Chicago Parent March 2015

March 2015

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connecting with families

How healthy are your kids?

Eye

popping

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Chicago

and beyond Spring Break made easy

March Madness: 103 sanity savers

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Montessori Making a Difference in our World for 100 Years For Further inForMation, please Call anD visit anY oF the loCations listeD.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

“We must have faith in the child as a savior capable of regenerating the human race and society and Create an environment which gives them the opportunities to explore their possibilities and develop the skills they need to be peacemakers.”

—Maria Montessori

Chicago

Montessori School of Lemont

114 S. Racine, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 265-1514 www.interculturalmontessori.org Ages 3-12 years, Dual language in Spanish, Japanese & Mandarin Chinese. Oak Park campus as well.

16427 W. 135th Street Lemont, IL 60439 (815) 834-0607 www.lemontmontessori.com Est. 1979. Serving ages 3 through 8th grade. Before & After School Care, Spanish, Mandarin, Technology, Yoga, Soccer, Summer Programs. Natural Playground & Organic Gardens.

Montessori Academy of Chicago

Southwest Suburban Montessori

Chicago north

suburban north

Intercultural Montessori Language School

1335 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607 (312) 243-0977 www.montessoriacademychicago.org Setting the standard in urban Montessori from Birth - 12 years. Full member school with AMS and AIMS.

Near North Montessori

1434 West Division, Chicago, IL 60642 (773) 384-1434 www.nnms.org Est. 1963 serving students 6 mos – 14 years; Early morning, Afterschool & summer programs. Fully accredited.

Rogers Park Montessori School

1800 West Balmoral Ave., Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 271-1700 www.rpmschool.org Est. 1966 serving children ages 2 through 14; Full day, half day, early arrival. Fully accredited.

Chicago northwest Brickton Montessori School

8622 West Catalpa Ave., Chicago, IL 60656 (773) 714-0646 www.brickton.org Year round partial and full day programs for ages 2 through 8th grade. Fully accredited by AMS and ISACS.

Chicago / suburban south Council Oak Montessori School

11030 So. Longwood Drive, Chicago, IL 60643 (773) 779-7606 www.counciloakmontessori.org Celebrating 25 years by serving children ages 3 – 15; Before Care, After Care, and a Summer program.

2031 Elmwood Ave, Wilmette, IL 60091 (847) 256-2922 www.ronaldknox.org Est. 1963. Celebrating 50 years of guiding and educating children ages 6 mos. – 6 yrs.

Skokie Montessori School

8401 North Karlov Avenue, Skokie, IL 60076 (847) 679-4614 www.skokiemontessori.com 2 - 12, toddler, 3-6, Elementary programs, full day and half-day, summer programs available.

8800 West 119th Street, Palos Park, IL 60464 (708) 448-5332 www.swsmontessori.com Serving children 2-6 yrs., AM & PM, full-day Vernon Hills Montessori Academy Kindergarten, Spanish, Gym, Yoga & Summer 21 W. Hawthorn Parkway, School.

Vernon Hills, IL 60061 (847) 918-0342 www.vernonhillsmontessorischool.com Toddlers through Kindergarten, Full and half Chiaravalle Montessori day joyful learning! Afterschool and enrichment 425 Dempster Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 864-2190 classes, summer camp, music education. www.chiaravalle.org Parent/Child, Full & Partial Day Toddler and Early Childhood 3-6, 1st through 8th grades

suburban northwest

Deerfield, Glenview and Riverwoods Montessori Schools

Buffalo Grove Montessori School

950 Ellen Drive, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 3140 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015 (847) 541-8111 www.bgmsweb.net (847) 945-8661 www.montessori-schools.com Serving Infants through Kindergarten (6 weeks Est. 1966. AMS Accredited, 3 mos.-12yrs, – 6 years). AMS accredited programs Full & half day, Elementary, Summer Camp, A lifetime foundation.

Spanish, Monart, Orff, Piano.

Forest Bluff School

8 West Scranton Ave. Lake Bluff, IL 60044 (847) 295-8338 www.forestbluffschool.org AMI accredited 1982. Birth to 14 yrs. Paula Polk Lillard, Lynn Jessen founders.

Lincolnshire, The Grove and Northbrook Montessori Schools

135 Sanders Road, Northbrook, IL 60062 (847) 415-3663 www.northbrookmontessori.org Ages 15 months – 6 years, year round, All day, Half day, organic hot lunch, music and Spanish

Midwest Montessori Children’s House

926 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL 60201 (847) 328-6630 www.midwestmontessori.com Demonstration School (MMTTC) ages 3 – 6, full and part time.

Montessori Children’s Schoolhouse Old School Montessori 5935 Hohman Avenue, Hammond, IN 46320 (219) 932-5666 www.mcshammond.com AMS accredited (22 mos – 14 yrs), middle school, before & after care available est. 1968.

Ronald Knox Montessori School

144 Commerce Drive, Grayslake, IL 60030 (847) 223-9606 www.OSMKids.com 15 months to 6th grade. Half, full and extended day programs. Spanish, enrichment & summers.

Childrens Learning World, A Montessori School Inc. 8101 Golf Road, Niles, IL 60714 (847) 470-0370 www.clw-montessori.com 6 wks - 12 yrs, open year round.

suburban West Alcuin Montessori

324 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302 708-366-1882 www.alcuin.org Founded in 1961: ages 0 – 14, Spanish, art, theater. Come to a monthly tour.

Aurora & Naperville Montessori Schools

3180 N. Aurora Road, Aurora, IL 60502 (630) 898-4346 www.montessori.com Serving children ages 2 through Kindergarten.

Year round Montessori with Half day, School day and Full day program options.

Greenbrook Montessori

1675 Greenbrook Blvd.

Hanover Park, IL 60133 (630) 830-1675 www.greenbrook-montessori.com Serving ages 15 months through Kindergarten – Year-Round.

Mansio Montessori of Geneva

102 Howard St., Geneva, IL 60134 (630) 232-6750 www.genevamontessori.org 15 months-6 yrs. Art, Yoga, & Music. Full and Part time programs offered.

Montessori Academy of Glen Ellyn 927 N. Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 (630) 469-4727 grow@mymage.org Est. in 1961, Before and After care, Toddler through Upper Elementary

Seton Montessori School

Crystal Lake Montessori School 3013 S. Country Club Rd Woodstock, IL 60098 (815) 338-0013 www.clms.org Remarkable country setting in the heart of McHenry County. Birth – 8th grade, AMS accredited.

Spanish, art, drama, music & Physical Education.

5728 Virginia Avenue Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 (630) 655-1066 www.SetonMontessori.org Est. 1965, a Lab School serving students 2 mos – 12 years; accredited by AMS and NAEYC; offering full and half day, summer programs and Parent-Child class.

Montessori School of North Hoffman

1250 Freeman, Hoffman Estates, IL 60194 (847) 705-1234 www.msnh.org A fully accredited school, serving children from 3 months – 15 years old for over 25 years. Early morning, afterschool and summer programs.

Members of Association of Illinois Montessori Schools. For additional information or membership call 847-945-7582 or email info@illinoismontessorischools.com.

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50 Over

Big Screen, Small World At GEMS World Academy – Chicago, innovative technology in every classroom connects cultures.

years of experience and leadership worldwide

Attend An Open House To learn more about GEMS World Academy - Chicago, tour the school and meet faculty and staff, join us for an Open House with our Director of Admissions, Ryan Hannon.

To learn more and reserve your spot, visit gemschicago.org/parent 312.809.8910 admissions@gemschicago.org

When most students first learn about other cultures, they open a book. At GEMS World Academy – Chicago, a premier JK - 12 school, they do it face-to-face via international teleconferences. With 70-inch interactive touch screens in every classroom, students collaborate globally beginning as early as first grade. Building authentic relationships with others around the world enables our students to understand the universal experiences that make us responsible global citizens.

That’s learning on a higher level.

2 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Parent Connect YOUR TRUSTED SOURCE FOR KIDS’ HEALTH

Caring for a child with diabetes

Q& A with University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital Specialists

Siri Atma W. Greeley, MD, PhD Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine Section of Pediatric and Adult Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Kovler Diabetes Center

Q: What are the key types of diabetes in children?

Dr. Greeley: Type 1 diabetes is by far the most common in children and results from an autoimmune destruction of beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes happens when the cells are unable to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugars normal. Obesity leads to a greater demand for insulin so most people with type 2 are obese.

and maturity onset diabetes of the young, is caused by mutations in any one of several genes. Many of these patients can be managed with an oral medication instead of daily insulin injections.

Q: What happens next?

Dr. Greeley: We create a highly individualized treatment plan to stabilize blood sugar and minimize long-term complications.

Q: What are early warning signs?

Dr. Greeley: Classic symptoms include extreme hunger but loss of weight, frequent urination and unusual thirst. Symptoms may resemble other common medical conditions such as the flu, so always consult your child’s doctor about any concerns.

Q: How can the Kovler Diabetes Center help manage my child’s diabetes?

Dr. Greeley: Our diabetes educators teach families about blood testing, insulin injections and lifestyle changes. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions and ensure that diabetes does not keep children from doing the things they hope to do.

Q: How is diabetes diagnosed?

Dr. Greeley: A simple blood test is used to determine if a child’s blood sugar levels are abnormal.

Once diabetes is diagnosed, special antibody tests can help confirm whether it is type 1.

Q: What about our child’s school?

Dr. Greeley: We help make sure your school is prepared to monitor and keep your child’s diabetes under control so he or she can participate in all activities.

Q: What are some current clinical trials that might help my child?

Dr. Greeley: Through TrialNet, we are studying how family history plays a role in type 1 diabetes. Another study is developing technology for an artificial pancreas. We also are researching the safety and effectiveness of a medication approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults for use with children.

Diabetes care at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital

Q: How does treatment differ?

Dr. Greeley: Patients with type 1 diabetes must have daily injections of insulin, while those with type 2 can often control the disease through weight loss, improved nutrition and exercise, or may need pills or eventually insulin.

Q: Are there other types of diabetes?

Dr. Greeley: Monogenic diabetes, which includes neonatal diabetes

Q: How has the University of Chicago contributed to diabetes research?

Dr. Greeley: Our researchers have advanced the understanding and treatment of diabetes for more than a century. Recently, we created the first web-based Monogenic Diabetes Registry that includes patients across the U.S. and other countries.

Our pediatric diabetes experts provide family-centered care for more than 800 children. Your child’s care team may include:

Dr. Greeley with diabetes patient Cooper Bryant and father Mike

» Physicians and nurses specializing in diabetes care » Diabetes educators » Dietitians » Psychologists » Social workers

To schedule an appointment, please call 773-702-2371 or 800-989-6740, or email diabetes@uchospitals.edu.

To learn more, visit uchicagokidshospital.org/diabetes.

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4 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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It’s never too early to prepare for a safer summer!

Great swim lessons should be an escape for you and your little one — it’s a way to get out of the cold, and on track to being safer in and around the water.

At Goldfish Swim School, our 90-degree pools and tropical interior are just what you need to shake off those winter blues.

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www.GoldfishSwimSchool.com ChicagoParent.com March 2015 5

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Play, Eat, Learn, Shop & Explore!

‘s

Sunday, April 26 10am - 4pm

RSVP

1900 Old Willow Rd, Northbrook

at ChicagoParent.com/playdate

Discounted Advance Tickets: Adults & Kids under age 2: FREE • Kids ages 2-14: $5 • Limit $15 per family ($8 at door)

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6 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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contents IN TH THIS ISSUE

MARCH 2015 | VOLUME 31 | NO. 3

FEATURES

38

Quick trips that th are really great

BEST IN CHI

23

THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

27

WELL PLAYED

28

CRAFT

69

MARCH MADNESS

Act like a ninja Let go of best laid plans Pics and kicks for spring Cherry blossom flowers Our award-winning calendar will save your sanity this month

Cover kid: Olivier Parisien, Chicago 6 months, Evanston. At The Ledge, Skydeck ChiMarch cago, Willis Madness: Tower.

103 sanity | FREE

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

How healthy are your kids?

Eye

POPPING

entertainment

bust stereotypes

Y, SPRING 44 FINALL BREAK!

18

A visit to Lincoln Park Zoo’s new snow monkeys, dinner at Pizza East and a peek into the new Virgin Hotel

MARCH 2015

IN REAL LIFE 41 MOMS Year-long photo project wants to

Build a fun spring break staycation

GOOD TO GO

ON THE COVER

FUNTASTIC FAMILY FILM EXPERIENCES Six places that go beyond your ordinary movie theater

HOME IN SWEET 42 AT HOME CHICAGO

14

TO

AND BEYOND Spring Break made easy

savers

A ...?

46 IT’S Lurie Children’s Hospital creates unique program to provide answers HEALTHY 52 HOW ARE OUR KIDS?

The answer: There’s good news and there’s bad news

Photography: Thomas Kubik of TK Photography Design: Claire Innes

Coming this month

GOING PLACES Available beginning March 16

GRIME 59 WINTER’S BEGONE

Four ways to make spring cleaning a fun family affair ChicagoParent.com March 2015 7

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Time to play

1 Mall.

135+ Stores.

BATH & BODY WORKS

Hop To It!the

BURLINGTON COAT FACTORY BURLINGT

h Photos wit nny EasterhB-Aupril 4th March

CARSON PIRIE SCOTT THE CHILDREN'S PLACE GYMBOREE

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nter level ce e lower ss Train re d on th Locate the Jolly Exp near

MACY'S SEARS WAVE KIDS YANKEE CANDLE

Park Days at the Mall

When we started planning a grand 2015, every person at Chicago Parent, from digital to sales to editorial, decided we wanted to get out of the office more often.

While playing hooky is tempting, between you and me, we want to have fun alongside you and your kids, share a laugh or two, and get to know TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY you better.

We started with a playdate at Adler Planetarium in January. We love Adler, but we never anticipated reaching the participant cap in less than a day.

We heard from so many of you who were disappointed that you missed out and that made me sad.

So I’m giving you moree advance notice this time. e.

We have another Chicago Parent Playdate coming up, this time in a much bigger way. It is one ne you won’t want to miss, so mark the date in yourr calendar right now: April il 26. Tickets are already on sale—and a portion even goes to help foster a love of reading through h Bernie’s Book Bank. We even have a big book do-nation challenge planned. d.

We’ll have lots of spacee to bounce, run and play together. We’ll have a mini train, bounce houses, entertainment, even a visit from our favorite Frozen characters—and that’s just the start.

I predict your kids will leave happy, but so worn out you might even get to

March 21st 12 - 2pm

Arts & Crafts Free Train Ride Free Treats!

Pizza e with thunny Easter B 28th

, March 0 pm Saturdaym – 12:3 11:30 a ire Restaurant F k ic u Q food item canned Cost: One ted to the to be dona od Pantry. ale Fo Bloomingd VP only event.

RS 00.

This is an 630.351.94 Please call per child One parent . maximum

Chicago Parent Playdate u 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

April 26

u The Accelerated Center, 1900 Old Willow Road, Northbrook u $5 kids 2-14, free adults and kids under 2. $15 limit per family. Higher prices at the door. pick the music for the ride home.

Can’t wait to see you all in April! We’re going to have tons of fun together.

Until then, we have some awesome ideas to shake off winter this month.

STRATFORD SQUARE MALL Located at the corner of Schick Road & Gary Avenue Bloomingdale, Illinois www.StratfordMall.com | 630-539-1000

8 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Easter Egg-Stravaganza!

Saturday, April 4 8:30–10 a.m.

Celebrate Easter weekend at the zoo with a basket full of fun family activities: • Pancake breakfast • Egg hunt • Meet the Easter Bunny • Animal viewing • Complimentary carousel and train rides • Craft making • Education learning stations

Purchase tickets at www.lpzoo.org

by March 31.

• Lite Brite Wall • Climbing Wall • Transportation Station • Engineering Mega Station • Tubes and Tunnels • Water Play • Dress up Stage • Toddler Area • Private Birthday Parties

SkokieParks.org

4701 Oakton Street, Skokie • (847) 674-1500, ext. 2700

INSPIRING LEADERS OF TOMORROW Educational Programs Birth – 8th gradE At the Montessori Academy of Chicago, from birth through 8th grade, our goal is to develop engaged, academically accelerated, independent thinkers who embrace community-responsibility and leadership.

call to attEnd an uPcoming inFo coFFEE & tour! 312.243.0977 Tuesday, March 10, 9:00-10:30am Tuesday, April 14, 9:00-10:30am

1335 w. randolph st. chicago, il 60607

www.montessoriacademychicago.org

ChicagoParent.com March 2015 9

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Meet the newest members of our team EDITOR

Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR

Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR

Jackie McGoey ASSISTANT EDITOR

Emily Adams ART DIRECTOR

Assistant Editor Emily Adams is a twentysomething writing, editing and coffee-drinking burst of energy with a life’s mission to remain a kid as long as possible. Email: emily@chicago parent.com

Sales Representative Ursula Hourihane is an active mom of three spirited young girls, who lives on Chicago’s Northwest side. She’s a true lover of the Midwest, good news and hearty brunches. Her moto is “live, laugh and carry on.” Email: ursula@chicago parent.com

Sales Representative Mark Seger is an uncle of a 8-yearold, lives in Roscoe Village, enjoys boating on Lake Michigan, attending concerts, downhill skiing, traveling and everything the city and suburbs have to offer. Email: mark@ chicagoparent.com

Sales and Marketing Coordinator Kamil Brady comes to Chicago Parent with enthusiasm, vast experiences and many interests. She is an expert event planner and enjoys reading, trivia, painting and getting involved in the community.

