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St. James Lutheran School (2101 N Fremont St., Lincoln Park) invites you to bring your children (ages birth-4) for a fun and enriching experience designed to foster new friendships and develop social skills. Enjoy interactive toys, simple crafts, and engaging storytime in a warm, welcoming environment. From 8:45am to 9:15am, children can explore and develop their gross motor skills with open play on our playground. Then, from 9:15am to 10:15am, head to our Library for a creative seasonal art project followed by storytime. Caregivers must accompany children. This event repeats every Friday morning (with the exception of April 18, 2025) until June 6, 2025. FREE for all families, friends, and neighbors and no RSVP is required. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: jcampbell@stjames-lutheran.org.

German International School Chicago looks forward to welcoming you on Saturday, March 29, at our campus for a special open house event: From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. we will welcome families on our new nature playground for a fun family time. Please join us for events including: Free pretzels and hot drinks Meeting staff, faculty & current GISC families Complimentary face painting Shop the GISC flea market The event takes place on our playground at GISC Campus at 1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613. Inclement weather? The event will move indoors to the gym if weather conditions require. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: dvogel@germanschoolchicago.com.

Hey Chicago families and future explorers! Get ready to mark your calendars, because Summer is in the air. Edgewater is hosting a free Kids Activity Open House to showcase and discover the best camps for kids (0 to 17). This exciting event is your golden ticket to discovering the coolest camps around, all in one place. Whether your kiddo dreams of diving into science experiments, exploring the world of nature, creating a masterpiece artwork for the fridge, or just making awesome new friends, this camp extravaganza has something for everyone! Don’t miss this chance to make your child’s summer the best one yet! Enjoy a one-stop-shop of summer camps at one event! This is a free event, and no RSVP is required. Lot and street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: david@edgewater.org.

Join The Museum of Contemporary Art for Family Day! This month, enjoy soft, warm, lovely things. Create heartfelt art, participate in tea-making workshops, or even craft your own incense. ASL interpretation is provided at this event. This is a free event, and no RSVP is required. But you can go here for more details. Lot parking available. The parking garage is located on Chicago Avenue just west of Fairbanks Court and adjacent to the museum. The garage does not provide direct access to the museum. When you exit the garage, simply turn right and walk west up Chicago Avenue. Our entrances face Mies Van Der Rohe Way. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sypervaiz@mcachicago.org.

Join us for a Family Fun African Fine Arts Event, where creativity, culture, and community come together in a celebration of African heritage and artistic expression! This is a free event and no RSVP is required. Free lot parking. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sissa@stapostleschool.com.

Join LEEP Forward and NPN for a Preschool Discover Day! Get ready for an exciting, hands-on event designed to introduce children ages 2-5 to the magic of preschool. Siblings of all ages are welcome to join in the fun as we create a morning filled with exploration, creativity, and connection in a warm and inclusive environment. Young learners will engage in activities that spark curiosity and imagination. They can explore our sensory bins, overflowing with exciting textures and hidden treasures, or express their creativity through painting with non-toxic, washable paints. Budding builders can dive into playdough creations, while future storytellers can relax in our cozy story corner with captivating tales. Our preschool-themed event also includes a pretend play area where kids can dress up, role-play, and experience the joy of imaginative adventures. For outdoor fun, families can join a guided nature walk to collect treasures and learn more about the world around them. To keep everyone energized, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks. As an added bonus, every family who attends will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting—a special treat for parents. Join us for a morning that offers a glimpse into the preschool experience and showcases how we nurture young minds through play, exploration, and meaningful connections. We can’t wait to welcome you! Location: 1447 W Montrose NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We need your help to keep these playdates free for families. Please support NPN's work by becoming a paid member or donating.

GEMS World Academy Polar Play: STEAM the Winter Way! Join us for a Winter Wonderland of innovation, creativity, and exploration at GEMS World Academy Chicago! Meet some of their knowledgeable and passionate early childhood educators and discover how they engage young learners through inquiry and student agency. This event is best for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Siblings are always welcome. Bring the whole family and make a day of it in downtown Chicago! Sunday, January 12, 2025 9:00 - 11:00 AM GEMS World Academy Chicago 350 East South Water Street, Chicago GEMS World Academy Chicago is located at 350 East South Water Street, Chicago, IL 60601. Please read the driving/parking instructions carefully, as GPS technologies sometimes have a difficult time finding the GEMS campus NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please support NPN's work by becoming a paid member or making a donation.

