5.30.2009

Standing FREE DAYS at Chicago Museums - Summer 2009

· Art Institute of Chicago Thursdays, Fridays 5–9pm. (111 S Michigan Ave, 312-443-3600, artic.edu/aic). The new Ryan Education Center is always free (use the Modern Wing entrance on Monroe Street).
· Chicago Children’s Museum Thursdays 5–8pm, first Sunday of the month (Navy Pier, 700 E Grand Ave, 312-527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org)
· Chicago History Museum Mondays (1601 N Clark St, 312-642-4600, chicagohistory.org)
· Clarke House Museum Wednesdays (1827 S Indiana Ave, 312-745-0041, clarkehousemuseum.org)
· DuSable Museum of African-American History Sundays (740 E 56th Pl, 773-947-0600, dusablemuseum.org)
· Field Museum second Monday of the month (1400 S Lake Shore Dr, 312-922-9410, fieldmuseum.org)
· Glessner House Museum Wednesdays (1800 S Prairie Ave, 312-326-1480, glessnerhouse.org)
· Museum of Contemporary Art Tuesdays; families with kids 12 and under on the second Saturday of the month, 11am–3pm. (220 E Chicago Ave, 312-280-2660, mcachicago.org)
· Spertus Museum Tuesdays, 10am–noon, Thursdays 2–6pm. Gray Children’s Center is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. (610 S Michigan Ave, 312-322-1700, spertus.edu)
· Swedish American Museum’s Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration Second Tuesday of the month. (5211 N Clark St, 773-728-8111, samac.org)
· The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Thursdays pay what you can; regular admission is $9, kids $7. Or click here to print out a coupon for free child’s admission any day of the week with a paid adult. (2430 N Cannon Dr, 773-755-5100, naturemuseum.org)
· Oriental Institute Museum Suggested $7 donation every day, kids $4 (1155 E 58th St, 773-702-9520, oi.uchicago.edu).

June Events

June 1-5 - FREE DAYS AT THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY

Sat June 6 at 11am - Ravinia - KoThi Dance Company, kids concert, $10 pavillion, $5 lawn.

Sat June 6 at 9:30am-3pm - Oz Park - Chalk Festival - FREE - See artists transform a stained and gum-gooed patch of sidewalk into a stunning likeness of the Mona Lisa or a classic Rembrandt. Have a go at creating your own sidewalk mural in exchange for a $10 donation to Art Therapy Connection, the festival organizer, or just check out the art and take in performances by the Chicago Children's Choir and the Jesse White Tumblers.

Sat-Sun Jun 6-7, Whole Foods Lincoln Park Kids' Weekend, 1550 N Kingsbury St (at Sheffield St) - FREE - The massive (75,000-square-foot!) new outpost of the grocery chain keeps the grand opening festivities going with a weekend's worth of fun aimed at little consumers, including kids' cooking classes, a visit by the WTTW Great Foods Van and a bike safety rodeo on Sunday. Some activities are fee-based; visit wholefoodmarket.com for details and specific schedule info.

June 7-12 - FREE DAYS AT ADLER PLANETARIUM

Sat June 13 at 11am - Ravinia - Dirty Sock Funtime Band, kids concert, $10 pavillion, $5 lawn.

June 14-19 - FREE DAYS AT SHEDD AQUARIUM

June 19 - FREE DAY AT THE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY

5.28.2009

Website for real Consumer Reviews

My3cents.com is a leading source of real consumer advice. Visitors come to learn, interact and voice opinions regarding companies, products and services in our open community.

5.19.2009

Summer Dance Camp for 6-18 year olds

Dance FUNdamentals at the Joffrey!
Designed for ages 6-18
Program runs for five hours, June 1-Aug 23
Dance FUNdamentals is a versatile and fun program in which a Joffrey Teaching Artist introduces participants to the excitement of dance basics. Students master proper stretching techniques, perform an energetic warm-up each session, learn modified choreography from The Joffrey’s repertoire and express their thoughts and emotions creatively by crafting their own dances.