Email: kamil@ chicagoparent.com

Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS

Jacquinete Baldwin, Sky Hatter IT AND DIGITAL DEVELOPER

Mike Risher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Donna Bozzo, Joseph Bush, Jerry Davich, Megan Murray Elsener, Cortney Fries, Linda Marsicano, Samantha Schultz, Meredith Sinclair, Marianne Walsh DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

Dawn Engelhardt, Erika Goodman, Ursula Hourihane, Lourdes Nicholls, Mark Seger, Karen Skinner SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR

Kamil Brady

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Philip Soell

ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER

Andrew Mead

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney CIRCULATION MANAGER

Kathy Hansen CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Jill Wagner CREDIT MANAGER

Debbie Zari PUBLISHER Dan Haley

20 Years!

VP/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Andrew Johnston

COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar FOUNDERS Natalie Goodman,

Carolyn Jacobs

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

chiparent@chicagoparent.com TO FIND A COPY

circulation@chicagoparent.com ADVERTISING

dhaley@wjinc.com

THERAPEUTIC DAY SCHOOL

Celebrates over 20 years of service to our 180 School Districts Partners! www.CamelotEducation.org

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.

10 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Why NAEYC Matters

By JENNI SORENSON Community Resource Director

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ON THE WEB

4 things not to miss at ChicagoParent.com

1

Win fun for your family

We have tickets sure to bring smiles, including ones to the Chicago Flower and Garden Show w and sure-to-be blockbuster movies Insurgent and Cinderella. Make sure to sign up forr our newsletters to be the first to know about our contests.

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Momma Knows Best

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Have some cute Blackhawks fanatics or Frozen fans under your roof? Ice skating is the perfect answer for a fun, active afternoon. Bloggers Shannan Younger and Erin Skibinski hunted down some you’ll love. One even offers Disco skate!

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Three spas to check out

Does mama need a spa day? Well, yes, yes, she does! Skibinski is right there with you and shares three of her faves.

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ChicagoParent.com March 2015 13

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Good to

L nc Li n oln n Pa Park rk Zoo 20 2 01 N. Cl Clar a k St St., .

Chi hica cago go lp lpzoo. o com

Monkeying around Lincoln Park Zoo nears big exhibit opening

I

n a lot of ways, snow monkeys, the Lincoln Park Zoo’s newest addition, are just like kids.

They’re playful, rosycheeked and sociable, and they love to learn from watching others. But mainly, they’re skeptical of any new food.

Curator of Primates Maureen Leahy says the most entertaining moment with the monkeys so far has been watching them inspect, poke, eat and fall in love with red peppers.

As its first new major exhibit in nine years, the Lincoln Park Zoo brought eight snow monkeys, known as Japanese macaques, to Chicago because of their unique

ability to adjust to extreme climates. To make them even more comfortable, the zoo built a habitat with a hot spring, heated rocks and built-in fans.

Steve Ross, who leads the snow monkey cognitive research team, says the zoo plans to study their widely varied social dynamics.

“We basically want to see what the world looks like to these monkeys,” Ross says. “These monkeys in particular have shown that they have a high ability to mimic and learn from others’ behavior. I can’t wait to watch what they do and how they interact.”

The research team will be using live video, smart glass and

touch screen rooms to observe how the monkeys respond to different situations. The monkeys also will take personality tests not unlike the ones given to humans.

“For families that are excited about exposing their kids to science and technology, this is the perfect place for them to come and learn about an interesting species as the research is happening right here in Lincoln Park,” Ross says.

The grand opening will be in May, but lucky guests might get a chance to view the macaques before then as they acclimate to Chicago.

Emily Adams

14 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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When your family is complete, consider Essure® permanent birth control.

Essure is the only non-surgical permanent birth control • Over 99% effective* • FDA-approved and available in the US for over 10 years

• Non-hormonal • May be covered by your health insurance plan at no cost†

The Essure® inserts are permanently placed in your fallopian tubes. Unlike getting your tubes tied, the Essure procedure is non-surgical. It can be performed right in your doctor’s office in about 10 minutes.

There’s no downtime to recover—most women go home about 45 minutes after the procedure and return to their normal activities within 1 to 2 days. The Essure Confirmation Test is given 3 months after the procedure to verify the inserts are placed correctly and your fallopian tubes are completely blocked, providing permanent birth control.

To learn more about Essure and find a doctor, visit essure.com or call 1.877.ESSURE4 (1.877.377.8734)

Indication Essure® is permanent birth control that works with your body to create a natural barrier against pregnancy.

Important Safety Information Essure is not right for you if you are uncertain about ending your fertility, can have only one insert placed, are or have been pregnant within the past 6 weeks, have had your tubes tied, have an active or recent pelvic infection, or have a known allergy to contrast dye.

Talk to your doctor if you are taking immunosuppressants.

WARNING: You must continue to use another form of birth control until you have your Essure Confirmation Test (3 months after the procedure) and your doctor tells you that you can rely on Essure for birth control.

It can take longer than three months for Essure to be effective. Talk to your doctor about which method of birth control you should use during this period. Women using an intrauterine device need to switch to another method. If you rely on Essure for birth control before receiving confirmation from your doctor, you are at risk of getting pregnant.

Please see additional Important Safety Information about Essure on next page.

*Based on 5-year clinical study data. †Some restrictions may apply. Visit essure.com/aca to learn more or contact your health insurance provider.

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Important Safety Information (continued) WARNING: Be sure you are done having children before you undergo the Essure procedure. Essure is a permanent method of birth control.

During the procedure: In clinical trials some women experienced mild to moderate pain (9.3%). Your doctor may be unable to place one or both EssureÂŽ inserts correctly. Although uncommon, part of an Essure insert may break off or puncture the fallopian tube requiring surgery to repair the puncture. Your doctor may recommend a local anesthetic. Ask your doctor about the risks associated with this type of anesthesia.

Immediately following the procedure: In clinical trials some women experienced mild to moderate pain (12.9%) and/or cramping (29.6%), vaginal bleeding (6.8%), and pelvic or back discomfort for a few days. Some women experienced nausea and/or vomiting (10.8%) or fainting. In rare instances, an Essure insert may be expelled from the body.

During the Essure Confirmation Test: You will be exposed to very low levels of radiation, as with most x-rays. In rare instances, women may experience spotting and/or infection.

Long-term Risks: There are rare reports of chronic pelvic pain in women who have had Essure. In rare instances, an Essure insert may migrate through the fallopian tubes and may require surgery. No birth control method is 100% effective. Women who have Essure are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus) if they get pregnant. This can be life-threatening. The Essure insert is made of materials that include a nickel-titanium alloy. Patients who are allergic to nickel may have an allergic reaction to the inserts. Symptoms include rash, itching and hives.

The safety and effectiveness of Essure has not been established in women under 21 or over 45 years old.

Essure inserts do not protect against HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases.

Talk to your doctor about Essure and whether it is right for you.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects or quality complaints of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

BAYER, the Bayer Cross and Essure are registered trademarks of Bayer. Š 2015 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Whippany, NJ, 07981 All rights reserved.

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PP-250-US-0532

Printed in USA

January 2015

2/12/15 5:04 PM

GOOD TO GO

New Virgin Hotel offers family-friendly fun

S

ir Richard Branson has arrived in Chicago via his Virgin Hotel in his signature cheeky and witty way.

First, let’s discuss the rooms, err, “chambers” as they’re called. The chambers are creative and sleek, with the “sleeping lounge” separated with a sliding set of privacy doors from the “dressing room.” Rooms come with either a king bed or two double beds—or a suite for families made of connecting chambers.

The hotel is dog friendly and seems to reiterate that point with striking dog statues throughout. Like everything else, the Common Club area is whimsically decorated in a

fun British kind of way.

Inside the Common Club, open from early morning to 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends, is a gathering place for socializing and cocktailing, but also a welcome spot for kids with games like Jenga and a “Funny Library” with hilarious books hand-picked by Second City performers.

Opening in March is the onsite Miss Ricky’s, a modern diner with an emphasis on comfort food that will appeal to both adults and children.

The Sir Ricky Burger, Great Lakes Reuben, The Biggie Grilled Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie are a few of the anticipated highlights. There will be doughnuts promised to be “so decadent you’ll

need a knife and fork” like The Tupelo King, stuffed with peanut marshmallow fluff, roasted bananas and honey glazed bacon.

Linda Marsicano

The BIG Travel Issue!

Virgin Hotel

203 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago virginhotels.com

The Ultimate Guide to Family Fun! FREE

SPRING 2014

GOING PLACES

Great gas tank getaways

10

HOT ’HOODS

Sweet eats

Spring edition coming soon!

The big TRAVEL issue

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For more information, call (708) 386 5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com ChicagoParent.com March 2015 17

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BEST IN CHI

Best places to act like a ninja Confidence, respect, leadership, focus—all skills we hope to instill in our kids (if not ourselves) every day.

And there’s only so much Berenstain Bears that we can read.

Luckily, there’s something to save you from another adventure of Brother Bear. Martial arts teaches kids what it takes to be trailblazers on their own.

SARA R. FISHER Check out some of these kid-friendly martial arts classes in the city.

1

Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts and Fitness Locations in Lincoln Square and Old Irving Park. Twoweek trial class available; degerbergacademy.com Part of the school’s success is that the lessons extend to the home. “We want kids to have fun while learning martial arts and we want them to be successful in life overall,” says Daniel Brenka, general manager. A powerful example is the Degerberg Job List that teaches kids to be Triple A students in school, home and martial arts. Kids are even required to turn a Job List in every month.

Mama Bear would be proud!

2

Thousand Waves Martial Arts & SelfDefense Center 1220 W. Belmont Ave.; thousandwaves.org It specializes in teaching kids 4-17 Seido Karate, a traditional Japanese martial art that builds physical skill and

character. At Thousand Waves, children also learn the Five Fingers of SelfDefense to deal with threats like bullying.

3

ATA Chicago 4433 N. Ravenswood Ave.; ata-chicago.com Programs start at age 4.

Chief Instructor Chris Beck believes Taekwondo helps develop not only physical skills, but also “life skills like respect for self and others, self-confidence, selfcontrol and perseverance.”

In addition to teaching “old-school manners,” it is also know for its programs for STEM and children with special needs.

HONORABLE MENTION: S.H. Yu Martial Arts 6701 W. North Ave. Just outside the city, in Oak Park, GrandMaster S.H. Yu has been teaching generations of kids traditional values.

18 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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THREE TO SEE

Make this your child’s best summer yet!

Join us for a summer full of fun in the sun.

Sacred Heart offers something for every child.

Our day camps include a variety of academic and recreational activities.

Summer at Sacred Heart June 15 – July 24 for Ages 3-15

Three classes for parents and kids

Y

ou might not be flying off to a beach with your kids over spring break, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bond and have fun right here at home. Get class-y with your kids—and we mean that literally.

Here are three classes that will create memories while learning a new skill with your children. No plane ticket required.

1

Take a cooking class together at The Kids Table via its family cooking classes. Kids as young as 2 are welcome. Themes for March include St. Paddy’s Day, Mexican Fiesta and Italian night. $25 per family member. kids-table.com

2

Take a Weekend Family Class at the Chicago Botanic

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For a brochure or more information, please call: (773) 262-4446 www.shschicago.org 6250 N. SheridaN road ChiCago, iL 60660-1799

LIFE-CHANGING Garden, where topics such as Paper Making with Plants, Homemade Ice Cream and Gumballs and Superballs make for a fun-filled (and sometimes yummy) day.

Prices vary but run about $23 per nonmember child. chicagobotanic.org

3

Take a martial arts class together at Fonseca Martial Arts, which offers kung fu, karate, self-defense and more. Prices vary by class. fonsecamartialarts.com Linda Marsicano

Camp Sessions/Registration Starting Dates June 21-26 (Registration: Feb 3) June 28-July 3 (Registration: Feb 4) July 12-17 (Registration: Feb 5) July 19-24 (Registration: Feb 6)

Registration opens at 8:00 am CST on each date.

Register online: www.lorasallsportscamps.com LORAS.EDU

ChicagoParent.com March 2015 19

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GOOD TO GO

Yummy Family Supper night at Pizza East

P

izza East in the Fulton Market District, like the Soho House hotel where it resides, is hip and trendy—and surprisingly kid-friendly, especially on Sunday nights when it’s Family Supper night.

Not only is the food superb, the price is right. From 4-7 p.m. every Sunday, diners can select a salad, pasta and gourmet wood-fired pizza served to the table family-style for $50 per table and up to four people. Each additional person is $12.50 and drinks are 50 percent off.

The special is a bit restrictive, however, in terms of

what kind of salads, pastas and pizzas guests can choose.

The pizza is a choice between the eggplant, tomato, mascarpone and pesto or the spicy salame, tomato and mozzarella. My kids would rather eat dirt than eggplant, so we were left with just one option.

Although the deal is a good one, going off the Supper Night menu is recommended.

The wood oven items are incredible, including the whole cauliflower with lemon, yogurt and chili ($10); the mac and cheese, among the best in the city ($10); and Brussels sprouts ($11), which taste much better than they probably sound.

The pizza we found most tasty is not part of the familystyle menu. Try the spicy sausage, cream, mozzarella and broccolini or the crispy pork belly, tomato, mushrooms and mozzarella, both $16.

For dessert, go for the salted chocolate caramel tart.

Pizza East

u 113 N. Green St., Chicago u pizzaeast.com

And though the food is the highlight, the urban ambiance completes the experience.

Linda Marsicano

Day Camp l Credit & Non-Credit Courses l Sports Camps l Chess Camp

June 8 July 31

l www.latinschool.org/summer l 312.582.6080 l summer@latinschool.org

Online Registration NOW OPEN!

Join us for a FUNtastic summer!

20 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

Support for special needs families Developmental Differences Resource Fair better than ever

T

ransitions are big when you have a child with special needs, something Ellen Sternweiler and Melanie Schlachter understand very well.

So when organizers met to plan this year’s Neighborhood Parents Network Developmental Differences Resource Fair, of which Chicago Parent is a sponsor, they knew they wanted to help parents prepare for those big transitions.

“This year we’re trying to highlight topics that will help with early, middle and older age-range families,” says Schlachter, NPN’s executive director.

In its fourth year, the fair draws nearly 100 exhibitors with information and services parents really need.

“I think we have grown from the early intervention type of atmosphere to more encompassing of the journey,” says Sternweiler, a Chicago mom and owner of The Sensory Store.

The workshops are always hugely popular with parents.

“Every time I walk away with a new trick up my sleeve,” Schlachter says about the workshops.

This year’s includes an expert panel discussion on the types of support for families and how to get everyone

JAZIPHOTO.COM

working together.

A second workshop promises immediate takeaways as a panel of parents talk about managing challenging behavior, Schlachter says.

The third workshop focuses on the transitions, encompassing everything from school transitions to social and emotional transitions.

“We want our fair to be relevant,” Sternweiler says.

NPN Developmental Differences Resource Fair

u 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 8 u DePaul College Prep, 3633 N. California Ave., Chicago (formerly known as Gordon Tech High School) u Free, register at npnparents.org/expos/1695 to expedite check-in

MARCH 30 - APRIL 3 11 AM - 1 PM

M

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ChicagoParent.com March 2015 21

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Swimming Lessons

24 Convenient Chicagoland Locations!

Food + Fitness + Finances + Friendships = FUN! Register Now - Early Bird Discounts before April 1st 2 Week Day Camp Sessions: 6/22 - 7/3 7/6 - 7/17 7/20 - 7/31 M-F 9:00am – 3:00pm (lunch included)

Early drop off and late pick-up options (Lincoln Park location)

Co-Ed Grades 6-8 City of Chicago & Skokie

708-613-5179

South & West Suburbs

630-833-8145

www.BritishSwimSchool.com Ages 3 Months & Up Group & Pvt Lessons Beginner to Advanced Small Class Sizes

Group & Pvt Lessons Beginner to Advanced 30 Years Experience Gentle Fun Methods

Four Life Skills in 2 Fun-Filled Weeks! Cooking, Fitness, Nutrition, Money Management and Social Skills are taught in a fun, safe and nurturing environment throughout this 2 Week Day Camp. Boys and girls learn team-building and leadership while gaining selfconfidence through interactive and engaging activities, concluding with a final day community service project.

Onsite activities with our sponsor partners

(773) 231-7414 • LifeSkillsEducators.com

22 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Let go of best laid plans When we decide to have children, we decide what kind of parents we will be, how our kids will turn out and what choices we will never make (i.e. my kids will never be dirty, I will attend all events, I will never lose my patience).

But once we have kids, we realize the plan is hard to follow. We’re forced CATHY CASSANI to acknowledge that we have less ADAMS control than we planned.

Instead of having a child who sleeps well, we have a child who wakes up several times a night. Instead of having a child who finds school simple, our child struggles.

Instead of continuing with our travel and social lives, we can no longer keep up.

It makes us think we are doing it wrong, or our kids are doing it wrong, or the world is doing us wrong.

We are upset that our best laid plans aren’t coming true.

This is not only true with raising children, but also with partnerships, careers, friendships. We create an ideal image in our minds, and when it doesn’t play out, we begin to believe that life is unfair or we are unlucky.

But there is no way it’s supposed to be. There is only the way that it is.

By holding on to our initial plan, we miss what’s happening right now. When we intellectualize our lives, we miss the joy of a more heartcentered, unpredictable and exhilarating unfolding.

Our child may not sleep well, but this offers a chance for some bonding in the middle of the night, or at least an opportunity to

recognize that children are human beings—they are not robots that we get to program for our convenience.

We may have a child who struggles with school, but we may discover that they are socially, emotionally or artistically gifted.

We may not be able to fly off at a moment’s notice, but a slower life is an important step toward greater awareness—it allows us to appreciate the little things that can go unnoticed.

There is nothing wrong with plans and dreams, but we must also make room for the unexpected.

Of course, the unexpected can be uncomfortable, but it’s usually the thing that wakes us up to our lives.

So let go. Let go of deciding how it should be, and enjoy what’s there. None of us can map out our lives perfectly, but we have the opportunity to experience our lives with humility, gratitude and reverence.

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

Need to know

THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

ChicagoParent.com March 2015 23

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MOM OF THE MONTH

A mom with POW Katalin Rodriguez Ogren u Husband, Dave, a fourth generation fireman with the Chicago Fire Department; three kids, Jackson Diego, 7, Isis, 6, and Colton, 4 u Fitness expert with more than 15 fitness DVDs and a few books, owner of POW!, a fitness and marshal arts facility in the West Loop with classes for kids and adults.

{M.O.M}

What is your secret to managing three busy kids, your business and your teaching?

