February 2010

When I saw my calendar reminder this morning regarding Monday’s Spring Chicago Park District Class registration, my first thought was YEAH…Spring!  Just the thought of Spring coming puts a smile on my face, and so does the opportunity to sign my kiddos up for great classes at a fraction of the price of most classes in Chicago.

As I mention in my Winter Park District Class blog, you need to be online and ready to register at 9am opening day (Monday, February 22nd).  There are also a few tricks for improving your chances of getting in.  I got the tips below from a couple different Park District employees, and they worked like a charm for my winter class wish list.

  • If you have not already, sign up for an account with the Chicago Park District.  It is free and allows you to build a “Wish List” and register online.
  • Once you are logged in, you can search the  Spring Classes by age group, park name, program type or zip code.
  • The Spring Program runs from March 29th through June 6th.
  • Once you’ve identified the classes you are interested in, put them in your Wish List.  Although this does not save a spot for you, it allows you to register for them more quickly when online registration opens on February 22nd at 9am.
  • On February 22nd at 8:45 log in to your account, click on to your Wish List, pick the class you most want to register for and enter your child’s name.
  • When the clock strikes 9am, click register and then move on to the next class in your Wish List.
  • You can enter multiple names into the registration option.  Which is great if you want to register siblings or your child’s friends in the same class.
  • You have 30 minutes to complete payment for your classes.  If you don’t complete the payment portion within that time frame, you lose your spot.
  • One Park District employee told me that you should try multiple times if a class comes up full.  Apparently their system gets a bit overloaded and will show classes are full if too many people are accessing them at once. Also, if people fail to pay within 30 minutes, the spots open back up.  This past winter two of the classes in my Wish List showed up as full, but I kept trying every couple minutes.  I ultimately got into all of the classes I had on my Wish List.
  • If you are still not able to get into the class you’ve selected, put yourself on the waiting list.  I’ve spoken to a couple people at the Park District, and they all confirm that lots of people get in via the waiting list.
  • If you have questions about specific class descriptions or their sibling policy, I recommend calling the actual park where the class is held.  Each park has their own class curriculums and policies.
  • Please note that they charge a 15% fee for all refunds.

Good Luck!

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As you know from some of my other posts, I am always looking for FREE things to do with my kids here in Chicago.  Navy Pier has brought back their Toddlin Thursdays and weekend  Family Fun Days! Your family can enjoy FREE musical performances, story time, character appearances and more.  Plus, don’t forget that the Children’s Museum is FREE every Thursday from 5pm-8pm.

Toddlin Thursdays - Each Thursday through April 8th:

  • Musical Performances (including Chicago favorites like Mr. Singer and Super Stolie) at 12pm and 2pm.  Click here for complete list of performers.
  • Character Appearances including  Curious George at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 4pm.  Click here for a complete list of characters.
  • Story time with World Kids at 3:30pm

Family Fun Days – Select weekends through April 28th.

  • Sat., Feb. 20th – Take It to the Max IMAX film at 12:15 and after show party (DJ and Michael Jackson impersonator) at the Family Pavilion Stage from 1-3pm.  First 400 guest receive FREE admission to the IMAX movie.
  • Sat., Feb. 20th from 3:30-4:30pm – Radio Disney Road Crew takes the Family Pavilion stage with music, dance and giveaways.
  • Sat., Feb. 27  - You learn to juggle with Mike Vondruska at noon and 3:30 or improve your circus skills with CircEsteem at 11am and 2:30pm.
  • Sun., Feb. 28th from 12-6pm Celebrate Poland.  Event features traditional music, dance, and food.
  • Thur., April 1- Sun., April 4 – The Family Pavilion will be transformed into the Storybook Square where the Storybook Villagers will at out stories and lead children in a host of games.  Guest can also take a picture with Bonny Bunny at the top of every hour.
  • All weekends March 6 through April 26th from 11am-5pm your family will be entertained by a variety of performers from jugglers and clowns to magicians and balloon artists.  Click here for a complete list of performers.

Unfortunately parking isn’t free, and I have yet to find an affordable alternative lot or street parking.  One affordable option is the CTA.  Click here for door to door directions using the CTA. Check out my blog on stroller friendly CTA stops for additional information.

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candy heartsLooking for fun and crafty Valentine celebrations for you and your little sweethearts?  Here is a list of some of the festive activities this weekend and next in Chicago.