Ballet in the Parks
Designed for ages 9-13
Program runs for 10- and 15-week sessions
Ballet in the Parks teaches dance in the format of bi-weekly afternoon classes at various Chicago Park District locations. The Joffrey Ballet provides an informative study guide and a Joffrey Teaching Artist instructs the students in movement, style, technique and physical awareness.

Water Ballet Workshop
Designed for ages 9-13
Program runs for 90 minutes
During the Water Ballet Workshop, Joffrey Ballet dancers teach the students excerpts from Swan Lake choreographed for the pool, as well as popular dances familiar to the children to foster enthusiasm for dance. This exciting workshop provides an opportunity for Chicago Park District students to experience dance in an informal setting where they work closely with Joffrey dancers.

CAMP Joffrey: Creativity, arts, movement, pride
Designed for ages 12-14
Program runs from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. from June 22 – July 31, 2009
An exciting new initiative, CAMP Joffrey incorporates classes in ballet, modern, jazz, Latin, African and hip hop technique with workshops for creative writing, personal development, team building, water ballet and health and nutrition. CAMP highlights include motivational guest speakers and special field trips. This day camp will engage participants all day long as they get caught up in the excitement of dancing for the summer. For more information, contact Linda Swayze at 312.389.8951 or lswayze@joffrey.org.

Ideas for Father's Day Gifts?

There is a blog called The Crafty Crow that has lots of creative handmade gift ideas for toddlers. Here's the link to the specific section on Father's Day gifts, but there are tons more on the site.

4.21.2009

May Events

May 16 - Kids Day America, This event is focused on creating a fun and entertaining way to educate and teach kids about health and safety. Kids Day is a community effort put on by real people who work in the community. Free Spinal Screenings, Free Dental Screenings, Sample Healthy Eating Snacks, Learn about FIRE safety, TRAFFIC safety, Free Child ID Cards, Free Face Painting and Balloon Artistry, Science Show, Prize Drawings.

4.20.2009

Want to teach your Baby Sign Language?

Baby Signs by Wendy Auffant offers parent workshops and Sign, Say and Play classes with a speech therapist that will teach you how to use sign language with your baby through games, songs, daily routines and fun activities. For additional information please visit
http://www.babysignsprogram.com/bywendyauffant/ .

4.12.2009

Does your 7-12 y.o. love movies?

Don't miss out on the ONLY summer camp where kids 7 to 14 learn to critique, write and create films just like the pros! Deadline: April 30

Facets' Young Chicago Critics (YCC) gives kids a foundation in the technique, grammar and process of film production. Using innovative team teaching approaches, teachers, filmmakers and critics involve kids in what it takes to create a film. Now in its 9th year, Young Chicago Critics gives kids who LOVE movies a chance to understand filmmaking from behind the scenes. Instruction includes: The basics of filmmaking techniques, including camera angles, shots, lighting, sound recording, acting style, screenwriting and film vocabulary. A foundation in film criticism including written and on-camera reviews. Dozens of hands-on activities, including creating a movie. Developed by Facets Multi-Media, a leading, national, non-profit film organization, Young Chicago Critics opens up the world of film to creative youngsters, giving them the essential tools for self-expression. Young Chicago Critics work with kid-friendly filmmakers, critics and teachers, and play an active role in every part of the camp.

A Reply to Vaccine Post(s)

There is a very thoughtful and thought-provoking blogger post about NOT vaccinating at:

http://andothertimes.com/2009/04/11/vaccinations/


Some resources are listed. Check it out!

4.03.2009

Coordinate to Meet Your Friends At Playgroup!

Josh Frank set up a "MEETUP" for our group and it's a great way to see who's going to Playgroup on any given date... or to invite your friends to meet you there!

Just go to http://meetup.com/LincolnParkPlaygroup where you can register. You'll be told it is a private group because we want to ensure safety and security. Just request to join and will be asked some contact info questions. The meetup info goes only to Josh, who has a roster for the parish administrator to use when buzzing folks into the building. We hope that you can appreciate our desire for security for our kids.

