Chicago Parent March 2017

MARCH

2017 | FREE

March into spring

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

Chicago

93

ways

on the

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WH IS TLER’ S Mother An American Icon Returns to Chicago Opens March 4

James Abbott McNeill Whistler. Arrangement in Gray and Black No. 1, or The Artist’s Mother (detail), 1871.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris, RF 699. © RMN-Grand Palais / Art Resource, NY.

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THERE’S NOTHING WE WOULDN’T DO TO KEEP BROOKLYN SAFE, WHICH “ IS WHY WE ENROLLED HER AT GOLDFISH. WE FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE WHEN SHE IS AROUND THE WATER KNOWING SHE HAS LEARNED THE IMPORTANT LIFE SKILLS THAT ALL KIDS NEED. — ROD & CHRISTAL WILSON

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A Summer of Curiosity & Fun! The Summer Program at The Chicago Grammar School This summer Chicago Grammar School is pleased Knowledge ThroughtoExperience introduce some new and exciting programs, including Adventure Camp, Theater Immersion and Robotics. Our traditional summer favorites of art, sports and test prep continue to be offered.

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contents IN THIS ISSUE 13

BEST IN CHI

14

INSIDE VOICE

20

CRAFT

22

PARENT PANEL

The scoop on the Chicago Flower and Garden Show, Little Miss Ann’s new CD and NPN’s Developmental Differences Resource ur Fair Three arts-savvyy ideas worthy of applause Stained glass works of art

Tips for savingg money

53 53

CALENDAR

Family fun ideas for the whole month

MARCH 2017 | VOLUME 33 | NO. 3

FEATURES CHICAGO ON 25 THE CHEAP Explore the best the city has to offer at a fraction of the cost

29

DIGGING OUT OF DEBT Money-smart tips to lighten the load

ON THE COVER MARCH

2017 | FREE

March into spring

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

Chicago

93

ways

on the

cheap

$upermarket secrets

Cover kid: Anastasia Reilly, 1, of Northbrook Photography: Thomas Kubik of TK Photography Design: Claire Innes

THE GROCERY 33 CHALLENGE

Simple and easy ways to start saving on your grocery bill

MONEY, FAMILY AND 34 FLEXIBILITY?

The Mom Project wants moms to have it all

4 FANTASTIC SPRING 39 BREAK TRIPS What to see and do in Boston, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Hocking Hills, Ohio

ChicagoParent.com March 2017 7

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Money pinch

TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY

The other day, when the cashier at the grocery store asked me if I wanted cash back, I found myself getting a little giddy about having a crisp $20 bill tucked away.

I felt rich for exactly 10 minutes—the time it took to drive from the store to my house—before one of girls announced she needed $20 for a fundraiser at school. I forked over my new $20 and went back to being broke.

It’s no surprise that having kids is expensive, but it still strikes me just what that really means. In my house, with the three kids’ wants and needs, it seems we’re always having to make choices about where our money goes. My husband, Bob, and I always put our wants and needs second to the kids’—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Even if that means we’ll be eating Ramen well into our 80s.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be that way. Even starting now, I discovered, there are

things we can do to get out of debt and to save more money.

I know many of you are also looking to save when you can, too. So my staff and I created an issue that mixes in ideas to have fun with the kids on the cheap while offering money-saving tips that will help you avoid the Ramen aisle in your golden years. I know I learned a few things I’ll be implementing at home, starting now.

Happy March.

8 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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ChicagoParent.com March 2017 9

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CONTRIBUTORS

My biggest splurge just for myself

EDITOR

Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR

Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR

Jackie McGoey ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Emily Adams ART DIRECTOR

Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNERS

I am the cheapest person ever. But once? I bought the expensive $12.99 fancy hair dye instead of the $4.99 stuff. I felt like Ivanka.

Marianne Walsh

My biggest splurge was a brand-new green Saturn SUV that I bought when I was a single mom.

I felt like a queen driving that car.

Jeni Williams

My biggest splurge is getting my hair cut and highlighted at a high-end city salon.

I figure it’s the one thing I wear every day, so might as well splurge to make sure it looks good (and not gray!).

Megan Murray Elsener

Easily my MacBook Air. The price stung, but I’ve always wanted a laptop this sleek; besides, the right tools help me meet deadlines. (Mostly.)

Keely Flynn

Jacquinete Baldwin, Javier Govea IT AND DIGITAL DEVELOPER

Mike Risher CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Matt Boresi, Megan Murray Elsener, Cortney Fries, Keely Flynn, Lori Orlinsky, Kate Rockwood, Shannan Younger, Marianne Walsh, Jeni Williams DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

Annette Coffee, Christine Griffith, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kristen Benford ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Philip Soell

ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER

Andrew Mead

ADVERTISING DESIGN

Debbie Becker, Mark Moroney CIRCULATION MANAGER

Jill Wagner DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Caleb Thusat BUSINESS MANAGER

Joyce Minich CREDIT MANAGER

Laurie Myers PUBLISHER Dan Haley COMPTROLLER Ed Panschar FOUNDERS

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10 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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ON THE WEB

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The giveaway madness, that is. Enter to win tickets to “Leap!,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Boss Baby.” Looking ahead to spring? (It officially begins March 20.) Enter to win tickets to the Chicago Flower & Garden Show, Butterflies! At Golf Mill Shopping Center and more! Find them all on our Contests page.

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2/17/17 9:50 AM

u March 18-26

u Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago u Watch ChicagoParent. com/contests to win a family pack of tickets

Unearthing the fun

Chicago Flower and Garden Show is a fun escape for kids

K

ids may grow like weeds, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t welcome at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show. In fact, the show is one of the only such shows in the country that features activities intended specifically for children.

“Our goal is to have a mix of both learning and fun,” says show director Tony Abruscato.

The kids’ activity garden is always a highlight. It includes a big play structure that will let them burn off some energy. Kids can also visit the bug zoo and plant their own plant in a biodegradable pot,

which is one of the activities offered by the British International School of Chicago.

Budding artists can express their creativity while helping create a communal art project.

Adventurous eaters can sample crickets in chocolatey treats.

New to the Flower and Garden Show this year is the butterfly habitat, where kids can even feed monarch butterflies. “Adults will love that just as much as the kids,” says Abruscato.

Best in Chi

Chicago Flower and Garden Show

The Racine Zoo will be bringing in animals every day.

Kids can also join in a floral design class offered on the weekends and dig in the dirt while learning about natural gas safety.

But Abruscato says families should not feel constrained to the kids’ area, noting that little ones will delight in features found throughout the show, including ponds that feature koi and turtles found among the beautiful displays.

Shannan Younger

ChicagoParent.com March 2017 13

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INSIDE VOICE

Three arts-savvy ideas worthy of applause

S

KEELY FLYNN

o, your child’s not the kickball type? No sweat.

These three artistic options will enrich, inspire and cultivate the heck out of your Chi-town kid come summer.

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago File this one under “Things Every Grownup Chicagoan Would Love to Do”: SAIC’s summer camps are the stuff of creative dreams. Utilizing a variety of artistic materials and methods, your smallish artists (ages 4-9) will become adept at crafting, problem-solving and exploring the Art Institute’s extensive collections. And with experimentation in painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, digital art and more in one- and two-week camps, you’ll be ensuring they grow up knowing there’s so much more to “art” than just oil on canvas. saic.edu

Old Town School of Folk Music

Hubbard Street’s Youth Dance Program If you have a child seriously in love with dance (and you’re serious about a childhood summer full of fun, growth in a physical and artistic discipline, and loads of fresh air), look no further than one of the country’s most celebrated dance troupes. Hubbard Street’s camps for newbies and not-so newbies offer choices for the footloose and fancy free in your household; Dance Explorers (ages 5-9) camps are week-long forays into a choice of ballet, musical theater, contemporary jazz, hip-hop and West African dance.

The Junior Intensive (ages 9-13) offers a more comprehensive blend of the elements involved in contemporary dance, namely ballet, jazz and modern. An energetic outlet and formal training with a ridiculously impressive company? Now that’s raising the barre. hubbardstreetdance.com

Chicago kids really don’t know how marvelously they have it; the beloved (and prestigious) Old Town School of Folk Music manages to combine skill and whimsy in arts camps for ages 4-15. Kids 4-6 will become well-versed in opera and Elvis, to name a few, and kids 7-11 will find their tween footing

with everything from DIY design to punk rock, playwriting and mythology. As for those hard-to-impress teens? The new skills learned from stage combat, musical theater and scoring for films will provide terrific material for “What I did on my summer vacation.” oldtownschool.org

14 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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BEST IN CHI

Keepin’ On with Little Miss

Ann and Amy D

W

hat happens when a hometown kindie star teams up with a clinical social worker, also a talented musician? The answer: a Chicagocentric, upbeat and wonderfully accessible album.

Little Miss Ann, aka Ann Torralba, is back with “Keep p On” (her fifth studio album), um), and d it’s not just an anthem for our times,, but it’s also a wonderful collaboration with Amy boration w D (Amyliza de Jesus),, a partnersh partnership hip that owes its beginnings to the Old To Town own School of Folk Music. ic.

“It was perfect timing,” Ann say says ys about working with Amy after he her er band’s fiddle player connection ayer left. The con nnection between the multi-instrument-wielding ulti-instrument-wiielding Amy and Ann was instantaneous instantaneous,, and

paved the way for a new project with Grammy Award-winning producer Dean Jones.

“Keep On” is a blend of cultures and styles, celebrating the heritage of the women (both are first generation Filipina-American) Filipina American) and the city they call home. Their favorite tracks? track racks? A tough choice, but if Amy had to p pick one, it’d be ‘Keep On Keepin’ On On.’ Inspired by and written for or so someone special tto her who had d pa passed away, it shares mess messages of perseverance ance and community. y Ann loves the sweet ‘Where is Thumbkin’ ttrack, but her ffavorite become has bec ome the ffolksy

‘Tiptoe Through the Tulips.’ “I think the ‘Tip piano, which we added at the last toy pia minute, made it really fun.” minu littlemissann.com li

is part of your favorite social networks

Find us on Facebook

3/31/17.

Join the Twitter party!

Follow us @ChicagoParent On Pinterest pinterest.com/chiparent

(847) 619-1900

ChicagoParent.com March 2017 15

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BEST IN CHI

Motherhood gets a megaphone Don’t miss Listen to Your Mother in Chicago

“M

e, too” is the most-heard phrase in the lobby following the Listen To Your Mother show, which features writers from around the Chicago area reading stories about their experiences with their moms or as mothers themselves.

The stories are unique, but the themes in them are universal and have audience members nodding in recognition and understanding. Motherhood can make one laugh, cry and think, often in quick succession, and the diverse mix of stories shared at LTYM reflect that.

“Those ‘me, too’ moments are validating. People who feel alone in their experience, whatever it is, often find out that others can perfectly relate,” says

An Engaging Curriculum

Melisa Wells, co-producer of the show with Tracey Becker. “The connections that each reader makes with the people in the audience appear at the top of the list when Tracey and I think about our proudest moments over the past six years.”

Chicago is one of 39 cities hosting a LTYM show this year, and every year the producers of each show select a nonprofit in their city that benefits local women and/or children as a charity of choice.

A portion of this year’s ticket sales in Chicago will be donated to Deborah’s Place, Chicago’s largest provider of supportive housing for single women experiencing homelessness.

“Deborah’s Place provides assistance to homeless women, helping them heal, work towards their goals and move on from the experience of homelessness. We hope to hand Deborah’s Place our biggest

A Structured Environment

Listen to Your Mother 2 p.m. May 7

Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago listentoyourmothershow.com

check to date!” Wells says.

This is the sixth and final presentation of Listen to Your Mother in Chicago.

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16 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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BEST IN CHI

Special needs resources all in one place Annual event draws hundreds of parents seeking info

Amy Johnson, NPN’s director of partnership and programs, says the alwayspopular workshops focus on advocacy this year.

The first workshop offers parents who are newer to special needs the information they need to make the best decisions for their child’s treatment, including understanding the differences and anticipated outcomes of each of the therapies.

The second features a panel of parents of various ages who have successfully

advocated for their kids at Chicago Public Schools.

There will be plenty of time for audience questions, she says.

“It’s really powerful to have parents helping other parents and learning from people who have had similar personal experiences,” Johnson says.

The third session offers a panel of experts to help parents advocate for their children. They include a learning specialist, a child psychologist and a consultant

Photo by Jaziphoto.com

T

his year’s Neighborhood Parents Network’s Developmental Differences Resource Fair seeks not only to give parents the information they need as they raise their kids but to connect parents with others who have walked a similar path.

who specializes in IEPs and insurance navigation, she says.

The workshops are free and are first-come, first-served.

In addition to the workshops, 90 exhibitors ranging from therapists to schools to counselors will be on hand to offer parents information and answer questions.

NPN Developmental Differences Resource Fair u 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 26

u DePaul College Prep, 3633 N. California Ave., Chicago u Free; RSVP at npnparents. org/events/2667, but walk-ins are welcome

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

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Register now for summer camps and programs! saic.edu/cw | saic.edu/msp | cs@saic.edu | 312.629.6170

ChicagoParent.com March 2017 17

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At Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago, our mission is simple: deliver world-class care to children who need it most – regardless of their ability to pay.

For over 90 years, thousands of families with children affected by orthopaedic conditions, cleft lip and palate, spinal cord injury, and rehabilitation needs have come through our doors with hopes of finding the very best pediatric specialty care.

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2/16/17 11:25 AM

FAILING WITH GUSTO

MARIA

NNE

MARIANNE WALSH When certain moms tell me how much they love being the focal point of neighborhood action (having kids over, feeding feral children, maintaining mob security), I feel a degree of shame. Not only do I eschew groups of kids gaining access to my home and pantry, but my thought when others don’t?

