Monday, September 28, 2009

Family Fun in Chicago and the Burbs Sept. 28 - Oct. 4

The kids just got back to school, and already we're looking at a long weekend; our school district has a teacher in-service day on Friday, so the kiddies are let loose for the day. There are tons of festivals and museum free days to keep you busy, though, so don't despair. Here's a small sample of what's in store this week:

Monday, September 28
Free Admission to Shedd Aquarium on Mondays and Tuesdays Chicago, IL
Apple Pickin' Family Festival - Apple Holler Sturtevant, WI
Junior Choir - Free Choir Instruction Park Ridge, IL
Music Free Mondays Aurora, IL

Tuesday, September 29
Free Admission 2009 - Adler Planetarium Chicago, IL
FREE Community Health Fair - Arrowhead Golf Club Wheaton, IL
Steve Beno Rocks at Nibbles Play Cafe Wheeling, IL
Pop In Playtime - Pump It Up Glenview, Chicago, Orland Park, and more..


Wednesday, September 30
Little Green Thumb Wednesdays - Garfield Park Conservatory Chicago, IL
Discounted Admission at Morton Arboretum Lisle, IL
Kids N Critters - Fall Into Autumn Wheaton, IL
Kids' Storytime - Arlington Heights Memorial Library Arlington Heights, IL

Thursday, October 1
Moms Club of Northern Chicagoland Fall Open House
NW Chicago, IL Join us for our fall open house.

Mom & Son Night of Fun Batavia, IL
Sensational Senses: Yoga in the Garden Glenview, IL
Kids Club Elk Grove Village, IL

Friday, October 2
Far Out Fridays - Adler Planetarium Chicago, IL
Movie - Race to Witch Mountain Park Ridge, IL
Tom's Farm Market Fall Festival Huntley, IL
Ghostly Golf! - Tinley Junction Tinley Park, IL


Saturday, October 3
PumpkinFest - Downtown Libertyville Libertyville, IL
Daddy-Daughter Princess Pancake Breakfast - Prisco Center Aurora, IL

Autumn Harvest Arlington Heights, IL
Nili Yelin - The Storybook Mom and Friends Wilmette, IL
Long Grove Apple Festival Long Grove, IL

Wheely Big Trucks Downers Grove, IL

Sunday, October 4
Country Music Festival - Grant Park Chicago, IL

Autumn Harvest Festival Spring Valley Heritage Farm Schaumburg, IL

Free Admission to Chicago Children's Museum Chicago, IL
Kiddieland Closing Ceremony Melrose Park, IL
Pumpkin Days at Illinois Railway Museum Union, IL
Pumpkin Weekends - Blackberry Farm Aurora, IL

Be sure to click through the rest of the Events Calendar because there's TONS more to choose from! Or browse through the Ongoing Activities section, where you can pick indoor or outdoor activities, depending on the weather. If you're going out to eat, check our Kids Eat Free Calendar first.

Cool additions to kidwinks this week:
Thank you to Silvia in Bensenville who told us about the Museum Adventure Pass. Many area libraries take part in this awesome program so you can visit some of the local museums for free. She also shared another tip for free museum admissions, and we'll tell you about that another time.

Coupons: Memories Wow! Pump It Up Chicago

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Enjoy your week!
Nina Jean

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Monday, September 21, 2009

Family Fun in Chicagoland September 21 - 27

Now that we're well into September, many of the weekday events for kids have slowed down, with most of the fun reserved for the weekends. So we're revamping the newsletter a bit to reflect that. You'll see for Monday - Thursday, we've supplied a link to each of those days on our Events Calendar. There are many story times and other programs for the younger set that you'll find there, as well as many free days at area museums (after you click on this link, scroll down to see which museums have free days this week). Let us know what you think of this new format. And don’t forget – when you’re logged in as a kidwinks member, you can sort the events for each day in order of distance from your house!

Monday - Thursday, September 21 - 24
Monday EventsCheck out the list of kid-friendly events for this Monday around the Chicago area.
Tuesday Events
Find out what’s happening for kids in Chicago and the suburbs this Tuesday.
Wednesday EventsHalfway through the week! Find some wacky Wednesday events to entertain the kids.
Thursday Events Get your family-friendly fun guide for Thursday here.