3.25.2009

Summer Theatre Camp for 3.5-5 and 6-10 year olds

Emerald City Theatre. check out these 1 week long drama camps for Preschool - Kindergarten - Elemenatry aged kids. 1 week, 9am - noon, $225 per session.

2.09.2009

Safe Candy for Food Allergy Kids

As of 10/2008, this List contains popular safe candies with detail on what each candy does not contain.

As of 10/2008, this is a Short List of candies free of Top 8 Allergens, and gluten.

1.30.2009

Report from the CDC, Recent Increase in Hib Disease in Children 0-5 yrs old

For families who have been following an alternative vaccination plan, this item might be of interest to you. I am not pushing any philosophy here - just providing info for families to consider. I received this notice from our pediatrician's office yesterday... [UPDATE: SEE REPLY TO VACCINE POST ON 4-12-09]

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced that five cases of Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) invasive disease were confirmed in 2008 in Minnesota. Of the 5 babies who contracted the disease, 3 patients had received no vaccinations due to parent deferral or refusal of vaccinations. One healthy infant who was unimmunized was 7 months old and died of Hib disease.

Hib disease is a severe bacterial infection, occurring primarily in infants and children under 5 years. It can be the cause of meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, epiglotittis (a severe throat infection), skin infections, and arthritis. It can be serious in children under age 1, but there is little risk of getting the disease after age 5. Transmission is most likely through respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing). http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd- vac/hib/default.htm

Hib meningitis can result in death in one out of 20 children, and permanent brain damage in 10% - 30% of the survivors.

Before widespread use of the Hib vaccine, Hib disease contributed to 20,000 deaths in small children/year in the U.S.

**************************************************
If your child has been receiving regular checkups and is following the recommended schedule of vaccination there is no need to worry. Hib vaccine is recommended for all infants and is provided as a 3 dose series in the form of Pentacel (combination vaccine of DTaP, Hib, and IPV) at 2, 4, and 6 months. A booster dose after 12 months is also recommended. http://www.townandcountrypeds.com/test_tips_wellExam. htm

Although Hib bacteria are present normally in the community, vaccines given to infants can significantly decrease its communicability.

*With decreasing rates of immunization due to parental refusal, we are currently experiencing resurgence of these bacteria in our community. This is also referred to as herd immunity.

We understand that some parents are apprehensive about vaccinating their children. This is a timely and stern reminder for those hesitant about agreeing to follow the vaccination schedule published by the CDC.

Hib disease is nearly preventable with timely and complete vaccination.

If you have been following an alternative schedule, please take the time to think about fully vaccinating your infant or small child. Call the office for an immunization appointment today.

Halsted Office (312) 279-8900
Glenview Office (847) 998-8806
Lincoln Office (773) 478-1067

Town and Country Pediatrics, S.C.
email: jenniferh@townandcountrypeds.com
phone: 312-279-8900
web: http://www.townandcountrypeds.com

1.21.2009

Feb Events

All Winter - Free Museum Days

Always FREE Chicago Attractions

FREE Ice Skating Admission
(skate rental is $10)

FREE Music and Dance Performances in Chicago


FREE Tours of Chicago

Saturdays in Feb, 6:30pm, Pioneer Court at 401 N. Michigan Avenue during the month of February 2009: the ONLY winter fireworks experience over the Chicago River, surrounded by magnificent architecture.FREE.