You people are crazy.

I do not enjoy my cabinets raided, my ears accosted and the whirlwind of jumping, leaping and shouting boys.

I’ve got sensory issues, dammit.

The argument I hear most often from opendoor policy moms is that they are keeping eping tabs on their kids ds and their friends. They hey know exactly what is going on.

They have their fingers on the pulse of tween een society.

For me, it seems ms like an awful lot of work and expense to secure re the same information on I get by employing a series of enhanced interrogaerrogation techniques.. I am the daughter of a special agent. My fatherr utilized his years of government ernment training in raising ng his four kids. He could detect a lie

with a mere blink or shift in eye contact. He knew the targeted questions to ask. And we never ever doubted his ability to kill us 100 different ways and make it look like an accident.

Unfortunately for my kids, my dad was generous enough to share this training with me.

My best intel comes via carpool. For whatever reason, kids are naïve enough to buy into my distracted driver

performance.

I fumble with the radio. I mutter about traffic. I sing Journey tunes. In all actuality, I am making mental notes of every inappropriate comment and act of unkindness.

I’m essentially Jason Bourne.

And after I lull them into a false sense of security? That’s when I pounce: “So, who is like the MEANEST kid in your grade?”

“Who would you trust with your life?”

“What kid do you hear the teachers complaining about most?”

“Who gets everybody else in trouble but never gets caught?”

There is an old adage that states, “show me a kid’s friends and I’ll show you his future.” Even God backs me up on this in Proverbs 13:20: “He that walketh with wisee men shall be wise wise, e, but a co companion of foolss destroyed.” shall be d sh e troyed.” es boys As myy bo b ys get older, I k know olde now no wI havee less and less say in who they choose to befriend.

It doesn’t matter how many secret files I maintain, if some kid appeals to their sense of humor or sense

Life in Chi

I spy with my mom eye

of fun, there is very little I can do. I am left hoping that my lectures against mob mentality and choosing right when everybody else chooses wrong will hold up.

But if not?

I’ve got my dad’s old files.

And Russia on speed-dial.

ChicagoParent.com March 2017 19

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CRAFT

Let the

sun shine in Create your own stained glass works of art

W

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER hile we anxiously wait for the warmer spring temps to arrive, spend an afternoon with the kids making these stained glass art frames to let the bright sun shine through.

Smiles guaranteed.

Directions

1

Buy cheap frames at your local dollar store.

Any size or color frames will do the trick. Just make sure they have a glass panel front.

2

Remove the cardboard backing and secure the glass with the press down clips. If your glass panel doesn’t feel secure, you can use a glue gun to secure the glass to the inside of the interior of the frame.

3

M Make sure the inside th outside of and o glass panel the g is clean.

Materials u Glitter glue

4

With the back of the frame facing you, squirt your glitter glue all over the glass panel. Use paintbrushes or toothpicks to spread the glue to cover the entire surface as desired.

5 6

u Paintbrushes and/or toothpicks u Picture frames u Suction cup hangers or hanging tabs (optional)

Allow the glue on the glass to dry completely.

Hang your stained glass frame in a window. You can use suction cups or hanging tabs if desired to hang on windows.

20 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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VIVA DADDY

Out of the mouths of babes Owing to an unfortunate turn of punnery (and aren’t all they all?), March 4th (“march forth”) has become known as “Grammar Day.” In some erudite enclaves (Cambridge, par exemple), the entirety of March is “Grammar Month.” As the titular Viva, my preschooler, is learning to be a regular-schooler (as is the wont of MATT BORESI preschoolers), let us spill some ink to cele celebrate grammar as it pertains to parenting.

As parents we often act as grammarians—one more in gra a litan litany of roles we fake. We gently correct our chilmust ge dren when their grammar errs, lest they sound foolish in school or ar are mistaken President. It is a for the U.S. Presi and thankbrutal, constant an mistakes less role, as the mista are frequent and our ad advice rarely welcome. “I know tthat, Daddy!” Viva shouts, having just been corrected for saying “goed” instead of “went” or “singed” instead of “sang.”

The most common catchild’s egory of mistakes in a child’ language involve form; make past children usually mak adding an tense verbs by ad present tense verb. “ed” to a pre Sometimes it works: “sate” Sometim becomes “sated,” “inflate” beco becomes “inflated”... but b what about “eat”? It does NOT become “ated”! Rather, it becomes “eaten,” which is unfortunate for both the word and the speaker.

Likewise, “seat” becomes “seated” but “sit” becomes “sat.” There is no “sitted” or (gasp) “satted”—though if someone is given a hat, they have been “hatted”!

I can tell from Viva’s pained expressions when I try to untangle these knotty

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paradoxes that rules of form in English are tantamount to child abuse. I might suggest that, rather than teaching your child “irregular” past tenses with flash cards and t chiding, perhaps we, the adult world, should eliminate them from the language.

Then we can all have “runned” to the store, just as someone can already be “gunned” for, and we can all have “bited” our food, just as a knight can, at present, be “knighted.”

Children are grammar sponges. With or without you, they will speak their native language to a functional degree whether you’ve taught them well... or teached them bad.

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@

REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

u Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

My best tip for saving money while raising kids

Learn how to say no. To yourself, your spouse, and your kids when it comes to certain expenses so you can stick to your budget and save.

Rani Morrison, Oak Park

It’s constantly reminding ourselves of wants vs. needs.

Needs are the priority, wants give us that fun we all need! It’s important to define the differences so kids realize we have to pick and choose.

Kerry Quirin, Downers Grove

Educate yourself.

You can start with just $50 a month automatically deducted to savings, network on moneysaving tips and use your resources. We all need to save more than we do.

Rebecca Moulfarha, La Grange Park

Eat at home as much as you can!

Eating out can sure put a nice dent into a family budget, so stick to the family meals on a regular basis.

Diane Oliver, Chicago

Buy large quantities when there’s a good sale. Plan meals based on what’s on sale. Buy kids clothes a year ahead; clearance sales are amazing. For free fun, explore a new park each week.

Lisa Cheruff, Skokie

Live the life you want, not the life you think others are living. Identify your priorities and create a budget.

Patrick Lencioni’s The Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family can be a big help.

Kate AtkinsTrimnell, Homewood

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THE PLACE WHERE AWESOME LIVES

BRING THE WORLD DOWN TO SIZE. Through April 24, discover Eastern culture in our latest exhibit, Children’s China: Celebrating Culture, Character, & Confucius.

Learn Chinese hanzi lettering, care for baby pandas, and take part in our daily Chinese New Year dragon parades! See for yourself why we’re The Place Where Awesome Lives!

Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago • 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview • (847) 832-6600 • kcmgc.org

ChicagoParent.com March 2017 23

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Free cultural performances for the stroller set

E

P eessen Pr ente ted d by b the h Chicago Dep parrtm t en nt off Culturall Afffair faair irss an and nd Speciaal E Evvven en nttss, the Ju J iceb eb boxx Ser erie iees br brin in ngs gs engaging g mu musi ssiic, dance and d th thea eate eate ea terr pe perf rfor rfor ormancess to o fa familiiess in a ki k dd-fr f ien fr ndlyy nd sett se t ing. g Run nniing at 11 1 a..m m. on o alt lterna lter erna er nati ting ti g Fri rid daays d y at th he Chic Chic Ch icag a o Cult Cu ltur ural al Cente terr (7 78 E. Was ashi shi hing n to to St., Chicago) and Saturrd ton rday rda ays at the h Garffi fi d Parrk Conservvato field tory ory ((3 300 N. Ce Central Park k Ave. e.), .), Juiceb ebox eb ox lets ets kiids et d experience a raang nge off art r is i ti tic ic and educcaattiona naal performa manc nces nc ces whe here hos osts regullar a ly invitte yo y ungs gste gs teerrss to move ters ve and groo oove alo ong ngside them.. Upc p om omin ing pe in perf rfor orm or rmances inclu lude de Trinity Ac Acad a emy of Irish h Dan ance ce (Marc rch h 17 17-1 18) 8),, Ceele lebrati leb br ion D nc Da nces es of We West st Africa (A (Apr pril i 7-8), il -8 8), ), Future Hits (Ma Maay 5-6), and Golden Horse see Ran anch ch Squ uar ar Da are Dancce Band (May 19 9-2 20) 0.

Discounted bowling

Explore the best the city has to offer, at a fraction of the cost

C

BY LORI ORLINSKY

hicago is home to world-class museums and attractions, acclaimed restaurants and so much more. But its reputation as a city with one of the most expensive costs of living often deters us from getting out and exploring all it has to offer.

The good news is that free or discounted experiences are abundant; you just have to scour for them. From complimentary city tours to $3 games of bowling and everything in between, we’ve rounded up some of the most affordable family fun in the Windy City.

Whether your child can ys.. throw a spare or simply prefers to toss a ball down the gutter, it’s pretty hard to strike out on fun with an oouting to a bowling alley. er.

All Chicagoland Pinstripes r. locations (Downtown, Northbrook, Oak Brook, South Barrington) offer Kids Club Bowling from 10 a.m.-noon every weekday, where kids under 12 can bowl for just $3 per hour

with a $3 shoe rental. Parents can bobowl alongside them for al free. dWorried the sport will be too difficult d for your little one?

Pinstripes offers light ev that are easy to balls S ramps that kids Sh carry, th use to push the ball can 8 the lane, and down bumpers. The bowling lanes include a full-service waitstaff and plush couches.

Discounted theater tickets If you are spontaneous and don’t mind firming up plans the week or day of, Hot Tix is a great option for half-price tickets to a full range of theater performances across the city. Each week, nearly 250 Chi-Town venues distribute an allotment of tickets with various seating and price levels to Hot Tix. Tickets range from the latest Broadway in Chicago hits to award-winning musicals at The Lyric Opera. Buy tickets online at hottix.org, or skip the digital convenience fee with a visit to one of two physical locations downtown (Block 37: 108 N. State St., First Floor; and 72 E. Randolph St.).

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Free museum days Seeing the latest and greatest museum exhibits often forces parents to make tough decisions about going to one institution over another. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Did you know that most museums in Chicago are required to offer 52 free days a year to Illinois residents with a valid ID? That’s a perk that no parent should miss out on!

Expose the kiddos to these culturally enriching attractions without breaking the bank.

While free day perks vary by location, the majority will grant you free general admission or discounts on upgraded experiences like shows and exhibits.

Check out our Free Museum Days list at chicagoparent.com/ picks/museum-free-days.

Free sing-alongs with Mr. Singer Catch free live music for the wee ones every Wednesday and Friday at 9:15 and 10 a.m. at the Main Barn in Lincoln Park Zoo’s Farm-in-the-Zoo (2001 N. Clark St., Chicago) where the wildly popular Electric Neil, locally famed as “Mr. Singer,” takes sing-alongs to a whole new level. Playing a packed house of mini rockers nearly every week, Mr. Singer’s silly, high-energy performance style, combined with his folksy rock sound, captivates children, making it more fun than ever before to learn about animal sounds, numbers and the alphabet.

Free storytimes with The Storybook Mom 201 Sheridan Rd. Wilmette, IL 60091

Follow award-winning Nili Yelin, aka “The Storybook Mom,” to various bookstores, children’s stores and establishments throughout Chicagoland as she entertains kids of all ages with her “sit down, stand up style” performances. Through rhyming, singing and just plain

acting silly, Nili captivates both kids and parents with interactive and educational storybook performances.

Catch her here on the following days of the week: Mondays: Little Threads (10:30 a.m.), 2033 W. Roscoe St., Chicago

26 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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knowledgeable local, otherwise known as an InstaGreeter.

Loop tours, covering everything from Millennium Park to the Chicago River Walk, are available year-round (10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-2 p.m Sunday), with walks departing on the half hour from the Chicago Cultural Center (77 E. Randolph St.).

Both fun and informative, these one-hour tours are ideal for spur-of-the-moment family fun. Bring your camera for great selfie ops!

Wednesdays: Monica + Andy (4 p.m.), 2038 N. Halsted, Chicago Thursdays: The Book Market at Hanger One (first Thursday of each month; 10:30 a.m.), 2651 Navy Blvd, Glenview; Froyo Chicago (third Thursday of each month; 11 a.m.), 2746 N. Southport, Chicago Fridays: The Book Cellar (11 a.m.), 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago

Free walking tours Did you know that downtown Chicago is called The Loop because the tracks of the El loop around the central downtown business district?

Or that you can see four states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin) from the top of Willis Tower? Discover more tidbits of Chicago history and architecture through a free walking tour given by a

Free kids meals Parents rejoice! There are an increasing number of restaurants that pair free kids meals with happy hour deals on adult beverages, making it perfectly acceptable to indulge in a cold one (or two) after a long day.

Raise your glass to our favorite spots to enjoy happy hour in Chicago, family-style.

Mondays: Frasca Pizzeria &

Wine Bar (3358 N. Paulina, Chicago; 4:30-6 p.m.): Half-off bottles of wine Tuesdays: Dunlay’s on the Square (3137 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago; 4:30-6:30 p.m.): $5 glasses of wine Wednesdays: Hutch American Bistro (3301 N. Clark St., Chicago; 5-6 p.m.): $1 champagne, $2 well drinks, $3 drafts, $4 wines and $5 craft cocktails Thursdays: Barn & Company (950 W. Wrightwood, Chicago; 5-7 p.m.): Half-off whiskey Fridays: Southport & Irving (4000 N. Southport Ave., Chicago; 5-6:30 p.m.): $6 signature cocktails Lori Orlinsky is a Chicago mom of two, marketing manager, lover of a deal and freelance writer.

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Digging out of debt

Our cover girl, Anastasia Reilly, of Northbrook.

