Chicago Parent October 2014

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CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

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Ella Jenkins: Chicago treasure turns

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DIY COSTUMES, PARTIES & SPOOKY FUN

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– Maria Montessori

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ChicagoParent.com October 2014 1

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SPONSORED

Students Widen Their Horizons at a New Downtown School When GEMS World Academy (GWA) Chicago opened its doors on September 3, the faculty and staff weren’t the only ones to welcome junior kindergarten through sixth grade students to school. Within the first week, GWA - Chicago’s students were already meeting and collaborating with their counterparts throughout the GEMS international network of schools, thanks to video conferencing

At the Core of GEMS Education

technology in every classroom.

The foundation of the school’s curriculum is a blend of an

Local School, Global Learning

international program of studies and

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classrooms in Europe, the Middle East,

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innovation, and building citizenship

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Visit and Tour To learn more about GEMS World Academy - Chicago, tour the school and meet faculty and staff, make plans to attend a school Open House or a Dedication Ceremony this October.

Location: GEMS World Academy - Chicago 350 East South Water Street Chicago, IL 60601 Phone: 312.300.6658 To learn more and reserve your spot, visit www.gemschicago.org/visit

international perspective we provide

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into the curriculum.

2 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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British School of Chicago Lincoln Park • South Loop (Fall 2015)

The British School of Chicago opens a second campus in September 2015 The British School of Chicago is a vibrant international school that offers both local and international families a high-performance education for children ages 3-18.

Our truly personalized approach and unique focus on learning enable our students to make remarkable academic progress, and our internationally acclaimed curricula, culminating in the IB Diploma Program, ensures that our students are well-prepared for university and beyond. We welcome all inquiries regarding new admissions and invite you to get in touch with us.

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ChicagoParent.com October 2014 3

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contents IN THIS ISSUE 15

GOOD TO GO

A visit to Little Photo Studio, Chicago Botanic Garden and ROCKS Northcenter

25

GOOD SENSE EATING

Food cops not popular on Halloween

90 27

CRAFT

Create mummy lanterns from Mason jars

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OCTOBER 2014 | VOLUME 30 | NO. 10

ESSAY: PERMISSION TO LOVE

Is it OK for your kids to love their new stepmom?

FEATURES

36

128 WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS Check out the new Lionel Train Adventure at Lincoln Park Zoo

FINDING CONNOR Family finds cause of behavioral problems that could affect 12 percent of kids in U.S.

ON THE COVER

NOT TRICKS 42 TREATS, Thrill the kids with a DIY

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Halloween party and super-easy costumes this year

CELEBRATIONS Your perfect party planner

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

Ella Jenkins: Chicago treasure turns

SLEEP WOES?

LIFE OF SONG 45 AChicago’s own First Lady of Children’s Music still making kids smile at 90

90

One mom’s nightmare DIY COSTUMES, PARTIES & SPOOKY FUN

HOORAY

!

for Halloween

Cover kid: Penelope Nicholes as Word Girl, 3, Chicago Photography: Liz DeCarlo Design: Claire Innes

Balloons provided by Party City

SHARING: 50 BED A SILENT KILLER? Debate amps up over keeping infants in parents’ beds

IN THIS ISSUE

CELEBRATIONS Find great party ideas beginning on page 53

ChicagoParent.com October 2014 7

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EDITOR’S NOTE SPONSORED

What’s inside the acorn?

Fall is the time when oak trees let go their seeds: acorns, easy to spot with their smooth bodies and shaggy caps. You can find many oak trees at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

Inside an acorn, as in every seed, is a group of cells that can become a plant. But that is only a tiny part of the seed. Most of the rest is food to give the new plant a good start.

What is nutritious for tiny new plants is good for us too, which is why we eat seeds such as wheat, peanuts, and beans. Many animals eat acorns, including blue jays, woodpeckers, deer, squirrels, mice, and insects. Oaks provide so much food that they are among the most important trees in our region.

Can people eat acorns? Only with a lot of work.

Acorns contain chemicals that give them a bitter taste (although it doesn’t bother the birds and animals).

To get rid of the bitterness, we would have to soak or boil or bury the acorns for a long time.

An acorn will last a long time because it is protected by a hard shell. That’s why squirrels and jays carry acorns off and bury them to save for winter, when food is scarce. A buried acorn that doesn’t get eaten may sprout when spring rains come.

So while animals depend on oak trees for food, the trees get help from animals that plant their seeds to make new oak trees.

Find more adventures in nature at The Morton Arboretum.

Check out our award-winning Children’s Garden!

THE MORTON ARBORETUM 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL mortonarb.org • 630-768-0074

CONNECT WITH US

Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed Like yours probably is, my Facebook feed is often filled with silly quizzes, funny quips, cat videos, happy news from my parent friends and occasionally, very sad news of death and job loss.

Recently, following a horrific fatal accident near our neighborhood, a friend wrote on Facebook that it was TAMARA L. O’SHAUGHNESSY a “reminder that tomorrow is not promised to anyone.”

While I’ve seen the phrase used before, this time it gave me pause.

Maybe it hit home because I watch the Illinois traffic death numbers rise weekly on the signs over the Dan Ryan and picture the families left behind. Or maybe because the all-too-frequent gun violence in our wonderful city cuts short too many lives.

Whatever the reason, it did make me realize how I’m guilty of thinking I have all the time in the world, a tomorrow.

So I put things off (hello, dusting!) because there’s always another day to do it. I don’t always tell my husband how I feel about him because there’s time for that later. I break promises to the kids to take them to the store or for an ice cream because I’m busy and there’s always the next day.

So what would I do if I knew I didn’t have a tomorrow?

I’d like to think I would make today really count, that I would focus on the things that matter most to me—my friends, family and job, but especially my three kids.

Visit our Facebook I wouldn’t keep putting off the page every Friday things my kids might look back on n night for our weekly as a great memory. I would listen parenting dilemma. more carefully when the kids talk to me rather than multitasking with th my phone or computer.

I especially wouldn’t let other parents’ arents’ negativity make me question my parenting and keep me from raising my kids the way I think is best.

As the season change really gets under way, this month is a good one to ponder what you want out of life for yourself and your kids. Go make great memories together (we have hundreds of ideas for you), and don’t think about putting the fun off until tomorrow. The dusting or other chores can wait.

#mortonarboretum

8 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

LET ’S

ChicagoChildrensMuseum.org AT NAVY PIER • Open daily at 10 am ChicagoParent.com October 2014 9

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CONTRIBUTORS

Our favorite childhood Halloween costume

EDITOR Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy SENIOR EDITOR Liz DeCarlo ASSOCIATE EDITOR Elizabeth Diffin DIGITAL EDITOR Graham Johnston DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Jackie

McGoey

ART DIRECTOR Claire Innes EDITORIAL DESIGNER Jaquinete Baldwin,

Sky Hatter

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Cathy Cassani

When I was a kid, I rocked a stellar Punky Brewster costume complete with a yarn wig and pigtails. Don’t forget the makeup freckles!

Samantha Schultz

My favorite costume was stupidly easy to create with my dad’s oversized clothes, a little shoe polish and a lot of chutzpah—scary only to real hobos.

Jerry Davich

My brother’s hand-me-down Evel Knievel plastic jumpsuit and mask.

All of my friends thought I was Fonzie from the “jumping the shark” episode.

Close enough.

Marianne Walsh

I dressed up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz five years in a row. It made me so happy, but the other kids were so bored with me.

Cathy Cassani Adams

Adams, Jerry Davich, Megan Murray Elsener, Sara R. Fisher, Cortney Fries, Tim Inklebarger, Linda Marsicano, Christine Palumbo, Samantha Schultz, Meredith Sinclair, Marianne Walsh DISPLAY ADVERTISING SALES

Walter Burden, Dawn Engelhardt, Lourdes Nicholls, Karen Skinner, Adrienne Smith CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SALES

Walter Burden

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Jessica Doerr

ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER

Philip Soell

ADVERTISING DESIGN MANAGER

Andrew Mead

ADVERTISING DESIGN Maggie Acker,

Debbie Becker

CIRCULATION MANAGER Kathy Hansen DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR

Alan Majeski

CREDIT MANAGER Debbie Zari PUBLISHER Dan Haley VP/OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Andrew Johnston

EXERCISE & WELLNESS PREGNANCY STUDY The University of Minnesota is seeking women who are currently pregnant or less than 6 weeks postpartum to participate in a research study examining the effect of exercise and wellness on mood following childbirth  Participants receive a motivational exercise program or a health and wellness program, which begins after the birth of your baby (participants can sign up for the program during pregnancy)  Program delivered to you via the mail and phone  Must be 18 years of age or older  Must not currently exercise regularly  Must not take antidepressants  Must have a history of depression  You will receive $100 for your time

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

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Chicago Parent is published monthly by Wednesday Journal, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Chicago Parent, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL, 60302. © 2014 Wednesday Journal, Inc. All rights reserved.

10 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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Give them a childhood Find our to remember.

2014 Gift Highlights.com/Cheer 14 ADVS-141001.indd 1

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Guide in this month’s Chicago Parent!

9/9/14 12:10 PM ChicagoParent.com October 2014 11

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Ready to

Learn. Ready to Grow. Ready to Discover.

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

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

Schedule a pre-school tour today!

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

LINCOLN PARK

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

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ON THE WEB

3 things not to miss at ChicagoParent.com

1

2

Great giveaways! Skeletons and superheroes Halloween central. Wondering where and storybook characters are sure to be to get the best haul on Halloween ringing your doorbell later this month. But night or seeking ways to spice up in the meantime, we’ve got tickets to your own bash? Find recipes, fun movies featuring all three of those categories: crafts, costume ideas from readers, plus not“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No so-scary haunted houses and new places to Good, Very Bad Day,” “The Book of Life” haunt. and “Big Hero 6.” Plus, go under the sea with tickets to Aquatic Experience-Chicago Cuteness and get in the holiday spirit with tickets overload. to The Chicago Theatre’s production of Dr. Get a sneak Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! peek of our The Musical. All giveaways appear in our brand new magazine, newsletters, so be sure to sign up to be the Hey Baby Chicago, creThe Book of Life first to know! Signup is easy and can be ated in conjunction with found right on the homepLindsay Pinchuk’s Bump Club age under the skyline. and Beyond. We caught Thomas Kubik of TK Photography in action while he photographed five adorable babies for the cover. We are in baby love here.

3

unplugged and more

connected Find out why Waldorf education is the fastest growing educational movement in the world.

Join a tour & orientation to learn more:

Oct. 23 ¼ Nov. 13 ¼ Dec. 11 773.465.2371 chicagowaldorf.org

parent-child ¼ early childhood ¼ grade school ¼ middle school ¼ high school

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ChicagoParent.com October 2014 13

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EMPOWERED. Book Smart AND Life Smart From preschool through 8th grade our engaged students learn to make good decisions.

Nurtured in a climate of creativity and computational thinking, they explore problem solving in fresh and useful ways.

They graduate as empathetic, culturally competent students able to confidently adapt to an ever-changing world.

OPEN HOUSE

November 2, 2014, 11am –2pm 226 West Schiller – 2 miles from the loop 312.266.3381 catherinecookschool.org 14 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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A Li Litt tttle Pho hoto t Stu to tudi dio di o 28 2868 68 N. Li Linc ncol oln n Av A e. e, Chiccag Ch agoo

A Little Photo Studio and then some

O

ne might wonder what a photography studio, bicycles and cookies have in common, but for Melissa Salvatore, who owns A Little Photo Studio, Heritage Littles and its Milk and Cookies Bar, it all makes sense.

And after visiting, it made sense to me, too.

This is one big, gorgeous space that caters to kids.

First, the photography. aphy. Book a session here and don’t on’t expect the usual, “Say ay cheese!” Canned smiles iles are not what A Littlee Photo Studio is about. ut.

Instead kids play games, engage in

screaming contests (the louder the better!) and are entertained with zany puppet shows and animal imitations—which bring out the genuine laughter and smiles that make for amazing photographs.

During a recent session, my 6-year-old twins wrestled, jumped, danced and were encouraged to run around like lunatics (which they just so happen pp to be reallyy good at). At times they were hav having so much fun they forgot aabout the cameras, and that, came says sa Melissa, is the point.

And this hip shop offers much o

more than photography. Pop in and visit the pint-sized Milk and Cookies Bar where families can chill out with homemade goodies such as M&M, sugar, oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip cookies.

While there, peruse the Heritage Littles bicycles—if you’re lucky, your little one can take a whirl around on one of the models.

Linda Marsicano

Good to

al alit itttl t epho ephoto tost s ud st u iioo.ccom o

ChicagoParent.com October 2014 15

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BEST IN CHI

Open Daily•10am-6pm Sept 20th-Oct31st & Columbus Day

Weber Rd • Crest Hill

Zombie Farm Paintball Over a 1/2 mi of TERROR as you shoot Zombies with Slime Paintballs

Old haunts, new tricks Between trick or treating, g, p pumpkin p carving ng and partying, kids have it good this month.

Halloween ween never gets old, right?

Neither er do these spooktacular ktacular celebrations rations I’ve scouted ed out for SARA R. FISHER you. This year these celebrations have a few w surprises for those little goblins ins of yours.

1

$5 OFF

Combo Ticket

Admission & Zombie Paintball Ride (Good for up to 6 People) OR

$2 OFF

Gen. Admission

Over 20 unlimited attractions included (Good for up to 6 People)

Kids 2 and under FREE. Not vaild with School Tours, groups, & any other offer

5 Miles South of I-55 on Weber(exit263) or 5 miles North of I-80(exit 130N)

17250 Weber Rd Lockport 60441 800.304.FARM

Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Hallowed Haunts, 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, pre-concert activities 1:30 p.m.; cso.org .org Dress in costume for this hii special Halloween concert.

Arrive early for an instrument petting zoo, treats and photos with orchestra members. Bonus: The CSO is playing Harry Potter music. Recommended for kids 5 and up. Tickets start at $13.

2

Roscoe Village Parade, 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 26. Route runs from Roscoe Street from Leavitt to Damen; roscoevillage.org For the 16th year, Roscoe Village Neighbors is closing down Roscoe Street for youngsters to strut their stuff. The Lane Tech Marching Band leads the way with everyone’s favorite “Thriller” and check out “spooky activities” in tents overseen by Audubon School teachers. Trick or treating at local businesses, too, of course. Free.

3

Purple Monkey Playroom Not-atAll Spooky Halloween Party, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2040 N. Western Ave.; purplemonkeyplayroom. com The Not-at-All Spooky Halloween Party is perfect for babies and toddlers.

New this year, Bucktown Music will lead a Monster Mash dance session. $25 per child + one adult.

4

New spots to try this year for trick or treating: Hyde Park, from 59th South Harper Avenue to 56th Street; Bucktown, block of Cortland and Leavitt; North Center, 20002200 block of West Bradley Place; Andersonville, Lakewood and Balmoral.

16 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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GOOD TO GO

Delicious surprises

at Chicago Botanic Garden

L

iving in Chicago, I think it’s especially important to get kids out in nature—skipping, exploring, creating and learning. From the beautiful Malott Japanese Garden to our favorite Model Railroad Garden, the Chicago Botanic Garden offers those opportunities to interact with the outdoor world. Taking my 3- and 5-year-old there, I hoped to feel refreshed and rejuvenated. I didn’t expect to share one of the most delectable, healthy and peaceful meals I’vee ever had alone with my children.

The Garden View ew Cafe was quite busy for a Tuesday, ay, but for good reason. The new menu offers manyy colorful ingredients harvested ested from the garden’s own fresh fruits and vegetables.

Chef Michael Kingsley, ingsley,

who has worked in some of the top food institutions in Chicago, developed a plantcentric menu that rotates spring, summer and fall. My Superfood Salad was amazing with blueberries, mango, almonds and a honey-orange dressing. The kids’ choices were a lot healthier than what you would find in most restaurants. Their Top Secret Mac & Cheese is named due to (shhh…) the butternut squash that is incorporated into the ssauce.

Since zucchini was in season when we visited, my son whe enjoyed some tasty zucchini enj bread. We were thrilled to bre discover the garden shares its dis recipes online—three season’s recip worth are available at chicawort gobotanic.org/cafe/recipes. gobo My sprouts and I agree that

CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

the new food at the Garden View Café is flavorful. The tranquility of the scenery also makes it a delightful place to share a meal.

Cortney Fries

Chicago Botanic Garden 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe chicagobotanic.org

You belong at Latin

Every student brings a unique perspective to a learning community. Learn about how Latin values those perspectives and how we make every learner feel at home. Visit us.

Open House

for grades 5-12

Sunday, October 26 59 W. North Blvd. | Chicago Program starts at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m.

Register at: latinschool.org/visitus

ChicagoParent.com October 2014 17

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GOOD TO GO

ROCKS Northcenter

rocks free kids’ dinner special

N

othing says kid-friendly like offering children complimentary food—and that’s exactly what ROCKS Northcenter is offering, much to the delight of neighborhood parents.

ROCKS’ Kids Eat Free program allows children 6 and under to eat for free from the kids’ menu 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Monday-Thursday with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Here’s what I love about the kids’ menu: the choice of two sides. Gone are the days of forcing kids to choose apples over tater tots! Now they can have both. Along with entrees such as grilled cheese, mini cheddar burgers, chicken tenders and mac-n-cheese,

children can order two of the following: tater tots, French fries, orange slices, apple wedges, baby carrots and green peppers. For families who can’t make it by 5:30 or visit on the weekends, the kids’ meals are only $5 and include a drink. Got a kid who feels extra hungry or can’t decide on just two sides?

Order up an extra side for just 50 cents.

Grownups will dig this delicious signature dish: a grownup version of mac-ncheese, a sinful combination of smoked Gouda and jack and cheddar cheeses mixed with pasta shells and diced chicken. Or go for the Leroy Brown, which turns that mac-n-cheese into a sandwich topped with barbecue pulled pork, onion strings and choice

of cheese on Texas toast. To die for.

Health nuts, fear not, there are choices for you, too. Try the Lemon Pepper Tilapia with pineapple corn salsa rice and grilled spinach. Another healthy option is the BBQ Grilled Salmon, although it’d be a shame to skip the loaded mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar, bacon, sour cream and chives that accompany it. Salads include the Southwest Steak and The 2nd City: green apples, dried cranberries, candied walnuts and goat cheese with

balsamic dressing.

ROCKS is also open for its kid-friendly weekend brunch with a diverse menu that includes Frosted Flakes French Toast.What kid wouldn’t love that?

Linda Marsicano

ROCKS Northcenter 4138 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago rocksbargroup.com

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THREE TO SEE

3 cool winter break camps

S

ure, it’s only October, but winter break is right around the corner. And if you want to find an inspiring camp for your kids over the holidays, now is the time to sign up.

1

Chicago Botanic Garden: For kindergartners through fifth graders, this camp offers hands-on activities inside and out with daily themes. Kids learn about the weather, investigate plants and animals and how they adapt to varying seasons and dabble in art projects. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 22-23, 26, 29-30 and Jan. 2. $72 per day, 20 percent discount for members. chicagobotanic. org; 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe.

2

secondcity.com; 1616 N. Wells, Chicago.

3

WishCraft: Crafty tweens will love the Tweens Machine Sewing Camp for ages 9 to 13 while the younger set participate in the Funordinary Creative Art Camp geared toward grades K to 5.

Camps run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and aftercare is available. Sign up early because waitlists are common. growartists.com; 3907 N. Damen, Chicago.

Linda Marsicano

The Second City: Got a kiddie comic on your hands? The Second City will hone their comedic skills with camps such as Improv & Clowning and Improv & Stand-up for ages 8 to 18. Campers are grouped by age with varying dates and times.

ChicagoParent.com October 2014 19

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THE SELF-AWARE PARENT

PER

We know perfect doesn’t exist, but we strive for it anyway. We may think we are above it, but we are all confronted with perfectionism, our own belief system of how we “think” things should be.

I’m not so much worried about what I’m wearing or keeping a spotless house, but I do have a very loud inner perfectionism. I analyze how I feel, how CATHY CASSANI ADAMS I think I should feel, what I just said, what I should have said. Self-awareness is awesome, but selfawareness with judgmental self-talk is exhausting.

F

EC

TI

ON

ideal

So I have to remember, again and again, that perfect isn’t real, it’s an ideal, something I’ve held up as attainable, but it’s not. Life, by definition, is messy and unpredictable. We can bring a sense of structure to our lives, but we can never control it. The more we try, the more we miss out on reality.

The best practice I have found for dealing with perfectionism is acceptance, compassion and gratitude.

These three work together to bring back sanity and restore a gentler way of being.

For example, kids are unpredictable; they have their own viewpoint and their own way of interacting with the world. Instead of fighting against this, we can accept it. We can recognize who they are and instead of thinking (or telling them) they should be different, we can put our energy toward creating a mutually respectful relationship.

Then it’s time to practice compassion. Compassion for ourselves when we want our kids to be different, compassion for ourselves when our feelings don’t match up with who we want to be. And when we feel and internalize this compassion,

we get to extend it to our kids when they tell us they don’t feel heard or seen. We can allow them to open our hearts rather than blame them for making us feel a certain way.

Then we get to settle into gratitude. We shift our attention from what is missing and take full inventory of what we have. Out loud or internally give thanks for health, shelter, food, the beautiful day, the lovely people that surround us, the country we get to live in. We move toward what fills us up rather than what depletes us.

When acceptance, compassion and gratitude are practiced, we don’t call life “good” or “bad” because of a story in our head about how it should be.

We begin to recognize how important we are to the bigger picture, and how we, and everyone else, are deserving of love and respect.

And then we recognize that this way of thinking is not always easy. Of course, we want to do it perfectly, but instead, we start with acceptance…

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

Need to know

Perfect isn’t real

ChicagoParent.com October 2014 21

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MOM OF THE MONTH be when the train would pass by.

Everything is still super exciting.

It kind of reinvigorates your own enthusiasm for everything because you are seeing it again for the first time.

What has been your biggest parenting fail?

I’m sure there is a big long list. I think it’s one of those things where you are always wondering if you could do it better. If something didn’t work, tweak it. It’s a hard job. I’ve read a boatload of books, and then what do you do when the books don’t tell you something that matches your circumstance? I call my mom, that’s what I do.

The ‘good stuff’ mom Lori Cook Husband Vince; Two sons, Tyler, 6, and Nate, 8 Clarendon Hills

{M.O.M}

Creator of Groovin’ Groceries Adventure, a children’s wellness program. She is a national voiceover talent on products such as Huggies and Flintstones Vitamins and owner of Wholesome Studios.

How has motherhood changed you?

How hasn’t it? (She laughs.) Before, your time was totally your own. There’s a major shift from being two people living a fairly single life, to having to be home and on a schedule. That’s major. I think we went into the first child shock.

When the second one came, we were like, ‘oh we got this.’

Now everything is hitting its stride and (motherhood) is everything that I ever hoped it would be.

If your friends just dropped by unexpectedly, what room would you be most embarrassed for them to see?

My office. There are about four boxes that haven’t been unpacked (since a move from the city in August), I have papers laid out all over the bed and the fall clothes we are getting ready to get into are sitting in the corner waiting for the closet rotation.

So yeah, it’s not looking so good.

It’s easy to close the door.

A few years ago, cruising the grocery store with her son, Nate, Lori Cook ran into an ah-ha moment. Nate—and probably every other kid his age—wanted to load the cart with everything that had a cartoon character on it.

The cereal aisle was the worst, she says, thinking, “This is really making my job harder as a mom. I want him to be excited about putting stuff in the cart that I’m excited about. I was feeling like a mean mommy walking down the aisle.”

Why, she wondered, don’t food producers put fun marketing on the good stuff? With her background in publishing, music and advertising, she says she decided to do just that.

“I just felt like I wasn’t the only one fighting the battle,” she says.

Out of that trip, Bobby Broccoli and the Hip Hop Crops, Banana Jamma and the Fruity Party, Fiona Fish and the Lean Machine, Max Milk and the Disco Dairy, and Betsy Bread and the Grainiacs and their friends were born.

She has worked through the Chicago Park District wellness center and WTTW Great Kids Food Fan Van. “My goal is to help kids get excited to try new foods. … I want them to have that raw enthusiasm,” she says.

Meet the characters and hear some of their songs at groovingroceries.com.

Teach kids to give back to nature

>>

What has been your best moment as a mom?

When you start to see their personalities develop and they show you that raw joy. When we used to live by the El tracks, it would

Fun with good food

In the book Night Tree by Eve Bunting, a family goes into the forest and decorates a tree with edible items as a gift for wildlife.

Try this activity at home. Instead of heading for the woods, simply decorate bushes or trees in your own yard. Three ideas: Spread peanut butter on pinecones, roll them in birdseed and hang them on a branch.

String a variety of berries and wrap them around a tree.

Place apple slices on branches, then sit back and watch your furry and feathered friends have a feast before your eyes.

Enjoy the fall colors and your personal wildlife.

Mindy Hudon

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22 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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PLUGGED-IN PARENT

Raising baby online Q

I don’t want to share photos of my new baby online, but my family is pressuring me to post. Any ideas?

Many of today’s new moms and dads are the first digital natives to be parents—growing up in a world steeped in technology and social media. While they are techSHARON MILLER savvy participants and connect socially CINDRICH online, nine out of 10 Millennials (born from the early 1980s through the early 2000s) believe people share too much information about themselves online.

A

If this sounds like you, your real challenge is how to give friends, aunts, uncles—even grandparents—updates about your new bouncing bundle without plastering baby pictures all over the Internet. Try these ideas to take baby steps with your new family’s social media presence.

Send traditional photos. Older family members love the hard copies and providing these photos will give them something to pass around their social circles.

Call her 007. Giving your new bundle a code name can allow you to share news and milestones without sharing her name or photo on Facebook. Set the standard and your friends and family will follow suit.

Practice makes private. Add a “Please do not share this

photo or post it online” clause to emails or texts you send that contain photos of your baby.

Eventually, your friends and family will get the message and will be more thoughtful about posting photos without asking.

Never say never. Instead of taking a militant stand, explain to family and friends that you want some private time with your new family and will be taking baby steps into the world of social media.

If they post? Assume they are proud grandparents, aunts and friends wanting to share good news, not disregard your request for privacy. Appreciate their enthusiasm. Then politely ask that photos be taken down and that you’ll let them know when you’re ready for baby’s online debut.

Every Monday 9:30 am – 1 pm Calling all explorers ages 2 – 6!

Join us for Young Explorers Mondays, a weekly series of hands-on activities that promote creativity, fun and scientific investigation.

Build a kite, dodge balloon asteroids, create constellations and more!

Free with general admission.

For more information, visit adlerplanetarium.org

ChicagoParent.com October 2014 23

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GOOD SENSE EATING

Food cops not popular on Halloween

Everyone’s a kid again on Halloween.

The urge to dress up and celebrate is universal. But once you’re a parent, the “treat” part of “Trick or Treat” takes on a whole new meaning. What to hand out: Candy? Sugar-free snacks? Or eschew the edibles and turn to toys or stickers?

Now imagine the dilemma of a registered dietitian nutritionist. Should CHRISTINE she “walk the talk” and hand out only PALUMBO healthy treats? Or throw caution to the wind and hand out candy?

In order to learn what the experts plan to do this year, I reached out to four local RDNs, all of whom are mothers of young children.

The treats When I inquired what they plan to hand out, responses ranged from unsweetened snacks to toys and even candy.

“In my experience, the snack size candies help provide limits for my kids,” says Jennifer E. Seyler, the founder of Fitness and Nutrition Conversations. “I can say, ‘Yes, you can have one piece of candy now and then another later.’”