I try to do a lot of to-do lists. I would actually like to improve my ability to do my to-do list and not make it a novel, so that I’m really focusing on what I need to do right now. I have implemented year-at-a-glance boards.

We work off a master schedule.

Losing the baby weight is a concern for lots of moms. What tips do you have?

Keeping my fitness regimen going while I was pregnant was how I stayed in really good shape. I continued to work and I was adamant about sticking to a routine. Just follow the plan, that was kind of my mantra.

I actually wrote a blog that said suck it up, you are just pregnant and it was really how I got through things. ... I think the first thing mothers should do is figure out a routine.

Draft a plan, have faith in the plan and just stick to it. Create some short-term goals.

What fuels your passion for getting kids active?

I’ve always dreamed about offering superhero training and Nerf and ninja training.

My kids coming was the catalyst to actually getting it done.

How do you keep your own kids fit?

My kids are in a combination of activities. ... I think I do the same thing like most parents, I juggle whose activity has what schedule, how much does that activity cost, can we get them to that activity? ...

I try to take a kind of utilitarian perspective on the whole family.

>>

What is your guilty pleasure?

I love the nacho bites at Parlor Pizza with a Pilsner on tap.

Fun workout just for kids POW! owner and fitness expert Katalin Rodriguez Ogren has now launched POW Kids, fitness training for kids starting at age 3.

It offers superhero training for kids 3-6 on Sundays; a fit Kid Camp; and Youth Fitness Class for kids 8-14 on Mondays and Friday. It also offers birthday parties with themes including Superhero Training, Athletic Play, Ninja Training, Boxing Fitness and Nerf Skills.

7 ideas to plan a great spring break staycation Spring break is right around the corner. If you’re like me, you don’t have any plans. So, have a staycaytion!

Here are seven fun, economical activities that’ll keep the kids busy all week!

1) Clean up the yard, then plant bulbs or a garden. 2) Arrange a day of bowling or roller skating with friends. 3) Buy tickets to a basketball or hockey game. 4) Plan a day of arts and crafts or baking. 5) Visit a museum, planetarium, aquarium or zoo. 6) Invite some friends over and host a game tournament. 7) Go see a matinee movie or have a film festival at home. Have fun and make each day an adventure!

30 Second Mom Contributor Demika Caldwell

24 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD SENSE EATING

The forbidden fruit Do you prohibit your child from eating certain foods? Orange cheese puffs?

Brightly colored sugar sweetened cereals?

Candy bars? If you do, you may want to rethink your stance.

It turns out that food restriction is counterproductive. It makes the forbidden foods all the more appealing.

Last year, researchers at Pennsylvania CHRISTINE State University found that preschool PALUMBO children identified as being highly motivated by food ate more of off-limit snacks than children who showed less interest in the foods.

When it comes to picky or tiny eaters, parents may encourage kids to eat by telling them it is good for them. Also not a good idea.

“Kids eat for taste and satisfaction.

So when a parent tries to convince a child to eat a food using nutrition as the selling point, kids interpret that as meaning the food isn’t tasty,”” says Maryann Jacobson, MS, RD, family nutrition expert and co-author of the book, Fearless Feeding.

Jacobson says she doesn’t try to push healthy food. “Instead, I serve a variety of food in a structured way and teach them to listen to their tummy. I stress the importance of variety and frequency over

pressuring and restricting.”

Does this mean your children should be allowed complete access to all foods?

Of course not. Instead of keeping pop, candy and salted snacks away from kids, snac do tthis: Stock your kitchen with primarily kitc healthful foods, then hea allow the kiddos a allo reasonable amount rea of control over what they eat. th When it’s snack time, ask them to ti cchoose between nourishing items. n For example, F ““Would ld you like corn chips with guacamole or ants on a log or a pear with peanut butter?”

“Unlike so many of the struggling adults I’ve counseled as a dietitian, I want my children to eat healthy food and be active as part of their regular life,” Jacobson says.

“Basically, I want them to choose healthy habits because they are enjoyable, not because they feel obligated.”

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

Broiled Sweet Scarletts grapefruit Prep 5 minutes Serves 2 Ingredients 1 Sweet Scarletts grapefruit 2 Tbsp. turbinado or granulated sugar 2 Tbsp. granola 2 Tbsp. fat-free Greek yogurt Preparation

1. Heat broiler and place rack 4 inches from heat. Cut grapefruit in half crosswise. If desired, use a paring knife to cut around segments to separate from membrane.

2. Sprinkle each half with 1 Tbsp. sugar and

immediately place on a baking sheet under the broiler.

3. Broil until sugar is melted and browning.

Remove grapefruit and let cool slightly.

4. Serve each grapefruit half with 1 Tbsp. each yogurt and granola.

Nutrients per serving: 140 calories, 33 g carbohydrate (27 g sugar), 3 g protein, 1 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 2 g fiber, 10 mg sodium, 30% DV vitamin A, 100% DV vitamin C, 4% DV calcium, 2% DV iron.

Adapted and used with permission from Wonderful Sweet Scarletts Grapefruit

ChicagoParent.com March 2015 25

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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.

CURRICULUM TeChnoLogy heaLTh & FITness ChaRaCTeR

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SUMMER Programs at Parker 2015 Educational and Recreational Activities for Junior Kindergarten through 12th grades

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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 INFANTS • TODDLERS • PRESCHOOL • BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL • SUMMER CAMP

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iD Tech Camps Co-Ed, Ages 7-17

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iD Game Design & Development Academy Co-Ed, Pre-College, Ages 13-18

iD Programming Academy Co-Ed, Pre-College, Ages 13-18

www.iDTech.com/Chicago • 1-888-709-8324 26 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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WELL PLAYED

PICS AND KICKS

for spring Play with your photos

Instagram is definitely taking over the social sharing landscape, and rightly so. I simply adore the beautiful images that fly through my account (@meredithplays) and allow me to see just how creative and wonderful my friends are. It’s become a place where many of us document our best moments in life. That’s why I totally flipped over the new Chatbooks App. Chatbooks allows you to make beautiful, 6-by-6-inch photo books, straight from your Instagram MEREDITH SINCLAIR account. I received my first one last month and can’t wait to make more. They’re also the perfect personal gift that will be sure to produce many ooooo’s and ahhhh’s. If you aren’t already on Instagram, this is reason enough to sign up.

Free app, chatbooks.com; $6 each Chatbook ok

Play with your kicks

This playful find is just for your kiddos, but you’ll get a kick out of them, too. Sketchers has just introduced its new Game Kicks that takes the fun of electronic gaming and puts in right at your active kids’ toes. These cool new sneakers feature smooth metallic leather and a mesh fabric upper in a slip-on sporty style with lights and sounds—and an educational, fun memory game. Never fear, these interactive shoes also have a sound on/off switch for silent play. We thank you for that, Sketchers. $65, sketchers.com

Play with yo your style When I was in sixth grade, g all I wanted in life was a pairr of chic clogs. I remember wearing them every single remem day with knee socks soc and my Catholic school uniform (the nuns loathed them). So when I recently disSvenclogs, my inner 12-year-old awoke and covered Svenclog borderline obsessed ever since. I think I’ve been border these beaut beauties are the perfect Swedish spring treat for our sad little sun-starved feet. They come in loads of colors, shapes and sizes, but tthe ones I’m most coveting are the T-strap 3-inch wooden clog in either T-st red or spruce. At $225, they’ll be your investment shoe for the season—and inv darn worth it.

SO d svensclogs.com sven

Play with your phone I don’t often include two apps in one column, but I simplyy must share my n new favorite way to play with pics. I was introduced to the my p new photo-editing app, Studio, n iin January at a social media retreat for photography and now I cannot get enough.

Studio allows you to take any of your photos and very simply add words, filters, graphics and other fun elements to create one-of-a-kind images. You can make your own original designs or choose from thousands of designs from studio’s talented users, with the “remix” button.

I predict you’ll be just as taken with it as I am. Share your newly designed n iimages on your IInstagram account and you can an include them in inc those Chatbooks (See th above)! Your photos just got a whole lot more fun and fancy.

Free, madewithstudio.com

ChicagoParent.com March 2015 27

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CRAFT

Cherry blossom flowers Create a burst of spring with this simple stamping craft

E

STORY AND PHOTOS BY Y MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER NER ach year at the end of March, rch, the National Cherry Blossom Festival in n Washington, D.C., celebrates springtime and signifies friendship.

Let spring bloom inside your our home with this easy stamp project to create te your own bright pink cherry blossom trees.

Directions ections Supplies White canvas or thick paper Empty 16-ounce plastic bottle

1

Pick a 16-ounce plastic bottle that has a five point star-shaped bottom.

Empty and dry the plastic bottle to use as your stamper.

Pink and brown paint Paintbrush Paper or plastic disposable plate

2

Using brown paint and a brush, freehand draw a tree with multiple branches on the canvas. Make sure to leave room to stamp your flowers around the branches. Let dry before stamping flowers.

3

Pour some pink paint on the plate and dip the bottom of the plastic bottle into the paint to completely cover the star-shaped bottom.

4

Carefully stamp and press the paint-filled bottom around the branches of the tree to create flowers. Repeat to create as many cherry blossom flowers as desired. Once it’s dry, hang your spring masterpiece and enjoy.

28 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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2/12/15 5:11 PM

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ChicagoParent.com March 2015 29

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Pre-K through 8th Grade Independent School Guiding Bright & Gifted Children Onward & Upward

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30 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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2/12/15 5:12 PM

FAILING WITH GUSTO

The beauty of motherhood

Damn you, Snickerdoodles.

Damn you, pasty white skin.

Damn you, ice hockey.

After checking into our room, my kids and husband sprinted to the water area before unpacking a single towel. My swim dress and I opted instead for a slow saunter. This was mostly done to keep inner thigh “swooshing” to a minimum.

Yet during the threemile hike from one end of the hotel to the other, I noticed something unusual: I was in the LAND of swim dresses. I had finally found my people.

Indoor water parks attract minivan moms at a far greater rate than they attract twenty-somethings with taut stomachs.

Looking around, I realized my wobbly bits were in great company amongst women floating in lazy rivers and having a fantastic time with their children.

Nobody cared that my body was not perfect.

Parents were too busy chasing down their own

kids and spending exorbitant amounts of money on waterpark hot dogs to give me a second glance.

Inspired, I relaxed in a deck chair, ordered a $50 beer and thanked my lucky stars for having invested in several years’ worth of swim lessons for the boys. It was going to be a magnificent weekend after all.

Right around the third drink and fourth People magazine, my youngest son approached and stared incredulously at my fantastically gaudy glitter toenail polish and raved: “You look BEAUTIFUL, mommy!”

I never grow tired of how excited my kids get when I put on anything other than sweats. On the rare occasion I get dolled up for an evening with my husband, I feel like a movie star walking the red carpet.

“Twirl around, Mommy!”

“You look so pretty!”

“Can we come??”

There is a lot to be said about being the mother of sons. In many ways, I am their gold standard

of beauty and grace.

It does not matter that I trip on air, or that there’s often lipstick on my teeth. They do not see my cellulite, wrinkles or gray hair.

It is part of the magic of motherhood, and it reminds me of a line from Rodgers and Hammerstein: “Do I love you because you’re beautiful … or are you beautiful because I love you?”

My heart knows the answer. To my boys, I am a goddess in a swim dress.

And it is the best feeling in the world.

Talk back

It was the moment I had been dreading since my son Jack joined his squirt hockey team last fall.

My fears had nothing to do with injury. I was not concerned about locating some remote suburban ice rink. This time, my angst arose from an entirely new development.

I was going to have to attend a weekend tournament at a Wisconsin Dells water resort IN MY BATHING SUIT. MARIANNE My husband, Joe, did not see the problem. He began WALSH Yelping restaurants in the area immediately. My kids discussed rides and slides. While the family rejoiced and planned, my postChristmas body and I flopped down in sad despair.

ChicagoParent.com March 2015 31

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2/13/15 11:34 AM

VOICE: IAN MORRIS

On being bears

B

eginning when my daughter was old enough to talk, she and I played a game we called Bears. We would be sitting on the bed, and one of us would say, “Do you want to play Bears?” And we’d dive under the covers to hibernate. I’d wrap Zelda in my arms and say, “The Something daddy bear holds the instinctive baby bear And compels us, close.” she’d say, “So as mammals, nothing bad can happen.” to huddle This was the To together, makeaim. sure whispering the little girl felt protected about food and cared for.

Winter genand danger. erally lasted 10 to 15 5 seconds before Zelda would throw off the covers and d yell, “It’s spring.”

Then, it was time to eat, since bears are always hungry after sleeping through the winter. The first bear foods ods we scooped from imaginary nary bowls were porridge and d honey, the standard faree of storybook bears.

As the years went by, real bear food was introduced. d.

First was fish, usually salmon lmon (because she had seen real eal bears eat them on TV) and nd clownfish (because Finding ing Nemo was on a constant loop in the DVD player). Eventually, ntually, the list of imagined foods ds expanded to the point that hat Zelda would have to produce duce

a menu on her palm, and we would order a la carte.

The last addition to the game was the introduction of marauding animals—tigers, lions, alligators and dinosaurs—that would stomp about outside the cave in winter, until the father bear roared and scared them away.

Somewhere along the way—I don’t recall exactly when—when Zelda was perhaps 6 or 7, we both began to realize, without speaking it, that our perceptions of the game had changed.

We huddled, we spoke our lines, but the palpable wonder that imagination conjures was gone from my daughter’s voice. We still enjoyed our time beneath the blankets, particularly on cold weekend mornings, but it was not the same. Rather than talking about tigers or honey, Zelda began talking about books she was reading or some trouble she was having with a friend at school. These conversations became more interesting to us than the rehearsed talk of tigers and honey.

Then, when she was 9 or 10, we stopped playing Bears. We stopped without noticing we had stopped.

Zelda is 12 now.

I hadn’t thought about the

PHOTO BY SABRINA CRAIG

Oh, the games we play to help our kids feel secure

game of Bears for some me time, until recently when I was editing an essay written by a woman whose mother had suffered from cancer ncer for most of the author’s life. The writer recalled that when she was a little girl she and nd her mother used to lie together gether under the covers. “We’re We’re bears,” her mother w would ld hibernating.” say. “We’re hibernatin ng.” that And I realized tha at paryoung ents and youn ng children everyw everywhere, where,

every day, must invent this game for themselves—as if for the first time—as a lesson in the powerful f l sense off security i that h family can provide.

Something instinctive compels us, as mammals, to huddle together, whispering about food and danger. danger Something within us all seeks that which comforts and sustains the protector and the protected alike.

Ian Morris is a Chicago dad and the author of the novel When Bad Things Happen to Rich People and is co-editor of The Little Magazine in Contemporary America. He teaches publishing at Columbia College, where he is also managing editor of Punctuate.

32 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com Parent.com

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2/13/15 10:44 AM

VOICE: SAMANTHA SORDYL

The Cleaning

A moment of calm in the midst of sickness and sewage

I

hate when the kids are sick. I hate it even more when I am, too. I don’t think any parent likes it.

But I’ve found time and time again that something new and usually good surfaces when it’s all over.

My kids look a little different and seem to have grown a little more coming out of every sickness. Maybe it’s just the passage of time. Maybe kids change so much every week that we don’t even notice it unless something like sickness freezes time. And then when the kids are well again, you have a minute to think and take notice.

This time around I noticed something new about me.

I woke up to my middle son vomiting on my shoulder the other night. After he’d thrown up, showered and gotten back into bed, I walked downstairs at 1:41 a.m. to wash the sheets.

As it turned out, it was just the beginning of The Cleaning.

Walking down the stairs into the basement that night, listening to the

thunder clap and the rain pound at our windows, I knew all three boys were sick with a bug. I was sick with the same bug. I didn’t really think it could get worse.

As I put the dirty sheets on the basement floor in front of the washing machine, I saw water on the floor creeping toward them like a gentle wave coming ashore. It got worse.

Everywhere I looked in our finished basement, the water was two inches high.

And the first thought that came to me was, oh well.

It was the middle of the night. I was sick and two days into eating very little food. My kids were all upstairs sick as dogs. And my husband was in Detroit.

I wasn’t worried about how we would fix all of this or why it was all happening at once. Germs and water.

That is all it is. In my “oh well” moment, I couldn’t stop thinking about how much I loved my kids and was so glad the mess was in the basement rather than closer to them.

Then a bit of frenzy set in when I saw their wet stuffed animals and drenched costumes. I got my husband on the phone in his hotel room to cry to him about the mess, then ventured out into the torrential rain to get the Shop-Vac that proved useless against the gallons and gallons of dirty sewer water.

But still, to experience even just one “oh well” moment in the midst of all that was definitely growth on my part.

Walking down the stairs into the basement that night, listening to the thunder clap and the rain pound at our windows, I knew all three boys were sick with a bug. I was sick with the same bug. I didn’t really think it could get worse.

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DECOMADAYCAMP.COM ChicagoParent.com March 2015 33

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2/12/15 4:17 PM

VIVA DADDY

The Chicago Herpetological Society Presents

tion’s Large st Ed The Na uca tiona l

Reptile and Amphibian Show!

5

types of parents getting an invoice

MATT ROCCO

By now you’ve probably read about the British mum who threw a birthday party for her son. One of the invitees didn’t show, so she slipped an invoice into the child’s bag for £16 (about $25). My initial impression was, like most people’s, one of shock and disgust. But as I thought about it, she might just be onto something …

Whenever another parent’s decisions, manners and choices offend me, I’m going to send them a bill.

1

Parents who serve bad booze at playdates

The 22nd Annual

April 11th & 12th ReptileFest is proudly sponsored by:

No Animals for Sale facebook.com/CHSReptilefest

University of Illinois-Chicago P.E. Building

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www.ReptileFest.com for discount coupons

This is Chicago. You can’t swing a growler without hitting a microbrewery. And there are wine stores that offer smartly curated wines at Trader Joe’s prices, so there’s no excuse for trying to pour Coors or Franzia down my gullet. It’s hard enough to manage playdate politics sober. Give me $16 so I can get a quality bomber.

