December 2009

Crawling your four walls? Try one of these 10 indoor playgrounds in Chicago!

Posted in Go Play Inside | December 29, 2009

With winter in full force, me and every other mom in the city are looking for indoor play options. One can only spend so many hours in a basement…even the new Christmas toys have begun to lose their luster!

Following are some of Chicago’s best indoor playgrounds that are open to the public. I have not visited all of these indoor play areas, but have provided a brief review on the few we’ve explored. If you’ve been to or go to any of these playgrounds, let me know your thoughts.

My Corner Playroom – I actually had my daughters 2nd birthday here last month (FABULOUS!). The staff is friendly and very helpful, the toys are plentiful (even a mini roller coaster and indoor sandbox) and the parking is FREE! The location is not huge and is well stocked with toys, so it can get a bit tight when crowded.

Where – 2121 N. Clybourn Ave. (Neighborhood – Lincoln Park)
Age Appropriate -6 months to 6 years
Cost – Daily Pass $15 ($10 siblings), Membership $50/month ($35 siblings), Punch Card $135/10 visits ($90 siblings), non walking siblings are free. Free if attending preschool.
Open Play Hours – Mon.-Thur. 8-9am, 1-6pm, Fri. 8am-6pm, Sat. 9am-12pm
Other Services Offered – preschool, classes and birthday parties

Fantasy Kingdom – The play space is quite large and has MANY different stations to encourage your child’s creativity. From trains and fire trucks to dress-up and a grocery store, your kids will have plenty to play with and room to run around. You can even bring your own lunch and snacks and enjoy them in their little kitchen. Don’t miss the FREE entertainment most days at 10:30am (story time, music, arts and crafts).

Where – 1422 N. Kingsbury (Neighborhood – Near North Side)
Age Appropriate – 6 months to 6 years
Cost – Fall/Winter/Spring: daily pass $12 (siblings under 1 free), 10 visit punch card $100, 30 day pass $65 ($35 siblings), 90 day pass $165 ($90 siblings), 180 day pass $265 ($145 sibling), 360 day pass $465 ($250 sibling); Summer: daily pass $12 (siblings under 1 free), 10 visit punch card $100, 30 day pass $45 ($25 siblings), 60 day pass $80 ($45 siblings)
Open Play Hours – Fall/Winter/Spring: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5:30pm; Summer: Mon.-Fri. 9am-3pm
Other Services – Birthday parties

Family Grounds Cafe – On one side of the play space they have tables and chairs to enjoy a coffee and on the other side they have a fairly wide variety of toys (trains, play house, stage, etc.). They have activity leaders on the floor to assist the children, so I was actually able to enjoy my drink and catch up with some friends while my daughter played. They are more popular than they have space, so you may have to wait to get in (I waited almost a half hour). They are now offering a new premium membership to help alleviate this. Only other downside is that you can not bring your own snacks, but their prices are reasonable and food is good.

Where – 3625 N. Lincoln Ave. (Neighborhood – Edgewater)
Age Appropriate – 6 moths to 6 years
Open Play Cost – Daily pass $10.95 (non-crawling infants free with $4 purchase), $5.95 siblings, 10 visit punch card $98 ($54 siblings)
Premium Play Cost – Walk-ins and reservations cost $11.95 (6.95 siblings), call 773.281.0785 to reserve a spot. Monthly Premium Play Membership $44 a moth ($25 siblings)
Open Play Hours (up to 90 minutes) – Mon. 8am-6pm, Tue. – Thur. 1pm-6pm, Fri. 8am-8pm, Sat. 9am-1pm
Premium Play Hours – Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9am-10:45 or 11:15am-1pm
Other Services – Birthday parties

Pump It Up – I’ve attended both a birthday party and open play in the JR room (kids 1-5 years). The staff was friendly, the play area was clean and full of fun things to jump on, crawl through and slide down. Although you can bring kids under two, I’ve found that my daughter was not really interested in this kind of play (inflatables) until she was a bit more independent.