“Since kids will receive enough of the sugary candy, and also since I don’t want my house egged, I tend to go ‘middle of the road’ with the items I pass out for trick or treating,” says Kelly Devine Rickert, president of Devine Nutrition Inc. “I will do raisins, pretzels, animal crackers or even Annie’s Home Grown snacks.”

How important is it to hand out healthy Halloween treats?

“As parents, I believe that our role is to model and encourage behaviors that we want our children to learn,” says Paula Milas

Sochacki, a private practice consultant. “We should provide our kids with healthy treats, not provide them with junk food items that will continue to emphasize that rewards should be associated with having fun.”

BK and AK (before kids, after kids) Did their points of view change after they became mothers? “My views have not changed,” says Caroline Margolis, a consultant in food and nutrition communications. “However, I do not let my kids eat a ton of candy on Halloween night. I still abide by the treat part. I give them one or two a day from their basket that night and for the next week or two.”

Like you, nutritionist moms have tough choices to make as the big day approaches. But after about a week, your kids will forget about their loot and start thinking about their list for Santa.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread Serves 15 Ingredients ½ cup olive oil (or ½ cup melted butter) er) 2 / 3 cup maple syrup (or 1 cup sugar) 2 eggs 1 Tbsp. 2% milk 1 tsp. vanilla 2 / 3 can of organic canned pumpkin 1 cup plus 1 Tbsp. whole wheat flour 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 Tbsp. Sweet & Spicy Blend (optional)*

Directions 1. Spray a 2-pound loaf pan with non-stick oil and shake 1 Tbsp. flour to coat the edges.

2. Place a small piece of foil on the bottom of your slow cooker.

3. Turn your slow cooker on high.

4. In a large bowl, mix the flours, baking soda and salt.

5. Add the olive oil, maple syrup, eggs, milk and vanilla, making sure that the ingredients are thoroughly beaten and the mixture is without lumps. (If using butter and sugar, blend the ingredients together in a separate bowl before mixing the eggs, milk and vanilla.)

6. Fold in pumpkin and chocolate chips.

7. Pour the entire mixture into your loaf pan and set in your slow cooker to 2 hours on high. * Available from thezenofslowcooking.com Used with permission from Meg Barnhart and Jane McKay, The Zen of Slow Cooking blog Nutrition facts per serving: 220 calories, 29 g carbohydrate (15 g sugars, 2 g fiber), 3 g protein, 11 g fat (3 g saturated), 25 mg cholesterol, 170 mg sodium, 60% DV vitamin A, 8% DV iron.

Christine Palumbo, RDN, FAND, is a nutritionist in Naperville where she plans to hand out holiday themed pencils, chocolatecovered raisins and snack size Almond Joy bars (in case there are extras). Find her at Christine Palumbo Nutrition on Facebook, @PalumboRD on Twitter and Chris@ ChristinePalumbo.com.

24 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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WELL PLAYED

FUN for fall Play with your style

MEREDITH SINCLAIR

It’s totally time to make that seasonal shift in your wardrobe from hot to cold. One super-mom staple is a fabulouss fitting—and ultraflattering—pair of jeans. But if the thought of hauling 40 pairs into a dressing room to find your denim soulmate ate gives you the shakes, I’ve got your backside. I was recently ly sent a pair of LOVE Premium Denims to give a go, and I fell in, n, well, LOVE. With 360 degree stretch (bless you Lycra), a new “holdyou-in” technology with secret tummy panel, and nd crazy soft fabric, these denims allow the most curvy among ng us to sit skinny jeans table. One pair of these is at the sk you’ll need, so totally worth thee price. all yo $135, lovepremiumdenim.com $ m

Play with your sleep P A the days get shorter and As colder, it can be quite a challenge to colder unfurl yourself from that cozy comforter in the morning. If you would rather hibernate all fall, then the new alarm clock “Clocky” might be your new (slightly obnoxious) m BFF. This siren on wheels will jump off your B nightstand (from 3 feet) and run around n your room if you choose to snooze. This is SO yo going on my teenager’s birthday list. go Comes in four fun colors. $39.99, dormify.com

Play with your kids

If you and your youngins are bored with board games and have totally traded them in for flashier, tech-based family fun, then it’s time you meet the new game in town.

The Shark Mania game will hold your kids’ interest way longer than the Candy Lands of old. After setting up the shark “track,” each player rolls the die and moves as quickly as possible to try to make it to the safety of the dock before being launched off the path by the shark. Its fast-paced, beat the clock, goofy game play is fun. For 6 and up. And if you join in, you won’t want to cheat just to end the agony. (I’m talking to you, Chutes and Ladders.)

Play with your crafty side The holiday season is about to kick into high gear and with it comes many a social gathering. If you’re tired of bringing the same bottle of wine for your hostess, here’s a simple and ultra-chic DIY gold metallic hostess gift that will make you look far more crafty than you may be.

Just gather a clear glass jar or flower vase from your cupboard or the thrift store, a can of metallic gold spray paint, some puffy letter or fun-shaped stickers, and a pair of rubber gloves. Next, clean and dry your jar and place the stickers in the middle to form words such as “thanks,” “cheers” or the hostess’s initials.

I also used a puffy queen’s crown that worked great. Flip the jar over, stand six inches away in a well-ventilated area, and spray the jar completely using the gold spray paint. Wait for the jar to dry, then gently pull away the stickers.

These golden gifts look beautiful filled with your favorite flowers or a lovely candle. Take that, Martha.

(For a full video tutorial from Meredith, visit her Chicago Parent video blog.)

ChicagoParent.com October 2014 25

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CRAFT

Mummy lanterns Use Mason jars to create spooky Halloween decorations PHOTOS AND STORY BY MEGAN MURRAY ELSENER

A

s Halloween’s dark and frightful night approaches, take time to create your own eerie and ghostly mummy lanterns ns to decorate your doorstep.

Whether you make a mummy mmy family or group of friends, the lanterns can help guide little trick-or-treaters through the darkness ss straight to your treats. Another great use of the mummy mmy jars would be as candy holders leading up to the big night.

Directions

1

Select several Mason jars of either the same or different sizes. Remove the lids and make suree the jars are clean and dry.

Supplies Mason jars Gauze

2

Apply hot glue around d the exteriorr of the Mason jar, starting rting at the top. Wrap gauze tightly around the jar and press gently to adhere to the he glue until the entiree jar is covered.

Googly eyes Hot glue gun and glue Candles or glow sticks

3 4

Arrange and glue eyes as desired to create a mummy face.

To use as lanterns, put either a candle or glow stick inside the jar. Arrange on your doorsteps or in your front windows for Halloween night.

26 October 2014 014 ChicagoParent.com

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

Essure is the only permanent birth control that’s: • Non-surgical • Over 99% effective* • Non-hormonal • FDA-approved and available in the US for over 10 years Essure can help you stop worrying about an unplanned pregnancy. It is a short, 10-minute procedure that can be performed right in your doctor’s office. There’s no downtime to recover—most women go home about 45 minutes after the procedure and return to their normal activities within 1 to 2 days. The Essure Confirmation Test is given 3 months after the procedure to verify the inserts are placed correctly and your fallopian tubes are completely blocked, providing permanent birth control.

Essure may be covered by your health insurance plan at no cost† To learn more about Essure and find a doctor, visit essure.com or call 1.877.ESSURE4 (1.877.377.8734)

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

Important Safety Information WARNING: You must continue to use another form of birth control until you have your Essure Confirmation Test and your doctor tells you that you can rely on Essure for birth control.

• You can rely on Essure for birth control only after your doctor has reviewed your Essure Confirmation Test results. Your doctor will confirm that the inserts are properly placed and both of your fallopian tubes are blocked. If you rely on Essure for birth control before having your Essure Confirmation Test, you are at risk of getting pregnant.

• Talk to your doctor about which method of birth control you should use for the 3 months after the procedure.

Some women can remain on their current birth control. Other women, such as those using an intrauterine device or contraceptive (IUD or IUC), will need to switch to another method.

• It can take longer than three months for the Essure procedure to be effective. In rare cases, it has taken up to 6 months. Make sure to continue using an alternate form of birth control up until your doctor has reviewed your Essure Confirmation Test results and confirmed that you can rely on Essure for birth control.

Please see additional Important Safety Information about Essure on next page. *Based on 5-year clinical study data. †Some restrictions may apply. Visit essure.com/aca to learn more or contact your health insurance provider.

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Important Safety Information (continued) WARNING: Be sure you are done having children before you undergo the Essure procedure. Essure is a permanent method of birth control. The younger a woman is when she chooses to end her fertility, the more likely she is to regret her choice later.

During the procedure: You may experience mild to moderate pain, your doctor may be unable to place one or both Essure inserts correctly, part of an Essure insert may break off or puncture the fallopian tube requiring surgery to repair the puncture, or your body may absorb a large amount of the salt water solution. Your doctor may recommend a local anesthesia which numbs the cervix. Ask your doctor about the risks associated with this type of anesthesia.

Immediately following the procedure: You may experience mild to moderate pain and/or cramping, vaginal bleeding, and pelvic or back discomfort for a few days. Some women experience nausea and/or vomiting or fainting. In rare instances, an Essure insert may be expelled from the body.

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

Long-term Risks: There are rare reports of chronic pelvic pain in women who have had Essure. In rare instances, an Essure insert may migrate through the fallopian tubes into the lower abdomen and pelvis. It may be necessary to surgically remove the migrated device if the patient is experiencing an adverse event. No birth control method is 100% effective. If you do become pregnant after Essure, the risks to you, the fetus, the pregnancy and childbirth are unknown. Women who have the Essure procedure are more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy if they get pregnant. Ectopic pregnancy is when the pregnancy occurs outside of the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies can be very serious or life-threatening. If you have the NovaSureÂŽ procedure, a procedure that removes the lining of the uterus to lighten or stop menstrual bleeding, after the Essure procedure, your risk of pregnancy may increase. The Essure insert is made of materials that include a nickel-titanium alloy. Patients who are allergic to nickel may have an allergic reaction to the inserts. Symptoms include rash, itching and hives.

Unknown Risks: The safety and effectiveness of Essure has not been established in women under 21 or over 45 years old. The safety and effectiveness of reversing the Essure procedure, of in vitro fertilization (IVF) after the procedure, or to you and your fetus if you get pregnant after the procedure are not known.

Adverse Events: During the procedure, the most common problem reported was mild to moderate pain (9.3%).

Some of the women in the study reported moderate pain (12.9%) and/or cramping (29.6%) on the day of the procedure. A smaller percentage of women reported nausea/vomiting (10.8%) and vaginal bleeding (6.8%).

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

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

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

Essure, BAYER, and the Bayer Cross are registered trademarks of Bayer. Š 2014 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc., Whippany, NJ, 07981 All rights reserved.

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XXX-XX-XXXX-XXX

Printed in USA

September 2014

9/12/14 11:14 AM

FAILING WITH GUSTO

In pursuit of the prodigy

At first, I pursued music. Private lessons all the way. Piano, violin and cello—my own stringed trio. Yet after seven years of battling the kids over practice time, I have come to the realization that nobody is locking in a spot at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

They continue to bang away at it, though. And I continue to buy ear plugs.

Up next was chess. I found the #2 high school chess player in the entire state of Illinois. He arrived weekly to share his secrets of moving around the horsie … or whatever it is they do in chess. The lad was a child prodigy himself, heading off this fall to study chemical engineering on a full academic scholarship.

Yet after several years of lessons, my kids might offer a decent game of chess, but Bobby Fischer they certainly are not.

Perhaps I had been going about it the wrong

way. Maybe my kids were destined to be athletic phenoms instead!

Future Tiger Woods, even.

I spent my entire Botox savings account on sports camps this summer.

The end result?

Not one of the boys can do a decent lay-up, serve overhand or pitch 90 miles per hour.

My hockey player has problems stopping on the ice and my swimmer doesn’t understand the mechanics of a backstroke.

My worry lines deepened. (This might have been due to the lack of Botox.)

My husband, in typical fashion, offered his take on things as I lamented all the wasted time and money trying to find an area of excellence or endeavor that would define each kid’s life.

“Marianne, how cool is it that our boys will be decent enough to play softball with their buddies, hit the local pub to bang out some Billy Joel on the piano, and finally turn and play the owner at a game of chess?”

I was confused.

“You know what our kids’ niche will be?” he questioned dramatically.

“Drinking beer?”

“Nope. GETTING GIRLS. They will be Renaissance men. The whole package. And best of all, we won’t have wasted all those years on travel teams and national chess meets.”

Ironically, Joe did get me wondering.

Girls.

Future wives.

Grandchildren.

Maybe I had gone about it all wrong!

Maybe by not specializing on one certain area the whole way through, I had diluted talents and interests.

But there will be grandchildren!

As I Googled “Grandchildren” and “Prodigies,” my husband mumbled that I also need to plan on all our future daughters-in-law moving out of state.

But I will find them.

I always do.

Talk back

Oh, I tried.

Producing a child prodigy was something that would negate my many mothering flaws. Early on, I went about the business of making it happen. For every profanity overheard at the grocery store, for every missed picture day, for every instance I forgot snack mom duties, I MARIANNE would at least be able to point at my WALSH child genius and say, “I couldn’t have sucked that much! Now play some Beethoven, dear.”

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

to ChicagoParent.com and webandofmothers.blogspot.com.

ChicagoParent.com October 2014 29

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VOICE: CHERYL BURNS

Perfect circle of love Mom takes a risk and finds happiness

“W

hen are you going to get remarried?” my grandma would often ask.

Having been divorced for seven years with children ages 8 and 13, life had progressed to the point where I discovered I didn’t need a partner to secure my family.

“Life is good, Gram,” I’d respond with a wink. “Why complicate it?”

Besides, after experiencing several failed attempts at a decent relationship, it had become easier not to try. Not to bother with the possibilities, the work, the disappointment and the explanation to the children why they won’t be seeing (fill in the blank) again. There wasn’t a revolving door in my home, mind you, but this is the reality in the life of a single mother.

Sure, in a perfect world, you wouldn’t have to deal with all this. In a perfect world you’d find “the one” and stay together. If by chance you did split, second best would be a father who stayed involved in his children’s lives. Or in our case, you have what’s behind door #3— you and the children on your own.

At this point, if you told me what the next chapter in our lives was about to look like, I would have sent you to the doctor for hallucinations. It just goes to show, you never know what’s around the corner.

I never would have guessed that

participating on a women’s softball team was going to alter our lives.

Having started off the season on a losing streak, the team captain convinced her husband to be our coach.

Figuring dealing with 14 women might become difficult, he brought along an assistant. I immediately dismissed the attraction between that assistant and me.

I was convinced the responsible thing to do was to stay off the love merry-go-round.

Maybe it was the fact that we finished #1 that season, or maybe it was because he made me laugh, but I decided to take the risk and go out with him. As far as turning points in life go, this was extraordinary, although not always easy.

Sixteen years later, I can see everything we would have missed if I hadn’t taken that leap of faith.

The kids and I opened up our little

The kids and I opened up our little circle of love and have learned so many valuable life lessons—you may get hurt but should have the courage to get up and love again. circle of love and have learned so many valuable life lessons—you may get hurt but should have the courage to get up and love again.

There may not be such a thing as a “perfect” world, but sometimes things do turn out just right.

Cheryl Burns is a freelance writer residing in North Riverside. She is the mom of three and grandmother of two.

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30 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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VOICE: JENNIFER WHEELER WOOD

Permission to love Is it OK for your kids to love their new stepmom?

I

t came as a surprise to some that I wanted to become a family law attorney after enduring a horrific, three-yearlong divorce. During my ongoing proceedings, emotions ran wild, tempers flared, and two people who once loved one another and had three children together faced off in what seemed to be an endless battle of attorneys’ fees.

Even several years later, those old peccadillos continued to resurface during pickup and drop-offs, parentteacher conferences, and the like. He still didn’t supervise them properly, I said, and I still didn’t give him enough notice for schedule changes, he said, and so on.

In short, we still didn’t like each other.

But then I remarried and I got happy. And getting happy in your own life is the perfect fix for being overly concerned about your ex’s life. And then my ex-husband remarried as well, and now my kids have two sets of parents.

And I am glad.

Recently, my 8-year-old son said, “Mom, sometimes I don’t know if I love you more or if I love my stepmom more.”

I replied, “Honey, it’s OK. You don’t have to decide. You have my permission to love both of us.”

Shocking, I know. But the shocking part was, I meant it.

That was probably my best moment as a parent, ever. In that moment, I was a grownup. I proved to myself that I was a mother first and foremost. I learned that parenting really does mean putting

your kids first. Even I was completely surprised that I said that. After all, I am a mother who has always had sole custody of my children, and I raised them alone for seven years. And now, one of my sons loves somebody else, maybe more than me?

Some other person I barely know has gained my child’s affection and mothers my children in my absence. She has their admiration in their older, cognizant years, while I nursed my girlish figure into sad, sad sagginess so my babies could grow big and strong. Really?

Thank goodness that my kids think someone else loves them as much as I do. How can that be a bad thing?

Don’t we need all of the love that we can get? And thank goodness that my son is demonstrating that he has the capacity to love more than just me. Isn’t that the point? Isn’t that a good thing? Won’t he do that eventually anyway when he meets the woman (or man) of his dreams?

When my son said he can’t decide whom he loves more, he said it out of nowhere. We weren’t talking about feelings or family, so it really came out of the blue. But this means that my poor little guy has been thinking about this

for a while and has struggled with it for some time—that he thought he had to make a choice, and that he didn’t want to hurt anybody by making the wrong one.

What a stressful thing for an 8-year-old.

As a family law attorney who is also trained as a guardian ad litem, I know many children experiencing divorce. I know that my son is not the only one who struggles with allegiances.

Most children caught in the middle of a divorce feel compelled to “pick a parent” to live with, to blame for the break-up, to love the most.

And the parents play their beloved children as pawns.

They think: “If my kids love me more and want to live with me more, then I win. If I take them to the fun stuff and buy them an Xbox and an iPad, then I win. If I guilt them into talking to me three times a day and into saying

Some other person I barely know has gained my child’s affection and mothers my children in my absence. She has their admiration in their older, cognizant years, while I nursed my girlish figure into sad, sad sagginess so my babies could grow big and strong. Really?

‘I love you’ out of obligation, then I win.” Yet this does not prove who is the better parent, it only shows us who is the needier parent.

Meanwhile, our kids are

CONTINUED ON PAGE 32

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VOICE: JENNIFER WHEELER WOOD choking on confusion because we teach them to love everybody and be nice to everybody, but we impose silent restrictions: “Love Mom, Grandma, poor people and shelter pets, but, whatever you do, don’t love Daddy’s new girlfriend.” And we expect to raise emotionally healthy children this way?

So, give your children permission to love everybody. Eliminate the restrictions. Leave your ego at the door and get over yourself.

Love your children enough to give them permission to remove you as the center of their universe. Don’t deny your children relationships that will sustain them for a lifetime, just because you can’t act like a grown-up and manage your emotions. Be a better person. No child should have to choose.

After I had that conversation with my son, things changed for the better. My ex and I negotiated a new parenting schedule that better meets the needs of

our children. We joke with one another again, and talk about the trials and tribulations we face with our kids, as perhaps parents do when they are still married.

We concede more and disagree less. It’s not about winning, it’s about the happiness of our shared children.

My ex-husband’s new wife is pretty and nice. She gives my kids Cheetos and wants to learn more about their special struggles with autism. They like her, and I like her. I’m thankful she’s on board.

But does this mean that my sons love me less?

They might, but not if I give them permission to love us both.

And the bottom line is, it doesn’t matter whom my sons love more, because I will always love them the most.

After all, I have the stretch marks to prove it.

Jennifer Wheeler Wood is a Plainfield mom, laywer and frequent Chicago Parent contributor.

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VOICE: CAROL LARSON

Reflections from a ‘Grumpy Old Woman’

O

ne of my favorite Saturday Night Live characters is Dana Carvey’s Grumpy Old Man. In each skit, he gripes about the changing world and says things like, “In my day, we didn’t have video games! We just sat around and watched a potata bake! And we LIKED it!”

When I was a kid, I lived with my own Grumpy Old Man who criticized my generation for not appreciating the value of a hardearned dollar. My dad would say things like, “In my day, we didn’t dress like movie stars. We only had two pairs of pants hanging in our closets!” (And we LIKED it!)

In each of his stories, my dad communicated the same message: My generation has grit, while yours is full of whiny punks who don’t know how good you have it.

When my 9-year-old begged me for a cellphone, a Grumpy Old Woman unexpectedly appeared.

“A cellphone?! In my day, my family had one landline, and you had to fight for it!”

With four teens in the house, phone time usually started with a tug-of-war. (And we LIKED it!)

When my youngest wanted a luxury SUV, I snapped, “What’s wrong with my Honda Civic? In my day, you were lucky if you got a seat in the car!” My family had no problem smushing an entire Little League team into the backseat of our station wagon. Whenever we took a hard turn, we would hear ‘ugh!’, which is the sound you make when the centrifugal force of multiple

bodies flattens you against the door. (And we LIKED it!)

Nowadays, whenever the Grumpy Old Woman utters an “In My Day” story, my kids roll their eyes. They just don’t get it. Clearly, my generation has grit, while theirs is full of whiny punks who don’t know how good they have it.

Perhaps it’s human nature to be nostalgic and hold tightly to what is familiar.

I’m sure that Fred Flintstone told Pebbles about the good ol’ days when carving your own wheel actually meant something.

Someday, when a grandkid complainis that it took him 10 minutes to create a virtual reality report, Grumpy Old Woman will reappear. In my day, I had to manually type essays on an old-fashioned laptop. (And I LIKED it!)

Carol Larson is an Oak Lawn mom of

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REAL PARENTS IN THE TRENCHES

@

Want more? Visit ChicagoParent.com/parentpanel

Your neighbors are scaring your kids with their out-of-control Halloween decorations that are drawing crowds of people. What do you do?

If “crowds” of people are enjoying it, then sometimes you have to accept that majority rules and suck it up.

That being said, for payback, you could make sure your Christmas display is visible from the moon with the majority pointing your neighbor’s way!

Ryan Salzwedel, Chicago

Ask your neighbors if you can show your kids the decorations while they are still in the box. Maybe they can even help put them up. Once the kids see and touch them, they will know that they’re not real and hopefully won’t be so frightened.

Lisa Cheruff, Skokie

I go for the cute pumpkins and scarecrows! But, if my kids were afraid of my neighbor’s decorations, I would remind them that it’s all fake. I can’t impose my beliefs on my neighbors. Kids may as well learn this at a young age.

Kerry Quirin, Downers Grove

I would bake some treats and invite them over for a chat. Hopefully they are neighborly folk and are willing to tone it down or reduce the hours the scary parts are on display.

Kate Atkins-Trimnell, Homewood

I would ask my children how they would like to decorate the house and then work together to create a fun, safe, age-appropriate Halloween atmosphere and maybe invite our neighbors over to see that Halloween doesn’t have to be scary to be fun!

Aileen Robinson, Chicago

Focus on making the decorations seem harmless and silly, but support your children by empathizing with their feelings.

Anne Rezabek, Elgin

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

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FINDING

Connor

BY JERRY DAVICH

C

onnor Deegan punched holes in the wall. He attacked a girl at school. He threw violent temper tantrums to the point of vomiting. He threatened to kill himself.

“I wish I was dead,” he repeatedly hissed to his parents.

Connor was just 10 years old.

“He was one violent temper tantrum away from being admitted to a behavioral health hospital,” says his mother, Valerie Deegan, of Woodstock.

His frustrated mother was tempted to do so, anything for a short reprieve.

“He was tearing our family apart,” says Valerie, who also has two daughters.

“I know it sounds horrible, but I was wishing he wasn’t even born.”

Escalation In kindergarten, teachers noted Connor’s inability to follow directions, to listen without interrupting and lack of a positive attitude.

The same observations were made by his first and second grade teachers. In third grade, his behavioral unraveling got worse.

Connor was demanding. Temperamental.

Impossible to please. He bullied others. He ripped up his homework. He hated school.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

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PHOTO BY CHRISTINE WILSON PINK RIBBON FOCUS STUDIO

Family finds cause of behaviora al problems s that could d affect 12 2 percent of kids in U.S S.

ChicagoParent.com October 2014 37

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CONNOR

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 36

He hated his mother. He hated himself.

Most alarmingly, he had suicidal thoughts.

No one, especially his exhausted parents, could keep it under wraps any longer.

“Connor’s school was threatening to expel him, and his future looked bleak,” his mother says.

Was it attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Another mental health condition?

Something worse? Valerie contacted a pediatrician. She requested allergy testing. She enrolled in parent-child therapy.

Out of desperation, she had a full psychological evaluation performed.

That evaluation determined that Connor was cognitively gifted but also had Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Worse yet, it labeled him. It may have been convenient for the world, but not so much for his parents.

“His school kept telling me to get him on an individual education program or they would expel him,” Valerie recalls.

Tests showed that Connor had several allergies—to dogs, cats and various types of trees— though he never showed any common symptoms.

Among the battery of tests,

“No family needs to go through what Connor experi enced. Parents need to know the negative effects that sleep disordered breathing can have on their child.”

Valerie Deegan

a sleep study was conducted at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Since birth, Connor had snored and, early on, his family thought it sounded adorable, like a baby pug at bedtime. He also breathed through his mouth, something his parents didn’t think twice about as he grew up.

Connor was diagnosed with “sleep disordered breathing,” causing his snoring, mouth breathing and teeth grinding due to airway restriction.

Help in sight Connor was referred to Dr. Darius Loghmanee, from the pulmonary medicine department, who prescribed allergy medication to treat Connor’s nasal congestion. He also referred Connor to Dr. Kevin Boyd, a dental expert conducting a case study on similar conditions with children.

Connor’s parents wondered, “How is a dentist going to fix our son’s behavior issues?”

They started doing research, discovering that chronic allergies caused Connor’s nasal passages to be swollen.

To compensate, he breathed through his mouth, causing development problems there, as well as chronic sleep deprivation problems.

“A sleepy child sometimes shows similar symptoms to a child with attention deficit disorder or hyperactivity issues,” says Loghmanee, noting that 1 to 5 percent of American children suffer from sleep apnea.

“But most pediatricians don’t typically think about sleepiness issues with behavioral issues.

We’re just starting to better understand this connection.”

Connor’s mouth gradually developed a higher arch in the palate. His jaw couldn’t accommodate his tongue. His enlarged tonsils and adenoids took up even more prime space. With such a constricted airway, it was like drinking through a straw that’s too thin.

All this contributed to his snoring and his lack of sleep each night. Unlike adults, who would happily take a nap during the day, chronic sleepiness with kids can become a “noxious state,” Loghmanee says.

Kids will do whatever it takes to remain awake and stay

stimulated, even if it means acting disruptive, aggressive or violent, he says.

“For Connor, it was the perfect storm of circumstances,” Loghmanee says. “He didn’t have a severe case of sleep deprivation, but it was enough to interfere with his behavior.”

His tonsils and adenoids were removed and his frenulum lasered. Among other dental work, his teeth were straightened and he received a daily dose of allergy medication.

“What needed to change was the quality of sleep my son was getting at night and how he was breathing,” Valerie says.

“No amount of counseling or medication was going to change my son’s behavior problems.”

An estimated 12 percent of American children are affected by airway restriction problems, many of them misdiagnosed with ADHD or other behavior syndromes, experts say.