2

Parents who are less cool than me

OK, “norm-core” parents— you’re giving us all a bad name. Your saggy dockers and poorly tucked-in buttondowns are saying: “I surrender to irrelevance, formlessness and beige.” I don’t want other people thinking I tell bad jokes and dance poorly just because you do. If I must hear you discuss preschools, traffic or your IRA, pay up.

You owe me $200 for my time.

3

Parents who are more cool than me Your immaculately tended stubble,

your tattoo sleeves, your cadet cap—they make me feel fat. I’ll bet you take ukulele and homebrew, don’t you? That’ll be $250 for pain and suffering.

4

Parents who try to hide their child’s runny nose

You’re sneaking your sick kid in here, aren’t you? Now they are playing some game involving licking each other’s hands. I’m going to have to call a doctor tonight, aren’t I? That’s $25 for the copay, plus $6 for the meter, $10 for the meds, and then $500 for the time off work.

5

Anti-vaxxers

Your choice of Jenny McCarthy as your Surgeon General means the young, old and immunosurpressed are at risk. It means that diseases once thought to exist only in games of “Oregon Trail” are back.

You owe the world a billion dollars.

34 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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2/13/15 10:44 AM

REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

@

u Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

How can I get my daughter to eat healthier and exercise to lose weight without giving her a negative self-image?

For younger children, I just discovered the LeapFrog LeapBand. It’s sort of like a Fitbit and a Tamagotchi. The band tracks how active you are and based on that, you get more playtime or more food for your virtual pet!

Gia Lee, Chicago

Decide to get healthy as a family.

Cook nutritious meals together.

Exercise together by going for a bike ride, walking to the park, etc. Not only is the family getting healthier physically, they are making memories!

Jackie Sergeant, Richton Park

Stock up on healthy snacks, prepare appropriate meals, and limit the availability of junk food. You can’t control what she eats outside the house, but set a good example at home.

Don’t criticize. Do compliment.

Lisa Cheruff, Skokie

Tell her that you want to start taking better care of yourself and would love for her to be your accountability partner. You can take walks, plan meals (she can pick quick recipes online) and learn to make healthier choices together.

Cherish Walsh, Streamwood

Have the rest of the household help by setting a good example. It’s easier when others you love and trust are doing the same thing.

Jeff Mezydlo, Chicago

Focus on getting healthy and emphasize that she’s beautiful no matter what, but needs to take care of herself.

Watch videos about controversial image photoshopping.

Talk about how powerful body image is and how to keep it in check.

Heather Earnhart, Chicago

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Summer Lab on Stage is a unique musical theater training company for students in grades five through eight. Get ready for the driving pace of this energetic production, as you’ll be singing, dancing, and acting on the first day.

Curtains up for the grand finale at the University of Chicago’s Logan Arts Center.

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Full Day, Morning, and Afternoon Programs for Children of All Ages.

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ChicagoParent.com March 2015 35

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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.

Go ahead, BRAG

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.

Abigai Ab igail aiil, 5, Everrggrreen een P ee Paark k

An A nd drrew w 4, Ni Nina na,, 2, 2, Ch hiicca aggo o

Jour Jo urne nee, e, 4, Ca alu l me mett Ci City ty

JJa aka are ree, e 11 1,, Jou our urn rneee e, 10 10, Chic Chi ag go

Evveellyn, yn, 21 yn 1 moon nth t s, s, Chi h cago

Keeg eggan an, 16 monthss, s, Chicago

Krriissh, 21 mo mon ntths, hs, Gu hs G rn nee ee

36 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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ChicagoParent.com March 2015 37

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2/12/15 4:15 PM

Six places that go …

S

beyond your ordinary movie theater

BY CORTNEY FRIES

W

atching a movie is fun, but on IMAX or 4-D you feel like part of the action.

If you are spending your

spring break right here in the Windy City, check out the shows our favorite spots offer to help you combine fun and learning this month.

Shedd Aquarium “Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs-The 4-D Experience” is a 15minute version of the 2009 animated film featuring Manny, Ellie, Diego and Sid the Sloth. After Sid decides to raise three dinosaur babies as his own, a chase ensues. Loud, booming dinosaur steps are countered by silly water-spraying-in-your-face burps and regurgitations.

“Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure 4-D” is a shortened version of the National Geographic film. Marine reptiles in prehistoric seas slither in photo-realistic animation. I literally jumped aside as an ugly creature’s giant jaws jutted out to grasp me.

Shedd recommends the 4D Experience for kids 4 and up.

Timed-entry tickets are required and can be purchased as a part of most premium packages.

38 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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The Museum of Science and Industry boasts Chicago’s only five-story Omnimax o dome, wrap-around theater. d “Journey to Space” launches “J there March 19. Hold on th tight as you blast past the ti reaches of shuttles, satellites re and an space stations to the Red

MSI

Planet.

“Flight of the Butterflies,” a stunning natural history epic about the migration of the monarch butterfly, ends March 18. Watch Dr. Fred Urquhart and his team of citizen scientists unravel the mystery of their secret winter

hideaway in the mountains of Mexico.

“D-Day: Normandy 1944” will run through May 21.

This captivating documentary, narrated by Tom Brokaw, guides you through the Battle of Normandy, the largest military operation

ever undertaken. It pulls you in to explore history, military strategy, science, technology and human values. This 43minute film is best for ages 8 and up.

Additional timed entry tickets are required for all MSI Omnimax movies.

Navy P Pier

The IMAX Theatre runs G-rated films before noon on its six-story-tall, 85-foot-wide sc screen. Its new movie, 3D,” “Pandas: The Journey Home 3D D,” captures the efforts of save the Chinese government to sav ve the giant panda. This Geographic 40-minute National Geograph hic documentary captures for the first time the highly en endangered ndangered species breeding release and being prepared for releas se back into the wild. Witness the birth, nursery nurseery care and zoologists teaching of panda cubs by zo oologists so dedicated that they wear pan panda nda suits disguised with panda scent. W While the adorable, pandas are playful and adorab ble, young watching this movie with youn ng kids will conjure up questions o on breeding and the dangers of the natural world.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

ChicagoParent.com March 2015 39

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IMAX

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

Legoland Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg offers 4-D movies that rotate throughout the day and are included with entry.

Catch “Clutch Powers,” “Legends of Chima” or “Spellbreaker,” 15minute Lego movies with effects like orange or skunk smells, snow and rain.

Field Museum “Waking the T. Rex 3D: the Story of SUE” is a 23-minute biopic that reveals the life and discovery of Sue, the largest and most complete T. rex ever found. This high-drama science adventure is best for school-age kids. The 7-ton lizard king roars in your face, attacks prey and devours 100-pounds of flesh and bones in one gulp.

“Titans of the Ice Age 3-D” transports viewers 20,000 years back in time to the frozen era

of giant sloths, wooly mammals and prehistoric humans. Discover the story of baby Lyuba, the bestpreserved mammoth mummy in the world. The best part of this film, my tween cousin and I agreed, was how it connected the past to the present.

3-D movies require timedentry tickets available with All-Access and Discovery Passes.

Adler Planetarium “Destination Solar System” is an immersive tour of the solar system led by a live, trained actor in the most technologically enhanced domed theater ever created. My 5-year-old son and 7-year-old nephew raved about feeling like they were in a real rocket.

“One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Big Adventure” aims to

give kids 4-6 an introduction to astronomy. Big Bird, Elmo and their friend from China, Hu Hu Zhu, take little ones on a tour of the night sky.

Tickets are required. Shows run about 30 minutes each.

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

Camp Lee Mar, located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, is a coed overnight camp for children and teenagers (from 7 to 21) with mild to moderate developmental challenges.

2015 Dates: June 24-August 11

A Life Changing Experience!

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• Daily living skills • Teenage campers enjoy social Winter Office dancing every week with an Camp Lee Mar end-of-summer “Prom” Ph: 215-658-1708 • Optional trips during the summer Fax: 215-658-1710 • Exceptional facilities featuring air conditioned bunks and buildings Email: gtour400@aol.com • Junior Olympic heated pool Like us on facebook • Caring Nurturing Staff

63

40 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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The Naperville Moms Network (napervillemoms network.com) is a diverse community of moms connecting to support and empower each other. With more than 3,500 members, it offers business networking, childcare resources, fundraising activities and social events.

PHOTO BY ROPERPHOTO.COM

Look familiar, moms? Dr. Cathy Subber’s mini-van shows a life well traveled.

Moms D

Year long photo project wants to bust stereotypes

IN REAL LIFE

BY JENNIFER EVERS

r. Cathy Subber loves mothers.

The owner of the Naperville Moms Network has been invested in making lives better for the moms in her community since she arrived in town more than 15 years ago.

Now she wants to find a way to share what motherhood really looks like.

Feeling frustrated with social media versions of motherhood and the rampant use of Photoshop and picture altering, Subber has undertaken “The Journey of Motherhood� project with the help of fellow NMN member Nicki Worden and photographer Terri Roper.

Brainstorming with Worden, they were inspired by a collection of photographs depicting real women’s bodies postchildbirth. “What if we could do that, but about motherhood in general?� Subber wondered.

She emailed the concept to the members and within an hour, the stories came flooding in.

Naperville Moms Network

member Jeannie Coe was one of the first to respond. “I absolutely loved this idea. I have a very strong belief that as women, we do not support one another in the choices we make for our own families,� she says.

In a community that has a strong—and incorrect, in her opinion—stereotype of what defines a mom, Subber is anxious to share the reality of women in Naperville. “Showcasing moms in the Naperville area will hopefully take off some of the pressure. I hope that a project like this will allow them to show a different side of themselves so others can relate to the REAL them,� she says. “There is a universal reality to the struggles of motherhood.�

Subber isn’t shying away from sharing her own reality.

She shared what she calls her “biggest secret�: her messy and disorganized car. “The rest of my life is so organized and in control, but my car is so embarrassing,� she says.

She has been surprised at the number of people who tell her they can relate. “Sometimes if you are vulnerable, you create deeper relationships with people that you didn’t realize were struggling with the same thing,� she says.

That is really what this project is about for Subber.

The project is slated to take six to 12 months to complete.

Subber is hoping that every woman will be able to look at the finished project and find something of herself in it.

ChicagoParent.com March 2015 41

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2/13/15 9:34 AM

AT HOME IN SWEET HOME

Chicago Four places to build a fun spring break staycation

C

BY KEELY FLYNN

hicagoans are just so lucky. One of the nation’s favorite cities to visit is also an easy place to spend an exceptional staycation. Why not take a few days to enjoy the best of the Windy City with these four local-approved activities? (Deep-dish pizza optional.)

We heart dim sum Dim sum, literally translated, means “dot hearts”: small treats that touch the heart. Dozens of carts wheeling around small plates and tins of delicacies (like fluffy steamed barbecue pork buns) make for an adventurous, satisfying and out-of-the-ordinary lunch after a morning spent exploring the shops of Chinatown. (Bubble tea! Lucky bamboo!) No worries if your

Cantonese is rusty (or nonexistent)—most restaurants feature illustrated menu items, making pointing and ordering a completely legitimate move.

Cost: Really depends on how hungry you are.

The Phoenix, 2131 S. Archer Ave. (312) 328-0848 phoenixchinatownchicago.com

The big spin Many associate Navy Pier with strictly touristy endeavors, but in terms of unadulterated and childlike joy, it’s hard to beat a twilight spin on the 150-foot-high Ferris wheel.

Whether marveling at views clear across the lake or at Chicago’s stunning skyline, there’s no better way to enjoy the Pier. (That is, unless you’re in line for a corn dog.)

42 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Cost: $6. Parking can be pricey, so opt for the adventure of public transportation.

600 E. Grand Ave. (800) 595-7437 navypier.com

2/12/15 4:13 PM

Teach your child to swim, it’s the gift that lasts a lifetime!

Top o’ the world How big is your brave? If it’s roughly 1,353 feet high, you’ll do just fine with the Willis Tower’s enclosed glass Skydeck and vistas from the second tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. (Although longtime residents might have to check themselves from referring to the skyscraper as “the Sears.”)

Cost: $12.50 for ages 3-11, $19.50 for ages 12 and up.

233 S. Wacker Drive (312) 875-9447

Teeny tiny fantasies Sure, the Art Institute boasts a glorious collection of Impressionist paintings and a nearly 4,000-year-old array of ancient and Byzantine art, but the real draw for your kids will be the incredible Thorne Miniature Rooms. Painstakingly crafted spaces featuring interiors

Small Class Sizes for ages 6 months and up Professional swim instructors “I smiled so much, my face hurt” - Tricia, mom

2222 N. Elston, Chicago chicagobluedolphins.com/chiparent NEW!

and furniture from Europe’s late 13th century to the American 1930s are a wonderful (and oh-so tiny) intro to the magic of the Art Institute.

Cost: Free for ages 14 and under, $23 for adults. (For Illinois residents: Free 5-8 p.m. Thursdays.) artic.edu

Light Show and Sound System!

As Seen on TV ABC’s Ch. 7 “190 North”

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ChicagoParent.com March 2015 43

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Finally,

spring break!

Quick trips that are really great

D

BY DONNA BOZZO on’t have a ton of time to get away, but still want to put a little spring in your family’s footsteps this month? We have four trips within two to eight hours’ drive that can easily be made to fit your family’s interests.

The American

In about two hours

Kohler,, Wis. Five star luxury awaits at Destination Kohler Kohler.

Check Ch hec e k into in nto o Inn Inn n On On Woodlake Wood Wo odla odla od lakee or or The The Th American A er Am eric i an Club ic Clu ub Resort Reeso R sort r and and nd check che h ck k out out ut llots otts o of fun activities fun n family famil illy ac cti t vviiti ties es llike ik ke tennis, tteenn niss, swimswim mming ming mi ng and and d the the he fabulous fab bul uo ou us spa, sp pa, a, Kohler Koh hle lerr Waters Wate Wa Wate t rrss Spa—a Spa— Sp a— —a great grea gr eat spot ea eat sp pot ot for forr tteens eeen nss and and tweens. twe ween en ns. s Kohler free Ko ohl hler offers hler off ffer erss ffr ree ee weekday wee eekd kday day ay Industry Ind ndus u tr us t y in in Action 14 Acti Ac cttiion on Factory Faccto tory oryy Tours Tou ourss for fo orr tthose hose ho se 1 4 and an nd older. olde ol der. de r. The The he food fo oo od iiss yyummy, ummy um myy, too. tto oo o.. The Th hee super-cozy sup uperupe er-c er -co ozzy Horse Hors Ho ors rse rse And An An nd d Plow, Pllow P ow,, the th he historic hist hi stor to orricc worker’s work ker e ’s taproom, tapro ap pro room om om, m, is is my my favorite, favo fa vori vo vori rite tee, with with wi ith h to-dieto--d diieiee for bites. f r Wisconsin fo Wisc Wi scon o si sin n bi b t s. te s Can C n you Ca yo ou say saay one on ne more off more rround mo ou o und do cheese ch heeeese essee curds, cur urds d, please? p ea pl ease see?

44 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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In about four hours St. Louis, Mo. The Gateway to the West is your gateway to family fun. Check out The Gateway Arch, go aboard the Becky Thatcher or The Tom Sawyer for a riverboat cruise or visit my crazyabsolute favorite spot—The City Museum, a 600,000-square-foot eclectic funhouse made out of unique objects like old chimneys, salvaged bridges, even abandoned planes. We love staying right downtown—the recently renovated Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch is a great choice for walking to all things cool. And you get a free hot breakfast.

In about six hours

erican Club Resort

Lexington, Ky. There’s lots of horsing around at the Horse Capitol of the World. In Lexington, you’ll find Kentucky Horse Park with more than 1,200 acres of exhibits, museums, pastures and competition facilities; The American Saddlebred Museum, which explores the heritage of America’s oldest registered breed of horse; and The Thoroughbred Center, where tomorrow’s champions in training—about 1,000 young horses—learn how to behave like race horses.

In about eight hours

Showboat Branson Belle

Branson, Mo. Great music awaits at the Live Music Show Capital of the World. This is a terrific spot for an extended family trip with lots for everyone from Grandma and Pops to the little ones. You will find shows galore. I just loved watching the Eagles, John Denver and Patsy Kline tribute shows. Close your eyes and they sound just like the original. You’ll even find waiters and waitresses who will sing with your dinner in Branson. And beautiful Ozark Mountain vistas, wilderness and waterways await for those who want to get their outdoor adventure on. I loved cruising the Showboat Branson Belle and the visiting The World’s Largest Toy Museum with a collection of more than one million gone but not forgotten vintage toys. And, this year the Silver Dollar City theme park presents what it’s calling its biggest family year ever as it debuts 10 new family adventures. Silver Dollar City reopens for the season March 14.

Donna Bozzo is a mom living on the North Shore, TV contributor, freelance writer and the person behind The Lady with the Alligator Purse.

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It’s a …?

Lurie Children’s Hospital creates unique program to provide answers

I

BY JERRY DAVICH

mmediately after giving birth, Lauren Bedford’s baby was placed on her belly in the hospital delivery room.

“It’s a boy!” her husband proudly exclaimed.

“I’m not so sure,” Bedford’s midwife countered.

Bedford looked up, confused.

Not so sure?

Her infant was born with a disorder of sex development, formerly called intersex. The baby’s genitals were ambiguous, not offering a clear-cut determination of its gender.

Doctors were unsure if the baby was a boy or girl. Tests were needed. Bedford* was dumbfounded.

“The doctor at the neonatal intensive care unit made it very clear to me, this is serious,” Bedford recalls. “I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t know there was even such a thing as ambiguous genitals.”

Pink or blue?

Imagine giving birth to a baby, yet not knowing if it was a boy or girl and not being able to even name the child. Such disorders of sexual development, affecting up to 1 in 4,500 babies, are often social

emergencies more than medical emergencies.

After waiting months to eagerly learn the sex of a child at birth, parents feel blindsided when their doctor tells them, “Sorry, but I don’t know.”

All of sudden, their

expectations crash to a standstill. You don’t know?

Bedford’s midwife boldly asked about the baby elephant in the delivery room: Is the infant a hermaphrodite (an outdated term with a freakish stereotype)?