Perform, watch, and be the director of your own story. Spot videos and films throughout the museum. ASL interpretation is provided at this event. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Lot parking availalbe. The parking garage is located on Chicago Avenue just west of Fairbanks Court and adjacent to the museum. The garage does not provide direct access to the museum. When you exit the garage, simply turn right and walk west up Chicago Avenue. Our entrances face Mies Van Der Rohe Way. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sypervaiz@mcachicago.org

The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce and Purple Monkey Playroom will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially introduce Mouna Soumahoro, the new owner, to the community! We will have light food and refreshments and holiday-themed activities for children. Limited spaces. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: mouna@purplemonkeyplayroom.com.

Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Chicago Waldorf School. ☕ Enjoy a delicious snack in the Community Room 🐝 Experience a Waldorf classroom with one of our teachers. Explore the materials and enjoy the toys and activities 🪴Enjoy some time together in the beautiful outdoor nature park and garden, weather permitting Chicago Waldorf School is located at 5200 N Ashland Ave. Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN!

A Spirited Holiday Social-Mixer hosted by kgPR's client, Chicago's Philanthropist, Senior Business Executive, Entrepreneur, and Mother, Rosella Bynum. As God is a blessing to us daily, I am The Way Truth Life Outreach Ministries seeks to be a blessing to others. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: kweisigharreau@gmail.com.

Join us for an afternoon in the Baker Print Shop with Ms Beth Sycamore. Experience the Baker Print Shop while making custom photo books using all of the resources and materials we have to offer, under the guidance of our wonderful teacher, Ms. Beth. Your family is also welcome to explore the Baker Book Fair in our Library. We will also be offering complimentary family photos with our professional photographer. After the event, you will receive 2-3 professionally edited images. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Ample Parking in the school parking Lot This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: skinser@bakerdemschool.org.

Hyde Park Holly-Day is back for 2024 and better than ever with FREE holiday family activities throughout Hyde Park on Saturday, December 7 at select times between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Don’t miss the ice carving demo & self-guided sculpture stroll, pictures with your favorite Santas, live reindeer & sleigh, ice skating, free screening of “Moana 2”, Buddy the Elf, costumed characters, dance performances, and holiday crafts. See you in Hyde Park! This is a free event, and no RSVP is required. But you can go here for more details. Paid parking is available at the following locations: Harper Court Public Garage - 5222 S. Lake Park Avenue, entrance just south of McDonald's. Harper Court Surface Lot - 5210 S. Harper Avenue. The Promontory Lot - 5311 S. Lake Park Avenue West. Metered and free street parking where available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: acsrodon@uchicago.edu.

Help I am The Way Truth Life Outreach Ministries spread Holiday Joy with Rosella Bynum's Holiday Toy & Coat Drive! The drive takes place until Sunday, December 8th. Please drop off new unwrapped toys, new coats/jackets, mittens/gloves, hats (for all ages), hygiene kits and new socks. Poverty makes it arduous for struggling families to access their most basic of needs like food and water, let alone gifts for the holidays. So, as the holidays arrive, some parents are faced with some disconcerting choices from paying the rent, food on the table, new winter clothes or presents for their children. Your support during these most challenging of circumstances can help us provide parents with hope and joy for their families this holiday season. Drop Off Location: Take Flight Spirits 8038 Lincoln Ave. Skokie, IL 60077 https://www.takeflightspirits.com/ Drop Off Times/Tasting Times: Tuesday & Wednesday: 4pm-10pm/Thursday: 4pm-11pm/Friday & Saturday: 3pm-11pm/Sunday: 4pm-10pm. Don't have time to attend or drop off, go here for Rosella Bynum's Holiday Toy & Coat Drive Social-Mixer Digital Donation link. Sunday, December 8th, 1P-4P: Open Mic/2P-3P, POETRY PEACE & A PRESENT featuring kweisi, THE POET @kweisithebrand All family friendly artists (singers, hip-hop, country, folk, painters/sculptures & tap dancers) are welcome to share your gifts. Featuring complimentary appetizers by International Chef, Chef Jeff --- Follow on Instagram @fashion_lights_camera_action @takeflightspirits @islandtingschicago @kweisithebrand Our mixer is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Street and lot parking available. Perhaps you time does not avail to attend or drop off a present, you can make your digital contribution. SPONSOR: Rockwell Jones Single Mothers Car Layaway Assistant Program. For more information about Rockwell Jones Single Mothers Car Layaway Assistant Program call: 414-578-7188. Purpose: Your donations to this Holiday Toy & Coat Drive are reserved for providing compassionate relief and meeting critical needs for single parents with children in the most urgent and dyer situations. Our gratitude for your time, love and generosity. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: kweisigharreau@gmail.com.