“There are an estimated 8 million Connors out there,” his mother says. “Too many of them will live violent, angry lives if undiagnosed and untreated.” “... My son wanted to kill himself because I was not

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languagestars.com • 12 Chicagoland locations educated enough. Neither were the psychologist, pediatrician, pediatric dentist, school psychologists and all the counselors we saw.”

Boyd calls this a new paradigm in the pediatric dental industry, changing the face of orthodontics in this country and abroad.

“Early detection is key,” says Boyd, from Dentistry for Children and Families in Chicago. “We got to Connor early enough.”

But it was not early enough for his family, who struggled to reverse Connor’s “bad kid” label at school and in society.

“This change of attitude from others played a huge factor in his turnaround,” Loghmanee says.

With his sleep restored, Connor now behaves like other tweens.

“No family needs to go through what Connor experienced,” Valerie says. “Parents need to know the negative effects that sleep disordered breathing can have on their child.”

She has launched a grassroots campaign to spread the word to other parents and more pediatricians. She also has become a member of Lurie’s Circle of Friends, creating a fundraising event called Ride of the Zombies to benefit the hospital’s sleep medicine department.

“By sharing our experience, we can provide another option for parents to explore before they feel the need to medicate or label their child,” she says.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 40

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CONNOR

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39

“Airway and sleep restriction must be evaluated before any behavioral disorder diagnosis or medicinal treatment.”

Loghmanee agrees, noting updated 2012 guidelines published in the Journal of Pediatrics: “We need to make a bigger deal about it, and this is something that pediatricians are becoming increasingly aware of.”

Connor, 13, is now in seventh grade. His grades last year improved, he has new friends, and he no longer wishes he was dead. He also has renewed relationships with his sisters, Kayla, 14, and Kiera, 4.

“We finally found Connor,” Valerie says.

“For so long we hid him from the world, but now we want to show him off. We also want to save all the other Connors out there as early as possible.”

Mom calls for changes Valerie Deegan is advocating for the following changes to help other Connors: Require all pediatricians to perform a sleep evaluation (a short list of questions) during every child’s check-up.

“There is no reason any child should suffer from a completely treatable and preventable disorder,” she says.

“If I had been educated about the effects that snoring can have on a child, I would have been able to prevent Connor’s emotional suffering.”

Mandatory assessment of sleep and airway restriction before any behavioral disorder diagnosis or medicinal treatment is made.

Jerry Davich is a Chicago writer and dad

Educate every parent that snoring and mouth breathing are not natural and which steps to take if they notice these symptoms in their child.

Engage all pediatric

dentists to start screening for airway restriction.

“With these changes, snoring and apnea would be significantly reduced,” she says.

Watch the video, “Finding Connor Deegan” at http://youtu.be/Sk5qsmRyVcE.

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From everyday to bootiful

Zachary Nicholes is Super Why and his twin sister Penelope is Word Girl.

Jessica Nicholes, left, is D.W.

Superheroes are super fun f Being able to create Halloween costumes my children h ld llove and dh have a part in making is such a great feeling. For these three costumes, I went straight to PBS for inspiration.

Luckily, two of the costumes had instructions for me, so all I had to do was take my list of supplies and buy felt and Velcro. Thanks to Caroline Gravino Urdaneta of Salsa Pie for the great instructions for both the Super Why and Word Girl costumes (modeled by my twins Penelope and Zachary).

The D.W. costume worn by my daughter Jessica is just from looking at countless hours of Arthur, and consists of a long sleeve white shirt, white tights, Mary Janes, a pink jumper, and Aardvark ears hot glued onto a headband. Don’t forget a stuffed cow to carry since D.W. is Mary Moo Cow’s biggest fan!

For complete directions, head over to ChicagoParent.com/Halloween.

Natasha C. Nicholes

Choosing decor can be difficult because the pieces you choose can set the stage for a night of frightful fun or horrific disaster.

Opt for decorations that can be put up easily, do not require a lot of maintenance, and can be used year after year.

Create a haunted house complete with mesh black netting, spider cobwebs, surprise bewitching characters and black cats. Get the whole family in on the game and have them dress up a la Modern Family, choosing famous haunted characters such as Frankenstein or Bridezilla. Use duct tape and paper bags to replicate a “monster” of a front door. The more kooky looking, the better!

Think outside the box when it comes to carving pumpkins. Lessen the mess by having kids add faces like Mr. Potato Head to pumpkins of their choice. Find some great pumpkin bling such as spiral eyes glasses, lips and neon mustaches at Party City. Set up a pumpkin decorating station using different themed buckets and see what the kids create!

Purples and oranges take the sting out of a spooky party and accentuate a gathering fit for the little ones. Candy corn, split peas and corn kernels layered in a clear glass jar make for a perfect centerpiece. Think big pumpkins with silly faces, scarecrows and hay. Another plus side of harvest decor is that you can leave it up all season, taking you well into November and Thanksgiving.

42 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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A

BY SAMANTHA SCHULTZ

s the weather turns crisp and the sweaters and boots start to make an appearance, it’s time to put plans for a bewitching Halloween party into full swing. After scouring the Internet, consulting party sites and gathering great concepts from friends, I’ve put together some ideas to make this year’s soirée your best yet. From the bigger picture to the minute details, we have you covered.

When planning a Halloween bash, always choose a theme that is versatile, allows for creativity and fits the crowd you plan to entertain. If you’re serving a teen or adult crowd, spooky, scary and downright haunted will probably be your best bet.

Creepy, crawly and gross will have grade-schoolers squirming with delight. Fun, fancy and all things dress-up is the perfect option for the smaller crew.

Monster bash The final element of any successful party is what you plan to have the guests do.

A dance-off to Monster Mash and other ghoulish songs might entice your costumed guests to re-create Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Host a costume fashion show in your backyard with paper bag lanterns lining the runway. Make sure your audience knows to cheer for their favorites! If your crowd is feeling brave, turn on a Halloween flick and get the popcorn popping.

For a finishing touch, offer prizes for the most creative costume, most imaginative group costume and cutest little goblin.

Make this year’s Halloween one to remember! For even more great DIY Halloween tricks and treats, check out our Pin It blog at ChicagoParent. com.

Gobble up!

Once you have the theme and decorations down, shifting gears to food will be a breeze!

Set up a Candy Apple Bar with a variety of apples and allow guests to create a special treat to take home or enjoy at the party. Toppings can be the usual fare like

cookie crumbs and nuts, but consider also incorporating creepy crawlies like gummy worms or candy eyes.

Light a bonfire and set up a s’mores station. Erin Skibinski of the Home Everyday blog recommends substituting salty Ritz

crackers for f the traditional graham cracker, creating a savory and sweet marriage of yum. Pumpkin muffins, mummy meatloaf and a glowing punch are just a few of the other great ideas that can be found on our Pin It blog this month.

More Halloween Happenings, page 104 >>>>>>>>>> ChicagoParent.com October 2014 43

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A LIFE of song

Chicago’s own First Lady of Children’s Music still making kids smile at 90 Photo by Frank Pinc

E

BY JERRY DAVICH lla Jenkins closes her eyes, props herself up on her favorite park bench and drifts back in time.

Long before she became known as the First Lady of Children’s Music. Before she recorded the first of 40 albums over the course of six decades. Before she even knew how to spell the word “s-o-n-g.”

“My mother used to hum around the house—la, la, la, lu, lu, lu—and my Uncle Flood played harmonica,” Jenkins recalls from her familiar “storyteller corner” at Bauler Playlot Park in the Lincoln Park section of Chicago.

Here, near her long-time home on the city’s north side, she sits and watches children play. Everything in her life always comes back to the children. To this day, she can’t take her eyes, or her heart, away from them.

“They make my heart flutter,” she says.

Jenkins turned 90 in August, but she still has a childlike wonderment

of the world, especially when it comes to children, music and the timeless link between them.

“I like to stay close to children in spirit, if nothing else,” says Jenkins, whose weathered hands serve as a wrinkled roadmap for her many travels around the globe.

Jenkins has performed in several countries, preferring to visit Switzerland, East Africa and Japan.

She has no children of her own, unless you count the millions of kids she has entertained over the past several decades. Or the hundreds of songs she has given birth to since 1957, when she released her first album, “Call-and-Response: Rhythmic Group Singing.”

Her Uncle Floyd (Johnson), who she called “Uncle Flood,” came from Little Rock, Ark., and taught her how to play a harmonica. Her first instrument, for the record, was a comb and a thin piece of paper.

“I’d hum into it and make all kinds of music,” she says with a chuckle.

To this day, the harmonica is still

her favorite instrument to play, along with her baritone ukulele.

“I’ve kept Uncle Flood with me all these years by playing harmonica,” she says, breaking into song once again.

“Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack… all dressed in black, black, black,” she sings while rocking back and forth. “With silver buttons, buttons, buttons all down her back, back, back.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

ChicagoParent.com October 2014 45

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ELLA

“I feel I still have something to give to children and, just as importantly, they always have something to give back to me.”

—Ella Jenkins

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45

“She asked her mother, mother, mother for 50 cents, cents, cents… to see the elephants, elephants, elephants all jump the fence, fence, fence.”

Jenkins, whose inner child has never grown up, laughs at her own foolishness.

“A good children’s song—or any song, really—tells a story,” she explains.

Jenkins’ story began in St. Louis, where she was born, before moving to Chicago as a child. She learned how to visit different neighborhoods to hear different versions of the same children’s songs.

Her brother, a Boy Scout, also shared the songs he learned at camp. She would add her own flair and make them her own.

By 11, she imitated anything she heard. Her mother, a Christian Scientist, enjoyed her daughter’s experimentation.

Jenkins hummed her way through the Great Depression, sung her way through the Civil Rights movement and performed on stage through the Digital Age. Music has always had a way of transcending racism, prejudice and discrimination.

“If you speak with kindness to

people’s children, they usually respond in kind,” she says, interrupted by a butterfly fluttering near her park bench. “Oh my, look how pretty it is. It reminds me of another song.”

Jenkins has a seemingly endless catalogue of children’s songs on her lips, playfully triggered during her daily routine.

A sociology major in college, she has studied the world with a child’s wonderment, a musician’s inflections and an elder’s love for storytelling.

She was one of the first black

women to host a TV show, “The Totum Club,” broadcasting on Chicago-based public television in the 1950s. Her “Me Too Series” films were featured numerous times on “Sesame Street,” and she has also appeared on “Barney and Friends” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.”

Jenkins has earned more awards than an MTV stage of tough rappers, teen heartthrobs and pop music princesses.

This includes a 2004 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award,

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the only such award given to a children’s musician.

In 2005, an album of Ella’s songs titled “cELLAbration” won the 2005 Grammy for Best Children’s Album, performed

by Sweet Honey in the Rock, Riders in the Sky, Tom Paxton, Cathy & Marcy, Pete Seeger, Tom Chapin and others.

“Ella is a constant source of inspiration and a bottomless well of songs, ideas and spirit,” says musician Dan Zanes, whom Time Magazine refers to as “the family-music genre’s most outspoken and eloquent advocate.”

“She is by far the most worldly performer that children’s music has ever known,” he says.

Her 1966 album, “You’ll Sing a Song and I’ll Sing a Song,” is part of the Library of Congress National Recording Registry.

Jenkins, who credits children for her global success, was the first woman and first children’s musician to receive the ASCAP Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.

And just last year, she kicked off the Lollapalooza festival kids’ stage.

“It makes me feel good to hear the children laughing, playing and, especially, singing,” she says, pointing to another child

playing in her beloved park.

Parents who remember her songs from their childhood often recognize her and ask her to sing an impromptu song for their own children. She never says no.

“How can I? Children give me the uplift I need each day,” she says. “There is no faking with them. Their honesty is what this world needs. It’s why I love putting out new albums for them.”

Her latest album, “More Multicultural Children’s Songs” (Smithsonian Folkways), was released on her 90th birthday, a celebration of her lifetime efforts. It follows her most popular Smithsonian Folkways release, “Multicultural Children’s Songs,” a 1995 selection of her favorite melodies learned from cultures around the world.

The new album features 20 classics from her prolific catalogue, inspiring respect and rejoicing in the traditions of other children. The songs include “Hukilau,” which takes listeners to a Hawaiian fish-eating ceremony. “Rushing Around in Russia” teaches greetings, and “Qué Bonita Bandera” is an ode to the Puerto Rican flag.

“The songs and stories were inspired by the wonderful people I’ve met all over the CONTINUED ON PAGE 48

ChicagoParent.com October 2014 47

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ELLA

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47

world and, in the spirit of how they shared their customs and songs with me, I pass them on to you,” she writes in an essay for the album.

These days, Jenkins listens to old folk music and the blues, songs that go back longer than she has been singing, humming or even breathing, she jokes.

Music, she routinely reminds parents, teaches children not only how to sing, speak and memorize, but also how to express themselves to the world—one song at a time.

A documentary on her life and music is in the

works and, if she could, Jenkins would film it skipping, hopping and running. Instead, she’ll gladly do it singing, rhyming and humming alongside her dog, a dachshund named Zizi.

“I feel I still have something to give to children and, just as importantly, they always have something to give back to me,” she says with a smile.

Listen to Ella Jenkins Find a preview of “More Multicultural Children’s Songs” at folkways.si.edu/ radio/more_multicultural_ childrens_songs_preview

Jerry Davich is a Chicago area dad, freelance writer and radio talk show host.

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Bed sharing: A silent killer?

Debate amps up over keeping infants in parents’ beds

L

By TIMOTHY INKLEBARGER ike all mothers, Jessica Gordon wanted to do everything right for her baby. She read magazines and books and talked to other mothers about the best way to keep her firstborn son, Payton, safe.

But on Sept. 13, 2011, she awoke to every mother’s worst nightmare—Payton, then 10 weeks old, motionless in her bed.

Gordon says she got up that night to nurse him but fell asleep as he ate. About three hours later, she awoke to find his face pressed against her stomach.

Jessica Gordon with infant son, Payton.

“I realized Payton should have woken up, too,” she says. “His lips were blue.”

Gordon panicked, calling 911. Her neighbor, a state trooper, began performing CPR, and emergency responders rushed Payton to a nearby hospital.

It was too late.

Even before she learned from medical staff that all hope was lost, Gordon says she knew in her heart that Payton was gone.

“I completely lost it,” she says tearfully, recounting the worst day of her life. “I

started screaming, ‘It’s all my fault! It’s all my fault! I fell asleep! I did this! I did this!’”

Preventing accidental suffocation Payton’s death is one of about 200 each year in Illinois classified as sudden infant death syndrome—the unexpected death of a child under 1 where the cause cannot be determined.

Roughly three to four dozen of those

are due to accidental suffocation, many involving an adult sleeping with an infant, according to the nonprofit Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Child and Family Services says accidental suffocation as a result of bed sharing or co-sleeping with an infant is the leading cause of child death in the state.

Rollover suffocation is such a problem that DCFS has launched a public awareness campaign, declaring October Safe Sleep Awareness Month for children under 1.

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Central to the campaign mpaign is the message that babies should not sleep in a bed, couch or chair with anyone, including other children.

The public awareness campaign—Thee ABCs of Safe Sleep—also —also advises that parents:: Place the babyy on his or her back during sleep. ep.

Keep cribs freee of toys, pillows, blankets, stuffed uffed animals, quilts, crib bumpers and sleep positioners. ioners.

Not smoke before fore or after the baby is born n or let others smoke around d the baby.

Try using a pacifier cifier when putting the baby to ssleep.

Don’t leep lee p D on n’tt force a pacifier, though, and if the baby is breastfeeding, wait until he or she is a month old or is used to breastfeeding.

Provide supervised “tummy time” during waking hours to help build strong neck and shoulder muscles, and limit time spent in car seats, carriers and bouncers.

S sleep not Safe one-size-fi o ts-all Although the state says say SIDS rollover deaths can be drastidea cally reduced by separatadults and babies during ing adul some argue that parents ssleep, sl eep, som ccan ca n sleep ssafely with their newborns done the right way. b orns if do West, a spokesDiana W woman w wo man for La Leche League International and co-author IIn nternaa off the rrecently released o book, b bo ok, S Sweet Sleep: Nighttime and Strategies an Naptime Nap p for Family, forr the Breastfeeding Brr argues a guees that the ar th h one-size-fits-all message sharing a bed message of never mes nee rruns ru unss ccounter ount ou nter er tto a mother’s biology.

She says mothers are inclined to fall asleep while nursing because of hormones released in their bodies during the breastfeeding process. Warning them against bed sharing can prompt mothers to breastfeed in much more unsafe places such as a chair or sofa, she says.

West also notes that research shows

that sharing a bed and breastfeeding can synchronize sleep-wake cycles between mother and baby and reduce stress for both.

In Sweet Sleep, West and company recommend what they have dubbed the Safe Sleep Seven, a checklist of behaviors to be avoided that will reduce the risk of SIDS and accidental suffocation.

The checklist states that if the mother is a non-smoker, sober and breastfeeding, and her baby is healthy, on his or her back, lightly dressed, unswaddled and they share a safe, flat surface, then the baby’s risk of SIDS is no greater than in a crib.

West notes that about a third to a quarter of all mothers will share a bed with their baby at some point.

Wendy Middlemiss, co-chair of Attachment Parenting International Research Group and associate professor of educational psychology at the University of North Texas, says the important thing for mothers to know is they take care to ensure their baby has a strong arousal response and that their airway is clear.

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BED-SHARING

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That arousal response to awaken them if their breathing becomes obstructed can mean the difference between life and death, she says.

She says public awareness campaigns that “focus so narrowly” on bed sharing miss an opportunity for what to watch for and what is essential for a baby’s safety.

“When we don’t talk about that, we haven’t provided any of the important information that (parents) need; that generates much more risk,” Middlemiss says.

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Although experts agree that at least six of the Safe Sleep Seven recommendations are crucial to providing infants with a safe sleep environment, the state maintains its position that bed sharing is always risky.

Paula Jaudes, professor of pediatrics at the University of Chicago and medical director for DCFS, says rollover suffocations are thought of as accidents, but they are preventable if families understand the basics.

“We want to save children; it’s that easy,” she says.

Keeping children in a crib in the parents’ room can be a good compromise to having them in the bed, she says. And Jaudes, like every other expert, says it is never safe to sleep with a child on a sofa or in a chair because they can easily get wedged between the parent and a cushion.

Gordon, who now serves as a board member of SIDS of Illinois, says if it happened to her, it can happen to anyone.

She says she now tells mothers who do late-night breastfeedings to “do what it takes to stay awake. Turn on the television, set an alarm on your cellphone or wake up another member of the family to make sure you stay awake while breastfeeding,” she says.

Gordon says disagreeing with her “doesn’t make you a bad parent,” but she hopes her story convinces families that bed sharing is unsafe.

“Even if you do everything right and make the mistake that I did, you can still lose your child,” she says.

Timothy Inklebarger is an award-winning veteran reporter and staff member at Chicago Parent’s sister newspaper, The Wednesday Journal.

52 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section // Celebrations

Celebrations

The Perfect Party Planner

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Celebrations // special advertising section

A very Chicago birthday bash: Party ideas unique to the Second City

By Shannan Younger

O

ur children are lucky to live in the Chicagoland area and enjoy the many treasures of our area. Another perk that comes with being a kid in Chicago is access to unique birthday party venues.

There are several locations that can ensure your child enjoys a very Chicago birthday bash.

Second City put Chicago on the comedy map, and now kids can walk the same halls as famous performers while celebrating their birthday.

“With older kids, we talk with them about the history of Second City,” says Jeff Gandy, youth and education programs manager. He says younger kids are often not as

interested in the performers of the past, but “many of them know of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler and then they find out that they have a history with us.”

In addition to a rousing round of happy birthday, the parties feature a variety of improv games designed to get each guest involved. “This is not a performance and not a time to sit and listen. This is a show up and participate party,” says Gandy.

Don’t worry if your child or a friend is shy, however.

Gandy says the instructors are used to working with kids who may be more reserved and that “they work to let the child see that they will be taken care and the instructor will not embarrass them or put them on the spot. They

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build trust with them.”

“I look at our birthday events more as workshops than parties,” explains Gandy.

“It’s a fun experience but also a learning experience for them. It’s a chance to work in a group environment and understand the benefits that come with that.”

Improv is pretty modern, but if you have a child who would rather step back in time, Medieval Times is a unique Chicago party venue that allows them to do just that.

There are only eight Medieval Times locations in the U.S. and the castle in Schaumburg is the only one in the Midwest. It draws visitors and celebrants from all over the Midwest, from Michigan to Iowa, and is a popular

birthday destination for Chicagoland kids.

“It’s the only place in Chicago where a birthday celebrant can be knighted by a king,” explains Sandy Martinez, marketing and sales manager at Medieval Times.

The unique setting and large venue have made Medieval Times a popular site for large parties and also for older kids celebrating their bat mitzvahs, quinceañera, and sweet 16.

“This is truly a one of a kind experience and not something that can be duplicated. It is completely unique, from the setting to the costuming to the accents the actors use.

You truly feel like you’ve gone back in time,” Martinez says.

She says kids love that guests eat Medieval style,

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meaning with their hands and not utensils.

Whether you use hand or a fork to eat it, a child’s birthday party would not be complete without cake.

Deerfields Bakery, with locations in Schaumburg, Deerfield and Buffalo Grove, is renowned for its cakes and especially its buttercream, and they have created a variety of amazing Chicagospecific birthday cakes.

From the Wrigley Field marquee to a White Sox baseball, they also do jersey cakes for all Chicago sports teams that feature birthday child’s name and age. Deerfields also creates stadium cakes and has made cakes to look like a hockey rink.

While Chicago sports are a popular trend, Jacki Schmitt, general sales manager and a fifth-generation family member in the business, says they

special advertising section // Celebrations

also see a lot of requests for Mine Craft, Frozen, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Transformers cakes.

“With a majority of our birthday cake orders, the kids are involved. They are much more savvy thanks to Cake Boss, Cupcake Wars, and Pinterest,” says Schmitt.

Unique ideas and fun ideas are always welcome, and Deerfields works to create a cake that matches any vision, Chicago-specific or not, of the customer.

“A lot of families bring in their own images or invitation to the party. Our decorators are artists and can create something for them that we haven’t done before,” she says.

Chicago parties offer a chance to celebrate both your amazing child and his/ her amazing home city.

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Celebrations // special advertising section

5 birthday party tips from the pros

By SHANNAN YOUNGER

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hildren’s birthday parties seemed simple - before you had kids.

When faced with corralling your very excited child and dozens of his or her closest friends, however, parents realize that throwing a good party can be a science, or an art, or at least a little more complicated than they appear on the surface.

Birthday parties are easier when you do them on a regular basis rather than a few times a year, so we turned to some experts for advice on how to throw a great birthday party for your child.

1

HOSTING OUTSIDE THE HOUSE CAN MAKE THINGS EASIER (AND YES, YOU CAN HOST YOUR CHILD’S FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY SOMEWHERE FUN) The Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn hosts about 225 birthday parties and more than 4,300 birthday guests each year. Executive Director Adam Woodworth says many of those celebrations are first birthday parties.

“This is a great place to host a party. You don’t have to clean the house for company and you don’t have to deal with the mess that’s left in the aftermath,” says Woodworth.

That is true whether your child is turning 1 or 11.

Hosting the party somewhere with activities for guests to enjoy takes pressure off the parents. Siblings, cousins, and other friends and relatives always enjoy exploring the museum.

2

FOLLOW YOUR CHILD’S LEAD “Go with whatever drives the birthday girl or boy.

If it is something that gets

them more excited, it’s making their party different from everyone else’s,” advises Paula Breunig of Sweet P Doll Studio in Elmhurst.

A former art teacher and parent, Breunig hosts birthday parties for girls ages 3 through 9 at her store. Birthday party guests make a craft for their 18-inch doll. She says letting the birthday girl pick what the craft will be is a great way to make the party truly their own. The craft options available give each child a chance put her own unique spin on it.

“Most kids know exactly what they want to do,” Breunig says.

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3

TALK WITH THE PARTY VENUE ABOUT YOUR PLANS AHEAD OF TIME Chances are the people working with you on the birthday party, be it a venue, entertainer, or bakery, have done more birthday parties than you have. Take full advantage of their experience and knowledge, and also let them know what you want your child’s party to look like.

If you have plans to bring in someone and you’re hosting the party outside of home, be sure to give the venue a head’s up. It’s a classic case of “help them help you” and they cannot do so if they do not know

56 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section // Celebrations

LAST-MINUTE PARTY TIP Choose a location that provides everything you need from the entertainment, food, decorations and loot bags! All you have to do is bring the kids and the cake! This way, planning your child’s birthday party is stressfree and enjoyable for both the kids and the parents.

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about your plans.

“People should give us a call ahead of time, especially if they are planning something special or want to include some surprise. Let us know and we’ll work with you to make your party great,” says Woodworth.

4

DON’T HAVE YOUR CHILDREN WEAR THEIR BEST CLOTHES TO BIRTHDAY PARTIES Kids want to be kids at a party, and that usually involves some running around and

some brightly colored icing that can easily stain a treasured outfit. Dress kids in clothes that let them have fun and truly enjoy the event, not an outfit that they or you will be worried about keeping nice.

The same rule applies for grown-ups, too.

5

DON’T OVERPLAN THE PARTY If the birthday party is happening at a fun location, give the kids sufficient time to really enjoy the space.

Woodworth says he sees parents bringing in extra games, but advises parents to “remember that there are a lot of fun, interactive activities and exhibits that already exist to entertain.”

“Kids want to be in the room long enough to eat food and birthday cake, and maybe open presents. Then they want to be in the museum playing,” says Woodworth.

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Birthday party adventures let your kids go to extremes

By Shannan Younger

S

ome kids have a strong sense of adventure and a strong desire to try exciting things.

Other kids just want to try something new and different when celebrating their birthdays. Be it sky diving, flying on a trapeze or playing laser tag, there are many extreme birthday options.

If you have a kid who wants to defy gravity, iFly Indoor Skydiving hosts birthday parties that allow kids to do just that.

“Who doesn’t dream of flying?” asks Stuart Wallock, chief marketing officer at iFly. “There is no other place where you can fly like a superhero and realize your dreams of flying.”

Flying at iFly does not mean

taking the birthday kid to the top of the building and jumping. Instead, participants walk into the flight chamber, lean in to the wind tunnel over the floor, and start to float off the floor. “There is a certified instructor inside the tunnel the whole time and they guide you through the whole experience,” says Wallock.

Children as young as 3 can fly and adults as old as 103 years old have flown, too.

Parents are known to fly with the kids at the birthday parties. “Any age, any ability, can fly and it is fun every time,” Wallock says.

Other ways to get off the ground include swinging on a trapeze or walking on a tightrope, and a birthday party at CircEsteem lets kids try out those activities without running away and joining the

circus.

“Kids get to try something scary, push themselves and be successful. A CircEsteem birthday party is a chance for kids get to try things that they have only seen on TV or in a professional circus ring,” says Maribeth Joy, executive director of CircEsteem.

Joy says CircEsteem has something for everyone. “If someone is afraid of heights, we do things on the ground. If someone’s not coordinated, we can teach them clowning. We work with all age ranges and everyone can be involved and have a good time.”

Engaging in new and exciting activities can be a great way to bond. “We think about how can we bring people together and make them

photo courtesy of ifly

feel really good about what they’ve just done,” says Joy. “That’s an added bonus to what we can offer in addition to an interesting and unique birthday party experience.”

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Celebrations // special advertising section That sense of connection is also a draw at Rink Side Sports & Family Entertainment Center in Gurnee. “These days kids are so connected to electronics, we are helping them connect to each other through all the extreme activities we have to offer,” says Nicola Veatch, general manager at RinkSide.