“My husband and I almost went into shock,” Bedford says with a sigh.

What would they tell their family? Their friends? Which clothes should be bought? Pink or blue bedroom? What about their child’s future? Such an ambiguous diagnosis gave birth to countless questions.

“I felt totally lost, scared and isolated,” Bedford says. “It was horrible.”

After performing tests—an ultrasound, bloodwork to check electrolytes and adrenal steroid levels—the gender identity of the Bedfords’ baby became a CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

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IT’S A…?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46

waiting game. One day, two days, three days, four days went by.

“I avoided my friends, my neighbors and even our extended family because I knew their first question: What did you have?” Bedford says. “I felt so embarrassed. And then I felt guilty for being embarrassed.”

Finally, five days after the baby’s birth, doctors made a determination.

It’s a girl!

“My husband and I just melted into each other’s arms, crying,” Bedford says.

The situation, however, wasn’t that simple or clear-cut. Their little bundle of joy was hospitalized at 6 months old. Corrective surgery took place at 8 months old. Constant monitoring was needed. Daily medications.

Steroid treatments. Routine doctor visits.

Oakbrook Terrace Park District

TEEN FLASH LIGHT EGG HUNT at HERITAGE PARK

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“It’s never been normal,” says Bedford, a Chicago area mother.

“But once you hear the medical reasons behind this condition, it’s not such a weird freaky thing.”

This is a common refrain from parents who arrive at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, which now operates a Gender and Sex Development Program.

It offers a diverse team of specialists, including general pediatrics, adolescent medicine, endocrinology, urology, surgery, psychiatry and psychology.

Opening in 2013, the program now treats more than 75 patients, from newborns to those in their 20s.

“This is an extremely sensitive and stigmatized condition,” says Dr. Earl Cheng, the program’s co-director. “Many of our patients don’t fit into a certain

“I avoided my friends, my neighbors and even our extended family because I knew their first question: What did you have?”

Lauren Bedford* Mother

category. They are their own category.”

In the past, sex reassignment surgery was done at a very early age to “fix” abnormal genitalia.

Was it a large clitoris or a small penis? Doctors felt confident that surgery and lifelong secrecy were the best treatments. Their word was gospel. End of discussion, if a discussion took place at all.

Celebrating 25 Years of Montessori Education

SPORTS BROADCASTING CAMP is back for our 10th year in Chicago July 6-10, 2015

Friday, March 20 • 8 pm $5 R/$6 NR • Grades: 6th-8th

SPRING BREAK CAMP

Monday, March 30-Thursday, April 2 7 AM-6 PM $95 R/$100 NR

SPRING EGG HUNT FOR KIDS & DOGGIE

Terrace View Park Saturday, March 28 9 AM (dogs) • 10 AM (kids) • $5 R/$6 NR (Pre-registration is required)

BUNNY MEET & GREET AT THE FITNESS CENTER

Saturday, March 28 • 10:30 AM – 11:30 am $1 •All ages welcome!

(Pre-registration is required)

LAKE VIEW NATURE CENTER PRESENTS A SPECIAL WINTER EXHIBIT: “Duck, Duck, Goose!”

This special exhibit is about water birds, ducks, geese, herons, grebes, cormorants & mergansers.

(Exhibit runs through April 4 & is free admission during regular Nature Center hours)

For further information, contact the Oakbrook Terrace Park District (630) 627-6100 • www.obtpd.org

• Boys and Girls age 10-18 will have an opportunity to learn from the pros in the industry • Make sports anchor tapes from a TV studio • Make Play-By-Play tapes of the Super Bowl and NBA Finals • Make reporting tapes at a professional stadium

We invite you to see our classic Montessori school, March 18, April 15, or May 13.

By appointment please, 773-779-7606

• Meet sports celebrities… and much more Day/Overnight sessions available For more info call 800.319.0884 or visit www.playbyplaycamps.com facebook.com/sportsbroadcastingcamps youtube.com/sportsbroadcastcamp

48 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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“We eventually learned that this philosophy is wrong,” says Cheng, whose staff gives families factual explanations of sexual development before making a diagnosis. “We try to involve the family as much as possible and as much as they want to be involved.”

The multi-disciplinary staff is careful to use neutral terms like “your baby,” rather than “it,” while showing photos and diagrams as educational tools.

“They’re all looking for similar answers—is their newborn a boy or a girl,” Cheng says.

The condition’s terminology also has been adjusted to avoid inappropriate, incomplete or inaccurate information, as well as unneeded shame or embarrassment for families.

Cheng compares this condition and its related issues with the stigma of homosexuality from decades ago. It’s only slowly coming out of its own societal closet.

PHOTO BY JAN TERRY/ANN & ROBERT H. LURIE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF CHICAGO

Dr. Earl Cheng and Dr. Courtney Finlayson “It’s a maturation process,” Cheng says.

Not alone Dr. Courtney Finlayson, the program’s endocrinologist, evaluates a patient’s sex development, both internal and

external structures, to assess whether their hormone system is functioning correctly.

“Patients require ongoing assessment as infancy, childhood and adolescence have different physiologic hormone production CONTINUED ON PAGE 50 Chicago Parent-QP 4c-3.5x4.625.pdf

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TryMyFuture.com (844) 320-0388 ChicagoParent.com March 2015 49

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IT’S A…?

The Avery Coonley School

An exciting and educational summer program for children ages 4–14. Three sessions available: June 15–June 26, June 29–July 10, July 13–July 24 View the 2015 Summer Program Guide online at www.averycoonley.org/summerprogram 1400 Maple Avenue, Downers Grove, Illinois

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Celebrations

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49

and often need to be assessed in each of those periods,” she says.

Hormone replacement therapies are ordered, whether it’s estrogen, testosterone or lifesustaining adrenal hormones.

Beyond the physiological aspects of her role, the psychological aspects are just as crucial.

“We find that those who attend our program find a sense of relief in discovering there are many children and families like them,” she says. “And also that the condition is not as rare as they might have thought.”

“Since our program opened, I have watched numerous families enter with great anxiety, but leave with a new sense of reassurance and calm.”

The ultimate goal is to determine the correct diagnosis while helping each family choose the proper gender for child rearing.

In other words, they hope that the gender assigned to the child is ultimately the way the child identifies in life.

It can be tricky.

Bedford’s daughter, now 7, exhibits tomboy behavior, never enjoyed playing with dolls, and prefers more masculine attire.

“She’s not girly,” Bedford says.

She may have another surgery as puberty emerges but, at this age, she is simply another second-grader who understands

she has a “medical condition.”

She doesn’t know about her once-ambiguous genitals.

Not yet anyway.

“I still don’t tell my closest friends,” Bedford admits.

In a telling twist, when her daughter was finally diagnosed with a cause for her condition— congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or CAH—Bedford discovered that her sister-in-law also was born with CAH. But no one in her family was told until Bedford revealed her daughter’s surprise diagnosis.

The stigma kept it a family secret for decades.

“Sadly, that stigma still remains,” Bedford says.

Jerry Davich is a freelance writer who loves to share great stories and a Chicago area dad.

* Lauren Bedford asked to use a pseudonym for this story to protect her daughter’s privacy.

The X and Y factors

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For babies, the Y chromosome is typically considered to be the sex-determining factor, but the Y chromosome needs the X chromosome for normal sexual differentiation. When the egg from the mother meets the sperm from the father, the child’s chromosomal makeup is determined. The mother typically gives an X chromosome and the father either an X or Y chromosome. Usually, an XX individual is a girl and an XY is a boy. Sometimes, however, a child gets an extra chromosome from a parent or a chromosome is absent, resulting in XXY, XO or XYY. These differences lead to a disorder of sex development.

Source: Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago’s Gender and Sex Development Program

Your perfect party planner

3/12/14 2:29 PM

50 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Celebrating Birthdays Every Day of the Year What could be more special than the moment that a baby is born?

It’s a day that families remember and celebrate for a lifetime. And that is why parents want everything that surrounds the birth of their precious child to be just right.

If you are about to welcome a new baby into your family – take a tour of our maternity departments online at AlexianBrothersBaby.org or call (1-855-367-5439) to find a doctor and learn more about our maternity services.

Women & Children’s Hospital

At Alexian Brothers Health System we believe that too. Alexian Brothers Women & Children’s Hospital in Hoffman Estates, together with Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village, are committed to offering parents and their babies the best prenatal and maternity care available in the northwest suburbs.

We specialize in happy birthdays all year round!

Take a tour of our maternity departments online at AlexianBrothersBaby.org ChicagoParent.com March 2015 51

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HOW HEALTHY are our kids?

The answer: There’s good news and there’s bad news

T

BY JOSEPH BUSH here are many reasons to be thankful that you live in the Chicagoland area: access to entertainment and culture, four seasons of natural beauty and activities, educational and employment opportunities and children’s health care.

As parents, that last one is high on our list of concerns as we try to raise healthy, happy children.

Though Illinois is ranked 30th in the U.S. in overall health in the latest rankings from the United Health Foundation, the foundation revealed a few positive trends, including a 20 percent increase in immunizations for children ages 13-17 from

2013 to 2014, and a 45 percent drop in infant mortality since 1990.

Focusing on the Chicagoland area can assure parents that elite care is nearby should serious health issues arise, but it also highlights trends that should be

closely followed in 2015.

Obesity continues to be a major issue for children; Chicago gets poor ratings for air quality; and the number of families with low income—a factor negatively related to children’s health—is growing in the suburbs.

Chicago and the surrounding suburbs have very different outlooks when it comes to a healthy environment.

The 2014 county health rankings, a collaboration between the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation and the University of Wisconsin

Population Health Institute, gives high marks to health outcomes (how healthy a county is) and health factors (what influences that health) in DuPage, Will, Kane, McHenry and Lake counties, but not Cook.

The collar counties are all in the top 25 of the 102 Illinois counties for both categories, while Cook is 75th for health outcomes.

The main issue for parents is whether their children have access to quality health care when they need it. In the Chicago area, at least,

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Child Poverty Rates Percent

Illinois

U.S.

25

20

15

10

they are close to a number of strong options.

In the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings of best children’s hospitals in the U.S., three Chicago area hospitals made the grade in the 10 specialties analyzed, with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago leading the way. Lurie earned the eighth spot in the overall standings. Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn ranked 35th in neonatal and 41st in cardiology, while the University of Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital was 27th in endocrinology and diabetes.

Take a deep breath

5

0 2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

SOURCES U.S. Census Bureau, small area income and poverty estimates,

1995–2005; American Community Survey, 2006–2011.

2012

The American Lung Association says that unhealthy air can harm children and teens especially because their lungs don’t fully develop until adulthood; they more frequently develop respiratory infections than adults, increasing their susceptibility

to polluted air.

As you’d expect, the air quality in Cook County suffers in comparison to that of the collar counties. According to the association’s 2014 State of the Air report for Illinois, Cook gets an F grade, while DuPage scored an A, Kane a B, McHenry an A, and Will a B. Lake County got an incomplete.

DuPage and McHenry counties were among the nation’s cleanest counties in terms of short-term particle pollution; according to the report, particle pollution can penetrate deep into the lungs and even into the bloodstream, leading to premature deaths, asthma attacks and heart attacks, as well as lung cancer.

On a brighter note for Cook County and Chicago, they scored well in the American Lung Association’s 13th annual State of Tobacco Control report. The report said the Diplomates of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 55 American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

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HOW HEALTHY?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 53

area’s glowing grades were due in part to Chicago becoming the city with the nation’s highest cigarette tax. Also, says Kristen Young, the executive director of the ALA in Greater Chicago in a January press release, youth smoking in Chicago is at a historic low, declining about 20 percent since 2012.

The family doctor’s view The Center for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior survey in 2013, the latest available, showed that 12 percent of Illinois high schoolers were obese. The percentage was the same in 2011 and 2009, and was 1 percent higher in 2007.

On its Obesity Facts website, the CDC explains the short and long term consequences of obesity: u Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as

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high cholesterol or high blood pressure. u Obese adolescents are more likely to have prediabetes, a condition that indicates a high risk for development of diabetes. u Obese children and adolescents are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as poor self-esteem. u Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are therefore more likely to suffer from adult health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis.

Carlos M. Cespedes, a general practitioner in family practice for Edward-Elmhurst Healthcare, says he’s alarmed by the frequency and severity CONTINUED ON PAGE 56

46

%

Low income children

26

%

All other children

Children Who Are Overweight or Obese, 2011–2012 NOTE Children ages 10–17 with weight in 85th percentile and above based on Body Mass Index (BMI).

SOURCE National Survey of Children’s Health (survey of parents).

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ChicagoParent.com March 2015 55

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Montessori Language Academy Sunday March 15th 11am-3pm

Call/email for appointment!

(708) 771-5030 info@MontessoriLanguageAcademy.com 314 Circle Ave., Forest Park, IL Japanese Language Immersion Montessori Program for 3-6 years old American Montessori Society (AMS) Certified Teachers Emphasis on Academics, Japanese & English Language Music class, Harmonica class, Art class Private piano lesson, Spanish lesson Yoko Avramov M. Ed. - Director

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HOW HEALTHY?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55

Lead Poisoning Rates, Children Under Age 6 Percent

10 8 6 4 2 0

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

Note: Percentage of children screened with elevated lead levels of 10 micrograms per deciliter or above.

Source: Illinois Department of Public Health.

of obesity he sees in his child patients.

“It’s rarely a day that I don’t see overweight kids in the office,” says Cespedes. “The problem is it seems to be getting worse. We do a lot of counseling as far as diet goes, but there’s not a lot of help outside the office. Parents of obese kids are often obese themselves.”

It’s a national issue, and not easy to curb through doctors and medicine alone. Cespedes starts with counseling, but advice on nutrition and exercise has to be heeded by both kids and parents.

Income is a limiting factor, he says, as is access to stores that sell healthy food.

Health insurance coverage Voices for Illinois Children, a statewide, nonpartisan advocacy organization committed to building better lives for children, found fewer children without health insurance, declining infant mortality rates, fewer

young children with lead poisoning, and fewer teen deaths from accidents, homicide or suicide during its annual Kids Count report. The report, released last year, also found disparities related to household income level, race and ethnicity and special health care needs.

Larry Joseph, the director of research at Voices for Illinois Children, says that while children of low-income households face more health challenges—such as healthy eating and access to care—there has been encouraging news in the increase of children covered by health insurance, largely because of the expansion of eligibility in Illinois through Medicaid and related programs.

Between 2005 and 2013, enrollment of children in Medicaid and related programs increased 42 percent statewide but more than doubled in the collar counties, according to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services.

“While poverty has grown in the suburbs, Medicaid has

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“While poverty has grown in the suburbs, Medicaid has been responsive to that growth in terms of getting more kids covered” —Larry Joseph

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been responsive to that growth in terms of getting more kids covered,” Joseph says.

Whether social services in the suburbs respond similarly remains to be seen, he says.

“Areas that have been experiencing substantial growth in the number of poor children, in many cases, don’t have the community infrastructure to respond to the needs of those families,” Joseph says. “In the city of Chicago, there’s a long-standing infrastructure; it isn’t adequate, but it’s there. In some suburban communities it just isn’t there, so it’s been a challenge for some communities to respond.”

Joseph says affected parents should keep an eye on new Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and possible Medicaid cuts, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court’s upcoming review of the federal Affordable Care Act’s subsidies for health exchanges.

Excellence in an emergency When emergency care is necessary, not every emergency

room is exactly what a child needs.

The Illinois Emergency Medical Services for Children, headquartered at Loyola University Medical Center, evaluates and certifies emergency rooms throughout Illinois for ability to care for children in emergencies.

Many of the hospitals that have earned its designations are in the Chicagoland area, including seven of the state’s 10 Pediatric Critical Care Centers.

“This is a success program, something we can really be proud of our ability to better care for kids than we had in the past,” says Mark Cichon, co-principal investigator at the EMSC program.

“Even if it’s just drawing light on the fact that it’s intimidating to care for children, we started to see better morbidity and mortality statistics than before the program was implemented 16 years ago.”

Joseph Bush is a dad and freelance writer living in Warrenville.

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North Shore School of Dance REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER DANCE CAMPS! Fun & favorite themes for ages 3 - 6 years.

New Performance Company Camp for ages 7 - 13 years.

Celebrating 25 years Professional faculty State of the art facility

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Intensive Study Ballet and Contemporary Programs for ages 10 - high school.

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630-960-7600 630-960-7605 TDD 4500 Belmont Road Downers Grove Serving the communities of: Brookfield Clarendon Hills Darien Downers Grove Indian Head Park LaGrange LaGrange Park Lisle Western Springs Westmont Woodridge

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630-990-8000 • kensingtonschool.com 58 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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Winter’s grime begone Four ways to make spring cleaning a fun family affair

A

BY SAMANTHA SCHULTZ s the sun starts to shine a bit more this month and the last remnants of snow begin to melt (hopefully), the fresh, clean air of spring can’t be too far behind.

That means it’s almost time to tackle every mom’s favorite (NOT!) household task: Spring cleaning.

What better way to tackle those dust Wh bunnies b unniies than to fight an epic cleanbattle ing ba attl as a family and take care of clutter clutte er once and for all? Here are somee ideas for getting organized ass a family and putting a spring back into your step in your own b home. ho

Tick, tock, set the Tic T clo clock One of the simplest ways O to tackle household duties is to sset a timer and encourage your family to race the clock. you Work on one larger task

together or give each member a specific task to complete in a set time. I recommend 10- to 15-minute intervals.

Working on a timer encourages the work to be done that instant and means that you’re less likely to put off a task.

You might even encourage your kids to set a personal challenge. For example, “I can pick up all of the toys in my room in less than eight minutes” and see if they can beat it.

Make a list, check it twice Oftentimes, when I’m walking through my home, I find a laundry list of things to accomplish on those big

cleaning days. Rather than trying to mentally keep track of it all, I make a list in a simple notebook I keep in my kitchen. Consider making a large family chart to hang listing things you’d like to accomplish and have your kids put stickers on what has been completed. This will help all of you literally see the progress you’re making.

