Latest Blog Posts
- Recipe for Banana Apple Oat Chocolate Chip Muffins | Kids in the Kitchen
- Ideas from Pinterest for graduation celebrations | Pin It!
- Children's music makes grocery store stopping tantrum-free | Peanut Butter in my Hair
- Cute Crocs sandals for summer in Chicago | Trending
- See all recent blog posts
Featured Blog
Failing With Gusto
One Chicago mom's attempt to keep an accurate log so her kids will have something helpful to show the therapists.
Parenting News & Advice
Reader Community
About Chicago Parent
Chicago Parent is distributed free every month in the six-county area. Enter your ZIP code to find the nearest pick-up spot.
Win with CP!
It wouldn't be Memorial Day weekend without some big movie openings. We've got tickets to Epic, an animated adventure about a teenager who finds herself transported into a forest - and on a quest to save the world. One reader will win a family five-pack to the Classic Cinemas of their choice.
Featured Video
A talk with the stars of Let It Shine
Tyler James Williams, Coco Jones and Trevor Jackson stopped by Chicago for the local premier of the new Disney Movie, "Let It Shine." ChicagoParent.com's intrepid reporters, Dixon and Delaney, took the opportunity to ask them a few questions that were on their minds... like, Is Coco now a cast member of "So Random"?
Watch the video! | See more videos
Be the first to know!
Freebies, events and updates by e-mail
Best Toys and Games in 2012
Print
The 2012 National Parenting Publications Awards results are in and we've awarded the year's best products for children, providing busy parents with this year's sure-bet holiday gift guide.
These Gold Award-winners have been carefully tested, evaluated-and played with-by expert judges and kid testers alike. They were chosen for their entertainment and educational value, as well as their quality and ability to withstand hours of play.
By Ellen Metrick and Peggy Brown
You might also like:This year's best picks from Chicago toy stores
, Our Chicago Toy and Game Fair favorites
Ages 3 and 4
BabbaBox from BabbaCo
Ready for fun all in one box! Once a month, your mail carrier will deliver a gift box of fun that lasts all month. Themed box includes an art project, book, exploring activity and access to a smartphone app. The prep work is done for you-just answer the door when it arrives! BabbaCo, $29.99 a month; babbaco.com/babbabox. Ages 3 and up.
STRIDER ST-3 No-Pedal Balance Bike
Riding starts with balance and coordination-not dependence on training wheels-with this cool, pedal-less rider. Intuitive to use, and beginners gradually build skills needed to ride a traditional bike. Strider Sports, $110; StriderBikes.com. Ages 18 months to 5.
Symphony in B.
A concert hall with the comforts of home and the sounds of a symphony! Place tall plastic instruments in the orchestra pit-in any order, on either of the two levels, to hear ever-changing music. B.Toys, $49.99; justb-byou.com. Ages 3 and up.
Tag Get Ready for Kindergarten
Each page of this book shines a spotlight on a different school-readiness skill with interactive Tag touch appeal. Different voices respond, teaching alphabet recognition, early math, emotions, seasons, months and more. Works with the Tag Reading System. LeapFrog, $13.99; leapfrog.com. Ages 3 and up.
GameChanger
Specifically designed for use with an iPad, game boards and play scenarios come alive with animation and sound. Easily download the free app, and it teaches you how to play. Never the same game twice! Identity Games, $59.99; identitygames.com. Ages 3 and up.