RinkSide caters to all ages with parties that include black light mini golf with an under the sea adventure theme, broomball and laser blast.

Black light laser tag is RinkSide’s most popular activity and Veatch says even shy or less adventurous kids get caught up in the excitement.

Adults have been known to have a great time, too.

“Once the laser tag vests are on, let the games begin! All different personality types and all different ages enjoy playing our exciting, fun and thrilling black light

laser tag,” says Veatch.

Laser tag is a big hit at Odyssey Fun World, which offers an extreme birthday package that lets guests do activities indoors and out, from laser tag to go karts to paintball, depending on whether the party is held at the Naperville or Tinley Park location.

“We keep our party-goers moving and occupied. Kids have a short attention span, try to embrace that rather than fight it,” says Ryan Jacobs, marketing director for Odyssey Fun World.

Extreme birthday parties offer a chance to try something new and the excitement that comes with that creates memories that last a lifetime.

There also is another, more immediate benefit.

“Parents love that we wear out the kids,” Jacobs says.

photo courtesy of odyssey fun world

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Mt. Prospect Park District has the BEST birthday parties!

Book your party NOW! 847-255-5380 www.mppd.org

DISCOVER THE PLACE WHERE AWESOME LIVES. Every one of our 17 interactive exhibits is a play station that ignites curiosity, inspires imagination and stirs creativity. We’re not just a kid’s museum – we’re an incubator for transforming young minds into creative thinkers, learners, and leaders. Now through November 2, explore Science + You, a child-sized laboratory where kids become little scientists. Discover for yourself just how powerful play can be.

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

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Celebrations // special advertising section

Outside the box birthday parties

By SHANNAN YOUNGER

Y

our child is certainly unique and deserves a birthday party just as unique. The Chicago area is filled with fun ways to celebrate their special day.

“It offers something a little bit out of the ordinary,” says Scott Williams, the Illinois area manager of Vertical Endeavors, which hosts rock wall climbing birthday parties. “It’s a unique experience that they couldn’t get elsewhere.”

Williams says he’s seen a shift in what parents are looking for in birthday parties for their kids.

“Parents want something active that promotes a healthy way for kids to celebrate. Rock climbing offers that and gives them the satisfaction and the fun of doing something adventurous,” he explains. “Parents want to keep kids entertained, engaged and physically fit. Our parties do all of that.”

Going outside the box with a rock climbing party also means stepping outside of the usual comfort zone, and Williams says the Vertical Endeavors staff is well aware of that fact. “We all have to start at square one. Our staff came from the same place. A little encouragement goes a long way.”

Another unique option is the C&A Robot Factory in Libertyville, where birthday party-goers have fun with science and technology.

“Families come to us because they say that there’s nothing else like that out there,” says Lidia Voelker, president and founder of C&A Robot Factory.

They offer a robotics party for kids 7 and older. Party guests select from 12 different models from the LEGO We-Do Robotics collection and then build the model, which includes working motors and sensors. The children then use animated, dragand-drop software to program the models to move and make sounds.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VERTICAL ENDEAVORS

Pic A Prop Photobooth, Co. Your professional quality photo booth rental in Chicagoland. We specialize in all types events including Weddings, Quinceañeras, Birthdays, Graduations, Reunions, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, School and Corporate events.

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One fun option is the hungry alligator with a motion sensor in the mouth and makes a munching sound.

While those models stay at the store, they offer other parties, however, like the solar-powered butterfly robot party, at which kids build a creation that they can take home.

“Parties here give kids a chance to try something new,” Voelker says.

Other outside the box parties that can be enjoyed at C&A Robot Factory, include those themed around the legend of Ninjago that feature a sword fight between two ninjas and the Star Wars party that includes Jedi training.

If your child is looking for something more out of this world, a party at Space Golf in Orland Park could be just for them.

Space Golf features an indoor 18-hole black light miniature golf course but with the addition of video projections, simulated holograms and talking robots.

“We make it as interactive as possible. It’s more than just golfing, as people are surprised at what they see and notice things on their second or

special advertising section // Celebrations

third trip here that they didn’t see before,” says owner and course designer Ray Radelia.

“We are always changing things around so people discover something new each time.”

At Space Golf, guests can eat in the Sci Fi café, which features memorabilia from science fiction movies. The birthday child also can enter the ticket twister, which gives them a chance to catch flying tickets that they can trade in for prizes, which are themed towards space and aliens.

Radelia says he feels an obligation to make birthday parties special. “As a child, you only get a few parties out of your house,” he says.

“We want to make it the best party this particular person ever had. Our goal is to make a memory.”

Out of the box birthday parties are sure to create happy memories that will last a lifetime.

photo courtesy of C&A robot factory

Sweet P. Doll Studio

106 West Third Street, Elmhurst IL 60126 www.sweetpdollstudio.com 630.279.5453 CREATE… a personalized outfit for your doll PAINT AND DESIGN… a piece of doll furniture CELEBRATE… with a custom birthday party PRETEND AND PLAY… with our 14-foot dollhouse LEARN…in our camps, workshops and classes

www.classiccinemas.com

Party Packages Include:

Movie  Kids’ Pack  Party Room

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

CUSTOM BIRTHDAY PARTIES WITH YOUR DOLL!

• PJ Party • FROZEN Theme • Spa Party • Sleepover • Designer Party • Princess Party Special Halloween Shows at a theatre near you!

Visit classiccinemas.com for more info.

Located in the City Centre of Elmhurst, Sweet P. Doll Studio is a very special place for girls and their 18” dolls. Sweet P. offers birthday parties, creative workshops, classes, crafts, fashions, furnishings and more. A 14-foot custom made doll house thrills and delights girls of all ages.

Look for our upcoming workshops and classes. Host a themed party for your girl in our private party room. Or simply take a break with a friend and let your girls have an fanciful and imaginative time. Walk-ins are always welcome.

WOODSTOCK THEATRE PARTY ROOM ChicagoParent.com October 2014 63

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Celebrations // special advertising section

ebrate! l e C

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Chicago's #1 Home for Birthday Parties

WindyCityFieldhouse.com/birthdays

BY TRICIA DESPRES

T

he memories of a summer well lived may have begun to fade within your increasingly crowded mind, but for your children, they remain as vibrant as the summer sun.

Luckily, there are ways to recreate all of the fun in the sun via a memorable birthday indoor pool party.

“Once winter sets in, organizing an indoor pool party to celebrate a birthday is the perfect way to keep summer alive,” explains Kim Smith, superintendent of marketing and customer care at Bolingbrook Park District. The district’s Pelican Harbor Aquatic Park attracts swimmers of all ages throughout the year.

“Giving the children the chance to splash around and go down the water slides and get water tumbled down upon them … it just re-energizes them despite the colder temperatures outside.”

“The best thing about our parties is that we do everything for you,” adds Sara Batchelor, partner/COO at PRO Swim Academy in Elk Grove Village. “Kids loves pool parties because splashing around in 92 degree water is great when there is snow on the ground, and also to have over an hour of free play is always fun.

Moms love it because not only do we do everything for you,

our decorations are Pinterest worthy!”

In most cases, pool parties take place during public swim time.

“The great thing about doing the party during public swim times is that your guests are

photo courtesy of pro swim

welcome to go back in the pool for as long as we are open,” explains Mindi Schwartz, rental coordinator and center director at Mt. Prospect Park District’s RecPlex. “The younger kids love the tot pool, while the older ones can’t seem to get enough of our basketball nets, kickboards and noodles at our main pool.”

So while you may not have the entire facility to yourself,

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Park District offers an observation area that adults can hang out in with no fee. “It’s fun for both the adults and the children to come inside … despite what’s it’s doing outside,” chuckles Schwartz.

Undoubtedly, a swimmingthemed party cannot only be the perfect answer for a birthday party theme, but also serve as the perfect excuse for the party planner to come up with some unique invitations, decorations and thank you mementoes. But most of all, don’t forget to take into account the fact that the children will undoubtedly work up quite the appetite while playing in the water, so make sure to have a big beach towel and plenty of sweet treats waiting for them. And once the day is through, send them home with goodie bags that include water trinkets they can all enjoy once summer comes around again.

326 Peterson Rd. Libertyville, IL 60048

847-996-0123

www.carobotfactory.com Classes • Birthday Parties Day Play • Field Trips Summer Camp

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party packages often include time in a designated party area where all of your party guests can congregate. At Pelican Harbor, for example, party guests can take advantage of the updated and festive tropical party area.

One of the few exceptions include the private Friday and Sunday night birthday parties at PRO Swim Academy, in which $300 gets you a swimming party for 12 guests (birthday child is free), 75 minutes in the pool, 45 minutes in the party lobby invitations, pizza, juice or water balloons, Jarosch Bakery signature cupcakes, decorations, and place settings. All children also go home with a PRO gift.

And while the children will keep busy playing in the water, don’t forget the adults who will naturally want to join in on the fun. Pelican Harbor even has a hot tub for the adults and Mt. Prospect

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Celebrations // special advertising section

A Fairytale Ballet

Chicago/Lakeview/North Evanston (773) 477-4488 AFairytaleBallet.com Fairytale Ballet birthday parties with costumes & props. A Fairytale Ballet Birthday Celebration is truly magical.

Your ballerina will be treated like a princess every minute. Choose from any of our enchanting Fairytales or customize your own and we will do the rest!

Apple Holler Farm, Orchard, Restaurant 5006 S Sylvania Ave. Sturtevant, WI (800) 238-3629 appleholler.com

Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn

Deerfields Bakery - Family Baking Since 1886

5100 Museum Dr., Oak Lawn (708) 423-6709 cmoaklawn.org

Buffalo Grove – Deerfield – Schaumburg (847) 520-0068 www.deerfieldsbakery.com

Looking for a fun, educational place to have a birthday party for your child?

The Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn offers a fun-while-learning experience that your child will remember for years to come. Why not book your next party with us? Call for more information.

CircEsteem & The Chicago Youth Circus (312) 731-HAHA circesteem.org Run away with the circus without ever leaving home. Invite the CircEsteem Experience to your next event. We pro-

Celebrate your child’s birthday, or any occasion, with a visit to our “wonderland of custom cakes.” Choose a memorable design from our vast selection, then watch your guests enjoy the award-winning flavors at the party.

Don’t forget to capture the indelible Deerfields experience for posterity.

Didier Farms 16678 W. Aptakisic Rd. Prairie View-Lincolnshire (847) 634-3291 didierfarms.com

Pick your own Apples & Pumpkins 10-5 daily. Bring the family and spend the day on the farm. Apple Holler has Tractor – drawn wagon rides, Pedal Cart Rides, Hand Led Pony Rides Corn Maze, Golden Goat Bridge, Animals for petting and feeding, Johnny Apple Seed Maze, Kids Korral Play area, Jack & The Beanstalk Story Trail & Giant Slide, , Straw Mountain, Cool Cow Maze, Amish Built Train and MORE!

Ceramic Arts Café 26 S. La Grange Rd., La Grange (708) 579-3033 ceramicartcafe.com Have a party to remember, perfect for any occasion. Birthdays, luncheons, scout outings, showers and Mom’s night out! Kids and adults can choose and paint their own pottery. Have fun and create something to cherish! Call today to reserve your date!

Rosemont (779) 368-4359 Naperville (779) 456-4359 Chicago.iflyworld.com Your iFLY party can be as small as 5 or as large as 50 flyers and include: A flight training class with a professional instructor, All the flight gear, On site party coordinator, and Video clips of your flight sessions, All packages and can be customized to be tailored just for you. Customization can include: Private party rooms, personalized catering, Custom cakes, Party Bags & Favors and T-Shirts. Just bring your guests and let us do the rest.

Rain or shine, either way’s fine! With 17 interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits, Museum parties are perfect all year long. All party packages include private room rental and full-day Museum admission for all your guests. Mention Chicago Parent when booking and save $20 off regular prices!

The Little Gym Chicago (773) 525-5750 thelittlegym.com

Create memories while your children explore new worlds with the help of Bolingbrook Park District’s party services team. We provide value, stress free planning and professional assistance on the day of your event. Our birthday party services team is ready to make your special day a success! Call our birthday party coordinator at (630) 783-6653 today.

C&A Robot Factory would be delighted to make your child(s) birthday extra special!

Choose one of our exciting themes: LEGOVille(R), Star Wars, Ninjago(R), LEGO(R) Build-Imagine and LEGO(R) We-Do(R) Robotics. Exclusive parties are available Saturdays. Sundays we are open to public.

Indoor Skydiving, ages 3-103

2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview (847) 832-6923 www.kcmgc.org/bdays

201 Recreation Dr. Bolingbrook (630) 739-0272 bolingbrookparks.org

326 Peterson Rd (137) Libertyville (847) 996-0123 www.carobotfactory.com

iFLY Chicago

Kohl Children’s Museum

Bolingbrook Park District

C & A Robot Factory

events. We do everything, from serving food, to the balloons and birthday cake. Private parties and fundraisers for any size group, any day, any time.

Call and reserve now. Visit our website for open skate hours.

photo courtesy of Children’s museum of oak lawn

vide circus shows and interactive workshops for kids of all ages that leaves them saying, “WOW, look what I can do!” Call or email to set up your next circus party.

Deerfield Park District

Birthday Parties Available. Weekends from Sept 20-Oct 26th. Semi-private room, hayride, and corn maze and more! Call 847-634-3291 Mon-Fri 9-2 for reservations and more information or check online at www.didierfarms.com

for Indoor Fun, Parties & More!

Treehouse Playground

Dolphin Swim Club

836 Jewett Park Drive (847) 945-0650

(815) 282-3488 Chicagoland (Crystal Lake, Skokie) (847) 854-1300 dolphinswimclub.com

Fun Jump at Sachs Rec. Center 455 Lake Cook Rd., (847) 572-2600 deerfieldparks.org Book your Parties now! Sports & Games, Golf, Swimming, Yoga, Taekwondo, Rhythmic Gymnastics or Super Hero themes; Dance, Art/Ceramics, Cooking, Magic, Beauty, Science; and more.

Enjoy our indoor Treehouse or Fun Jump. Or, “create your own” celebration! Party Coordinators and optional Food Packages are available as are Rentals to “do-it-yourself.”

Rockford Region

The mission of Dolphin Swim Club is to instill self-confidence, a desire to learn and safety awareness in every child. Our professionally trained teachers create a fun learning environment with four or fewer students per class.

Fleetwood Roller Rink 7231 W. Archer Ave. (at Harlem Ave.), Summit (708) 458-0300 fleetwoodrollerrink.com We’ve expanded! New Banquet Facilities now available for Graduations, Showers and private

When we’re not teaching fantastic gymnastics classes, we’re hosting the best birthday parties ever! The Little Gym holds our parties one at a time so your child’s friends are the only ones in the gym-everyone stays together and plays together. Our parties handle it all from set up to clean up!

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament 2001 N. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg (888) WE-JOUST (935-6878) medievaltimes.com Medieval Times is the perfect place to celebrate your birthday party! Where else can you be a Knight or a Princess on your special day? Our Medieval birthday package includes admission to our two-hour live jousting show, four-course medieval feast, slice of cake, group photo and personalized announcement during the show! Call for birthday party package details.

Mt. Prospect Park District 1000 W. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect (847) 640-1000 mppd.org Mt. Prospect Park district offers a variety of parties sure to please the youngster in your family. How about an arts & crafts birthday Party, a sports Party, and inline skating Party, a Pool Party and lots of other options. Let us make your child’s special day a memorable experience.

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Oakbrook Terrace Park District

Putting Edge Glow-in-theDark Mini Golf

1S325 Ardmore Ave., Villa Park (630) 627-6100 Obtpd.org

4105 North Harlem, Chicago (708) 457-8377 puttingedge.com

Are you looking for an entertaining and educational birthday celebration? Look no further than the Oakbrook Terrace Park District’s Lake View Nature Center.

The Nature Center provides a fun and safe environment for kids to explore, create and have fun! Our staff will help you plan a two-hour party which will delight your child. Parents provide refreshments, paper goods and treat bags for a custom theme. Parties are for children ages 4 and up. For additional information, call (630) 941-8747.

We have taken the traditional game of mini golf, brought it indoors, turned down the lights and turned up the music. From the moment you walk through the front door, you have entered a world full of fun and imagination. Whether 6 or 60, Putting Edge is perfect for that night out with the friends, or a fun-filled family outing.

Odyssey Fun World Tinley Park: I-80 & Harlem Ave. Naperville: I- 88 & Rt. 59 (708) 429-3800 Odysseyfunworld.com Odyssey Fun World is a great place to have your child’s next birthday party!

Featuring 2 levels of redemption and video games, Odyssey Fun World prides itself as beating the competition with the latest technology, and award winning redemption center. Our facilities offer several different party packages at discounted rates!

PIC-A-PROP Photo Booth Rentals picapropphotobooth.com Your professional quality photo booth enjoyed by Chicagoland. We specialize in all types of events including birthday parties! Unlimited pictures-choose color or B&W, tons of fun props, customized graphic and online photos. Book your party today by calling 224-5658218 or email:picapropphotobooth@ gmail.com

PRO Swim Academy 681 Meacham Rd, Elk Grove Village (630)283-0136 proswimacademy.com PSA is a swim school focusing on whole child learning that develops happy, confidant swimmers by using a professional, progressive and personable team. We specializing in year round lessons for children ages 3 months and up, with small classes and 92 degree water!! Call for a free trial class today!

Pump It Up Party Orland Park (708) 479-2220 Chicago (312) 664-PUMP pumpitupparty.com The #1 indoor inflatable party place in the country! 185+ locations in 40 states.

100% Private & supervised parties.

Giant inflatables in your own private arenas & private party room exclusively for your child & guests! Experience the ultimate private party experience!

There is no substitute for a Pump it up Party!

Rink Side Ice Arena & Family Entertainment Center In Gurnee Mills Mall (847) 856-1064 www.rink-side.com Specializing in Birthday party memories to last a lifetime! Featuring Ice Skating, Laser Tag, Glow Mini Golf and over a hundred Video and Redemption Games, including a huge prize counter.

Book your event on-line now!

River Forest Community Center 8020 W. Madison St., River Forest (708) 771-6159 You’ll enjoy your hassle-free private party in either our Playland/mini gym designed for children ages 3-6 or our gym/sports party for children ages 7 and older. We will consult with you to ensure that your child’s party is catered to his/ her specific interests.

Rolling Video Games Chicago (708) 238-6988 RollingVideoGamesChicago.com “The Best Video Game Party of the Year!” Don’t let the weather stop your party plans! Rolling Video Games Chicago operates during all seasons!

Kids have a great time inside our climate controlled Mobile Gaming Theater. Great for Team Parties, Spring Break, Summer/Day Camps, Holiday parties, and more! For added savings, share your party with a friend! Call to check availability today! Game On!

Safari Land 701 W. North Ave., Villa Park (630) 530-4649 safarilandfun.com With party options and pricing for all ages, Safari Land is sure to be the place to play this season. With our wristband options, guests can receive unlimited access and play on several of our exciting attractions. Our state of the art and retro video games are sure to please even the most avid XBOX 360 or PS3 players.

Santa’s Village Azoosment Park 601 Dundee Ave. East Dundee (847) 426-6751 Santasvillagedundee.com Host your child’s birthday party at Santa’s Village Azoosment Park and make it an event to remember. We offer a wide range of party options. Your guests will enjoy a full day of unlimited fun including all rides, attractions, live

Great Birthday Celebrations Without the Work!

River Forest Community Center 8020 W. Madison, River Forest Private Birthday Parties in our Indoor Playland or Gymnasium!

Three affordable packages to choose from, including a Deluxe Pizza Party Stop in and see why Chicagoland Parents give our Birthday Parties “Two Thumbs Up” Call Our Party Coordinator for more information

(708) 771-6159 Mention our ad and receive 10% off your party package ChicagoParent.com October 2014 67

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Celebrations // special advertising section shows, and animal encounters. From setup to cleanup we have you covered!

The Second City Training Center 1608 N. Wells St., Chicago SecondCity.com/tc

Windy City Fieldhouse 2367 W. Logan Blvd., Chicago (773) 486-7416 WindyCityFieldhouse.com/birthdays

There’s not much more Chicago than Second City. Birthday parties at Second City get kids up and participating!

Improv games are led by instructors expert in making kids comfortable enough to explore the world of improve! It’s a fun experience that gives kids the chance to grow and have fun at the same time.

WCF is the place for action packed, entertaining and hassle free birthday parties with creative onsite and offsite packages. The expert staff at WCF plan and manage an interactive party that includes games and competitions chosen by your child from a variety of sports and NEW themed packages. Best of all, your children go home exhausted and we handle the clean up!

Skokie Park District

Yu Kids Island

9300 Weber Park Pl., Skokie (847) 674-1500 SkokieParks.org Why throw an ordinary birthday party?

We are Chicagoland’s party experts offering unique themes including minigolf outings; cooking, dance, drama, yoga and circus celebrations; ice skating; historical museum parties; fun at the Emily Oaks Nature Center, and parties at The Exploritorium, our kids’ imagination playground.

Space Golf 15611 S. 94th Ave., Orland Park (708) 460-3887 space-golf.com

Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg (847) 969-9000 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills (847) 680 3800 yukidschicago.com Yu Kids Island has Birthday Party Options! The play system features movable rides that offer hours of fun for young children in a colorful and cheerfully decorated, safe environment. We offer space and clean-up, leaving you to enjoy your time! Have a relaxing coffee and snack in our cafe!!! FREE Wifi.

Mon-Sat 10 am-9 pm Sunday 11am-6pm.

Mini Golf Re-imagined! Our entire indoor course is open year round and lit with ultra-violet fixtures (black lights)! Explore 18 holes of exciting adventure mini golf featuring alien planets. Giant robots, flying saucers and space creatures that all glow in fluorescent bursts of color!

Safari Land 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

Birthday Parties & Group Packages

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

Sweet P. Doll Studio Create.Pretend. Party 108 W. Third Street, Elmhurst (630) 279-5453 sweetpdollstudio.com Located in the City Centre of Elmhurst, Sweet P. Doll Studio is a very special place for girls and their 18” dolls.

Sweet P. offers birthday parties, creative workshops, classes, crafts, fashion, furnishings and more. A 14-foot custom made doll house thrills and delights girls of all ages. Custom Birthday Parties With Your Doll *PJ party *Frozen Theme *Spa party *Sleepover *Designer party *Princess party

Vertical Endeavors Indoor Rock Climbing Facility 28141 Diehl Road, Warrenville (630) 836-0122 246 Windy Point Drive, Glendale Heights (630)784-9000 VerticalEndeavors.com

visit chicagoparent.com to explore our amazing & astounding directory of entertainers!

Bring your friends and climb on our wall for a fun, exciting and adventurous birthday that everyone will be sure to remember! You get 2 hours of fun filled climbing with a VE instructor!

Party room and favors are also available. All parties must be scheduled two weeks in advance and have eight or more paying climbers.

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special advertising section // Celebrations

photo courtesy of vertical endeavors

New Location. Now Open At Westfield Hawthorn Mall!

• Unlimited Playtime 7 Days A Week

On • Find Us k o o b e c Fa

• Safe, Fu n, Clean Indoor Fa cilty

• Free WiFi

Buy 1 Get 1 50% OFF

• Drop Off Service Available (Extra Charge) • Birthday P arties 7 Days A W eek

122 Hawthorn Center

(Next To Carson’s)

847-680-3800 www.yukidschicago.com

• Parents Are Always Free Valpak®

n • Only Childre Under 48” Can Play

5 Woodfield Mall

(Next To Sears Inside The Mall)

Schaumburg

847-969-9000

Admission Coupon Valid at Both Locations.

With Coupon Only. Expires 12/31/14

$25 OFF

Any Birthday Part y Package Coupon Valid at Both Locations.

With Coupon Only. Expires 12/31/14

$1.00 OFF

Open Play Coupon Valid at Both Locations.

With Coupon Only. Expires 12/31/14

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Celebrations // special advertising section ICE SKATING • LASER TAG • GLOW GOLF • BROOMBALL

HDAY PARTY TIME T R I B AT

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ALL PARTIES INCLUDE: Your professional party host will entertain and amaze while creating memories to last a lifetime.

We do all the work, while you enjoy your child’s most memorable party experience!

Birthday Gift for the Guest of Honor and entry into our Fun Machine!

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LOOK AT YOUR PARK DISTRICT FOR PARTIES Bolingbrook Park District 201 Recreation Dr., Bolingbrook (630) 739-0272 bolingbrook.org

Fox Valley Park District 101 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora (630) 897-0516 foxvalleyparkdisrict.org

Mt. Prospect Park District 1000 W. Central Rd. Mount Prospect (847) 255-5380 mppd.org

ULTIMATE PARTy - $299 for up to 10 Kids 2 hour party with a dedicated party host the entire time • Choice of 2 Attractions: Glow Mini Golf, Laser Tag or Indy 500 Race Car Simulator • Plus a $12 Game Card SKATE PARTy • Pizza & Soda $269 for up to 10 Kids • Cupcakes 2 hour party with a dedic • Birthday Gift for ated Guest of Honor party host the entire tim e • Goody Bags • One Hour of Ice Skat ing • Invitations, Thank • Plus a $6 Game Card you notes & all party • Pizza & Soda supplies • Cupcakes • Birthday Gift for Guest of Honor when you mention • Invitations, Thank yo u notes this ad at booking. & all party supplies Expires 3/31/15.

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Oakbrook Terrace Park District 1S325 Ardmore Ave, Villa Park (630) 627-6103 Obtpd.org

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

In Gurnee Mills Mall 847-856-1064, Ext. 529 Book On Line 24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week at www.rink-side.com!

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Chicago Parent is having a new baby, too!

Hey Baby, (in conjunction with Bump Club and Beyond) will be published in the first week of November. It is an essential guide for expectant and new parents.

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T:7”

THERE’S A LITTLE SMOKEY IN ALL OF US.

T:4.875”

9 out of 10 wildfires are caused by humans. Which means 9 out of 10 wildfires can be prevented.

So if you see someone acting irresponsibly, step in and make a difference.

SmokeyBear.com

photo Jill Greenberg ©USDA Forest Service

72 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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special advertising section //

Open Daily 10am-6pm Sept 20-Nov 1st & Columbus Day 1.800.304.FARM

Weber Road Crest Hill, IL.

Grandparents FREE Mon-Fri

“Affordable Fun on the Farm®” Includes over 20 Unlimited Attractions

MEALS & TREATS TO EAT

Zombie Farm paintball RIDE Over a half-mile of TERROR as you shoot Zombies with Slime Paintballs

Wrigley Field 100th Anniversary Maze

Last Entry 4:30pm

Open Weekends & Columbus Day Included in General Admission

OurCornMaze.com

www.OurPumpkinFarm.com ChicagoParent.com October 2014 73

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

Learn more: thegreatscott.com (847) 361-0924

Mary Macaroni

As seen on WGN, WTTW, and NBC Local!

Princess & Character Parties Magic • Clowning Guitar Sing-a-Longs Face Painting & Balloons!

Children’s Parties!

Corporate Events!

Award-winning magician with over 30 years experience!

All Birthday Shows include balloon animals and live rabbits!

Also offering Face Painting!

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

Magical Entertainment for all occasions!

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

Call Today:

www.kidzmagic.biz

773-774-3755

www.marymacaroni.com

Let’s CLown Around Former Ringling Bros. Navy Pier Entertainer

Performer with an ActionPacked, High Energy Comedy Magic Show

Traveling Players presents

Aurora area

Diane C

CLOE the Clown

Cl

• Magic Tricks • Games • Face Painting • Balloon Animals • Story Telling and More

Includes: • Fire-Eating • Machete Juggling • Stilt Walker • & Much More

Book your Birthday Parties Today!