Where – 821 W. Eastman (Neighborhood – Near North Side)
Age Appropriate – All ages (JR room 1-5 years)
Cost – Daily pass $10 (siblings under 2 are free), 10 visit punch card $85. Open play is free if you are taking a class.
Open Play Hours – Vary each day but are extensive. Call to get that day’s schedule (312.664.7867)
Other Services – Classes and birthday parties

Kid City

Where – 1837 W. Grand Ave. (Neighborhood – Near West Side)
Age Appropriate – 0 to 6 years
Cost – Daily pass $12 ($8 siblings), 30 day play pass $65, 90 day play pass $120, 365 day play pass $420 (siblings are 30% off regular price)
Open Play Hours – Tue.-Fri. 9:30am-6pm, first Sat. of each month from 9am-12pm.
Other Services – Birthday parties

Hobbitland

Where – 1504 N. Western Ave. (Neighborhood – Humboldt Park)
Age Appropriate – 0 to 6 years
Cost – Daily pass $12, $8 under 1; 10 visit punch card: $60 under 1, $100 over 1, $150 2 kids over 1, $175 3+ kids over 1; monthly membership $52 under 1, $72 over 1, $108 2 kids over 1, $144 3+ kids over 1
Open Play Hours – Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm, Sat. 9am-1pm
Other Services – Free classes daily with admission (story time, parachute, music, and arts & crafts)

Room2Play

Where – 600 West Cermak (Neighborhood – Loop)
Age Appropriate – Crawlers to 5 years
Cost – 5 visit punch card $75, 15 visit punch card $180, 30 visit punch card $300 (under 6 months free)
Open Play Hours – Mon.-Fri. 9:30am – noon
Other Services – Classes and birthday parties

Day Frog

Where – 233 E. Erie St. (Near North Side)
Age Appropriate – 0 through 6 years
Cost – Daily pass $15 (under 1 free), $11 siblings; 10 visit punch card $130 ($120 siblings), unlimited winter pass $795 ($355 siblings)
Open Play Hours – Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri. 8:30am-7pm; Thur. & Sat. 8:30am-8pm; Sun. 8:30am-5pm
Other Services – Free classes with admission (yoga, story time, music, art, cooking, and parachute) and birthday parties

Bubbles Academy

Where – 1504 N. Fremont St. (Neighborhood – Near North Side)
Age Appropriate – 0 through 5 years
Cost – Daily pass $10 ($3 siblings), 6 visit punch card $50
Open Play Hours – Mon.-Fri. 2-3:15 & 5:30-7pm. Schedule varies, so check website to confirm.
Other Services – Birthday parties, classes and Friday night PJ Adventures

The Jungle Gym

Where – 2760 W. 111th St. (Neighborhood – Washington Park)
Age Appropriate – Walking to 8 years (non-walkers are free)
Cost – Daily pass $8, free with class enrollment
Open Play Hours – Wed. 6pm-7:45pm
Other Services – Preschool, classes, birthday parties and Parents Night Out for kids

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Stroller Strides – A real workout with your kids in tow.

Posted in Go Be Active | December 10, 2009

I’ve known about Stroller Strides for some time, but never tried it out until two weeks ago. I have to admit that I was a bit of a skeptic. I would not call myself an athlete, but I am someone who enjoys working out and who participates in at least one triathlon a year. I figured that Stroller Strides would be more social than physical. Well, my forearms can testify that although there is definitely a social aspect, it is a REAL workout. The classes were a good mix of cardio and strength building, and I definitely had worked up a sweat.

My second hesitation was whether my two year old and 9 month old would be entertained enough in the stroller during the class. With the help of some crackers and a sippy cup, everyone has been pretty content. I think they are mesmerized by all the people running around and doing crazy stunts with resistance bands.

The classes are reasonably priced (cheaper than getting a sitter for an hour), the owner and instructors are friendly and supportive, the group of moms participating are at all levels of fitness and have children ranging in age from a few weeks to preschool age. There is a definite sense of community about the classes. There is also a free mom’s group/play group each Monday and monthly organized “mom’s night out” events.

