Tip of the Week: Kid-Friendly Pumpkin Patches

One of favorite times of year, Halloween, includes one of my favorite yearly traditions. Since my daughter was born, we look forward to our annual visit to a pumpkin patch!

My favorites include Geobbert's Pumpkin Patch and Sonny Acres:

Goebbert’s is located in Hampshire, Illinois. They won me over with their apple cider doughnuts, but my daughter loves it for the corn maze and the mechanical pumpkin-eating dragon! There is a little something for everyone, but it caters to families with younger children.

Trip Tip: Be sure bundle up if you choose Goebbert’s, it's located in an open field and the wind can be strong.

Visit their website here for more information.

Sonny Acres is located in West Chicago, and is my absolute favorite. It has everything from a petting zoo to corn on the cob, from face painting to hay rides and even small carnival rides. Of course, they have pumpkins too! Kids of all ages will delight in the fall festivities at this quaint must-see, just off of North Avenue.

Trip Tip: Beware, Sonny Acres can get pretty crowded. I recommend visiting early in the morning.

Visit their website here for more information.

Tip of the Week: Gelato A Go-Go

If you haven't taken a stroll down Division Street lately, it is a great time of year to check out it's family-friendly fair of boutiques and child-friendly restaurants. Most of the restaurants have outdoor seating this time of year which make them great places to dine with children.

My new favorite is Caffé Gelato at 2034 West Division Street in Wicker Park. Their homemade gelato is utterly delicious and so light that you can almost convince yourself you're eating something healthy!

With both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a parking lot, it is a stroller-accessible and family friendly option for the perfect summer afternoon treat. If you can resist the gelato, they have sandwiches too!

Tip of the Week: Fabulous Fall

Although summer is my favorite season, I do enjoy the beauty of fall foliage and a family trip to the pumpkin patch. My favorites are Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch in Hampshire, IL, and Sonny Acres in West Chicago. I never let an October pass me by without visiting both of these wonderful pumpkin patches. For more autumn fun and a twist on the classic pumpkin patch outing, visit a local apple farm to pick your own apples. Click here for a complete list of Illinois pumpkin patches, apple farms and Christmas tree farms!

Tip of the Week: A Farm Adventure

While on vacation last week I stumbled upon the perfect venue for family fun this fall. It's a bit of a drive, but Green Meadows Farm in Waterford, Wisconsin, is well worth it! About 1 hour 30 minutes away from Chicago, the kid-friendly petting farm is one of several across the country that caters to children with hands-on exploration. Young and old are encouraged to learn through interaction with the farm animals. Children can cuddle with bunnies, kittens, chicks, ducklings and more. Green Meadows Farm also has hay rides, animal shows and lots of food and beverage options.

There's no need to worry about your little one's safety or sanitation -- this place is sparkling clean! Animal pens are fresh and tidy, and there are outdoor sinks and several antibacterial stations with easy instructions on how to have a safe visit.

To find out more about Green Meadows Farm, visit www.greenmeadowsfarmwi.com or call 262-534-2891. You can arrive 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and stay as long as you like, Wednesday through Sunday, until Sept. 7. Green Meadows will reopen for fall with a pick-your-own-pumpkin patch on Sept. 26 and will remain open, seven days a week, with arrivals 10 a.m.-3 p.m. through Oct. 31. Admission is $12 per person, and children under 1 are free.

I highly recommend this for the entire family. My favorite thing was watching the fun-loving pot-bellied pigs. And it was a delight to watch my daughter milk a cow and collect eggs from the chicken coop! This is well worth the trip!

Tip of the Week: One Last Ride

After 81 fun-filled years, Kiddieland in Melrose Park will close its doors forever this fall. Kiddieland, the last privately owned and oldest operating amusement park in Chicagoland, had more than 30 rides for kids. Parents and kids alike enjoyed Kiddieland for its nostalgic charm and unique attractions. Kiddieland will definitely be missed!

Experience the magic one more time before it closes Sept. 27. You can find out more by visiting the Kiddieland Web site at www.kiddieland.com or by contacting them at 708-343-8000. Admission is $23 for guests 6 and older. Admission for guests 3-5 years and seniors 60 and older is $20 per person. Children under 2 are free with a paid adult admission. Normal hours, including weekdays, end in August, with only weekend availability in September. Hours vary: check Kiddieland's Web site for more information.