847-672-6165

11 (630)

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

www.letsclownaround.net

847-895-2340 Schaumburg

Child with balloon animals, fa puppetry, magic, gam

www.mypartyprincess.com Come experience the ultimate

Girly-Girl Party!

• Princess Tea Parties

• Diva/Glamour Parties • Spa Parties • All New! Doll Parties • All New Limo Service!!

• Ultimate Pajama Parties

• All-New FROZEN Parties - Elsa & Anna are HERE!

Custom designs for all ages 503-867-9223 Chicagoland

msAnnaArt.com

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Magic, balloons, cartoon voices, music, magic tatoos, and more!

CHICAGOLAND’S FUNNIEST MAGICIAN

MAGIC

by RANDy

Incredible Birthday Parties!

FAMILy SHOWS, SCHOOL PROGRAMS

$25 OFF

PARK DISTRICT SHOWS, LIbRARIES

847 486 1410

for mentioning this ad!

WWW.MAGICbyRANDy.COM

SuE’S Party AnimAlS

Book us for your next party or event!

•We Entertain •We Educate •We're Cute & Fun •We're Clean & Safe

Special Magic Shows For Schools!

You'll LOVE US!

Call Sue Johnson, Educator

847-215-8508

Make your next Birthday Party a

• Hands-on • No mess fun • Ages 5-12!

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

“Like Us” and add a friend on Facebook and receive $25 off your Party! ...Sit back and let us run the PARTY for you!

Not only do we bring the fun, we also bring:

■ Prizes ■ Cotton Candy ■ Snow Cones (seasonal) ■ Face painting

■ Photography ■ Homemade Treats ■ Small gift for Birthday Child ■ Games

■ Creative Crafts ■ Pinata ■ Money Machine (real money) ■ Refreshments

Rain or Shine, Hot or Cold, we always bring the FUN to you year round!

Please call (708) 388-2200 to schedule your party

www.TheBusofFun.com

We Come to You! Exciting hands-on experiments may include: • Slippery slime • Cool chemistry Also Available • Rocket launches • Cotton candy ....and lots more

North Cook and Lake

Chicago 773-227-3345

224-676-1635

Western Suburbs 630-393-3322

The Bus of Fun is fully insured.

Magic & Juggling Shows Balloon Animals and Puppets

Providing Quality, Professional Entertainment since 1991 Several Themed Characters available.

Video clips and party ideas are provided on the website.

www.IYQENT.com IYQ Entertainment

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Santa & Mrs. Claus

Fall Special $10 Off

Mrs. Newberry's Traveling Tea Party

Dahlings, what could be more pleasant than a tea party with friends complete with feathered hats, exquisite ball gowns, formal china, custom tables & chairs and a host for set up & take down?

Aunt Holly & Frosty

Low rates!

Book Now!

Indoor & Outdoor Party Rentals for...

• Birthday Parties • School Festivals • Church Events • Reunions • Picnics

Games/Concessions/Tables/Chairs also available! Face Painting!

Call to make your event simply divine!

708-951-0351

www.mrsnewberrystravelingtea.biz

•We Visit You! •Christmas Parties

708-620-HOPP Call to reserve and lock in low rates!

www.hippity-hop.com

HOUSE BOUNCE OF

•School & Church Parties •Christmas Eve Visits

(Visits in South/SW suburbs only) Shaved Ice & Cotton Candy machines also available

708-720-2899 www.partypop.com/ Vendors/3218748.htm

Local delivery, Setup & Pick-up included

Serving the greater Chicagoland area

Call Ron at 708-927-5455 www.houseofbounce.org

Themes to choose from: • Disney Princess • Scooby Doo • TMNT • Sports • Strawberry Shortcake • Plain • World of Disney 5 in 1 Combo • 30’ Dual Lane Obstacle • Water Slides • Slip ‘n’ Slides

#1 Birthday magician

Amazing Tim Adamz 3 Arrives Early

3 Amazes Kids 4-9

Rated

3 As Seen on WGN 3 Live Rabbit

HHHHH

Book Him Here Now: www.AmazingAdamz.com - 630-416-4318 BOOK NOW FOR YOUR HALLOWEEN PAR TY

Walk on the Wildside!

EXOTIC ANIMAL PROGRAMS School, Libraries

& Birthdays...

773•823•1466

www.flyingfoxconservationalfund.com

Indoor * Boun * Birth * Huge * Tons * Field * Todd * Free

Indoor Center Highlights • Bouncers, Slides, Obstacles & More • Birthday Parties • Huge Play Area • Tons of Party Options • Field Trips/Group Rates • Toddler Area • Free WiFi

Now Open!

Pleas reser

Please call or visit our website for reservations & current promotions

(773) 354-7720 (708) 862-2500 www.jumpnjamplayland.com

Located at: 1584 Huntington Dr. Calumet City, IL. 60409

W W W. J

Located a

1584 H C a lu m e

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advertising directory // Apple Holler

Jonamac Orchard

Naper Settlement

Farm, Orchard, Restaurant 5006 S Sylvania Ave. Sturtevant, WI (800) 238-3629 appleholler.com

Pick-your-own orchard, barnyard kids activity area, Petting Zoo and week-end Corn Maze, Hayrides, Live music and more.

19412 Shabonna Rd, Malta (815) 825-2158 Jonamacorchard.com for calendar of events

Ocktoberfest, Oct. 3 & 4 All Hallows Eve, Oct. 17 & 18 NOW OPEN The Early Leaning Playscape 523 S. Webster, Naperville (630) 420-6010 Napersettlement.org

Butterprint Farm Pumpkin Patch Family Fun for Everyone!

24936 S. 80th Ave., Monee (708) 534-8801 butterprintfarm.com

C & R Robot Factory 326 Peterson Rd., Libertyville (847) 996-0123 www.candrobotfactory.com

Kohl Children’s Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview (847) 832-6923 kohlchildrensmuseum.org/bdays

Meadowbrook’s Pumpkin Farm

836 Jewett Park Drive (847) 945-0650 deerfieldparks.org

Spooky Week-end Adventure for Family Begins Sept 20. Wagon Rides & picking pumpkins begin Sept 20. Haunt begins September 26. Daytime Creepy Cornfield Adventure: 10 a.m. – 6p.m.

Nighttime Haunted Cornfield: Friday and Saturday 7 pm - 11 pm.

2970 MileView Rd., West Bend, WI (262) 338-3649 meadowbrookfun.com

DidierFarms

Mt. Prospect Park District

Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn Fall Fun Fest 2014 Sun Sept 28th 10am - 2pm Fall Fest 5100 E. Museum Dr., Oak Lawn (708) 423-6709 cmoaklawn.org

Deerfield Park District

16678 W. Aptakisic Rd. Prairie View-Lincolnshire (847) 634-3291 didierfarms.com

Howlin’ Halloween Saturday, October 18 11am-3pm 1000 W. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect Mppd.org

Oakbrook Terrace Park District Halloween Hayride at the Lake View Nature Center 10-17 Halloween Carnival at the Fitness Center 10-18 Monster Bash at Heritage Center 10-30 1s325 Ardmore Ave, Villa Park (630) 627-6100 obtpd.org

Odyssey Fun World Corn Maize, Pumpkin Patch and Hay Rides And More in Tinley Park Tinley Park & Naperville locations (708) 429-3800 odysseyfunworld.com

PRO Swim Academy 681 Meacham Rd Elk Grove Village (630) 283-0136 proswimacademy.com

Fall Fun

Putting Edge Glow-in-theDark Mini Golf 4105 North Harlem, Chicago (708) 457-8377 puttingedge.com

Rink Side Ice Arena & Family Entertainment Center In Gurnee Mills Mall (847) 856-1064 www.rink-side.com

Santa’s Village Azoosment Park 601 Dundee Ave. East Dundee (847) 426-6751 Santasvillagedundee.com

Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm Pumkin Fest 2014 17250 s. Weber Rd. Crest Hill (800) 304-FARM ourpumkinfarm.com

Statesville Haunted Prison Rated #1 Adult Haunted House Open Thursdays thru Sundays @ 7p.m. Oct. 2th through Nov 1st.

17250 S. Weber Road, Crest Hill (877) SCARED2 statesville.org

Dolphin Swim Club Rockford Region (815) 282-3488 Crystal Lake, Skokie (847) 854-1300 dolphinswimclub.com

Fox Valley Park District Pumpkin Week-ends 11 am to 4 pm, in October Crafts, décor, stories, hayrides Blackberry Farm 100 S. Barnes Rd, Aurora (630) 892-1550 Foxvalleyparkdistrict.org

Highlights Halloween Puzzles & Crafts & more Highlignts.com/imagine

Johansen’s Farm Pumpkins, Hayrides, Décor, Specialty Foods and more 710 W. Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook (630) 759-8711 johansenfarms.com

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h i n t g y A r q e u c a i t v E under one

ro o f

November 7-9, 2014 | Chicago, Illinois Marriott Renaissance Hotel, Schaumburg Convention Center

www.aquaticexperience.org

Family Fun FR

ES

H

W

AT E

Over 60,000 Sq Ft of Exhibits and Thousands of Fish on Display + Live Shark Encounter + Kid’s Aquarium Contest + Latest New Products + Aquatic Competitions + Product Raffle + Keynote: Jeff Gibula + Seminars + Show Specials and More!

R

S

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calendar OCTOBER

1

Turn your eyes to the skies this month, when not one, but two, eclipses make it a little darker. On Oct. 8, early birds can take in the second lunar eclipse of the year (5-7 a.m. is not for the weak of heart!) at the Lunar Eclipse Viewing Event, complete with telescope observing, astronomy lectures and access to the Space Visualization Laboratory. Then on Oct. 23, watch the sun play peekaboo at the Partial Solar Eclipse Observing Event thanks to telescopes equipped with solar filters and special viewing glasses. The 4-6 p.m. event also includes hands-on educational activities for families. Free. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-STAR (7827), adlerplanetarium.org.

2

Did you know that tha h t Il ha IIllinois’ liin official snack food is popcor popcorn? orrn? n (Did you even know Illinois Illino ois has an Learn a little official snack food?) L more about one of our state’s biggest commodities at Corn H bi Harvest, Kline K ine Creek Farm’s annual celebration Kl c off all can all things kernel-ly. Families Fam actually actu ac ual a ly help harvest and store corn using techniques from us u sin ng authentic techniq the 1890s. Plus, make cornhusk dolls, house, dol do lls, ls,, ttour ourr th ou thee ho hous use, e,, eexplore the farmstead farm mstead and meet the resident animals, anim mal a s,, such as horses,, sheep, Free. cows co wss aand nd cchickens. hick hi cken enss. F re 10 a.m.-4 11-12. 1N600 a.m. .-4 p.m. Oct. 11-12 County West Chicago.

Coun nty Farm Road, We (630)) 876-5900, dupa dupageforest.org/ age g klinecreekfarm. k kl ineecreekfarm.

3

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest used to be all about breaking a world record, but now it’s added a good deed to the mix. The fest has partnered with the Autism Society of Illinois to carve one pumpkin for every individual in the state impacted by autism. If they accomplish that goal and create 52,000 jack-o-lanterns, they’ll also crush the current Guinness World Record. The fest includes costume contests, hayrides, a petting zoo, entertainment and food, plus a quiet sensory area available at the Highwood Library. Don’t be surprised if you leave grinning like a jack-o-lantern. $2; $10 activity wristband. 4-9 p.m. Oct. 17; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 18; 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Oct. 19. 17 Highwood Ave., Highwood. celebratehighwood.com.

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CALENDAR

Support individuals with developmental disabilities

Keshet Benefit Concert

Foreigner Saturday, November 15

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

TICKETS AND SPONSORSHIPS 847-205-1234 keshet.org

1 | WEDNESDAY MAGIC TRICKS. Learn how to

perform magic tricks. Classes are led by experienced instructors from The Magic of Gary Kantor. New tricks taught each session. $35, $23 resident. 5-5:55 p.m. Homewood Flossmoor Park District, 3301 Flossmoor Road, Flossmoor. (708) 957-0300, hfparks.com.

2 | THURSDAY “ROSY” STORIES AT THE ICE CREAM SHOP. Join West

Making theGrade Chicago Parent’s annual resource guide for Chicago area schools.

FAMILY CAMPFIRE NIGHT.

P re s c h o o l s | E l e m e n t a ry | H i g h S c h o o l s | B o a rd i n g | E n r i c h me n t S p e c i a l N e e d s | A c a d e m i c Tu t o ri n g S e rv i c e s a n d mo r e

JANUARY 2014

MAKING GRADE

Coming in January!

THE

Your best guide to

CHICAGOLAND schools

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT EDUCATION GUIDE

MTG_cover_2014.indd 1

12/11/13 9:40 AM

Chicago Public Library at Paleteria Rosy, the new ice cream shop at 208 Main St., for a storytime filled with fun and treats. 1-1:30 p.m.

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

Activities include a craft, s’moremaking, campfire songs and a hike. $4; free parking. 5:30-7 p.m.

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

NATURE STORY TIMES. Nature-

inspired stories, crafts and activities for kids 3-5 with adult. $1 per child.

10:30-11:15 a.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

3 | FRIDAY THE SOUND OF MUSIC CHILDREN LIVE. Listen to firsthand

accounts of behind-the-scene details from the kids of The Sound of Music.

Get your picture taken with the kids or get an autograph. There will be a special “Sing Along” screening as well (regular prices apply).

Hollywood Palms Cinema, 352 South Route 59, Naperville. (630) 4285800, hollywoodpalmscinema.com.

4 | SATURDAY CHICAGO CIRCUS IN THE PARKS. Chicago’s Midnight Circus, a high-flying assortment of acrobats, aerialists, clowns, contortionists and even a dog, tour six Chicago parks under a little big

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CALENDAR top. $15-$20; free kids under 2. 2 and 5 p.m. Independence Park, 3945 N. Springfield Ave. (312) 742-7590, circusintheparks.com.

THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE FESTIVAL. Festivities begin in the

mid-afternoon with crafts, bake-offs and live entertainment. At sundown, the Grand Spectacle will feature fire dancers, a Victorian-era-inspired steampunk boat, the Chicago Children’s Choir and floating fire sculptures, plus fireworks. State Street and Columbus Drive bridges. chicagofirefestival.com.

HEARTS AND CRAFTS. Visitors

can make a different craft related to health and/or medicine. Free with admission. International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N. Lake Shore Drive. (312) 642-6502, imss.org.

Da Dana an na ada a Fa alll F est Fe stiv val a See Oc Se See O tt.. 12

SUBURBS MIDWAY VILLAGE MUSEUM SCARECROW HARVEST FESTIVAL. Families can build their

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

Events taking place on four or more dates during the month are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 94.

Searchable listings updated daily ChicagoParent.com/calendar

own scarecrow with provided straw.

Bring old clothes to stuff or buy clothes and accessories. Activities include traditional harvest crafts and activities, old-fashioned games, wagon rides around the village, square dancing and demonstrations. $7, $5 kids 3-17. Noon-5 p.m. 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford. (815) 3979112, midwayvillage.com.

CRUISE THE CREEK. Ride a

six-mile loop trail through the scenic

woodlands, wetlands and prairie of Hickory Creek Preserve. The bike ride concludes with a festive fall gathering. Noon-4 p.m. Hickory Creek Barrens, 20733 S. Schoolhouse Road, New Lenox. (815) 727-8700, fpdwc. org/index.cfm.

PARENT/CHILD BINGO AND PIZZA. Includes 12 games of Bingo,

a snack, pizza and a drink, and prizes geared to both adults and kids 6 and up. Prizes for all kids when

Strength, Confidence, Capability

Seeking Excellence, Achieving Success Learn from a Legend!

6701 W. North Ave., Oak Park

708-383-3456

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Yo u r FA M I LY ' s FA L L T R A D I T I O N

Store Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM - 7 days a week

Pick your own Apples and Pumpkins! Visit the “Barnyard” kid’s activity area and Petting Zoo! On weekends, get lost in our 10-acre Corn Maze! Enjoy our Apple Cannons, Apple Train, Hayrides, Live Music and more!

815.825.2158 - JonamacOrchard.com - Malta, Illinois

l o cat e d 6 m i l e s W e s t o fT:4.625” Dekalb on Shabbona Road

As a scientist and a mom, “Why?” is something I hear all the time.

Being curious is part of who we are. Kids can exercise their curiosity with experiments at home—no need for a fancy science facility, even your kitchen is a perfect laboratory! Encourage your kids to experiment, invite them to alter the steps and discover what changes.

Science is all about being curious, and exploring different ideas to see what happens. Embrace “Why?” Today’s questions lead to tomorrow’s discoveries.

Keep looking up!

@AdlerPrez

Try this at home!

T:7”

When we think of experiments, we often imagine dramatic, smoky explosions! But many experiments take something that not many young children have—patience. Try practicing this skill with “slow science” by growing plants in your window.

Have your child place damp cotton balls—not too wet—into a plastic baggie. Next, add some dried beans, close the zipper, and tape the baggie to the window. Watch over the next few days as the beans slowly grow into a plant with shooting sprouts! You can further this experiment by adding variables—try different seeds to see which grow fastest. Or, try different windows to see how different levels of light change how the plants grow. Astronauts also perform this type of experiment, and investigate how microgravity affects a plant’s growth.

Looking for more fun ways to do science at home?

adlerplanetarium.org/Science4Everyone

#Science4Everyone

ICAL

T

00, F: 312-297-9601

82 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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9/11/14 3:16 PM

The Ultimate Guide to Family Fun!

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CALENDAR the event is over. $22, $15 resident.

6:30-8 p.m. Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC CHILDREN LIVE. Naperville. See

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

45, Lindenhurst. (847) 968-3400, bonnerfarm.org.

SUBURBS

MIDWAY VILLAGE MUSEUM SCARECROW HARVEST FESTIVAL. Rockford. See Oct. 4.

Oct. 3.

5 | SUNDAY

AUTUMN AT THE ARBORETUM.

CHICAGO

CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT.

Living History actors portraying soldiers and civilians interact with visitors, including Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln and Harriet Tubman. See a Civil War cannon fire and watch a surgeon at work. Educational activities available for all ages. Kids can enjoy a Civil War scavenger hunt. $5 parking.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

STORY PIRATES. Story Pirates

use teaching concepts and musical sketch comedy to fuel the minds and creative spirit of young people for what Broadway World describes as “SNL for kids.” $16, $14 kids. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn. (630) 942-4000, atthemac.org.

CIRCUS IN THE PARKS. See Oct. 4.

KIDICAL MASS. Bike ride for kids and their families is held the first Sunday of every month, rain or shine. 10 a.m. Audubon School, 3500 N. Hoyne Ave. (773) 534-5470, chicagokidicalmass.org.

DANCE AROUND THE WORLD WORKSHOP. Parents and kids take a

journey to learn about many cultures’ dance and music forms (including African, Bhangra, Native American, Hawaiian, and Russian folk). While learning new moves, dancing and music-making, families develop empathy and respect for each other and learn geography and unique historical facts. $25 family. 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Florence G. Heller JCC,

Experience the beauty of fall. Build a scarecrow, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, make a fall craft to take home, and enjoy entertainment and activities for kids of all ages. Free with admission. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford. (815) 9658146, klehm.org.

BONNER COUNTRY FAIR. Features a petting zoo, wagon and pony rides, crafts, face painting and live entertainment. Play old-fashioned games and guess the weight of a giant pumpkin, paint a pumpkin or gourd and help construct a scarecrow, explore hands-on exhibits, including an activity maze, weather station and oversized farm animal cut-outs. $5, free kids 3 and under. Noon-4 p.m.

Bonner Heritage Farm, 19412 W. Sand Lake Road, just west of Route

GROVE FEST. Features live folk

music, square dancing, hayrides and pioneer craft demonstrations. Plus, storytelling for kids throughout the day. $4, $1 kids under 12. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview. (847) 299-6096, glenviewparks.org.

CIVIL WAR REENACTMENT.

Wheaton. See Oct. 4.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC CHILDREN LIVE. Naperville. See

Oct. 3.

FAMILY HAYRIDES. Families with kids 3 and up take a harvest-moon hayride at a Naperville Park. Bring your food or fixings for s’mores to cook over the bonfire; hot chocolate and hot cider provided. $12, $8 Diplomates of the

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84 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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CALENDAR CHICAGO CHRISTIAN high SCHOOL

fAith & Achievement Chicago Christian High School, a Christ-centered learning community intent on restoring God’s world, provides a path to distinction for young women and men.

• The only “Project Lead the Way” (PLTW) school in the area, fullycertifi ed to provide STEM courses • ACT scores rank as one of the highest in the area which is a true predictor of college

readiness • Championships in 39 different in the last five years

sports

Fa F a ami mily mi mily ly Ha H ayr yrid de es s SSeee Occt. t. 5

resident; free kids under 3. Visit the website for times. Knoch Knolls Park, 336 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville.

(630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

6 | MONDAY FALL FREE DAY. General

admission is free to Illinois residents.

Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.

(773) 684-1414, msichicago.org.

7 | TUESDAY FALL FREE DAY. Chicago. See

Oct. 6.

9 | THURSDAY LIVING HISTORY OPEN HOUSE - TWILIGHT. Enjoy the

twilight ambiance of the 1850s house by candlelight and lamplight while enjoying a fall evening viewing the changing colors in the Lost Valley Marsh. Follow the aromas to the kitchen and see what is being baked in the wood-burning stove or take a

tour of the ongoing restoration of this historic house. 5-8 p.m. Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood. (815) 678-4532, mccdistrict.org.

THROWBACK THURSDAY: ANIMALS ON MARCH. Go back in

time and see what HFPD programs were like in the 70s and 80s. In this program from 1984, kids can bring their favorite pet, live or stuffed, to join in the pet parade. Categories include largest pet, smallest pet, best trick, best dressed, most unusual and a few surprises. 1-2 p.m. Homewood Flossmoor Park District, 3301 Flossmoor Road, Flossmoor. (708) 957-0300, hfparks.com.

10 | FRIDAY FALL BULB FESTIVAL. Shop from more than 200 varieties of daffodils, tulips, alliums and other specialty bulbs, learn from horticulturists and staff demonstrations on bulb selection and planting, and sip cider, wine and beer while listening to live

• Wide range of fine arts and co-curricular programs to build expertise and confidence

YOU’RE INVITED

October 9 October 12 October 29 November 19

CCHS Athletic Shadow Day CCHS Open House (1:45pm) CCHS Fine Arts Shadow Day CCHS STEM Shadow Day

Learn more.

Join the Chicago Christian High School Community.

SCAN THIS CODE WITH YOUR PHONE OR TABLET TO SIGN UP FOR AN UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE OR SHADOW DAY

Chicago Christian High School 12001 S. Oak Park Avenue Palos Heights, IL 60463 708.388.7656 www.swchristian.org/cchs Any questions contact Tim Schnyders at (708) 388-7656 or at tschnyders@swchristian.org.

Sign up online for

Weekly Newsletters Be in the know about family events, coupons and great giveaways!

Find us on Facebook

Join the Twitter party!

Follow us @ChicagoParent

ChicagoParent.com October 2014 85

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CALENDAR music and shopping among local vendors. Plus, a straw bale maze and a gourd display. $20 parking. Noon-4 p.m. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicagobotanic.org.

DRIVE-IN NIGHTS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM. Relax

and watch a family movie under the stars, complete with favorite theater-style concessions available for purchase. Tonight’s movie is Tim Burton’s “Frankenweenie.” $40 per vehicle, $30 members. 8 p.m. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

11 | SATURDAY Fami Fa mily mi y Day y: Dare e

CHICAGO BRIDGES: UP, OVER, THROUGH AND DOWN.

Construction crews had to build, knock down and move bridges to create the 2.7-mile-long elevated trail known as The 606. Learn more about the process, explore how bridges work and engineer your own to take home. Plus, visit the Milwaukee Avenue Bridge for inspiration. Part of Trail Mix, a free monthly series of family events and conversations about The 606 for kids 3-12 with adult. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. BucktownWicker Park Branch Library, 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave. (312) 744-6022, the606.org.

CIRCUS IN THE PARKS. See

Oct. 4. Today’s location is Margate Fieldhouse, 4921 N. Marine Drive.

See Oct. 11

Professionals from the Chicagoland circus community are featured as well as advanced students from The Actors Gymnasium’s classes. $15. 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. The Actors Gymnasium, Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. (847) 328-2795, actorsgymnasium.com.

CERAMIC WORKSHOPS. Kids

6 and up join Richard Cohen in a one-day workshop to create fun projects. Today’s project is Bird Houses. $35. 1-4 p.m. Jewett Park Community Center, 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield. (847) 945-0650, deerfieldparks.org.

DRIVE-IN NIGHTS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM. Lisle. See

Oct. 10. Today’s movie is “Hocus Pocus,” starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker as Salem witches.

ECO-EXPLORERS: FROM SEED TO PUMPKIN. Kids 4-6 discover

how a pumpkin grows from a tiny seed into a big pumpkin. Inspect a pumpkin inside and out, create a pumpkin seed craft and select a tiny pumpkin to take home from the “pumpkin patch.” $21, $14 resident.

1-2:30 p.m. Knoch Knolls Park, 336 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

Schoolhouse, 3N784 Church Road, Bensenville. (630) 833-1457, elmhursthistory.org.

FAMILY HAYRIDES. Naperville. See Oct. 5. Today’s location is Seager Park, 1163 Plank Road.

12 | SUNDAY CHICAGO CIRCUS IN THE PARKS. See Oct. 4. Today’s location is Margate Fieldhouse, 4921 N. Marine Drive.

SUBURBS

FAMILY DAY: DARE. Inspired

by the exhibition “David Bowie Is,” this Family Day invites families with kids 12 and under to be bold and daring with art activities exploring risk and chance. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

SUBURBS CIRCUS IN PROGRESS: AN EVENING OF DARING NEW WORK. Performance focuses on

the development of new acts.

FALL BULB FESTIVAL. GLENCOE. See Oct. 10. Today’s

times are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

SCIENCE DAY. Explore

engineering with members of the Chicagoland engineering community.

Event features interactive displays and presentations that are fun and educational, designed to enhance children’s interest in math, science and engineering. Noon-4 p.m.

Des Plaines Public Library, 1501 Ellinwood St., Des Plaines. (847) 376-2839, dppl.org.

HERITAGE DAY AT CHURCHVILLE SCHOOLHOUSE & FISCHER FARM. Join a festive

community celebration of local history. Activities include exploring the historic buildings, candle dipping, local arts and crafts showcase, live country music, and Taylor’s Battery First Illinois Light Artillery Civil War reenactors presenting cannon firings on the hour. Picnic food available for purchase. $5 wristbands for pony rides, petting zoo, inflatables, and one pumpkin per child. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Churchville

FALL BULB FESTIVAL.

Glencoe. See Oct. 10. Today’s times are 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

SUKKOT FAMILY ACTIVITIES. Families celebrate the

Jewish harvest holiday of Sukkot and help decorate the sukkah with handmade decorations. Activities sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women, Chicago North Shore Section. $20 parking. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

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run cheer volunteer! at the Girls on the Run 5k Saturday, November 15 at Montrose Harbor

On November 15, 3,000 girls, boys, parents, coaches and community runners will take part in a 3.1 mile, non-competitive run celebrating health, confidence and strength. This event is family-friendly and open to the public. All runners are welcome to participate in cheers, face painting, and tiara decorating, in addition to a great post-5k festival featuring food, games and giveaways.