Saturdays in February - Garfield Park Conservatory. 11am - 4pm, Sweet Saturdays. Learn about plants that provide the key ingredients to our favorite sweet treats: bananas, vanilla beans, cinnamon bark, and chocolate trees. Sweet Saturday sample activities: Tropical Treat Stations; design a scratch 'n sniff necklaces with cinnamon and sandpaper and “leaf rubbing” Valentine’s Day Cards; make Chocolate Sachets with the sweet-smelling shells of cocoa beans; Sweet Reads & Candy College. FREE samples from (February 7) Baskin Robbins, Starbucks Coffee; (February 14) Divine Chocolate; (February 21) Wholesome Sweeteners Fair Trade Certified organically and natural sugars, syrups, nectars and honeys. Tropical CafĂ©: at a leisurely pace attendees can buy sandwiches, souvenir treats, and listen to the sweet sounds of tropical tunes. “Member’s Only” Chocolate Lounge: chocolate “taste test”, Pot up a special chocolate mint plant to take home, a drawing to win a fresh chocolate pod, hot chocolate within our relaxing “members only” seating area. Suggested donation at entry is $2.

February 1, Sun, Chinatown, 1pm - Chinese New Year Parade
Celebrate the Year of the Ox, 4707, at this spectacle featuring a 100-foot-long dragon float and the traditional Chinese lion dance. The parade begins at Wentworth Avenue and 24th Street, then heads north on Wentworth to Cermak Road. Event phone: 312-326-5320, FREE.

February 1 - May 10, Lincoln Park Conservatory, 9am - 5pm everyday - Spring Flower Show ...Under the snowy landscapes of Chicago, spring is still able to make an early entrance with the help of the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Escape the frozen, tundra-like landscape to the Spring Flower Show at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The free annual Spring Flower Show offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of spring with a rare opportunity to meet the direct descendents of the great Azaleas that once bloomed at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. In addition, this year’s flower show will feature a changing selection of spring blooming plants including Azaleas, spring flowering annuals and spring flowering perennials. FREE. ALSO, SAME DATES AT Garfield Park, same hours except Thurs when they are open until 8pm. Experience the beauty of spring early. Encounter rarely seen, direct descendents of the great Azaleas from the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, as well as Hydrangeas, Cymbidiums, Orchids, Camellias, spring flowering bulbs and perennials.

February 1-8, Sun - Sun, United Center,"Disney On Ice - Worlds of Fantasy".
Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney/Pixar's CARS race across the ice. Dive into The Little Mermaid's enchanting undersea kingdom and experience the 'Circle of Life' with The Lion King. Then enter into the magical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and all her fairy friends as they make their world premiere on ice! From wheels to waves, Pride Lands to pixie dust, your family's favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters certain to create a lifetime of memories. Special Bonus! Disney Princess Pre-Show: Arrive up to one hour early to tour our dazzling display of gorgeous gowns. Complimentary to all ticket holders. Save $4 on all performances, excluding Sunday, February 1 at 3 pm, by using code FAIRY at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 312-559-1212. Discount does not apply to Front Row or VIP seats.

February 7, Navy Pier, noon - 5pm, Honest Abe at Navy Pier - Join Abe Lincoln for a gathering of all things "Abe" including a replica of the Lincoln Memorial sculpture and historical-character appearances.

Feb 7-8, Sat-Sun, 10am - 4pm, Millenium Park Chase Promenade, Frozen Fun Fest: Celebrate winter with icy enjoyment for the whole family. The round-up of weekend ice activities includes: skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink; guided winter walks in the Lurie Garden (both days at 11 am); kids’-sized maze made of more than 100 blocks of ice; fun, frozen outdoor games, like cornhole and ring toss. Outdoor enthusiasts will also delight in: building frozen masterpieces with Brrrrr blocks, posing for ice portraits created by a professional ice carver, and joining Noble Horse Theatre and Environmental Encroachment in a park procession with the Ice King and Queen and their royal marching band (10:30 am, 12 pm, 1:30 pm, and 3 pm). And, to help all stay warm, yummy drinks will be provided courtesy of Starbucks. FREE

Feb 13-22, McCormick Place, 10am - 10pm, The Chicago Auto Show, the nation’s largest and world’s third largest, offers attendees the opportunity to see the latest production and concept vehicles from a broad cross-section of automakers. From new 2009/2010 cars to concept vehicles, the annual show for autophiles of all ages offers a traffic-stopping array complete with driving accessories and devices. adults: $10; seniors/children 7-12 $5; children 6 and under FREE

