Hi, I have just moved to Chicago from the Uk with my two kids aged 3 1/2 and 1 1/2. We attended regular tot groups 3 x a week that were free or only a few bucks, does anyone know of any here, staying at 60654 and then 60601 soon. Also if anyone knows how to look up outdoor play areas on the web that would be great too!
Thanks everyone you have been really helpful so many things to see and do! I also wondered if anyone has any tips on cab journeys with kids,I cannot lug the car seats so I am not sure what to do!Also does anyone have any ideas on healthy food brands and places to that eat out that do healthy choices and are kid friendly?
This website can help you find playgrounds, playlots, and other programs through the Chicago Park District.
I highly recommend you check out the Chicago Park District's site. You can search local parks, search by activity, etc. Classes for kids your children's age are really affordable, plus a lot of our parks have been upgraded in the past few years and are toddler-friendly. Also try searching for playgroups on meetup.com.
Welcome S.!
I visited London for my college graduation and it was beautiful! I hope to go back one day. Make sure you check out the sister site to Mamasource(Mamapedia.com). Check out the website www.meetup.com because they have alot of great parent groups. Also, dependent upon what faith you are, sometimes you can find groups through that avenue also.
All the Best!
Check out Meetup.com for mama groups in your area. ANd google "chicago city parks" for local playparks. Welcome to Chicago!
I already saw lots of good advice on meeting other moms. Another suggestion, if it hasn't already been made, is to check out museums-the Field Museum has a ton of kid stuff, the Shedd Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry, the PeggyNotebaert Nature Museum is awesome( check out the spelling on that one, sorry!). These will also be great during the winter months.Since you're in the city, Skokie isn't terribly far away, and it has the Exploritorium, which is an amazing indoor playground with a two story climber and stuff for kids ages 0-6.
Check out www.meetup.com. There's lots of moms groups with playgroups. Just be forewarned that some of them expect you to participate regularly.
Welcome to Chicago!
Barnes and Noble usually offers story time once or twice a week, your kids would enjoy it. Check with store that is close to your place.
Lincoln Park Zoo is always free, they also have some storytelling and singing - I 'm not sure but I think it's on Wednesday morning. Check their web-site.
Good luck!
Hi, S.! Welcome to Chicago! I hope that you are enjoying our lovely autumn thus far!
Here are a few sites that are great resources for things to do with the kids:
chicago.timeout.com/section/kids
Northside Parents Network
www.npnparents.org
Also, as another mom noted, check out the offerings at the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Library.
It's not inexpensive, but there are places such as Gymboree and Bubbles Academy that offers classes for the little ones. I usually end up making some great friends by taking classes with my toddler son.
Good luck! And enjoy our upcoming winter!
You can also try searching http://www.socialtoddler.com - it's a site for playgroups.
HI, only saw this post today as I was looking for something similar, did you find a playgroup that works like the ones from home?
Toddlers Playhouse LTD THE BEST PLAY GROUP in Lakeview. Enjoy fun toys galore in a friendly atmosphere. ###-###-#### lower level of 3338 N Broadway Chicago free parking too
Fantasy Kingdom is a Child’s Birthday Party & parent-supervised indoor play center for ages 6 and under. Drop in anytime during our business hr’s & enjoy our space for children & adults alike! Costumes at each play area allow children to really become the little princesses, firemen or even dragons. The philosophy behind FK’s success is learning through play. By keeping the focus away from structured classes, kids are allowed to create their own fun. Kids can let their imaginations run wild!
Fantasy Kingdom
1422 N. Kingsbury St.
Chicago, IL 60642
312/642-5437
fantasykingdom.org