Raise funds and win prizes!

Visit gotrchicago.org/gotrc5k or call 773-342-1250 for more information or to register. National Sponsors:

Girls on the Run–Chicago is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. Using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running, the innovative program combines training for a 5k event with interactive lessons that encourage positive social, emotional, mental and physical development. Over the past 15 years, Girls on the Run-Chicago has served more than 35,000 girls across six Chicagoland counties. This year, more than 1,000 coaches will mentor 8,000 girls, empowering them with the confidence and character they need to become strong, healthy women.

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CALENDAR

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710 W. Boughton Road Bolingbrook, IL 60440

630.759.8711

www.johansenfarms.com WOODLAND PUMPKIN HUNT.

Explore the woods and search for a pumpkin. Activities include stories, crafts and pumpkin decorating. $12, $8 resident. 2-3:30 p.m. Irons Oaks, 20000 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields.

(708) 481-2330, ironsoaks.com.

DANADA FALL FESTIVAL.

Watch riding demonstrations and performances in the main arena.

Across the grounds, take a hayride through the autumn woods, watch a farrier make horseshoes, tour the barn that once housed Kentucky Derby-winner Lucky Debonair, and learn about horse care, grooming and tack. Kids can decorate paper hobbyhorses, play in a straw pen, paint pumpkins, or stop by the face-painting booth. Fees for some activities. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Danada Equestrian Center, 3S503 Naperville Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-6012, dupageforest.com.

13 | MONDAY

COLUMBUS DAY ZOO CAMP: ANIMAL UNDERDOGS. From the

overlooked to the underappreciated, kids in pre-K-fourth grade take a closer look at the not-so-cute and fuzzy critters at the zoo. Discover how these monsters are really marvels of the natural world. $67, $57 members. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago.

(312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

MACHINE MANIA. Kids 6-12 find

out how wedges, screws and levers help us with our daily lives, then build simple machines to complete different tasks like lifting weights and launching marshmallows. $57, $38 resident. 10 a.m.-noon. Irwin Community Center, 18120 Highland Ave., Homewood. (708) 957-0300, hfparks.com.

ECO-EXPLORERS: FROM SEED TO PUMPKIN. NAPERVILLE. See Oct.

11. Today’s times are 10-11:30 a.m.

15 | WEDNESDAY

COLUMBUS DAY PARADE.

Celebrates Christopher Columbus’ historic voyage to America and Italian-American culture. 12:30 p.m.

Columbus Drive from Balbo Drive to Monroe Street, Chicago. jccia.com.

COOL SCIENCE: HALLOWEEN POTIONS, ELIXIRS & MAGICAL MIXTURES. Kids 3-5 explore the

fascinating and sometimes messy world of chemistry while learning

FREE Everyday Attractions - Train Rides at Pumpkin Junction - Hayrides - Two-Story Airslides - The Amazing Corn Maze - Baby Chicks to be held - Over 500 Animals in our Zoo - Rabbit Hotel & Goat Mountain - Medium Sized Airslide (for the smaller kids)

- Jump in the Giant Castle - Toddler Jumping Jail - Toddler Slide - Toddler Jumping Playroom

Additional Attractions - FREE Pony Rides

(available only on weekends in Oct.)

- FREE Noah's Ark Challenge (available on weekends only)

IL OPEN DA :0 7 9:00am - c O Sept. 13 2014

All of the above rides & attractions are FREE and unlimited with paid Zoo Admission.

for

We DO NOT charge admission to visit the Pumpkin Patch, Store, Pie House or FREE Photo Room.

We Sub Sor

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CALENDAR

Pie & Doughnut House

Enjoy a slice of our fresh baked pie or try our FAMOUS hot apple cider doughnuts. (Don’t forget to take some home!)

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Autumn Treats

Apple cider, taffy apples, fudge, jams & jellies, butters.

Seee Oc Se Oct. t. 12

Pumpkin Farm & Fall Decor Over 25,000 pumpkins!

Plus corn stalks, beautiful fall mums, Indian corn, hay bales, gourds, scarecrows, and great Halloween decorations for your home!

Free Parking Handicap Accessible Paved Walkways

COOL SCIENCE: HALLOWEEN POTIONS, ELIXIRS & MIXTURES.

Schaumburg

Rt. 53

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Chicago

75th St.

Boughton Rd.

Bolingbrook Indiana

CLOSE TO MAJOR HIGHWAYS

for weekday specials!

Weather permitting.

Subject to close without notice.

Sorry, no refunds.

about the different states of matter (solids, liquids, gases and plasma) and create gooey concoctions like slime and ice cream. $27, $18 resident. 4-5 p.m. 95th Street Center, 2244 W. 95th St., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

I-55 South from Chicago: Exit I-355 North to first exit, Boughton Rd. Go West on Boughton Rd. 2 miles I-355 South: Exit Boughton Rd. and go West 3 miles

Kids 6-11 learn about basic principles of chemistry while following ancient recipes and using various “magical” ingredients to create potions, elixirs and other mixtures. At the end of the evening, receive a certificate of Advanced Potion Making. $53, $35 resident. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 95th Street Center, 2244 W. 95th St., Naperville.

(630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

16 | THURSDAY FAMILY NIGHT OUT: INNOVATION LAB. The museum’s

Gold Theatre becomes an Innovation Lab, with four stations set up for families to create something together. Each station features a creative “project” related to the life of Colonel McCormick, Cantigny’s innovative benefactor. $2 parking. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cantigny

Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton.

(630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

NATURE STORY TIMES. River

Forest. See Oct. 2.

SHARK DISSECTION. Kids dissect

a dogfish shark. $18, $15 members, $5 observing adult. 7 p.m. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.

17 | FRIDAY CIRCUS IN THE PARKS. Chicago.

See Oct. 4. Today’s time is 7 p.m. and location is Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.

18 | SATURDAY CHICAGO CIRCUS IN THE PARKS. See Oct. 4. Today’s location is Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave. JUMPSTART’S READ FOR THE RECORD. Help Lakeshore

and Jumpstart break the world reading record and celebrate early

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literacy. Parents and children are invited to enjoy hourly readings of “Bunny Cakes”—the official book of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record 2014 campaign—and participate in free crafts and activities. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lakeshore Learning Store, various locations. (847) 705-5052, lakeshore learning.com.

PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FAIR. Brings together

more than 150 public and private schools, enrichment programs and related services in one location at one time. No children permitted except infants in baby carriers.

Neighborhood Parents Network membership must be current to attend. RSVP by time slot: npnparents.org/expos/1552. $6 discounted two-hour parking available at 1555 N. Sheffield. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Grossinger City Autoplex, 1530 N. Dayton St. (312) 409-2233, npn parents.org.

SUBURBS CHESS TOURNAMENT. Compete in

a round robin chess tournament. Kids compete once with every player in their section. Each player must bring their own chess set. $20. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Jewett Park Community Center, 836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield.

(847) 945-0650, deerfieldparks.org.

COMMUNITY EXPO.

Features clowns, mascots, face painting, raffles and refreshments.

Also includes Kidsfair, sponsored by Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital, with a magic show, Doctor Dress Up, Fun with Food, jumprope contest, and more kids’ activities. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Carl Sandburg High School, 13300 S. La Grange Road, Orland Park. orlandparkchamber.org.

GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD’S “THE TOOTH WILL SET YOU FREE” TOUR. The live performance features

new songs and videos from Gustafer Yellowgold’s Wisdom Tooth of Wisdom, along with fan favorites from the five previous Gustafer Yellowgold releases. Free with membership or admission. 9:30 and 10:15 a.m.

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

PUMPKIN PLUNGE. Get a pumpkin

by plunging into the Fountain View Pool. Pumpkins of various sizes will be floating in the pools. The grand prize will be an extra-large pumpkin sunk to the bottom of the 12-footdeep pool. Pumpkin decorating will be available following the plunge. $15, $10 resident. 1-1:45 p.m. Carol Stream Park District, 391 Illini Drive, Carol Stream. (630) 784-6100, csparks.org.

19 | SUNDAY CHICAGO CIRCUS IN THE PARKS. See Oct.

4. Today’s location is Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave. GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD’S “THE TOOTH WILL SET YOU FREE” TOUR. An out-of-this world,

multimedia family show with full band. The live performance features new songs and videos from Gustafer Yellowgold’s Wisdom Tooth of Wisdom, along with plenty of fan favorites from the five previous Gustafer Yellowgold releases. $10.

3 p.m. Schubas, 3159 N. Southport.

(773) 525-2508, schubas.com.

SUBURBS FAMILY HAYRIDES. Naperville. See

Oct. 5. Today’s location is Seager Park, 1163 Plank Road.

21 | TUESDAY KIDS’ MONSTER CUPCAKE CLASS. Kids 5 and up decorate a

cupcake to look like a monster. Sign up at the Customer Service desk. $4 per child/cupcake. 4:30-5 p.m.

Whole Foods Market Deerfield, 760 Waukegan Road, Deerfield. (847) 444-1900, wholefoodsmarket.com.

BUNNY CAKES STORYTIME.

Join with millions of adults and children reading “Bunny Cakes” by Rosemary Wells in celebration of the Read-for-the-Record early literacy campaign. Drop in for stories and songs before bedtime. 6:30-7 p.m.

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

22 | WEDNESDAY MIGRATION BEYOND BORDERS. Learn the migration

stories of birds, insects and reptiles connecting to habitat preservation.

2-3:30 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc. com.

24 | FRIDAY AN EVENING AT TRAILSIDE MUSEUM. Sample

a variety of programs and nature crafts, chat with naturalists and view the entire collection of mammal furs and skulls. A rare behind-the-scenes program shows how the museum prepares food for the live animals. Light refreshments will be served. 5-8 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

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You are a strong, confident woman.

You need powerful health care.

Nothing is more important than your health — especially if you have a diagnosis or concern about breast cancer.

You can be confident that Diane Drugas, MD, will serve as your health partner, giving you the compassionate care you want and the expertise that you need. She is an accomplished surgeon and the newest physician to join the Women’s Center at the Presence Healing Arts Pavilion.

Diane Drugas, MD, FACS General Surgery | Breast Surgery The Women’s Center in the Presence Healing Arts Pavilion — a unique concept in healthcare focused on the specialized needs of women — from gynecology and urology to cardiology and neurology. One–stop health care convenience, plus the comfort of a luxurious spa.

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ChicagoParent.com October 2014 91

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25 | SATURDAY

SUBURBS

SUBURBS JEANIE B! This rockin’ mom will

thrill and delight kids of all ages with her show jammed full of dancing, sing-a-longs, laughs, and audience participation. $15, $12 kids 12 and under. 3 p.m. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121, metropolisarts.com.

CATAPULT CONTEST. Build a

working catapult, a device once used in medieval warfare. There are three categories of competition: distance, shot group and accuracy. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place in each category. Check website for cost. 10 a.m. Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 6685161, cantigny.org.

He eri rita tag tage ge e Day at Chur Ch urch urc chv viilllle Scho hoolhou use us & Fi Fis sc che h r Farm

FAMILY HAYRIDES. Naperville.

See Oct. 5.

See Oct. 11

26 | SUNDAY CHICAGO FAMILY WORKSHOP: GARDEN OF VERSES. Kids 5-12

learn about plants in the Lurie Garden through poetry. After a fun, interactive look at nature poems, participants will write their own poems about the plants in the garden.

The workshop ends in a poetry reading with prize. 2-4 p.m. The Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, Columbus Drive and Monroe Street.

(312) 228-1004, luriegarden.org.

INFANT AND TODDLER GYM.

Includes soft places to crawl, variety

of textures to explore, parachute, bubbles and Music with Mr. David.

Facilities also include a quiet room for feeding and diaper changes as needed. $10 family. 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

DECEMBER 2013 | FREE

CONNECTING WITH FAMILIES

50 great gifts under

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OUT Chicago

style

Five stories that inspire

In a holidaze?

We help you find fun CP_Cover_December_2013.indd 1

THE EYES HAVE IT DROPIN. Learn how other animals see,

from snake eyes that never close to the compound eyes of insects. 1-2:30 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

28 | TUESDAY WEEKDAY NATURE WALK.

Join in a casual guided hike to explore nature along the trails. 1-2 p.m. Trailside Museum of Natural History, 738 Thatcher Ave., River Forest. (708) 366-6530, fpdcc.com.

chicago parent’s annual gift guide

Jingle Bell, Jingle Buy Coming in December For more information, call (708) 386-5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com

11/4/13 11:28 AM

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The Founding Moms Conference

®

Where mom entrepreneurs exchange, connect and learn.

monday october 6, 2014 Lincoln Hall • Chicago IL Are you ready to learn from the best? To be inspired? To go big?

Want to spend a whole day with insightful and inspiring experts eating top-notch food in a world-class city? And do it all with your fellow mom entrepreneurs from around the world?

We’re so grateful to our supremely superb sponsors!

Join us for the founding moms conference!

FoundingMoms.com/Conference ChicagoParent.com October 2014 93

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ONGOING EVENTS OKTOBERFEST-NAPER SETTLEMENT. Hear live music

and enjoy authentic German cuisine during a salute to one of the community’s ethnic heritages.

Family-friendly activities available on Saturday afternoon. $15, $10 kids 4-12; $10 in advance, $5 kids in advance; free kids under 4. Additional cost for food and beverages. 5-10 p.m. Oct. 3, noon-10 p.m. Oct. 4.

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

WEST TOWN ART WALK.

Showcases dozens of local and upcoming artists and designers. Every participating location transforms into a weekend gallery, each featuring a specific artist, food, drink and music. 5-10 p.m. Oct. 3, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Oct. 4. Chicago Avenue from Milwaukee to Leavitt and Ogden, Chicago. (312) 850-9390, westtown artwalk.com.

FALL COLOR FESTIVAL. Enjoy the

fall colors and admire nature-themed scarecrows showcased around Meadow Lake. Plus, build-your-own taffy apples and sample other food and beverages available for purchase.

Free with admission. Weekends in October and Columbus Day. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

LONG GROVE OKTOBERFEST. Join in the celebra-

tion of Long Grove’s heritage by enjoying authentic German food, Oktoberfest beer tents, live entertainment featuring German bands, hayrides and more. On Saturday, Oct. 4, enjoy the European Autoschau, a concourse event showcasing a broad range of classic European cars. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 4-5 and 11-12. 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove.

(847) 634-0888, visitlonggrove.com.

ST. CHARLES SCARECROW FEST. View more than 150 hand-

crafted scarecrows and vote in six categories. Plus, live entertainment, arts and crafts show, carnival, petting zoo, canine corner and make-yourown scarecrow. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 10-11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 12. Route

Pinb Pi Pinb nba alll E Ex xpo o SSeee th this iss pag age

64 and Fox River, St. Charles. (630) 377-6161, scarecrowfest.com.

NORTH AMERICAN REPTILE BREEDERS CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW. An exhibition and

sale of many breeds of exotic and petfriendly reptiles, as well as supplies for pet owners. Event also includes educational talks on various aspects of reptiles. $15, $8 kids 5-12, free kids under 5. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 12. Tinley Park Convention Center, 18451 Convention Center Drive, Tinley Park. (708) 9328044, reptileconference.com.

PINBALL EXPO. Pinball exposition features exhibitors, seminars and speakers. Plus, tour the Stern Pinball factory and participate in a

pinball tournament. Visit website for cost and schedule. Oct. 15-19. The Westin Chicago North Shore, 601 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling. pinball expo.com.

GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM. Watch as

local artists create autumnal works of art including pumpkins and gourds, then buy one. Demonstrations and a glass exhibition take place daily at 1 p.m., while the Glass Pumpkin Sale takes place Oct. 17-19. Free with admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 15-19.

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

CHICAGO FAMILY FUN EXPO. Learn about the latest products and

services to make life easier and meet fitness instructors and coaches.

Includes live stage demonstrations, face painting, balloon animals and magic shows. $7, free kids under 18 and seniors over 65. Check website for schedule. Oct. 18-19. DuPage Expo Center, 4050 E. Main St., St. Charles. (630) 385-4000, chicago familyfunexpo.com.

SYCAMORE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL. Features thousands of

decorated pumpkins on display, food booths, carnival, parade and Saturday entertainment. A performance by the South Shore Drill team takes place at 2 p.m. Saturday, and a parade kicks off at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Entry fee for craft fair. Hours vary; visit website for schedule. Oct. 22-26.

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ONGOING EVENTS Downtown Sycamore. (815) 8955161, sycamorepumpkinfestival.com.

CHICAGO GREEN FESTIVAL.

Features leaders in the social justice and environmental community, an organic beer, mead and wine pavilion, and a dedicated kids’ area for learning about easy and fun ways to incorporate green at a young age.

Plus, more than 350 eco-friendly businesses exhibit. Noon-6 p.m. Oct. 24, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 25-26. Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago. greenfestivals.org.

THE SCARECROW TRAIL.

Artistically decorated scarecrows from local Girl and Boy Scout troops are on display around Meadow Lake.

Free with admission. 7 a.m.-sunset daily. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 9680074, mortonarb.org.

GO CROW GO. Learn about scare-

crows and make a mini one to take home. Weather permitting. Free with

ory

admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.

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

YOUNG EXPLORERS’ MONDAYS.

A hands-on program that provides an opportunity for kids 3-5 and parents to do science together and conduct experiments in the Adler’s Planet X Lab. Together, participants uncover the secrets of flight by building their own glider, kite, parachute or jetpack, dodge balloon asteroids, create constellations, manipulate “moon sand” and more. Free with admission. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org.

TOTTERCIZE. This program teaches kids 2-6, with adult, about healthy movement, coordination and balance in a gentle, introductory way.

A variety of exercises will be used including yoga and dancing. No session Oct. 20. 10-10:30 a.m. Mondays.

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

ORGANIC GARDEN. Kids can plant, weed, water and more in the garden, maintained by The Organic Gardener. Activities include crafting seed packets, edible necklaces, and window greenhouses. 2-3 p.m.

Tuesdays and Saturdays. Westfield Old Orchard, 4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie. (847) 674-7070, westfield.com/oldorchard.

ACORN EXPRESS ADVENTURES.

Families with kids 2 and up take an open-air tram ride adventure through the arboretum. Plus, make a craft and explore new topics each week. $5, $4 member, plus admission. 1111:45 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays.

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

STROLLER-BASED FITNESS.

Parents experience the arboretum’s

beauty as they get fit with their little ones. A certified fitness expert will lead a fitness program. $17, $10 members. 9:45-10:45 a.m. Fridays.

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

CRAFTS FOR KIDS. Kids 3 and up enjoy free crafts at all Lakeshore locations. Oct. 4: Makin’ Music Drum; Oct. 11: Fire Chief Fido; Oct. 25: Spooky Sweets Holder. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays. Lakeshore Learning Store, various locations.

(847) 705-5052, lakeshorelearning. com.

OPEN GYM. Explore a play space specially designed for kids 18 months-5 years. Includes soft places to climb and explore, developmentally appropriate gross motor equipment, slides, tricycles, climbing structures and more. $10 family. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays. Florence G. Heller JCC, 524 W. Melrose Ave., Chicago. (773) 871-6780, gojcc.org.

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Tel. (708) 448-6700 24 Hours www.just4kidds.com ChicagoParent.com October 2014 95

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ONGOING EVENTS TRICK OR TREES. Play tricky

games, fashion fun fall crafts, and plant a tree seed to take home. Small pumpkins to paint are available for purchase. Free with admission.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074, mortonarb.org.

EXHIBITS HATS OFF TO DR. SEUSS! In celebration of the 75th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’s second book, “The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins,” his never-before-seen hat collection will be exhibited. Also features Dr. Seuss’s little-known Secret Art Collection, a series of works adapted from Ted Geisel’s original drawings, paintings and sculpture. Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (312) 475-9620, drseussgallery.com.

DESTINATION SOLAR SYSTEM. A

live show that takes space explorers on an immersive tour of the Solar System, from sizzling solar flares on the Sun to liquid methane lakes on

Th T he Sc S c car a ec ar ecro cro row ow Trai Tr rai ail See ppaage Se ge 95

Saturn’s moon, Titan. The adventurefilled tour is led by Jesse, an enthusiastic, knowledgeable yet “green” tour guide, and MAX, a highly advanced, fully integrated onboard computer.

Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 9227827, adlerplanetarium.org.

of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago. (773) 947-0600, dusablemuseum.org.

FUNKY TURNS 40: BLACK CHARACTER REVOLUTION EXHIBITION. Exhibit commemo-

rates the 40th anniversaries of 1970s Saturday morning cartoons that featured positive black characters for the first time in television history. Free with admission. DuSable Museum

THE MACHINE INSIDE: BIOMECHANICS. Exhibit explores

animals and plants as machines built for survival, complete with

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847-537-7695

George Lin, D.D.S. Anjali Talati, D.M.D. Fred Fitzpatrick, D.D.S.

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ONGOING EVENTS pumps, pipes, insulation, motors, springs, and intelligence gathering devices. Investigate how cheetahs run so fast; how a toucan stays cool in the jungle; how a Venus fly trap detects its next meal; and how many other organisms function as machines. Presented in English and Spanish. Included in Discovery and All-Access passes. Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago.

(312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org.

STINGRAY TOUCH. Shedd staff

members guide guests through the 15-minute touch experience, while providing interesting facts about stingrays, including information about how choosing sustainable seafood protects stingrays in global waters. The outdoor exhibit also allows visitors to see the cownose stingrays through various angles.

John G. Shedd Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. (312) 939-2438, sheddaquarium.org.

SCIENCE + YOU. Exhibit features a

child-sized laboratory where kids can

ory

Lo Long on ng g Gro rove ve Okto Ok toberf berffe be es st See ee pa page ge 94

explore how scientists impact health and wellness through hands-on, interactive machinery, processes and technology. A demonstration area of the exhibit allows guest scientists and educators to perform fun and interactive scientific experiments appropriate for young children. Free with admission. Kohl

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

MODEL RAILROAD GARDEN: LANDMARKS OF AMERICA. The

Model Railroad Garden delights visitors of all ages with the sights and sounds of garden-scale trains

traversing bridges and trestles, past miniature scenes of America’s bestloved landmarks and beautiful gardens planted to scale. $6, $5 seniors, $4 kids 3-12, free kids under 3; $1 discount for members. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org.

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CALENDAR CALENDAR

Creatures of the night About the calendar

B

ats and zombies and mummies, oh my! It’s the time of year creepy creatures take over our neighborhoods and come knocking at our doors begging for candy. But this month, we found some not-soscary events worth checking out.

Flying rodents don’t sound too pleasant, but Naperville Park District’s Eco-Explorers: AcroBats gives kids a closer look at what the spooky animals are really like. Kids 9-11 can scan the skies for bats and learn how they get around in the dark, discover how a bat’s body is like their own and play bat bingo. $21, $14 resident.

7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 3-4. Knoch Knolls Park, 336 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. (630) 8485000, napervilleparks.org.

None of the cats at Brookfield Zoo are black, so there’s no need for silly superstitions. Instead, learn about the zoo’s cats, including tigers, leopards and house cats at Cat Awareness Weekend. There will be special Zoo Chats and cat-themed activities. Just in case, though, leave your ladders at home. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Oct. 4-5. Free with admission.

Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs.org.

These skeletons aren’t quite what you would find sneaking up on you in a graveyard. At Feeding Frenzy: Nothin’ but the Bones, kids 8 and up can touch and examine skulls, teeth and parts of animal skeletons to learn about how creatures catch their food and enjoy meals. Free with admission. 12:30 p.m. Oct. 11.

Stream. (630) 784-6100, Midwest Museum of Natural The deadline submitting listings for the March issue is csparks.org.

History, 425 W.for State St., Jan. 28. All events are subject to change.

Please call the can Mummies and daddies Sycamore.

(815) 895-9777, event sponsor at the number listed to confi rm before go.to bring costumed kidsyou 5-12 mmnh.org.

Events taking place on four or more dates during the February The undead seem to Mummies Night, a chance to are listed in Ongoing Events, beginning on page 100. be having a moment. get up-close-and-personal Fortunately, brave tweens and with a [simulated] preserved teens can learn how to survive corpse. p Families can Searchable listings updated daily a zombie apocalypse make a mummy ypse thanks to mak craft, Kid craf f decorate Zombie Survival T Training Training. i i . Kids ChicagoParent.com/calendar trick-or-treat learn how to identify, ntify, fight a tr and outrun a zombie, mbie, aancient monster bag, try on an then test those b outfit from King newfound skills o Tut’s closet, and in a zombie T go on scavenmaze. Plus, dresss as a g ger hunts in zombie hunter and nd the Egyptian you could win a Gallery. Free. prize (hopefully 5-8 p.m. one that doesn’t Oct. 25. Oriental involve blood).

O Institute M Museum, 1155 $8, $5 resident.

St., Chicago.

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E. 58th St 702-9514, Oct. 13. Hampe (773) 702 oi.uchicago.edu.

Park, West Lies oi.uchicag Elizabeth Diffin E Road, Carol

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PERFORMANCES BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION OF THAT’S WEIRD GRANDMA.

Through Oct. 6. The new school year brings new stories—all conceived and written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed by Barrel of Monkeys Company members. $12; $6 kids under 12. 8 p.m. Barrel of Monkeys, The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrel ofmonkeys.org.

GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS. Opens Oct. 4. The music

and mayhem in this classic fairytale make it just right for the entire family.

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

THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH.

Opens Oct. 7. Milo is bored in his bedroom until a magical tollbooth appears and transports him to the Kingdom of Wisdom where he

discovers the magic of words and numbers. Recommended for families with kids 7 and older. $10. Chicago Playworks at DePaul University, Merle Reskin Theatre at DePaul University, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. (312) 922-1999, theatreschool.depaul.edu.

PRINCESS AND THE PEA. Public

performance at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Oct. 9-11. $9.50, $7.50 kids. Theatre at the Center, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Ind. (219) 836-3255, theatreatthecenter.com.

Prrin P ince cess ss and nd the he Pe ea a

GLOBAL RHYTHMS. Choreographer

Gilles Brinas has adapted two Malambo styles featuring powerful foot stomping from the North and the subtler Southern style in bare feet. The rhythms are echoed by “bombos”—large, fat, rustic drums— and “boleadoras,” or bolas—long, thin ropes with two or more stones attached at the ends. Argentina’s Che Malambo, joined by Chicago’s Mexican Dance Ensemble and

Seee thhis is pag age

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre, perform. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9; 8 p.m. Oct. 10-11; 3 p.m. Oct. 12. Call for cost. Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 9356875, athenaeumtheatre.com.

the mouse is recommended for families with kids 3 and older. Call for cost. Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Ruth Page Center for Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. (872) 2229555, chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

FREDERICK. Opens Oct. 15. Musical based on the book about Frederick

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA.

Opens Oct. 15. Only a real Princess

Chicago Playworks for Families & Young Audiences Presents:

by Susan Nanus based on the book by Norton Juster directed by David Catlin

OCT 7 NOV 15, 2014

by Margaret Larlham directed by Ann Wakefield

JAN 13 – FEB 21, 2015

by Eric Pfeffinger directed by Ernie Nolan

APRIL 7– MAY 16, 2015

at DePaul’s historic Merle Reskin Theatre 60 E Balbo Dr, Chicago | 312 922 1999 | theatre.depaul.edu

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PERFORMANCES

Ch C hic cag ago Inte In te ernat attio ion na al Ch hildrre en n’s s Fiilm F m Fes es sttiiva val SSeee this paag age ge

can feel a pea under a stack of 20 mattresses. Meet Princess Penelope and her crazy friends. Recommended for families with kids 2-12. $12.

