Om away from home

Back-to-school time brings a load of stress for parents and kids alike, and no number of school supplies can reduce it. If you need a little Zen to go along with your freshly purchased pencils and pens, you’re in luck. This month features some fun yoga escapes that will make you want to Namaste in the carpool lane even after the kiddos are back in class.

1

Infants and toddlers might not know much about anxiety, but that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from a little stress-relief. Family Yoga combines infant massage and stretches with songs and games, plus some yoga techniques for mom (or dad). The focus is on restoring balance and health to your kid-weary body—score. $20 pair, $5 each additional adult or child. 

11 a.m.-noon Aug. 19. Sweet Pea’s Studio, 3717 N. Ravenswood Ave., #214, Chicago. (773) 248-9642. 

2

Lions, monkeys and turtles aren’t just animals that live at the zoo—they’re also yoga poses you can try during Parent and Toddler Yoga. This class includes nature exploration and story time for kids 2-4, in addition to stretching and bending like a pro. After you’ve reached max relaxation, visit the animals that inspire the class. $20. 

10-11 a.m. Thursdays. Lincoln Park Zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago. (312) 742-2000.

3

The tree pose might look easy, but as parents know, balance is a hard thing to achieve. At Tree Pose Yoga, kids 4-6, with adult, learn about nature while they move, breathe and stretch like all the things that call the arboretum home. $17, $10 members. 

9:30-10:30 a.m. Mondays. The Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle. (630) 968-0074.

4

Get your oms together at Family Yoga, an interactive class that invites parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles to experience yoga with the kids they love (ages 5 and up). The class teaches yoga poses, in addition to breathing exercises and relaxation techniques that are sure to come in handy when homework gets frustrating. $20 pair, $8 each additional adult or child. 

10:30-11:30 a.m. Aug. 5. Bloom Yoga Studio, 4663 N. Rockwell, Chicago. (773) 463-9642.