You might also consider scoping out Pinterest for some printables to assist you in the standard spring cleaning tasks such as cleaning the blinds or soaking your washing machine.

Do paper lists seem overwhelming?

Consider going paperless and keeping track of your spring cleaning using a CONTINUED ON PAGE 60

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SPRING CLEANING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 59

spreadsheet. You can highlight tasks that have started or finish and keep track of your progress.

Make it a family day Choose a day when everyone will be home and make the entire day a family day.

Create your list, and upon completion of a certain number of items, do something as a family, such as play a game or go for a walk outside. Not only will this create the opportunity for valuable family time, it will clean your house in the process. Tackling the large spring cleaning list can be daunting, but working on it together might make it seem much less intimidating.

Finished your list and still have time to spare? Bake cookies or head to the movies as a reward for your day of hard work.

Let’s get physical I’m not talking about Olivia Newton-John.

Whether you decide to have a cleaning day dance party or run through a Pinterest circuit between chores, plan for fun breaks between tasks. Jump on Just Dance for a quick round, turn up the radio for an

impromptu jam session or see who can hold the plank longest. No matter how you choose to groove, your kids will love wondering what’s next and the to-do list will be tended to as well!

Consider upping the challenge by hosting your very own Spring Cleaning Olympics— and award medals for the best duster, cleanest sweeper or fastest declutterer.

Discover Roycemore…

Don’t forget to host your very own opening ceremonies complete with a feather duster as your torch!

Find even more spring cleaning ideas on our Pinterest page, pinterest.com/chiparent.

Samantha Schultz is a freelance writer, blogger and mom of two little boys living in Oak Lawn.

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60 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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camp 2015 // special advertising section Daycamp The Accelerated Center 1900 Old Willow Rd, Northbrook (224) 326-2061 acceleratedcenter.com

The Ancona School 4770 S. Dorchester Ave., Chicago (773) 322-1724 anconaschool.org

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

Brickton Montessori School 8622 W. Catalpa, Chicago (773) 714-0646 Brickton.org

Capitol Debate 2100 Palomar Airport #214-41 Carlsbad, CA 92011 (800) 450-5012 capitoldebate.com

Chesterbrook Academy 1571 Oswego Rd, Naperville, IL 60540 (877) 959-4182 chesterbrookacademy.com/camp

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

CircEsteem 4730 N. Sheridan, Chicago (773) 732-4564 circesteem.org

Council Oak Montessori School 11030 S. Longwood Dr. Chicago (773) 779-7606 Counciloakmontessori.org

iD Tech Camps Held at Northwestern, Loyola, Lake Forest College, and Benedictine (888) 709-TECH (8324) iDTech.com

iD Tech Mini Held at Benedictine University (888) 709-8324 www.iDTechMini.com

JCC Apachi Day Camps (3 years-7th grade) Chicago at UIC (773) 938-8348 Chicago at Northside College (847) 763-3504 Prep Northbrook (847) 272-7050 (847) 726-0800 Lake Zurich gojcc.org/daycamp

JCC Apachi Village Day Camp (3-5 years) Northbrook (224) 406-9200 gojcc.org/village

JCC Early Childhood Preschool Summer Camp (18 months-3 yrs) Lakeview (773) 871-6780 Rogers Park (773) 761-9100 Skokie (847) 763-3523 Glencoe (847) 835-0008 Northbrook (847) 272-8707 Lake Zurich (847) 901-0620 gojcc.org/earlychildhood

JCC Neighborhood Camps (3 years-9th grade) Rogers Park (773) 761-9100 (847) 763-3511 Skokie (773) 753-3080 Flossmoor (708) 753-3080 Hyde Park gojcc.org/daycamp

Kiddie AcademyCamp Adventure Arlington Heights: 880 W. Dundee Road (847) 595-0722 Batavia: 2201 Main Street (630) 761-4500 Bolingbrook 540 W Boughton Road (630) 679-9400 Carpentersville: 112 Tay River Drive (840) 844-8600 Crystal Lake: 720 Cog Circle (815) 893-0924 Naperville: 2828 Patriot’s Lane Coming Soon!

Plainfield: 13703 S. Route 59 (815) 609-0900 Streamwood: 1040 Sutton Road (630) 497-0200 kiddieacademy.com

Life Skills Summer Camp 1409 N. Ogden Ave. Chicago (773) 231-7414 LifeSkillsEducators.com

Summer Lab 2015 University of Chicago Laboratory Schools 1362 E. 59th Street, Chicago (773) 834-7766 www.summerlab.org

Latin School Summer at Latin 59 W. North Blvd., Chicago (312) 582-6080 latinschool.org/summer

Lookingglass Theatre Company 875 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1430, Chicago (773) 477-9257, x193 lookingglasstheatre.org/education

Lycée Français de Chicago World Camp 613 W. Bittersweet Pl., Chicago New campus: 1929 W. Wilson Ave. Chicago (773) 665-0066 LyceeChicago.org

McGaw YMCA Summer Camps 1000 Grove St., Evanston (847) 475-7400 mcgawymca.org

Montessori Academy of Chicago 1335 W. Randolph St., Chicago (312) 243-0977 (ask for Cassie Martin) montessoriacademychicago.org

Mt. Prospect Park District When school is out, camp is in!

1000 W. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect (847) 255-5380 mppd.org

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

Parkour Ninja Warrior Summer Camp 1525 Circle Ave Forest Park Register: FlipsideAcademy.net contact: Emly@livfit.net

Roycemore School 1200 Davis St., Evanston (847) 866-6055 roycemoreschool.org/summer

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

Summer at Sacred Heart Sacred Heart Schools 6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 262-4446 shschicago.org photo courtesy of id tech camp

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special advertising section // Overnight Alexa Café (All-Girls!)

Envision Middle School Camps

Held at Lake Forest College (888) 709-8324 www.AlexaCafe.com

Check website for locations near you (844) 320-0388 TryMyFuture.com

Animal Camp Jamaica

GreenApple Campus

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

Black River Farm and Ranch 5040 Sheridan Line Crosswell, MI 48422 (810) 679-2505 blackriverfarmandranch.com

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

Camp Kodiak 4069 Pheasant Run Mississauga, ON L5L 2C2 Canada (877) 569-7595 www.campkodiak.com

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

For Robotics, Digital Media & LEGO Maniacs!

Locations Chicago & Naperville (630) 778-8480 GreenAppleCampus.org

Intercultural Montessori Language School 301 S. Ridgeland, Oak Park 114 S. Racine, Chicago (708) 848-6626 interculturalmontessori.org

Kensington Schools Summer Camp Programs Ages 2-10 LaGrange, LaGrange Highlands, Western Springs, St. Charles, Geneva, Naperville, Wheaton, South Naperville, Elmhurst (630) 990-8000 kensingtonschool.com

Lifeline Theatre

The Little Gym of Chicago 3216 North Lincoln Avenue (773) 525-5750 thelittlegym.com/ChicagoIL

North Shore School of Dance 505 Laurel, Highland Park (847) 432-2060 northshoredance.com

camp 2015

Keshet: A Rainbow of Hope for Individuals with Special Needs Chicagoland Locations (847) 205-0274 keshet.org

Field Trips

Sports Broadcasting Camps July 6-10, 2015 Skokie (800) 319-0884 playbyplaycamps.com

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

Kohl Children’s Museum

Windy City Fieldhouse/ Windy City Sports Academy

2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview (847) 832-6600 kohlchildrensmuseum.org

2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago (773) 486-7300 WindyCityFieldhouse.com/youth

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Special Needs Camps Camp Lee Mar 450 Rte. 590 Lackawaxen, PA 18435 (215) 658-1708 www.leemar.com

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

Pump It Up Chicago (312) 664 PUMP (7867) Orland Park (708) 479-2220 pumpitupparty.com

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

iD Programming Academy and iD Game Design & Development Academy Held at Lake Forest College (888) 709-8324 iDTech.com

Loras All-Sports Camps Kids ages 7-13 1450 Alta Vista St Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 588-7053 lorasallsportscamps.com

Specialty ArtReach Education Theatre 915 Crestwood Ct., Streamwood (847) 372-7798 artreachspotlite.com

Chicago Blue Dolphins Bucktown/Lincoln Park, Edgewater, Lake View (773) 342-7250 chicagobluedolphins.com/chiparent

Dolphin Swim Club Crystal Lake, Skokie (847) 854-1300 dolphinswimclub.com photo courtesy of id tech camp

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Family Health Directory // special advertising section Advanced Family Dental, PC Crest Hill, Joliet, Lockport, Lombard, Plainfield, Romeoville & Shorewood 2241 Theodore Street, Crest Hill (815) 905-9289 advancedfamilydental.com

Alexian Brothers Medical Center 800 Biesterfield Rd Elk Grove Village (847) 437-5500 alexianbrothershealth.org

Children’s Dentistry Jerry Udelson, DDS Where Kids Have Fun at the Dentist!

1129 S. Harlem, Forest Park (708) 386-5437 little-teeth-big-smiles.com

Dentistry for Kids Dr. Cissy Furusho & Dr. Kirk Kollmann 4801 W. Peterson, Suite 410, Chicago (773) 790-4282 www.Dentistry4Kids.net

Oak Brooke, Plainfield, St. Charles, Warrenville, Western Springs, Westmont, Wheaton, Willowbrook, Winfield, Woodridge (888) MyDMGDr dupagemedicalgroup.com

Niles, Skokie, Park Ridge, Libertyville, Glenview, Grayslake, Highland Park and Hoffman Estates (312) 266-6200 or (847) 266-6200 PediatricENTIllinois.com

Dr. Russell S. Pollina

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601 W. Central Rd., #4 Mt. Prospect (847) 392-2457 18 E. Dundee Rd., Bldg. 5, Ste. 100, Barrington (847) 382-1720 grins4kids.com

We take the fear out of dentistry for your child 16345 S. Harlem, Tinley Park (708) 633-8700 Kidsdds.net

Pediatric Dentistry Christopher J. Morin, DDS

Specializing in Dentistry for Children & Adolescents 10313 W Lincoln Hwy, Brookside Commons Frankfort (815)806-2600 Treasuredsmilesdentistry.com

DuPage Medical Group

811 W. Wellington, Chicago (773) 871-4964 BigSmilesChicago.com

Over 50 locations provide primary and specialty care for your entire family.

With offices in Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Geneva, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale, LaGrange, Lisle, Lombard, Naperville,

Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Illinois City: 1460 N. Halsted 680 N. Lake Shore Drive Suburbs:

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The University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital At the forefront of medical care for families since 1927 5721 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago (888) 824-0200 uchicagokidshospital.org

64 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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The Bus of Fun will come to your home for your child’s next Birthday Party.

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Performer with an ActionPacked, High Energy Comedy Magic Show Includes: • Fire-Eating • Machete Juggling • Stilt Walker • & Much More

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Children’s birthday parties a specialty with balloon animals, face painting, silly story telling with puppetry, magic, games, prizes, goody bags and more

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66 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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We buy and sell gently used clothing, toys, and baby gear • onceuponachild.com • 68 March 2015 ChicagoParent.com

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calendar MARCH

1

Sure, the materials are colorful little plastic bricks rather than stone or concrete, but with a role model like Frank Lloyd Wright, your our miniarchitects are sure to create some masterpieces. sterpieces.

At Lego Architects, kids 6 and up (with an accompanying adult) can learn basic architecturee concepts, create a floor plan, and build a 3-D Lego model to o match. The workshop includes a brief tour of Robie House, so o they can 0 a.m.-noon. see what genius looks like. $5 kids, free adults. 10 odlawn Ave., March 21. Frederick C. Robie House, 5757 S. Woodlawn Chicago. (708) 848-1976, gowright.org.

2

It’s been said that Mozart makes you smarter, but what about Hector Villa Lobos? Find out at Morning of Music, an intro to music that’s far from ho-hum. At 9 a.m., kids can play instruments as they explore the “instrument petting zoo,” and then see how they all work together at 10 a.m. with a performance of “Little Train of the Caipira” from Bachianas Brasilerias No. 2. They might not ace their next test, but we’re guessing they might bump their IQ up at least a smidge. $5. 9 a.m. open house; 10 a.m. performance. March 14. Nichols Concert Hall, Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. (847) 905-1500, musicinst.org.

3

If you’re ’re anything ing g like us, s, you’vee had about bout as much as you can n takee of that vinegar smell ell that’s synonymous with dyeing Easter eggs. But with the Natural Egg Dyeing g class, kids in grades K-2 can give those eggs vibrant hues with the help of roots oots and beans, stalks and skins— and no stinky aftereffects. reffects.

Who knew beetroot ot could threaten to put thee Paas people out of business? ness? $5. 3:45-4:45 p.m.. March 25. Lake Katherinee Nature Center and Botanicc Gardens, 7402 Lake Katherine ne Drive, Palos Heights. (708) 8) 3611873, lakekatherine.org. ne.org.

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CALENDAR 1 | SUNDAY SUBURBS NATIONAL PIG DAY. Meet some

little piggies, put on a pig tail, bring home the bacon, make a piggy bank, and learn about these animals. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

WEEKEND FAMILY CLASS: HOMEMADE ICE CREAM. Kids

4-10, with adult, get an up-close look at one of the world’s tiniest seeds from the vanilla orchid, make a batch of ice cream, and pot a plant that can flavor ice cream. $23 per child. 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m.

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

“BY ALL ACCOUNTS” PUBLIC GRAND OPENING WEEKEND. Celebrate the grand

opening of the new Elmhurst history exhibit, “By All Accounts.” Enjoy a tour, refreshments, musical entertainment and family-friendly craft activities. 1-5 p.m. Elmhurst Historical Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst.

(630) 833-1457, elmhursthistory.org.

CHICAGO FAMILY PALOOZA.

Includes a wide variety of interactive activities, including a 220-foot indoor zip-line, Euro bungee, inflatables, carnival rides, a petting zoo, rock climbing wall, trackless train rides, miniature golf, DJs, magicians, strolling and costumed entertainers, face painting, balloon twisters and animal shows. The Zip Line, Euro Bungee Jump, face painting, sand art and caricature portraits can be accessed with the additional purchase of the $5 Premium Attraction ticket. $8, $15 activity wristband. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. (800) 4-PHEASANT, pheasantrun.com.

LITTLE DEBBIE SUNDAY. Special

promotions, plus kids have the opportunity to meet players after the game. Free with admission. Chicago Wolves, Allstate Arena, 6920 N.

Fore Fo est st Park St. S St t. Pa Patric ck’s s Da D ay P Pa arade e See Ma Se Marc Mar rch 7

Mannheim Road, Rosemont. (800) THE-WOLVES, chicagowolves.com.

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

curiosity about the world with interactive nature programs. A different theme is featured each week with hands-on activities, hikes, stories and crafts. Today’s theme is Maple Syrup Time. $20, $13 resident. 1-2:15 p.m. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 8485000, napervilleparks.org.

STROLLER TOURS. Caregivers

discover the MCA’s exhibitions with a docent, exploring galleries without concern that their baby or stroller will disrupt the tour. Free with museum admission. 11:30 a.m. Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago. (312) 280-2660, mcachicago.org.

7 | SATURDAY CHICAGO PANCAKES WITH PIPPI. Join Pippi

Longstocking, a popular Swedish

character, for Swedish pancakes, crafts, singing and dancing. Plus, learn how to make pancakes Pippistyle. $17, $12 members, $5 kids 1-2, free kids under 1. 9-11 a.m.

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

CIVIC CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES. A series of innovative public

STORY-TELLING: BON APPÉTIT MONSIEUR RENARD. Kids 3-7 feed

SUBURBS

their imaginations with humor, mystery and magic while being exposed to French language. Traditional as well as contemporary French tales are staged with puppets and drawings.

Side activities facilitate comprehension and make them active. $5.

2:30-4:30 p.m. Alliance Francaise de Chicago, 810 N. Dearborn St. (312) 337-1070, af-chicago.org.

ONCE UPON A SYMPHONY: LITTLE RED HEN. Features small

ensembles of CSO musicians paired with vivid storytelling, sets, costumes and images created by Chicago Children’s Theatre for families with kids 3-5. $17. 10 and 11:45 a.m. Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 294-3000, cso.org.

performances, educational performances at public schools and participation in the 2015 Chicago Youth in Music Festival for families with kids 8 and up. Today’s location is Davis Square Park, 4430 S. Marshfield Ave. 3 p.m. (312) 294-3000, cso.org.

SOCK MONKEY MADNESS FESTIVAL. A unique celebration of

Rockford’s past by highlighting the stuffed sock toy made from Rockford Red Heel Socks. Includes crafts, storytime, Make-a-Monkey workshop and Sockford General Hospital. $8, $5 kids; $20 for Make-a-Monkey Workshop. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. (815) 397-9112, midway village.com.

ELMHURST ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE. The

second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Chicago area. Includes floats, marching units and Irish dancers and local team mascots.

Noon. Spring Road and Wilson Road, Elmhurst. elmhurststpatsparade.com.

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CALENDAR FOREST PARK ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE.

The Forest Park Chamber of Commerce’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade features bagpipers, local businesses, police and fire, antique cars, Proviso Marching Band, Medinah Mini Choppers, World Famous Lawn Rangers and more. 1 p.m. Madison Street, Forest Park. (708) 366-2543, exploreforestpark.com.

8 | SUNDAY SUBURBS

Petting Zoo.” Refreshments available for purchase. After the intermission, children have an opportunity to line up and take turns being the “maestro” when “Kids Conduct the Philharmonic.” This family-friendly concert closes with the endearing composition, Tubby the Tuba, where the orchestral story of Tubby and his good friends, Peepo the Piccolo and Mr. Frog, unfolds. $8, $4 kids 10 and under. 3-4:30 p.m. Batavia Fine Arts Center, 1201 Main St., Batavia. bataviafineartscentre.org.

FOX VALLEY PHILHARMONIC CHILDREN’S CONCERT. The

Philharmonic Orchestra performs original music from Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, and includes the characters of Peter, a district attorney, a judge and the wolf. During the concert’s intermission, kids can try their hand at playing orchestral instruments in the “Instrumental

The deadline for submitting listings for the April issue is Feb. 23. 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 88.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

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

Night Before St. Patrick’s Day. $29, $19 resident. 9:30-11:30 a.m. 95th Street Center Culinary Arts, 2244 W. 95th St., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

March 4. Today’s theme is Time to Migrate.