Learn how to interact musically with your child, and Meet The Music Playhouse! Sing, dance, play, and learn! *This is an in-person class offered indoors at Purple Monkey Playroom.* Engaging and interactive songs and activities are designed and modified to benefit little ones. We use play-based and research-based techniques, gamification, and hands-on, interactive activities that keep students engaged and excited to learn. Our primary goals are to foster development, parent/child bonding, and independent music accuracy, and to instill a lifelong love and understanding of music through variety, repetition, and fun! Research shows that exposure to a variety of sounds and rhythms in the first few months of life creates the strongest foundation for developing communication skills and musical aptitude as they grow. Research also shows that singing to and dancing with your baby enriches emotional and social development. This is a free class, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Free neighborhood street parking, or metered parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: erin@themusicplayhouseofchicago.com.

Join us this Fall at Northwestern University for Imagine U: The Wong Kids in the Secret of the Space Chupacabra, Go! (OCT 24. -NOV. 3). Check out this special preview video highlighting this production coming together. The Wong Kids is about Violet and Bruce Wong who just don’t fit in with the other Earth kids. Sure, they have superpowers; they’re just not very good ones. But when an evil beast called the Space Chupacabra appears, intent on universal destruction, the Wong kids must travel to far reaches of outer space to stop it ...if they can only stop bickering. Violet and Bruce ultimately realize that being different isn’t just okay; it might just be the most important thing ever. Using a mix of action-driven storytelling, puppetry, and visual magic, The Wong Kids transports its audience into the galaxy’s far reaches. Suggested Ages 7+ Approximate Run Time 70 minutes, no intermission Learn more about the play Learn more about the costumes and the sets No RSVP is required. Tickets are available, please go here for dates, times, and tickets. This is a repeating event, with shows until November 3, 2024. Special sensory showing, November 2, 2024. Discounted tickets for NPN members. Go here for more information. Lot parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: pete.brace@northwestern.edu.

Hosted in collaboration with MCA’s Teen Creative Agency, make and read zines (small, DIY magazines). ASL interpretation is provided at this event. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. The parking garage is located on Chicago Avenue just west of Fairbanks Court and adjacent to the museum. The garage does not provide direct access to the museum. When you exit the garage, simply turn right and walk west up Chicago Avenue. Our entrances face Mies Van Der Rohe Way. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sypervaiz@mcachicago.org.

We apologize for the inconvenience. This playdate has been CANCELED. NPN's Screenless Saturday Family Playdates are for children approximately 6-9 years old and their parents. At this Screenless Saturday Family Playdate, you and your child will explore a new activity together while learning about the grade school, middle school and high school programs at Chicago Waldorf School. ☕ Enjoy a delicious fall snack of homemade Apple cake, cider, and coffee in our Community Room. ✏️ Work with a group of current middle school students on art activities, including drawing and bracelet making. 🐝 Experience a Waldorf classroom with one of our grade school teachers, as she tells a story and guides beeswax modeling. Parents can opt to stay in the classroom or have a brief school tour during this time. 🪴Enjoy some time together in our beautiful outdoor nature park and garden Chicago Waldorf School is located at 5200 N Ashland Ave. NPN's Screenless Saturday Family Playdates are for children approximately 6-9 years old and their parent(s) to have screen-free fun together and learn about middle and high schools. This is not a drop-off playdate. A parent must be present at all times. We promise you'll have a great time. We can't wait to see you! Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. We ask non-members to contribute $10/adult, which comes with a one-year NPN membership, giving you free access to every playdate! If you are experiencing financial hardship, please feel free to contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships.

The iconic Tony Award-winning musical ANNIE is returning to Chicago this holiday season with a limited three-week engagement at The Chicago Theatre from November 12 through December 1. ANNIE is a heartwarming musical that for generations has reminded audiences that “the sun will come out tomorrow.” And now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production that celebrates family, optimism, and the American spirit as the ultimate cure for the hard knocks life throws your way. The original production of ANNIE opened on Broadway on April 21, 1977, and went on to win seven Tony Awards including Best Musical (Charles Strouse), Best Book (Thomas Meehan) and Best Score (Martin Charnin). Tickets for ANNIE at The Chicago Theatre start at $39 when purchased in person at the Ticketmaster Box Office at The Chicago Theatre and at $54.50 when purchased online at chicagotheatre.com/ANNIE. For groups of nine or more, please contact the Group Sales Department at 212-465-6080 or Group.Sales@msg.com. Accessible and companion seats are available via the Accessibility Services Department at 888-609-7599 or AccessibilityServices@msg.com. This is a repeating event from November 12 through December 1. Please go here for further information. Lot parking is available, please go here for details. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: maggie@silvermangroupchicago.com.

