Ice Skating

http://www.cpdit01.com/resources/communications.ice-rinks/

http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/events/dca_tourism/mccormick_tribune0.html 

http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/attractions/park_district/ice_rink_at_daley.html

http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/ice-rinks/

Apple Orchards

click on the title to find orchards all less than 100 minutes from Chicago.   All open in late Aug, Sept and some even into October with pumpkins

The Actors Gymnasium, Evanston

Classes like Circus Arts, AcroDance, Imaginastics, Juggling, Tumbling, Parent-tot classes.  Mention ad in Time Out Chicago for 10% off!

Midieval Times, Schaumburg

Midwest Tree Climbing

Mark Larson runs this destination that is centered around one massive, 5-story tall, 300 year old oak called "Goliath".  For $20 pp, kids aged 5-adult can be harnessed and taught how to scale this tree, and then climbers can try it for as long as they like.  The tree is fitted with a series of ropes that have special knots so you can use a combination of upper and lower body strength to scale up to the highest branches.  He got the idea from a course he took at Atlanta based Tree Climbers International.  Try tricks like the upside down "Batman", and he will also rescue you and bring you back to ground instantly.  The views and sounds at the top are amazing.  On the ground there's a basketball hoop, picnic tables and a grill, so your group can bring food and sports equipment along to make a day of your trek.

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.

Theatre for Children at Reasonable TIcket Prices

CHICAGO PLAYWORKS:
Founded as the Goodman Children's Theatre in 1925 and recognized as a pioneer of theatre for families, Chicago Playworks welcomes more than 35,000 students and families to our highly-celebrated productions each season. Today we are dedicated to reflecting our audience's experience in an urban, contemporary and multi-ethnic environment.  Now housed at the Theatre School at DePaul University, home to Chicago's leading children's theatre, is renowned as one of the top theatre training conservatories in the United States. It is here that talent, passion and drama connect to spark fun and dynamic theatre experiences unlike any other. See a show at The Theatre School and discover a treasure in the heart of Chicago's thriving theatre scene.

EMERALD CITY THEATRE COMPANY:  A Child's Gateway to the Arts
Performances, Classes/Camps, Parties and Special Events,

Transportation Service for Preschool and Older

Kids care transportation 773-343-0378
I saw that a family in our preschool used this service and the driver and vehicle that dropped off this child at school always appeared to be careful and timely. I cannot personally endorse them beyond this observation but I think such services are hard to find, so I am posting their phone number here.

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.

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.

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

Farms to visit

Buckley Homestead
http://www.johansenfarms.com/fall.html
http://www.pumpkinfarms.com/
http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/ILpchicago.php
www.lambsfarm.org
http://www.ourpumpkinfarm.com/

Circus Info

Chicago Circus Events Now, at When.com

http://www.circesteem.org/history.html

http://www.universoulcircus.com/

http://www.acrofabulous.com/

http://www.midnightcircus.net/ ..... and ..... http://www.circusintheparks.com/

http://www.ringling.com/

more to come