Friday, September 25
UniverSoul CircusChicago, IL
A traditional circus with an urban edge. "Hip hop under the big top" "A circus with soul".
Back to School Sock Hop! - DuPage Children's Museum Naperville, ILTwist, pony and limbo your way through a family-friendly dance party led by our DCM M.C. and …
Huntley Fall FestHuntley, IL
Children's stage, food & beer garden, petting zoo, car show, craft show, pony rides, fireworks …
Nightlife - Autumn Tales - River Trail Nature Center Northbrook, IL
Join us for stories and snacks by a campfire. Registration required; $1/person.

Saturday, September 26
Baby Expo - Tinley Park Convention CenterTinley Park, IL
Come and visit the kidwinks booth – we’d love to see you! Free fun activities for the kids.
Fall Festival - Phillips Park ZooAurora, IL Fun for the whole family! Enjoy a day filled with activities, attractions, pony rides, petting zoo…
Worldwide Day of Play (Family)Highland Park, IL This is an entire day dedicated to the celebration of healthy and active play.
OktoberfestChicago, IL Festival runs Fri. – Sun. Kinderfest runs on Saturday only with lots of activities for the kids.
Circus In The Park Chase ParkChicago, ILChase Park presents Circus in the Park featuring The Midnight Circus, an eclectic company of …
Fall Fest at The Children's FarmPalos Park, IL
This will be a day of old-fashioned country-fair fun for "kids of all ages."

Sunday, September 27
Family Fishing Derby - Independence GroveLibertyville, IL
Have you been dreaming of catching a whopper? Bring your family to the Lake County Forest …
Free Airplane Rides for Kids - EAA Chapter 579Sugar Grove, ILYoung Eagles is a program offered by the EAA to introduce young people to general aviation.
Readers Are Leaders - Lincoln Park ZooChicago, IL This special event will feature stories and songs from special guest Miss Lori, from Miss Lori’s …
Children's Day - Pleasant HomeOak Park, IL
Families are invited to experience for themselves the games, chores, and stories of life before …
"The Hundred Dresses" - Chicago Childrens Theatre Chicago, IL Wanda Petronski speaks strangely, has a funny last name, and lives in the wrong part of town.
Fall Festival - Von Bergen's Country MarketHebron, IL Our Antique Tractor and Equipment Show begins at 9 AM. There will be fun for all ages to enjoy.

For more ideas, just click through our Events Calendar or browse through the Ongoing Activities section. Taking the fam out to eat? Check our Kids Eat Free Calendar first.

Save the Date….
Moms Club of Northern Chicagoland Fall Open House Chicago, IL
If you're interested in the world around you, want a variety of activities for you and your child, and are proud of your choice of at-home mothering, then this group is for you.


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Monday, September 14, 2009

Family Fun in Chicago September 14 - 20

What a beautiful weekend! We spent Saturday at Kiddieland Amusement Park, tattooing kids and meeting parents. Chicagoland is losing this family-friendly icon when it closes its doors forever on September 27th. We say BOO HOO!!! Check out the Closing Ceremony they have planned in October; you can bid to be on your favorite ride as it is retired.
Here are some ideas to keep the kiddos busy this week. Many of the festivals run all weekend, so keep that in mind as you browse the newsletter. For more ideas, just click through our Events Calendar or browse through the Ongoing Activities section. Don't spend more money than you have to when taking the kids out to eat: check our Kids Eat Free Calendar first.

CLEAN OUT YOUR CLOSETS
SELLERS WANTED!The Park Ridge Newcomers club is holding our semi-annual Kids Sale where we allow families to sell kids items that are used but still in good condition. If you are interested in being a seller call (847) 622-4399 for more information. Space is limited to 100 sellers so contact us quickly to reserve a spot.
The sale will be held Saturday, October 3rd from 9:30am-1:00pm at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 260 N. Northwest Hwy. Sellers do not need to be present at sale. You can also look up more information about the club and the sale online at www.parkridgenewcomersclub.org.
Monday, September 14
Free Admission to Adler Planetarium Sept 14-18Chicago, IL Museum admission is free weekdays this week in September 2009.
Free Second Mondays at Field MuseumChicago, ILFree admission on the second monday of every month.
Lego Mania - Park Ridge LibraryPark Ridge, IL We'll provide the Legos, you'll provide the fun. Drop in. Grades K - 6
Watch Us Grow: Monarch ButterfliesGlenview, ILThis dynamic live insect exhibit will show visitors the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly.