February 15 - Cabin Fever
The perfect antidote to Cabin Fever! To celebrate Abe Lincoln’s 200th birthday, learn about Lincoln’s one room cabin and make a Lincoln cabin to take home, hear stories about Abe, and design homes using Kapla blocks.
Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan, free day of activities is part of CAF’s Studio Sundays, a monthly series of kid-friendly programs designed for families with children up to age 12. No reservations are needed. www.architecture.org

Feb 12-16 - Snow Days Chicago
1 am to 8 pm, Thursday, February 12 - Sunday, February 15
11 am to 6 pm, Monday, February 16
FREE five-day winter festival on Michigan Avenue in Grant Park featuring a national snow sculpting competition, dog sled demonstrations, a snowboard rail jam and kids activities! Bring the whole family and watch as the city is transformed into a winter wonderland, showcasing over 27 beautiful and unique sculptures made entirely out of snow! For any last minute major changes to event including cancellation due to unsafe weather conditions, please call 3-1-1 for the most up-to-date information. Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, East side of Michigan Avenue between Harrison Street and Balbo Drive, 601 S. Michigan Ave. , Chicago, IL 6060. For additional information please visit, http://www.snowdayschicago.us

Feb 13 Friday -Valentines Day Daddy/Daughter & Mother/Son Ice Skating Party
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, All Ages
Daley Bicentennial Plaza


Feb 16 Mon -
President's Day: Holiday Skate
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM, all ages
ages 12 & under = $4; 13 & over = $5; 60 & over = $2; skate rental = $3
McFetridge Sports Center (a.k.a. California Park)


Feb 21 Sat -Polar Adventure Days
12 - 4:30pm, all ages
Northerly Island
Don’t let winter slow you down- come out and enjoy our fourth annual Polar Adventure Days series. Watch as amazing ice sculptures are created right in front of you, meet a team of live polar huskies, and see birds of prey and other live animals. You can also make winter crafts, sip hot cocoa, and snowshoe, if there is snow. Don’t forget to dress warm. These events are free and no registration is required.

FEVER: DON'T ALTERNATE ACETAMINOPHEN AND IBUPROFEN

Fever may be the most common symptom why parents seek help from a health care provider. Even though fever is merely a symptom of an illness, its mere presence is enough to incite panic and fear for many parents. See our full explanation on fever and dosage charts.

Regimen for managing fever can include exposing a child to a lukewarm bath and/or administering anti-fever medications. Antifever medications may include acetaminophen (Tylenol or FeverAll suppositories), ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). In recent times, it has become commonplace to administer these two medications in tandem alternating their use over a 3-4 hr period. For example, first a child may receive Tylenol and then 3-4 hours later receiving Motrin or Advil. This schedule for treating fever has been studied in only a few unsubstantiated clinical trials and the outcome of these trials is not enough to accept this as a safe method. The tandem use of these medications has not appeared in a few trials to lower fever more than the use of monotherapy (using acetaminophen or ibuprofen alone) anyway.

The science of using both of these medications is complex, however the medication and its broken down byproducts appear to concentrate in the kidneys. Of course for our littlest patients and for those with kidney compromise the synergistic use of these medications poses a major concern. Please refrain from alternating these medications in the future with your children.

