Chicago Parent January 2015

Making the Grade

Our big education guide

January 2015

| FREE

connecting with families

reach for the

Stars 5 places to fuel

CURIOSITY

Year of yes Chicago parents embrace their dreams

HOT/COLD:

you pick

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D O WNTOWN C A R E. H OM E TOWN C O N V EN I EN C E .

Far and away, some of the best care for your child is actually close to home. At Adventist Hinsdale Hospital, you’ll find the highest-level NICU, a pediatric-certified ER and specialty inpatient and outpatient services. Board-certified pediatricians work with certified pediatric nurses and specialists to provide advanced care, and our state-of-the-art 18-bed Pediatric Unit and four-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit were specifically designed to feel more like a playroom than a hospital.

And now, thanks to our affiliation with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, not only is one of their pediatricians here 24/7, but you’ll also have immediate access to their broader range of services when necessary.

Learn more at KeepingYouWell.com/Kids or call 630-856-7525.

Hinsdale Hospital La Grange Memorial Hospital

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“one test of the correctness of the educational procedure is the happiness of the child.”

– Dr. Maria Montessori

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8/4/14 2015 11:05 AM3 ChicagoParent.com January

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Connect your child... to the most innovative education in Chicago.

Welcome to GEMS World Academy Chicago’s Premier Junior Kindergarten through 12th Grade International School At GEMS World Academy - Chicago, our engaging curriculum is enriched by state-of-the-art technology and our innovative, purpose built vertical campus. Our students will experience rewarding relationships, mentorships, and externships through engagement with leading community and business partners. With over 50 years of leadership

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internationally, the GEMS Education experience offers new ways to learn and meaningful connections to other cultures across our global network of schools.

6 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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IN THIS ISSUE

70

contents JANUARY 2015 | VOLUME 31 | NO. 1

FEATURES FULFILLING A NEED CURIOSITY 39 32 INSPIRING Why three Chicago moms, with Museums ramp up their game to make learning more fun

support from f family, opened their own schools scho

S SAY YES 45 JUST Make 2015 20 the year to pursue

13

GOOD TO GO

22

WELL PLAYED

23

CRAFT

26

MOM ESSAY

30

PARENT PANEL

31

GALLERY

60

CALENDAR

Check out a cookie class at Sweet Mandy B’s, dinner at L.Woods and three ts winter survival musts Get 2015 off to a playful start A little science fun with snowflakes Adventures in potty training: Success No TP! What to do Some seriously cute kids More than 100 ideas for your family, plus the scoop on the International Puppet Festival and Frozemont

ON THE COVER MAKING THE GRADE

Our big education guide

5 JANUARY 2015

| FREE FREE FR

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

your dreams drea HOT/COLD: 50 YOU Y PICK

8 places to chill outside and 8 places to hibernate inside this winter

REACH FOR THE

Stars St 5 places l to t fuel f l

CURIOSITY

Year of yes Chicag Chicago cago parents embrace their dreams

HOT/COLD:

you PICK

Cover kid: Kate Larson, 8, of Evanston, at Adler Planetarium Photography: Thomas Kubik of TK Photography Design: Claire Innes ChicagoParent.com January 2015 7

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Great things in 2015 You may have heard a lot about the struggles facing newspapers and magazines over the past few years, particularly when the recession hit and lingered like a college freshman’s Boone’s Farm hangover. Most of the reports are of the doom and gloom variety, predicting the end of print publications as we know them.

TAMARA L. Those publications drawing their last O’SHAUGHNESSY breaths are the ones clinging to “the way things have always been done.”

Taking the first step into a new year of learning, laughter and love. www.TheGardnerSchool.com

Chicago Chicago West Loop Bucktown 312.229.4299 773.661.0151 GlenviewNaperville Northbrook Oak Brook 630.657.5029 847.770.6260 630.576.4740

Chicago Parent isn’t one of those.

Thankfully, we are so lucky to have you in our corner. We put a lott of trust in what you tell us about what you want, so I am excited about the changes we’re planning for you, including: A better focused d ChicagoParent.com that emphasizes things to do with your kids and makes kes it easier to find the fun. Soon we will ll have a new assistant editor hired who, along with Digital Editor Jackiee McGoey, will be all about making your visit to the website a must-check ck each morning. Our bloggers also aree refocused on finding the best ideas to share with your family.

A new look for Going Places that’s t’s going to be something you won’t want ant to miss. (Yup, I’m a tease.) Senior Editor Elizabeth Diffin is heading up p the changes.

A reinvigorated effort right here in Chicago Parent itself to give you more ways to have fun with your kids. ds.

I am truly glad we’re all in this together. As always, I welcome your emails about changes you’d like to see ee and stories you want to read.

Happy January!

Come play with us Adler Planetarium, featured on our cover along with adorable Kate Larson, is one of our favorite places to bring curious kids (see page 32).

Now you can get in for free as our guest 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 24 during our Chicago Parent Playdate.

The first 500 guests to RSVP will receive free general admission.

Adler will have interactive science stations set up, including Slime Science, Stomp Rockets and Young Astronaut Training, plus showings of One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure for a discounted price.

Watch ChicagoParent. com for details in early January. We expect it to fill up quickly!

Follow us online!

8 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com TGS_ChicagoParent_1-2V (Little Feet) 1-15.indd 1

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Ready to

Learn. Ready to Grow. Ready to Discover.

Little GEMS International Pre-School in Lincoln Park is the place where your child can learn and explore, grow and develop, and enjoy discovering the world.

As part of GEMS Education’s global network of award-winning schools, children at Little GEMS International Pre-School receive an early start on a world-class education in structured and safe learning environments. We may be the new kid in Chicago, but GEMS Education has been the world’s foremost provider of private education for children from birth through Grade 12 for over fifty years. www.lgipreschool-chicago.com

Schedule a pre-school tour today!

To learn more about Little GEMS International Pre-School and our newest Chicago school, GEMS World Academy-Chicago (K–12), call us at 312-361-3539.

LINCOLN PARK

Little GEMS International Pre-School • 2301 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614 • 312. 361.3539

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CONTRIBUTORS

What’s on our 2015 resolution list EDITOR

Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR

Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR

Jackie McGoey ART DIRECTOR

Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS

Jacquinete Baldwin, Sky Hatter IT AND DIGITAL DEVELOPER

In public, I am resolving to use less of the socially unacceptable curse words while striving to breathe new life into GOLLY and OH FUDGE. Marianne Walsh

With three kids under 5, my resolution is to remember to put myself on our to-do list. A little alone time can do wonders!

Megan Murray Elsener

Gratitude. We’ve already started practicing. Whenever one of us is grouchy, another will ask, “What are you grateful for?” It immediately gets a smile.

Cortney Fries

I resolve to lose touch with coolness and relevance at as slowly a rate as possible for a dad.

Matt Rocco

Mike Risher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Megan Murray Elsener, Sara R. Fisher, Linda Marsicano, Samantha Sordyl, Meredith Sinclair, Marianne Walsh DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

Walter Burden, Dawn Engelhardt, Erika Goodman, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SALES

Walter Burden

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Jessica Doerr

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Philip Soell

ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER

Andrew Mead

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney CIRCULATION MANAGER

Kathy Hansen CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Jill Wagner CREDIT MANAGER

Debbie Zari

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.

10 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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PUBLISHER Dan Haley VP/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Andrew Johnston

COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar FOUNDERS Natalie Goodman,

Carolyn Jacobs

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

chiparent@chicagoparent.com CALENDAR

calendar@chicagoparent.com TO FIND A COPY

circulation@chicagoparent.com ADVERTISING

dhaley@wjinc.com CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

classified@chicagoparent.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. © 2015 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

12/18/14 5:14 PM

ON THE WEB

More fun to be had

O

ur great Chicago Parent Blogger Network is ready to tackle 2015 with a new mission: To find you even more things ings to do and enjoy with th your kids.

The bloggers in the network etwork are now out and about, scouring their eir communities for fun to share with you. You’ll hear more about Naperville, Lake County, Chicago, the north shore and thee south suburbs, plus everything else in between.

The changes to the blogger ogger network are but one step we’re taking aking to make ChicagoParent.com yourr go-to site this year. Stay tuned forr lots of great changes.

>>

connect with us

Start the year off with a win!

Sta A ne new year means that our friends at American Girl are friend introducing their new Girl introd of tthe Year, an entrepreneurial baker named Grace neu Thomas. We’re giving away Th this adorable 18-inch doll, and sshe comes mes with her own books—and books d an inspirational message that aims to end childhunger hood hu in Amer America. those For th looking lo ooking to stay inside th this

month, we’ve got tickets to two movies at Classic Cinemas Movie Theatres: Paddington, about the lovable bear searching for a new home in London, and The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, about the transformation of some of format Bottom’s most Bikini B famous residents into superheroes. superh Be sure to sign up our newsletters to for o be the first to know aabout all our great contests!

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We buy and sell gently used clothing, toys, and baby gear • onceuponachild.com ChicagoParent.com January 2015 11

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Joyful?

Excited?

Now offering “Smart from the Start”— an interactive, personalized pregnancy informational program.

And maybe a little worried?

Having a baby should be a blissful time. You need the peace of mind that if anything happens, you are in the best place with all the medical professionals you need ready to help at a moment’s notice.

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center has: + Top-notch OB/GYNs with available appointments + 24/7 “in-house” neonatology + Level II nursery with Extended Capabilities + Interdisciplinary medical professionals “in house” + High-risk OB/Maternal Fetal Medicine + A personal birthing consultant We hope your experience is joyful from beginning to end, and we are here to help make that happen.

Get in touch.

Call 877.737.4636 to arrange a meeting with a Personal Birthing Consultant.

Visit presencehealth.org/stjoseph-joliet-newmom to learn about other patients’ experiences. © 2014 Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center

12 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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THE SWEETEST bakers 120 08 W. Weebs 08 bste ter Ave. Av ee.., Ch C icago (7 77 73 3) 24 2444--117 1174 74

sw weeeetm etm tmaan ndyybs bs.co .ccom om

S

weet Mandy B’s in Chicago’s Lincoln Park isn’t exactly a well-kept secret—it’s been a favorite for cupcakes and other sweet treats for more than a decade. I’ve rarely been at an event, whether a baby shower or birthday party, where the table wasn’t adorned with some type of beautiful dessert courtesy of this oldfashioned charmer.

But here’s what you may not know: Mandy B’s offers weekly baking classes for kids where pastry chef Rachel Glaser instructs tots as young as 2 how to create yummy concoctions the whole family can enjoy. Each

week has a uniquely delightful theme, from Ninja Turtles, pirates and polar bear cupcakes to cookies decorated for whatever holiday is around the corner.

My twins’ class with Glaser inspired a baking streak at home, albeit a messy one led by me— decidedly NOT a pastry chef—and my boxed friend Betty Crocker. The girls rightly noticed our homemade versions produced less stellar results than the cupcakes they made with Glaser (but I’m pretty

sure that was more Betty’s fault than mine). The Sweet Mandy B’s session showed them just how fun baking and decorating treats can be—and they came home with gorgeous cupcakes covered with swirls of thick frosting.

The one-hour classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for kids 2-3 and 3:30 p.m. for kids 4-10. Classes are $20 each, $54 for three classes or $72 for four sessions. Happy baking (and eating).

Linda Marsicano

Good to go

Sweet Mandy B’s

ChicagoParent.com January 2015 13

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GOOD TO GO

L. Woods offers cozy family meal

T

he first thing you notice when entering L. Woods in Lincolnwood is that the lodge-like décor is so cozy, perfect for hunkering down with the kids for a warm respite from the winter weather.

My family recently visited for an early dinner. The girls were so engrossed in the kids’ menu containing word finds, puzzles and strange facts (did you know butterflies taste their food by standing on top of it because their taste receptors are on their feet?) that my husband and I actually enjoyed a peaceful pre-dinner cocktail without interruption.

Kids’ options include a lot of chicken dishes (raised on family farms) such as

barbecue, rotisserie or chicken fingers. Our waiter suggested the baby back ribs to get the kids started early on one of L. Woods’ signature dishes. In addition to mashed potatoes, French fries, potato chips or seasonal vegetables, all kids’ meals come with the “Officer Mullen’s apple sauce.”

Grownups might want to start with the huge wedge salad and the heavenly oven-dried tomato and basil flatbread. The menu is vast, with everything from burgers and sandwiches to fish and steak.

Dessert here is a must. The large slab of chocolate layer cake served with a scoop of ice cream is meant for sharing, and the banana crème

pie is divine. Two dessert specials are baked to order, which takes about 45 minutes so order them in advance: the famous apple strudel and gooey chocolate cake.

Linda Marsicano

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7110 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincolnwood (847) 677-3350 lwoodsrestaurant.com

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14 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

Life is better with a personal chef

D

New company makes entertaining at home easier than ever o you know what’s great about having a personal chef at your disposal for an evening?

Spoiler: Everything. Let’s face it, no matter how fun it is to host a dinner party, a good chunk of your time is spent prepping, serving, clearing and facilitating. Now, if you take those tasks out of the equation, what are you left with? A wonderfully easy—and easily wonderful—special occasion.

Kitchensurfing, a fun way to bring talented local chefs right to your home, is your newest knight in stainless steel armor. And it couldn’t be more simple to handpick your menu, choose your chef, and then relax.

These pros show up with all of the gear and food necessary, then work their multi-course magic while you have fun.

Prices are per person (check out the options at kitchensurfing.com) and save you buckets of money when compared to

Kitchensurfing

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a night out with transit, babysitters and the like. Best of all? They clean up the whole shebang.

I recently had the pleasure of attending a Kitchensurfing dinner party at the home of my friend Shannan with some of my favorite Chicago Parent folks. Not only was the company fantastic, and the

hostess gracious, but the meal was seamlessly executed.

Here’s what we got: A trio of crostini with roasted beets and ricotta, grape tomato bruschetta, zucchini ribbons and herbed goat cheese; two bean minestrone with pancetta; mixed greens salad with balsamic glazed prosciutto; pork roast with porcini garlic parmesan cream over soft polenta; broccoli; tiramisu. I probably could’ve kept eating for days. (But out of respect for Shannan, I returned to my own house that evening.)

Personal chef Kristin Koury clearly knows her way around the kitchen and was a sweetheart to boot. Many of us have made plans to host our own Kitchensurfing event.

Keely Flynn

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BEST IN CHI

3 new finds you’ll love

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Save the Date! Registration opens at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3.

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SARA R. FISHER

It’s a new year and a whole host of new facilities, products and services have cropped up for parents around Chicago. Eight (almost nine) years into my parenting role, and I’m still amazed by all the resources and creativity local moms have in making our lives easier. Out with the old and in with these hot new finds!

1

Mama’s Milk Warmer This brilliant invention by local mom Amy Striker takes the trouble out of heating up stored breast milk. Striker took the 20-minute running-the-bottleunder-the-sink ordeal and came up with an energyand time-saving device for moms to efficiently feed their babies. The Mama’s Milk Warmer simply uses hot water in a thermos-like container to thoroughly and evenly heat refrigerated breast milk. buybuy Baby

2

Prenatal Fit Former East Bank teacher Adina Rosenberg nberg has used her years of fitness training to bring ng new moms the opportunity nity to get fit, healthy and enjoy a physically active pregnancy. Prenatal Fit offers a variety of classes for expectant and new moms including prenatal yoga, pilates, Mommy and d me, postpartum core, Zumba umba and more. Adina believes elieves that an educated and nd fit expectant mom is a happy mom. 1937 W. Diversey rsey Parkway, Chicago, (773) 697-8530, prenatalfit.com fit.com

3

Mac and Mia This local company founded by mom foun Marie Tillman M is an innovative way to shop for your babes—it’s a b Trunk Club T ffor kids, with a cause. Personal ca stylists create st unique looks for u yyour newborn tthrough 6 year old and then o ship hi the items to your house in a box.