PHOTO BY THOMAS KUBIK

Money smart tips to lighten the load

I

BY JENI WILLIAMS t’s a situation financial planner Kelley Long sees time and time again: parents take on the financial rigors of a child’s special interests—travel sports teams, private music or art lessons, dance classes and competitions—and find that the hidden costs of the activity drive them deeper into debt.

“Probably the biggest financial challenge I see parents face is lack of planning ahead for the cost of children’s activities, particularly travel expenses related to activities,” says Long, of KCL Financial Coaching, Chicago. “... They whip out the credit card and when the bill arrives, instead of trying y g to pay it off, they pay just the minimum.

“Before they know it, those expenses accumulate to the point where there is a comma in the figure. That’s when parents start to panic,” Long says.

It’s not uncommon for parentss to find they are carrying a heavier financial burden than they ever could have anticipated, with little or no relief in sight.

Long, who provides financial coaching as an employee benefit for companies such as General Mills, says employees typically call her when their financial situation has reached a crisis point and they are considering a drastic solution, such as taking a loan against their 401(k) to pay down debt.

There are a number of reasons parents might suddenly find themselves facing financial difficulty, from unforeseen emergencies like a car breaking down to the rising cost of tuition—from preschool to college.

How can parents put tthemselves and their families back on solid financial footing ba when money and resources are wh w stretched thin? Local and national stretch stre experts offer the folpersonal finance f lowing strategies.

More online

Find five action steps to take if you find yourself without a job at ChicagoParent.com/debt.

Involve the entire family in better money management “Make a game out of it,” says Ron Lieber, “Your Money” columnist for The New York Times and author of The Opposite of Spoiled, a guide to teaching kids about money.

“For example, if you’re going on vacation and you’ve set a budget, you can put your kids in charge of certain aspects of that budget. If you have more than one kid, they can work together as a team

and do research determine h to d i the h cost of various activities, figure out what the trade-offs are going to be when one activity is chosen over another, and make CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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DIGGING OUT OF DEBT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

recommendations. They won’t complain about the outcome because they’re the ones making the decisions.”

Even a trip to the grocery store can become a game when you put kids in charge of looking for coupons or sales on favorite items.

A percentage of the savings—10 to 50 percent—could then be given to the child to reward his efforts.

Showing children the bills for services such as cellphone coverage also is a good teaching tool.

“Kids between the ages

of 8 and 10 are not too young to understand what it costs to run a household,” Lieber says.

Set up an automated savings plan for extracurricular activities Estimate the total amount you will spend on children’s activities—including travel, hotel and meal expenses—for the year and divide this amount by 12. Then, arrange for this amount to be moved from checking to savings once a month, Long says. As the expenses occur, draw from the savings account to cover them.

Be honest about the family’s financial situation with your kids “Children are generally pretty well aware of parents’ anxiety levels and their anxiety levels around money in particular,” Lieber says. “They eavesdrop; they look at the papers you have lying around; they’re generally in your business.”

In too deep?

Free counseling is available If your financial situation has reached a crisis point, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling provides comprehensive money-management services, such as credit and debt counseling and debt-management planning, for free. Contact the NFCC at (800) 388-2227 or nfcc.org.

30 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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When parents aren’t honest with their children about money matters, trust suffers and the kids may not be as open to sharing their own fears with their parents.

For example, when parents face a job loss, “Their first instinct is to lie about it to their kids to spare their children from worry,” Lieber says. “That’s totally natural, and it’s a loving instinct, but it often backfires, because sooner or later, the child figures it out. Someone lets it slip, or the child overhears a conversation about what has happened. At that point, the trust you’ve built up with your child is lost because you’ve been hiding something very important from them.”

A better approach is to explain to your children that a job loss is normal—that it’s not uncommon for adults to face unemployment once in their career—and to provide reassurance that family members and friends will help, if needed.

“Try to present a brave face,” Lieber says.

Plan a monthly “finance date” with your partner or spouse “I’m a big fan of making a regular commitment with your spouse or partner to go over where you are, financially,” says Nancy Doyle of Glencoe, author of Manage Your Financial Life (manage yourfinanciallife.com).

“Those conversations can be difficult, but when it comes to managing your debt, studies show that when two people come together to make a decision and they offer different viewpoints, they will make a better decision together. My husband and I had these conversations when we were considering whether to buy a house, and we were shocked to find out how much we were spending on the kids’ activities.”

Talk about the “what ifs” with your spouse during these dates, Doyle advises. For example, is there a chance there will be a change in employment status or a reduction in the bonus your family has relied upon in the past? What are the adjustments you can make together, so your family will be better able to withstand the financial effect of such changes?

Size up your comfort level with managing options for repayment “Consider your personality: Are you more of an analytical person, or do you really just want to set things on autopilot and get

“Studies show when two people come together to make a decision and they offer different viewpoints, they will make a better decision together.”

Nancy Doyle Author this debt taken care of? Your strategy will differ according to your personality,” Long says.

For example, an analytical person would typically be more comfortable seeking a balance transfer offer with zero interest for a set amount of time, dividing the amount of the balance by the number of months without interest, and either paying the debt before the zero-interest period ends or transferring the balance again before the promotional rate expires. A non-analytical person, on the other hand, may be more comfortable rounding all minimum payments up to the next hundreddollar mark and paying that amount until the debt is paid.

“Once you’ve established the amount you will pay, automate the payment,” Long says.

Take a careful look at your cash flow “Don’t just look at your income for the past year; take a comprehensive look at your financial picture,” Doyle says. “Look at your debt level: Did you increase your debt level over

the past year? Look at your savings: Were you able to save more this past year than the year before? In a given year, if your debt increased more than the amount you were able to save, that means you spent more than you earned.

When you spend less than you earned, that’s how you accumulate net worth.”

Analyzing your cash flow will help you gain a true picture of the level of financial difficulty your family finds itself in and the extent to which you need to make changes to regain solid footing.

Look for part-time or freelance work “There’s got to be a way to earn more money—not by asking your boss for a raise, but by looking for other opportunities for work,” says financial planner Terry Savage of Chicago, author of The Savage Truth on Money. “Even if you work hard Monday through Friday, if you’re seriously in debt, you need to look at ways to boost your income. For example, you could contact a local sports organization and ask about paid opportunities for coaches or referees; you could work as a clerk in a retail store or as a waitress in a bar; you could drive an Uber.

If you’re able to bring in $200 a weekend, that’s $800 a month. That may be just what you need to pay off a credit card balance in a very short time.”

As you get paid, target one debt to put the money toward, such as a single credit card. This will help you pay off a single debt quickly—and will give you the confidence you need to keep up your efforts.

“You have to face up to your debt or you’ll never get out of it,” Savage says.

Jeni Williams is mom to two adorable girls and a freelance writer.

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The grocery challenge

I

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

f your grocery bill depresses you, you are not alone. Outside of your mortgage or rent, food is usually the next biggest expense in your budget.

We consulted some of the best moneysaving bloggers to get tips on ways to start reducing your monthly food expenses.

Menu plan. You have to know what you are going to prepare for your meals before you shop.

Without this, you will spend more by making multiple trips to the store or skip making dinner completely and going out to dinner.

Shop high and low. The most expensive items are often at eye level. Take the time to check out the upper and lower shelves to find other brands at lower prices.

Think before you buy something on sale or with

a coupon. If you would not buy it at regular price, then it is probably something you really don’t need.

Shop the loss leaders.

These are the items on the cover of a weekly ad.

Stock up on these items when you see them on sale, as they will be the best price available.

The easiest place to find coupons is your Sunday newspaper. You can also go online to coupons.com or even the manufacturer’s website to find coupons you can print from home.

Tracie Fobes, Penny Pinchin’ Mom pennypinchinmom.com

Pair a sale with a coupon. A coupon alone isn’t where the savings are.

You need the store discount and then the manufacturer’s coupon to really see a big savings.

Always use your personalized store loyalty card. While they track your spending, they also target you with discounts, promos and rewards based on that spending.

Many stores send out coupons and offers to your mailing or email address, so make sure those are up to date.

Toss aside brand loyalties. With many of the products we think are the best, we only think that because of their marketing. If you are brand loyal to Tide, maybe try Purex if you can get it for 75 percent less.

Grocery stores usually start their sales on Wednesdays and drug stores start on Sundays.

Since new inserts of coupons come in the newspapers on Sunday, that is often the best day to shop if you only shop once a week.

Know what a good price is. $4 for a box of cereal is ridiculous; 50 cents is an actual good price.

Don’t be swayed by fancy sale signs promising “Buy one, get one free.” Do the math yourself to see if it’s really a good sale price or not.

Jessie Alonzo, Moola Saving Mom moolasavingmom. com

Simple and easy ways to start saving on your grocery bill today

CONTINUED ON PAGE 34

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GROCERY CHALLENGE

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An exciting and educational summer program for children ages 4–14. Three sessions available: June 19–June 30, July 3–July 14, July 17–July 28 View the 2017 Summer Program Guide online at www.averycoonley.org/summerprogram

Make grocery shopping an event and have a plan with a specific list. If you go without a plan, you fall subject to the grocer’s plan. Without a list, 60 percent of the items people put in their cart are impulse buys.

The less often you shop, the more you save. Try to go only once every two weeks.

Staying out of the store saves you tons of money.

Before you leave the house, go through what you have in stock. Inventory what you have so you don’t buy what’s already in the pantry. Then start a menu based on what you have. For example, if you have carrots and onions, buy beef. f.

Save on produce byy buying pre-bagged items. ems.

For example, a 3-pound und bag of apples is usually 30-60 percent cheaper than n

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33

selecting individual apples.

Also always buy produce that is in season.

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promotional items by Friday and Saturday, which means you need to ask for rain checks. Watch for two-day sales. For instance, Meijer often has these on Fridays and Saturdays.

Jennifer Roskamp, The Intentional Mom theintentionalmom.com Keep a price log of good, better and best prices on everything you buy, so you know when it is time to stock up or let a deal slide. The best deals are almost always going to be when you pair a store promotion or sale with a coupon.

There are often discounted items at the deli counter and bakery right before these particular areas of the store close.

Know if your stores have double coupon days. Stores are often out of sale or

Megan Murray Elsener is a Chicago Parent columnist, freelance writer and mother of three.

34 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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Money, family and flexibility?

The Mom Project wants moms to have it all

BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

M

egan Puzen had fully established herself in the public relations community in Chicago, working at the city’s best small boutique shops and large global marketing companies. Then she had a baby.

For a variety of reasons, Puzen, of Arlington Heights, decided to stay home with her daughter and her son, who quickly followed in 2012.

That was until Puzen came across The Mom Project and discovered a new way to keep her foot in the door professionally.

A Chicago-based start-up, The Mom Project is a digital marketplace that connects women with companies that need educated and experienced people for temporary projects or positions.

Allison Robinson, the CEO and founder of The Mom Project, started the company when she was on her own maternity leave from Procter & Gamble.

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Extended Day Options Available!

Extended Day and Catered Snacks Options Available!

Lunches Provided

Catered Snacks and New Rooftop Lunches Provided

Summer Camp Summer Camp

Monday – Friday Monday – Friday

“After becoming a new mom, I realized how many sacrifices women have to make while raising a family and managing a full-time career,” Robinson says.

“I discovered that over 40 percent of highly qualified women leave the workforce after having children as a result.”

Many would have kept working if they had access to flexible opportunities, she says. “So I saw an opportunity to create a marketplace that connects women with flexible work with companies that are committed to building diverse and inclusive organizations.”

With more than 9,000 professionals in the network and hundreds of companies ranging from Fortune 20 corporations to start-ups, The Mom Project works to connect the most relevant candidates with available opportunities.

They leverage the science of match technology and the desires of the talent to create a best-suited opportunity.

There is no fee for the moms who join the network and companies only pay a fee when the project is over.

“I am passionate about helping to keep women in the workforce by connecting them with opportunities that give them the flexibility they need,” Robinson says.

Stepping out of the workforce can have long-term financial

consequences for moms.

A recent study by the Center for American Progress showed that a 26-year-old woman making $50,000 a year before taking three years off to raise her family not only loses the $150,000 in wages, but an additional $200,000 in lost wage growth and $165,000 in lost retirement assets and benefits.

“I love what I do professionally, but I just can’t do it fulltime at this point in life,” says Puzen. “So a flexible, part-time position seemed like the perfect balance now that my kids are in school and I have more time.”

A week after submitting her resume with The Mom Project, Puzen was placed with Nutrient for a project focused on health and wellness products.

“Because of the flexibility of my project, I don’t miss anything when it comes to my kids. I drop them off, pick them up and help with homework,” Puzen says. “But I now contribute to my family financially and I’m back in the game.”

“I always think about an article I read a few years ago titled, ‘Why Women Still Can’t Have It All’ and maybe with the help of The Mom Project, they now can,” Puzen says.

Nature Classroom

New Rooftop Nature Classroom

8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Sign up for one or more of our camps!

up for one or more of our camps!

Bike Riding Camp ZonesSign Camp Bike Camp4 Zones26-June Camp 30 JulyRiding 31-August June July 31-August June 26-June 30 Ages: 4-8 4 Ages: 4-8 Ages: 4-8 Ages: 4-8 Let’s Write Camp Sensory Explorers Let’s Write7-August Camp 18 Sensory Explorers August July 10-July 21 August 18 July 10-July 21 Ages: 7-August 5-8 Ages: 3-8 Ages: 5-8 Ages: 3-8 Nature Camp Sports Camp Nature Camp Sports Camp August 21-August 25 July 24-July 28 August 21-August 25 July 24-July 28 Ages: Ages: 3-8 Ages: 3-83-8 Ages: 3-8

Register Registerat atinfo@eyaslanding.com info@eyaslanding.com or today. orcall call312.733.0883 312.733.0883 today.

