Nathan Keay
Photo Credit: Nathan Keay
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: Jan. 3-4, 17-18
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 Duke Otherwise (Jan. 3-4) and Suzi Shelton (Jan. 17-18).
Flurry Days
When: Through Jan. 5
Where: Kohl Children's Museum 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview
Enjoy Polar Express kiddie train rides, character appearances, snowman parades, story strolls through the Habitat Park holiday lights, and more at Kohl Children's Museum. Check the schedule for daily activities
Little Playtimes
When: Jan. 7, 14, 21
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.
Mother Nature and Me
When: Jan. 8
Where: Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs
Children ages 3-5 years old and their favorite adult will learn about nature through exploration and outdoor activities.
Stroller Tours
When: Jan. 8
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.
Trolls Live!
When: Jan. 11-12
Where: Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., Chicago
Get ready for another hair-raising adventure when Poppy, Branch and all their Trolls friends come to life on stage in Trolls LIVE!, their first ever live tour.
Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Sleep Workshop
When: Jan. 18
Where: Evergreen Park Public Library, 9400 S. Troy Ave., Evergreen Park
Laura Meierkort of Nest Family Sleep Consulting will lead this workshop on creating healthy sleep habits for kids and families who struggle with bedtime, overtired, cranky kids and night wakings.
Baby Olympics: Noisemakers
When: Jan. 18
Where: Homewood Public Library, 17917 Dixie Highway, Homewood
Babies can explore sounds and work on gross motor skills in the Baby Olympics. Dress for play. No medals awarded, but lots of winners.
Wake Up, Brother Bear
When: Begins Jan. 25
Where: Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave, Chicago
A highly interactive show that will take theater-going cubs on a fun-filled journey through the four seasons with a playful pair of bears. Full of music and physical activity, this intimate theatrical experience is the perfect way to see out the waning months of your family’s winter hibernation.
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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