Tip of the Week: Retro on Roscoe

As the summer winds down and we prepare our children for the new school year, the city celebrates with lots of wonderful family-friendly events. A personal favorite is Retro on Roscoe, guaranteed to make your entire family smile!

Retro on Roscoe will take place Saturday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 2, noon-10 p.m. The two fun-filled days will include great family activities and entertainment. Check out these children's performers taking the main stage this weekend.

Kids Music Lineup
Saturday
Noon -- Radio Disney
1 p.m. -- Mary Macaroni
2 p.m. -- Ralph's World

Sunday
Noon -- Patchouli
1 p.m. -- Scribble Monster
2 p.m. -- Justin Roberts

Tip of the Week: Sunny Day Fun!

In Chicago, summer is one of the best times to find some family fun. In
addition to beautiful views and our fabulous lakefront beaches, we have lots
of wonderful, family-friendly festivals all summer long. Two that you should
check out this weekend are the Great Performers of Illinois and Kid Fest.

Great Performers of Illinois takes place at Millennium Park and runs from
Friday, July 10, to Monday, July 13. Highlights include an array of musical
performances on multiple stages. Families can enjoy other free programs,
including:

- Kid-friendly activities such as square dancing, storytelling and circus
arts.
- A huge urban corn maze, made of 6,000 stalks of corn.
- Large Illinois-inspired sidewalk chalk drawings.
- Moving performers, including Abe and Mary Todd Lincoln.
- Hands-on activities and exhibits for children, presented by the Abraham
Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Park tours with Millennium Park greeters.

For more information, go to www.greatperformersofillinois.com.

Also this weekend is Kid Fest at Commercial Park, at Wolcott and Rice
streets. Proceeds will go to improvements for Superior, Honore and Snowberry
playgrounds. Activities include face-painting, bounce houses, cookie
decorating, pony rides, a petting zoo, crafts, a climbing wall and stage
performances. Kid Fest is part of West Fest, which runs July 11-12. For more
information, visit www.westfestchicago.com.

Tip of the Week: Splish Splash!

It's finally warm enough to enjoy the first days of summer! Don't worry --
even though the nice weather got a late start this year, there's  still
plenty of time to spend days at the pool. In addition to Chicago's terrific
parks, there are also quite a few public pools. Perhaps the nicest one is at
Holstein Park, because of its baby pool. You and your tot can soak in a
little sun, and you can introduce him or her to the water.

Below is the schedule, address and phone number for Holstein Park. You can
also go to www.chicagoparkdistrict.com for more information and to find out
about other local public pools. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Holstein Park and Pool
2200 N. Oakley Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647-3236
312-742-7554

Family Swim
Monday-Friday, 9-10:45 a.m. and 4-5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 3:30-4:45 p.m.

Additional Family Swim Times
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 5-5:45 p.m.

Open Swim
Monday-Friday 1-3:45 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 12:30-3:15 p.m.

Tip of the Week: Kids' Restaurant Week!

Cookie and Gourmet magazines are hosting Kids' Restaurant Week 2009 and
invite you to join them for a week-long promotion June 20-28. Enjoy an
inexpensive -- but very nice! -- dinner with your children while
contributing to local charities. Participating restaurants are listed
below.

Reservations can be made through www.opentable.com or by calling the
restaurant directly. For more, visit www.kidsrestaurantweek.com/chicago.asp.

Prix fixe menus: Adults pay $29; Kids 11 and under pay their age
Early dinner seating 5-7 p.m.
A portion of proceeds will benefit local charities.

312 Chicago, 136 N. La Salle Street at Randolph 312-696-2420
Aigre Doux Restaurant and Bakery, 230 W. Kinzie Street  312-329-9400
Big Jones,  5347 N. Clark Street  773-275-5725
Bistro 110, 110 East Pearson Street  312-266-3110
Cafe Spiaggia, 980 North Michigan Avenue, 2nd Floor  312-280-2750
Coco Pazzo Café, 300 W. Hubbard Street #1  312-836-0900
David Burke's Primehouse, 616 N Rush St  312-660-6000
Di Pescara, 2124 Northbrook Court  847-498-4321
Duchamp, 2118 N. Damen Avenue  773-235-6434
Eve, 840 N. Wabash Avenue  312-266-3383
Fulton's on the River, 315 N. LaSalle Street 312-822-0100
Landmark, 1633 N. Halsted Street 312-587-1600
Markethouse, 611 North Fairbanks Ct. 312-224-2200
One Sixty Blue, 1400 W Randolph Street  312-850-0303
Osteria Via Stato, 620 N. State Street  312-642-8450
Prosecco, 710 North Wells Street  312-951-9500
Reel Club, 272 Oakbrook Center  630-368-9400
Scoozi!, 410 W Huron St  312-943-5900
Socca, 3301 N Clark St 773-248-1155
Uncommon Ground, 3800 N. Clark St 773-929-3680
Vie, 4471 Lawn Avenue  708-246-2082

Tip of the Week: Under the Sea!