14 | SATURDAY

11 | WEDNESDAY

SOCK MONKEY MADNESS FESTIVAL. Rockford. See March 7.

About the calendar

13 | FRIDAY STORYBOOK COOKS. Kids 4-5

bring stories to life through the recipes featured in both old and new beloved tales. All recipes are provided.

Bring an apron. Today’s theme is The

CHICAGO CHICAGO ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE. This parade features

more than 200 floats and marching bands. The dyeing can be best viewed from the east side of the Michigan

Avenue bridge, the west side of the Columbus Drive bridge or upper and lower Wacker Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive. The viewing stand will be located in front of Buckingham Fountain. 9:30 a.m. dyeing; noon parade. Columbus Drive, between Balbo Drive and Monroe Street. (312) 942-9188, chicagostpatsparade.com.

FAMILY COOKING CLASS: GOUGÈRES. From the Burgundy

region, the gougère marries the delicate texture of a pâte à choux

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CALENDAR with the seasoned taste of cheese.

The recipes are easy and fun to make.

Kids 7-10 learn how tasty and simple French cooking can be. $35 pair, $50 family pass (maximum four). 2-4 p.m. Alliance Francaise de Chicago, 810 N. Dearborn St. (312) 337-1070, af-chicago.org.

FAMILY DAY: LOOP. Families make, explore and experiment with art that lingers and reverberates, inspired by the exhibition Doris Salcedo. Free for families with kids 12 and under. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

ANIMAL ENRICHMENT WORKSHOP. Adults and kids can

make edible piñatas and other creative enrichment items for the zoo’s animals. Once the item is complete, head out to the zoo to see the animals pounce and play with their new items. $5, $4 members.

1-3:30 p.m. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200

N. Cannon Drive. (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL AND CELEBRATION. Includes

traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, food and children’s activities. $15, $12 advance, free kids 12 and under. 1 p.m.-midnight. The Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. (773) 282-7035, irishamerican.org.

SUBURBS MAPLE SYRUP HARVEST. Kids 6 and up learn the art of tapping trees to make maple syrup. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $6. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 2:303:30 p.m. Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, Highland Park. (847) 433-6901, hellernaturecenter.org.

PI DAY. Join the celebration around

the globe and party and play with circles and shapes and puzzles and games. Free with admission.

Anim An A nim ima all Enric nrric n ichm hme hmen en nt Work Wo kshop sh s hop op Seee M Maarc rch 1144

11 a.m.-3 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

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

SUGAR BUSH FAIR. Features a pancake breakfast, authentic demonstrations of maple syrup production, a pioneer sugar camp,

children’s puppet show and a wagon shuttle to event area. Syrup and other goodies available for purchase.

Breakfast is $5 for full stack and $4 for half stack. 9 a.m.-noon. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. (847) 985-2100, parkfun.com.

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Our 4 th Annual Fair dedicated to providing Chicago families with school options, service providers, and other resources that focus on serving parents of children with developmental differences.

DEVELOPMENTAL DIFFERENCES

RESOURCE FAIR 2015 {10AM-2PM} When: Sunday, March 8, 2015 10am - 2pm

RSVP: www.npnparents.org/expos/1695

Where: DePaul College Prep 3633 N. California Ave., Chicago Who: FREE & Open to the Public

Thank you to our sponsors!

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CALENDAR Does your child snore?

Does your child have multiple ear or sinus infections?

.com community

calendar Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists of Illinois Visit us at any of our locations!

In the city: 1460 N. Halsted St. Suite 506 680 N. Lake Shore Drive Suite 1207 In the suburbs: Niles, Skokie, Park Ridge, Libertyville, Glenview, Grayslake, Highland Park and Hoffman Estates

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several other activities. 5-6:30 p.m.

Chicago Wolves, Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, Rosemont. (800) THE-WOLVES, chicagowolves.com.

museums

LEAPIN’ LEPRECHAUNS. Kids 3-7 enjoy St. Patrick’s Day games and activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. $18, $12 resident. 2-3:15 p.m. The Barn Recreation Center, 421 W. Martin Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

party planning

MAPLE SUGARING DAYS AT NAPER SETTLEMENT. Learn the

CIVIC CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES. See March 7. Today’s

time-honored method of collecting sap the old-fashioned way and try a maple treat. $12, $10 seniors, $8 kids 4-12, free residents. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.com.

location is the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., and the time is 2 p.m.

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Lurie Children’s Hospital Rush University Medical Center Lutheran General Children’s Hospital To make an appt.

Call 312-266-6200 or 847-266-6200 PediatricENTIllinois.com

MUSIC TOGETHER SING-A-LONG.

15 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

SOUTH SIDE IRISH ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE. Alcohol-

free parade on Chicago’s South Side (Beverly/Morgan Park). Noon.

Western Avenue, 103rd to 115th Street. (773) 916-SSIP, southsideirish parade.org.

A songbook sing-along featuring favorite Music Together songs like “Ridin’ in the Car,” “All Around the Kitchen,” “Sandpiper” and more. $5 per child; free parking. 10-11 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

Schaumburg. See March 14.

NAPERVILLE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE. Join the West

MAPLE SUGARING DAYS AT NAPER SETTLEMENT. Naperville.

Suburban Irish for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. 10 a.m.

Naperville High School, 899 N. Mill St., Naperville. (630) 375-7725, naperville.il.us/stpatricks.aspx.

See March 14. Today’s times are 1-4 p.m.

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

SUBURBS SUGAR BUSH FAIR.

THE LIGHTNING THIEF. A musical

adaptation of the popular children’s book series by Rick Riordan, featuring the adventurous hero Percy Jackson as he takes the audience on a mythological adventure and comes face to face with Greek gods and goddesses from long ago. $12,

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CALENDAR 20 | FRIDAY

$6 kids under 12. Noon and 3 p.m.

North Central College, 30 N. Brainard St., Naperville. (630) 637-5300, northcentralcollege.edu.

CIVIC CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES. Chicago. See March 7.

LITTLE DEBBIE SUNDAY.

Today’s location is Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St., and the time is 7 p.m.

Rosemont. See March 1.

17 | TUESDAY ST. PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL AND CELEBRATION. Features

music, dance and face painting. $10, free kids 12 and under.

Noon-midnight. The Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago. (773) 282-7035, irishamerican.org.

LITTLE LEPRECHAUNS PARENTCHILD PROGRAM. This St. Patrick’s

Day celebration includes stories, fun crafts and a special treat for kids 3-5. $10 per child; free parking. 10-11 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.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.

21 | SATURDAY CHICAGO MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL.

See the entire maple syrup-making process from tapping the tree and collecting the sap, to boiling it down

Mapl Ma apl ple Su Sugari gari ga ring ng Days Da ys Seee M Maarc rch 144

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CALENDAR into syrup. Take a walk through the sugar bush, enjoy storytelling, make a maple craft, warm up by the fire, and taste real maple syrup fresh off the fire. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Road. (312) 744-5472, chicagoparkdistrict.com.

STORY-TELLING: BÉBÉ CHOUETTES. In this story, three baby

owls wake up one night and realize their mom is gone. Kids 3-7 enjoy humor, mystery and magic while being exposed to French language.

Traditional as well as contemporary French tales are staged with puppets and drawings. $5. 2:30-4:30 p.m.

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

SUBURBS BUBBLE FESTIVAL. Celebrate National Bubble Week with performances by bubble celebrity

Geoffrey Akins. Families can test their own soapy skills with bubble art and activities in the Bubble-Palooza Playground. $5, $4 members at the door, $4, $3 members in advance, museum admission not included.

10 a.m.-5 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

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

MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN SPRING WEEKEND.

Explore and experience Japanese culture, with hands-on activities, such as writing a spring haiku and decorating scrolls, a suminagashi demonstration, a musical performance of koto harp and traditional Japanese storytelling. Additional activities include raking miniature dry gardens, trying chopsticks and practicing calligraphy. $25 parking. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

Mt. Prospect Park District has the BEST birthday parties!

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bouncing ball and gum to take home. $23 per child. 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

WEEKEND FAMILY CLASS: GUMBALLS & SUPERBALLS. Kids

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Sweet eats

The big TRAVEL issue

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Spring edition coming soon!

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Our family of family magazines

February 2015

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CALENDAR

SURE, AT FIRST I WAS A LITTLE TAKEN ABACK

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

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

Malo Ma otttt Jap apan nes ese e Garrd Ga Gard den Spr de prin prin ing ng We W ee ek ken nd SSeee ee Ma Marc rchh 2211 rc

PIONEER FEST AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST. Enjoy pancakes,

sausage and pure maple syrup. Enjoy maple syrup-making demonstrations and try your hand at pioneer chores while stepping back into time with pioneer re-enactors. $9, $7 kids under 12. 8 a.m.-noon. Pilcher Park Nature Center, 2501 Highland Park Drive, Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org. ÉLAN DANCE COMPANY SHOWCASE. The park district’s

dance company presents an eclectic collection of dances from classical ballet to jazz to modern dance. $10; $8 by March 20. 6:30-8 p.m.

Naperville North High School Auditorium, 899 N. Mill St., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, naper villeparks.org.

MAPLE FEST. Watch how maple sap is turned into delicious maple syrup, and learn how people through the ages and even animals like woodpeckers, have tapped maple trees for maple sap. Programs begin on the hour. Maple-themed snacks and hot beverages will be available for a small fee (cash or check only). 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Red Oak Nature Center, 2343 S River St., Batavia. (630) 8987500, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

STORYTIME AND ART! Come as

a family to enjoy stories and a craft.

Elmhurst Public Library staff share fun tales, music and action rhymes to

celebrate the new exhibitions. Free with museum admission. 10:30 a.m.

Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 834-0202, elmhurstartmuseum.org.

UNDER THE COVER OF NIGHT.

Families with kids 4 and up explore the changing season under the cover of darkness. The hike ends with roasting marshmallows and hot chocolate around a crackling fire.

Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. $11.25, $9 resident.

7-8:30 p.m. Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincoln marsh.org.

ROCK & MINERAL IDENTIFICATION. Geologist Sara

Johnson presents an introduction to rocks and minerals for families with kids 8 and up. Learn how to make a basic mineral test kit. Hands-on identification procedures include observation skills and hardness tests. All materials are provided. Reservations required. $5, $3 members. 10:30 a.m. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.

ROCKIN’ LOCK-IN. Includes open gymnastics, slice of pizza, one can of pop or bottle of water, DJ, dodgeball and more for kids 9-11. Pre-registration required. $18, $15 resident. 7-10 p.m. Wagner

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Summer Camps @ SPORTS FUN! Meet the North Shore’s biggest and brightest new indoor Summer Camp location! Conveniently located on the border of Northbrook and Glenview, our 96,000 square foot facility is the perfect place to build memories that will last a life time!

GET IN THE GAME at our All-Stars Sports and Activities Camp! Enjoy inflatables, soccer, basketball, football, kick-ball, arts & crafts and so much more! And rainy days never hold us back with access to plenty of indoor fields. For your convenience, we run weekly camp programs with both half-day and full-day options available.

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Think Spring, Green Living, and Adopting a Manatee.

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Photo © David Schrichte

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CALENDAR Community Center, 615 N. West Ave., Elmhurst. (630) 993-8901

22 | SUNDAY CHICAGO MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL.

See March 21.

SUBURBS THE BOOGERS CONCERT. The full

band will be here, including Crusty, Greenie and Sticky on drums. The Boogers perform original and classic children’s music in their famous rock ‘n’ roll style. Free with admission. 4 p.m. Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 383-4815, wonder-works.org.

Chic C Ch hic cag go Fa Fa y Family Palo Pa ooza Seee Marcch 1 Se

28 | SATURDAY

MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN SPRING WEEKEND.

CHICAGO

Glencoe. See March 21.

PIONEER FEST AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST. Joliet. See March 21.

MOMMACONNECT CHICAGO.

This mommy expo provides a wealth

of information for all things kid related: the best camps, where to go on a rainy Saturday, who has the healthiest food for your family, and where to have the coolest birthday party on the block and discover

where to put “me” time to good use.

Plus all-day activity classes for kids, raffles, prizes, face painting and more. $10. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. (312) 595-PIER, navypier.com.

Chicago Playworks for Families & Young Audiences

By ERIC PFEFFINGER directed by ERNIE NOLAN

APRIL 7 – MAY 16, 2015 at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre 60 E Balbo Dr, Chicago | 312 922 1999 | theatre.depaul.edu

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CALENDAR JUNIOR ARCHAEOLOGISTS.

Kids 5-12, with adult, learn how archaeologists work in the field and discover artifacts, then take part in excavating a simulated dig in the Oriental Institute’s Kipper Family Archaeology Discovery Center. $14, $10 member; $7, $5 additional. 1-3 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

CIVIC CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES. See March 7. Today’s

location is North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Road, and the time is 11 a.m.

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INCREDIBLE BATS. Meet some fascinating creatures of the night and learn about the myths and legends that surround these shy animals, as well as lots of real bat facts.

2-3 p.m. Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove.

(847) 929-5102, webrary.org.

FUN FEST. Rosemont. See

Winter 2015

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NANO DAY. Greeting cards that sing, fabric that stretches, and thermometers that turn color owe their remarkable properties to cutting-edge technology. Meet real scientists, learn about future applications, and delve into special hands-on projects as you discover how tiny size can make an enormous difference. Free with admission.

11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discovery centermuseum.org.

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

March 14.

29 | SUNDAY 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. Heller JCC, 524 W. Melrose Ave. (773)

871-6780, gojcc.org.

CIVIC CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES. See March 7. Today’s

location is Indian Boundary Park, 2500 W. Lunt Ave., and the time is 3 p.m.

SUBURBS AMERICAN LEGION PANCAKE BREAKFAST. Feast on pancakes,

sausage, eggs, biscuits and gravy. $7; $3 kids 4 and under. 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

TEDDY BEAR CLINIC AT THE LIBRARY. Kids 4-10 are invited

to bring their cuddly friend for a check-up and learn ways to keep Teddy healthy and happy. 2-3 p.m.

West Chicago Public Library, 118 W. Washington St., West Chicago. (630) 231-1552, westchicago.lib.il.us.

LITTLE DEBBIE SUNDAY.

Rosemont. See March 1.

30 | MONDAY SPRING ADVENTURE. Kids 5-9

discover spring happenings, go on a scavenger hunt and play games. $81.25, $65 resident. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincoln marsh.org.

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, discoverycenter museum.org.

SPRING INTO SCIENCE.

Engage in fun art activities and enjoy live science demonstrations.

Free with museum admission. 1-4 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 963-6769, discoverycenter museum.org.

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Easy as Pi(e)

U

nless you’re a mathematician, you probably haven’t given the number Pi much thought since sometime in high school. But every year on March 14—3.14, of course—we embrace the seemingly never-ending number (it’s been calculated to 67,000 digits!).

Check out these ideas for celebrating.

The sweetest slice

Can it get any more obvious?

Celebrate Pi Day with a thick wedge of pie. Hoosier Mama Pie Company serves up its Fat Elvis Pie (graham cracker-peanutpretzel crust filled with chocolate, peanut butter and banana) in Chicago and Evanston, while First Slice Pie Café with three locations on the North Side, offers the delicious-sounding Balsamic Raspberry Pear Pie.

Going deep Chicago’s the home of deepdish pizza, which comes in the form of a—you guessed it!—pie.

So if you’re feeling more savory than sweet, hit up one of the big four: Lou Malnati’s, Gino’s East, Giordano’s and Pizzeria Uno. Nobody knows who invented Chicago-style pizza first, but they all sure know how to carry on the tradition.

Run in circles In 2015, Pi Day falls on 3.1415, and so the Illinois Science Council is doing its annual Pi Day Fun Run at 9:36 a.m. for extra digits of Pi appreciation. The 3.14-mile

run (just a bit more than a 5K) should burn off enough calories to make up for the pie social afterward. illinoisscience.org.

Brain builders Without Pi, we wouldn’t have much of the science our local museums celebrate. Explore the Museum of Science and Industry’s Numbers in Nature mirror maze, scan the skies at Adler Planetarium, or make discoveries at Field Museum’s Crown Family PlayLab. Discovery Center Museum in Rockford even throws a daylong party, complete with circles and shapes, puzzles and games.

Circle up Pi is about the circumference of a circle, and Chicago’s downtown is referred to as “The Loop.” Could there be a more natural spot to spend 3.14?

Stop by the Harold Washington Library’s kids’ department, wave at the anchors in ABC7’s studio, or breathe in the fresh air at Northerly Island. Whatever you do, it’s sure to be full of fun, all the way around.

Elizabeth Diffin ChicagoParent.com March 2015 85

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PERFORMANCES THE THREE LITTLE PIGS.

Through March 3. Recommended for families with kids 2-12. 10:30 a.m. weekday mornings. $12. Chicago Kids Company, Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago. (773) 2059600, chicagokidscompany.com.

RED KITE, BLUE SKY. Through

March 4. Chicago Children’s Theatre’s annual multi-sensory live theater experience created just for children with autism and their families. Kids embark on a bird-watching adventure to the City in the Clouds where the Owl, Blue Jay, Hummingbird and Hawk reveal the exciting mysteries of Grandfather Sky. When everyone’s nice and tuckered out, actors and audiences will serenade the emerging stars together with a lullaby, while a new constellation forms that promises to shine on forever. $20 child and caregiver. 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Chicago Children’s Theatre, Jay Pritzker Pavilion Choral Rehearsal Room, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago. (872) 2229555, chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

THE ILLUSIONISTS-WITNESS THE IMPOSSIBLE. Full of hilarious

magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, this show is appropriate for all ages.

Call for cost. March 10-22. Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (312) 977-1700, broadway inchicago.com.

BLUE PLANET. Through March 15.