10:30 a.m. weekdays. Chicago Kids Company, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th, Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicagokidscompany.com.

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT. Opens

LIMITED HOLIDAY ENGAGEMENT! NOVEMBER 20–29

“AN EXTRAORDINARY PERFORMANCE 100 times better than any bedside story!”

- The New York Times

ON SALE NOW!

Visit thechicagotheatre.com/grinch or call 800.745.3000 © 2014 MSG Holdings, LP. All rights reserved. TM & © 1957, 2014 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, LP.

Oct. 18. Return to a simpler time with this heartwarming story about the transformative power of love. Based on the classic 1922 book by Margery Williams and recommended for kids 5 and older. $15. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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

HOW I BECAME A PIRATE. Opens

Oct. 18. A swashbuckling musical adventure about a boy who runs off with pirates. Young Jeremy Jacob teaches the crew a thing or two in this family-friendly production recommended for preschool and older. $12; $10 on Fridays at box office. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays. Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. (847) 2912367, northbrooktheatre.org.

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS. Opens Oct. 20. Recommended for families with kids 2-12. 10:30 a.m. weekdays. $12. Chicago Kids Company, Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago. (773) 205-9600, chicagokidscompany.com.

CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL.

Features more than 250 films from over 40 countries and engages kids of all ages with screening Q&As with filmmakers, interactive workshops

with special guests, peer-to-peer dialogues, filmmaker-led seminars, and the CICFF Children’s and Youth Juries. $9, $6 kids. Visit website for schedule. Oct. 24-Nov. 2. Facets Multi-Media, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago. (773) 281-9075, cicff.org.

THE B.F.G. (BIG FRIENDLY GIANT). Opens Oct. 25. The story

of the lonely orphan Sophie, who is snatched away by the Big Friendly Giant to an enchanted land. Call for cost. Emerald City Theatre Company, Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100, emerald citytheatre.com.

CHICAGO’S WEIRD, GRANDMA.

Opens Oct. 27. This show features weekly guest artists and companies who choose from original stories from Barrel of Monkeys’ in-school residencies and adapt them into unique performances. $12, $6 kids under 12. 8 p.m. Barrel of Monkeys, The Neo-Futurarium Theater (2nd Floor), 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago. (312) 409-1954, barrelofmonkeys.org.

CHILDREN’S CONCERT. Live children’s music concert performed by Bubbles Academy. Families can enjoy a fun and interactive performance with popular children’s songs. 10:3011 a.m. Tuesdays. Monica + Andy, 2038 N. Halsted, Chicago. (312) 600-8530, monicaandandy.com.

BINGO’S BIRTHDAY. Kids are in-

vited to Bingo the dog’s birthday, but no one can find Bingo in this interactive performance just for the very young. Call for cost. Emerald City’s Little Theatre, 2933 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. (773) 529-2690 ext.

810, emeraldcitytheatre.com.

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SURE, AT FIRST I WAS A LITTLE TAKEN ABACK

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

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

MAKE FRIENDS with math at MSI

T

he kids are well into the school year by now, so chances are you’ve probably heard, “I hate math!” at least once (or uttered it while trying to help them with homework). But after the new Museum of Science and Industry’s permanent exhibit “Numbers in Nature” opens this month, we have a feeling math might be your new best friend.

After several years of work on the exhibit, MSI experts plan to take the fear out of math and numbers by showing mathematical patterns are all around us, says John Beckman, director of exhibit design and development.

The centerpiece is a 1,600-square-foot mirror maze. It leads from the front of the exhibit where patterns are introduced to the back of the exhibit where families can explore math concepts more in depth.

“It’s a great low-barrier way to get people to understand how math can be used,” Beckman says. “When you can start to recognize it in nature, you can start to understand how the patterns help things function and how we can use patterns as well.”

Beckman hopes families

Numbers in Nature

Opens Oct. 8 Included in admission Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago msichicago.org

leave the exhibit with more appreciation for math and discover what long-time math lovers already know, that “math can be fun.”

He says the exhibit, which moves into the space across from the coal mine on the first floor, will offer something for everyone.

“We really hope people leave the exhibit and see their world in a new way,” he says.

Tamara L. O’Shaughnessy

102 October 2014 ChicagoParent.com

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HALLOWEEN OWEEN HAPPENINGS S

ZOO GHOST TOURS. Explore

the zoo after hours and join guide Ursula Bielski of Chicago Hauntings to learn about the spooky history of Lincoln Park Zoo. Tours are all ages and snacks are available for purchase. $28, $24 members. 8-9:30 p.m. Thursdays. Lincoln Park Zoo,

2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago.

(312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

GHOST STORIES IN THE PARK ...

IN THE DARK! Enjoy an evening of

scary stories that will send shivers up your spine. This is an outdoor event; dress warmly and bring blankets

and cushions. Recommended for families with kids 5 and up. $7. See website for times. Oct. 3-5 and 10-12.

Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Sindt Court, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

FALL FESTIVAL. Features

crafts, trick-or-treat candy line, hay rides, food and music in the downtown area. 1-4 p.m. Oct. 11.

Corner of Busse and Emerson, Mount Prospect. (847) 506-4948, mpdma. org.

CANTIGNY FALL FESTIVAL.

Features hayrides, live entertainment, inflatable jumpers and slides, pumpkin decorating, monster mural, face painting and candy-dive. $5 parking. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 11.

Cantigny Park, 1 S. 151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. (630) 668-5161, cantigny.org.

prizes. Plus face painting, pony rides, petting farm, moon jump, pumpkins, food and more. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 11. The Depot, 511 S. York Road, Elmhurst. epd.org.

FALL FRENZY. Family celebration of fall includes a costume contest, trick-or-treating, crafts and more. Food available for a small fee.

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 12. Bird Haven Greenhouse, 225 N. Gougar Road, Joliet. (815) 741-7278, jolietpark.org.

SPIRITS OF THE OAKS. Be led by the creatures of darkness through the forest and find out what happens when the spirits take over. Designed for kids 12 and up. $7 per person, $5 per person in groups of five or more.

7-10 p.m. Oct. 17. Irons Oaks, 20000 S. Western Ave., Olympia Fields.

(708) 481-2330, ironsoaks.com.

HALLOWEEN HAYRIDE. Explore

SAFETY TOWN SAFE TRICKOR-TREATING. Head to Safety

Town Village for early Halloween fun and safe trick-or-treating through a kid-sized village. It is part of the annual York/Vallette Business Association Family Fall Fest. Dressedup volunteers pass out candy and

things that go “bump!” in the night by taking a hayride around Terrace View Park and learning about interesting Halloween creatures. Also includes an outdoor story time in the “woods,” exploration time in the Nature Center, a “spooky” craft activity and refreshments at the campfire

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HALLOWEEN ALLOWEEN HAPP HAPPENINGS P E EN NIN NGS

circle. $4, $3 resident. 5:30-7 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 17. Lake View Nature Center, 17W063 Hodges g Road, Oakbrook Terrace. ce. (630) 9418747, obtpd.org/lvnc.

ALL HALLOWS EVE. Experience

two of the darkest nights hts of the year during this experience that brings some of the scariest literature terature of the past, present and future to life.

For ages 8 and up; nott suitable for young children. $15 att door, $10 in advance. 6:30-10 p.m. Oct. 17-18.

Naper Settlement, 523 3 S. Webster St., Naperville. (630) 420-6010, napersettlement.com.

HAUNTED QUARRY. An evening

spook walk through Batavia’s atavia’s Hall Quarry Beach for kids 10 and up. $8, $6 in advance. 7-10 0 p.m.

Oct. 17-18 and 24-25. Batavia Park District, 327 W. Wilson St., Batavia. (630) 879-5235, 9-5235, bataviaparks.org.

HALLOWEEN HOLLOW. Features

carnival, food, activities, entertainment, Scarecrow Laboratory, hayrides,

horse rides and contests. Visit website for details and schedule.

Carnival Ride Special: $25 unlimited p $ carnival rides (per person, per session). $2, free kids under 5. 6-10 p.m. Oct. 17; noon-9 p.m. Oct. 18; 1-6 p.m. Oct. 19. Main Park, 10925 La Porte Road, Mokena. (708) 390-2401, mokenapark.com.

SPOOKY POOCH PARADE. Dogs

are allowed in the Botanic Garden for a canine Halloween costume parade.

The

event includes parade, judging and awards. Nonprofits and vendors

share information and sell dogrelated products. $19, $14 members in advance. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 18.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Ga Cook Road, Glencoe.

Glenco (847) 8355440, chicagobotanic.org. chicagobotan HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL.

Includes a haunted house, bounce house, hay rides, ccrafts, games and receives a goody more. Everyone rec home. 2-5 p.m. Oct. bag to take ho 18. The Fitn Fitness Center, 1 Parkview PPlaza, Oakbrook (630) 627-6100, Terrace. (6 obtpd.org.

TRAINS, TRICK TRICKS & TREATS.

Celebrate Hallo Halloween in the Model Railroad Garden, Garden decorated with spider webs, spiders, ghosts, gobspid lins, and pumpkins, pumpkin as well as seasonal plant materials.

Visitors are mater encouraged to ccome in costume.

Small treats an and treasures to take home can be ffound throughout Railroad Garden. Kids the Model Rai can take ppart in a planting activity. $6, $4 kids 3-12; $$5 members, $3 members 3-12. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 18-19. Chicago

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

THE PUMPKIN TROLLEY. Ride

an old-time electric trolley to the Pumpkin Patch and choose a pumpkin. Pumpkins are $2 in addition to the fare. $4, $3 seniors, $2 kids 3-11, free under 3. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 18-19 and 25-26. Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. LaFox St. (Ill. 31), South Elgin. (847) 697-4676, fox trolley.org.

SKELEBRATION. Redmoon’s annual Halloween event designed for families. Enter into a playground where imagination, creativity, and sense of adventure are celebrated and encouraged. This year, families will be invited to engage with an interactive haunted house, complete with delightfully devilish hosts, explore mausoleums that will transport them into new bizarre and ethereal environments, and experience new Redmoon devices and games, from the Toilet-tron to Swat-a-Fly. $20, $12 kids 4-17; free kids 3 and under.

Oct. 18-29 and 25-26. Redmoon Theater, 2120 S. Jefferson St., Chicago. (312) 850-8440 ext. 111, redmoon.org.

BOO! AT THE ZOO. The notso-scary and fun-filled event has something for the entire family to enjoy, including the “Crazy Maize” corn maze, haunted hayrides, the “Pumpkin Smasher,” professional pumpkin carving demonstrations, a 1 p.m. Costume Parade followed by the Costume Showcase at 1:30 p.m., scarecrow building, and Zoo Chats about some of the zoo’s creepy critters. Free with admission. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 18-19 and 25-26.

Brookfield Zoo, First Avenue and 31st Street, Brookfield. (708) 688-8000, czs.org.

GHOST STORY TRAIN. Ride a

spooky trolley to the haunted forest preserve and listen to chilling stories around the campfire while enjoying monstrously good treats. Suitable for all ages. Advance reservations recommended. Call for cost. Oct. 18 and 25. Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S.

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LaFox St. (Ill. 31), South Elgin. (847) 697-4676, foxtrolley.org.

HIKING FOR HOUNDS. Bring your costumed canine friends to spend a day enjoying and exploring the gardens and grounds. At 1 p.m., owners can enter their furry friends in a free costume contest. Plus, vendors with pet-friendly products and an adoption event featuring local advocacy organizations. $3, $1.50 seniors and kids. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 19. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford. (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

DOWNTOWN TRICK-ORTREAT. Stop by the museum for

some tricks and treats. 4:30-6 p.m.

Oct. 22. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore.

(815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.

HAPPY HAUNTINGS. Families

can enjoy performances, arts and crafts, and movies, as well as the Midnight Circus on Thursday. 4-7 p.m.

Oct 23; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 24-25; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 26. Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington. Chicago. cityofchicago.org/dcase.

HALLOWEEN PARTY! Dress up for Halloween and enjoy a great party.

All proceeds will be donated to My Gym Challenged America. $5, $3 members. 1-5 p.m. Oct. 24. My Gym Children’s Fitness Center Aurora, 4008 Fox Valley Center Drive, Aurora.

(630) 499-1299, my-gym.com.

BOO! FEST. The Simkus Recreation

Center transforms into a ‘spooktacular’ palace, oozing with Halloween activity. Wear a costume and visit the mad science lab, make spooky crafts, eat ghoulish snacks and hunt for candy in the haystack. Also includes games, bounce house, ghost stories and the Coral Cove Spook Walk. $8, $5 resident. 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 24.

Carol Stream Park District, 391 Illini Drive, Carol Stream. (630) 784-6100, csparks.org.

THE SCAREHOUSE OF CAROL STREAM. Challenge your nerves in

the haunted graveyard, the mad scientist’s lab, the zombie dungeon and more. Then hang out in the Simkus Gym listening to music. Additional fee for snacks and refreshments. $8, $5 resident. 9-10:30 p.m. Oct. 24.

Carol Stream Park District, 391 Illini

Drive, Carol Stream. (630) 784-6100, csparks.org.

A HAUNTING IN THE VALLEY.

Costumed guides lead scheduled groups along a trail of Halloween fun, adventure and magic. Also includes refreshments, games, live owl display and a bonfire. $8, $6 in advance. 6:15-9:30 p.m. Oct. 24-25. Spring Valley Nature Center & Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg. (847) 985-2100, parkfun.com HALLOWEEN NIGHT WALKS.

Experience the mysteries of the haunted forest during a familyfriendly 75-minute half-mile hike with short stops that will delight you with dramatic antics and humorous tales. $10 in advance. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 24-25. Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center, 3609 Spring Road, Oak Brook. (630) 850-8110, dupageforest.org.

CLARK STREET SPOOKTACULAR. Includes

refreshments, crafts and games, plus trick-or-treating to businesses throughout the community. During

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HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS trick-or-treating, there are Halloween inflatables, magicians, balloon twist artists, jugglers and stilt walkers.

Visitors will enjoy Scarecrows on Parade, costume contests for adults and kids, prizes, special savings at participating restaurants and an afternoon of outdoor family fun. 1-5 p.m. Oct. 25. Clark Street between Armitage and Diversey and Diversey from Orchard to Lakeview, Chicago. visitclarkstreet.com.

Orchestra of Chicago performs a program of spooky music recommended for families with kids 5 and older. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. for young ghosts, goblins and ghouls to enjoy Halloween games and arts-andcrafts activities. $10-$60. 3 p.m. Oct. 25. Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. (800) 223-7114, (312) 294-3000, cso.org.

to trick-or-treating with a variety of

SPOOKY SCIENCE. Come in

costume for a non-scary night of Halloween fun. Trick-or-treat through the exhibits, create crafts, make slime, boogie under black light and more. A host of famous deceased scientists will be on hand to amaze you with science tricks that look like magic. $9, $3 members.

6-9 p.m. Oct. 25. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford.

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

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HALLOWED HAUNTS. The Civic

SPOOKY ZOO SPECTACULAR. Safe alternative

10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25. Batavia Riverwalk, Batavia. (630) 879-5235, downtownbatavia.com.

entertainment, crafts and fun for the whole family. Dress up in costume and come to the Lincoln Park Zoo ready for an evening full of fun and games. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 25.

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org.

HALLOWEEN RAILROAD.

The model trains run through Spookytown. Some visitors will be

able to “drive a train” and earn a “NCOG Honorary Jr. Operating Engineer” certificate. A separate Thomas the Tank Engine runs in the auditorium. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 25.

Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park. (847) 681-7030, hplibrary.org/kids.

BATFEST. Features trick-ortreating, Mothers’ Club Parade, pumpkin roll, contests and games.

CREEPY CRAWLY HALLOWEEN PARTY. Trick-or-treat through the

decorated museum, enjoying games along the way. Meet tarantula breeders, have a photo taken with our creepy crawly live critters, check out the grossology lab, and enjoy games, candy and prizes. $8, $6 members.

6-8 p.m. Oct. 25. Midwest Museum of Natural History, 425 W. State St., Sycamore. (815) 895-9777, mmnh.org.

Our Top Four Family Activities This Fall

N

EW

Share the excitement at The Morton Arboretum

Children’s Garden

Theatre-Hikes®

Drive-In Nights

Open Daily

Weekends, now through October

October 10 & 11

Weekends in October

Explore the changes autumn brings to our award-winning, four-acre Children’s Garden.

Experience live theater on nature’s stage as you walk along with the action from scene to scene.

Share an old-fashioned family movie night during our drive-in movie series featuring Frankenweenie and Hocus Pocus.

See brilliantly colored trees while enjoying grilled goodies, taffy apples, a scarecrow trail, and much more.

Fall Color Festival

Learn more at mortonarb.org/events.

THE MORTON ARBORETUM 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532 • mortonarb.org • 630-968-0074

CONNECT WITH US

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ChicagoParent.com October 2014 107

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HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS

3 ways to help kids distinguish real and make believe on Halloween

Halloween can be a fun time for kids – dressing up as their favorite superhero, or character, running from house to house collecting more candy than they can carry. Yet it can also be confusing, particularly for younger children who are still developing the sense of separation between what’s real and what’s make-believe.

Even if children are old enough to understand the concept of dressing in costume for Halloween, seeing their friends or family members dressed as monsters may make them feel a little uneasy. Before going trick-or-treating or to other events that might expose children to scary situations, prepare your child ahead of time for what to expect.

1 Do a little advance prep.

It’s helpful for young kids to be exposed to the sights and sounds of Halloween before the day rolls around. Libraries are great for this. Flip through a few Halloween books with your youngster to show that underneath the masks, makeup, and costumes are just regular people. This may help kids see it as fun, instead of frightening.

2 Expose kids in moderation.

When enjoying the first few Halloweens with your child, consider introducing the holiday in phases so you don’t overdo exposure. Try letting your child dress up and hand out candy as a start and reserve trick-or-treating for the following year. Also, if you have more than one child, remember that younger kids may not be ready for the same Halloween movies or haunted fun houses that older children enjoy. The important thing is to expose your child at a pace he is comfortable with.

3 Talk about fears.

It’s easy to forget that as children are still learning about the world, real and make-believe often mix together and pretend things may still seem scary. Respect your child’s feelings, and don’t make fun of or just dismiss them. Kids take their experiences at face value. What they see and feel is what exists, so use this as an opportunity to help your child master fears by talking about them.

Over time, most kids learn that a little bit of scary can be fun. Finding that right balance is the key to making Halloween a time of enjoyment and discovery for the whole family.

Sylvia Barsotti is the editor of Parenting Content at Highlights for Children.

For more thoughts on parenting from Highlights, visit blog.highlights.com.

These tips are provided as part of a partnership between Highlights for Children and Chicago Parent.

Ha H alllow owe ee en Hay Ha yrriid de es s SSeee thiiss pag See a e

HALLOWEEN HAYRIDES. Dress in a Halloween costume (parents included). Each registered child 3-12 receives a Halloween goody bag filled with treats and prizes. Bring food to cook over the bonfire or bring the fixings for s’mores. Hot chocolate and apple juice provided. Registration required. $13, $9 resident, free kids under 3. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Oct. 25.

Knoch Knolls Park, 336 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

for a Halloween-themed concert.

Concert-goers hear spooky and atmospheric pieces, featuring both classical and popular music to set the mood. 7-8 p.m. Oct. 25.

Naperville Park District, 305 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville. (630) 8485000, napervilleparks.org.

HALLOWFEST: A GARDEN OF GOOD...AND EVIL! Take either

the “friendly” or “spooky” path to

HOWLOWEEN HOOPLA.

Bring a four-legged friend dressed in costume to take part in contests and games. Local non-profit organizations, including shelters and rescue groups, will be on hand to promote animal welfare and to adopt out their dogs. Giveaways and doggie services will be available. All dogs must be leashed, but a dog park permit is not required. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 25.

Whalon Lake, Royce Road, one mile west of Route 53, Naperville. (815) 727-8700, fpdwc.org.

PUMPKIN DECORATING AND S’MORES. Each child 2-8 receives

a pumpkin and everything needed to create a Halloween masterpiece.

Games, prizes, hayrides and s’mores are included. $20, $13 resident.

10-11:15 a.m. or noon-1:15 p.m. Oct. 25. Seager Park Interpretive Center, 1163 Plank Road, Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

Ha alll ow owee een ee n N gh Ni g t Wa Walk lk ks Seee pa Se page ge 106

SCARE-ILLON CONCERT.

Head to the Millennium Carillon

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HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS activities in the Regenstein Center and McGinley Pavilion. Experience family-friendly thrills and chills, including two stages of entertainment, fortune telling, face painting, a spooky snack shack, and a ride on the “Howlin’ Express.” As night falls, walk through the Model Railroad Garden, decorated in ghastly lights and running special ghost trains. $19, $14 members in advance, free kids 2 and under. 5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 25; 4-7:30 p.m. Oct. 26. Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. (847) 835-5440, chicago botanic.org/hallowfest.

26. Carol Stream Park District, 391 Illini Drive, Carol Stream. (630) 7846100, csparks.org.

RAY BRADBURY STORYTELLING FESTIVAL. Hosted by the Waukegan

Public Library, this annual storytelling festival features the work of Ray Bradbury. The 2014 theme is “Literary Halloween.” Call the Genesee Theatre box office for tickets. $6 children’s matinee, $17 evening performance. 10:30 a.m. children’s matinee; 7:30 p.m. performance recommended for 10 and older. Oct. 31. Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan. waukeganpl.org.

HALLOWEEN HAPPENING.

Lots of free Halloween activities at this fest for kids 10 and under.

1-4 p.m. Oct. 26. Riverwalk Grand Pavilion, 912 Sindt Court, Naperville.

(630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

HOWL’OWEEN DOG PARADE & COSTUME CONTEST. Categories

include best, scariest, funniest and cutest couple (dog and owner). Each dog will receive a treat bag. Owners must secure their dog on a 6-foot leash. $3, $2 resident. 1-2 p.m. Oct.

HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS.

Enjoy an interactive DJ who will be playing Halloween-themed games such as the Mummy Wrap and classics like the Limbo, Freeze Dance and a Hula Hoop Contest. Plus, try the Wheel of Witches, Pumpkin Pick & Paint, help color the giant mural and join the costume parade at 7:30 p.m.

6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Homewood Flossmoor Park District, 3301 Flossmoor Road, Flossmoor. (708) 957-0300, hfparks.com.

Specıal Parent CHICAGO

A Chicago Parent EMPOWERMENT GUIDE

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

• 50,000 copies distributed in early intervention specialist offices, and local libraries • Expanded special needs resource directory online at ChicagoParent.com

Summer edition now available!

For more information, call (708) 386 5555 or visit ChicagoParent.com ChicagoParent.com October 2014 109

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HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS BOO BASH! PARENT-CHILD ACTIVITY. Kids 3-5, with adult,

can wear costumes to this hour of Halloween activities and stories. $10. 10-11 a.m. Oct. 31.

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

HALLOWEEN TRICKS AND TREATS. Kids 2-6 create Halloween

crafts, sing Halloween songs and participate in holiday-themed activities. Come dressed in a costume. $24, $16 resident. 1:30-3 p.m. Oct. 31. 95th Street Center, 2244 W. 95th St., Naperville. (630) 848-5000, napervilleparks.org.

TALES FROM THE TRAM. Board the Acorn Express for an evening of spooky storytelling. Glide through the woods after dark, hear bone-chilling tales and listen for creatures of the night. $10, $8 members. 7:30-9 p.m. Oct. 31.

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

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// www.npnparents.org // special advertising section LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Start thinking about your options

Y Get everything you need from pregnancy through preschool

JOIN NPN TODAY A year of connections, support & must-have parenting information www.npnparents.org/signup

ou know fall has arrived when the buzz around the swings at the playground turns from playdates to day care and school search.

It’s never too early to explore your options. The most critical questions to ask yourself is: • What types of schools/day cares should I consider?

• What is the minimum age for admission?

Use minimum age and application deadline as guides for developing your plan of attack. IMPORTANT: Please check with each day care/school on how early you can apply.

The new Neighborhood Parents Network My Directory allows members to search and save up to 30 schools. You can download this list to Excel and track your progress. Use the map view to verify proximity to work or home.

Remember, all work is no fun. Explore all that Chicago has to offer with NPN! The calendar is full of events plus the parenting information you need when you need it.

Sincerely, Melanie Schlachter, Executive Director

A POWERFUL EDUCATION IN THINKING FOR LIFE

A

ncona educators tap into each individual child’s innate gifts and guide them toward a

lifelong love of

learning. Built on the time-tested principles of Montessori education, Ancona is a transformational journey that builds on the wonder inside young learners and teaches them how to soar.

Now enrolling three-, four- and five-year-olds ready to move the world!*

Register for an upcoming Open House or Admissions Coffee at anconaschool.org/apply or contact

admissions at 773.924.2356.

*New all-day, all-year/dual language Montessori options.

Apply online on or after September 1, 2014

The Ancona School • 4770 South Dorchester Ave. • Chicago, IL 60615 • P: 773.924.2356 • F: 773.924.8905 • www.anconaschool.org

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College isn’t the only choice for your child’s future

By Randall Welsh

A

few months ago, I became the proud new father of a beautiful baby girl. And though my daughter is young, I frequently find myself thinking about her future. It’s wide open, and I want to be ready to support her on whatever path she chooses.

When the time comes, I will encourage her to seek some kind of postsecondary education, and to keep learning, developing skills and discovering her passions.

That may or may not involve college. College isn’t for everyone.

Outside of ever-increasing tuition, other factors lead students to educations that are different from traditional four-year universities. They may be interested in jobs that require focused technical training. They may not want to move far from family and friends. Or they may already have a job and don’t want to commit to a full-time education.

For many young men and women, trade school, vocational school, community college and junior college might be the way to go.

Accredited institutions like these can be great routes to personal happiness, career satisfaction and financial success.

In addition to understanding and encouragement, I plan to offer my daughter some financial support. You’re probably among the 98 percent of Illinois parents who feel the same way, as the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office discovered in a survey of Illinois parents in 2012.

And like many others, you might be hesitant to put money into a “college savings” plan.

These types of plans could probably use a better name.

It might be “Postsecondary Education Savings Plan.”

Though it is a bit of a mouthful, that’s really what they’re all about.

And if you think there’s a good chance your kid will gain valuable higher education outside of a fouryear university, don’t assume it won’t require a lot of money and some financial planning.

Besides tuition, you’ll be faced with expenses such as books, materials and other special fees. If the school is away from home, room and board costs can add to an already steep bill.

When it’s time for that postsecondary education, you can make tax-free withdrawals from your 529 savings account to pay for these qualified expenses, whether that is at a university or an accredited vocational, trade, community

Join Bright Start College Savings at the upcoming Annual NPN Preschool and Elementary School Fair Oct. 18. A breakout session will help parents think about saving for college and beyond. Visit npnparents. org/calendar for details and to RSVP.

or four-year school, regardless of whether they’re in-state, out-of-state or abroad.

If you want to help your kids pay for a higher education, starting to save early is crucial.

Savings, however small at first, accumulate and grow. Opening an account specifically dedicated to education savings can go a long way in preparing your child for the future.

Start with small changes.

Find $10 a week and save it, with an eye on raising it to $25 in two years.

Whether your kid chooses college or another path, supporting them in every way will enable them to achieve their dreams and future aspirations.

To learn more about 529 savings plans, visit brightstartsaving.com.

Randall Welsh is the director of College Savings in the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.

It sponsors the Bright Start 529 College Savings plan, which provides a tax-advantaged way to save for college.