Eyas Landing | 1409 WWCarroll 60607||312.733.0883 312.733.0883 | eyaslanding.com Eyas Landing | 1409 CarrollAve Ave||Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607 | eyaslanding.com

MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Open House Moraine Valley offers academic opportunities that allow you to dream big and immerse yourself in learning beyond textbooks.

Saturday, March 11, 9 a.m.-Noon

9000 W. College Parkway • Palos Hills • Building S n Hear a short presentation about the college, admission process, extracurricular activities, and more. n Explore exciting jobs you can prepare for in our career programs. n Learn about the transfer process – Complete the first two years of your bachelor’s degree here and save thousands of dollars! n Take a tour of the campus.

RSVP

(708) 974-5355 n morainevalley.edu/openhouse

morainevalley.edu

Megan Murray Elsener is a columnist at Chicago Parent, a freelance writer and mother of three.

170153E

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July 17 th – August 25 th Join Butler Children’s Prep campers as we enjoy the great outdoors and take advantage of the beautiful Chicago summers!

www.butlerchicago.org 312.643.1401

Affordable Summer Arts Camps for Kids & Teen Musical Theatre Workshops One, Three, and Six Week Sessions Available as well as Teen Programs Taught All Summer Long!

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

Early Registration Discounts!

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

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4

New England Aquarium

Boston Common

fantastic

spring break trips

Nature on overdrive Picturesque natural wonders beckon families to explore outdoors in the Hocking Hills region of Ohio. A sevenhour drive from Chicago, it is one of the most splendid state parks my family has ever experienced. The cool, dark caves, scenic gorges, photo op-worthy waterfalls and humongous trees delight the eyes, while the fresh air, cozy cabins and hot tubs under the stars are like giant reset buttons for the soul.

Hocking Hills State Park (parks.ohiodnr. gov/hockinghills) encompasses more than 2,000 acres, with countless trails for everyone from beginners to more advanced explorers.

Old Man’s Cave is the most visited attraction in the Hocking Hills area.

Traversing this treasure with naturalist Pat Quackenbush (who also happens to be Chicago Cubs’ infielder Addison Russell’s uncle) was a pleasure.

When you’re ready to rest, enjoy a modern, spacious cabin at Cedar Grove Lodging (cedargrove lodging.com). We had two floors to spread out and make ourselves at home, plus a hot tub to unwind in under the stars. The second part of our stay was spent in the Hocking Hills Caboose (hockinghillscaboose.com). Yes, a bright red train caboose parked in the middle of the woods.

High Rock Adventures’ (highrockadvent ures.com) guided eco-tours are great for thrill-seeking families. Kids can zip through the air on the Hocking Hills Canopy Tour DragonFly course, which has eight zip lines, three bridges and one sky tunnel assembled over a hill where parents can watch their little ones jump and shout as they sail by.

Cortney Fries

History in the making A family trip to Boston is a great chance to have a ball experiencing history together with your kids.

For history buffs, hit the Freedom Trail (thefreedomtrail.org), a 2.5-mile-long must-do, even if you only walk a portion of it. It’s free if you want to wander it yourself, and there’s an app to help you understand the significance of all 16 historic sites along the way. However, consider taking a guided tour to get the most out of the experience. There are several tours with guides in costume who offer fascinating insight into what life was like in Boston leading up to and during the Revolution. We took a 90-minute tour through Lessons on Liberty. Younger kids may love the Boston by Little Feet tour aimed at kids as young as 6.

For those feeling rebellious, meet colonists at the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum (bostonteapartyship.com). This interactive museum makes you feel like you’re a part of the Tea Party. Kids can even toss tea CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

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4 FANTASTIC SPRING BREAK TRIPS overboard as the Sons of Liberty did in 1773.

For bookworms, take photos with the Make Way for Ducklings statues, which pay tribute to the book of the same name by Robert McCloskey.

For animal lovers, befriend sea creatures at the New England Aquarium (neaq.org). It features the Giant Ocean Tank, a fourstory coral reef featuring hundred of animals.

There are lot of places to get some amazing chowder, but the chowder from Legal Sea Foods (legalseafoods.com) has been Boston served at every presidential inauguraTea Party tion since 1981.

Ship and When we visited, we stayed at the Museum Omni Parker House (omnihotels.com/ hotels/boston-parker-house), a historic hotel just off the Freedom Trail and close to Boston Common. It’s also where Boston Cream Pie and Parker House rolls originated.

The flight from Boston to Chicago is just over two hours. If you’re up for a road trip, it’s just under a 15-hour drive.

Shannan Younger

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

Getting to know our neighbor Some people might disagree, but to me, Milwaukee feels like one of those cities on the brink of becoming the next hipster boomtown (Portland and Austin, I’m looking at you).

Plus, there’s lots to do with kids, even when it’s cold, making for a quick and easy weekend getaway.

Children’s museums are a magical resource, and Discovery World (discoveryworld.org) ranks near the top of my list. Physics, sportsology, music, sailing, energy consumption and much more—this place would easily occupy a curious child for hours. Saturdays feature special events (several included with general admission) such as making color-changing slime and creating clouds of cotton candy. Spending a day here is affordable, too: $19 for adults, $16 for kids 3-17 and free for kids 2 and younger.

The Milwaukee Public Museum (mpm.edu) is home to the Daniel M. Soref National Geographic Dome Theater and Planetarium, which is

a formal way of saying a “6-storytall screen and wraparound digital surround sound.” Swim underseas, climb Mt. Everest or experience a fully immersive view of the Milky Way. The museum also offers an array of exhibits, including the world’s largest-known dinosaur skull.

The Pfister Hotel

SEAN PHILLIPS SOCCER CAMPS DAY CAMPS DAY CAMPS

Week-long day camps Week-long day camps for boys & girls for boys & held girls at UIC ages 4-14 ages 4-14 held at UIC (Roosevelt & Morgan) (Roosevelt & Morgan)

Inclusive Summer Day and Overnight programs for children and teens with disabilities

Additional information Additional information & online registration: & online registration:

www.seanphillipssoccer.com www.seanphillipssoccer.com info@seanphillipssoccer.com info@seanphillipssoccer.com

312-848-6106 312-848-6106

2016 Horizon League Champions.

Fourteen Locations - 50 programs

847-205-0274 or keshet.org for more information

Keshet is a partner with the Jewish United Fund in serving our community.

UIC FLAMES (or other Mark/logo) is a registered trademark of The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois (“University”), which does not own or operate any UIC sports camps. University is not overseeing, involved with, or responsible for the Camp or any Camp activities.

UIC FLAMES (or other Mark/logo) is a registered trademark of The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois (“University”), which does not own or operate any UIC sports camps. University is not overseeing, involved with, or responsible for the Camp or any Camp activities.

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Like Discovery World, admission is easy on the wallet: $18 for adults, $12 for kids 5-13, and Discovery free for kids 4 World and younger.

I don’t care how cold it is outside, hit Purple Door (purple dooricecream.com), where creative ice cream calls, from “beer and pretzel” flavor to lemon cardamom to whiskey. The usual (and kid-approved) suspects show up too, like malted chocolate chunk, salted caramel and mint chip. Can’t decide?

Try the flight.

We stayed at The Pfister Hotel (the pfisterhotel.com), a grand structure built in 1893 by German immigrant Guido Pfister and his son, Charles. It features an indoor swimming pool on the 23rd floor, a full-service spa and salon and a stunning tromp l’oeil ceiling in the lobby. If you like fancy hotels, I’m telling you, this one’s a gem.

Katie Niekerk

Feasting on Cleveland From hosting the Republican National Convention to (almost) winning the World Series, our Midwest neighbor spent much of last year in the national spotlight. And thanks to several multimillion-dollar renovation projects—and a bounty of kid-friendly restaurants and attractions—there’s even more reason to see what the revitalized city is all about. After six nondescript hours on the road, we slid into Cleveland just in time to drop our luggage at the Drury Plaza Hotel and walk to Noodlecat (noodlecat.com), a low-key, high-flavor ramen shop for dinner.

The mix-and-match menu worked well for our family of diverse eaters and the casual vibe meant no one gave us side-eye when my car-crazy kids wanted to stand next to the table and slurped their noodles with audible passion.

To mark its centennial in 2020, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (cmnh. org) has launched a five-year, $150 million expansion and renovation. Visitors can already enjoy the first finished phase: the Ralph Perkins Wildlife Center and Woods Garden, a 2.2-acre outdoor gallery for native Ohio plants and animals including bobcats, deer and bald eagles.

Greater Cleveland Aquarium But my kids were smitten by the museum’s interior offerings, particularly “Steggie,” the Stegosaurus sculpture that dominates a giant CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

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4 FANTASTIC SPRING BREAK TRIPS

GreenApple Campus STEM + Innovation + Entrepreneurship

Robotics, Coding, AR/VR Mobile Game & App Design Minecraft, Maker in the FabLab, GirlsTech Kids 6 - 14 years Elmhurst & Chicago 872.240.4230 GreenAppleCampus.org

A Deliciously Fun Summer Experience

SUMMER CAMP June 12 - September 1

For Kids & Teens (ages 4-14) WICKER PARK & LAKEVIEW www.kids-table.com

Named one of the by bon appétit

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41

room of dinosaurs, and the interactive Smead Discovery Center. They spent hours digging for dinosaur bone casts, scrutinizing real animal hides and working on leaf rubbings.

Only the need for naps finally pulled them away. For a speedy meal, we stopped at local chain Melt (meltbarandgrilled.com) for crowd-pleasing grilled cheese sandwiches.

This bohemian-chic pocket of Cleveland Heights (coventry village.org) is crammed with boutiques and shops where kids won’t raise eyebrows (or heart rates). Our favorite stop was at Piccadilly Artisan Yogurt (piccadilly artisanyogurt.com). What looks like a nondescript fro-yo shop is actually a must-stop dessert destination, serving organic dairy and vegan yogurt sourced from a nearby farm.

Though my kids awoke on day two impatient to get to the aquarium, they relented to breakfast. We swung through Lucky’s Café in the artsy, bluecollar neighborhood of Tremont.

The farm-to-table cafe prides itself on sourcing most of its menu from within 100 miles and the line during late brunch hours can stretch out the door.

Luckily, eating with young kids means “brunch” at 9 a.m.—we were quickly seated and filling our bellies with biscuits and gravy, waffles with honeyinfused whipped cream, and pecan-crusted bacon.

Nearby, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium (greatercleveland aquarium.com) struck me as a pint-sized version of the Shedd.

That wasn’t a bad thing: Rather than navigating multiple galleries and options, visitors walk one path from start to finish— winding past kid-height tanks

of native fish, spacious pens for slow-moving desert tortoises and overhead tanks of luminescent jellyfish. We lingered most at the sting ray exhibit and the sea tube, a 175-foot underwater tunnel where sharks, eels and massive grouper surround you on all sides.

We headed to Cleveland’s Little Italy for lunch, where Prestis Bakery (prestisbakery. com) has been drawing loyal crowds since 1943. Grab a number by the door and spend your wait trying to choose between the range of offerPiccadilly ings: lasagna, Artisan pizza, antipastos, Yogurt Italian subs.

Happily fed, my kids wanted “more animals!” so it was off to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (clevelandmetroparks.com).

Fans of the more intimate Lincoln Park Zoo will find some cavernous exhibits at the 165acre zoo disappointing—if the animals aren’t near the viewing area, you’re out of luck. But we got to see the elephants, and I was grateful for our all-day pass for the carousel ($8).

I wasn’t sure what my kids would think of Mabel’s BBQ (mabelsbbq.com), chef Michael Symon’s famed downtown restaurant that marries mustard, Eastern European spices and smoking over local fruitwood to create a distinct style of barbecue, but I needn’t have worried: They gobbled the brisket and licked clean the plate of cucumber salad with red onion and dill.

We broke up the drive home to Chicago with a one-night stay at Cedar Point Castaway Bay Indoor Water Park (castaway bay.com).

My kids loved the wave pool and toddler splash zone, and I loved that we only had to clock four hours driving the next day.

Kate Rockwood

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special advertising section //

camp 2017

Northfork Outback girls resident camp

CAMPS AND CLASSES FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES JK–12

PROGRAMS RUN JUNE 12TH THROUGH AUGUST 11TH

Summer camp for horse lovers Up to 3 hours daily horseback riding 2 hours hands on with horses along with Petting zoo, 1800’s Wild West Adventure Swimming, crafts Make friends, learn about animals, stay safe

Francis W. Parker 2017 Summer Programs fwparker.org/summers

Northfork Farms & Outback

3637 Morrice Road, Webberville, MI 517-881-9142 www.northforkoutback.com

The Fun Never Ends at 1000 WATTS! • Convenient bus pick-up and drop-off service • A variety of team sports for boys and girls pre-K through 8th grade • Instructional swimming • Weekly field trips • Healthy lunch program • After camp care from 3:00-5:30 pm • Counselors who love kids and are committed to providing the best summer ever!!!

8-Week Camp

PrivateBank Fire Pitch Home of the CHICAGO FIRE! 3626 N. Talman Avenue, Chicago June 19th - August 11th 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (After camp care is offered)

GAP Camp

Seward Park Chicago 375 W Elm Street, Chicago August 14th – August 25th 9:00 am to 3:00 pm For two weeks right after camp ends and BEFORE school starts!

Registration for both camps can be completed easily on line!

www.1000WATTSSPORTS.com Get in Touch!