This playdate has been canceled and is in the process of being rescheduled. Please check the NPN calendar soon for the new date. We are sorry for this inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding. Join LEEP Forward and NPN for Autumn Adventures! This sensory-friendly, inclusive event is designed for all children, ages 2-5, with siblings of all ages welcome to join in the fun! Embrace the magic of autumn with a variety of engaging activities that promote exploration and creativity: Children can dive into our Leaf Sensory Bin filled with dried leaves, acorns, and other textures, or enjoy the Apple Sensory Bin where they can scoop and discover hidden treasures. We’ll have a Pumpkin Painting station where little artists can decorate mini pumpkins with non-toxic, washable paint, and a playdough Station featuring autumn colors for creative molding and shaping. For imaginative play, kids can dress up our friendly scarecrow using old clothes and hay, and relax in our Autumn Story Corner with cozy blankets and captivating fall-themed stories. Plus, don’t miss our guided Nature Walk, where everyone can collect autumn treasures! We will also have a bounce house for our little adventurers seeking more movement activities. Our event will also include a ball pit and sensory tables for more hands-on exploration. Finally, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to keep everyone energized, and every family will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting! Join us for a morning of sensory exploration, connection, and autumn fun in an inclusive environment. We can’t wait to see you there! Location: 1447 W Montrose NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. We ask non-members to contribute $20, which comes with a one-year NPN membership giving you free access to every playdate! Non-members, RSVP and then contribute HERE. If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships and playdates.

In today’s digital age, screens are an integral part of daily life, but managing screen time for children can be a challenge for many parents. Excessive screen time has been linked to various issues, including poor sleep, decreased physical activity, and even negative effects on mental health. Fortunately, there are a variety of resources available to help parents guide their kids towards healthier screen habits. 1. Educational Websites and Apps Several websites and apps are designed to help parents monitor and manage screen time effectively. Tools like Circle Home Plus and Qustodio allow parents to set limits on screen time, monitor usage, and even filter content. These apps can be a good starting point for creating a more balanced digital environment at home. Even some home internet service providers have tools to help you shut down internet access to specific devices at a certain time. I personally have Xfinity home internet and use many of the tools in their Parent Hub and home app. 2. Books on Screen Time Management Will Smith once said: And that's true for learning how to free our children from screens! Books can offer deeper insights and practical strategies for managing screen time. Some recommended reads include: Reset Your Child's Brain: A Four-Week Plan to End Meltdowns, Raise Grades, and Boost Social Skills by Reversing the Effects of Electronic Screen-Time by Dr. Victoria Dunckley: This book delves into the science behind screen time and offers actionable strategies and a four-week plan. The Tech-Wise Family: Everyday Steps for Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch: This book provides steps to making conscientious choices about technology as a family. 3. Online Parenting Communities Connecting with other parents who are facing similar challenges can provide support, ideas, and a reminder that we are not alone in our parenting experiences. It's no secret that NPN is a great resource for parents but there are a plethora of additional resources like Common Sense Media, which provides resources on managing screen time and promoting digital well-being. 4. Professional Guidance Sometimes, professional advice can be invaluable. Child psychologists and family therapists can offer personalized strategies for managing screen time and addressing any underlying issues at a level that is more specific to your needs. Here are a few additional professional resources that can help: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Provides guidelines on screen time and offers resources for parents to help balance digital media use. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Offers information on how excessive screen time can affect mental health and provides guidance for parents. 5. Family Activities and Alternatives Engaging in screen-free activities can help children develop a healthy balance and see just how much fun they are missing out on in the real world! We are excited to launch Screenless Family Playdates! These are playdates for older children that are dedicated to learning something new, exploring a new school or space, and taking a much needed break from screens. Click here to learn more about our upcoming playdate on October 12, 2024. Additional resources for finding screen-free activities include: The Family Dinner Project: Provides ideas and resources for family activities that encourage face-to-face interaction and can be a great alternative to screen time. Outdoor Family: Offers suggestions for outdoor activities that can replace screen time and help kids stay active and engaged with nature. Even in Chicago! Managing screen time is an ongoing process that requires patience and consistency. By leveraging educational tools, seeking professional advice, engaging with parenting communities, and exploring screen-free activities, parents can help their children develop healthier digital habits. Balancing screen time with other activities not only supports better physical and mental health but also strengthens family relationships and enriches children's lives.

You’re invited to: Bubblespalooza Kids’ Music Fest & Block Party! Your family will not want to miss out on this exciting day packed with fun for the whole family! Enjoy live music, art activities, a bounce house, photobooths, a magical bubble show, face painting, airbrush tattoos, delicious bites from local vendors, and more! We’ll also feature activity stations from over 20 local small businesses, outdoor kids’ concerts, indoor sample classes, and open play areas. We'll also be raffling off awesome gifts from local businesses. Tickets: $15/child in advance $20/child at the door Go here to purchase tickets. Proceeds will go towards, Whole Child Arts, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing transformative arts education to children from birth to five years in underserved areas of Chicago and beyond. Lot parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: bigbubble@bubblesacademy.com.