Photo by Walter Mitchell
Juicebox, Photo Credit: Walter Mitchell
Explore Chicago and its suburbs with your little one! You’ll be surprised by how much there’s to do from music and fitness classes to special playtimes. Check out the full list below to start planning your outings.
Note: Please check the event website to see if registration is required.
Juicebox
When: Nov. 1-2 & 15-16
Where: Chicago Cultural Center and Garfield Park Conservatory
Parents and young children can enjoy Chicago's best music, dance and theater in a kid-friendly setting. Kids can sit on the floor, walk around, meet the artists and sometimes play with instruments and puppets. Friday performances are at the Chicago Cultural Center and Saturday performances are at Garfield Park Conservatory. This month see Ralph's World Nov. 1 & 2, then Animal Farm Nov. 15 & 16.
Little Playtimes
When: Nov. 5, 12, 19 & 26.
Where: Legoland Discovery Center, 601 N. Martingale Road, Schaumburg
Legoland Discovery Center Chicago opens early on the second floor exclusively for kids 5 and under and their parents with unique and engaging programs. Programs include storytime, Duplo workshops and open play.
Stroller Tours
When: Nov. 6
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago
Tours are designed to allow adults to be mindful of their babies and young children while exploring the galleries on a guided tour. Caregivers discover the MCA's exhibitions with a docent, exploring galleries without concern that their baby or stroller will disrupt the tour.
Nathan Keay
MCA Stroller Tour, Photo Credit: Nathan Keay
Rock & Roll for Kids
When: Nov. 10
Where: Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St., Chicago
Using the songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse offers its core audience of babies and kids games, movement, and stories and an opportunity to rock out. This month's concert: Purple Party for Kids featuring the Music of Prince and More.
Model Railroad Madness
When: Nov. 16
Where: Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst
Drop in at the Education Center to meet local model train enthusiasts and collectors from Chicagoland T-Trak. See their innovative track layouts and learn about the hobby and how model trains work. All ages welcome.
Chicago Toy & Game Fair
When: Nov. 23-24
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
This fair offers families, teachers, kids and toy and game enthusiasts the chance to preview new toys and games, meet Toy and Game Inventors, have a picture taken with Star Wars characters and more. Enjoy the baby-toddler playspace with companies showcasing toys for younger audiences.
The Polar Express
When: Nov. 24
Where: Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. LaFox St. (Ill. 31), South Elgin
Chris Van Allsberg's best-selling book comes alive, including a visit from Santa and a small present for all aboard. Trains board from the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve picnic grove, on Route 31. Advance purchase of tickets required. Copies of the book "The Polar Express" can be purchased for $18.
Talkin' Turkey Parent-Child Activity
When: Nov. 25
Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Celebrate the star of Thanksgiving Day, the wild turkey. Kids ages 3-5, with adult, learn about these interesting birds, listen to stories, sing songs and make some turkey crafts.
Morning Glories
When: Ongoing (Every Monday)
Where: Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Chicago
Children and their caregivers can explore different areas of the Children’s Garden in the winter and the Play and Grow Garden in the summer.
Baby & Me
When: Ongoing (Every Monday)
Where: Kohl Children's Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
A chance for parents of infants to meet others adjusting to parenthood, ask questions and make friends, all free of charge. A nurse representative from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital will be in attendance.
Shadow Puppet Story Time
When: Ongoing (Every Monday and Friday)
Where: Wonder Works, 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park
An exciting adventure into story and legend with Bill, the museum's story time expert, and his trusty sidekick, who put on an amazingly shadowy performance.
Songs and Stories
When: Ongoing (Every Thursday)
Where: Bubbles Academy, 2184 N. Elston, Chicago
Join artists at Bubbles Academy every Thursday afternoon for songs and stories. Entry includes cost for open play.
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