Bonus: All brands that Mac and Mia use are socially and environmentally responsible AND you don’t have to schlep to the mall to get them. Right now it is invitation only. macandmia.com

16 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

WINTER SURVIVAL MUSTS

W

hat’s a parent to do when it is so cold outside? For starters, know where to get the city’s best hot chocolate.

These three establishments are a delicious place to start:

1

Mindy’s Hot Chocolate: Mindy’s is a fullservice restaurant in Chicago’s Wicker Park serving contemporary American cuisine—and some of the tastiest desserts and hot chocolate in the city. Hot chocolate, served in gigantic mugs with homemade marshmallows, comes in flavors such as the “black and tan,” which is one-third fudge and two-thirds hot chocolate or a spicy Mexican variety made with fresh cinnamon and cayenne. hotchocolatechicago.com

2

Xoco: Leave it to Rick Bayless to do it all right, even hot chocolate. At his River North café, Xoco (pronounced SHO-ko meaning “little sister” in Aztec), customers enjoy “bean to cup” hot chocolate, meaning they roast and grind the beans into large chocolate bars, which are mixed with steamed milk or water and organic sugar. rickbayless.com

3

Ghiradelli: The perfect place to pop in during a family outing on Michigan Avenue.

The shop’s sea salt caramel hot cocoa comes topped with whipped cream and squares of chocolate. If you really want to give the kids a sugar high, order the rich chocolate brownie. ghiradelli.com Linda Marsicano

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Email jourdan@verticalendeavors.com www.VerticalEndeavors.com

ChicagoParent.com January 2015 17

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12/18/14 4:40 PM

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THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

CATHY CASSANI ADAMS

Need to know

Choose again Everybody likes new beginnings, and January seems to be one of our favorite times to recalibrate. We set goals and make plans, but often these intentions don’t last.

If you set goals for the year, that’s great. But if you find that the plans are not working out the way you hoped, don’t despair. You don’t have to wait another year to begin again. You can begin again whenever you want.

Every moment is an opportunity for another choice.

So instead of setting goals and making plans that feel daunting (and then beating ourselves up), we can recognize our ability to choose again.

If we went to bed late and are tired, we can choose to go to bed early the next day. If we say something unkind, we can choose to apologize immediately. If we procrastinate on our work, we can choose to get down to business later.

We don’t have to wait to make choices that make us feel good. We don’t have to throw up our hands and decide we’re failures because we didn’t follow through on our intention. Sometimes the best laid plans need tweaking—and we need to make room for our humanity. Then we just choose again, as soon as we are able.

We can choose how we think about ourselves. We can choose whether we will judge others. We can choose in the present, rather than focusing on past mistakes or worrying about the future.

And if a poor choice is made, then we choose again.

Maybe a day later, maybe seconds later. We don’t have

to formalize or structure our desire to make change.

Change is always an option.

Maybe today when you realize you’re annoyed at your child, you can choose to notice something beautiful about him. If you argue with someone, you can choose to take a breath and listen. If you forgot to do something, you can choose to take responsibility rather than blame others.

Choose to make choices the next day and the next.

Instead of overburdening yourself with have-tos and an “I should be different” mentality, recognize how great you are right now.

Become aware of your ability to choose and recognize that all things, if done with awareness and compassion, are possible. Don’t talk to yourself negatively or define yourself too harshly. Instead, choose to make your wellbeing a priority. One moment at a time.

Editor’s note: Cathy has a new book out, Living What You Want Your Kids to Learn.

Check it out.

Cathy Adams is an author, the host of Zen Parenting radio and the mom of three girls.

ChicagoParent.com January 2015 19

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12/18/14 4:38 PM

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Techie potty talk Q A

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Call 312-266-6200 or 847-266-6200

Can technology help potty train my child?

Many parents look to technology for basic child-rearing skills, and potty training is a big one. Experts agree consistency, encouragement, small rewards and patience will result in successful potty training, regardless of technology. But that hasn’t stopped tech developers from coming up with ideas to help.

While the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend screen time for kids under 2, older toddlers may respond to video or computer games as a reward. Resources for charting potty success can be found at sites such as pottytrainingconcepts.com, which provides free printable pottytraining charts featuring themes from Disney princesses to Nick Jr.’s Diego.

There are several handy apps available on iTunes and GooglePlay for potty-training families: Time To Potty (Free) helps remind toddlers to take a bathroom break with an alarm, offers a mobile chart to track potty attempts, and has rewards in the form of games featuring Disney characters.

POTTY TIME (Free) uses eight different rewards to reinforce successful potty time, including digital stickers, printable success charts and certificates and even a congratulatory phone call.

1 2

3

Potty Time with Elmo ($2.99) uses interactive screens and encouragement by the red monster to inspire toddlers to give the potty a try.

There is even the iPotty Activity Seat, a toilet training seat available for about $40 from Amazon.com and Target. com. This potty chair incorporates an iPad stand, with a removable touchscreen cover so children can pass the time while they take a potty break.

One major consideration when using technology is hygiene. Basic hygiene habits are critical when children use technology—especially when they use iPads or mobile phones after a potty break.

Parents should model healthy tech and hygiene habits by using technology after a child has finished in the bathroom and thoroughly was washed her Technology should hands. Techn never be used in the bathroom th or plugged o into in bathroom outlets.

Require outl kids to wash hands before and after using screens, use a protective film on device dev touchscreens and frequently wipe film-protected film-p screens clea clean between uses.

PediatricENTIllinois.com

20 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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12/19/14 2:04 PM

GOOD SENSE EATING

GO AHEAD,

play with your food

CHRISTINE PALUMBO

Morgan Delack was at wit’s end when her daughter was 1. “Almost every time I put her in the high chair to feed her, she would throw her food on the floor,” she says.“She was trying to play with me and get my attention. She knew she’d get a response.”

Whether your child is throwing food or making a mess with it, it’s difficult to see a good result. After all, this mess-making is creating more work for you!

Believe it or not, there’s a silver lining in this developmental stage. According to a study published in the journal Developmental Science, the messier a toddler gets while eating, the more he’s learning. And eating in a high chair is the best place for that learning.

The study explored how well 16-month-olds learned the names of foods while seated in a high chair or at a table. The researchers offered the toddlers foods such as pudding and soup, but gave them made-up names.

The toddlers who most enthusiastically explored the foods by poking, throwing and picking them up were more likely to correctly identify them when the researchers put foods out

in different sizes or shapes.

And the tots seated in high chairs were better at identifying the objects compared to those seated at tables.

Because the foods vary in shape and size, the context in which the child touches it matters.

“It turns out that being in a high chair makes it more likely you’ll get messy, because kids know they can get messy there,” says lead author Larissa Samuelson.

So the next time your little one smears mashed peas all over, reframe it as a “learning experience.”

“The study shows the cascading influence that the context of everyday activicontex ties—such as mealtimes—has ties—s on chil children’s exploration, attention, and word learning,” tention wrote the authors. “When young children messily eat and ex explore food at each meal, tthey are learning both about individual foods and also aabout nonsolid substances more generally.” stanc Christine Palumbo, RDN, FAND, is Christ nutritionist in Naperville, Ill. Find a nutr her at Christine Palumbo Nutrition Facebook and @PalumboRD on on Fac Twitter. Her new blog is at ChristinePalumbo.com.

Swedish Pea Soup Active preparation time: 7 minutes Total preparation time: 1½ to 2 hours (not including soaking) Makes 8 servings (almost 1 cup each) Pea soup dates back to ancient Roman times, when it was a nutritious, peasant food staple. Made with yellow peas, this simple soup is prepared with sweet, zesty mustard.

Ingredients 1 pound dried yellow peas* 6 cups water 1 medium onion, diced 1 Tbsp. reduced sodium vegetable broth base 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard (e.g., Swedish, whole grain or Dijon) ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp. low-sodium herbal seasoning blend 1 bay leaf 1 tsp. marjoram 1 tsp. thyme

Instructions 1. Cover the dried yellow peas with water and soak overnight.

2. Drain the peas and place them in a large heavy pot.

3. Add the remaining ingredients, stir well, cover with a lid and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender. Add water as needed to replace moisture lost to evaporation. Remove the bay leaf before serving. * Traditional Swedish pea soup uses whole yellow peas (not split). If you are unable to find whole yellow peas, substitute split yellow peas, but reduce the cooking time by about 30 minutes.

To make this in a slow cooker, soak and drain the peas, then combine with the other ingredients and cook for 4 to 6 hours on high or 8 to 10 hours on low.

Nutrients per serving: 203 calories, 14 g protein, 36 g carbohydrate, 1 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 15 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 59 mg sodium, 28% DV thiamine, 39% DV folate, 10 % DV calcium, 16% DV iron, 17% DV magnesium, 16% DV potassium, 12% DV zinc Used with permission by Sharon Palmer, RDN, author of Plant-Powered for Life.

ChicagoParent.com January 2015 21

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WELL PLAYED

2015

Get off to a playful start Play with your mate

During these bitter months, we routinely don our trusty flannel jammies or extra-thick sweats as we head off to the sack. Insulated? Indeed. Hot and bothered? Not so much.

It’s time to throw our dogs a bone, girls.

I recently discovered a website called “Lookie Lou” and was taken with its pretty, yet practical, MEREDITH SINCLAIR “Black Magic Body Suit.” For those of us whose kid-stretched tummies keep us from ever wearing barely-there lingerie, these sexy onesies offer just the right balance of coverage and cleavage.

Wear your snowsuits to bed if you must, but every now and again go ahead and shock your partner with a little va va va VOOM. $86, lookielou.com

Play with your pals If you want to host a grownup game night to shake up these cold nights or are looking for a fun game to add to family game night that even the teens in your family will honestly enjoy, then the new game from R&R games, “Strike a Pose,” will help.

Each round, all but one player (the guesser) must freeze into the form of one of the people, places or things depicted on a card.

When everyone is “set,” the guesser returns to the room and tries to decide which person is posing as which item and racks up points for each correct guess.

This game gets everyone up and involved and is designed for up to 14 players, ages 10 and up. $15.99, amazon.com

Play with your tech If you’re a fan of the fit-band trend or have never tried one but are intrigued, then you’re going to love the new Microsoft Band. Unlike most fit bands, this new gadget combines the features of your smartphone, such as email updates, reminders, voice memos and texts, with all the health and fitness benefits of those popular calorie- and mile-counting bands.

I’m all about keeping our hands free to work hard and play even harder, and this device does it all. $199, microsoftstore.com

Play with your travel

Whether you’re road-trippin’ to the Dells, hauling a little sibling along to brother or sister’s travel sporting event, or hopping a plane to somewhere warmer, traveling with little ones can be, well, challenging.

Say hello to your new secret weapon, The Little Pnuts Travel Boxes! Designed for kiddos age 3-6, each thematic box is curated with an assortment of games, cards and creative activities that will keep your young travel buddies happily entertained— and give your poor overused smartphone a much needed rest.

Chose from Animals, Pirates & Fairies, Pirates & Knights, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, or a variety pack. $30 each, littlepnuts.com

22 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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12/19/14 10:08 AM

CRAFT

Crystal beauties

Make unique snowflakes with just two ingredients STORY AND PHOTOS BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

A

s winter firmly takes hold, this fun science project is a great way to spend a cold afternoon inside.

Use pipe cleaners to create custom snowflake shapes or long, straight icicles that will magically crystalize overnight with only two easy household ingredients.

The finished products cts are bea beautiful autiful hanging fr from windows or attached to presents.

Directions:

1

Create snowflake shapes using the pipe cleaners. One long ng pipe cleaner can be cut ut into three pieces and then twisted into a simple mple star. Make the snowflakes lakes as plain or fancy as desired, esired, but remember the snowflakes owflakes need to be able to fit into the container with the Borax solution.

2

Use string to tie to a part off the snowflake. Tie the otherr end of the string to a pencil or something long enough to span the width of the container you are using.

3

To make the Borax solution, n, mix 1/3 cup of Borax to 2

cups of boiling water. Stir until the Borax is dissolved, about 1 to 2 minutes. Make enough solution to completely cover your snowflakes. sn

4

W the snowflake attached to With yyour pencil or stick, submerge the pipe cleaner snowflake into the solution. solution If making more than one snowflake, snowflak make sure they don’t touch each other or the bottom of the container. co

Supplies: Borax laundry detergent booster Pipe cleaners (white or different shades of blue) String Pencil, chopstick or rod Container such as a vase or jar Water

5

Now is the easy part. Leave the container alone co overnight and check ov out the amazing ou crystal snowflakes cr the next day. th

ChicagoParent.com January 2015 23

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12/18/14 4:33 PM

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24 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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12/18/14 4:29 PM

FAILING WITH GUSTO

As a confirmed neighborhood grouch, I am baffled at how many children continue to knock on my door looking for one of the boys. I do not dole out treats, fluids of any kind, or even Band-Aids. The word went out a long time ago that if you are hungry, thirsty or bleeding, just pray that Mr. Walsh is home instead of the scary shrew who MARIANNE requires kids to drink water from the WALSH hose out back.

Despite my reputation as The Evil Queen, kids still appear.

Typically, visitors fall into one of two categories: (A) Boys who panic and run when I answer the door; or (B) Boys who seem unimpressed with my penchant for profanity and whose body language suggests: “That’s all you got, lady?”

I tend to prefer the lads from Group B. I also tend to prefer their parents.

Flying in the face of my affirmed grumpiness, a few kids have actually worked themselves into my cold, dead heart. One such exception appeared on the doorstep a while back, and I nearly missed him, given his slight stature. When my gaze finally turned downward, this brazen moppet of big eyes and fuzzy hair had only one question: “WHADJA DO WITH JACK?” Taken aback, I answered the only way I thought was appropriate given the circumstances: “I locked Jack in the basement next to the furnace.

He wouldn’t practice his piano. And he got a B on his math test.”

The kid half-smiled, assessed his worthy new opponent, and decided to volley it right back:

“So, can I go down and uncuff him?”

“Be careful,” I grinned deviously, “the basement ent is where we hide all the he bodies.”

Without missing a beat, without so much as a blink, this tiny 6-year-old leaned aned in with a twinkle in his is eye and asked in a hushed shed whisper: “Just so I know… how ow many bodies we talking?” ng?”

I nearly peed myself. f.

I often forget the indidividual nature of children ren who arrive at my house se and tend to view them all as interchangeable members bers of the eating-and-wrecking cking division of Beverly.

Moms with teenagers rs tell me to hold on and wait. it.

They insist that one day, ay, the tide will turn and I will thoroughly adore thesee young people with my whole heart. They say that each time I yell and laugh ugh and remind them not to go near white vans with th tinted windows, I am actually earning creditss toward a future where I get to enjoy and g marvel at the amazing adults they become.

It was this idea thatt had me scoffing last week as I

struggled to haul in groceries from my minivan.

Suddenly, one of my 10-year-old’s friends appeared behind me and asked earnestly: “Do you need some help with those, Mrs. Walsh?”

As the boy carried in heavy bags and bottles, the idea that I could love and appreciate children who grow up alongside my own suddenly didn’t feel so far-fetched after all.

It felt like maybe we were already there.