Here are the details:

First Class Free
3 Payment Options ($15 per single class, 10 class punch card for $100 or unlimited monthly pass (3 month minimum) $75 registration and $55 a month.
Winter Location – Windy City Field House (2367 West Logan Blvd., Chicago)
Schedule – Stroller Strides -MTWT 9:30am, MWF 11:00am; Fit4Baby(Prenatal) – Tue. 7pm; and Luna Mom’s Club Mon. 12pm

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Looking for “your” perfect Christmas tree, try cutting one down at Richardson Farm.

Posted in Holiday/Seasonal | December 7, 2009

On Saturday we ventured out to Richardson Farm (60 miles Northwest of Chicago) to cut down our own Christmas Tree. With a light dusting of snow on the ground, it seemed like the perfect day to find Clare’s first Christmas tree.

I have fond memories of wandering around row after row of trees as a kid trying to convince my mom, dad and sister that the one I chose was the perfect “one.”

Richardson Farm is a charming, family owned and operated farm North West of Chicago. Once we arrived, we were greeted by one of the owners who explained the process. We then grabbed our saw and jump on the flat bed wagon pulled by a giant tractor for a short ride out to the trees. They have all the regular varieties (Firs, Spruce, White Pine, etc.) to choose from.

My two year was in heaven. She was darting between trees and running up and down the rows of trees singing and clapping. After evaluating and inspecting a number of contenders, we finally found “our” perfect tree. My daughters got a real kick out of watching my hubby cut it down (be prepared for a bit of mud on your knees and sap on your hands), and the three of us carried it to the edge of the field where we were picked up by a caroling tractor driver. He had our entire flat bed full of families sining the 12 Days of Christmas.

Once you get back to the farm, they shake and bale the tree for you while you step inside for free hot cocoa and homemade donuts. They sell wreaths and Christmas decorations too.

Although we loved the family/country experience Richardson Farm offered, I have to admit that I felt the trees were a bit small. We usually get a HUGE tree, and most of them were around 6 feet or smaller. In addition, the prices were a bit higher than Home Depot.

Here are the details:

Where – Richardson Farm (9407 Richardson Road, Spring Grove, IL)
Hours of Operation – November 27 – December 23 from 9am-6pm daily
Cost – Scotch & White Pine $44, Firs and Spruce $52

Although we got a slightly smaller tree and drove a bit further than our standard trip to the Hope Depot, I give Richardson Farm 2 “Pine Cones” Up for family atmosphere and holiday fun!

Let me know if you and your family know of any other Christmas Tree Farms near Chicago.

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Say yes to the mess at Make-a-Messterpiece!

Posted in Go Play Inside | December 3, 2009

IMG 0531 225x300 Say yes to the mess at Make a Messterpiece! I am a big believer in letting kids be kids and get dirty, but I would be lying if I did not admit that I had not let my two year old finger paint yet because I was too afraid of the mess. Two year olds’ are not the best at following directions or listening for that matter. I kept having visions of my daughter wandering through my house with hands full of paint touching everything in her path.

Yesterday we met a friend at Make-a-Messterpiece in The Glen (2050 Tower Road in Glenview). Two words…LOVED IT! Their modo is “Say yes to the mess!” For the price of admission ($2 0-2yr, $10 2yr+) your little Picaso can explore the two indoor play areas (rock climbing, slides, etc.), finger paint, try out watercolors, or paint on easels. They provide the smocks (I would still recommend clothes you don’t mind getting paint on for you and your kids), paper, paints, brushes, etc.

For an additional $5 fee your kids can participate in one of the other art areas (Drum Roll, Kids Creative Kitchen, Bubble’ology and Experimentation Station). The coolest one had to be the Drum Roll, where kids beat on drums filled with paint while making their own music video.

They also have some small wooden items(frames, bird houses, etc.) you can buy and paint. My daughter painted a cute little frame ($5) as a Christmas present for her dad. Fun to paint and reasonably priced. They have a great selection of creative toys you can purchase too.

The indoor play areas are a bit limited, but create a nice distraction while your waiting for your art to dry or for kids in your party to finish an activity. One of the play areas is designated for 0-2yrs, so it provides a nice place to let your little ones crawl around a bit. They also have a small cafe area where they sell coffee, juice and some snacks.