Brandon Watts, Founder/Owner (312) 520-7782 • brandon@1000wattssports.com 1935 S. Wabash Avenue, Unit 201 Chicago, IL. 60616 ChicagoParent.com March 2017 43

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camp 2017 // special advertising section DAY CAMP Adler Planetarium 1300 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago (312) 922-7827 Adlerplanetarium.org

A Fairytale Ballet & Academy Lkeview, Bucktown, Evanston (773) 477-4488 (LV & EV) (773) 606-0318 (BT) AFairytaleBallet.com

The Ancona School 4770 S Dorchester Ave (773) 924-2356 anconaschool.org/summer-2017

ArtReach Educational Theatre 3201 Meadow Dr, Rolling Meadows (847) 372-7798 (773) 604-1892 artreachspotlite.com

Association of Illinois Montessori Schools

Chicago Academy for the Arts

Kidwatch

1010 W. Chicago Ave. (312) 421-0202 chicagoacademyforthearts.org

3330 N. Lockwood Ave., Chicago (773) 993-0536 Kidwatchplus.com

Chicago Architecture Foundation

Lakefront Children’s Academy

224 S. Michigan Ave. (312) 922-8687 architecture.org/camps

Chicago Grammar School 900 N. Franklin Ste. 104, Chicago (312) 944-5600 www.chicagogrammarsummer.org

CircEsteem Uptown, Chicago (773) 732-4564 www.circesteem.org

Decoma Day Camp Northbrook (847) 945-4455 www.decomadaycamp.com

Eyas Landing

Learn through discovery - attend a Montessori Camp! www.ILMontessori.org See website for Member school information and checkout their camps!

Committed to providing positive therapeutic outcomes and innovative care.

1409 West Carroll Avenue (312) 733-0883 www.eyaslanding.com

Athletico Center

GEMS World Academy Chicago

1900 Old Willow Rd., Northbrook (224) 326-2061 Athleticocenter.com

350 E. South Water St., Chicago (312) 809-8900 www.gemschicago.org

The Avery Coonley School

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago’s Youth Dance Program

1400 Maple Avenue Downers Grove (630) 969-0800 averycoonley.org

Baker Summer Discovery Camp 201 Sheridan Road, Wilmette (847) 425-5814 bakerdemschool.org/summer

BookClub Summer Camp!

Weekly Themes: June 12 - Sept 1 Ages 1st-6th grade (773) 278-2665 www.bookclubchicago.net

Brain Arts Camp

Prop Theatre 3502 N Elston Ave, Chicago (773) 850-2199 www.brainsurgeontheater.org

Bubbles Academy 2184 N Elston, Chicago (312) 944-7677 bubblesacademy.com

Camp Naper at Naper Settlement 523 S. Webster St., Naperville (630) 420-6010 www.napersettlement.org/camp

1147 W Jackson Blvd., Chicago (312) 850-9744 ext. 139 Hubbardstreetdance.com/ YouthDance

iD Tech Camps Held at Northwestern, Loyola, GEMS World Academy, Benedictine & Lake Forest College (888) 709-8324 iDTech.com

Instituto Cervantes Chicago 31 W. Ohio Street, Chicago (312) 335-1996 www.chicago.cervantes.es

Intercultural Montessori Language School - Oak Park Oak Park (708) 848-6626 oakpark@interculturalmontessori.org West Loop (312) 265 1514 info@interculturalmontessori.org

JCC Chicago Day Camps

JCC Chicago Apachi Day Camps at nine Chicagoland locations.

Northbrook, Skokie, Lake Zurich, Chicago, Flossmoor (224) 406-9242 www.jccchicago.org/daycamp jcamp@jccchicago.org

9 themed weeks of camp.

400 E. Randolph St. Ste. 6B (312) 819-1760 lakefrontchildrensacademy.com Phone: 312-819-1760

Language Stars

Language Stars provides world language education (866) 55-STARS LanguageStars.com

Latin School of Chicago

Pre K -12th Grade 59 W. North Blvd., Chicago (312) 582-6000 (312) 582-6060 Admissions latinschool.org

Lifeline Theatre

Explore new worlds at Lifeline’s Drama Camps!

6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago (773) 761-4477 lifelinetheatre.com

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

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

Near North Montessori Summer Camp 1434 W. Division St., Chicago (773) 384-1434 summer.nnms.org

Northfork Farms and Outback Each camper assigned a horse to care for and ride.

3637 Morrice Rd. Webberville, Mich.

(517) 881-9142 www.northforkoutback.com

River Forest Community Center

Summer Camp Programs 8020 Madison St., River Forest (708) 771-6159 rfcc.info

School of the Art Institute of Chicago -Kids Camps 36 South Wabash Avenue Suite 1201, Chicago (312) 629-6170 saic.edu/cs/children/ summercamps/#saic / cs@saic.edu

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

Summer Programs at Francis W. Parker School

Amazing camps and classes for grades JK-12 330 West Webster Ave. (773) 797-5014 fwparker.org/summers

West Loop Soccer Club

Located in downtown Chicago and North Shore 160 S. Aberdeen St., Chicago (224) 634-0504 www.westloopsoccerclub.com

Windy City Fieldhouse/ Windy City Sports Academy 2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago (773) 486-7300 WindyCityFieldhouse.com/youth

The Yard 233 W. 63rd St. Westmont, IL & 1607 Legacy Circle Naperville, IL (630) 737-1000 & (630) 245-1100 westmontyard.com & napervilleyard.com

OVERNIGHT Animal Camp Jamaica

Teen travel program for boys and girls ages 14-18!

Business Address: 16795 State Route E Rolla, MO 65401 (573) 458-2125 AnimalCampJamaica.com

Black River Farm and Ranch Summer Horse Camp for Girls 5040 Sheridan Line Croswell, MI 48422 (810) 679-2505 blackriverfarmandranch.com

Camp Anokijig W5639 Anokijig Lane, Plymouth, WI 53073 (920) 893-0782 anokijig.com

Camp Timber-lee

Traditional camp or adventure, arts and discovery camp options.

Grades 2-12 N8705 Scout Rd. East Troy, WI 53120 (262) 642-7345 www.timber-lee.com

Cub Creek Science Camp

A summer camp with its own zoo!

16795 State Route E, Rolla, MO 65401 (573) 458-2125 MOScienceCamp.com

44 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section // Sherman Lake YMCA Camp

Rocky Mountain Conservatory Theatre

6225 N. 39th Street, Augusta, MI 49012 (269) 731-3000 shermanlakeymca.org

Programs in Denver, CO, Boca Raton, FL & Naperville, IL (888) 344-3465 Contact@RMCTonline.com www.YouthActors.com

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp Resorts

Sports Broadcasting Camp

8 locations within 2 hrs of Chicago www.CampJellystone.com

(800) 319-0884 playbyplaycamps.com facebook.com/ sportsbroadcastingcamps

SPECIALTY CAMPS Chicago Children’s Theatre Summer Camp at The Station

SPECIAL NEEDS Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert

100 S. Racine Avenue Chicago (773) 227-0180 x321 chicagochildrenstheatre.org/ summercam

7460 Market Place Eden Prairie, MN (800) 242-1909 Lincoln-Lakehubert.com

Harand Camp of the Theatre Arts

FIELD TRIPS

Safari Land

Fleetwood Roller Skating Rink Public skating, private parties, fundraisers. Artistic speed and roller derby skating.

7231 W. Archer Ave., Summit (708) 458-0300 fleetwoodrollerrink.com

Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago 2100 Patriot Blvd, Glenview (847) 832-6600 kcmgc.org

Pump It Up Party Orland Park Chicago

camp 2017

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

701 W. North Ave., Villa Park (630) 530-4649 safarilandfun.com

Wonder Works, A Children’s Museum

Thousands of square feet of fun, a place of creative play.

6445 West North Avenue, Oak Park 708-383-4815 www.wonder-works.org

Visit Dekalb County

Experience the natural beauty, museums, events, and more in DeKalb County. dekalbcountycvb.com

Easterseals Camp FRIENDship

Held at Carthage College in Kenosha (847) 864-1500 www.harandcamp.com

1939 W. 13th Street, Chicago and 100 W. 81st Ave., Dyer, IN 46311 (312) 961-4188 eastersealschicago.org

Music Theater Works (formerly Light Opera Works) Summer Workshop

Keshet

(847) 205-0274 Keshet.org

516 4th Street, Wilmette (847) 920-5360 MusicTheaterWorks.com/summer

s at Camp Anok e Friend ijig! k a M Person al New Friends

h

OPS H S K R R WO

Formerly LIGHT OPERA WORKS

2017

Growt

E SUMM

• No auditions • Every child gets a part • In Wilmette

Ages 8 to 13 Annie • July 10-15 The Music Man • July 17-22 Spamalot • July 24-29 Singin’ in the Rain • July 31-Aug. 5 Bye Bye Birdie • Aug. 7-12 For teens Candide youth production June 12-29 (audition required)

MusicTheaterWorks.com/summer • (847) 920-5360

Positive Values

s geou Outra n!

Fu

• Traditional and Specialty • Overnight, resident camp activities, plus HORSES, • Boys & Girls, ages 7-16 Teen Programs, and • Sessions from 4 days to Adventure Trips 1 or more weeks of summer fun! ing community with many Camp Anokijig is a welcom your own camp experience ect opportunities to self-dir

800-741-6931 www.anokijig.com Plymouth, WI ChicagoParent.com March 2017 45

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camp 2017 // special advertising section

Enriching The Mind

ONE CHILD AT A TIME BBBEEESSSTTT CCCHHHIIILLLDDD CCCAAARRREEE CCCEEENNNTTTEEERRRSSS

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Serving Ages 2-6 years, 7 am-6 pm; After School, 7-12 years

www.lakefrontchildrensacademy.com Missed your deadline for selected schools?

Experience our network of enriched learners.

Limited fall spaces available for private enrollment.

400 East Randolph Street Suite 6B, Chicago Conveniently located across from a Chicago Park District Playground • Security Monitored classrooms

312.819.1760 fax 312.819.1763 email lakefrontacademy@gmail.com Remember, don’t get wait-listed; register now!

“I am a citizen of the world.”

Dual-Language Montessori Education for ages 3 to 12 Your choice of programs: Chinese Mandarin / English Spanish / English Japanese / English

Two Locations: Historic Oak Park Chicago’s West Loop

ROLLING ADMISSIONS – SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! www.interculturalmontessori.org

HUBBARD STREET’S 2017

YOUTH DANCE CAMPS

CREATIVE. TECHNICAL. COMPREHENSIVE. Hubbard Street’s Youth Summer Camps give aspiring dancers of all ages opportunities to explore, create, learn, and perform all summer long.

Come dance with us!

After care available from 4–6pm.

REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!

hubbardstreetdance.com/YouthDance For more information, email youth@hubbardstreetdance.com or call 312-850-9744 ext. 139 Photo by Todd Rosenberg.

46 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section // THE AWARD-WINNING

camp 2017

Na

t oa ion’s dc #1 as tin Spo g C rts am p

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52 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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calendar MARCH

1

B Back in 1837, the first photograph hadn’t eeven been taken, let alone the perfect IInstagram shot. To celebrate how far we’ve come, the Chicago History Museum w throws h a blowout bash for Chicago’s 180th Birthday, complete with music (“Happy Birthday” only makes sense), family-friendly storytelling and crafts. And since a birthday isn’t really a birthday if there’s no cake, this party features a slice for everyone. Plus, if you share a birthday with our fine city, you get a special certificate. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. March 4. Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago. (312) 642-4600, chicagohistory.org.

2

You gain a much greater appreciation for nature once you realize what a big role it plays in God’s gift to all of us, pizza. At the Weekend Family Class: Pizza Party, kids 4-10 dig into the debt pizza owes to gardens, since so many ingredients—tomatoes, wheat, herbs and vegetables— come from there.

And you’ll leave with your own herb garden to take home to supplement your next family pizza night. Now that’s amore! $24. 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m.

March 25. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

3

Chicago’s yearlong Shakespeare Festival might be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t introduce your littles to the Bard’s finest work still. Short Shakespeare!

Romeo & Juliet tells the tale of the OG star-crossed lovers, and it’s short enough (just 75 minutes!) to keep your kids’ attention right up to the final [gasping] breath. Just don’t come complaining to us if their next refusal Romeo to do chores & Juliet comes out in perfect iambic pentameter. $34, $22 kids. 11 a.m. Saturdays. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago.

(312) 595-5600, chicago shakes.com.

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CALENDAR hands-on paleo stations, venture through unique exhibits and learn with a world-renowned paleontologist. Check website for cost. 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford. (815) 965-3433, burpee. org.

SOCK MONKEY MADNESS FESTIVAL. Rockford. See March 3.

WEEKEND FAMILY CLASS: CHURN IT AND FLIP ‘EM. Kids

4-10, with adult, learn about the plants used to make breakfast and take home recipes to replicate the feast. $24. 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

Mu umm mmy Sc Scie ie ie enc nce nc

DINOSAUR DISCOVERIES.

SSeee Maarcch 2255

2 | THURSDAY AFTER SCHOOL ADVENTURES: DR. SEUSS. Explore the wonderful

world of Dr. Seuss and all his silly characters. Kids 5-12, with adult, create a Lorax and make a yummy treat to eat. $3, $2 members. 3:30-5 p.m. Des Plaines History Center, 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. (847) 3915399, desplaineshistory.org.

3 | FRIDAY SOCK MONKEY MADNESS FESTIVAL. A celebration of

Rockford’s past, highlighting the stuffed sock toy made from Rockford Red Heel Socks. Includes crafts, story time, Make-a-Monkey workshop and Sockford General Hospital. $8, $5 kids; $20 for Makea-Monkey Workshop. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. (815) 3979112, midwayvillage.com.

CONSTRUCTION VEHICLES AND MACHINES USING LEGO. Kids

5-8 explore the engineering terms, concepts and vocabulary behind large-scale building machines.