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

Talk back

Knocking on my heart

ChicagoParent.com Ch C hic icag agoP oPa arre en nt. t.co om JJa January an nu uar uar ary 2015 25

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12/19/14 10:05 AM

VOICE: ERIN AIELLO

Adventures

in potty training:

Part two

I

f you read Adventures in Potty Training: Part One in July’s issue of this magazine, you’ll remember that I was attempting Lora Jensen’s failproof three-day potty training plan. If you didn’t, allow me to get you up to speed. I failed that fail-proof plan.

Elliott, who was 2 at the time, was supposed to be completely diaper free and trained within three days of hardcore persistence and repetition. Elliott being, well, Elliott, rebelled. He wasn’t having any of it, and by three days, I went crazy. So I decided to just chill out about it for a couple of months and then try again. I put him back in Pull-Ups, occasionally reminded him that his froggy potty was there if he wanted to use it, but didn’t push anything.

A month later, after I’d grieved this failure as a parent and moved on with my life, I found that he was almost fully potty trained. Let me explain.

I supplement some income and keep Elliott happily occupied by babysitting kids around his age during the

All it takes is a BFF & jelly beans, apparently

day, including a little girl named Sydney. She’s three months younger than him and his best friend. They spent so much time together during the week, they acted a lot like siblings. When the Polar Vortex moved in last year, we had the first of what would be many, what we called “weather situations.” Sydney’s mom smartly used this time to potty train Sydney. It worked.

She returned to our house the following Monday pretty much fully potty trained, sporting My Little Pony underwear.

I was jealous and pleased at the same time. One less diaper to change. And I know that girls often develop both mentally and physically faster than boys. She used the potty once every 10 minutes for a week or so. I don’t know where all that pee came from, but she was so proud of her newfound life skill that I didn’t stop her.

I also gave her jelly beans.

Elliott would clap for her every

time she would go and watch her eat her treat, mouth open, eyes wide in longing.

“Isn’t it great that Sydney is using the potty, Elliott? She’s a big girl.”

“What’s that?” He pointed to her vagina.

“That’s her vagina. You have a penis, remember?”

“She has a vagina because she’s a big girl.”

Sigh.

Sydney, a born leader, took to demanding that Elliott use the potty instead of going in his diaper. “You’re a big boy, Elliott. Sit on the potty!” “No, Elliott, not in your pants!

There are no jelly beans this way.” At first, he would just stare at her blankly. But then, the remarkable happened. He started wanting to sit on his froggy potty every time she would use the big potty (with the Sesame Street toddler seat fitted inside the lid, of course).

Sometimes they would fight over the potties, then settle for

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one, sit down on their respective potty and glare at each other while peeing. Yes, it was surreal as it sounds. But Elliott was PEEING ON THE POTTY! After my initial shock and amazement, there was much celebrating. We’d switched to M&Ms by now, so after the potty there was always a chorus of “Chocolate M’s!

You’re so proud of me! WANT A CHOCOLATE M!” So there you have it. Elliott’s 2-year-old friend potty trained him.

We no longer deliver treats for using the potty, though he occasionally offers me and his father treats when we successfully use the potty. This pleases Daddy.

And there’s still the occasional accident. As I type this, Elliott has just peed on the stairs. I’m proud of him for making it to the potty 98 percent of the time.

Erin Aiello is a Chicago mom.

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26 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

CHIPAR0115_026.indd 1

12/18/14 4:24 PM

VOICE: MALI ANDERSON

Joining the club Broken chain letters will come back to haunt you

I

did it wrong.

It’s my grade school panic come to life, to realize an error, a day after we stopped at the blue mailbox and opened the hinged mouth, letting the envelopes fall down its gullet.

You see, as a child, I was a wreck at chain letters.

Forward to 10 friends? I had one best friend, and I could never think of nine more. I could have mined my schoolmates and familial relations just as my postal tormenters had, but then, I thought, since they weren’t true friends, I’d have to make it perfect and pretty. You know, impressive.

I’d abandon the letter, save it for when I felt witty and smart. Cool and connected.

Of course this was never, and when I’d come across the duplicate, resting on my latch-hook rug, I’d ignore it. I was a perpetual chain breaker. I felt bad about it, suspecting other kids were having better, more fulfilled childhoods. Yes, it’s a dramatic way to think, but I have a hunch a lot of kids feel this way, something I

try to keep in my mind as I explore this enterprise called parenting.

The past has a way of bubbling back up, and last week, my daughter, Ivy, received a sticker club invite.

All you have to do is send the letter to six other friends and a pack of stickers to the friend who sent you the letter. It’s easy! It’s fun!

It’s a chain letter.

Ivy said she wanted to do it. (Of course! Free stickers!) So I buckled down, made copies, had Ivy fill out addresses on the sheets chugging out of my printer.

We’d get it done. Out the door. I refused to find it again later, allow it to churn my insides as its relatives had in the 1980s.

“What’s the #2 spot for?”

Ivy asked.

“I don’t know,” I was focused. Automatic.

“Why do I only put my address in the #1 spot? What about the #2 spot?”

“I don’t know,” I wasn’t even looking up. “Let’s just keep going.”

But it just occurred to me, while standing in the

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I was a perpetual chain breaker. I felt bad about it, suspecting other kids were having better, more fulfilled childhoods. kitchen—for some reason ideas click into my consciousness when my hands are pulverizing a triangle of Romano into particles the size of sand—we were supposed to move the address of our invitee to spot #2. We were supposed to be constructing a pyramid of sticker gifts, not a linear line.

I messed it up, annoyed friends, and we most likely won’t have copious sticker packets arriving at our door.

But now Ivy knows how to

address an envelope and we both acknowledged we have more friends than we realized. So who cares if we did it wrong? At least we finished.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to buy some stickers.

It’s a perk of adulthood: I can supplement my daughter’s life with decorative adhesives whenever I want to.

Take that, sticker club.

Mali Anderson is a mom, writer and a recent Chicago transplant.

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CHIPAR0115_028.indd 1

12/19/14 11:39 AM

VIVA DADDY

The therrible threes

MATT ROCCO

Alliteration is a powerful thing: “Veni, vidi, vici” immortalized Caesar’s victory at the Battle of Zela.

Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers came “from forth the fatal loins of ... foes” to take theater by storm. Dunkin’ Donuts has lured commuters into a maroon and orange nightmare of sugar and fat for more than half a century. Alliteration obliterates critical thinking.

That’s how “The Terrible Twos” has become gospel.

When a toddler turns 2, they turn terrible—you can’t argue with the same letter at the beginning of multiple words. Until they turn 3 ... and you realize that while 2 is worse than 1, it’s practically six months compared to three.

Three-year-olds are as selfish and impulsive as babies, but with the lung capacity and verbiage to really let you know about it, and the motor skills to smash things until they get their way. Do you love them? Sure? Are they playing a game to see how tired, bald and dispirited they can make you before they turn 4? Yes! I wasn’t warned how my daughter, Viva, would behave at 3 simply because it is hard to alliterate with the word “three”! Doesn’t seem fair. So how can we warn parents in the future? Let’s get our thesauri and our thinking caps and try: The Thrashing Threes—too metal?

The Thrawnly Threes... lacking attractive qualities—too mean?

The Thermitic

Threes—because they burn hot and are sometimes explosive?

The Theobromic Threes— having to do with caffeine from chocolate, a big part of our day. Too complicated?

The Thorny Threes The Throaty Threes The Thuggish Threes The Threatening Threes The Thunderous Threes I think I like that last one, but it’s still no “Terrible Twos.” It seems like alliteration beats wisdom when it comes to child-rearing. The important thing is, if you have a friend whose kid is turning 3, tell them they are the “thankful threes”—in which you are thankful it’s only a year!

Viva Threes. Viva Viva.

Viva Daddy.

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REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

How can I get everyone in my family to share in changing the toilet paper roll when it’s empty?

Changing TP, asking for directions and talking about “feelings” just aren’t in the male DNA. My suggestion? Hide your own stash, leave the roll empty and try to force the hands of evaluation.

Ryan Salzwedel, Chicago

I realized I just took it upon myself and never even considered asking. I spent a couple minutes showing my young but capable children how to switch out the rolls and now they fight over who gets to do it. Who knew?

Gia Lee, Chicago

Make it a game.

Whoever has collected the most empty rolls or changed it the most often gets to pick dessert one night or gets a special treat!

Jackie Sergeant, Richton Park

I’m the guilty party in my house.

When all else fails, yell down to the kids to bail you out.

It’s a good thing that my husband is very efficient.

Lisa Cheruff, Skokie

I finally broke down and bought a toilet tissue holder, this way the additional rolls of tissue are RIGHT THERE. NO EXCUSES. If all else fails, my youngest daughter finds great pride in changing the roll on her own!

Rani Morrison, Oak Park

Divide and conquer: Used the last sheet? Take the empty roll off of the holder and set it on the closed toilet lid. Tag, you’re it! Next toilet occupant puts the new roll of paper on the holder.

Heather Earnhart, Chicago

Chicago Grammar School Presents The Sapere Aude Speaker Series “Dare to Know” Chicago Grammar School provides a rigorous classical liberal arts education that teaches children to think.

The CGS motto, Sapere Aude – Dare to Know, represents both the process and the endpoint of a classical liberal arts education. Rather than waiting until high school or college, CGS students form the mindset for critical thinking and learn cultural literacy and the integrative nature of knowledge from the very beginning of their educational journey.

William Deresiewicz Renowned Author of “Excellent Sheep”

Akihiko Takahashi, PhD Mathematics Education

Students are losing the ability to think in innovative ways. Deresiewicz delivers a ground-breaking manifesto for people searching for the kind of insight on leading, thinking, and living that elite schools should be—but aren’t—providing, candidly exposing where the system is broken and clearly presenting solutions.

Many schools claim to teach critical thinking.

But what does that practice actually look like? Continuing his dialogue from The New York Times Sunday Magazine article "Why Do Americans Stink at Math?", Dr. Takahashi discusses" teaching through problem solving" as a method to strengthen perseverance and deepen a child's critical thinking ability.

February 5, 2015 7pm

March 9, 2015 7pm

Reserve your ticket at www.chicagogrammar.org Chicago Grammar School

900 N Franklin

Chicago, IL 60610

312-944-5600

www.chicagogrammar.org

30 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Go ahead, BRAG

Show off your child’s photos.

Please include the first names of everyone in the picture, your children’s ages, your hometown and telephone number for verification purposes only.

Email: gallery@chicagoparent.com By sending us your child’s photo, you give us permission to run it now or in the future or to post it on ChicagoParent.com.

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Inspiring CURIOSITY Museums ramp up their game to make learning more fun

W

Kate Larson, 8, hopes all kids are curious. She and her mom, Michelle Larson, President and CEO of Adler, smell a meteor.

PHOTO BY THOMAS KUBIK

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W

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

h it comes to finding hen ways to fuel the natural w ccuriosity of today’s kids, C Chicago is blessed.

The people behind some of the b best educational museums in the ccountry are using the latest technology, n new research on how kids learn and some good old-fashioned fun to give kids every opportunity to let their minds soar.

Put a visit to these five museums on your 2015 to-do list.

Adler Planetarium “Science is always evolving, and the Adler is able to tell a great story of human curiosity, exploration and discovery that spans many centuries,” says Michelle Larson, president and CEO of Adler Planetarium.

It’s well known that children and adults learn best by doing, and Adler prides itself on learning through open exploration and discovery.

“As we continuously push the frontier of discovery, technology is a growing part of how we do science,” Larson says.

Two programs that

“At the Adler we work to build the cycle of wonder, observation and discovery into our experiences.”

Michelle Larson President and CEO of Adler Planetarium

particularly encourage exploration and curiosity are Far Horizons and the variety of Hack Days at the museum.

Far Horizons offers camps, internships and programs where participants design, build and launch experiments flown to heights above 100,000 feet on high-altitude balloons. Students conduct hands-on scientific experiments alongside Adler’s astronomers.

The Youth Hack Days and Tech Camps provide experiences for students to use technology to solve problems and create solutions to issues they face here on Earth or that we will face as we aim to explore other worlds in our solar system.

“At the Adler we work to build the cycle of wonder, observation and discovery into our experiences,” Larson says.

The museum is designed to help kids and their parents to feel empowered to question and to discover—all while having fun, she says.

Museum of Science and Industry

Museum of Science and Industry MSI focuses on making learning fun by inviting every guest to be a participant in their own science learning experience.

“Everywhere you turn in the museum, you can get involved personally with science,” says Rabiah Mayas, director of Science and Integrated Strategies at MSI. “The hands-on and interactive elements allow young people to get their hands dirty and learn what science is for them.”

One such exhibit is the new permanent Numbers in Nature, which teaches about the mathematical patterns all around us.

With the 1,800-squarefoot mirror maze at the center of the exhibit, kids can discover that patterns are everywhere if you just know where to look.

“As society learns and grows and changes, we need to keep at pace with

that,” Mayas says. “And it’s particularly important to stay at pace with the media-savvy youth audience.”

From interactive touch screens in the Science Storms exhibit to the tablet-based Mission to Mars challenge to the Fab Lab modern workshop with 3-D printers and computer controlled laser cutters, MSI has taken into account the different ways children learn and use technology today.

“Science is dynamic and changing, with research always posing new questions and evolving. MSI is well-positioned to reflect that dynamic of science, and it give visitors reasons to keep coming back,” says Mayas.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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INSPIRING CURIOSITY

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DuPage Children’s Museum Children are born curious, and the DuPage Children’s Museum factors that into every part of the museum.

“Exhibits, programs and activities are developed to inspire choice, stimulate thinking and nurture creativity,” says Alison Segebarth, interim director of marketing.

“The first part of our mission statement is to provide self-initiated, open-ended experiences, and we strive to do that in every exhibit.”

Technology and how to incorporate it into the experience is ever-important at DCM. For example, the museum’s Early Learning Research in Action Council has developed a new mobile app for parents.

“The DCM app is designed to give adult visitors more information about the learning objectives of each exhibit and how to support their child’s learning at the museum, as well as how to take the learning home with them through suggestions for home activities,” Segebarth says.

The museum also offers Creativity Classes, for ages 15 months to 10 years, designed to foster children’s joyful learning about the world and themselves.

DuPage Children’s Museum

“We live our mission to foster creativity, thinking and problem-solving skills every day,” says Segebarth.

“We know that at the quick pace the

world is changing and with our goal to provide the highest-quality early learning experiences for children and their families, we have to keep evolving and adapting.”

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34 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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RSVP Prospective Parent Tour February 10 at 9 am

Parent/Child · Toddler · Early Childhood · Elementary · Middle School

Opening Fall 2015

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for Chiaravalle’s 50th school year A new gymnasium, library, and community gathering area, as well as spaces dedicated to the performing and visual arts.

The Field Museum

The Field Museum Stanley Field, the nephew of Field Museum founder Marshall Field, once said, “The Field Museum will move as the world moves, forever keeping abreast of the times and the changes which they bring.”

And the museum today continues to remain true to that core principle.

“The way that people want to use a museum like ours has changed,” says Matt Matcuk, exhibition development director at Field. “More than ever before, we provide kids with an experience that puts them in control of their explorations and discoveries.”

According to Matcuk, when creating exhibitions, museum employees consider kids’ individual learning styles and the need to appeal to a broad array of learning types. They also factor in how to engage children’s senses, feelings and minds.

“We believe that museums are especially powerful learning experiences because they are self-directed,” Matcuk says.

“Children can make decisions that shape the kind of experience they have, and our kind of learning at Field puts the visitor in charge.”

The Field Museum has consistently used technology to create innovative experiences that allow children to explore and discover in ways they never have before. One example is the “Sue” puzzle, where a 5-foot touch screen is mounted at kidlevel to allow visitors to virtually assemble a 3-D digital model of the world’s most famous T. rex by moving its bones into place.