My two daughters’ first finger paintings are now being proudly displayed on our office door. I would give Make-a-Messterpiece a 5 “Paint Brush” rating. We will definitely be going again.

Here are the details:

Where – The Glen (2050 Tower Road, Glenview)
Hours of Operation – 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm Sun
Admission Cost – $2 under 2yrs, $10 2yrs and over
Additional Activities – $5 per activity
Specials – 10 all access passes $175, 20 activities for $75
Tips – Weekends and school holidays are their busiest times. Weekday mornings are their quietest times.
More Info - Website has very little information. Some additional information can be found on their Facebook page.

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Looking for the best place to visit Santa in Chicago?

Posted in Holiday/Seasonal | December 1, 2009

santa 199x300 Looking for the best place to visit Santa in Chicago? Like all things in Chicago there are a LOT of options when it comes to visiting the BIG man in the red suit. So sit down with the kiddos, write out their Christmas wish list and head out to see Old St. Nick at one of these great events.

Plus, if you are looking for family friendly holiday activities and great places to find unique gifts, check out my other two holiday posts: “Looking for the perfect gift, check out Chicago’s Christmas markets and craft shows” & ”Jingle all the way to these fun family friendly holiday events in Chicago“.

NEAR SOUTH SIDE

Historic Holidays at Prairie Avenue – Spend the afternoon at one of Chicago’s oldest houses making holiday crafts, playing Victorian parlor games, listening to stories and visiting with Santa Claus. Light refreshments are included.

When – December 12 from 1-4pm
Where – Glessner House Museum (1800 S. Prairie Ave.)
Cost – $10 per child, $2 per adult (reservations recommended)

Polar Express Family Holiday Event at the Shedd – Enjoy cups of cocoa before boarding the Polar Express 4-D Experience. Kids can also have their pictures taken with Santa, decorate cookies, and enjoy treats. Price includes access to the entire aquarium, a gift from Santa, and reserved seats for Fantasea.

When – November 28, December 5, 19 & 22 from 8:30-10:30
Where – Shedd Aquarium (1200 S. Lake Shore Dr.)
Cost – $39.95 per person/$35.95 members

LOOP

Santa House – Old St. Nick’s Midwest satellite workshop in the heart of the Christkindlmarket.

When – December 4-6, 11-13, & 18-20 from 11am-8pm
Where – Daley Plaza (50 Washington St.)
Cost - FREE

Breakfast with Santa at the Hancock Observatory

When – December 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24 from 11am-5pm
Where – Expression by Lavazza Cafe (875 N. Michigan Ave.)
Cost – $39 adults, $29 children (Reservations required)

MACY’S SANTALAND – Check out the animated holiday windows, and then venture to the 5th floor for pictures with Santa.

When – November 7 through December 24
Where – Macy’s State Street (111 North State Street)
Cost - FREE

Macy’s- Breakfast with Santa – A yummy breakfast, face painting, balloon artistry and visit from Santa.

When – December 5, 6, 12 , 13, 19 & 20 at 9am
Where – Macy’s State Street (111 North State Street)
Cost – $16 adults, $12 children (reservations required)

SREETERVILLE

Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier – Santa will arrive by boat at the Grand Staircase (near the Ferris Wheel) on December 4th at 7pm. You can also visit with Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause at the Family Pavilion Stage through Christmas Eve.

When – December 4th at 7pm, December 5-24 from 11am-7pm
Where – Navy Pier Family Pavilion Stage (600 E. Grand Ave.)
Cost - FREE

LINCOLN PARK

Zoo Lights – Visit Santa in the Lion House during Zoo Lights. In addition to visiting Santa, you can also enjoy a musical light show on the South Lawn, ice carving, create your own festive craft, sip hot cocoa and spiced wine, and ride the LPZOO Holiday Express Train.