In honor of its wonderful new exhibits and the redesigned Oceanarium, Shedd
Aquarium is offering free general admission June 14-19. Packages including
Wild Reef are available at a discounted rate.

Little ones will enjoy exploring and using their imaginations in the new
Polar Play Zone as they dress up as penguins or ride in a child-size
submarine. From there, they can visit the new beluga exhibit and head over
to the tide pools to touch beautiful starfish.

If you can't make it this week, don't worry -- other Community Discount Days
are scheduled for fall:

*Sept. 21, 22, 28 and 29
Oct. 4-9, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27
Nov. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30*

For more information, check out the Shedd Aquarium Web site at
www.sheddaquarium.org/discounts.html

Tip of the Week: A New Place to Play!

http://www.fieldmuseum.org/
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/playlab/ (if you want a more specific link)

The new Crown Family PlayLab at the Field Museum offers six themed play areas, adding even more kid appeal to a place already packed with exhibits that will pique your child’s curiosity and imagination. Family restrooms, an eating area, stroller parking, a “book nook” and infant play zones help make the PlayLab a haven for parents, too.

Here are a few PlayLab highlights for your children:

Babies: Little music-lovers will enjoy hearing Japanese taiko drums and playing elephant bells from India in the PlayLab’s Rhythm Section.

Toddlers & Pre-K: Kids this age will go crazy digging for dinosaur bones, making rubbings of real fossils and becoming a “Jr. Paleontologist” in the Dino Field Station.

To plan your visit:

The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605-2496
312-922-9410

Hours: The museum is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, and the Crown Family PlayLab’s hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last admission at 3 p.m. The museum sometimes closes early; call ahead or check the Web site before you go: http://www.fieldmuseum.org/

Parents with strollers should use the wheelchair-accessible east entrance. The museum also rents strollers.

Tip of the Week: Art for All Ages!

Planning to take your budding Picasso to the Museum of Contemporary Art?
Then check out Target Family Days on the second Saturday of the month, 11
a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free for families with children under age 12,
and it includes art activities and tours. Upcoming dates are Feb. 14, March
15, April 11 and May 9. For more information, visit mcachicago.org

Tip of the Week: Tots on Tuesdays!

 While I always look forward to the start of the New Year, I dread the
 doldrums of January and I am always fearful of the time we will have to
 spend indoors. I am always on the lookout for fun things to do with my
 daughter to prevent either one of us from climbing the walls, and I
 remembered Tots on Tuesdays at the Shedd Aquarium. Every Tuesday, Shedd
 offers a full day of activities created especially for preschoolers. "Tots
 on Tuesdays" includes story times, crafts, animal touch programs, videos,
 costumed characters, dancing and singing. Activities are theme-based and
 they change the theme every eight weeks, providing new experiences
 throughout the year. "Tots on Tuesdays" programs are designed for children
 ages 3 through 5, but younger and older children enjoy them, too. This is
 free with admission price. Find more information about these activities on
 their website www.sheddaquarium.org.

 Also, don't forget that you can use your Chicago Public Library card to
 checkout Museum passes to gain free admission into area Museums including
 The Shedd Aquarium! www.chipublib.org

A Thought for the New Year

There are often gifts that we receive that mean more to the person giving them than to the receiver. There was the fiber optic mechanical angel that we received from our elderly neighbor one Christmas that, despite my husband's repeated requests, I just can’t seem to get it from the basement closet out to the garbage can. God forbid she might see it in there! More importantly, I know that when she picked it out, it was done with a thoughtful heart. For that reason alone, we have a closet full of gifts that I just can’t justify parting with.