“Yet, one of the most important things to know about using digital technologies to help kids learn is knowing when not to use technology,” adds Matcuk.

“Some of the most powerful experiences children have at our museum come from encounters with real things, such as standing beneath the skeleton of a dinosaur bigger than a school bus.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36

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INSPIRING CURIOSITY

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

Chicago Children’s Museum Curiosity is king at the Chicago Children’s Museum.

“The leading child development research tells us that curiosity and opportunities to explore a variety of experiences, when nurtured in childhood, translate to easier acquisition of new skills and greater selfconfidence through adolescence into adulthood,” says Twania Brewster, vice president of marketing at CCM. “We use the basis of this research to design exhibits and experiences to excite and challenge kids in age-appropriate, play-based activities that build on their innate sense of wonder.”

The museum has quite a few exhibits that hone in on the principles of S.T.E.M. learning with questioning, problem solving, navigating physical space and the idea of cause and effect.

For example, both the Skyline and Tinkering Lab exhibits provide kids the tools, materials

and space to build and create anything they can imagine.

“When we are developing museum experiences that support S.T.E.M. learning, we like to try to imagine what scientists were doing as children: wondering, tinkering and exploring,” says Brewster. “We apply that to our programs, exhibits and museum experiences, rather than trying to focus on what kids should be learning about science.”

From concept to design, CCM has become adept at taking the latest in child development research and linking it to child-directed experiences that support healthy development of every childhood domain— cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional.

“Children learn though play, and that’s at the core of everything we do,” Brewster says.

Megan Murray Elsener is a freelance writer and mother of three.

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*With each full paid Adult admission, get one Child admission for $9.95. Must mention or enter code 995CP at time of purchase to receive discount. Kids must be 12 & under. Cannot be combined with any other discount offer. Valid at the Schaumburg Castle only. Some restrictions may apply. Upgrade packages are additional. Not valid on New Year’s Eve. Expires on 2/13/15.

Enjoy jungle-themed carnival games and crafts, fun activity stations, delicious snacks, a raffle and more.

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ChicagoParent.com January 2015 37

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PlayDate

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Saturday, January 24 • 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the Adler Planetarium Museum Campus, 1300 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605

• Free general admission for up to 500 parents & kids – includes admission to all exhibitions including the ultimate planetary playspace, Planet Explorers • Interactive science stations including Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Making, Slime Science, Stomp rockets, Balloon rockets and Young Astronaut Training • Telescope observing (weather permitting) • Meet Adler astronomers and find out about what’s in the night sky during open hours in the Space Visualization Lab • raffles for prizes including memberships • exclusive discounts at the Adler Store and Café • One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure planetarium show tickets available for $5 each

Registration required - Visit ChicagoParent.com for info!

38 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Fulfilling A NEED

Why three Chicago moms opened their own schools

A

BY SAMANTHA SORDYL PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK PINC s parents, we all have those moments when we desperately want to change something about our children’s lives. It might be their friend group, their attitude or their school. Something isn’t sitting right with us and we know we need to find a better opportunity.

When three moms could not find a school they felt lived up to their expectations for their kids in Chicago, they took a leap of faith and started their own. They did it with the support of family and the partnership of their spouses, and in one case, the partnership of her mother.

Nakisha Hobbs, Village Leadership Academy Nakisha Hobbs attended a lot of elementary schools in Chicago as a child. While her mother—a 17-year-old single mom—attended college, they lived in some of the city’s low-income neighborhoods.

“I think I experienced first-hand the fact that schools are so different depending on income level and neighborhood,” Hobbs says.

This became most apparent after a move to a middle-class neighborhood in Omaha, Neb. “Immediately I knew that my life was going to be different than children who I loved and who were growing up with my own family back in Chicago,” Hobbs says. “I had gone through life with blinders on, and those blinders were removed and the world opened up to me more fully” at that Nebraska school, she says.

Taking the blinders off for CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

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SCHOOLS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

kids is what Hobbs works to do every day as principal of Village Leadership Academy, the K-8 social justice elementary school in Chicago’s South Loop that she co-founded with her mother and best friend from college.

It started 10 years ago with a preschool program on Chicago’s West Side, It Takes a Village, where they still introduce science, early literacy and regular field trips. The now three preschool programs and the Village Leadership Academy combined serve 700 students.

“Some of the things we do are rigorous hands-on academic curriculums focused on developing the whole child for a particular purpose,” she says about the academy. “And that purpose is to be a leader and to be an innovator.”

Many experiences led to Hobbs starting the school. For one, she wanted a preschool

or day care for her young daughter that offered highquality programs where kids could “explore and experience the world in different ways,” she says. She also realized she did not want to be a sociology professor after majoring in sociology and African American Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She became interested in education while tutoring children who had repeated third grade.

“This desire within me to create an educational institution for children like me and for my very own children, I could not resist it,” she says.

Hobbs also has her master’s in early childhood education from Roosevelt University.

Today, Village Leadership Academy buses in students.

Half of its 500 students are from the Humboldt Park and Austin areas, the other half come from middle-income families.

The school participates in programs like the world scholars program where students study a country for an entire year, consider contemporary issues and then travel to that country to experience life there. Students have traveled to Brazil, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.

For as much forward momentum as this school has had, it hasn’t all been easy.

“I guess the biggest challenge is financial,” Hobbs says. “Eighty percent of students in school can’t afford to pay tuition.”

Hobbs, who lives in North Lawndale with her husband and four children, ages 12, 8, 6 and 2, looks to her kids to help develop the academy. One day Hobbs’s daughter told her, “Teachers keep telling us we can change the world, but they don’t tell us how.” That got Hobbs thinking, why can’t kids change things right now through local campaigns and grassroots campaigns?

Since then, Hobbs has had a first-grader lobby for more money for homelessness while fifth-graders have addressed domestic violence and the need for more playground space in the city.

“Our children’s passion about making a difference in the world, I think that has been totally mind blowing,” Hobbs says.

SHE SNORES MOREMORE SHE SNORES THAN THAN I DO, BUT I DO,I STILL BUT I STILL LOVE MY LOVEHUMAN. MY HUMAN. — BANDIT — BANDIT adopted 11-26-09 adopted 11-26-09

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Fosca White, Montessori Academy of Chicago Fosca White and her husband Bill live just six blocks from Montessori Academy of Chicago, the school they founded in 2006 in the West Loop. But years ago, their professional lives were a world apart from careers in education.

In New York City, White had what she calls a “cushy” first law job as the deputy corporate counsel for the boutique hotel chain Club Quarters after graduating from New York University and NYU School of Law. Bill was an investment banker.

“We were living the high life in New York City,” she says.

After moving to Denver, the couple, who attended Montessori as children themselves, enrolled their son in a Montessori school they came to love while continuing their careers.

It wasn’t until the couple moved to Chicago in 2004 and enrolled their oldest in day care that they considered starting a full-day early childhood Montessori school of their own.

White says they really started to see

a difference in their son as he attended day care. Every element of “grace and courtesy” their son had picked up in Montessori in Colorado started to fade away, she says. Their second son arrived, and the couple felt both boys, now ages 12 and 9, really needed Montessori’s educational foundation, she says.

They could not find a full-day early childhood Montessori school in Chicago, so they created one that built both a strong community and a strong academic program.

“For us it really wasn’t about creating a school as much as it was fulfilling a need,” White says.

They incorporated in March 2006. The school started with just three students that August in the Whites’ condo on Lakeshore Drive. By February 2007, they opened their school in the West Loop to 75 students. The school now offers infant classes through eighth grade for about 300 students.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

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But their journey was not without a few hurdles. “We decided we wanted to try to open a zero to 6 center that would meet the needs of the child first and the needs of the parents first,” she says.

But “could you meet the really stringent regulations of DCFS and have a really highly education program?”

White thinks they have.

The school is dedicated to “the authentic Montessori model and vision to be true to what Maria Montessori was looking for—the intuitive love of learning that gets sparked within

children,” White says.

They work to get infants to feel safe and trusting, to get toddlers on their way to independence and to engage older children who are involved in decisions like naming their classrooms after sun systems.

White says she feels they are meeting their goals— and that of the students.

“You are looking at them and you really start to see where they are going,” White says. “It’s just an incredible vision. And to see it taking shape has been amazing. I mean, beyond amazing.”

5:30-7:00 pm Preschool/Pre-K Saturday, February 28 and Saturday, April 18 9:00-10:30 AM

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Linda Jackson, Chicago Grammar School Years ago when friends started debating where to send their kids to school, Linda and Phillip Jackson got talking about their hopes for their own young son’s education.

“So many, many evenings of discussion turned into, ‘Wouldn’t this be really, really amazing if we could make the ideal happen?’” Linda Jackson says.

The couple opened the school of their dreams in 2005; Chicago Grammar School is a classical liberal arts elementary school for students preschool through eighth grade at 900 N. Franklin.

Phillip, who had prior

experience in education, pulled inspiration from his career in the “learning disabilities world” where there are no one-size-fits-all approaches to education.

Chicago Grammar works to optimize learning for each student in a similar way, she says.

Another main goal: “Fundamentally when you cut through everything, our programs teach kids to think,” Jackson says. “It’s not rote memorizations; it’s not learn for a test. It’s a constant interaction that happens to get answers back that are not always necessarily obvious.”

In the beginning, Jackson was still practicing law.

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she quickly left her law career behind to become assistant director.

“Hindsight being 20/20, I wonder how much of it was baptism by fire,” she says.

Her role has evolved

She graduated from Loyola University of Chicago in math and computer science and graduated law school from the University of Notre Dame.

Phillip took off a year to put things for the school together and work through the ups and downs of securing a space— their biggest struggle early on.

Once the school did open, “I was just going to come in once in a while” to care for the business side of things, she says. But

over the years, from popping in and still doing law to kind of “being the face” of the school.

“Not having run our own business before, we realized it is critical who answers the phone,” she says.

Of those original families, Jackson says, “They entrusted their child to us based on what we said, and you know, it has all worked out so well. I am really very appreciative of them, because without those risk takers, no new business ever gets going.”

Jackson has worn a lot of hats at Chicago Grammar. One of her pride and joys? Putting together the school library, which is “a very selective library that ties to the curriculum” full of classical and ancient texts. “It’s been challenging and very rewarding to find the right book,” she says, such as a Romulus and Remus reader that went out of print years ago.

Friends have asked, “Do you miss practicing law?” Sure, she says she misses the international travel that was part of her job.

But growing something from a seed and taking on new roles as it has flourished is a pretty amazing journey all on its own.

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, Chicago Grammar has grown from 10 students to nearly 100.

“Now people are saying, ‘I’ve heard of you guys,’” says Jackson, “And that is very, very exciting.”

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Register by March 1, 2015 & get the Early Bird Special!

Visit bakerdemschool.org.

ChicagoParent.com January 2015 43

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yes!

JUST SAY

Liz and Eric DeChant play with their kids, Autumn and Joe, at the renovated playground near their home.

HEATHER MIKUISKIS PHOTOGRAPHY

MAKE 2015 THE YEAR TO PURSUE YOUR DREAMS

I

BY CORTNEY FRIES

t’s a new year. A fresh opportunity to be more open and optimistic.

In a time when experts are challenging parents to say no more often to overcommitment, why not try something new or finally say yes to an activity that’s been calling you or your kids?

These four Chicago families did, and it helped them see the world in a whole new way.

Yes to:

Renovating a playground Liz DeChant

Why did you say yes to leading a playground renovation?

I was working full-time when I felt a calling to stay home with the kids.

Four days after my “retirement,” I got an email from the Chicago Park

District saying Chicago Plays! applications for park improvements were due in 14 days. It was serendipity. We live across the street from the park, in the house my husband grew up in. We knew it needed updates, and my passion and interests are in community improvement.

How did it impact your family and the community?

My husband and I both had to say

yes to the sacrifice. It was a busy few months of grant writing, gathering signatures and aligning key stakeholders. Our 11-year-old son helped with documentation. He video-recorded problem areas at the park and brainstormed new equipment with friends.

He felt empowered and good about what we were doing.

Our daughter was the first one down the new slide. It was satisfying to see parents encounter the renovated park for the first time.

Now that we have the ball rolling with an organized committee, I’d like to broaden our impact and introduce more programs. Everybody benefits when we work together.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

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JUST SAY YES

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Yes to: Flying Lara Krupicka and daughter Katherine, 13 Why did you say yes to flying?

Friends talked about the EEA Young Eagles Program, which offers free flights in small planes for kids 8-17. Years ago I worked for a man who owned a Cessna Skyhawk. If it was a nice day, we would take off early and fly. I told my three girls it was really cool and that they should try it. Being the author of Family Bucket Lists, I try to live a bucket list life. Our daughters are learning the idea of being adventurous. They perked up when friends mentioned flying, so I knew we needed to make it a goal.

How has flying impacted Katherine?

She used to be a very cautious child. It’s such a big world. I told her she needed to break out. To get on a plane with no shelter, that’s adventure. She loves it so much, she makes sure we go each month. She’s researched aviation and done online training.

Katherine flying Breezy

She wants to get her pilot’s license and deliver missionary supplies to remote areas.

What advice do you have for families seeking new experiences?

Prioritize the things that bring you together versus pull you apart.

www.classiccinemas.com

Moms also need to not forget about themselves.

Say yes to a dream and model it for your kids. You can tell children to embrace opportunities, but when they see you doing it, that’s when it sticks. Maybe try a parent-child adventure.

Summer Camp for Kids with Special Needs Offering 8-week, full day, and overnight integrated camp options.

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For more information, call 847-205-0274 or visit keshet.org.

A RAINBOW OF HOPE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

46 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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If it’s important to you and your child, it’s important to us.

That’s what Life Essentials® is all about.

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You want your children to enjoy days filled with learning and fun, that build critical skills to help prepare them for school.

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McKenna Szorc, 9, Zach Ren, 18, and Richie Szorc Jr., 11

Yes to:

Hosting a Chinese exchange student Mary Beth Szorc and exchange student Zach, 18 Why did you say yes to hosting an exchange student?

I wanted to grow the family but medically could not carry another child.

I give manicures to the woman in charge of handselecting Chinese exchange students for DePaul College Prep. She mentioned they have a hard time finding host families. I said I would be interested. That was August 2013. We

never said another word about it. On Jan. 5, 2014, I got an email saying there were six students coming, would it be OK if we took a boy named Zach? He was here three days later. My heart just melted as soon as he walked in, his smile is so contagious.

What have you learned from this experience?

We’ve learned how completely different the Chinese culture is from ours. They don’t express emotion as much. I want Zach to know that here we laugh, cry and hug. It teaches my kids that it’s not just us. There’s more to do, more to give.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

Arlington HeigHts 847.603.4500 BAtAviA 630.761.4500 BolingBrook 630.679.9400 CArpentersville 847.844.8600 CrystAl lAke 815.893.0924 nAperville 630.416.8000 plAinfield 815.609.0900 streAmwood 630.497.0200 www.kiddieacademy.com/Chicago

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Where ?

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12/8/14 9:56 AM

Building J Dance Studio Northeastern Illinois University 5500 N. St. Louis Avenue Chicago, IL 60625 773.442.5916 info@ensembleespanol.org

www.EnsembleEspanol.org

When?

Tuesdays, January 13 – May 5, 2015 Recital – May 5, 2015 Class rates: $200 per session Adult classes also available

In residence at Northeastern Illinois University

In residence at Northeastern Illinois University

ChicagoParent.com January 2015 47

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JUST SAY YES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47

Yes to:

Modeling and acting Amy Williams* and son Aidan, 6 Why did you say yes to Aidan modeling and acting?