Build and learn about steamrollers,

bulldozers, wrecking balls, tower cranes and more while playing with Lego. $54, $36 resident. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

PARENT/CHILD GOODIES TO SHARE. Parents work with kids

4-11 to create delicious dishes. Each pair brings home a few creations to share. Menu includes St. Patrick’s Day cookies or cupcakes.

Recipes provided. $39 pair, $26 resident pair. 9:30-11 a.m. 95th Street Center, 2244 W. 95th St., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

4 | SATURDAY CHICAGO BRAIN CANDY LIVE! Adam Savage

and Michael Stevens bring along their crazy toys, incredible tools and mind-blowing demonstrations for a celebration of curiosity that’s been described as a cross between TED Talks and the Blue Man Group. $25-$75. 2 and 8 p.m. Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St. (800) 775-2000, broadwayinchicago.com.

FAMILY DAY: MARBLE BONANZA. Kids 4-12, with adult,

carve on a real marble block just like the ancient Romans, draw white “marble” figures on black paper, and play a game of marbles.

Inspired by works on view in the Smart Museum’s special exhibition, “Classicisms.” 1-4 p.m. Smart Museum of Art, University of Chicago, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave. (773) 702-0200, smartmuseum. uchicago.edu.

SUBURBS PALEOFEST 2017. Engage in

make-and-take workshops, explore

Families with kids 4 and up become dinosaur detectives with Paleontologist “Illinois Bones” to learn about the world of dinosaurs. Live animals show how dinosaurs are related to animals living today. $5. 2 p.m. Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst.

(630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum. org.

DOG ADMISSION DAY. Visitors

can bring their dog with them to hike the arboretum’s 16 miles of trails. $5 per dog plus admission. 7 a.m.-sunset. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

ELMHURST ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE. Includes

About the calendar The deadline for submitting listings for the April issue is Feb. 27. 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 67.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

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CALENDAR

FOREST PARK ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE. Features

bagpipers, local business entries, 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.

what evaporation, precipitation and condensation mean in a hands-on lab. Explore each stage of the water cycle and study why it is important to humans. $53, $35 resident. 6-8 p.m. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

and abilities can showcase their artwork. Participants are encouraged to try some fun and unique art techniques in the Art Room.

Registration is required. Snacks and beverages will be provided. 1-4 p.m. Oak Lawn Park District, 10444 S. Central Ave., Oak Lawn. (708) 857-2215, olparks.com.

7 | TUESDAY MUSIC ROCKS! Kids 18-35 months, with adult, tweet, drum, shake and explore all of the sounds of nature in a sensory-based program. Take a hike, listen for animals and collect some natural materials to make natural musical instruments. $22, $15 members. 9:3010:45 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

8 | WEDNESDAY MUSIC ROCKS! Kids 3-5, with

adult, tweet, drum, shake and explore all of the sounds of nature in a sensory-based program. Take a hike, listen for animals and collect some natural materials to make natural musical instruments. $25,

“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”

meet brand-new baby chicks, collect eggs from the flock of laying hens, and make an egg-cellent snack. $16. 10-11:30 a.m. Angelic Organics Learning Center & Farm, 1547 Rockton Road, Caledonia. (815) 389-8455, learngrowconnect.org.

SUBURBS

OAK LAWN PARK DISTRICT COMMUNITY ART DAY & COMPETITION. Artists of all ages

Empower ourself With Options.

PRESCHOOLERS: TREMENDOUS CHICKENS! Kids 2-5, with adult,

COOL SCIENCE: ALL ABOUT THE WATER CYCLE. Kids 6-11 learn

March 4.

and the Family Law Group, P.C.

10 | FRIDAY

5 | SUNDAY

PALEOFEST 2017. Rockford. See

Gwendolyn J. Sterk

$18 members. 9:30-11 a.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

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floats, marching units, Irish dancers and local team mascots. Noon.

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

COOL SCIENCE: LET’S LEARN ABOUT THE WATER CYCLE. Kids

Camp

3-5 find out how water changes from a puddle on the ground to a gas in a cloud, to falling raindrops and back again in a fun, interactive program. $39, $26 resident. 4-5:30 p.m. 95th Street Center, 2244 W. 95th St., Naperville. (630) 8485000, napervilleparks.org.

2017

11 | SATURDAY CHICAGO CHICAGO ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE. Features more than

200 floats and marching bands.

The parade starts at Balbo and Columbus and proceeds north.

The viewing stand will be located in front of Buckingham Fountain.

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. 9 a.m. dyeing; noon parade.

Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Monroe Street. (312) 942-9188, chicagostpatsparade.org.

MARCH 2016

CHICAGO PARENT’S ANNUAL CAMP GUIDE

| FREE

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

Kids & sports: The right call?

Leap spring INTO

January - May

KILLING INNOCENCE Chicago’s gun problem

CP_Cover_March_2016.indd 5

For more information, call (708) 386-5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com 2/4/16 9:54 AM

ChicagoParent.com March 2017 55

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CALENDAR

Family Day: Our unique camps provide three hours of fun and activities in a unique non-competitive, nurturing environment. day, Our camps provide three hours of fun andEach activities in a non-competitive, nurturing environment. Each day, they take part in exciting imaginative journeys.

Marble Bonanza See March 4

they take part in exciting imaginative journeys.

NOW ENROLLING SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES NOW ENROLLING SUMMER CAMPS AND CLASSES The Little Gym of Chicago www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL The Little Gym of Chicago (773) 525-5750 www.TheLittleGym.com/ChicagoIL (773) 525-5750

PERSIAN NOWRUZ CELEBRATION. Celebrate the

delight of the coming Persian New Year. Color eggs, visit a Haft-Seen table, hunt the galleries and take a New Year photo. 1-4 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

their own gemstone jewelry. Choose two different types of jewelry to make with stones from the Museum Shop and learn how to work with jeweler’s tool. $10. 1:30 p.m.

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, 220 Cottage Hill Ave. (in Wilder Park), Elmhurst. (630) 833-1616, lizzadromuseum.org.

SUBURBS AG ALL AROUND US. Meet local

NAPERVILLE ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE. Celebrate Irish

farmers, create cute crafts, snuggle up with a baby barnyard animal, and explore plants and soil. Jump aboard real farm equipment and get hands-on with where food comes from. Free with museum admission.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

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

heritage by joining the West Suburban Irish for the city’s annual parade. 10 a.m. Naperville High School, 899 N. Mill St., Naperville.

(630) 375-7725, wsirish.org/ st-patricks-parade.

ROCK & MINERAL IDENTIFICATION. Geologist Sara

NORTHWEST SIDE IRISH PARADE. The parade and party are

Johnson presents an introduction to rocks and minerals for families with kids 8 and up. Learn how to make a basic mineral test kit. 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.

all about kids, with activities such as face painting and balloon art.

Also features dance demonstrations.

Free parade; $10 after party, $5 kids under 12. Noon parade, 1:30 p.m. after party. 6633 W. Raven St. northwestsideirish.org.

ROCKIN’ JEWELRY FOR KIDS.

This class allows kids 8-16 to make

12 | SUNDAY CHICAGO

SECOND SUNDAY.

Workshops offer drop-in, hands-on art-making workshops for kids and families, providing an interactive experience that engages visitors in

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CALENDAR Road, Lake Forest. (847) 810-3663, wildlifediscoverycenter.org.

WEEKEND FAMILY CLASS: CHURN IT AND FLIP ‘EM.

Glencoe. See March 4.

So S out uth Si Sid de e Irriiish sh h Stt. P S Pa atr tric ric ck’ k’s D Da ay ay Pa ara rad ade de Seee Ma Marc rcch 12 12

contemporary art. 1-4 p.m. Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave. (773) 324-5520, hydeparkart.org.

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, southside irishparade.org.

14 | TUESDAY LAMASEUSS: FINE FEATHERED FRIENDS. Kids 8 and

under hear a reading of a famous Dr. Seuss story and do an activity. 1:30-2 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St., Chicago.

(773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

SUBURBS REPTILE RAMPAGE. Spend the

STROLLING THROUGH HISTORY STROLLER TOUR.

day getting up close and personal with some amazing and fascinating reptiles from all over the world.

Visitors can meet more than 150 animals, including snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises and more. $10, $5 kids. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Lake Forest Recreation Center, 400 Hastings

A light-hearted tour and lively discussion in the galleries is for parents and caregivers and kids 18 months or younger. Tour ends with playtime for babies. 2-3 p.m.

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

MUSIC ROCKS! Lisle. See March 8.

15 | WEDNESDAY MUSIC ROCKS! Lisle. See March 7.

16 | THURSDAY SIPS & SMOCKS. Kids 7-12 are guided to express themselves through paint and other media as they tap into their creative sides. Young painters leave with a finished canvas to take home. $38, $25 resident. 5-6 p.m. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 8485000, napervilleparks.org

17 | FRIDAY HEJSAN–CHILDREN’S STORY AND CRAFT HOUR. A story and

craft hour for all ages. Reservations are appreciated. Free with museum admission. 11 a.m.-noon. Swedish American Museum & Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration,

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CALENDAR 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago. (773) 728-8111, swedishamerican museum.org.

18 | SATURDAY CHICAGO GOOD FOOD FESTIVAL. A familyfriendly day of inspiring speakers, tastings from local food artisans, DIY workshops, chef demos, an interactive Purple Asparagus Kids’ Corner and the Good Food Marketplace, a show and sales floor featuring more than 150 farmers, artisanal food producers, retailers, other vendors and nonprofit organizations. $15, $10 online, free kids 12 and under. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road. goodfoodfestivals.com.

SUBURBS ROCKIN’ & LEARNIN.’ Dance and play during music and movement activities, create cool guitar crafts and cat hats, and listen and sing along to Pete the Cat stories.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. Lakeshore Learning Store, multiple locations. lakeshore learning.com.

MAPLE SUGARING. Kids 9-12 learn how maple trees are tapped, how maple syrup is made from tree sap and get a chance to sample 100% pure maple syrup. $24, $16 resident. 1-3 p.m. Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

SYRUP TREE AND SILVER DOLLAR BRUNCH. Families with

kids 2 and up take a guided hike to learn the history of maple tapping and see how it’s done. Complete the experience with maple syrup sampling and family-style brunch. $25, $18 member. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN SPRING WEEKEND.

Celebrate spring by writing a seasonal haiku, making a cherry blossom hanging scroll, or watching a suminagashi demonstration. Enjoy traditional storytelling and a koto harp performance, and take a walk in the Malott Japanese Garden.

Parking fee applies. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

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UNDER THE COVER OF NIGHT.

Explore the changing season under cover of darkness. The hike ends with roasting marshmallows and hot chocolate around a crackling fire. $11.25, $9 resident. 7-8:30 p.m. Lincoln Marsh Natural Area, Harrison and Pierce avenues, Wheaton. (630) 871-2810, lincoln marsh.org.

19 | SUNDAY

DAVE DINASO’S TRAVELING WORLD OF REPTILES. Dave

DiNaso is bringing his famous traveling reptiles and amphibians from around the world for a visit. Each unique animal that appears gives audience members a live “hands-on” experience. 2-3 p.m. Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave., Morton Grove. (847) 929-5102, webrary.org.

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SUBURBS MALOTT JAPANESE GARDEN SPRING WEEKEND. Glencoe. See

March 18.

SYRUP TREE AND SILVER DOLLAR BRUNCH. Lisle. See

March 18.

THE BOOGERS IN CONCERT. The Boogers perform original and classic children’s music in their famous rock ‘n’ roll style. $11, $8 members.

4-5:30 p.m. Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. (708) 3834815, wonder-works.org.

22 | WEDNESDAY THE SCIENCE OF WOW! Kids 2-4, with adult, combine household ingredients to create amazing reactions and colorful art. $25, $10 members. 9:30-10:15 a.m.

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

25 | SATURDAY CHICAGO MOVIE SCIENCE: BIG HERO 6.

Includes a pizza dinner and unique hands-on science activities based on the movie. Just like in the movie, learn the elements of simple robotics by using a motor, simple circuits and friction to create and design a simple Bot. $40, free members.

6:15-9 p.m. The Laboratory Chicago, 2349 W. North Ave. (630) 880-6458, thelaboratorychi.org.

MUMMY SCIENCE. Kids 9-12 get hands-on with an interactive mummy, learn about organic and inorganic materials and the scientific principles that make mummification possible. Meet a real Egyptologist and see how science can show us what ancient Egyptians looked like using CT scans and 3-D modeling. $14, $10 member. 1-3 p.m. Oriental Institute Museum, 1155 E. 58th St. (773) 702-9514, oi.uchicago.edu.

SUBURBS KIDWATCH. Come to the farm to learn about goats, play with new babies, and—if the timing is right—witness a live birth. Feed the animals and learn about goat pregnancy and birth. The visit comes with naming rights for any goats born under your watch. Bring a sack lunch. $22. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Angelic Organics Learning Center & Farm, 1547 Rockton Road, Caledonia.

(815) 389-8455, learngrowconnect. org.

NANO DAY. Greeting cards that

sing, fabric that stretches and thermometers that turn color owe their remarkable properties to this cutting-edge technology.

Meet scientists, learn about future applications and delve into special hands-on projects while discovering how a tiny size can make an enormous difference. Free with museum admission. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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

BUG BONANZA. Enjoy every-

thing buggy, from the grasshopper long jump to spider web weaving,

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CALENDAR coffee filter butterflies and more.

Free with museum admission.

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

ESCONI GEM, MINERAL & FOSSIL SHOW. Features exhibits

from Chicago’s Field Museum and the Lizzadro Museum, member exhibits, craft demonstrations, book sales, gem, jewelry, fossil and mineral dealers as well as live and silent auctions featuring rare minerals and fossils.

Plus, a kids’ corner and geode cracking for kids under 16. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

DuPage County Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-6636, dupagecountyfair.org.