Tuesday, September 15
Johansen FarmsBolingbrook, IL Every Day Attractions: • Free Hay Rides • Huge Two Story Airslide • Train Rides M-F after 3pm •…
Matinee Movie Magic - Kerasotes TheatresChicago Area, IL An opportunity for parents to attend first-run films in a baby-friendly environment.
Peck Farm Park Geneva, IL
A 395 acre natural retreat featuring a visitor's center with hands-on Nature and History Rooms...
Free Admission at Tinker Swiss Cottage MuseumRockford, IL
Free admission every Tuesday.


Wednesday, September 16
Little Green Thumb Wednesdays - Garfield Park Conservatory Chicago, IL Each week, kids can plant pretend vegetables in our soil box, use play wheel barrels, or partip….
Pop In Playtime - Pump It UpGlenview, IL Come and play on our giant, soft, fun-filled interactive inflatables.
Story Time at Lincoln Park ZooChicago, IL Story Time is free and held every Monday and Wednesday in the yellow farmhouse.
Family Pizza SkateLombard, ILFun for the family includes skating, pizza and drinks.

Thursday, September 17
Free Admission - Notebaert Nature MuseumChicago, IL Thursdays - Admission is FREE.
Family Storytime and Craft- Elk Grove Village Public Library Elk Grove Village, IL Description: All ages. No registration necessary.
Afternoon Recess at PinstripesNorthbrook and S. Barrington, IL All kids bowl for $7 and Moms bowl free! Complimentary snacks and juice.
Family Grounds Cafe Indoor Playground Chicago, ILSupervised indoor playground for kids; café for parents. Great concept!

Friday, September 18
S'Mores-N-More Getaway at Pheasant Run ResortSt. Charles, ILWe invite you and your family to join us in making toasty marshmallow and chocolate …
Growing Cents of Style New Mom PresaleNorthfield, IL New Mom Presale is open to women expecting or who have had a baby in the past 4 months.
Wild Night LifeDowners Grove, IL
Join us for this free special event to celebrate the wonders of nature at night.
Legend Of Sleepy Hollow at Buckely HomesteadLowell, IN Buckley Homestead is transformed into Tarrytown, NY, a quiet, dreamy little village….

Saturday, September 19
Breakfast with Eddie® and Sonya Lee® at Brookfield Zoo Brookfield, IL
This family-friendly morning will feature a chance for kids to take a picture with the Fisher-Price …
Growing Cents of Style Fall Consignment SaleNorthfield, IL
A seasonal consignment sale offering boutique and designer children's clothing, shoes, …
Family Day Open House - Big Run Wolf RanchLockport, IL Come See Our Fox and Lynx Babies! Music, Raffles, Photos & More! Kid-Friendly Event!!
Fractured Fairytales - Pheasant Run ResortSt. Charles, IL Your favorite Aesop fables and the classic Brothers Grimm stories are being put to the …
Norwood Park Fall FestChicago, IL
An all day celebration of the Autumn Season! Games, Story telling. Jumping Jack, Face …
Storytown - iO TheatreChicago, IL
Storytown brings you an interactive arts experience that combines improvisation, music, …

Sunday, September 20
Monarch Butterfly Festival - Lake Katherine Nature Center Palos Heights, IL Come see a butterfly tent filled with hundreds of native butterflies, enjoy our exhibit of snakes …
Fiesta para Todos - Brookfield ZooBrookfield, IL Join in a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The “Party for All,” features traditional folkloric …
Grove Avenue School CarnivalBarrington, IL
Annual fundraiser to support school programs. Carnival rides, games and food for all ages.
If You Take a Mouse to School - Emerald City Theatre Chicago, IL
Follow the hilarity and hi-jinx of a young boy who takes a mouse to school! Proving learning can …
Malott Japanese Garden Family Sundays - Chicago Botanic Glencoe, IL
Drop by the Elizabeth Hubert Malott Japanese Garden for hands-on activities related to ….
Apple Fest, Arts & Crafts Fair - Garwood OrchardLaPorte, INGarwood's Apple Fest has become a yearly event for many families. UPick farm fun with horse …