My friend, who used to be in the industry, asked if we’d ever considered it. When Aidan was 4, they needed kids his age for a commercial. He got an audition. He didn’t get the part, which wasn’t surprising, but the producer said he did great. It really sparked his interest. He kept bugging me, “When do I get to do another audition?” I figured why not?

In the past six months, Aidan has modeled for clothing and education companies, acted in a theater production and filmed two commercials. It’s playing pretend and he loves it.

Aidan acting

How has it affected Aidan?

He’s always been a shy and reserved kid, so I didn’t ever think he would thrive in this business. But his confidence has really gone up. That’s

been fun to watch. At school he’s more apt to communicate with teachers, where before he would keep his struggles inside, get frustrated or break down. He’s finding himself.

*mom requested last name changed Cortney Fries is a Chicago mom of two and frequent Chicago Parent contributor.

Find us on Facebook Join the Twitter party!

Follow us @ChicagoParent

is part of your favorite social networks

On Pinterest pinterest.com/chiparent

48 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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BOOK PEOPLE UNITE

Help us get books to kids in need.

Help us get books to kids in need.

TAKE THE PLEDGE TAKE THE PLEDGE BookPeopleUnite.org BookPeopleUnite.org All trademarks and copyrights are properties of their respective owners.

All trademarks and copyrights are properties of their respective owners.

ChicagoParent.com January 2015 49

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Chill

(

8 places to laugh in the face of winter

L 2

)

BY KEELY FLYNN isten, we know it’s chilly outside. But before you throw in the (frozen) towel and relegate yourself to an inside existence until June, check out these bundle-worthy Chicagoland locales to enjoy this (seemingly endless) season.

Turns out, the place you love to hike when spring fever hits, summer shade beckons and fall leaves are in need of crunching is also the place where winter trails sparkle brighter than Arendelle. The Nature Center—one of Chicago’s best secret/not-so-secret urban retreats—boasts a fun discovery room when you want to cozy up and some lovely (and well-marked!) trails when you don’t.

5801 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago (312) 744-5472 chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/ North-Park-Village-Nature-Center

Ice skating at Warren Park

Think that skating on the Mag Mile is the only game in town? Think again. Head north to Warren Park to give the Chicago Blackhawks Ice Rink a spin and, while there, (carefully) pat yourself on the back for your frugality. It’s free! Ice skate rentals run you $6, but the ability to enjoy some rink time without the downtown hoards? Priceless.

6601 N. Western Ave., Chicago (773) 761-8663 chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/warren-park

1

North Park Nature Center

3

Lake Michigan beach stroll

If you’re strong enough to brave chilly lakeshore breezes, tthen may bee hen yo he yyou u ma m ay ju jjust st b st rewarded with frosty footprints r nt ri nts on o an an empty em mptty beach, unparalleled skyline vi downvviews ew ws of of d own ow n-town (try North Avenue Beach!) acch h h!) !)) aand nd some nd som ome me positively gorgeous vistas across powerful crro cros osssss a po p owe werffu ull body of water. Obviously, swimming wim mm miing n isn’t isn n’t recommended this time of year, year, eaar, r, especially esp pec e iaall lly ly without a lifeguard on duty. y. (That (Th T aatt is is obviobvi ob bvi vous, right?)

1600 N. Lake Shore Drive,, Chic C Ch Chicago hiiccag ago go (312) 742-5121 chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/ ark kss// north-avenue-beach

50 JJanuary 50 anua an uary ry 2 2015 015 Ch 01 C ChicagoParent.com hiic cag ago oP Pa Par arre en ntt..co com

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Hibernate 8 places to come in out of the cold

I

BY KEELY FLYNN t’s way too cold to be outside, Chicagoland—and it’ll remain that way until roughly June.

Alr Already fighting the cabin fever?

Giv Give these spots a whirl and start feeling the sweet, sweet relief. fee

1 4

Sledding at Soldier Field

So the Bears aren’t exactly working Soldier Field this season, but that’s no reason you can’t. Renovations a few years back included the construction of a mammoth hill, which is just perfect for sledding. And, since it’s free, you can definitely plan on hitting the slope with the coolest (and chilliest) of your friends.

425 E. McFetridge Drive, Chicago (312) 235-7000 soldierfield.net

The Sod Room

Tiny tree-huggers unite! The eco-friendly Sod Room in the South Loop proudly offers sustainable toys, features reclaimed floors and uses natural light whenever possible. Throw in workshops geared towards creating more environmentally savvy parents and a gift shop chock-full of local, organic, fair trade and recycled products, and you’ve got a playspace option good for the body, soul and world. (Feels pretty great, doesn’t it?)

1454 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 922-3131 sodroom.com

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2

Bubbles Academy

A pioneer in the Chicago playplace scene, this immaculate multi-room emporium of fun has it all: music, exciting playrooms, and—of course—bubbles for days. The cleanliness and friendliness exuded at Bubbles Academy is top notch, and the open play in the Meadow Room is a truly lovely place to while away an afternoon. (Followed closely behind by the Ocean Room, the Mountain Room, the Tree House…)

1504 N. Fremont St., Chicago (312) 944-7677 bubblesacademy.com

3

Children’s Treehouse at Northbrook Court

Listen, we get it. Sometimes you have to run your own errands and not spend the day catering to the demands of the shortest (and often loudest) members of the family. Here’s a solution that’ll make you both happy: Head to Northbrook Court and take advantage of a stellar indoor (seasonally changing!) treehouse, just perfect for those 46 inches and under. Ready for this? It’s free. Saving you a bit more change for that Burberry jacket you’ve been eyeing.

1515 Lake Cook Road, Northbrook (847) 498-8161 northbrookcourt.com

5

4

Peekaboo Playroom

With story times, special family-friendly events and a gentle environment, Peekaboo Playroom is a hit with the younger set. Tell Grandma and Grandpa to come play, too: every Thursday is Grandparents’ Day with a 15 percent off discount for the cutie in all those wallet photos.

206 S. Marion St., Oak Park (708) 848-4815 peekabooplayroom.com

52 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Pump It Up

Kids love to jump and, at times, it seems a biological necessity to do just that. Pump It Up’s clean, safe and climate-controlled inflatables let kids burn off steam without sacrificing your greataunt’s lamp. Worried your smallest adventurers might get trampled?

Check out their special Open Play sessions for kiddos under 42 inches tall, proving that—yet again— people really are looking out for the little guy (and gal).

821 W. Eastman St., Chicago (and various locations around Chicagoland) (312) 664-7867 pumpitupparty.com/chicago-il

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5

6

Horse-drawn carriage ride

Do your kids only see the city lights as they’re whipping by on Lake Shore Drive?

Slow your pace and take a step back in time on a horse-drawn carriage ride around downtown Chicago. Imagine: enjoying the bustle without focusing on turn signals or bus schedules!

That’s worth the price of admission right there.

806 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago (312) 988-9090 chicagocarriage.com

Tubing at Villa Olivia

For those who take their careening downhill a tad more seriously than others, head to the northwest suburbs and take advantage of Villa Olivia’s awesome course, a conveyor belt (aka the Magic Carpet) and two hours of fast-paced fun. Kids under 6 get to share your ride—and your ticket price!

1401 W. Lake St., Bartlett (630) 289-1000 bartlettparks.org/villa-olivia

CONTINUED ON PAGE 54

e Friend k a M New Friends

s at Camp Anok ijig!

Person a l h

Growt

Positive Values p • Overnight, resident cam 6 7-1 s age ls, Gir & s • Boy ty • Traditional and Special s plu ies, activit ms, • HORSES, teen progra s trip ure and advent

s geou Outra n!

Fu 1 or • Sessions from 4 days to fun! r me sum of ks wee re mo • Kids love us; Parents trust us • Online Registration Available

800-741-6931 www.anokijig.com Plymouth, WI

Enter to win $500 toward camp tuition.

Camp & Summer Adventure Fair

Sunday, February 8, 2015 from 11am-3pm.

Daniel Wright Junior High School 1370 Riverwoods Road, Lincolnshire www.ptocampfair.weebly.com

MEDIA Connecting with families

Illinois Section

pto@d103.org

• FREE Admission • Meet Directors and Counselors • Over 60 local and national Summer programs represented • Covers Preschool to High School • A unique adventure for every child ChicagoParent.com January 2015 53

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7

Snowshoeing at Northerly Island

Scenic Northerly Island is the perfect place to try your hand (or foot) at strapping on some snowshoes and hitting the open fields.

Feeling more stationary? Plop down anywhere in the 91-acre peninsula and roll up a snowman, create a snowball arsenal—or make a solid plan to warm up in the field house.

1400 S. Lynn White Drive, Chicago (312) 745-2910 chicagoparkdistrict.com/snowshoe-and-crosscountry-ski-at-northerly-island

You can see the wonderful impact The Little Gym can have on your child when you join us for an introductory experience.

Winter/Spring Session Begins Jan. 26th! Enroll TODAY! The Little Gym of Chicago www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL (773) 525-5750

Preschool at ACS Guiding Bright & Gifted Children Onward & Upward

8

Waterfall Glen

Junior Kindergarten (4-5 year olds) INFO NIGHT: January 8 @ 6:30pm Early Childhood (3-4 year olds) TOUR: January 7 @ 8:15am

CONTACT US: www.averycoonley.org admission@averycoonley.org 630-969-0800

One of the most scenic parts of Illinois, the geologically impressive Waterfall Glen features more than 2,000 acres of stunning nature, all formed from one gigantic, ancient glacier. Past fun has included nature walks, model airplane events, and all manner of outdoorsy ways to enjoy your own personal Terabithia.

Main entrance on Northgate Road, Darien (630) 933-7200 dupageforest.org

54 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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6

Exploritorium

A sensory wonderland, Exploritorium is a place to build, make music, play with water and dress up in costumes galore. The braver among you will definitely need to check out the two-and-ahalf-story climbing tubes and tunnels for hours and hours of fun.

(Best of all? They even let you bring your children.)

4701 Oakton St., Skokie (847) 674-1500 skokieparks.org/exploritorium

7

Legoland

Once you become a parent, you’re contractually obligated to live, breathe occasionally step on Legos. Legoland in and occa Schaumburg is a discovery center of the order, featuring music classes, coolest o ways to explore and more interlockway ing bricks than you can shake a DUPLO tree at. And with Toddler Tuesdays, your tiny builder can enjoy activities tailored to their small selves—with an admission fee as wee as they are.

601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg 6 (847) 592-9700 legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago

8

The Wishcraft Workshop

Does your budding Picasso crave all the hands-on art time she can get? The Wishcraft Workshop’s Merry Pop-Ins Marvelous Mornings are picture perfect for indulging in a little rightbrained fun. And the charmingly artistic decor of this North Center establishment will have you wishing to host your own shindig here, too. (Spoiler: You can!)

3907 N. Damen Ave., Chicago (773) 348-WISH (9474) growartists.com

ChicagoParent.com January 2015 55

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camp 2015 // special advertising section Daycamp Avery Coonley

Summer Program 1400 W. Maple Ave., Downers Grove (630) 969-0800, option 2 averycoonley.org

Chicago Grammar School 900 N. Franklin, Chicago (312) 944-5600 chicagogrammar.org

Dolphin Swim Club Crystal Lake, Skokie (847) 854-1300 dolphinswimclub.com

Lakefront Children’s Academy 400 E. Randolph, Ste. 6B, Chicago (312) 819-1760 lakefrontchildrensacademy.com

Little Green Tree House Preschool and Childcare 118 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago (312) 492-9876 littlegreentreehouse.com

Concordia Language Villages Camp 901 8th Avenue S. Moorehead, MI (800) 222-4750 Concordialanguagevillages.org

DePaul University School of Music/Community Music Division

Music instruction for all ages in a university setting 804 W. Belden Ave., Chicago (773) 325-7262 Music.depaul.edu/cmd

Keshet

A Rainbow of Hope for Individuals with Special Needs 3210 Dundee Rd., Northbrook (847) 205-0274 keshet.org

Lifeline Theatre

Summer Drama Camps 6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago (773) 761-4477 lifelinetheatre.com

Montessori Academy of Chicago

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts 6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-3456 Master-SH-Yu.com

Summer@ NNM

(see under DayCamp)

Field Trip Adler Planetarium see Day Camps

Chicago Children’s Museum Navy Pier 700 E. Grand, Chicago (312) 527-1000 chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Step back in time with epic battles, royal feasts, and romance 2001 N Roselle Rd., Schaumburg (888) 935-6878 medievaltimes.com

Pump It Up Party Orland Park (708) 479-2220 Chicago (312) 664-PUMP pumpitupparty.com

Overnight Animal Camp Jamaica

Seven Palms Villa Runaway Bay Jamaica (573) 458-2125 AnimalCampJamaica.com

Camp Anokijig W5639 Anokijig Lane Plymouth, WI 53073 (800) 741-6931 or (920) 893-0782 anokijig.com/home.html

Cub Creek Science and Animal Camp (573) 458-2125 MyAnimalCamp.com

Camp Resources Camp & Summer Adventure Fair

February 8, 11am-3pm Daniel Wright Junior High School 1370 Riverwoods Rd., Lincolnshire ptocampfair.weebly.com

1335 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 243-0977 montessoriacademychicago.org

Summer@NNM

(Summer at Near North Montessori) 1434 W Division, Chicago (773) 269-6205 summer.nnms.org

Oakbrook Terrace Park District Summer Day Camps 1S325 Ardmore Ave., Villa Park (630) 627-6100 obtpd.org

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

Summer Lab 2015-University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Adventure Kids Day Camp/Summer School (773) 834-7766 summerlab.org

Specialty Camps Adler Planetarium

Now Boarding-Deep Space Adventure 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 322-0329 adlerplanetarium.org

Center for Enriched Living 280 Saunders Rd., Riverwoods (847) 948-7001 CenterForEnrichedLiving.org 56 January 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section // A Fairytale Ballet Where imagination and dance live happily ever after.

A beautiful beginning to ballet for 18 months-17 years & birthday parties.

Now Open in Bucktown/ Wicker Park!

Locations also in Lakeview and North Evanston AFairytaleBallet.com

Adler Planetarium Now Boarding-Deep Space Adventure 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago (312) 922-STAR alderplanetarium.org

Chicago Children’s Museum Located at Navy Pier Chicago (312) 527-1000 chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences DePaul’s Merle Reskin Theatre 60 E. Balbo Dr., Chicago (312) 922-1999 theatreschool.depaul.edu

DePaul University School of Music/Community Music Division Music instruction for all ages in a university setting 804 W. Belden Ave., Chicago (773) 325-7262 Music.depaul.edu/cmd

Disney on Ice FROZEN Jan 21-26 - Allstate Arena Jan 29-Feb 8 – United Center (800) 745-3000 Ticketmaster.com

Lifeline Theatre

Arts Education Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts and Fitness Associates We’ll help your child’s strength and confidence 6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park (708) 383-3456 Master-SH-Yu.com

Lions in Illyria Jan 10-Feb 15 6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago (773) 761-4477 lifelinetheatre.com

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

McAninch Arts Center

Skokie Park District

College of DuPage Family Events 425 Fawell Blvd.

Glen Ellyn (630) 942-4000 AtTheMAC.org

I-90 & Roselle Rd., Schaumburg (888) WE-JOUST (935-6878) medievaltimes.com 9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 SkokieParks.org

TWEEN STARS LIVE! Star Plaza Theatre Sunday, January 25 Ticketmaster: (800) 745-3000 Starplazatheatre.com

ChicagoParent.com January 2015 57

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Perfect 5-star rating on Yelp Chicago’s best-reviewed magician

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Natures Creatures Animal Show

A fun Exotic Educational Animal Show for kids & adults of all ages!