I’ve listed them by date, except for the Chicago Park District and Public Library events.  They share the same web link, so I listed them together at the end.

Potter Barn Kids Valentine’s Day Card Workshop – Make your own Valentine’s Day cards.  Plus, 10% off select Valentine’s Day items.

  • Where – Pottery Barn Kids (2111 N. Clybourn Ave.)
  • When – Sat., Feb. 6 and Sun., Feb. 7 from 10am-2pm
  • Cost – FREE

The Learning Tree – Create your own “Love you” imprinted heart using Crayola Model Magic.

  • Where – The Learning Tree (4419 North Ravenswood)
  • When – Sat., Feb. 6 from 10am-3pm
  • Cost – FREE

Sweet Saturdays at the Garfield Park Conservatory – Sweet Saturdays will focus on plants that provide the key ingredients to some favorite sweet treats.  Activities include Tropical Treat Stations, Live Music, Hands-on Activity Stations, and more.

  • Where – Garfield Conservatory – (300 North Central Park Ave.)
  • When – Sat., Feb. 6 and Sat., Feb. 13 from 11am-4pm
  • Cost – $3 suggested donation per person

Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation Presents  Be My Valentine Event – Brunch, family activities and a concert by Justin Roberts.

  • Where – Four Seasons Chicago (120 East Delaware Place)
  • When – Sun., Feb. 7 from 10am-1pm
  • Cost – Adults $70, Children $40
  • Click here to purchase tickets or call 312.926.7133

Green Valentines at The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum – Share your love for the enviroment and those close to you by making a beautiful, nature paper and recycled paper valentine.

  • Where – Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon)
  • When – Sat., Feb 6, Sun., Feb. 7, Sat., Feb. 13, and Sun., Feb. 14 from 11am-3pm
  • Cost – FREE with admission (Adults $9, Children $6, under 3 is FREE)

Friendship and Sweet Treats at My Corner Playroom - Make new friends, listen to love songs, have tea and sandwiches, and make a lantern or Valentine’s Day card. Plus, music class is included with admission.

  • Where – My Corner Playroom (2121 Clybourn)
  • When – Fri., Feb. 12 8am open play, 9:15 & 10am music class and arts and crafts, 11am Sweet Treats and face painting
  • $19 Child, $14 siblings.  FREE for members.

Sweets and Treats Valentines Day Celebration at Pump It Up

  • Where – Pump It Up (821 W. Eastman)
  • When – Fri., Feb. 12 from 6-9pm
  • Cost – $15 Child & $5 Adult or Dropp-off for $35

Bubbles Academy Sweetheart Soiree – Join Bubbles for music, motion, open play and yummy cookie decorating.  You can also make a valentine for your sweetie and get your face painted.

  • Where – Bubbles Academy (1504 N. Fremont)
  • When – Fri., Feb. 12 from 5:30-6:45 and Sat., Feb. 13 from 4:30-5:45pm
  • Cost – $20 per child (under 3 are FREE)
  • Reservations – Call 312.944.7677

The Learning Tree - Make your own beaded Valentine heart.

  • Where – The Learning Tree (4419 North Ravenswood)
  • When – Feb. 13 from 10am-3pm
  • Cost – FREE

Daddy and Daughter Donut Date – Fun filled morning including donuts, hot chocolate, coffee, crafts, face-painting and hair styling.

  • Where – Flourish Studios (3020 North Lincoln Ave.)
  • When – Sat., Feb. 13
  • Cost – $20 per couple/$5 additional girl

Smarty Party – Join Smarty Party for crafts, cake decorating and eat RED food.  Children will watch the classic “Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown.”

  • Where – Smarty Party (1846 West Belmont)
  • When – Sat., Feb. 13 from 2pm to 5pm
  • Cost – $25 per child
  • Call to make a reservation (773-687-0521)

I Heart Art at the Museum of Contemporary Art – Join the MCA and Target to celebrate love of art.  Enjoy hands-on art projects, make a valentine, and take a tour of the museum.

  • Where – Museum of Contemporary Art
  • When – Sat., Feb. 14 from 11am-3pm
  • Cost – FREE for families with kids under 12

American Girl Store - Create a handmade card with a pocket that holds heart stickers.

  • Where – American Girl Store (835 N. Michigan Ave.)
  • When – Sun., Feb. 14 at 11am
  • Cost – FREE

Mary Macaroni Performs at the Beat Kitchen

  • Where – Beat Kitchen (2100 Belmont)
  • When- Sun., Feb. 14 at 12pm
  • Cost – $5

Crazy for Cats at the Lincoln Park Zoo – Feast with your favorite felines on Valentine’s Day. Enjoy breakfast in the Lion House while lisenting to the zoological manager of carnivores.