Best friends Hulda and Brimir live on a planet much like Earth—populated only by children. This family-friendly “integrated theater” piece is a lively integrated theatrical experience using movement, puppetry, aerial dance and object work with traditional elements of storytelling and is based on the award-winning “eco-lit” children’s book, The Story of the Blue Planet. $15, $5 kids under 12.

7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. DCASE Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph St., Chicago. akvavittheatre.org.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE: THE MUSICAL. Through March 15. A

Biin B ng go’ os Birt Bi irt rthd hd hday Seee pa page ge 87 ge

hilarious tale of high school-aged overachievers, their hopes and their angst as they compete for a slot in the National Spelling Bee. Recommended for ages 12 and up. $18. 4 p.m. The Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette.

(847) 251-7424, wilmettetheatre.com.

Scarry’s books come alive in this one-hour musical. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Saturdays. Call for cost. Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. (847) 2912367, northbrooktheatre.org.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK.

CIRCUSCOPE WINTER CIRCUS.

Through March 22. The Actors Gymnasium explores a world of microscopic daring and survival through chance, fight or flight.

Features acclaimed Chicago clown Dean Evans and surprising turns of acrobatics, mime, live music and single-celled adventure. $20, $15 kids. The Actors Gymnasium, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. (847) 328-2795, actors gymnasium.com.

BUSYTOWN. Opens March 28. The imaginative characters of Richard

Jack and his dancing Spanish cow Carmelita try to save their village from the crazy giant. Recommended for families with kids 2-12. 10:30 a.m. weekdays, plus 1 p.m. March 21. $12.

Chicago Kids Company, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago.

(773) 205-9600, chicagokids company.com.

up. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emerald citytheatre.com.

FANCY NANCY: THE MUSICAL.

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, can she still bring fancy flair to her role? Call for cost. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emerald citytheatre.com.

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA.

ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE’S WE ARE IN A PLAY! Favorite characters

from Mo Willems’ beloved Elephant and Piggie series take the stage for this vaudevillian romp of a musical.

Check website for schedule. $15 and

When Prince Wellington is forced into choosing a bride, all the princesses in the land line up to pass the “Princess Test.” The prince falls in love with a commoner, who must prove her worth by sleeping on a giant stack of

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PERFORMANCES

Circusope Winter Circus See page 86

mattresses piled on top of a single pea. A celebration of everlasting love and staying true to oneself. A Q&A session with the cast follows the one-hour presentation. $17.23.

Check website for schedule. Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200, marriotttheatre.com.

BINGO’S BIRTHDAY. Kids are

invited to Bingo the dog’s birthday, in this interactive performance just for the very young, 0-4. Call for cost.

Emerald City’s Little Theatre, 2933 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 5292690 ext. 810, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

Chicago. (312) 744-6630, chicagoculturalcenter.org.

THE GREATEST STORY NEVER TOLD. Kids can perform in a weekly

improvised show that begins with an empty storybook and ends with a real, purchasable illustrated book based on that day’s improvised story. Professional improvisers take suggestions and volunteer performers of all ages from the audience. $15.

1:30-2:30 p.m. Saturdays. iO Chicago Theater, 1501 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago. (312) 929-2401, ioimprov. com/chicago.

JUICEBOX. A music and

THAT’S WEIRD GRANDMA: THE MUSICAL. An all-musical revue fea-

performance series for the stroller set parents and their pre-kindergarten children. Parents and young children can enjoy Chicago’s best music, dance and theater in a kid-friendly setting. Kids can sit on the floor, walk around, meet the artists and sometimes play with instruments and puppets. Parents are welcome to bring snacks and juiceboxes. 11 a.m. alternate Fridays. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.,

turing stories conceived and written

by Chicago Public School students, adapted into songs by Barrel of Monkeys talented team of composers.

The line-up changes each week by audience vote, so no two shows are ever the same. $12; $6 for children under 12. 2 p.m. Sundays; 8 p.m.

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

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ONGOING EVENTS

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EXHIBITS PUPPETS! AN INTERACTIVE PUPPET EXTRAVAGANZA. Includes

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2015

unique performances, puppet-making workshops and the opportunity for visitors to visit the Ryan Education Center to interact and explore creativity through puppets. Inspiration is drawn from works in the Art Institute’s collection, including the drawing The Temptation of St. Anthony, the centerpiece of this winter’s special exhibition, Temptation: The Demons of James Ensor. Free with museum admission. Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan, Chicago.

(312) 443-3600, artinstituteof chicago.org.

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spin on classic building blocks by letting children explore and interact with different varieties of blocks. Kids can build structures and cast shadows using directional lights, examine building on vertical and horizontal planes, build and test the strength of their structures by using weights and use their creativity while focusing on STEAM concepts. Free with museum admission. Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview. (847) 832-6600, kohlchildrensmuseum.org.

DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE. This special exhibit features water birds including the duck, goose, merganser,

grebe, heron and cormorant. View taxidermy bird mounts, play in a pretend pond, see how you measure up to a heron’s wingspan, learn about bird beaks and feet and more. Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges Road, Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 9418747, obtpd.org/lvnc.

RAINFOREST ADVENTURE.

Visitors can climb a kapok tree, explore a gorilla’s nest and meet virtual rainforest scientists. The exhibit allows museum-goers to explore tropical rainforests around the world, learn about the challenges these delicate ecosystems face, and how to make a difference. Free with museum admission. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (773) 755-5100, 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. 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.

Waukegan Public Library, 128 N. County St., Waukegan. (847) 6232041, waukeganpl.org.

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ONGOING EVENTS OTHER EVENTS NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE WORLD. Navy Pier honors Chicago’s

ethnic neighborhoods and cultural diversity with this weekly performance series. Enjoy authentic live music, dance performances, cuisine and folk art from various ethnic Chicago communities. Noon-3 p.m. Sundays. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. navypier.com.

SCREENBREAK FAMILY ACTIVITIES. The Winnetka Alliance

for Early Childhood encourages families to turn off the television and all devices with screens for a whole week and explore other options.

On March 2, kids 2-5 have Story Time in the Lenhardt Library (10-11 a.m.). Then on March 4 and 6, enjoy free drop-in activities for kids with an adult (9-11 a.m.). $25 parking.

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

THE ORCHID SHOW. A showcase of unusual and stunning orchids that gives visitors the opportunity to learn about one of the largest, most diverse and revered flowering plant families.

This year, visitors will learn all about vanilla, which is the seedpod of an orchid, throughout the exhibition.

Buy timed tickets online. March 14-15. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

IRELAND ON PARADE. The

celebration includes music, food and performances from local dance schools. Plus, a special St. Patrick’s Family Fun Day at 4 p.m. March 17.

Call for detailed schedule. March 6-13. Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. (708) 6879323, chicagogaelicpark.org.

CHICAGO FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW. Features garden displays,

classes, hands-on workshops, seminars, a home and garden marketplace, Garden Gourmet cooking

5-9 p.m.; $5 kids 3-12; $7 parking.

1-9 p.m. March 20; 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

March 21; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 22.

Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. (847) 385-7500, petchicago.com.

Chicag Chicago a o Flower and Garden Show Ga See this page

demos, a national cake decorating competition and a Kids’ Activity Garden. The show’s theme is “Do Green. Do Good.” $19 weekends, $17 weekdays; $5 kids 4-12. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays-Wednesdays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays. March 14-22. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. chicagoflower.com.

CHICAGOLAND FAMILY PET EXPO. The Midwest’s largest pet expo

with more than 200 vendors and exhibitors with the latest pet products/services, and pet rescue groups.

Enjoy entertainment shows and get up close and personal with hundreds of animals. $10; Friday only buy one, get one same price admission free

PEE WEE OPEN GYM. Kids 1-5 enjoy active participation, sports, age appropriate equipment and an obstacle course all in a clean, safe and open environment. $7, $6 residents.

9-11:15 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays.

Joliet Park District Multi-Purpose Center, 3000 W. Jefferson St., Joliet.

(815) 741-7275, jolietpark.org.

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) 7252400, oakparkconservatory.org.

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MOVE IT in March

Y Move It!

Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago Free with museum admission Through April 19

ory

ou know what they say about March: In like a lion, out like a caged-upfor-four-months lion.

Spring may officially arrive this month, but kids won’t be able to run around outside for a while. So get their wiggles out at Chicago Children’s Museum’s new Move It! exhibit, which encourages kids to run, crawl, twist, climb and hang—all in a warm and dry indoor space.

Move It! emphasizes active play with three main components. Kids can create their own playground using oversized pieces they can move by themselves, allowing for greater creativity in terms of building whatever they can imagine, from tunnels to obstacle courses.

“It looks different one hour to the next,” says Katie Slivovsky, director of exhibit development. “They’re creating their own playspace.”

The museum also designed and created the “Wavy Net Climber” that can be combined with the modular pieces for enhanced creative play. Finally, there are

“big body play pads,” extra-thick cushioning that allow kids to—literally—bounce off the walls. Trained facilitators are on hand to make sure kids won’t get hurt.

Slivovsky says the open-ended exhibit lends itself to kids with mobility impairments (the plans were reviewed by therapists at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago), as well as babies and toddlers.

But if you want to avoid the field-trip rush, come before 11 a.m. or later in the afternoon.

And while an exhibit focused on active play might not seem like the most natural fit for the museum, Slivovsky says it pairs well with the museum’s Kovler Family Climbing Schooner and the climbing wall in Treehouse Tales. Move It! also fits CCM’s overall philosophy that exhibits should help children develop powerful bodies, strong minds and healthy emotions,.

“We have this very strong belief in health and wellness and the value of active play,” she says. “Active play is easy when it’s fun.”

Elizabeth Diffin

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4 reasons to visit Navy Pier now

T

aking a walk down Navy Pier on a sizzling day in July is a no-brainer. The lake is shimmering, and there are more than enough boat rides, outdoor vendors, rides, games and photo ops to fill an afternoon in the sun.

But the pier is all but neglected this time of year as locals and tourists alike wait for the water to thaw. If you can brave the cold, the lack of bustling crowds and the number of indoor family fun attractions make it a perfect day trip.

1

Chicago Children’s Museum

be surrounded by a world just their size.

The museum provides indoor, interactive and colorful play time for kids year-round. Check out museum favorites such as the Tinkering Lab, where kids can use real tools safely, and Kids Town, where little ones will

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show

2

For your little flower-lovers and gardening-helpers, there

is no better showcase of the beauty and variety of nature than the Chicago Flower & Garden Show. Apart from the 24 gorgeous display gardens, the show (March 14-22) will feature a Kids’ Activity Garden.

3

Faces in Focus Caricatures

Get a little silly and have a family caricature made by the artists at Faces in Focus. The talented illustrators can do normal caricatures or special requests.

It’s sure to give the whole family

a laugh, and you’ll go home with a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

4

Neighborhoods of the World

Every Sunday afternoon until March 29, Navy Pier celebrates the many cultures that make up Chicago with its Neighborhoods of the World festivities.

Experience a new culture every week, including Italian, Indian, African and Greek, through traditional music, dance, cuisine and crafts.

Emily Adams

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BUNNY BASHES TEEN FLASHLIGHT EGG HUNT.

Kids in grades 6-8 grab a basket and a flashlight and search the park for hundreds of eggs filled with candy. Special eggs can be redeemed for awesome prizes. $6, $5 resident.

8 p.m. March 20. Oakbrook Terrace Park District, 1 South 325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 6276100, obtpd.org.

SWIM WITH THE BUNNY. Meet the

Easter Bunny, collect Easter eggs in the pool and trade them in for prizes.

Play games and swim. $10 kids, $5 adults. 1-3 p.m. March 21. Pavilion Aquatic Center, 1000 Wellington Ave., Elk Grove Village. (847) 593-6248, elkgroveparks.org.

BRUNCH WITH THE BUNNY.

Includes refreshments, face painting, entertainment, photo opportunity and more for kids 6 and under. Parent must accompany child. $10. Advanced tickets only. Call or visit website for information. 10 a.m.-noon. March 26. Merrimac Park, 6343 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. (773) 685-3382, chicagoparkdistrict.com.

FAMILY EGG DECORATING NIGHT. Bring a dozen hard-boiled

eggs; all egg decorating supplies will be provided. While the eggs dry, participants enjoy a flashlight egg hunt in Bock Park (weather permitting).

Pre-registration is recommended. $9, $7 residents. 6-7:30 p.m. March 26.

Schaumburg Park District, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg.

(847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY. Enjoy breakfast and

entertainment, plus have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny. All children receive a goody bag. Seating is limited. $14 kids, $12 resident

kids; $10 adult, $8 resident. 9 a.m.

March 28. Al Hattendorf Center, 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village. elkgroveparks.org.

$6-$9. 1-2:30 p.m. March 28. Palos Park Recreation Department, 8901 W. 123rd St., Palos Park. (708) 6713760, palospark.org.

BUNNY BASH. Celebrate spring with indoor and outdoor activities for the whole family. Activities include egg hunts, a photo with the Bunny, games, crafts, moon jumps, concessions, pony rides and a petting zoo. $15, $12 preregistration. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 28.

Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Schaumburg.

(847) 490-7020, parkfun.com.

HEGGIE FIELD EASTER EGG HUNT. Kids 12 and under enjoy the

BEECHER EASTER EGG HUNT. Kids 10 and under hop on

over for the Easter Egg Hunt. 11 a.m. March 28. Firemen’s Park, 673 Penfield St., Beecher. (708) 9462261, beecherchamber.com.

BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY. Enjoy a family-friendly

breakfast, Easter egg roll and a visit with the Easter Bunny. $12, free kids 2 and under. 8:30-10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.-noon. March 28. Bird Haven Greenhouse, 225 N. Gougar Road, Joliet. (815) 741-7278, ext. 5, jolietpark.org.

EASTER EGG HUNT. Miss Belinda

brings her pet bunnies, and the Easter Bunny arrives by Palos Park Fire District Fire Truck and greet all the kids 9 and under. Egg hunts will be in designated areas by age groups (don’t forget to bring your baskets to collect eggs).

Kids can visit and have pictures with Mr. Bunny, plus have refreshments and make a craft.

Pre-registration is required.

Great Egg Hunt. The park will be divided by age for the kids to participate. 1 p.m. March 28. Heggie Field, Collins and Williamson streets, Joliet.

(815) 741-7296, jolietpark.org.

NOWELL PARK EASTER EGG HUNT. Kids 12 and under grab

Easter baskets and head to the park, which will be split up by ages for kids to participate. 10 a.m. March 28. Nowell Park, 5 Mills Road, Joliet.

(815) 741-7275, jolietpark.org.

BUNNY BRUNCH. Parents and their

children enjoy a brunch buffet, music, crafts, games and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Registration deadline is March 16. $13, $12 kids; $11 resident, $10 resident kids. 10:30-noon. March 28.

Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora. (630) 898-7500, foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.

DOGGIE EASTER EGG HUNT AT BATAVIA PARK DISTRICT BARK PARK. Dogs hunt for Easter eggs that

are filled with doggie treats. All dogs must be leashed during the event. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Anderson Animal Shelter. $10 first dog, $5 second dog. Noon. March 28.

Bark Park at West Main Community Park, 40W101 W. Main St., Batavia.

(630) 879-5235, bataviaparks.org.

BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY.

Families can enjoy breakfast and meet the Mr. and Mrs. Bunny costumed characters. The band Banjo Buddies provides musical entertainment. Call for reservations. $40.95, $28.95 kids 3-11; $29.95 members, $21.95 member kids; free kids 2 and under. 9 or 11 a.m. March 28 or March 29. Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs.org.

HOMEWOOD FLOSSMOOR LUCKY EGG HUNT. As the sirens

sound on the Homewood Fire Truck, a special guest arrives to start the egg hunt for kids 6 and under. Bring a basket to collect eggs. Pictures with the bunny will be available after the hunt. 10 a.m. March 28. Irwin Park, 18120 Highland Ave., Homewood. hfparks.com.

SPRING EGG HUNT. Kids fill their Easter baskets with eggs filled with candy and prizes. Plus, bring canine friends to Heritage Park to search for doggie treats. There will be prizes, treats and more. Dogs must be leashed and wearing a collar with tags at all times. From 10:30-11:30 a.m., enjoy a Bunny Meet & Greet at the Fitness Center Gymnasium. $6, $5 resident egg hunt; $1 Meet-andGreet. 9 a.m. Doggie Egg Hunt; 10 a.m. Kids’ Egg Hunt; 10:30 a.m.

Bunny Meet-and-Greet. March 28.

Heritage Park, 1 S 325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace. (630) 627-6100, obtpd.org.

ChicagoParent.com March 2015 93

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

Good eats meet FAMILY FUN

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t’s one of the biggest challenges of parenthood: Getting your kids to eat things that are actually good for them, instead of piles of cheese puffs or candy. So head to Chicago’s Good Food Festival, a celebration of all things green, nutritious and naturally grown.

The festival includes chef demonstrations from names like Rick Bayless, workshops on everything na thing from cheese-making to beekeeping, and exhibit booths from more than 150 farms, local food artisans, restaurants and non-profits.

And there’s even a special spot for parents ents and kids to explore eating healthy and sustainable food that at 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 21 won’t make them UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt scrunch up their noses ses Road, Chicago in disgust. goodfoodfestivals.com/chicago The Kids’ Corner, hosted by non-profitt Purple Asparagus, offers ffers

Good Food Festival

samples of kid-friendly food, a reading nook, crafts like herb seed bookmarks, and other activities, from a scavenger hunt to seed planting.

The highlight of the Kids’ Corner is the performances by Miss Jamie from the Farm, a local kindie singer who frequently performs in Mariano’s stores, and her Farmhands. reflects the festival’s emphasis on animals and The music reflect the environment and sprinkles in some classics even little city-slickers are sure to know (Old MacDonald, anyone?).

“It’s really just an opportunity for kids to hang out and learn a little bit more and engage with good food in a way that’s kind of eng pint-sized,” says Purple Asparagus ‘Head Spear’ pintMelissa Graham. “Our cornerstone is good food.” who knows, as you browse all the booths And wh throughout the rest of the fest, you might just througho convince your brood to try something new—even little more green or healthy-looking than if it’s a li might usually like. they mig Elizabeth Diffin

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