• Snakes • Frogs • Bunnies • Lizards • Giant Turtles • Spiders • Ducks • Talking Parrots • Alligators • Pony Rides

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Call: 630-816-2288 www.cloeclown.com

As seen on WGN, WTTW, and NBC Local!

224-676-1635 630-393-3322 Children’s birthday parties a specialty with balloon animals, face painting, silly story telling with puppetry, magic, Award-winning games, prizes,magician goody bags and more with over 30 years experience!

All Birthday Shows include balloon animals and live rabbits!

Also offering Face Painting!

Don’t miss our newest magic trick, “BirthDAy ChilD levitAteS”

Magical Entertainment for all occasions!

630-855-4521 toll free:855-KDM-AGIC

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When you you’re loaded down with a diaper bag, groce groceries and whatever soccer equipment the kids left behind, you might equipmen feel a bit llike a pack mule. But have you ever wond wondered if you have what it takes to be a sled dog? Fin Find out at Musher Mania, which features a “human m mushing” activity, plus a snowshoe race, marshmallows over a campfire and other huskythemed fun. The day da also includes presentations about Siberian huskies husk and sled dog teams showing off their skills. We suggest s finishing off your day with at-home viewing viewin of a sled dog movie (try “Iron Will”). Free. Noon-4 p.m. Jan. 10. Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Ave., Av Monee. (708) 534-8499, reconnectwithnature.org. reconnectwithnatur

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As far as we’re concerned, cold winter nights call for cozy reading by a fire.

Discover some new favorite books and authors at iRead Book Fest, a celebration of the written word just for kids. It includes the chance to meet some award-winning writers and hear books read aloud, plus family ily entertainer Chris Fascione, who brings children’s stories to life with performances that combine acting, storytelling, comedy and juggling. Be sure to buy a new book to take home for maximum m cozy reading. Free. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 10. Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park. (847) 432-0216, hplibrary.org.

Looking Look Lo oking g for an escape from your frozen fate? Head to the the C Chicago Travel & Adventure Show, where you can can map ma out your next getaway (real or imaginary). nary na ry). ry ). It ).

I includes camel rides, rock-climbing and penguin peeng ngui uin ui n visits, viisi s ts ts,, as well as cooking demonstrations and the Global Gllob G oball Beat Bea eatt Stage.

Sta And of course, more than 1,200 travel Stag St experts are on hand to help find, plan and book that dream vacay. (Funding it is on you.) $16, $25 two-day; free kids 16 and under. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 17; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 18. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. (203) 878-2577 ext. 100, travelshows. com/chicago.

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THURSDAY

NEW YEAR’S DAY PLAY. Welcome the New Year with Pump It Up. $12.

10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. or 1-3 p.m.

Pump It Up Chicago, 821 W. Eastman St., Chicago. (312) 664-7867, pumpit upchicago.com.

NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION. Ring in 2015 with balloon drops at noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Guests also can enjoy the center’s nine attractions, including the Jungle Expedition, Kingdom Quest Laser Ride, LEGO 4D Cinema and more. Free with admission.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Legoland Discovery Center, The Streets of Woodfield (next to Woodfield Mall), 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. (847) 592-9700, legolanddiscoverycenter.com/chicago.

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FRIDAY

WINTER DAY CAMP. Today’s theme

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SATURDAY SUBURBS

FUN FEST. Families can prep for the Chicago Wolves game in the Skyline Room across the street from the arena’s north entrance. Play games, create posters, enjoy music and take part in other activities.

5-6:30 p.m. Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. (800) THE-WOLVES, chicagowolves.com.

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SUNDAY SUBURBS

SEWING SUNDAYS. Kids learn how to make basic sewing stitches to create a potpourri pillow. All materials are provided and artists can select dried flowers and herbs to fill their pillows. $3 material fee. 1-3 p.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

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MONDAY

MESSY MONDAYS: MY FIRST MONOPRINT. Kids learn how to

make a unique print by painting on plexi-glass, using tempera paints, brushes, rollers, combs and Q-tips to make a variety of marks, and transferring the images to paper by using hands or wooden spoons. Dress for messy experiences. Free with museum admission. 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville.

(630) 637-8000, dupagechildrens museum.org.

T:10”

is Quiet and Loud. Campers in pre-K through grade 4 investigate animal communication. Full-day and halfday programs are available. $27-$67 per day. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago.

(312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

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MOONLIT SKI. Families with kids 6 and up cross-country ski by the light of the moon, then head inside to warm up with a warm beverage and a snack. $13, $8 kids (includes ski rental). 6-8 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

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WEDNESDAY

STROLLER TOURS. Tours are designed to allow adults to explore the galleries on a guided tour along with their babies and young children

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the February issue is Dec. 29. All events are subject to change. Please call the event sponsor at the number listed to confirm before you go.

Events taking place on four or more dates during the month are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 72.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

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Celebrrat a ion of Winter SSeee Ja Jan. n. 31

in strollers. Free with museum admission. 11:30 a.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. (312) 280-2660, mcachicago.org.

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THURSDAY

ALL ABOUT SHAPE. Kids 15-24

months, with adult, explore geometric shapes through patterns, stamping and collage. Plus, develop gross and fine motor skills with the use of scissors, brushes and hands. $20 pair, $14 member pair. 9:30-10 a.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

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FRIDAY

OWL PROWL. Kids 6 and up, with adult, spend a few minutes inside with

a Heller naturalist learning about owls with hands-on games and activities, then head outside for a night hike to listen for owls calling in the wild. $6.

7-8 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

Homewood Flossmoor Park District, 3301 Flossmoor Road, Flossmoor.

(708) 957-0300, hfparks.com.

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p.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. (312) 280-2660, mcachicago.org.

SATURDAY CHICAGO

SUBURBS COMEDY OF ERRORS. Skokie. See

Jan. 9.

COMEDY OF ERRORS. Hilarious hijinks ensue as two sets of twins meet in the town of Syracuse after many years of separation. Tickets available at the door or online at brownpapertickets.com/event/950877. $12, $10 students. 7:30 p.m. Mayer Kaplan JCC, 5050 Church St., Skokie. gojcc.org.

FAMILY COOKING CLASS: LA GALETTE DES ROIS. Kids 7-10

FILM ON FROZEN FRIDAY. Put on winter PJs and join a fun-filled family night out at the Irwin Center. Favorite movie treats are available while enjoying Disney’s Oscar-winning Frozen. $2, $1 resident. 6-8 p.m.

FAMILY DAY: WONDER. This Family Day invites visitors to stretch their imaginations and explore the cosmos, just like contemporary artists Sarah and Joseph Belknap. Free for families with kids under 12. 11 a.m.-3

learn how tasty, simple and pleasant French cooking can be. $35 parent/ child pair; $50 family pass (maximum four). 2-4 p.m. Alliance Francaise de Chicago, 810 N. Dearborn St. (312) 337-1070, af-chicago.org.

NORTHBROOK WINTER CARNIVAL. Celebrate the season

with indoor and outdoor activities at this annual family event. Check website for schedule. Meadowhill Park, 1479 Maple Ave., Northbrook.

(847) 291-2995, nbparks.org.

TINY GREAT PERFORMANCES: CUSTOMS AROUND THE WORLD, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ARTS MARIONETTES. Join

a marionette cast in an interactive, cabaret performance that introduces

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CALENDAR customs from around the world. Free with museum admission. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville.

(630) 637-8000, dupagechildrens museum.org.

WE CHOOSE HEALTH. Kids get to

be the doctor as they interact with local medical students, find a pulse, learn about lungs, test reflexes and explore ways to stay healthy. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

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SUNDAY

SUBURBS WINTERFEST. Live music,

winter crafts, snow-sculpting contest, photo contest, bog tours and more.

Donations are accepted. Noon-4 p.m.

Volo Bog State Natural Area, 28478 W. Brandenburg Road, Ingleside.

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

COMEDY OF ERRORS. Skokie. See Jan. 9. Today’s time is 3 p.m.

WILMETTE FAMILY BINGO. Special bingo boards feature images of Wilmette landmarks that the whole family will recognize, in addition to historic photos from the museum’s collection. Check website for cost.

2:45-4 p.m. Wilmette Historical Museum, 609 Ridge Road, Wilmette.

(847) 853-7666, wilmettehistory.org.

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MONDAY

FACE PAINTING AND PIZZA FOR SUPER HEROES. Kids can get their

game face painted on in between bites of pizza and plenty of playtime. Bring a costume. $25 adult/child pair; $10 siblings and additional adults. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Purple Monkey Playroom, 2040 N. Western Ave., Chicago. (773) 7728411, purplemonkeyplayroom.com.

MESSY MONDAYS: MIXING COLORS PAINT! Kids use tempera

and watercolor paint to learn about color mixing and primary and

secondary colors, plus listen to the book Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh. Dress for messy experiences.

Free with museum admission. 10 a.m.-noon. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupage childrensmuseum.org.

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TUESDAY

COOL WINTER ART. Kids 2-4,

with adult, sculpt with snow, paint with ice and watch it melt when shaken with salt and paint. $23 pair; $17 member pair. 9:30-10:15 a.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

14 | WEDNESDAY INSECT ZOO. The experts from Anderson Pest Solutions introduce children to nature’s Good Guy bugs, such as Hercules beetles, giant lubber grasshoppers, giant pumpkin millipedes and more. Find out how these insects contribute

to our environment. Free with museum admission. 10 a.m.-noon.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupagechildrensmuseum. org.

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THURSDAY

KNEAD YOUR FEELINGS. Kids 4-6, with adult, enhance feelings and memories with the use of warm dough, cool slime and hard clay. $23 pair; $17 member pair. 4-5 p.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

THIRD THURSDAY. A special time once a month for families of children with autism spectrum disorder, visual and mobility impairments to play.

Special activities last until 7 p.m. All activities are free with admission or membership. Free with admission.

5-8 p.m. DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville.

(630) 637-8000, dupagechildrens museum.org.

Come Visit Our Award-Winning Preschool – 8th Grade School!

A 2014 National Blue Ribbon recipient for excellence in education!

Open House Dates: Pancake Breakfast and Open House, Sunday, January 26, 2015, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 29, 2015, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Monday, March 23, 2015, 9:00 a.m. -10:30 a.m.

Tours: First Friday of the month or by appointment.

To apply or tour call 847-945-0135 or visit www.holycrossdeerfield.org.

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Ignoring your risk of breast cancer is no different.

In nte tern tern natio attio ona n l Kennel Ke Kenn nn ne ell Clu ub Clluste C us u ste er of of Dog g Show Sh ws SSeee Jan. Jann.. 31 Ja

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FRIDAY

SCHOOL’S OUT CAMP: FUN WITH CHEMISTRY. Kids in grades

If a small fire started in your kitchen, would you ignore it? Of course not. In much the same way, it’s critical to find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable.

Call 1-877 GO KOMEN or visit komen.org to learn more.

Because every woman is at risk.

1-5 explore how everyday items in the kitchen can be used to do cool (and hot!) chemistry experiments. $85, $70 member. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

TODDLER EXPLORATION TIME. Parents and kids interact

during guided activities, facilitated by a Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory docent, and highlighting a different topic each month.

10:30-11:15 a.m. (ages 18-30 months); 12:15-1 p.m. (ages 3-5).

Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 725-2400, oakparkconservatory.org.

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This space provided as a public service. ©20 0 9 Susan G . Komen for the Cure ® The Running Ribbon is a registered trademark of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

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SATURDAY

from The Field Museum’s shadow puppet collection and include famous stories. Free with general admission.

3 p.m. The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org.

FAMILY FESTIVAL: PUPPETS! Explore the world of

puppets at a drop-in festival for all ages. Visit Puppets!, an interactive installation in the Ryan Education Center where you can create a story and act it out with hand-made puppets inspired by artwork in the museum’s collection. Create puppets in a workshop and perform a show.

Enjoy the museum on an interactive gallery tour at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. See performances of Bullooney Puppetworks’ The Metamorphosis Box at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan. (312) 443-3600, artinstituteofchicago.org.

CHICAGO

FAMILY SERIES: DANCEWORKS CHICAGO. Performance of Harris

CHINESE THEATER WORKS’ RICH IN TRADITION – CHINESE SHADOW PUPPETS. Street theaters

Theater’s resident dance company.

Call for cost. 2 p.m. Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Harris Theater Box Office, 205 E. Randolph Drive in Millennium Park. (312) 334-7777, harristheaterchicago.org.

and festivals in China featuring shadow puppets can be traced back for hundreds of years. See this beautiful tradition come to life in a shadow puppetry performance by New York-based Chinese Theatre Works.

Featured works will take inspiration

LE PETIT CIRQUE (THE LITTLE CIRCUS). Within a circus-like,

table-top installation, electroacoustic

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CALENDAR musician Laurent Bigot sets various objects in motion. This performance is made from odds and ends, salvaged material and cheap gadgets. 2 and 5 p.m. $20. Adventure Stage Chicago, Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St. (773) 342-4141, adventurestage.org.

OPEN MIC PUPPETS. Family-focused

puppet performances. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive. (312) 9229410, fieldmuseum.org.

THE MAGIC VICTROLA. New presentation created for families with kids 5-10. Excerpts from famous operas are woven together with an original story about two children who discover a mysterious trunk filled with costumes, props, opera albums and a beautiful vintage record player. $10 and up. 3 p.m. Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker Drive. (312) 827-5912, lyricopera.org.

SUBURBS SPRING VALLEY WINTER FEST. Get bundled up and join in

some winter fun. Enjoy snowshoe walks through the prairie, horsedrawn wagon rides throughout the grounds, winter snacks, crafts, and activities inside the Nature Center and marshmallows roasted on a winter bonfire. Noon-3 p.m. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111

E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg.

(847) 985-2100, parkfun.com.

RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET PRESENTS SLEEPING BEAUTY.

The performance features a cast of 50 dancers in a fairy-tale setting and spectacular costumes. There will be a separately ticketed Tea Party prior to the matinee featuring sandwiches, scones, sweets and tea, plus lemonade, cheese and PB&J sandwiches will be available for younger guests.

Recommended for families with kids 6 and up. $55, $45 kids. Tea Party tickets: $25. 3 and 8 p.m. McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 942-4000, atthemac.org.

FUN FEST. Rosemont. See Jan. 3.

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SUNDAY CHICAGO

LE PETIT CIRQUE (THE LITTLE CIRCUS). See Jan. 17.

SUBURBS SPRING VALLEY WINTER FEST. Schaumburg. See Jan. 17.

JUMP FEST 2015. Party Hoppers provides a gym full of fun inflatable rides. Half of the proceeds go to featured groups. $10. 1-7 p.m. Joliet

Ja J apa an Fe Fest stt See Se ee Ja Jan. n. 31

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Fami Fa m ly Day a : Wond Wo nder nd err e Seee Ja Se Jan. n. 10

Park District Multi-Purpose Center, 3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. (815) 741-7275, jolietpark.org.

SHOWSHOE GEOCHACHE. Explore

the winter wonderland on snowshoes using a GPS unit. Search for hidden treasure in the natural areas of Lincoln Marsh. GPS and snowshoes are provided. Kids must be accompanied by a registered adult. $12.50, $10 resident. 1-2:30 p.m. Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 8712810, lincolnmarsh.org.

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MONDAY

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY ZOO CAMP. It’s all about the birds!

Campers in grades pre-K through 4 learn the reason European white storks clack their beaks and why hummingbirds build nests using spider webs as they get an inside look at the lives of feathered friends. $57-$67. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Lincoln Park

Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago.

