From time to time (OK, this is only the second time I've done it), instead of reviewing a product or event, I like to give you an overview and head's up on stuff coming up in and around the city that might interest you and your children.
I'm sure you have Halloween events coming out your ears, so I won't bother with those. Here are some nature, nurture and other happenings you might want to check out with the kids during the day — especially since some of them will be "parentless" in the evenings once the World Series begins. So, pick an event and show your Shorties a good time before the games begin.
At Garfield Park Conservatory you can "Celebrate the World Series — Grow a Cracker Jack Garden." Head on over to the conservatory's children's garden and plant some seeds that will grow into peanuts and popcorn! This is taking place October 23, from 1pm to 2pm and is free and for children ages 4 and up.
The Morton Arboretum in Lisle is hosting a reading of Possum's Harvest Moon by Anne Hunter, followed by a party with cider and s'mores on Friday, October 28, 6:30-8pm. This event, for children ages 3 to 6, is $16 per child ($13 for members) and free for adults. You must preregister, however, by calling 630-719-2468.
If s'mores and cider get you in the mood for campfires and storytelling but not a drive to Lisle, Chicago's Washington Park is having a storytelling time with face painting, snacks and a campfire. This park district event is free for families and will also take place October 28, from 5pm to 7pm. Call 312-742-5039 for more details.
The Chicago Children's Museum will present illustrator David Sciscko for a family workshop on illustration. The hands-on workshop is free with museum admission and will take place on Thursday, October 27 and Sunday, October 30.
Feel like some yoga time? Head on over to "Yoga for Tots, Moms & Dads" at the North Park Village Nature Center. This 6 and under class offers preschoolers and their parents the chance to experience some stretches and poses together on Friday, October 28, 11:15am to noon. The class is $8 per child and free for parents.
I choo-choo-choose you to go see the Model Train and Memorabilia Show at Midway Village & Museum Center November 5 and 6, noon to 5pm. You and your favorite train aficionados can see various model trains, receive display tips and walk around saying, "I choo-choo-choose you" to strangers all day. The price is $5 for adults, $3 for children.
The Little Red School House continues their "Afternoon with Mother Nature" series on November 13. Children can learn about falcons and make some nifty arts and crafts from 1:30pm to 3:30pm This event is free — just don't be too freaked out if you see a falcon being fed cute white mice. It's the food chain, baby!
So that should keep you guys busy for a while. The next time you are asked, "So what should we do now?" just close your eyes and pick something from this list. You'll be set.
Chicago Children's Museum
700 E. Grand Ave. at Navy Pier
312-527-1000
Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N. Central Park Ave.
773-638-1766 ext. 18
Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
9800 Willow Springs Road
Willow Springs
708-839-6897
Midway Village & Museum Center
6799 Guilford Rd.
Rockford
815-397-9112
Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53
Lisle
630-968-0074
North Park Village Nature Center
5801 N. Pulaski Rd.
312-744-5472
Washington Park
5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr.
312-742-5039
