My sister and her two kids, ages 3 and 18mo, will be visiting us in April for a week (we live in the city). I have a 4.5 year old and a one year old (my parents will also be with us, but they are up for anything :)
They are visiting from Maine, so the kids are pretty much impressed just by seeing an ambulance drive by. However, I would really like to have a few SUPER fun things lined up. I know about all of the regular stuff: museums, Pump it Up, Fantasy Kingdom etc. but I am wondering if anyone as other ideas? I heard about a kid's cooking class - are these guys (the 3/4.5 year olds) too young for that? Any other fun ideas?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts/suggestions!
If you don't mind driving a little bit outside chicago the morton arboretum is spectacular that time of year. things will be starting to flower and it will be great. the zoo is good, navy pier always has something going on. out in aurora phillips park zoo has a nice little zoo and a train that goes around the park as well as a memorial garden its especially nice that time of year. not to hot not to cold.
Hi M.,
The Kids Table is what you're thinking of probably. It's in the Wicker Park area. They have classes for kids as young as 2 (not sure about what to do with the 1yr old and 18 month old, but the older kids would probably LOVE this).
http://www.kids-table.com/classesforkids.php
I know there is another place in Lincoln Square called the Chopping Block. I've been there as a shopper, but not to attend any of their classes.
There is also WishCraft - a sewing place that has kids classes - it's in Roscoe Village... i've not been there, but I have a friend who has taken her 8 year old there.
http://web.me.com/wishcraft/Site/workshops.html
Also - The Joanne's craft store (on Elston across from Target) will have a schedule of classes. My daughter has taken a bunch of these and has really had a good time. They are frustrating to book (very disorganized, don't seem like they know what they're doing) but the actual class is REALLY well put together by the staff and very organized.
LillStreet Art Center has family workshops that are AMAZING. My daughter attended a b'day party there and has done a couple "out of school" day workshops. I'm not sure what they will have in April, but you can check them out!
http://www.lillstreet.com/
Hope that helps!
Bubbles Academy in Lincoln Park has classes as well as open play time. We went to a birthday party there and it was a lot of fun. The Old Town School of Music has a ton of things for kids - check their website for a schedule.
You should take them on the El. The three year old will totally get a kick out of it. We live in the city, too, and my 4 year old still gets super excited anytime we ride the Metra or the El.
Just don't do it during rush hour :)
Family Grounds Cafe in Lakeview
Explore and Much More on Southport in Lakeview
Children's Museum (I hear the one up north is great too)
Millenium Park
