Toy Stores

American Girl Place
The Boring Store (spy shop)
Cat and Mouse Game Store
Chicago Kite
Chicago Soccer
Mituwa Marketplace, 100 E. Algonquin, Arlington Heights
Monster Island Toys
Quake Collectibles
Robot City Workshop
Timeless Toys, 4749 N. Lincoln
Uncle Fun, 1338 W. Belmont

Shoe Stores for Kids

Alamo Shoes 5321 N. Clark

Piggy Toes, 2205 N. Halsted

Resale Shops

Once Upon A Child, 7246 W. Foster

Pish Posh, 3950 N. Southport, gently used kids clothes like Oilily, Crewcuts, Jacadi

Arts, Crafts and Music Ideas

Beadniks, 1937 W. Division, offers classes for tweens and teens.

Flourish Studios, 3020 N. Lincoln Ave. has storytelling at 10:30 and 4:30, filmaking classes, and even learning assessments and psychotherapy services!

Glazed Expressions, you pay cost of pottery and studio fee ($6 kids, $8 adults).  Week long camps for kids 7+. 717 W. Armitage.

Lillstreet Art Center

Magic, Inc. run by family of illusionists since 1926. 5082 N. Lincoln.

The Paintbrush, 2856 N. Halsted, kids age 18 mos - 8 yrs old.  School holiday workshops.

Wishcraft, sewing, etc in DIY craft studio.  Camps and classes.  2312 W. Roscoe.

Boating and Fishing Ideas

Sailing - Lakeshore Sale Charters, 401 E. Illinois St., 312-404-5800, $125/hr weekdays, 36 foot Crescendo, a luxury boat to accommodate up to 6 passengers from Burnham Harbor.  Book 1 mo early for dates in the summer.

Paddleboarding/Surfing - Great Lakes Board Company, Glencoe Beach.  lesson ($40-50) and rentals($20) for walk-ups.

Kayaking - Skokie Lagoons, Dundee Rod and Edens, 224-659-0754, $40 pp for 4 hour classes.  Cleaner than the Chicago River.  Min age 10.

Fly Fishing - Chicago Fly Fishing, 1279 N. Clybourn Ave., 312-944-3474, $45 pp, 2 person min.  Min age 10.  Lessons at North Pond.

Online News for Ages 8-14

News that's both age appropriate and engaging.

August Events

Kidzapalooza at Lollapalooza, Aug 6-8, 11am - 4:30pm at Grant Park.  Kidz Stage has live performances and special guests.  Hip Hop Workshops, Punk Rock Hairdooz, Video Karaoke, Breakdancing and Skateboarding Workshops.

Millenium Park Family Fun Festival through Sept 3.