(312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

MLK PLAY DAY. SPECIAL HOLIDAY POP-IN PLAY HOURS. Online

reservations are recommended. $12 kids. 8:30-9:30 a.m. (toddlers only), 9:30-11 a.m. or 11:15-12:45 p.m.

Pump It Up Chicago, 821 W. Eastman St., Chicago. (312) 664-7867, pumpit upchicago.com.

CELEBRATE MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY WITH MAGICIAN JAMAL KEYES.

Magician Jamal Keyes spellbinds with his amazing illusions and uplifting stories. 2-3 p.m. Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. (847) 929-5102, webrary.org.

ROCK ON! Spend the day trying

technical routes, building skills while bouldering and having a blast climbing the walls. Climbing shoes are available to rent at Vertical Endeavors for an additional $5. Bring

a peanut-free lunch. $60. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

MESSY MONDAYS: DRAW YOUR MAKE BELIEVE. Kids create draw-

ings and narratives on large white paper, which will culminate into a super-sized book, plus enjoy the story Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson. Dress for messy experiences. Free with museum admission. 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

SCHOOL’S OUT – ARTFUL ANTICS. Kids in grades 1-5 express

their creativity while exploring visual arts fundamentals and using multiple art forms. Martin Luther King’s advocacy of education will be commemorated by challenging campers’ critical thinking skills through the fine arts. Projects include self-expression

collages, clay sculptures and more. $45 (includes snack and supplies). 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 4206010, napersettlement.com.

MESSY MONDAYS. Features special

theme-focused art projects with professional artists. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discovery centermuseum.org.

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TUESDAY

JUNIOR NATURALISTS. Kids 10-14

explore nature, practice survival skills and participate in behind-the-scenes animal care. Participants learn simple data collection and mathematical analysis methods and work with equipment used by real scientists to study plants and animals. Dress for the weather and wear clothes that can get dirty. $16, $11 resident. 4-5:30 p.m.

Lake View Nature Center, 17W063

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CALENDAR Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace.

(630) 941-8747, obtpd.org/lvnc.

21 | WEDNESDAY ECO-EXPLORERS: KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS. Kids 4-5 develop

natural curiosity about the world with interactive nature programs. A different theme is featured each week with hands-on activities, hikes, stories and crafts. Dress for the weather.

Today’s theme is Let It Snow! $20, $13 resident. 1-2:15 p.m. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, naperville parks.org.

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SATURDAY CHICAGO

drop-in-activities, a photobooth, a “Make and Take” puppet workshop, a “Puppet Zoo” and more. $5, $20 family of five or more. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

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

zone with outdoor “ice fishing,” REI winter activity station, and free snowshoe rental if weather conditions allow. First 500 visitors receive hot cocoa. Call to confirm scheduled activities. Noon-4 p.m. Northerly Island, 1400 S. Linn White Drive. (312) 7452910, chicagoparkdistrict.com.

at museums, dance studios, park districts and other enrichment programs. 10 a.m.-noon. Park Ridge Public Library, 20 S. Prospect, Park Ridge. (847) 825-3123, parkridge library.org.

STORY TELLING AT ALLIANCE FRANCAIS. Traditional and contem-

SUBURBS

porary French tales are staged for kids 3-7 with puppets and drawings.

Side activities facilitate comprehension. Today’s story is La Grosse Bête de Monsieur Racine, the story of the retired old man who finds an animal of an unknown species stealing pears in his garden. $5. 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Alliance Francaise de Chicago, 810 N. Dearborn St. (312) 337-1070, af-chicago.org.

EAGLE EXTRAVAGANZA. Travel to Starved Rock State Park for the annual Eagle Watch Weekend. See live bird shows, view wild eagles fishing along the river, make crafts and participate in hands-on activities. Kids must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Meals not included. $18. 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

build skyscrapers, vehicles, cranes, even a motorized project, with more than 200,000 Legos. Trained, expert instructors lead Lego projects. $27, $18 resident. 9-10:30 a.m. or 1:30-3 p.m. (ages 5-7); 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 3:30-5 p.m. (ages 8-12). Barn Recreation Center, 421 W. Martin Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

PUPPET PAGEANTRY. This

family day draws inspiration from the world’s puppet and mask traditions with a performance of In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre’s Cartooon,

POLAR ADVENTURE DAY.

Families enjoy winter activities and meet live animals. Activities may include dog sledding demonstrations, live music, arts and crafts, toddler

PRESCHOOL AND ENRICHMENT FAIR. Fair showcases

more than 20 area preschools and daycare facilities. Parents also can learn about educational opportunities

BUILDING EXTRAVAGANZA FEATURING LEGO. Kids 5-12

FAMILY WINTER PLAY DAY!

Families with kids 2 and up witness a professional ice carving then paint, build, and experiment with ice and water before warming up by the fire and enjoying s’mores. $17, $11 members. 10 a.m.-noon or 2-4 p.m.

Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois

Oakbrook Terrace Park District Has Lots of Winter Fun! WINTER EXHIBIT AT THE LAKE VIEW NATURE CENTER February 3 - April 4 Open during regular Nature Center hours

NATIONAL FOOD DAYS

Join us once a month to celebrate the National Holiday of our favorite foods!

National Granola Bar Day (Fitness Center) Tuesday, January 20 • 11 am-1 pm

National Strawberry Day (Fitness Center) Friday, February 27 • 11 am-1 pm

FROSTY’S WINTER PLAY DATE Lake View Nature Center Sunday, February 8 Noon- 3pm Free

DADDY DAUGHTER DATE NIGHT

The only 100% private party place with gigantically fun inflatables Trained/Dedicated Staff Stress-Free for Party Host Safe & Clean Environment Brightly Decorated Party Room

There is a Pump It Up close to you!

2 Free Pizzas

Chicago • Orland Park

Time slots fill quickly, call or click to book your party today!

Open Jump Parents Night Out Field Trips and more!

$2 OFF

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

Saturday, February 14 • 5 pm-8 pm Age: 2-11 $20 R/$25 NR

Open Jump Admission

(Adult Size) When you book any Mon-Thu Party Package for 25

Check the Events Calendar at www.pumpitupparty. com for available jump times. Valid for one Open Jump session at these locations only. May not be combined with other offers or promotional discounts. One coupon per customer. Expires 3/31/15.

Valid at these locations only. May not be combined with other offers or promotional discounts. One coupon per customer. Expires 3/31/15.

Pump It Up of Chicago

312.664.7867

Some of the programs we offer:

Friday, February 13 • 6 pm – 8 pm $10 R/$15 NR (each additional daughter is $5) Pre-registration is required Held at the Fitness Center

Pump It Up of Orland Park

pumpitupparty.com

708.479.2220

Oakbrook Terrace Park District 1S325 Ardmore Ave. • Villa Park, IL 60181 (630) 627-6100 • www.obtpd.org

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Th he Ma M gi gic c Vict Vi ctro rola la

Specıal Parent CHICAGO

Seee Ja Se Jan. n. 17

A Chicago Parent EMPOWERMENT GUIDE

Chicago’s only local magazine and resource guide to life for families who have children with special needs.

• 50,000 copies distributed in early intervention specialist offices, and local libraries

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

TINY GREAT PERFORMANCES: CAROL WESTON & THE AMERICAN SONG BAG. Chicago

• Expanded special needs resource directory online at ChicagoParent.com

HUSKY HEROES. See Siberian

music favorite Carol Weston takes children through The American Song Bag. Everyone participates with traditional children’s favorites, songs from Appalachia, colonial times and Broadway show tunes. Free with museum admission. 10 a.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

Specıal Parent SUMMER 2013

LOCAL RESOURCES YOU NEED

22

and then what?

AN EMPOWERMENT GUIDE FROM

JOY in the little things

BULLY PROOF your kids

SP_Cover_2013.indd 3

6/27/13 10:02 AM

Winter edition coming soon!

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

husky sled pulling, skijoring and speed demonstrations. Visit with the dogs and sled team, inspect the equipment, and have a photo taken with the rig. Free with arboretum admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT.

Show off some skills at the annual City Table Tennis Championships. The top two finishers in each age division will receive awards. Participants need to bring their own paddle. $8. 7:30 a.m. River Woods School Gym, 2607 River Woods Drive, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

WINTER BIRD TREATS. Spend time together creating and designing bird feeders using pine cones and a wreath. Discover which resident winter birds may find the creations a tasty treat. All materials are provided.

Adults must attend with kids but only those making the crafts need to

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CALENDAR register. $9.50, $7.50 resident. 10-11 a.m. Wheaton Park District, 1777 S. Blanchard Road, Wheaton. (630) 690-4880, wheatonparkdistrict.com.

Heller JCC, 524 W. Melrose Ave. (773) 871-6780, gojcc.org.

NATURE NAVIGATORS. Kids 6-9

SIZZLING SUNDAY. Visit Costa

enjoy a class filled with a wide variety of hands-on material, creative explorations and fun activities based around the theme of the day. Dress for a nature hike. Bring an extra pair of dry socks and shoes. Today’s theme is Winter Birdwatching. $27, $22 resident. 1-4 p.m. Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 941-8747, obtpd.org/lvnc.

Rica by exploring volcanoes, tromping through the rain forest, swimming through a tropical reef and sampling local cuisine. Free with museum admission. 1-4 p.m.

Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

HUSKY HEROES. Lisle. See Jan. 24.

buildings and snowflakes are ways that the world of math seems real to children. Kids 2-4, with adult, use paint and printing as a starting point to future skills. $23 pair; $17 member pair. 9:30-10:15 a.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

25 | SUNDAY

26 | MONDAY

28 | WEDNESDAY

CHICAGO INFANT AND TODDLER GYM.

Includes soft places to crawl, variety of textures to explore, parachute, bubbles and Music with Mr. David. Facilities also include a quiet room for feeding and diaper changes as needed. $10 family. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Florence G.

SUBURBS

Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 637-8000, dupage childrensmuseum.org.

27 | TUESDAY MATH SYMMETRY. Butterflies,

MESSY MONDAYS: THE SHAPE WE’RE IN. Kids examine stars,

ECO-EXPLORERS: KNEE-HIGH NATURALISTS. Naperville. See

squares, circles and more, focusing on the shapes in trains, people and buildings while thinking about the book Bear in a Square by Stella Blackstone. Dress for messy experiences. Free with museum admission.

10 a.m.-noon. DuPage Children’s

Jan. 21. Today’s theme is Celebrating Groundhogs.

WINTER STORY TIME AND CRAFT. Join Ruth and her friends on

the fourth Wednesday of the month.

Paperback Trading Co. Inc., 8825 S.

Ridgeland Ave., Oak Lawn. (708) 5988442, paperbacktrading.webs.com.

30 | FRIDAY CPS DAY OFF PLAY TIMES. Come

to play during specially scheduled hours, no reservations required. $12.

Pump It Up Chicago, 821 W. Eastman St., Chicago. (312) 664-7867, pumpit upchicago.com.

31 | SATURDAY CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL KENNEL CLUB CLUSTER OF DOG SHOWS. One

of the largest all-breed benched dog shows in the country that draws the top dogs from across the United States and Canada to compete for prizes and the coveted title of “Best in Show.” Plus dog fashion shows, meet the breeds, pet the dogs and Kid Zone. $20, $15 seniors, free kids under 12; two-day: $25, $20 seniors, free kids under 12. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. McCormick Place Lakeside

Live the language!

2015 Adventure Kids Day Camp Full Session: June 22–July 31 Session I: June 22–July 10 Session II: July 13–July 31 Open to students entering Grades 1–8

Celebrate our fifteenth anniversary with us! Activitypacked schedules every day and two field trips every week to some of the greatest Chicagoland attractions. Sailing, kayaking, sports, crafts, creative center, team-building and positive group dynamics make Adventure Kids the fun place to be. A full day program from 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., with before and after programming available, too.

Save $150—Register by March 15 Complimentary North Side Bus Full Day, Morning, and Afternoon Programs for Children of All Ages.

Call 773-834-7766 or visit us online at: http://summerlab.org

Eat in a new culture. Swim in a new language.

PLAY AND LEARN

at a Minnesota summer camp!

• Programs available in 15 languages.

• 1, 2, and 4 week programs. Day Camps, High School and College Credit sessions available.

• Scholarships available. For more information visit: www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org/Scholarships (800) 222-4750 • clv@cord.edu • www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org

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CALENDAR Building, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive.

(773) 237-5100, ikcdogshow.com.

SUBURBS CELEBRATION OF WINTER.

Enjoy cross country skiing, snow hayrides, making s’mores, snowman building, and food and drink specials. Some activities are weather dependent. 3-6 p.m. Coyote Run Golf Course, 800 Kedzie Ave., Flossmoor.

(708) 957-0300, hfparks.com.

CHOCOLATE EXPO AND MARKET.

Celebrate chocolate and its connection to the natural world. Visit, taste and buy specialty chocolates and treats from a variety of vendors. Free with arboretum admission. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle.

(630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

ECO-EXPLORERS: GROUNDHOG DAY CELEBRATION. Why do we

celebrate Groundhog Day? Kids 6-8 find out the answer while investigating the life of a groundhog. $21, $14 resident. 1-2:30 p.m. Knoch Knolls

Spring g Valle ey Winter F es e t See Jan. 17

Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

JAPAN FEST. Stage performances include Japanese drums by Tsukasa Taiko, traditional dance by Fujima Ryu Dance Studio and Aikido

demonstrations and more. Activity stations are set up for guests to enjoy Japanese culture. Try putting on a kimono, face painting, sumo wrestling, origami, calligraphy, practice using chopsticks, making various crafts, play with Japanese toys and games, Dance Dance Revolution,

mini language and culture lessons and learn proper table manners.

Noon-4 p.m. 201 N. Scoville Ave., Oak Park. (708) 434-3386, oprfhs. org.

FUN FEST. Rosemont. See

Jan. 3.

Show Your Love For Valentine’s Day, Adopt-A-Manatee® For a Loved One

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

Photo © David Schrichte

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PUPPETS on parade

D

on’t be alarmed. But Chicago is having an invasion this month.

An invasion … of puppets.

The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is a brand-new event celebrating the art of puppetry in its various forms—from shadow puppets to finger puppets, sock puppets to marionettes.

And despite what you might think when you hear the word “puppets,” the 10-day festival actually isn’t just for the kiddie set.

“It’s a festival that has puppetry pretty much for everybody,” says Blair Thomas, founder and artistic director. “What I’m hoping to do is redefine puppetry for people.

Their perceptions of puppetry are usually very limited.”

To that end, adults can enjoy a puppet cabaret, a wordless journey into religious history and a show about dementia, among others.

For families, the options are plentiful. The festival has partnered with some of the city’s premier institutions to put together some great events for younger audiences.

From 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 17, kids can visit the Puppets! exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago before stopping by the free family festival in the Ryan Education Center, where they can create their own puppets in a workshop and put on a show. It also includes a performance of Rudyard Kipling’s short story Rikki Tikki Tavi, told using hand puppets, rod puppets and masks (11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.).

If marionettes are more your speed, head to The Field Museum to perform on the “Open Mic” stage. Professionals and amateurs are both welcome to work some puppet magic from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 17. There’s also a shadow puppet performance by the renowned Chinese Theater Works at 3 p.m. Field’s regular “Dozin’ with the Dinos” overnight

Puppet Theater Festival Jan. 14-25 chicagopuppetfest.org

program Jan. 16-17 also embraces the puppet theme, with performances, plus self-guided tours and other activities.

For Southsiders, the Logan Center for the Arts turns its regular monthly family day into a puppet extravaganza (noon-5 p.m. Jan. 24). It comes complete with a photobooth, a Make and Take puppet workshop and a “Puppet Zoo.” Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre will perform a children’s version of their live-action three-dimensional cartoon, Cartooon, at 2 p.m.