When – November 27-29, December 4-6, 11-13 & 18-31, and January 1-3 from 5-9pm
Where – Lincoln Park Zoo (2200 N. Cannon Drive)
Cost - FREE

LAKEVIEW

14th Annual Lakeview Breakfast with Santa – Complimentary pancake breakfast and goody bag, visit with Santa and have your face painted.

When – December 5 from 9am-12pm
Where – Church of St. Luke (1500 W. Belmont)
Cost - FREE with one can or non-perishable foot item to donate to the Lakeview Food Pantry

Sheil Park Holiday Party – Visit with Santa, enjoy face painting, holiday crafts and entertainment.

When – December 4 from 6:30-8pm
Where – Sheil Park (3505 N. Southport)
Cost - FREE

ROSCOE VILLAGE

Roscoe Village Winterfest – Event includes children’s activities, horse drawn sleigh rides, trolley and Santa.

When – December 6 from 1-5pm
Where – Roscoe Village (2058 W. Roscoe)
Cost - FREE

IRVING PARK

Irish Christmas Bazaar and Bake Sale – Visit Santa after a morning filled with shopping for traditional Irish crafts, live Irish music, yummy treats from the Jolly Holly Bake Shop, a one hour performance on myths of ancient Ireland.

When – December 6 from 9am-3pm
Where – Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox Ave.)
Costs - FREE

Lunch with Santa – Food, performance, art project, face painting, games, free stocking, and photo with Santa.

When – December 12 from 11am-1pm
Where – Kilbourn Park and Organic Greenhouse (3501 N. Kilbourn Ave)
Cost – $10

LOGAN SQUARE

Hot Cocoa with Mr. & Mrs. Claus

When – December 11 from 11am-2pm
Where – Palmer Park (201 E. 111th St.)
Cost – $5 Cocoa, $2 photo with Santa

Brunch with Santa – Crafts, games, cookie decorating and a visit with Santa

When – December 5 from 1-5pm
Where – St. Sylvester School (3027 W. Palmer Ave.)
Cost – Admission is free, food & baked goods for sale (proceeds benefit the school)

FURTHER AFIELD

Breakfast with Santa at the Morton Arboretum

When – December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 from 9:30-11am
Where – Morton Arboretum’s Ginkgo Restaurant (4100 Illinois Route 53)
Suburb – Lisle
Cost – Adult $28, Children $24 (reservations required)

Happy Holiday Railway – Embark on a magical train ride through holiday lights and a visit with Santa and his elves.

When – December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 (Sat. trips are on the hour 2pm-7pm, Sun. trips are on the hour from 1pm-6pm)
Where – Illinois Railway Museum (7000 Olson Road)
Suburb – Union
Cost – $12 per ticket (visit the site to purchase tickets)

CHICAGO BOTANICAL GARDEN

Breakfast with Santa at the Chicago Botanical Garden – Tickets include parking, buffet breakfast, holiday treats, visit with Santa and entry into the Wonderland Express and ice skating.

When – December 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 from 8:30-10:30am
Where – Chicago Botanical Garden (1000 Lake Cook Road)
Suburb – Glencoe
Cost – $26 adults, $20 children (visit the site to purchase tickets)

Christmas Supper with Santa – Tickets include parking, buffet dinner, holiday treats, visit with Santa and entry into Wonderland Express and ice skating.

When – December 21 & 22 from 6:30-8:30pm
Where – Chicago Botanical Garden (1000 Lake Cook Road)
Suburb – Glencoe
Cost – $38 adults, $32

Hot Chocolate With Mrs. Claus – Tickets include hot chocolate with Mrs. Clause, holiday treats and access to the Wonderland Express.

When – December 21 and 22 at 11am and 2 pm
Where – Chicago Botanical Garden (1000 Lake Cook Road)
Suburb – Glencoe
Cost – $15

BROOKFIELD ZOO

Holiday Magic – Visit Santa in the Candy Cane Corner and stroll the zoo’s walk ways which are lit up by nearly one million twinkling lights. Your family can also watch ice-carving demonstrations, enjoy live music, magicians and the new Wild LIghts Spectacular at Roosevelt Fountain.