  • Where – Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N. Clark)
  • When – Sun., Feb. 14 at 9:30am
  • Cost – $65 members and $75 non-members

Valentines Day Brunch at Lambs Farm – Enjoy a delicious brunch and tasty treats.

  • Where – Country Inn Restaurant at Lambs Farm (14245 W. Rockland Road, Libertyville)
  • When – Sun., Feb. 14, seatings at 10am and Noon
  • Cost – $16.95 adults and $5.95 children 12 and under
  • Reservations 847.362.5050

Celebrate Chocolate at the Morton Arboretum – Event includes brunch and live music.

  • Where – Morton Arboretum Ginkgo Restaurant (4100 Illinois Rote 53, Niles)
  • When – Fri., Feb. 14, seatings at 9:30, noon and 2:30
  • Cost – Adults $36 ($42 non-members), Child $25 ($30 non-members), children under 2 are free
  • Reservations 630.725.2066

Chicago Public Library Events

Valentine’s Day Crafts

  • Where – Beverly Library (1962 W. 95t St.)
  • When – Wed., Feb. 10 at 3:30
  • Cost – FREE

Valentine Stories & Crafts

  • Where – Mount Greenwood (11010 S. Kedzie Ave.)
  • When – Wed., Feb. 10 at 3:30pm
  • Cost – FREE

My Funny Valentine – Stories and Crafts

  • Where – Garfield Ridge Library (6348 S. Archer Ave.)
  • When – Sat., Feb. 13 at 11:30
  • Cost – FREE

Chicago Park District Events

Daddy-Daughter/Mommy-Son Dance

  • Where – Portage Park (4100 N. Long Ave.)
  • When – Fri., Feb. 5 at 7pm
  • Cost – $5 per person

Valentine Dance

  • Where – Paschen Park (1932 W. Lunt Ave.)
  • When – Wed., Feb. 10 at 4pm
  • Cost – FREE

Cupid’s Corner Valentines Dance

  • Where – Lincoln Park Cultural Center (2045 N. Lincoln Park West)
  • When – Wed., Feb. 10 at 6pm
  • Cost – $5 per family

Calentine Party

  • Where – Kelvyn Park (4438 W. Wrightwood Ave.)
  • When – Fri., Feb. 12 at 3:30
  • Age Appropriate – 6-12 years
  • Cost – FREE

Valentine’s Dance

  • Where – Vittum Park (5010 W. 50th St.)
  • When – Fri., Feb. 12 at 6pm
  • Cost – $10

Daddy-Daughter Valentine Dance

  • Where – Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.)
  • When – Fri., Feb. 12 at 6:30
  • Cost $7 per person

Daddy-Daughter Valentine Dance

  • Where – Mayfair Park (4550 W. Sunnyside Ave.)
  • When – Fri., Feb. 12 at 6:30pm
  • Cost – $5 per couple

Family Valentine Dance

  • Where – Gompers Park (4222 W. Foster Ave.)
  • When – Fri., Feb. 12 at 6:30pm
  • Cost – $5 per couple

Teen Valentine Dance

  • Where – Holsetein Park (2200 N. Oakley Ave.)
  • When – Fri., Feb. 12 at 7pm
  • Cost – FREE

Valentine’s Day Dance

  • Where – Chase Park (4701 N. Ashland)
  • When – Fri., Feb. 12 at 6:30pm
  • Cost – FREE

Daddy-Daughter/Mommy-Son Dance

  • Where – La Follette Park (1333 N. Laramie Ave.)
  • When – Sat., Feb. 13 at 3pm
  • Cost – FREE

Daddy – Daughter Valentine Dance

  • Where – Indian Boundary Park & Cultural Center (2500 W. Lunt Ave.)
  • When – Sat., Feb. 13 at 3pm
  • Cost – $2 per person

Family Valentine Dance

  • Where – Holstein Park (2200 N. Oakley Ave.)
  • When – Sat., Feb. 13 at 3pm
  • Cost – FREE

Youth Valentine Dance

  • Where – Brands Park ( 3259 N. Elston Ave.)
  • When – Sun., Feb. 14 at 4:30pm
  • Cost – FREE
  • Age Appropriate – 6-12 years


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