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.

Overnights from Chicago

http://www.deepriverwaterpark.com/

Water Park/Pool/Beach Reviews

Many listed at Kidwinks.com

Niles - Oasis Fun Center
http://www.yelp.com/biz/niles-park-district-oasis-waterpark-niles#query:waterpark

iPhone Apps for Tots

Moving Picture Books - download these torybooks and watch the pages turn into animated cartoons (age 2-5)

Bug Repellant for Kids - Is DEET safe? What about West Nile Virus?

I just asked our dermatologist (at Children's Memorial Hospital) about effective insect repellant for the spring/summer, and she recommended DEET in concentrations up to 10% for infants and young kids.  She also sent me a link to an IL public health statement on DEET which contains a link to public health info on West Nile Virus.

February: Free Ice Skating Lessons at Millenium Park for all ages and levels

Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink offers free ice skating in the heart of downtown Chicago, daily through March 14. Rent skates onsite for $10 or bring your own pair to experience one of Chicago’s most beloved winter traditions. This February, ice dancing and skating lessons ensure even more fun for all ages on the ice.  All events are FREE and reservations are not required.

Ice Skating Lessons
February 6 - 28: Saturdays & Sundays;
Beginner lessons, 8 – 8:30 am & 9 – 9:30am
Intermediate lessons, 8:30 – 9 am & 9:30 – 10 am
Learn the basics of ice skating and play fun and interactive games on the ice in picturesque Millennium Park. These family-friendly morning skating lessons are open to Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and skill levels.

Late Night Ice Dance Parties
February 5 - 27: Fridays & Saturdays, 7 - 11 pm
Ice Dancing Demonstrations at 7, 8:30 and 10 pm
Millennium Park is the scene of the hottest dance parties this winter! Join us on the ice for extended skating hours, late night skating to live DJ sets, and spectacular ice dancing demonstrations, featuring a different theme each weekend:

Food and beverages by Park Grill will be available for purchase at skating events.

(click on posting title for link to website)