26 | SUNDAY SUBURBS FAMILY BARN DANCE.

Defeat cabin fever at a family barn dance, complete with energetic, live fiddle music and live dancing. All dances are taught, no experience or partners are necessary. 2-3:15 p.m.

Grace Lutheran Church, 493 Forest Ave., Glen Ellyn. (630) 469-1555, graceglenellyn.org.

BUG BONANZA. Naperville. See

March 25.

ESCONI GEM, MINERAL & FOSSIL SHOW. Wheaton. See

Safari Land

March 25. Today’s times are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS.

Immerse the whole family in the colorful, intense, theatrical world of Chinese acrobatics. $35, $25 kids 12 and under. 3 p.m. Paramount Arts Centre and Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora. (630) 896-6666, paramountaurora.com.

30 | THURSDAY THE DINOSAUR HUNTERS.

Explore Chicagoland’s Largest Indoor Amusement Park And Experience The Largest Indoor Roller Coaster In Illinois Exhilarating Family Fun filled with adventure, food, games and rides!

Tilt-A-Whirl • 3DMaxFlight Simulator • Bumper Cars Kiddie Go Karts • Cosmic Bowling • Soft Play Video Games • Atlantis Restaurant

Join paleontologist Lisa Zago for a fun and educational dig through her real dinosaur bones and learn all about dinosaurs, and what it is like to discover dinosaur fossils. 2-3 p.m.

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

701 W. North Ave., Villa Park 630•530•4649 | safarilandfun.com

31 | FRIDAY

Not valid with other offers or promotions. Not Valid with reserved parties or events 1 Coupon per person / day

Birthday Parties & Group Packages

$5.00 FREE Game Card Mon - Thurs ONLY

FAMILY BINGO & PIZZA. Event for families with kids 6 and up includes 12 games of Bingo, a snack, pizza and a drink, and prizes for everyone. $15, $10 resident in advance.

6-7 p.m. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

Party Packages Include:

Movie Kids’ Pack  Party Room 

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

plan your party around these coming movies!

3-17: Disney Beauty and the Beast 3-24: Power Rangers • 3-31: The Boss Baby 4-7: Smurfs: The Lost Village

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Sticky sweet fun

Five events for your taste buds

W

hat’s super-sweet, extra-sticky and perfect for some family-style bonding?

If you guessed “maple syrup,” you’re in luck, because this month is prime time for a little tree tapping. These five events across the Chicagoland area have syrupy family fun on tap.

CHICAGO: You might not expect to find a whole maple syrup operation in the heart of the city, but North Park Village Nature Center has just that. The Maple Syrup Festival features a walk through the sugar bush (a fancy name for what’s usually called “the woods”) to check out the sap-gathering and syrup-making process. Plus, there’s music, storytelling, crafts and some sweet treats to sample. Free.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 25-26. 5801 N. Pulaski Road, Chicago. (312) 744-5472, chicagopark district.com.

NORTH: River Trail Nature Center has been holding its Maple Syrup Festival for 45 years now, so isn’t it about time for your family to check it out? The annual event includes games, crafts and general merriment, plus the chance to head out to tap some trees (kids might even learn to

man the drill!) and then of the seasons. see how the sap turns Welcome the into amber gold. Free. milder temps 11 a.m.-3 p.m. March at this festival, 19. 3120 Milwaukee which has handsAve., Northbrook. (847) on activities and 824-8360, fpdcc.com. presentations on Illinois’ Native NORTHWEST: Spring Sugar American heritage Valley Nature Center knows Bush Fair and pioneer past. that all that being-in-nature Bonus: there are maple business is sure to work up aptreats to enjoy! $12, $8 kids 4-12. petites, which is why the Sugar Bush 10 a.m.-4 p.m. March 11; 1-4 p.m. March Fair includes a pancake 12. 523 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) breakfast (just guess what 420-6010, napersettlement.com. the topping of choice is).

Check out demos of maple SOUTH: The Pioneer Fest at Pilcher Park syrup products, go on a Nature Center knows a little something hayride and see a puppet about time travel, it seems. Peek into the show, then chow down on past with hands-on demos of making some flapjacks. Free; $7 maple syrup, butter and ice cream. Kids full stack, $5 half stack. 9 also can play with some old-timey toys a.m.-noon. March 18-19. and try their hand at how they did chores 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, back in the day. We’re pretty sure that Schaumburg. (847) 985from now on, emptying the dishwasher 2100, parkfun.com. will seem like a piece of cake. Breakfast is also served. $9, $7 kids under 12. 8 a.m.-2 WEST: You might not be p.m. March 18. 2501 Highland Park Drive, able to sense the spring in the air just yet, but Naper Settlement’s Maple Sugaring Joliet. (815) 741-7277, jolietpark.org.

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‘s

Playdate Spring

Sunday, April 30 • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sports Thrills • Character Visits • Bounce Houses Train Rides • Obstacle Courses

Athletico Center, Northbrook Special appearance by @1 p.m. former Bears great, Israel Idonije Visit ChicagoParent.com/playdate for advance tickets!

Israel Idonije has a “Dream Big” approach to life -- and he’s seen first-hand the importance of helping children see their potential. Izzy, who spent 11 years in the NFL, believes every child has the capacity to achieve remarkable things. His new series, DreamKidz Adventures, promotes self-awareness, self-respect, love and confidence, inclusion and teamwork.

Izzy will be promoting his new children’s book series, “The DreamKidz Adventures Love”.

Visit ChicagoParent.com/playdate for advance tickets and info!

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EXHIBIT

Everyone welcome at Field’s PlayLab

T

he Field Museum already had the world’s most complete T. rex skeleton; now it’s aiming to be the most inclusive spot in Chicago to learn about natural history. That’s why the museum recently launched two programs, Accessibility Days and Sensory Saturdays, specifically for kids and adults with special needs.

Accessibility Days are held on Tuesday mornings, when the Crown Family PlayLab is closed to the general public. Groups, whether formal organizations and schools or more casual gatherings of friends, can make reservations to use the PlayLab, which is personalized for the needs of

ORY

the group. “They really have free exploration of the space,” says Alyssa Harsha, early childhood learning experiences coordinator.

Harsha says that the six experiences within the PlayLab lend themselves to individuals with special needs, whether it’s the tactile experience of digging in Moon Sand to find dinosaur bones or pounding on drums in a sound-proof music room.

Accessibility Days began in the fall and were such a success that the museum created Sensory Saturdays, a chance for families of kids with special needs to visit the PlayLab before it opens to the public. The program includes general admission to the museum.

The PlayLab is also equipped with tools like headphones and

weighted blankets if needed.

Both programs require advance registration but are free to attend. Harsha also recommends downloading the free app, “Field for All” (search “Field Museum Inclusion”), which has resources such as a scheduling tool, sensory map of the PlayLab and customized communication cues.

“This is a place that’s safe and welcoming,” Harsha says. “The response has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Elizabeth Diffin

The Field Museum

Accessibility Days: Tuesdays in March, April and May; Sensory Saturdays: March 18, April 15, May 20 Free; email accessibility educator@fieldmuseum.org to register 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago fieldmuseum.org/programs

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

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1125 S. Harlem Ave., Forest Park (708) 386-5437 • (708) FUN-KIDS www.kidsdentistforestpark.com ChicagoParent.com March 2017 63

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special advertising section // Center for Independence through Conductive Education Intensive Motor Training Countryside ,Lake Zurich, Chicago and Homewood (708) 588-0833 www.Center-for-Independence.org

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

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

Pediatric Dental Associates Partners in Oral Health Buffalo Grove: (847) 537-7695 Crystal Lake: (815) 459-2727 www.kidsmyl.com

Pediatric Dental Health Associates Illinois Specialty Licensed Pediatric Dentistry 737 N. Michigan Ave. (suite) 1330 Chicago, IL (312) 266-8198 chicagokidsdds@gmail.com

Family Health Directory

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Shriners Hospitals for Children

Buffalo Grove: (847) 459-6060 Barrington: (847) 382-4116 Eyesbypremiere.com

2211 N Oak Park Avenue Chicago, IL (773) 622-5400 shrinershospitalsforchildren.org

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

Children’s Dentistry in Park Ridge John P. Kenney, DDS, MS Infants, Children, Teens and Special Needs Children 101 S. Washington St, Suite 114 Park Ridge, IL (847) 698-2088 www.care4kidsteeth.com

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

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CHICAGO’S #1 HOME FOR FUN & HASSLE-FREE BIRTHDAY PARTIES VOT PLACE ED BEST OUT TTHO WEAR E KIDS

Hassle-free and convenient for parents KIDS PLAY TOGETHER with activities and games organized and facilitated

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ONGOING EVENTS OTHER EVENTS MOMMYCON CHICAGO.

MommyCon takes a gentle and positive approach to educating parents about the emotional and physical benefits of natural birthing, breastfeeding and baby wearing. The mission is to create a community of support, acceptance and non-judgment for parents.

Check website for cost and schedule. March 3-5. Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 N. River Road, Rosemont. mommycon.com.

Children’s China: Celebrating Culture, Character and Confucius See this page

EXHIBITS CHASING ECLIPSES. Exhibit

immerses visitors in the spinetingling, goosebump-inducing experience of a solar eclipse. Find inspiration in eclipse chasers from history, discover the cosmic scale of being in the shadow of the Moon, and prepare to chase down the great solar eclipse on Aug. 21. Free with museum admission. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org.

ONCE UPON A CASTLE. An

original exhibit inviting young imaginations to create their own kingdom in a one-of-a-kind castlethemed play space. Kids play in a castle complete with secret tunnels, a rope bridge, tower, dungeon, throne room, wizard’s room, kitchen, feasting table, market and more. Free with museum admission. Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 527-1000, chicago childrensmuseum.org.

DREAM WITH DA VINCI. Visitors

learn the basics about Da Vinci

and the Renaissance era. Explore elements of flight and connect today’s technology to Da Vinci’s innovations; explore several machines and structures; try the role of engineer; express themselves with different artistic mediums; and dress up in Renaissance clothing. Free with museum admission.

DuPage Children’s Museum, 301 N. Washington St., Naperville.

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

FUN UNPLUGGED: LITTLE ADULTS. Located in the room

across from the museum’s electric HO gauge model railroad, the exhibit displays popular and homemade toys that entertained children without electricity, from army figurines to tea sets, board games, dollhouses, erector sets, irons, stoves, cabins, and more.

DuPage County Historical Museum, 102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton. (630) 510-4941, dupagemuseum.org.

CHILDREN’S CHINA: CELEBRATING CULTURE, CHARACTER AND CONFUCIUS.

This interactive exhibit explores what life is like for children in

China. Kids celebrate the annual holiday, shop in a traditional neighborhood market, participate in a dragon parade and more. Computer interactives invite children to experience the art of paper cutting, discover their lunar calendar animal and play traditional musical instruments.

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

SPECIMENS: UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF LIFE. Visitors can

see some of the most amazing objects in The Field’s collections, including a giant clamshell (that they can touch), a nearly 6-footlong sawfish snout, and a drawer full of now-extinct butterflies with silvery-blue wings. They can also try their hand at sorting seashells into different species and walk into a reconstructed map-lined office of a long-time museum curator. An interactive touchscreen encourages visitors to explore ancient insects trapped in amber. Included in Discovery and All-Access passes.

The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 9229410, fieldmuseum.org.

SCREENBREAK WEEK. The garden offers Story Time in the Lenhardt Library on Monday, as well as Family Drop-in Programs on Wednesday and Friday at the Regenstein Learning Campus. Free parking with a ScreenBreak button, wristband or card. 9-11 a.m. March 5-11. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

CHICAGOLAND FAMILY PET EXPO. Enjoy entertainment shows

and get up close and personal with hundreds of animals. $10; Friday only buy one, get one same price admission free 5-9 p.m.; $5 kids 3-12; $7 parking. 1-9 p.m. March 17; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 18; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 19. Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. (847) 3857500, petchicago.com.

CHICAGO FLOWER AND GARDEN SHOW. Features garden displays,

demonstrations, seminars, garden marketplace and a children’s activity garden. The theme for this year is “Chicago’s Blooming.” $17; $5 kids 4-12. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sunday-Wednesday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Thursday-Saturday. March 18-26.

Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. chicagoflower.com.

MONSTER TRUCK NATIONALS.

These all-American icons of motorized muscle break free of the rules of gravity to thunder through highflying stunts competing for a hardfought gold medal win. $18-$43.

7 p.m. March 25-26. Sears Centre

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ONGOING EVENTS Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates. (847) 649-2270, searscentre.com.

SPRING INTO SCIENCE. Celebrate STEM by playing with numbers, exploring translucent colors, dabbling in reflection, and using refraction to make a rainbow viewer. Plus, engage in fun art activities and enjoy live science demonstrations.

Free with museum admission.

11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. March 27-31.

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

GNOME HOMES. After taking

a hike through the Children’s Garden to hunt for all of the hiding gnomes, create a keepsake, light-up gnome home of your own. $10. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. weekends. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

CRAFTS FOR KIDS. Kids 3 and up enjoy crafts at all Lakeshore locations. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. Lakeshore Learning Store, various locations. lakeshorelearning.com.

NATURE DISCOVERY DAYS.

ARBOR READING ADVENTURES.

Enjoy an interactive story time and fun crafts indoors before heading out on the grounds for an adventure walk. Themes change each week. $5. 11-11:45 a.m.

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

ORY

The River Room will be open for families to participate in selfguided activities. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sundays. Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville.

(630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

NEIGHBORHOODS OF THE WORLD. Navy Pier honors

Chicago’s ethnic neighborhoods

Once Upon a Castle See page 67

and cultural diversity with this weekly performance series. Enjoy authentic live music, dance performances, cuisine and folk art from various ethnic Chicago

communities. March 5: Italy; March 12: Lithuania; March 19: Mexico; March 26: Greece. Noon-4 p.m. Sundays. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. navypier.com.

