By March, I've had it with winter. Playing in the snow has lost its
appeal and spring teases me with its jacketless days and thoughts
of not having to lace up snow boots. But, as we all know by living
in Chicago, we have at least two more months before we can throw
class-signup caution to the wind and use the park as backup
entertainment for the kids.
Luckily for us Chicago families, new ways to entertain the kiddos
are cropping up faster than you can say "Twinkle Twinkle."
Here are the hippest ways to spend that QT with your cutie:
IK Gymastics
Nestled in an industrial park is one of the city's best gymnasiums
for kids. IK Gymnastics (the I and K stands for IK's founder Irina
Kudina, a former member of the Soviet Union Junior Olympic team) is
a real gym for budding gymnasts. The mom and tot offerings
introduce your toddler to stretching and tumbling. Who knows, you
might be in the class with the next Kerri Strug! ikgym.com, (773)
604-4541
Stroller Strides
For those moms who want to engage not only their babies' bodies,
but also their own, taking a Stroller Strides class is a perfect
solution. Stroller Strides rep Jackie Dorris, a mother of two (soon
to be three!), has classes that range from prenatal to post-bump
and beyond.
classes.strollerstrides.net/chicago/location/index.aspx, (773)
593-3915.
Baby Takes a Bow
I have boys, but I've seen my friends with girls eagerly await
their young daughter's first steps just so they can sign them up
for ballet. Because, really, is there anything cuter than a toddler
in a tutu? At Baby Takes a Bow, moms can actually participate with
their tots in learning basic ballet moves. Or, at least an attempt
at ballet moves. skyhighcleaning.com/baby_take_a_bow, 2223 W.
Roscoe St., (773) 904-7377
The Music Playhouse
The Music Playhouse teaches parents ways to enrich their lives
through music. The little ones will love singing, dancing and
especially playing with a variety of instruments. Plus, every
family receives a CD and songbook to enjoy the songs at home.
themusicplayhouse.com, 520 W. Stratford Place, #307, (773)
572-8054
Lil' Sluggers
Get prepped for baseball season by letting your toddler take a
crack at batting, pitching or sliding into home. Lil' Sluggers
recreates an outdoor t-ball experience. With classes held at a
variety of indoor locations such as Windy City Fieldhouse, Bash
Academy and The Menomonee Club, kids as young as 2 enjoy feeling
like an all-star. lilsluggerschicago.com, (312) 945-1585
By March, I've had it with winter. Playing in the snow has lost
its appeal and spring teases me with its jacketless days and
thoughts of not having to lace up snow boots. But, as we all know
by living in Chicago, we have at least two more months before we
can throw class-signup caution to the wind and use the park as
backup entertainment for the kids.
Luckily for us Chicago families, new ways to entertain the
kiddos are cropping up faster than you can say "Twinkle
Twinkle."
Here are the hippest ways to spend that QT with your cutie:
IK Gymastics
Nestled in an industrial park is one of the city's best
gymnasiums for kids. IK Gymnastics (the I and K stands for IK's
founder Irina Kudina, a former member of the Soviet Union Junior
Olympic team) is a real gym for budding gymnasts. The mom and tot
offerings introduce your toddler to stretching and tumbling. Who
knows, you might be in the class with the next Kerri Strug!
ikgym.com, (773) 604-4541
Stroller Strides
For those moms who want to engage not only their babies' bodies,
but also their own, taking a Stroller Strides class is a perfect
solution. Stroller Strides rep Jackie Dorris, a mother of two (soon
to be three!), has classes that range from prenatal to post-bump
and beyond.
classes.strollerstrides.net/chicago/location/index.aspx, (773)
593-3915.
Baby Takes a Bow
I have boys, but I've seen my friends with girls eagerly await
their young daughter's first steps just so they can sign them up
for ballet. Because, really, is there anything cuter than a toddler
in a tutu? At Baby Takes a Bow, moms can actually participate with
their tots in learning basic ballet moves. Or, at least an attempt
at ballet moves. skyhighcleaning.com/baby_take_a_bow, 2223 W.
Roscoe St., (773) 904-7377
The Music Playhouse
The Music Playhouse teaches parents ways to enrich their lives
through music. The little ones will love singing, dancing and
especially playing with a variety of instruments. Plus, every
family receives a CD and songbook to enjoy the songs at home.
themusicplayhouse.com, 520 W. Stratford Place, #307, (773)
572-8054
Lil' Sluggers
Get prepped for baseball season by letting your toddler take a
crack at batting, pitching or sliding into home. Lil' Sluggers
recreates an outdoor t-ball experience. With classes held at a
variety of indoor locations such as Windy City Fieldhouse, Bash
Academy and The Menomonee Club, kids as young as 2 enjoy feeling
like an all-star. lilsluggerschicago.com, (312) 945-1585
This article appeared in the
March 2012
edition of Chicago Parent.

Sara Fisher is a mother of two living in Roscoe Village. She also blogs at selfmademom.net.
See more of Sara's stories here.

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