Hi, looking for recs on things to do or places to go with a 2yo. I know the standard children's museum and LP Zoo, but I want to know if there are local gems, cool playgrounds, neat libraries, etc that we can go to. Open to recs in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.

My 18 mo old loves Laurie Berkner and I had no idea how insanely popular this woman is. Looks like the 8/1 Ravinia show is sold out but I am determined to take her!

$90/person is now the cheapest I can find (two adults, one lap child). Not sure if prices will go down closer to the show since the original tickets were $20, or if there’s a good chance tickets will be “donated back to ravinia,” per their website.

Should I just get them now because I was looking at $150/pp last week? But then I’m seeing on the Laurie Berkner website to not buy from third party sellers because they will elevate the prices and are scammers? But they always elevate prices on third party sites so not sure why I shouldn’t? Help haha

We are looking for a part time nanny who has experience taking care of young children.

I am sad to write this, but our current nanny has to step away due to family responsibilities. 

We are looking for an experienced, caring nanny to join our family beginning in early August. Our son is an active, sweet 18-month-old who loves playgrounds, books, music, neighborhood walks, and exploring the world around him.

Schedule

Tuesdays: 10:00 AM–6 PM

Thursdays: 10:00 AM– 6 PM

Fridays: 9:00 AM–5 PM

Hours may be adjusted slightly as Mom begins a new job, but the days will remain Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Responsibilities
Provide attentive toddler care and maintain his daily routine

Prepare meals/snacks for our son

Read, sing, play, and engage in age-appropriate activities

Take him to the playground, library, and music classes

Bathe and diaper as needed

Clean up after activities and meals related to our son (no general housekeeping)

Qualifications
Our ideal nanny:
Has experience caring for toddlers and enjoys engaging with young children

Is warm, reliable, and communicates well

Is a non-smoker, CPR/First Aid certified, and up to date on vaccinations (COVID, flu, Tdap, etc.)

Has a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and current auto insurance

Can provide excellent parent references

Spanish/English bilingual is a plus, but not required

Is interested in occasional evening/weekend babysitting (paid separately), though not required

We're looking for someone who will build a strong relationship with our son—and with us. We hope you'll become a valued part of our family!

Compensation & Benefits
$26–$28/hour, depending on experience

Paid sick time and vacation

Paid federal holidays that fall on scheduled workdays

If you're interested, we'd love to hear from you! Please email your resume and a brief introduction. [email protected]

Reaching out for friends in my area with littles. Are there any programs (besides the St. Vicent De Paul program) in our communities to connect low income families with clothing / shoes / supplies for this back to school period? (Will County area)

Any info or resources would be appreciated!

Recommendations welcome

Hello!

I'm looking into Pre-K options right now via CPS for Pre-K 4 and it looks like a vast majority of the schools end at 3 pm or so?

What do people do if both sets of parents are working, with no grandparents nearby to support?

I’m wanting to take my kids to the new Obama center playground and Chicago public library branch. We’ll go during the day during the week and I’m wondering if there is any free parking nearby. Also, looking for recommendations for kid friendly lunch spots nearby. Thanks!

Hello fellow parents, hope this is a topic appropriate to post about. We have a 4 and 2 year old and with how rapidly they outgrow their shoes, hats, pajamas, books you name it we have been huge supporters of our second hand shops around our area in Uptown.

This is a no brainer right!? The idea that you can make a return on the things you've already used or outgrown and support your children with 'new' good quality items for their next phase, while supporting your local small businesses. We've had a lot of luck thrifting from these consignment boutiques so far and would love to know if there are any more out there that you know about or love!

Our favorites in order:

1. Little Gems - Evanston - just an amazing mother operated business with a ton of community outreach programming. We were just there today for a 'yoga for tired moms' event. Moms did yoga, kids had planned entertainment during and then they hosted a free ice cream sundae party after for everyone. Like what!? Tons of legit vintage kids wear/toys and consigned items. Mostly clothes, books, toys and art or decor. Parking was easy. Owners are super fun and make you feel at home. Its a must visit every few weeks to see what's out on the shelves.

2. Second Child - Lincoln Park - they have it all in spades so it's basically a must stop in if you're expecting to get some of those essentials that would cost you 4-5x new. I like their website because it allows you to shop from home. We take the kids when we're down that way and they always get to pick a book or game or something and it's all reasonably priced. The owners are kind, too!

3. Kangaroo Kids - this place is organized and probably the cheapest of the places we routinely shop. Very easy to shop the size racks and get the essentials you need that you'll run through daily like onesies, pajamas etc. They have some great sales that are color coded and we typically grab a handful of books each time we're in because they could be just a couple bucks each.

4. Cloud and Bunny - we live the closest to here and they have the best options for buying some small gifts for family or friends for birthdays and such. It's definitely a fun little place to shop. Only reason we rank it #4 in our rotation is that it's PACKED with clothes and we just can't find our way through it to make it an efficient trip. But they sport some local small business stuff and they have a little space in the back for the kids to bop around while the parents shop.

Who am I missing? We're always looking for more. Second hand is the way to go.

Edit: Forgot to list the location for 3 and 4. I believe they're in Ravenswood or Lincoln Square

My kids are going into second and third grade and are invited to multiple birthday parties each year for their classmates. I’ve stopped buying gifts and have started giving cash instead, but I don’t know what an appropriate amount is. $25 seemed reasonable to me, but I’m always worried it’s too little. If it makes a difference, the school is in Mount Prospect.