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

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

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68 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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PERFORMANCES THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: RISE OF THE ROCK SPECTACULAR.

A rock concert completely penned by young authors and composed

by Chicago actors and musicians.

Barrel of Monkeys company members have transformed stories conceived and written by Chicago Public School students into a full hour of original songs, complete with a new opening band each week. $12; $6 kids. 2 p.m. Sundays; 8 p.m. Mondays. March 5-27. Barrel of Monkeys, The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 4091954, barrelofmonkeys.org.

THE WIZ. Opens March 5. An ur-

banized retelling of Frank Baum’s classic 1900 children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This gritty revival puts the focus on “what it means to live with intelligence, compassion and courage in today’s tough cities.” $33-$38. 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 3 p.m.

Sundays. Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont, Chicago. (773) 975-8150, theaterwit.org.

CIRCUS SPECTACULAR. Features

astonishing performers, aweinspiring athletes and amazing animals from around the world. $20-$45. 7:30 p.m. March 10; 10:30 a.m., 3 and 7:30 p.m. March 11; 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. March 12.

Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates.

(847) 649-2270, searscentre.com.

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE JR. It’s 1922 and young Millie

Dillmount has just moved to the Big Apple in search of a new life. $12, $10 students. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday; 6 p.m. Sunday.

March 11-19. BrightSide Theatre and BrightSide Theatre Youth Project, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth St., Naperville. (630) 447-8497, brightsidetheatre.com.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK.

Through March 15. Jack and his dancing Spanish cow Carmelita try to save their village from the crazy giant. Recommended for families with kids 2-12. $12. 10:30 a.m.

The Snowy Day and Other Stories See page 70

select weekdays, plus 1 p.m. March 4. Chicago Kids Company, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero. (773) 2059600, chicagokidscompany.com.

GIGGLE, GIGGLE, QUACK. Opens

March 18. Farmer Brown takes off for a vacation, leaving his brother Bob, an accountant from the city, in charge. Soon the animals take advantage of Bob’s lack of experience. Will they come clean about their devious tricks, or is there more to Brother Bob than meets the eye? Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $15.

11 a.m. and 1 p.m. SaturdaysSundays. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago. (773) 761-4477, lifelinetheatre.com.

THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD. Through March 19. Two

actors bring this action-packed adaptation to life. The moment they walk into the theater, audiences are invited to step inside the world of the story, from interactive lobby activities to the fourth wall-destroying production.

Recommended for families with kids 7 and up. $25. 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Filament Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. (773) 270-1660, filamenttheatre.org.

QUEST. Through March 19. Quest is loosely based on the Leo Tolstoy story “The Three Questions.” The hero, with her sidekicks, ventures through obstacles, misinformation, slapstick fun, unexpected detours, music and songs, near crises and amazing feats of partnership seeking answers with live music, circus arts and more. $20, $15 students and kids. 4:30 p.m. Fridays; 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; 3 p.m.

Sundays. The Actors Gymnasium, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. (847) 3282795, actorsgymnasium.org.

CIRCUS 1903 - THE GOLDEN AGE OF CIRCUS. The producers

of the world’s biggest magic show, The Illusionists, have teamed up with the award-winning puppeteers from War Horse to present a turn-of-the-century circus spectacular. Check website for cost and schedule. March 21-26.

Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. (800) 775-2000, broadwayinchicago.com.

THE BEST OF BRI-KO. Through March 23. Bri-Ko’s joyous, upbeat world fuses comedy, clowning and an array of props. Chicago comedy veterans Brian Posen, Tim Soszko and Brian Peterlin turn even the simplest tasks into an

interactive, non-verbal experience, taking audiences on an extraordinary ride, filled with audience participation, eccentric costumes and mind-blowing visuals. $17.50.

8 p.m. Thursdays. Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. (773) 327-5252, stage773.com.

SIX STORIES TALL. Join a legion of young heroes battling villains, saving the underdog and making dreams come true. Influenced by comic books, video games, hip hop and Latino folklore, this collection of vignettes celebrates youth as everyday heroes taking audiences on a thrilling, heartfelt journey. $17, $14 kids 12 and under. 7 p.m. March 24; 4 p.m. March 25.

Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St., Chicago. (773) 342-4141, adventure stage.org.

SHORT SHAKESPEARE! ROMEO AND JULIET. Through March 25.

This 75-minute adaptation, told in Shakespeare’s own words, speaks to today’s youth about their lives.

After the performance, audiences can join the cast for a post-show discussion. Recommended for families with kids 10 and up. $22$34. 11 a.m. Saturdays. Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier, Chicago. (312) 595-5600, chicagoshakes.com.

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PERFORMANCES THE WIZ. Opens March 25.

Based on the classic fantasy, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Wiz follows Dorothy’s exploration of love, home and family through a magical musical mixture of rock, gospel and soul. Recommended for families with kids 5-12. $19 and up. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

THE YEAR I DIDN’T GO TO SCHOOL: A HOMEMADE CIRCUS.

Through March 26. Based on the book by acclaimed illustrator Giselle Potter. Join 7-year-old Giselle and her sister Chloë as they spend a year traveling through Italy by truck, performing in their parents’ puppet theater company. $39, $28 kids. Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Ruth Page Center for Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (872) 222-9555, chicago childrenstheatre.org.

ROBIN HOOD. Join Robin Hood on

a merry musical adventure as he fights for justice, triumphs over evil and wins the heart of Maid Marian.

Playing at various venues, including Joliet Junior College, North Central College, Museum of Science & Industry, Tivoli Theatre and Prairie Center for the Arts. $8.50. 10:30 a.m. select weekdays. Check website for schedule. AlphaBet Soup Productions, P.O. Box 85, Lombard.

(630) 932-1555, absproductions. com.

A WRINKLE IN TIME. Ever since

her father vanished, Meg Murray’s life has been spiraling out of control. But one night, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which appear with a promise to help rescue him.

A new adaptation of the 1963 favorite by Madeleine L’Engle. The March 4 (4 p.m.) performance features a pre-show touch tour of the set at 2:30 p.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. The March 11

(4 p.m.) performance features open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. $40, $20 students. 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 4 p.m. Sundays. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago.

(773) 761-4477, lifelinetheatre.com.

THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES. Young Peter’s child-

hood adventures are told through shadow puppetry and movement.

Enjoy the enchantment of a small child growing up in the big city.

Four of author Ezra Jack Keats’ best-selling books are combined to bring this captivating and poignant play to life. Recommended for families with kids 3-9. $19 and up.

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

MADAGASCAR - A MUSICAL ADVENTURE. Join Alex the Lion,

Marty the Zebra, Melman the

Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and the plotting penguins as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on a journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

All performances are followed by a Q&A session with the cast. $17.23. Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. (847) 634-0200, marriotttheatre.com.

JUICEBOX. 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. first and third Fridays at Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago; 11 a.m. first and third Saturdays at Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago. cityofchicago.org/dcase.

The Joys of Spring!

Adopt-A-Manatee and Help Protect Them

®

Call 1-800-432-JOIN (5646) savethemanatee.org Photo © Cora Berchem

70 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

An Irish blessing in Chicago

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verybody knows that Chicago’s famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade—and the dyeing o’ the river—is the spot to celebrate all things Irish. But the festive fun doesn’t have to stop once the last jig is danced and the last bagpipe is piped.

Instead of setting out on a bar crawl (your younger self sends its regards) or returning to another humdrum Saturday afternoon, head to the Irish American Heritage Center, where the Gaelic gaiety continues with the annual St. Patrick’s Festival. This celebration is overflowing with fun for the whole family, from

genealogy workshops and language lessons for the olds to face painting and kid-friendly music for the littles.

And all ages will thank their lucky charms for the Irish music and dance—both traditional and contemporary— as well as lots of yummy Irish fare to eat (save us a nice big slice of soda bread!). If you prefer your beverages without that weird green color, don’t worry, you can buy a pint of the real stuff—or a variety of other drinks.

For the diehards who bleed emerald [isle] green, the celebration continues on St. Patrick’s Day with more food, dance and general

merriment from noon until midnight.

You can bet your shamrock that you’ll go home with your Irish (or Polish or Colombian or Korean) eyes a-smiling … for another year, at least.

Elizabeth Diffin

72 March 2017 ChicagoParent.com

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Chicago

Chicago Southwest

Chicago Montessori

Montessori Foundations of Chicago

1713 W. Cullom Ave., Chicago 60613 773.525.4358 AMI accredited for ages 0 -12 years.

Intercultural Montessori Language School 114 S. Racine, Ste. 100 Chicago 60607 interculturalmontessori.org 312.265.1514

Dual-language Montessori programs for ages 3-12 in Spanish, Japanese & Chinese.

Oak Park campus as well.

Near North Montessori

1434 W. Division St., Chicago 60642 nnms.org 773.384.1434

3575 S. Archer, Chicago 60609 www.montessorifoundations.com 773.254.5437

Providing a quality Montessori education to children ages 6 weeks to 6 years at an affordable price.

Suburban South Montessori Children's Schoolhouse

5935 Hohman Ave., Hammond, IN mcshammond.com 219.932.5666

AMS Accredited (22 months - 12 years), Est. 1963 serving children 6 mos - 14 years; middle school, before and after care available. Est. 1968 Early morning, Afterschool & summer programs. Fully Accredited.

Montessori School of Lemont

16427 W. 135th St., Lemont lemontmontessori.com 47 W. Polk St., Ste G15, Chicago 60661 815.834.0607 Est. in 1979; Preschool - 8th grade www.southloopmontessori.org offering Spanish, Mandarin and After 312.431.8050

South Loop Montessori School

Traditional Montessori experience set in the School Programs on 7 acres with natural heart of the city. Infants - 9 years old, AMS playground, chicken coop and nature trails Full Member School.

University Village Montessori School

1304 S. Halsted St., Chicago 60607 www.uvmontessori.com 773.800.9780

Southwest Suburban Montessori 8800 W. 119th St., Palos Park www.swsmontessori.com 708.448.5332

Forest Bluff School

8 W Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff forestbluffschool.org 847.295.8338

AMI Accredited 1982. Birth to 14 years.

Paula Polk Lillard, Lynn Jessen founders.

Midwest Montessori Demonstration School 926 Noyes St., Evanston midwestmontessori.com 847.328.6630

Brickton Montessori School

Rogers Park Montessori School

Serving children 15 months through Kindergarten all day, every day.

Skokie Montessori School

www.SetonMontessori.org 630.655.1066

Developing confident, capable, creative children to be the leaders and innovators of Seton Montessori School tomorrow. 6 months - 6 years. Parent/child, 5728 Virginia Ave., Toddler, Primary, Kindergarten. Ext. 1963 Clarendon Hills

8401 Karlov Ave., Skokie www.skokiemontessori.com 847.679.4614

Serving children ages 2 -12 years. Full and partial schedules; summer program. AMS Full Member school.

Vernon Hills Montessori

21 Hawthorn Parkway Vernon Hills, IL 60061 www.vernonhillsacademy.com 847.918.0342

Buffalo Grove Montessori School

Riverwoods Montessori Schools

Est. 1966 serving children ages 2 through 14; Est. 1966, AMS Accredited & Living Legacy. 3 mos. - 12 yrs., Full & Half day, Full day, half day, early arrival.

Elementary & Summer Camp.

Fully Accredited.

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Greenbrook Montessori School

2031 Elmwood Avenue, Wilmette 847.256.2922

Suburban Northwest

1800 W. Balmoral Ave., Chicago 60640 3140 Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods www.montessori-schools.com www.rpmschool.org 847.945.8661 773.271.1700

Suburban West

www.Greenbrook-Montessori.com

Chiaravalle Montessori

Est. 1986. Serving children 24 mos. through Toddler and Early Childhood, 1st through 8th grade. Accredited by AMS and ISACS. 8th grades Half to Full day. Extracurriculars and summer program.

Deerfield, Glenview &

Est. 1993. Serving infants through Kindergarten. Full & Part time options available year-round.

Ronald Knox Montessori School 630.830.1675

Suburban North

425 Dempster St., Evanston 8622 West Catalpa Ave., Chicago 60656 www.chiaravalle.org www.brickton.org 847.864.2190 773.714.0646 Parent/Infant & Child, Full & Partial Day

418 W. Touhy Ave., Park Ridge, IL 60068 montessoriacademyofillinois.com 847.292.1229

Demonstration School (MMTTC) ages 3 - 6 1675 Greenbrook Blvd., Hanover Park years, full and part time.

Est. 1970. Beautiful woodland setting.

Serving children 2 - 6 years; am & pm, Serving children ages 2 months to 6 years full-day Kindergarten. Spanish, Gym, Yoga, 15 months - 6 years; afterschool, summer old. Offering Half, School and Full-day Music & Summer school. Accredited by camp, private piano & voice; semi-private programs with enrichment classes available.

NAEYC. karate & music

Chicago North/ Northwest

Montessori Academy of Illinois

Est. 1965, a Lab School serving students 2 months - 12 years; accredited by AMS and NAEYC; offering full and half day, summer programs and Parent-Child class.

West Suburban Montessori School

1039 S. East Ave. OakPark 708.848.2662

AMI Accredited 1988; ages 3 - 12 years.

Full and half day options available.

950 Ellen Dr., Buffalo Grove 847.541.8111 bgmsweb.net

AMS accredited serving infants through kindergarten, Providing a lifetime foundation for more than 40 years.

Childrens Learning World, A Montessori School, Inc. 8101 Golf Rd., Niles ciw-montessori.com 847.470.0370

6 weeks - 12 years, open year round.

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