And if you’re more the type to sit in the audience, the festival’s got your back, too.

Links Hall (3111 N. Western Ave., Chicago) features SNORF! (1 p.m. Jan. 17), a variety show for all ages, as well as Stars on Strings (1 p.m. Jan. 18), so-called trick marionettes that roller skate, perform on the tight rope and trapeze, juggle and more.

The festival wraps up with Chicago Children’s Theatre’s performance of The Selfish Giant (Jan. 23-25), a musical created specifically for CCT. The show is based on Oscar Wilde’s classic story about a grumpy giant who forbids children from playing in his garden—until a few sneaky kids bring with them the rebirth of spring.

Thomas says that kids as young as 2 sit entranced through the 45-minute show—and he’s hoping that feeling spreads to audiences of all ages.

After all, his primary wish for what audiences take away from the festival?

“A magical sense of wonder.”

Elizabeth Diffin

Chicago International ChicagoParent.com January 2015 71

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ONGOING EVENTS EXHIBITS PUPPETS! AN INTERACTIVE PUPPET EXTRAVAGANZA. Includes

performances, puppet-making workshops, and the opportunity to interact and explore creativity through puppets. Inspiration for these puppet creations is drawn from works in the Art Institute’s collection, including the drawing The Temptation of St. Anthony. Puppeteers of all ages can experiment with ways to develop stories and use sound effects and props in order to create playful, oneof-a-kind performances. In conjunction with Puppets!, the museum will present a series of film screenings including Jim Henson’s movie “The Dark Crystal” in Fullerton Hall at 6 p.m. Jan. 15. Free with museum admission. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan, Chicago. (312) 4433600, artinstituteofchicago.org.

XOXO: AN EXHIBIT ABOUT LOVE & FORGIVENESS. Families come

together in a place that fosters conversations and interactive experiences

Winter Play la ay See pagee 74

about love and forgiveness. Visitors can illuminate a message about love, write down loving thoughts and press them into Tokens of Love,

build and explore a variety of facial expressions and write down what makes them angry or sad and then crank it through a paper shredder.

Free with museum admission.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

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ONGOING EVENTS SOX VS. CUBS: THE CHICAGO CIVIL WARS. Features

both teams’ historical development and details, statistical information, photographs, memorabilia, souvenirs and other materials. In addition, video presentations offer testimonials from some players, fans and local sports broadcasters. Also features a playful component that includes interactive “Color Your Mascot” and “Create a Cartoon” coloring sheets, as well as vintage cartoons following the “up and down” seasons of both teams.

Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St., Chicago. (312) 7474898, chipublib.org.

BUILD IT! Exhibit puts an innovative spin on classic building blocks by letting children explore and interact with 10 varieties of blocks. Stations in the exhibit let kids build structures and cast shadows using directional lights, examine building on vertical and horizontal planes, build and test the strength of their structures, and use their creativity while focusing on STEAM concepts. Free with museum

ORY

admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

PLANT HUNTERS. The new library

exhibit highlights the research that takes place at the arboretum and brings awareness to the work of plant researchers. Visitors can explore modern plant hunting by getting a close look at instruments used in the field and during scientific study.

Also features interactive elements, challenging visitors to identify various plant species. Free with arboretum admission. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 9680074, mortonarb.org.

NUMBERS IN NATURE: A MIRROR MAZE. An interactive

and immersive new permanent exhibit that exposes and explains the mathematical patterns that abound in the natural world—from the delicate nested spirals of a sunflower’s seeds to the ridges of a majestic mountain range to the layout of the Universe.

Dead ends are scattered throughout,

and hidden within this 10-minute experience is a small secret room. Free with museum admission. Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (773) 6841414, msichicago.org.

RAINFOREST ADVENTURE.

Visitors can climb a kapok tree, explore a gorilla’s nest, and meet virtual rainforest scientists. The exhibit will allow museumgoers to explore tropical rainforests around the world, learn about the challenges these delicate ecosystems face and find ways to help make a difference.

Free with museum admission. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 7555100, naturemuseum.org.

ONCE UPON A FAIRY TALE.

Hands-on elements immerse children in fantasy stories and promote literacy by fostering a love of books, reading and storytelling. A key element of the exhibit focuses on imagination and role playing. Activities include woodworking in Geppetto’s workshop,

climbing up Rapunzel’s tower, building houses with the three little pigs, mining for diamonds with Snow White’s dwarves, creating Hansel and Gretel’s candy house and sitting in Cinderella’s carriage. The exhibit also highlights the morals and lessons of each story. Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan. (847) 623-2041, waukeganpl.org.

OTHER EVENTS WINTER WONDERFEST AT NAVY PIER. Through Jan. 11. 170,000 square

feet of holiday fun features indoor ice skating, entertainment, rides and inflatable slides. There are also thousands of glistening lights, plush holiday décor and holiday trees. $5 general admission; $17-$25 activity wristbands.

Check website for hours. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. (312) 595PIER, winterwonderfest.com.

CHICAGO WINTER DANCE.

Introductory one-hour dance lessons by professional instructors followed by music and dancing. 6-9:30 p.m. Jan.

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ONGOING EVENTS 9-10 and 16-17; noon-3 p.m. Jan. 11 and 18. Chicago Cultural Center, Yates Gallery, 78 E. Washington Street, Chicago. cityofchicago.org/DCASE. ILLINOIS SNOW SCULPTING COMPETITION. Watch snow-

sculpting teams form “frozen art” from giant blocks of snow. Abstract shapes and whimsical figures take shape under the hands of state and high school teams. Walk or drive the one-mile route through the park to see sculptures. Spectators can cast their vote for “People’s Choice,” 8:30-11 a.m. Jan. 17. Sunrise-11 p.m.

Jan. 14-17. Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., Rockford. (815) 9878800, ilsnowsculpting.com.

PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE CHICAGO BOAT, RV & STRICTLY SAIL SHOW. Boating lovers and

outdoor enthusiasts can find the best deals on hundreds of boats, RVs, sailboats, marine accessories, camping equipment, fishing gear and travel destinations, plus fun attractions for all ages. Interactive activities include

the Gypsy Rose III Landship, a life-size pirate ship full of hands-on fun; the “Be a Diver Pool” where kids can learn how to scuba dive in a heated pool and get their picture taken underwater; a paddlesports pond; a trout fishing pond and Rockin’ Rollin Bubbles, which is similar to a hamster wheel on water. $12, $10 seniors, free kids 15 and under. 2-9 p.m. Jan. 14; 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Jan. 15-16; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Jan. 17; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 18. McCormick Place - South Building, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. chicagoboatshow.com.

on the second floor exclusively for toddlers and their parents. Guests enjoy story time and free play, plus play-based, foreign language story time, music class, make-your-own wrapping paper, water art, exotic animal adventures and discovery stations with sand and water sensory tables. $7. 10 a.m.-noon. Legoland Discovery Center, The Streets of Woodfield (next to Woodfield Mall), 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg. (847) 592-9700, lego landdiscoverycenter.com/chicago.

ENCHANTED RAILROAD. This model train display is designed to be easily seen from two feet off the ground. There are two levels of trains traveling through the beauty of four seasons. Free with arboretum admission. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Jan. 17-Feb. 22. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 9680074, mortonarb.org.

ARBOR READING ADVENTURES.

Interactive story time and fun crafts indoors for kids 3-5, with adult, before heading out on the grounds for an adventure walk. Themes change each week. $5, $4 members.

11-11:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 9680074, mortonarb.org.

FAMILY FUN FRIDAY NIGHTS.

TODDLER TUESDAYS. Legoland

Discovery Center Chicago opens early

Enjoy themed activities and special presentations and performances

during extended museum hours on Friday nights. Jan. 2: The Conceptual Art of Sol Lewitt; Jan. 9: Weber Irish Dance; Jan. 16: PM Music Center; Jan. 23: Good Show! Gallery Opening; Jan. 30: Shrek Jr. Preview. Free with museum admission. 5-8 p.m.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville. (630) 6378000, dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

ICE SKATING AT LINCOLN PARK ZOO. Snacks and winter warming

drinks are available for purchase. $5; $5 skate rental. 4-8 p.m. Fridays; noon-8 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Jan. 19. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (312) 7422000, lpzoo.org.

GNOME HOMES. Children can

create a keepsake, light-up gnome home of their own made from natural materials. Tickets are limited and can be purchased in the Visitor Center. $10, $7 member. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekends. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

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ONGOING EVENTS EXPLORATION STATION.

Try hands-on activities at the Exploration Station created by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. There will be a new topic each month highlighting special aspects of the Conservatory for both adults and children. 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays; 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Sundays. Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St., Oak Park. (708) 725-2400, oakparkconservatory.org.

GNOME HUNT. Search for gnomes

in the Children’s Garden using your best “I Spy” skills. Checklist provided. Free with admission. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 9680074, mortonarb.org.

WINTER PLAY. A self-guided

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

ORY

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Your kids favorite and biggest stars from Disney & Nickelodeon!

SUNDAY

JAN. 25

Tickets available at Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, (800) 745-3000 starplazatheatre.com

FREE PARKING! In all official Allstate Arena and United Center parking lots with ticket purchase. Visit arena websites for more information.

JAN. 21–26

FREE JAN. 28–FEB. 8 PARKING ALLSTATE ARENA UNITED CENTER

In all official Allstate Arena and United Center park Buy Tickets: Ticketmaster.com with ticket purchase. Visit arena websites for more in 800-745-3000 • Venue Box Offices

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PERFORMANCES LIONS IN ILLYRIA. Separated from

her brother by a storm at sea, the young lioness Violet must brave an unknown country all alone. But soon she is torn between multiple masters and she becomes entangled in the clownish antics of a wacky warthog and his featherbrained dodo sidekick.

Travel to the weird and wonderful land of Illyria in a magical comedy loaded with music, monkeys and mayhem. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jan. 10Feb. 15. $15. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 761-4477, lifelinetheatre.com.

SYMPHONY OF CLOUDS. Follow the adventures and joyful milestones in the life of young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: boy genius, musical prodigy and gifted composer.

Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays-Sundays. Jan. 13-Feb. 21. $10, $5 kids. Chicago Playworks at DePaul University, Merle Reskin Theatre at DePaul University, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. (312) 9221999, theatreschool.depaul.edu.

Company, Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago. (773) 2059600, chicagokidscompany.com.

SHORT SHAKESPEARE! MACBETH. This fast-paced produc-

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS FROZEN. Mickey Mouse and Minnie

tion is designed to immerse students, young audiences and families in the treacherous world of the Macbeths.

Jan. 15-Feb. 14. Call for cost. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 5955600, chicagoshakes.com.

Mouse take the audience through the magical story based in Arendelle, with special appearances by beloved Disney princesses and favorite characters from Disney/Pixar. The set design will encompass the space from the ice surface up through the air, drawing everyone into the story and closer to the characters.

Families will feel that they are trekking up to the North Mountains with Anna, Kristoff and Sven, and they will experience the storm inside Elsa. Performances are at Allstate Arena Jan 21-25 and at the United Center Jan. 28-Feb. 8. Check website for cost. disneyonice.com

PETER PAN. Based upon Sir James

M. Barrie’s 1904 play. Mrs. Darling’s nightly bedtime tales of swordplay, swashbuckling and fearsome pirates mesmerize not only her children, but also the visitor at the window.

These stories soon become reality when Peter Pan flies into their nursery one night and, with the help of Tinkerbell, takes the children on a magical flight to Never Land. $12, $10 resident. 7:30-9:45 p.m. Jan. 16 and 23; 2-4:15 p.m. Jan. 17-18 and 24-25. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS.

Performances are 10:30 a.m. weekday mornings. Recommended for families with kids 2-12. Jan. 16-March 3. $12. Chicago Kids

Liion L ons in in Illlly yrri ria ia Seee th Se t iss pagge

THE SELFISH GIANT. Musical spec-

tacle created for CCT and based on the classic story about a grumpy giant who forbids children from playing in his garden. Features original puppets and music. Recommended for families with kids 3 and older. Jan. 23-Feb. 22. $38, $28 kids, $5 off with promo code PUPPET. The Ruth Page Center for Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (872) 222-9555, chicago childrenstheatre.org.

A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD.

FANCY NANCY: THE MUSICAL.

The cheerful Frog and grumpy Toad celebrate their differences as they move through four, fun-filled seasons in this charming musical.

Performances are 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays. Recommended for families with kids 3 and older. Jan. 24-Feb. 28. $12. Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. (847) 291-2367, northbrooktheatre.org.

From the top of her tiara down to her sparkly shoes, Nancy’s ready to take the spotlight in her first dance recital. But when someone else gets picked to be the prima ballerina, Nancy is stuck playing a dreary, dull tree. Can she still bring fancy flair to her role when it isn’t the one she wanted? Jan. 31-May 17. Call for cost. Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 9356100, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

THE ADVENTURES OF TAPMAN.

Follow the triumphs and trials of the tenacious Tapman, a lovelorn scientist turned tap dancing superhero.

Audiences meet his crime-fighting comrades, Hourglass and Modern Marvel, as well as his arch-nemesis, the MADD Tapper, during this adventure. Jan. 28-Feb. 8. $27; $24 students/seniors; $17 kids under 10. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 9356875, athenaeumtheatre.com.

LOOKINGGLASS ALICE. The play transports audiences down the rabbit hole to a circus-infused playground for a wonderland adventure inspired by Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories. Recommended for families with kids 5 and older. Through Feb. 15. $35 and up. Lookingglass Theatre in the Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 337-0665, looking glasstheatre.org.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK.

BINGO’S BIRTHDAY. Kids are invited to Bingo the dog’s birthday, but no one can find Bingo. An interactive performance just for the very young. Through May 17. Call for cost. Emerald City’s Little Theatre, 2933 N. Southport Ave., Chicago.

(773) 529-2690 ext. 810, emerald citytheatre.com.

Jack and his dancing Spanish cow Carmelita try to save their village from the crazy Giant. Recommended for families with kids 2-12. Jan. 28April 10. $12. Chicago Kids Company, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicagokidscompany.com.

ChicagoParent.com January 2015 77

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as there ever been a better case of kismet than the conjunction of Frozen’s widescreen release with the winter that will be remembered for the Polar Vortex? We have high hopes that Winter 2015 will be a little bit kinder to our numb fingers and toes, but just in case, we’re excited for MB Financial Park’s brilliantly named Frozemont, a great spot for families who boldly say (or sing) “The cold never bothered us anyway.”

Frozemont’s centerpiece is its free outdoor ice skating (skate rentals cost $8 or bring your own) on an NHL-sized rink, surrounded by twinkling lights and scores of cool restaurants—also great spots for a little defrosting. This month also features the Winter Frost Face Off hockey series, which brings together kids, adults and local hockey professionals for a variety of hockey tournaments (spectators are welcome).

For those looking for some downhill fun, there’s Polar Peak, the new four-story tubing hill designed for thrill-seekers of all ages. The five tubing lanes include one built especially for kids 2 and up who might not be quite ready for a lightning-fast run down a super-steep slope. Polar Peak is open Jan. 4-19, with extended hours on Martin Luther King Weekend (2-10 p.m. Jan. 18; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Jan. 19), and costs $20 an hour.

It’s all perfectly designed for anyone who is ready to “let it go” and enjoy a little wintertime fun. And if you need one, we have a great suggestion for your postFrozemont family movie night...

Elizabeth Diffin

Frozemont  MB Financial Park, 5501 Park Place, Rosemont  rosemont.com/ mbfinancialpark/frozemont

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