Life with a new baby can be overwhelming, exhausting and often confusing. One of the hardest adjustments can be figuring out the best places to get out with your new bundle of joy. Whether it’s for some adult conversation, a meal or for some fun, we’ve rounded up great spots to try.
Places to play with baby
Instead of just humming your own tunes before bedtime, experience the fun of a group music class with your baby. The Lullabies program for babies 0-6 months teaches new songs, finger plays and lullabies. For the older set, ages 6-12 months, it offers Wiggleworms classes that get kids swaying and smiling along with their parents.
Get your bundle of joy moving with the classes at your local My Gym. The “Little Bundles” program starts at just six weeks old and introduces music and movement. It’s a great way to get out of the house while introducing baby to new experiences and exploration.
Moms can feel comfortable knowing nearly every toy inside the Chicago South Loop spot—the first truly green play space in the city—was created from recycled or sustainably made resources. An added bonus, the large windows help highlight its nature theme, making the space open and airy.
With the mission of helping moms with fitness, motherhood and life, FIT4MOM is the perfect place to find a network of new moms while being playful with your little one. You can select from classes like Stroller Barre or Stroller Strides where baby comes along for the workout. It offers locations in the city and suburbs.
Just like the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” jBaby Chicago knows it takes more than just parents to get through the often sleepless, challenging baby years. The new program through the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago brings local Jewish and interfaith families together through playgroups, classes and social gatherings. An excellent reminder that we’re all in this together.
When it comes to classes, Bubbles Academy has some of the best programming for babies in a delightfully playful environment. Try the new Bubble Reach class that is designed for babies that aren’t quite crawling, but ready to be on the move. Plus don’t miss the open play options and classes for new moms.
Places to eat out with baby
If you are looking for delicious comfort food that comes with a tasty rotisserie menu, head over to Crosby’s Kitchen. When it comes to being family friendly, they have it mastered. Enjoy the trendy Southport Avenue with baby because Crosby’s comes with valet stroller parking.
With three Chicago area locations, Davanti Enoteca is a new take on Italian with a killer wine menu. With a variety of small plates meant to be shared, it’s an easy place to take baby and order as you go, getting tastes of cheese and salami to pasta and pizza. The casual Italian atmosphere lends itself to having fun.
If it’s old-school charm you are seeking, head over to Little Italy for a homemade Italian meal. Tufano’s has been a family-run business serving other families for decades. So don’t worry if baby starts to cry because you definitely won’t be the first or last at this family-friendly restaurant.
Nothing hits the spot like good pizza and beer. West Town’s Roots Pizza is easily one of the best places for eating with baby in the city. It’s packed with families on any given night and has a lively, loud and fun crowd. Don’t miss the incredible beer list or the to-die-for homemade mozzarella sticks.
The days of leisurely weekend brunches don’t need to end when baby arrives. With multiple locations in the city, Yolk brings a creative and delicious spin to breakfast and lunch.
Looking to meet a girlfriend for a quick lunch with baby in tow? Floriole Café& Bakery is the perfect charming pick for salads and sandwiches and delectable pastries. What began as a stand at Chicago’s Green City Market is now a beautiful café in the heart of Lincoln Park.
