up to two adults and two kids can spend the night per tent on the Miami River late June through early September.

RIDE TORPEDOES AND LAUNCH HUMANS ON EAST SILENT LAKE, MINNESOTA

East Silent Lake Resort in Dent, Minnesota, offers a wholesome, family-friendly escape. Summer means tween activities like riding torpedoes through the water and launching friends and family members into the lake off a giant inflatable. Little kids love the water slide and classic summer games like balloon toss and sack races.

WAKEBOARD, SWIM AND BOAT IN CRYSTAL LAKE

The 32-acre, next-generation Quarry Cable Park is in Crystal Lake. Wakeboard over jumps, then hang out lakeside at restaurant, play sand volleyball or baggo and listen to live music. Part of Three Oaks Recreation Park, you can also swim and rent boats at the marina.

KITEBOARD AND WIND WING ON SOUTHERN LAKE MICHIGAN

Kids ages 8-12 can experience ultimate thrills kiteboarding or wind winging with Stoke Riders, in St. Joseph, Michigan. Certified instructors provide exhilarating, safety-focused lessons around southern Lake Michigan on windy days.

PARASAIL OVER GRAND TRAVERSE BAY, MICHIGAN

Aerial views of aquamarine waters can be all yours as you float above Traverse City with Traverse Bay Parasail. A gentle, yet refreshing experience, you’ll walk away with beautiful pictures of your family with joy written all over their faces.

ZIP DOWN AN ALPINE SLIDE IN THOMPSONVILLE, MICHIGAN

Michigan’s only alpine coaster is the 1,700-foot Crystal Coaster at Crystal Mountain Resort. Dips and turns make the slide a laugh fest. Other summer activities include disc golf, bike riding, swimming, climbing, archery, pickleball, laser tag and more.

Bridgeport

Get to know this near South Side neighborhood known for its art, culture and politics

BY DAWN REISS

If you want to see where Chicago’s past mayors have called home, there’s no better place than Bridgeport. This near-South Side neighborhood has ties to five Chicago mayors — Edward Kelly, Martin Kennelly, Richard J. Daley, Michael Bilandic and Richard M. Daley. (There’s a reason Bridgeport Coffee offers the “Mayors Blend”). The neighborhood is known for its “machine politics” and has grown more diverse in recent years with 63% identifying as either Asian or Latinx.

“Bridgeport is closer to downtown than Logan Square or Wicker Park,” says Kevin Hickey, chef-owner of The Duck Inn and a sixth-generation resident in Bridgeport. “And it’s just as cool.”

Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple

GETTING THERE: Bridgeport sits just west of the Chicago White Sox’s Guaranteed Rate Field in Armour Square, bound by the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, the south branch of the Chicago River and Pershing Road.

The Duck Inn (Henry) Palmisano Park

EAT

THE DUCK INN 2701 S. Eleanor St., Chicago

Although it’s known as a dinner destination spot, try the Sunday brunch. This gastro pub offers up a host of sweet and savory options, including delicious sweet potato French toast, an egg mcduckinn made with a duck-infused sausage patty, and a rotisserie duck hash. Make a reservation and go early to avoid the crowd. (And, yes, it has high chairs.)

PIZZA FRIED CHICKEN ICE CREAM 964 W. 31st St., Chicago

This kid-friendly joint offers tavern-style pizza, buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches and tenders, and ice cream. There’s an outdoor patio and it’s a part of delicious trifecta with Kimski and Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar next to each other. “It’s a favorite of mine with my niece and nephews,” says Megan Delurey of Bridgeport. Find more reasons to visit Bridgeport at

ChicagoParent.com/ LatestIssue.

PLAY

(HENRY) PALMISANO PARK 2700 S. Halsted St., Chicago

Better known as “Mount Bridgeport” or Stearns Quarry, this once privately-owned limestone quarry turned nature park offers 26.5 acres to roam. There’s a pier for catch-and-release fishing, a 380foot hole formed by mining more than 130 years ago. Climb up winding hills by stepping on gigantic stones or wander around on metal pathways that offer breathtaking views of the city skyline. It’s filled with prairie grasses and wetlands. Kids will love “climbing the mound” and the places to picnic.

SHOP

TANGIBLE BOOKS 3324 S. Halsted St., Chicago

With more than 50,000 books, this recently opened second-hand book store offers a wealth of resources. It’s run by the former owners of Wicker Park-based Myopic Books, Joe Judd and his wife Lisa. Wind through to the back of the store to a “kids’ room” where children flop on the floor and read after digging through bins of board books and storybooks, or browsing the extensive young adult collection. “We want kids to find it fun to read books,” Judd says. Check out the local authors section, where the owners give 100% of the proceeds to the writers.

EXPLORE

LING SHEN CHING TZE TEMPLE 1035 W. 31st St., Chicago

This former Presbyterian church turned Buddhist temple is filled with golden statues and spots to meditate. Be prepared to remove your shoes and keep voices low. Wander past bodhisattvas and Buddhas alters with offerings dedicated to the teachings of Taoism, Sutrayana and Tantric philosophies.

CHICAGO MARITIME MUSEUM 1200 W. 35th St., Chicago

Learn about the shipping and naval history of Chicago at this hidden gem. Located at the river level of the Bridgeport Art Center, this 10,000-square-foot museum walks visitors through the French fur traders, and steam and sail-powered vessels and frigates.