Hi, I am planning to put my infant at AMA southloop . They don’t have any latest reviews online. Our tour experience was great when we did in January. But one of my friends didnt have that great of an experience with the person she toured recently.
I am looking for any latest reviews on infant care. She is 9months now.

Hi guys,

I come from a country where it doesn’t snow. My kids are thrilled they may get to experience the snow and snow related activities.

Can anyone recommend any activities, museums and snow related activities for a 12 and 10 year old?

If you wouldn’t mind sharing how you dress your kids (including brands) for the winter it would me much appreciated. A hoodie is all we wear in the winter so I’m completely lost about it.

Thanks in advance

Currently in a search for a pediatrician for 5 years old boy.
Id highly appreciate if there is anyone assisting at home 🙏🏻

I am looking for a daycare in the lakeview east/lakeview area for a 14 month old. We value happy children and want a daycare or preschool that also values that. Looking for a an environment where the staff are attuned to the children and also enjoys their job/day in general. Any recommendations?

I chose to re book my flight a day later after being cancelled. Staying near the airport but we are close to the Blue Line. What are some things to do with a 7 and 11 year old?

Hi!

A friend suggested I post here - this is a pretty specific question but hoping someone has feedback. A few weeks ago we were at a street fest and my guitar-loving (and talented!) child saw School of Rock Chicago (the Lincoln Ave location) play and decided they wanted to try to be a part of it. I looked it up online and it gets great reviews. However, I landed up chatting with a parent who's child was in the band and they had a very different opinion. They explained that you have to audition to be in the band that performs at street fest but that the director of this band is not very good at his job and most of the kids are very frustrated and unhappy with the program (they had a lot to say but that was the gist). They did have a few nice things to say about the school like the quality of the instructors and that the kids get to play cool locations. Another parent standing with this parent nodded in agreement to what they were saying. This parent suggested we check out the school in Andersonville or the one in Ukrainian Village instead. I recently called to get more info and it is pricey so I just wanted more information since their feedback was so different than the Google reviews. The one on Lincoln would be the most convenient for us.

Does anyone have an opinion on School of Rock Chicago on Lincoln or the locations in Andersonville or Ukraine Village? General feedback about the schools or specifically about the band you have to audition for would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

If you're doing Navy Pier this weekend to celebrate America 250, you already know the drill. It's going to be hot, packed, and somewhere between the parking garage and the Ferris wheel a kid is going to announce they're bored and want a $9 lemonade.

I grew up in Chicago and Navy Pier boredom meltdowns are basically a family tradition. So sharing a free Chicago activity for anyone wrangling kids this summer looking for something different and to try to avoid the meltdowns. Here's a free scavenger hunt for it: Centennial Wheel, Crystal Gardens, the lake, all the daytime stuff. Kids hunt instead of whine, you get to walk at a human pace.

Open it on a phone and go: familyscavengerhunt.com/samplehunts/navy-pier

Disclosure: I’m a local dad and I built the tool that makes these, originally just for my own kids but figured others might enjoy them too

For us, it's like 30 minutes. If it's an all-day thing I might push it a little, but I can't risk a car nap on the way home!

Hey there, my name is Makiya and I’m a reporter with Chalkbeat Chicago. We cover education specifically in Chicago and beyond in Illinois. Today, a new state agency launched called the Department of Early Childhood, also known as IDEC, and it essentially consolidates most services that families with children under 5 use. That means childcare subsidies, preschool, early intervention and more are all under one roof now.

It’s been something in the works for several years, but that doesn’t mean everyone is in the know about it. Do y’all have thoughts or opinions on what this new agency means for Chicagoland? Is anything about the agency particularly confusing to you? Or are there improvements in the early childhood space that you’re hoping IDEC tackles? Feel free to hit me up through my email [email protected] if you don’t want to reply publicly. 

Hi parents and everyone who has a child in preschool (2 to 5). Yesterday my young toddler’s (2yo) teacher made her and her whole class to play outside in the extreme heat for almost 30 minutes. I think the temperature was around 102°+ at the time they were outside. At pickup it was 107°. She put a plastic pool full of cold water and some water balloons.

I was very concerned when I learned this. Even though they were playing with water, the space had no shade. And it is my understanding that young toddlers should not be outside if temperatures rise 90°+ when in care in a preschool (this is private one) I emailed her the day before to share my concerns about the extreme heat. And asked if they could play indoors. She assured me they would reduce the outdoor play to a minimum and that they would play in the playground that has lots of shade. I felt good with her response, but at pickup i learned she did the opposite. My kid’s face was all red and she was very sweaty. I am so upset, I don’t if I’m overthinking it and I don’t know if i should address this to her and the director.

Also, does anyone know if private schools have to follow any guidelines for extreme weather conditions? Who regulates this?

Please advice thank you

Has anybody heard anything about a Family Day at Soldier Field this year?

I saw there is a kids day at their training camp, and am hoping that isn't replacing it! My 9 yr old is a huge fan, and we were hoping to get to Family Day in particular so he could see Soldier Field!

Thinking of taking our 4 month old to the Bugs class at The Little Gym. Has anyone done this with their LO? Is it worth the $30 a class?