When – December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 from 4pm-9pm
Where – Brookfield Zoo (8400 31st Street)
Suburb – Brookfield
Cost – Included with regular admission – $12 adults, $8 children (+$8 parking)

Breakfast with Santa – Breakfast includes buffet, holiday music, costumed characters, a gift from Santa and of course a family photo with Santa.

When – December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 9 and 11am
Where – Brookfield Zoo (8400 31st Street)
Suburb – Brookfield
Cost – $36 adults, $24.50 children (+$8 parking) – Advance tickets recommended

Brunch with Santa- Brunch includes extensive champagne brunch buffet, holiday music, costumed characters, a gift from Santa and of course a family photo with Santa.

When – December 6, 13 & 20 at 11am and 1:30pm
Where – Brookfield Zoo (8400 31st Street)
Suburb – Brookfield
Cost – $47 adults, $33 children (+$8 parking) – Advance tickets recommended

Family Holidate! Santa Dinner, Movie & You at the Zoo – Tickets include dinner buffet, photos with Santa, ornament decorating and a holiday movie.

When – December 12 & 19 Santa photos at 4pm, dinner at 5pm, movie at 6:30pm
Where – Brookfield Zoo (8400 31st Street)
Suburb – Brookfield
Cost – $50 adults, $35 children (+$8 parking) – Advance tickets recommended

Breakfast with Santa at Lambs Farm – Enjoy brunch in the Country Inn Restaurant with Santa Claus. After brunch, kids will enjoy crafts, activities and a visit with Santa.

When – December 12, 13, 19 & 20
Where – Country Inn Restaurant at Lambs Farm (14245 W. Rockland Rd.)
Suburb – Libertyville
Cost – $14.95 (reservations required)

Christmas on the Farm – Behold a Victorian Christmas and learn the origins of several holiday traditions. Visit with an old-fashioned Santa and take your picture in a sleigh. Then you can make a cornucopia decoration and enjoy a cup of cocoa and carolling.

When – December 12 from 10am-4pm
Where – Kline Creek Farm (1N600 County Farm Rd.)
Suburb – West Chicago
Cost - FREE

Oak Brook Macy’s Breakfast with Santa – A yummy breakfast, face painting, balloon artistry and visit from Santa.

When – December 5, 6, 12 & 13 at 9am
Where – Market Place at the Macy’s Oakbrook (1 Oak Brook Center)
Suburb – Oak Brook
Cost – $16 adults, $12 children (reservations required)

OLD ORCHARD

Santa Breakfast – Tell Santa your wish list and enjoy a complimentary breakfast.

When – November 28 at 9am
Where – Old Orchard
Suburb – Skokie
Cost – FREE (Limited to the first 200 people to RSVP at the Westfield Concierge)

Mrs. Claus Storytime – Mrs. Clause will read holiday stories and kids can decorate cookies.

When – December 4 10am
Where – Old Orchard Food Court
Suburb – Skokie
Cost - FREE

Santa Visits – Visit with Santa, get a complimentary Polaroid and enjoy Holiday stories and crafts.

When – December 5 from 11:30am-12:30pm
Where – Old Orchard Food Court
Suburb – Skokie
Cost – FREE

Nordstrom Santa Breakfast at Old Orchard

When – December 14 from 9-11am
Where – Norstrom’s Cafe at Old Orchard
Suburb – Skokie
Cost – $14 (reservations required)

Macy’s – Breakfast with Santa – A yummy breakfast, face painting, balloon artistry and visit from Santa.

When – December 5, 6, 12 & 13 at 9am
Where – Macy’s Old Orchard (1 Old Orchard Shopping Center)
Suburb -Skokie
Cost – $16 adults, $12 children (reservations required)

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On The Go Chicago

A mom and two kids on the go in Chicago!

December 2009

Crawling your four walls? Try one of these 10 indoor playgrounds in Chicago!

Stroller Strides – A real workout with your kids in tow.

Looking for “your” perfect Christmas tree, try cutting one down at Richardson Farm.

Say yes to the mess at Make-a-Messterpiece!

Looking for the best place to visit Santa in Chicago?

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