Howard Rice, M.D.
Jennifer Hartman, CPNP
Town and Country Pediatrics
email: jenniferh@townandcountrypeds.com
phone: 773-929-2260
web: http://www.townandcountrypeds.com

12.21.2008

January Events

Thru 1/4: Lincoln Park Conservatory Flower & Train Show runs thru Jan. 4. FREE.
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/news.detail/object_id/58f36e80-b66a-43c3-9b54-444fb4af95b1.cfm


1/2 - 1/16 - Work out for FREE from Jan. 2-16 at any of the Chicago Park District's 60 fitness centers located throughout the city. New members who sign up for the winter session (Jan. - March) during the promotion get a complimentary Nike bag (while supplies last). The fitness centers feature state-of-the-art equipment including computerized treadmills, cross trainers, and bicycles. For more info. and a list of fitness center locations, copy and paste the link below into your web browser: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/fitness_centers/index.html

1/18 Sun,
11am - 3pm, Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan,"Going Places" By air, sea, and land, plan to ‘go places’. Learn to make and fly paper airplanes, construct bridges, and design marble mazes. This free day of activities is part of CAF’s Studio Sundays, a monthly series of kid-friendly programs designed for families with children up to age 12. No reservations are needed. www.architecture.org

1/19 Mon, 12-1:30pm, McFetridge Sports Center (a.k.a. California Park), Martin Luther King Day Skate: ages 12 & under = $4; 13 & over = $5; 60 & over = $2; skate rental = $3

1/21-25 Wed-Sun, Allstate Arena, "Disney On Ice - Worlds of Fantasy". Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney/Pixar's CARS race across the ice. Dive into The Little Mermaid's enchanting undersea kingdom and experience the 'Circle of Life' with The Lion King. Then enter into the magical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and all her fairy friends as they make their world premiere on ice! From wheels to waves, Pride Lands to pixie dust, your family's favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters certain to create a lifetime of memories. Special Bonus! Disney Princess Pre-Show: Arrive up to one hour early to tour our dazzling display of gorgeous gowns. Complimentary to all ticket holders. Save $4 on all performances, excluding Sunday, February 1 at 3 pm, by using code FAIRY at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 312-559-1212. Discount does not apply to Front Row or VIP seats.


1/27- 2/8, Tues - Sun, United Center,
"Disney On Ice - Worlds of Fantasy". (see above) Special Bonus! Disney Princess Pre-Show: Arrive up to one hour early to tour our dazzling display of gorgeous gowns. Complimentary to all ticket holders. Save $4 on all performances, excluding Sunday, February 1 at 3 pm, by using code FAIRY at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 312-559-1212. Discount does not apply to Front Row or VIP seats.

1/24, Sat 11am and 12:45pm, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Family Matinee concert, "Tchaikovsky Tales" with the Joffrey Ballet, www.cso.org

12.11.2008

Free/Affordable Vaccinations

If your insurance does not cover the cost of all vaccinations or only covers partial cost, please consider receiving your child's vaccinations at the Board of Health. These vaccinations will be given to your child free or at nominal cost. There are many clinics scattered across Chicagoland. Please call for the closest clinic to you. Chicago Board of Health 1-312-747-9884.

12.10.2008

December Events

10am during December: Pottery Barn Story Time. FREE. 2111 North Clybourn, Chicago 60614. Phone 773-525-8349.

Lincoln Park Conservatory Flower & Train Show runs thru Jan. 4. FREE.
http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/news.detail/object_id/58f36e80-b66a-43c3-9b54-444fb4af95b1.cfm

12/27-30, Art Institute of Chicago: Nurture your budding artist at the holiday family event, Holly Days — Around the World. Start painting the town red (and green) after you visit the recently returned Impressionist art collection. Get your Monet’s worth with free guided tours at noon and 2 p.m. to learn the inside dish on the artists and their works. There’s story time at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for tykes ages 3 to 5, and the museum’s mascot, Artie the Lion, will be on hand December 27 for holiday photo ops. Finally, channel your inspiration at a free art-making workshop where you and the kids can create colorful pastel scenes of your very own.

12/4-18 Thursdays, 11am and 3pm, "Eco Gingerbread House Workshop" - design and build your own green gingerbread house. All materials provided. $35/house.

12/6-7, Sat 10-noon(reindeer) , Sun 1-3pm (no reindeer). SANTA & REINDEER visit the Notebaert, www.naturemuseum.com. Decorate cookies and make an ornament to add to the museum tree.