This fall, my husband’s grandmother passed away, and when my mother-in-law said that she had left a Christmas gift for us, I admit that I had high hopes. I could tell by her enthusiasm that it had meant something to her. Unsure of what this might be, I tentatively opened up a small, red, sequined box shaped like a Christmas light. I feigned enthusiasm as my mother-in-law explained that she had left this especially for us. Turning it over, I realized that it once contained chocolates. Clearly, this was something that the average person would have thrown out (after all, if we kept every pretty box and ribbon, our home would be a disaster area!). However, this box obviously had meant something to my husband’s grandmother. Perhaps it had been given to her by her husband on their first Christmas or by a dear friend. Or maybe this small box reminded her of a special Christmas that her family had spent together. I probably will never know what made her keep this box. Maybe she just thought it was too pretty to throw away. I knew right away that I had to keep this, and that it deserved a special place in our home.

In the end, I decided that we would keep the box on the coffee table in our living room every year during the holidays, and we would make it our family suggestion box. Each family member would be allowed to make one request each week and the rest of our family would have to honor it. My husband’s request was that we pick up after ourselves, my request of course was that he be a little more laid back about the typical messes that families make, and my daughter requested that we all stop bickering (oh, the knowledge of six year olds these days).

So, that little red box with the sequins peeling off turned out to be a very special gift to our family this Christmas and always. I am certain that Grandma Arlene would happy to know that it has a special place within our family and that we are honoring her and her gift to us.

This holiday season, take a moment to look beyond the gifts you receive and remember the people behind the ribbon and paper. Happy New Year to you and your families, and may 2009 bring you lots of red, shiny boxes with hidden surprises.

A Tip from 2008: Honoring Heirlooms

Okay, I will admit it, I cringed when my mother told me two days after my daughter was born that she had saved my childhood wooden kitchen set and was having it shipped to our house. As you can imagine, after receiving all of the baby equipment that comes with adding a little one to your home, this was the last thing that my husband wanted to hear. But now, I really appreciate that she saved these to pass down to my daughter. My daughter is six years old and they are still a favorite of hers and her playmates. After all, they truly just don't make them like this anymore.... or do they?

The people of Natural Pod have just debuted two heirloom quality wooden play kitchens, just like the one my mother saved for my daughter. The wooden Chef's Kitchen and Hutch includes a sliding chopping board and oven rack, fun twirly knobs, and a removable sink for easy clean-up. The Chef's Portable Kitchen is better for smaller spaces, sporting the same great knobs/sink/play-top, minus the oven and cabinet, and is perfect for tight city living!

A perfect thing for your holiday list... a toy that not only your child will enjoy for years, but even your grandchildren!

Check out the beautiful kitchen sets (and other great toys, too!) at Natural Pod.

Enjoy!

Winter All-Day Open Play!

Lots of energy and nowhere to go? Our Winter All-Day Open Play is here to help keep the cold-weather blues away! Make sure to mention our special holiday price, see you there!

(All dates are from 9am-4pm)

Friday, Dec. 26th
Friday, Jan. 2nd
Saturday, Jan. 3rd

Tip of the Week: Some Winter Fun!

Hello Triple B Members,

Are you at your wit's end? Wondering why you live in this terrible climate? Are you stuck indoors with your children pulling on you, telling you for the fifteenth time that there is "nothing to do" and they are bored?

Well then, I highly recommend taking advantage of Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier which runs from December 5th until January 4th. Not only will it get you and the children out of the house, but you will truly enjoy yourselves. There is something for every age including train rides, ice skating, a visit with Santa, cookie making, arts and crafts, and too many moon jumps to count (one for every age)! It is beautifully done, and the entire family will enjoy! The best part is that it is a lovely winter wonderful, except for the fact that it's warm! Don't forget to take your camera, I am sure it will become a family tradition!

Enjoy!

More information below:

Bank of America Winter WonderFest at Navy Pier
December 5, 2008 - January 4, 2009

Free Admission*

The most magical event of the season, Winter WonderFest, returns to Navy Pier's Festival Hall. Now in its eighth year, this favorite Chicago holiday tradition will once again delight visitors both young and old with a breathtaking winter wonderland of hundreds of trees, family attractions, thousands of lights, and non-stop holiday entertainment.

Hours:

Dec. 5-6: 10a - 10p
Dec. 7-11: 10a - 5p
Dec. 12-13: 10a - 10p
Dec. 14-18: 10a - 5p
Dec. 19-20: 10a - 10p
Dec. 21-23: 10a - 8p
Dec. 24: 10a - 5p
Dec. 25: Closed
Dec. 26-27: 10a - 10p
Dec. 28-31: 10a - 8p
Jan. 1: 10a - 10p
Jan. 2-3: 10a - 10p
Jan. 4: 10a - 8p

*Activity wristband prices vary. For more information, visit the Navy Pier Winter WonderFest website.