Randall lives near Chicago with his wife and baby girl, Caroline. He has been an NPN member since 2013.

Discover Roycemore…

PERSONAL, ENGAGED COLLEGE PREP Admissions Open House Tuesday, November 11, 8:30-10 AM Call Amanda at 847-866-6055 or visit roycemoreschool.org 1200 Davis Street in Evanston Age 3–Grade 12

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// www.npnparents.org // special advertising section Photo by G. Yoshioka

Don’t let the school search effort overwhelm your family

F

Redefining Smart.

At Brickton Montessori School we measure our students’ abilities to THINK critically, MAKE responsible decisions, and SOLVE problems creatively.

Call 773.714.0646 today or visit www.brickton.org.

edefining Smart.

Enroll now for Academic Year 2014-2015 Contact us today to schedule your private tour

rickton Montessori School we measure our Located just South of I-90MAKE between ents’ abilities to THINK critically, Cumberland East River Road onsible decisions, andand SOLVE problems 8622 West Catalpatoday Avenueor in visit Chicago atively. Call 773.714.0646 w.brickton.org.

Ages 2-14 (Toddlers do not need to be

trained) ed just South oftoilet I-90 Fully accredited een Cumberland and by the Independent River Road Schools Association of the Central States

West Catalpa Avenue and the American cago Montessori Society.

Good Thinking

inding the perfect CPS neighborhood school school for their child finder (schoollocator.cps. is on every parent’s k12.il.us/) and talk to parent list of worries, but it groups for firsthand feedback doesn’t have to be so stressful. and plans for the near future.

It is important to remember The CPS Office of Access that there is likely more than and Enrollment (cpsoae.org) one solution for your family. offers information on magnet, Neighborhood Parents gifted/classical, and enrichNetwork has spent the past ment programs. three decades helping families Attend NPN’s Chicago get the information they need School Choice sessions. to have a successful school Panelists and school search search. Follow these easy tips experts discuss the process to get your and answer audisearch started: ence questions.

Determine Try not to get your Space is limited your fam(npnparents.org/ heart set on one ily’s school school and spread groups/chicagosearch criteria. school-choice). your net as wide Consider facReserve spots tors such as as possible. Many early for school cost, location, wait lists move tours and visitapublic or prition days. Dates and no decision is vate, schedule, are usually availafter-school permanent. able by Sept. programs, etc.

1, and on-site Go to the contact with the NPN School page (npnparents. school, students and adminorg/schools) to check out istration helps facilitate your upcoming school fair details decisions. and RSVP. Also visit the NPN Attend the NPN School Online School Directory to Fairs. More than 100 public enter your search criteria/ and private preschools and must-haves to explore the elementary schools send repright schools for your family. resentatives to meet parents, NPN’s My Directory helps giving them one-stop access you narrow your search plus to make personal connecit allows you to save up to 30 tions, consider new options schools on your list. A map is and determine next steps in then created to use as you go the application process. school to school to find the perfect fit.

Seek out valid word-ofDip into the NPN Discussion mouth recommendations. Ask friends, acquaintances, neighForum. Gain access to membors and co-workers for their bers’ thoughts about school opinions on school options. search. Search within existing Parents are usually willing to post categories such as “pretalk about their school, espeschoolers” and “school days.” cially if they are particularly Or start your own topic! happy or unhappy with their If you are considering choice.

Chicago Public Schools, take advantage of CPS resources:

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special advertising section // www.npnparents.org // 3748 West Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 GatewayMontessoriSchool.org Phone: 773-539-3025 • Email: info@GatewayMontessoriSchool.org

A LIFETIME LOVE OF LEARNING STARTS HERE. • Toddler (2 to 3 yr olds) • Preschool (3 to 6 yr olds) • Extended Day Kindergarten (5 and 6 yr olds) • Elementary School • Middle School • After School Daycare until 3:15pm Please email Julie Einstein at jeinstein@rpmschool.org to learn more.

established in 1966

www.rpmschool.org | 1800 W. Balmoral Ave. Chicago

Nurturing the potential within each child Parent-Child Program: For parents with children up to 18 months.

Children’s House: For children 3 to 6 years old.

Community: For children 15 months to 3 years old.

Elementary: For children 6-12 years old.

Ignite a sense of discovery and a passion for learning RSVP

Elementary & Middle School Tour November 4 at 9 am

425 Dempster, Evanston, IL 847.864.2190 www.chiaravalle.org

How long is a furlong?

Students calculated how many meters are in a furlong, the original measurement Anglo-Saxon farmers used to describe the distance of one row to plow.

A furlong is also the distance from the corner of our building at Dempster and Hinman to the Middle School, one block north. Much farther than predicted!

What a very Montessori way to integrate lessons in mathematics and history.

Parent/Child · Toddler · Early Childhood 3-6 · Elementary · Middle School

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Navigating public transportation with a small child

W

hether you’re commuting daily to and from school, or heading downtown with your little one in tow, getting around without a car is something that is constantly coming up in conversations with parents.

We went to the streets and crowdsourced the best tips from some of our favorite urban adventurers out there.

Here’s what they came up with: • Bring a lightweight stroller or an umbrella stroller if possible. You may have to take your child out and collapse it. If you have the option, babywearing is a great solution.

• Don’t travel during rush hour. Just don’t.

• Do your research. Check to see if the train stations you’ll be visiting have elevators. Sometimes it is worth adjusting your route by going to the next stop if it’s more stroller accessible.

• Be prepared to board. Have your card/ pass out when you arrive at the station so that you aren’t the one causing a

delay. When the train or bus arrives, be ready to hop on. It most likely will not wait for you if you’re dawdling.

• Plan for the potty. There are no restrooms on public transportation. Even if there were, you probably wouldn’t want to use them. Plan ahead, especially if you’ve just started the potty training process.

• Leave your diaper bag at home. Swap it out for a backpack. We know your Jansport from college is hanging out in the back of a closest somewhere. Having two hands available is probably best for a multitude of reasons. Have a water bottle and a toy stashed in an easy-toaccess pouch.

they turn 2, buses and trains are kind of the coolest. Explore the city through their eyes. You’ll start thinking of public transportation as part of the journey and not just a commute from here to there.

We find that here in Chicago, trains can be a little easier to navigate with a stroller than a bus. Ask other moms in your area if they have any hyperlocal tips on getting around. After all, it takes a village.

Until then, get out, and enjoy the city like you never have before, with your kids!

Christa Reed is the associate executive director for the Neighborhood Parents Network in Chicago. For other tips on living an urban family lifestyle, npnparents.org.

• Don’t be distracted. Safety should always be your biggest priority. We don’t want any little fingers pinched in doors or iPhones stolen because you weren’t paying attention.

• Enjoy it. Enjoy the freedom of not having to park a car or deal with traffic while having fun with your kiddo. Once

Coming in January P r eschools | Element ar y | H igh Schools | B oar ding | Enr ichment Special N eeds | Academic Tut or ing Ser vices and mor e

JANUARY 2014

A multi-denominational community school

Join us for an informational meeting!

Thursday, November 13 7:30 p.m.

To RSVP or for more information, please contact Cortney Stark Cope, Director of Admissions. cstarkcope@chicagojewishdayschool.org 773-271-2700

Educating our children in the richness of their past, the diversity of their present, and the possibilities for their future.

5959 North Sheridan Road Chicago, Illinois 60660 www.chicagojewishdayschool.org

MAKING GRADE

junior kindergarten through grade eight

THE

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

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Middle School Open House, Grades 6–8 Saturday, October 25 | 1 pm

Open House Events

Upper School Open House, Grades 9–12 Saturday, November 22 | 10 am Register at: fwparker.org/openhouse Financial Aid Available

Francis W. Parker School

|

330 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, IL 60614

|

773.797.5107

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Top 10 tips for parents of first-time students

By Kevin O’Brien

B

eginning school can be challenging for both parents and their children.

It is often the first time a child will make friends with someone who is not a sibling, cousin or a neighbor. The friendships formed in preschool can last a lifetime for both children and their parents.

Use the following tips to help ease all of you into your child’s new life as a student.

1

Talk about school.

Share that there will be children to play with and some art and singing but keep it simple. School is a very new concept for them.

2

Trust your teachers.

You chose your school for a reason. Your teachers know a lot about this age and about early childhood development. They will help your child and you through this new school experience.

The Heart of the Matter Find out why Sacred Heart is ranked among the top schools in Chicago.

■ K-8th Grade • Independent • Catholic ■ Co-ed campus • Single-gender classrooms ■ 9:1 student teacher ratio ■ Outstanding curriculum • Extensive athletics • Rich extracurricular program ■ Diverse, welcoming and involved community ■ Twenty percent of students receive need-based scholarships ADMISSIONS COFFEES:

Wednesdays, 9:15am to 11am October 8, October 22 November 5, December 10 January 14, February 4 April 15, May 6 To register call 773.681.8418

6250 North Sheridan Road, Chicago, Illinois 60660

shschicago.org

3

Let teachers know about changes at home. If a parent goes on a business trip or there is a new baby brother or sister, tell your teacher. Changes at home could impact the way your child responds during their school day. The more information your teachers have, the better equipped they will be to address your child’s needs.

4

Dress for mess. At my school, kids get messy. We encourage parents to dress their children in familiar and comfortable clothes. This is all part of the transition in bringing the familiar from home to their new school setting.

5

Who IS this kid?! After starting school, your child might act differently. He/she might have a potty training setback or they may not want to go to school.

Don’t worry -- this is very common and will settle as your child adjusts to their new routine. Call the school’s director; they are a knowledgeable (and calming) resource!

6

Believe half of what your child tells you about their day -- if they tell you anything at all. Parents want to be a fly on the wall and children are imaginative little beings. They will sometimes concoct elaborate stories about their day to grab your attention. Ask them open-ended questions to facilitate discussion.

7

Don’t overschedule.

Making new friends and experiences is exhausting work for young children. Scheduling playdates, soccer or dance classes might be too much at the beginning of the school year.

Schedule extra snuggles at bedtime but not much else.

8

Let your child set the pace. Hold your child’s hand while walking, but let them set the pace. This will slow you down and help to calm you both as you enter this happy new stage in your lives.

9

Always say goodbye and once you’ve said goodbye…leave. When saying goodbye, some children will cry or hang onto a parent. Ask a teacher to help with this transition. Warning: they may have to peel your child off you. However, after that final goodbye kiss and often before you’ve even turned the corner, your child will likely be happily laugh-

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special advertising section // www.npnparents.org // ing and playing with a friend.

Most schools will call to let you know that everything is fine. If not, it’s OK to call and check in.

10

Relax and enjoy the ride. Every child is different.

Some children will dash right into school and easily adjust, while others will be more cautious. When my son began preschool I was positive he would be fine. However, I sat on the school stairs for two weeks as he adjusted to his new environment. My daughter, who has always been cautious, was ready for me to leave on her first day. You never know how your child might respond. Sit back. Relax and enjoy this special time.

As the transitions have settled into a routine, you will be overjoyed when your child and a fellow student call to each other from across the street and exclaim, “Look! That’s my friend!”

Kevin O’Brien has a master’s in Early Childhood Education from Erikson Institute. He is executive director of Mary Meyer School, a NAEYC accredited play-based preschool celebrating seven decades of educating children through purposeful play. He is an avid runner and father of a middle school-age daughter and a high school-age son. He has presented at numerous NPN school events and is also a member of its Board of Directors.

BZAEDS is

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// www.npnparents.org // special advertising section Ancona School Ages 3 through 8th Grade 4770 South Dorchester Ave., Chicago (773) 924-2356 anconaschool.org For 52 years, Ancona’s progressive curriculum has nurtured a love for learning and equipped young minds for the 21st century and beyond. Our early childhood Montessori classrooms prepare students for life and feature half day, school year and all year options.

Register for an upcoming admissions coffee or open house at anconaschool. org/admissions

Bennett Day School PreK – 8th 657 W Fulton, Chicago (312) BENNETT (236-6388) bennettdayschool.org Bennett Day School is an independent school for Pre K through eighth grade in the Fulton River/ West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. Bennett Day School focuses on the Reggio Emilia approach to learning. Bennett Day school’s early childhood campus is fit with Apple TV-enabled projectors and a TinkerLab for children to create their own adventures.

Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School 3751 North Broadway Street, Chicago (773) 281-1858 www.bzaeds.org BZAEDS is a place where students love to learn. Innovative methods, hands-on exploration, and an unrivaled 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio inspires students to excel in a curriculum of rigorous general studies and comprehensive Jewish learning.

Brickton Montessori School 8622 W. Catalpa, Chicago (773) 714-0646 brickton.org Brickton Montessori School is fully accredited by the American Montessori Society and ISACS. We offer extended day, year-round programs for students ages 2-8th grade (Toddlers do not need to be toilet trained – partial week option available for 2 & 3 year-olds). A hands-on, individualized learning experience is enhanced by low studentteacher ratios, excellent enrichment classes, and a variety of on-site extracurricular activities. Located on the Northwest side of Chicago, just south of the I-90 in between Cumberland Avenue and East River Road. Schedule your private tour today.

British School of Chicago 814 W. Eastman, Chicago (773) 506-2097 britishschoolofchicago.org admissionsbsc@wclschools.org Truly an international school, we promote a culture of global awareness and celebration. An engaging curriculum, coupled with our high expectations and academic standards, enables our students to meet and exceed their

potential, performing well beyond expectations for their age. As partners in their education with teachers and parents, our students learn how to actively participate in their present and acquire skills for the future.

Catherine Cook School Preschool – 8th Grade 226 W. Schiller St., Chicago (312) 266-3381 catherinecookschool.org Catherine Cook inspires children in a nurturing environment, providing challenging, project-based experiences using computational thinking.

Motivated learners focus on social development and personal excellence.

The result is a confident, ethical student ready to succeed in high school and beyond.

Tours: Sept.-Jan. Open House: Nov. 2, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Chiaravalle Montessori School 425 Dempster St., Evanston (847) 864-2190 chiaravalle.org In the true spirit of Montessori, Chiaravalle has been inspiring children’s sense of discovery and creativity since 1965. We ignite empathetic, self-directed and effective thinkers by offering an education as unique as each child. Students range in age from 16 months to 14 years, with full and partial-day options for young children.

Chicago Grammar School Pre-K – 8th grade 900 N. Franklin, Chicago (312) 944-5600 chicagogrammar.org Chicago Grammar School provides a rigorous classical education fully integrated with the arts, including national and international travel experiences.

CGS students participate and win awards in national and international competitions. The curriculum is well suited for the gifted or academically talented child looking for a challenge.

Information Nights: Oct. 23, Nov. 11, and Dec. 10 or call for a private tour.

Chicago Jewish Day School 5959 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 271-2700 chicagojewishdayschool.org CJDS is a multi-denominational community school committed to celebrating the diversity of Jewish customs, philosophy and practice. We educate children to think clearly and deeply, to gain knowledge, acquire judgment, and respect diversity. We are committed to developing critical thinking and socially engaged intelligence that enables each child to understand and participate effectively in the affairs of their community, country, and the world at large in a collaborative effort to achieve a common good.

Chicago Waldorf School 1300 W. Loyola Ave.., Chicago (773) 465-2371 chicagowaldorf.org

Chicago Waldorf School’s progressive curriculum integrates creative arts with academics in vigorous ways to create students with capacities and confidence to meet the future. Our approach meets distinct stages of child development by focusing not only on what children learn but how they learn.

Tour our school to see why we are the fastest growing educational movement in the world.

ExceleRate Illinois Preparing Children for Success Excelerateillinois.com/cpad ExceleRate Illinois is a new quality rating and improvement system that helps parents find programs that actively emphasize quality. To find out how this program can help you make the best school choice for your child, please visit our website.

Francis W. Parker School Serving JK–12th Grades 330 W. Webster Ave., Chicago (773) 797-5107 fwparker.org/admission Parker is a school where inspired teachers, dynamic curriculum and a diverse community of learners thrive. Instilling a passion for learning and developing the capacity for independent inquiry are central to a Parker education. Our discussion-based courses encourage a love of learning that has proven to last a lifetime.

Middle School Open House for 6th–8th Grades: Saturday, October 25 | 1 pm Upper School Open House for 9th–12th Grades: Saturday, November 22 | 10 am Application Deadline: Monday, December 1 facebook.com/parkerchicago twitter.com/fwparker

Gateway Montessori School Nurturing the potential within each child 3748 West Montrose, Chicago (773) 539-3025 gatewaymontessorischool.org Gateway Montessori is a nonprofit education center for young children, dedicated to quality education based on the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori.

Montessori education is a non-traditional and holistic approach to working with young children. More than just academics, Montessori education aids the natural development of children, beginning from birth. Gateway offers The Parent- Infant Program, ages 3 months to 18 months; The Community, ages 15 months to 3 years; and Children’s House, 3-6 years.

GEMS World Academy Chicago 350 East South Water Street Chicago (312) 300-6658 admissions@gemschicago.org www.gemschicago.org Grades: JK-12, now enrolling for JK-6th for 2014-2015 School Year and JK-7th for 2015-2016 GEMS World Academy, a premier pri-

vate school, brings a new model of education to Chicago based on an international curriculum and transdisciplinary approach that prepares students for leadership roles in careers, community, and the broader world. GEMS’ four core values — global citizenship, growing by learning, pursuing excellence and leading through innovation — are woven into an international curriculum. With over 50 years of leadership internationally, the GEMS Education experience offers new ways to learn and meaningful connections to other cultures across a global network of schools.

Lakefront Children’s Academy 400 E. Randolph St., Ste. 6B, Chicago (312) 819-1760 lakefrontchildrensacademy.com Conveniently located in the center of Chicago, LCA is a full service private academy serving preschool ages 2-6 years and after school ages 7-12, with an enhanced curriculum and solid educational program featuring: computer readiness, math and reading readiness, science, individual piano lessons, languages and more! Also offering: low child-to-staff ratio and on-site security cameras for added protection. Outings include field trips to the many nearby museums and the playground is right across the street.

Latin School of Chicago 59 W. North Blvd., Chicago (312) 582-6000 latinschool.org For 125 years, Latin School has set standards for academic excellence in Chicago. While our approach has evolved, our goals have remained the same: to provide students with exceptional opportunities in an environment that fosters a love of learning. Serving 1,141 students in Pre K – 12 from 70 neighborhoods, Latin is a close community where every student is known and valued.

Lincoln Park Preschool & Kindergarten 312 W. Belden Ave., Chicago (773) 665-0110 108 W. Germania Pl., Chicago (312) 482-9009 2150 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago (773) 248-3381 www.lppschools.com Play is the foundation for learning at NAEYC accredited Lincoln Park Preschool & Kindergarten. We believe that through play, children experience the joy of learning thus developing self confidence and a passion for school.

Our teachers have degrees in early childhood related programs and use their experience and knowledge to create dynamic, discovery based activities that nurture and grow eachchild individually. This growth is communicated daily and is essential to developing a strong home/ school connection. (LPPBelden ages 2-5; LPP-Germania ages 2-K;

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Lincoln Park Preschool & Kindergarten 108 W. Germania Place, Chicago (312) 482-9009 www.lppschools.com LPP’s NAEYC accredited Kindergarten program expands our preschool experience by further readying children for future academic success. This is achieved through our dedication to a play based approach to learning. Our full-day program provides a combination of independent discovery, large, small group instruction as well as one on one guiding reading. Children graduate from our kindergarten program with confidence, social skills, and an understanding of how to learn. They are prepared for their next education experienceLittle Gems

International Lincoln Park 2301 N. Clark St., Chicago (312) 361-3532 LittleGEMSInternational/ lincolnpark.com Little GEMS International is a preschool for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. It is the first GEMS Education preschool to open in the U.S. Our stateof-the-art facility features learning environments carefully designed for every stage of a child’s early development and capacity for learning. A child’s literacy and numeracy skills are developed in the classroom, on stage or strolling through the indoor park.

‘Little GEMS’ are also acquainted with world languages and cultures at an early age.

Lycée Français de Chicago 613 W Bittersweet Pl, Chicago (773) 665-0066 Lyceechicago.org Lycée Français de Chicago offers the best in French and American education from PreK through grade 12, and a one-of-a-kind, rigorous, High School International Baccalaureate program that emphasizes critical thinking, adaptability and creative learning.

Multi-language acquisition, an international student body, and trips abroad prepare Lycée students to become global citizens.

Mary Meyer School 2817 North Pine Grove Ave., Chicago (773) 549-0870 MaryMeyer.org For over 70 years, children have passed through the doorway of this Chicago graystone schoolhouse. Mary Meyer School offers two daily half-day programs for 3 and 4 year old students under the care of three teachers. This NAEYC accredited preschool inspires children to encounter the world with joy, curiosity and confidence. Call us to schedule a Prospective Parent Night visit to meet our parents, teachers and Director.

Northside Catholic Academy

Rogers Park Montessori

6216 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago 5525 N. Magnolia Ave., Chicago (773) 271-4310 northsidecatholic.org

1800 W. Balmoral, Chicago (773) 271-1700 rpmschool.org

NCA is the right choice for families who are looking for a challenging curriculum within a nurturing environment.

We value small class sizes and differentiated instruction. In addition to our core curriculum, we teach Music and Art starting in Preschool and those plus Spanish Language, P.E. and Computer starting in Kindergarten. We offer a flexible, affordable and stimulating Extended Care and Summer Camp. Our students consistently score high above the national average and our graduates attend Chicago’s top high schools.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School Preschool through 8th Grade 1123 Church St., Glenview (847) 724-6990 olph-il.org info@olph-il.org We invite you to discover the distinction that makes our school an extraordinary place of learning for children.

When you select OLPH School, you join a community bound by a mission of faith, with families passionate about education, students fully engaged in their learning, and teachers committed to their practice as caring professionals.

RPMS believes that all of its students carry within them the adults they will become; our mission is to create an environment where all children are inspired to reach their highest potential, as individuals and learners, following the Montessori philosophy of education; which at its core is to produce vital members of the global community. Guiding all our practices is the education and promotion of peace within self, in relationships and within the world.

Roycemore School 1200 Davis St., Evanston (847) 866-6055 roycemoreschool.org From age three through Grade 12, Roycemore School combines rigorous college prep academics with a welcoming, positive and energetic school culture. Students, teachers, administrators and parents form a community that reflects Roycemore’s core values of respect for others, appreciation of differences, and a commitment to academic excellence in a challenging but non-competitive environment.

Qualified Upper School students take classes at nearby Northwestern University .

At Mary Meyer Preschool we learn through purposeful play P R O J E CT:

Mary Meyer Original Paints

CUR R I CUL UM G O AL : I DE A:

LET’S MIX LET’S PLAY LET’S LEARN

Introduction to color theory and language arts

Students mix and name their own paint color

HO W W E P L AY E D : We read books, observed, explored and talked about color and what happens when it is mixed; plain old “green” became “frog green” and “pea green”. Each child took turns with our Resident Artist to choose and mix their own paint and name their color.

A gorgeous array of paints created by children who have gained an understanding of color theory.

Student’s language skills developed and their vocabulary expanded.

Skills of independence and self-confidence are fostered as children learn to do things for themselves.

R E SULT S:

Come get to know us better at a Prospective Parent Night.

CALL 773.549.0870 TO REGISTER www.marymeyer.org

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DAY! APPLY TO NoW BEiNG

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Bennett Day School is a new PreK – 8th Grade progressive school that provides a collaborative culture to help nurture a child’s innate sense of inquiry and curiosity.

telephone: 312.BENNETT email: info@bennettday.org address: 657 W. Fulton St. WWW.BENNETTDAY.ORG

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special advertising section // www.npnparents.org // Sacred Heart Schools The Academy for Girls and Hardey Preparatory School for Boys Mr. Nat Wilburn, Head of Schools 6250 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago (773) 681-8436 shschicago.org Educating Chicago children since 1876. Independent, Catholic, Single Gender, Coed Campus, K-8, Extended Care. Join us for Admissions Coffees: Wednesdays, 9:15am to 11am October 8, October 22, November 5, December 10, January 14, February 4

• Full day Pre-K & Kindergarten • Low student/teacher ratio • Foreign Language, Music, Choir, Band, Art

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• Physical Education & Athletic Teams • Excellent test scores & top high school placement

Ms. Colleen Cannon, Principal St. Josaphat is a 2010 National Blue Ribbon School. We offer a comprehensive Catholic education for PreK – 8th grade. Full day Pre-K and Kindergarten, low student to teacher ratio, foreign language, music, choir, band, art and athletic teams.

School Tours: Wednesdays, Sept.17, Oct.15, Nov. 19, Dec. 10 & Jan. 21

A Comprehensive Catholic Education for Pre Kindergarten through 8th Grade www.stjosaphat.net 2245 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60614 773-549-0909 phone 773-549-3127 fax Call to register for a tour: sept 17th, oCt 15th, Nov 19th, DeC 10th JaN 21st.

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Our Lady of Perpetual Help School

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At Northside Catholic Academy, you’ll find a challenging and diversified curriculum within a nurturing learning environment. Our dedicated and experienced faculty inspire NCA students to grow in intellect and character. Yet, what’s even greater, is the sense of belonging you’ll feel when you join our community. At NCA, your entire family will thrive. We invite you to be a part of something greater – the Northside Catholic Academy.

+ Full & half day Preschool + Top-ranked Academics + Renaissance Programs + Enrichment Programs + Affordable Before & After Care Now Accepting 2015-16 Applications Visit Us at an Open House: Tues., Oct. 28th at 9am Fri., Dec. 5th at 9am Sun., Jan. 25th from 10am-1pm

Northside Catholic Academy For more information please call 773-743-6277 or visit www.northsidecatholic.org

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Infant and Toddler Care Preschool Afterschool Care Summer Camp visit us on-line @ kidwatchplus.com 3901 N. Ridgeway • Chicago, IL 60618

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www.collegenannies.com Lincoln Park • 773-697-9326 | Glenview • 847-998-5657 A Grantee of the University of Chicago Medical Center & the University of Chicago Childcare Initiative in Hyde Park serving a diverse group of children ages 2 to 5 years old.

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ARR Alternative Reproductive Resources One of the first agencies in the country and Chicago’s premier agency is looking for interested:

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS

Lionel Train Adventure $3

ALL ABOARD

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago lpzoo.org

for new zoo adventure

F

or years now, Chicagoland families have enjoyed a train ride along with their animal sightings when visiting Lincoln Park Zoo. But starting Oct. 2, that ride turns into an attraction all its own, thanks to the brand new Lionel Train Adventure.

Gone is that mundane circular path; the new 28-passenger train, which boasts a wheelchair-accessible caboose, travels over a bridge and a “craggy canyon” and through a birch forest before returning to the

station. The station is the real highlight for parents, thanks to convenient stroller parking and a tuckedaway location that keeps little ones from being jostled by passersby.

The Lionel Train Adventure is located near the west entrance of the zoo, and directly next to the inprocess Regenstein Macaque Forest (and shares some of that enclosure’s aesthetic features).

While the macaques, aka snow monkeys, are due to arrive in Chicago sometime this fall, the grand opening isn’t planned until the spring, after a mandatory

quarantine and additional time for acclimation to their new surroundings. But sharp eyes may still be able spot the monkeys while they adjust to their sweet home Chicago.

On the Lionel Train Adventure’s grand opening weekend (Oct. 2-5), zoo members ride the train for free, and the first 50 passengers receive a free Lionel wooden train whistle.

And while the train isn’t animaloriented, it’s just one way the zoo ensures that seeing the lions, tigers and bears won’t be the only excitement for families when they visit.

Elizabeth Diffin

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