12/6-21 Sat-Sun 11am-3pm, "Gifting Green Workshops" - make paper, envelopes, coasters, bird house, mosaic pots, paper mache bowls, ornaments, gift boxes etc. Various material fees between $5-15. Notebaert, www.naturemuseum.com

12/6 - 1/4 Winter Flower and Train Show at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. FREE.

12/13, Sat, 4:45pm - Andersonville - St. Lucia Festival of Lights. FREE. The festival of St. Lucia is a Sicilian tradition adopted by the Swedes, a celebration of lights prevailing over the darkest time of the year. Each year the specially chosen Lucia girls lead a torch-lit carol-filled procession down Clark Street, with the Museum hosting caroling and refreshments after, followed by a special 7pm Lucia service down the street at Ebenezer Lutheran Church. Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark. Museum admission is $1 or a can of food to benefit the homeless. http://www.andersonville.org/

12/13, 1/17 and 2/21 - Polar Adventure Days from 12-4 p.m. at Northerly Island, 1400 S. Lynn White Dr. Families can see Siberian huskies and other live animals, engage in winter activities, watch ice sculpture carvings, and create nature-inspired crafts. The first 500 people will also receive a free Polar Adventure Day mug filled with hot cocoa. FREE.

12/15 and 12/19 - Lincoln Park Cultural Center - Family Craft time from 11am to 12ish.
The cost is $5 for both days. There will be many little gifts to make for family members this day. You can call the Cultural Center to register 312-742-7726.

12/17, Wed at 5pm - Lincoln Park Cultural Center - Family Gingerbread House decorating event. There will be snacks and cocoa. Each family will receive an assembled gingerbread house and there will be icing and many candies for decorating and eating. The cost is $20. Call the Cultural Center to register 312-742-7726

12/27 - 29, Sat through Mon, 10am - 4pm, McCormick Place, Halls A & B (2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive): Mayor Daley's Holiday Sports Festival. FREE. Admission to the biggest indoor gym and interactive zones is FREE. Discounted parking in Lot A -$9. Interactive zones include trampolines, golf, climbing walls, football, chess, obstacle course, tot's zone, bowling, table tennis, inflatable tumbling, tennis, badminton, boxing, a pitching zone, fishing ponds, footbag, giant slide, 40-Yard dash, skateboarding area, wrestling, and open courts for volleyball and basketball. Other areas of fun include performances from Radio Disney, a variety of entertainers on the Halftime Stage, an area devoted to the 2016 Olympics and Paralympic Games, the Chicago Sky, The Harlem Globetrotters and a basketball and chess tournament featuring Chicago Public School children. There are fitness areas and the brand new Chill Out Zone with games, reading and block building for a little quiet time.

12/31 - Lincoln Park Cultural Center -two family Rockin' New Years Eve Parties. Call the Cultural Center to register and check availability 312-742-7726

12/26-31, 1/2-4, 11am - 3pm, Trash to Treasure - turn your holiday wrapping trash into fun stuff!
Notebaert, www.naturemuseum.com

12.07.2008

THE REAL SANTA'S WORKSHOP

Located in northern northern Finland!

Click on the title to this post!

Or:
http://www.northpole.com/
http://www.noradsanta.org/ (Track Santa!)

12.01.2008

Museum Free Admission Days

MONDAYS
Chicago Historical Society (Clark @ North)
Adler Planetarium (Mon and Tues 9/23/08 - 2/28/09)
Shedd Aquarium (Mon and Tues excluding Oceanarium and Wild Reef)
TUESDAYS
Adler Planetarium (Mon and Tues 9/23/08 - 2/28/09)
Art Institute of Chicago
Museum of Contemporary Art
Shedd Aquarium (Mon and Tues excluding Oceanarium and Wild Reef)
WEDNESDAYS
Field Museum of Natural History
Thursdays
Chicago Children's Museum (free 5pm - 8pm)
Museum of Science & Industry
EVERYDAY
Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan. 312-922-3432
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E Washington, 312-346-3278