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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Weekend Family Fun - Chicago & Suburbs

SUMMER'S OVER....
Time to put away the white capris and start concentrating on apples, scarecrows and pumpkins. The fall festival season is gearing up, and kidwinks is the place to find those that are kid-friendly. You'll find a few listed below; check our family-friendly Events Calendar for the rest.
If any of you are visiting Kiddieland this weekend, look for us - we plan to be in the park, tattooing kids on Saturday. Stop by and say hi!
Sorry this newsletter is late - the week got a little away from me. But here are a few fun ideas for the family for the end of the week and weekend.

Thursday, September 10
Free Admission - Notebaert Nature MuseumChicago, IL Thursdays - Admission is FREE.
Eli’s/Wright Farmer’s Market Chicago, IL Fresh Produce, grilled market lunch and fun activities for the whole family! Check website …
Independence Grove Libertyville, ILTwo of our members suggested we add this park to kidwinks. It sounds very cool – check it out!
U Pick Various Cities, IL Try your hand at picking some fresh apples or berries. Check each farm to see what’s available.

Friday, September 11 – Patriots’ Day
Disney on Ice Chicago, ILJoin the celebration as 65 of Disney's characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in this …
Kids Club Schaumburg, ILProspective members are invited to join us for a fun morning of open play, crafts and circle time.
Festival of the Vine Geneva, ILThe Kids’ Patch offers a hay stack treasure hunt, tractor pull, gourd crafts, face painting and ...
Dave Herzog's Marionettes Park Ridge, IL Join us for this free family event. Dave is a professional puppeteer with 35 years of exper….
Growing Cents of Style New Mom Presale Barrington, IL New Mom Presale is open to women expecting or who have had a baby in the past 4 months.
Kids Flicks - Morton Grove Public Library Morton Grove, IL
Kids Flicks will be shown the second Friday of every month. Check library website for this ….

Saturday, September 12
Freedom Fest - Downtown Barrington Barrington, IL This family oriented festival is guaranteed to touch both heart and mind.
Nature Nights Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe, IL Bring a picnic dinner and spend an evening in the Garden with your family. Explore and take part …
Deerfield Community Services Day Deerfield, IL Where can you go for FREE entertainment, demonstrations, information, and giveaways?
Forest Park Rib Fest Forest Park, ILThere will be activities for all members of the family, young & old alike. Bring your appetite.
Glenview Blades Equipment Resale Glenview, IL Buy gently used figure skating and hockey skates, apparel and equipment at bargain prices.
Park Ridge Community Wide Garage Sale Park Ridge, IL 3rd Annual Park Ridge Community Wide Garage Sale.

Sunday, September 13
Bear Awareness Weekend - Brookfield Zoo Brookfield, ILActivities will include special enrichment and Zoo Chats, training sessions and educational displays.
Corn Fest at Graue Mill Oak Brook, IL Celebrate the beginning of fall with an old-fashioned family picnic! This popular event has ...
Fall Harvest Day - Blackberry Farm Aurora, IL Come out on a beautiful Indian summer day for one of Blackberry’s most popular special events.
Free Showing of Charlotte's Web -- Tivoli Theater Downers Grove, ILThis free showing of the film is in conjunction with the Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival.
Public Safety Awareness Day Glenview, ILNIPSTA is open to the public for this one day of live demonstrations and hands-on activities.
Woofstock (Family & Dogs) Highland Park, IL Bring your four legged friends to Moraine Beach for an afternoon of family fun.
We add new listings continually, so make sure to check our family-friendly Events Calendar and our Ongoing Activities section frequently as you look for events and activities to enjoy with your kids. And when you decide to take the kids out to eat, please check our Kids Eat Free Calendar first, so you know where they can eat free or cheap. The calendar also lists restaurants offering special entertainment (like magicians) for kids.
ALWAYS make sure to verify our facts with the listing businesses' websites - they're only a click away. Details may change without our knowledge, or (gasp!) we could even make a data entry error.
Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Labor Day Weekend Fun for Families in Chicago & Suburbs

First of all, we'd like to congratulate palvizu and tddalton, our two winners in our drawing for 5 free tickets to Kiddieland. Thank you to the 104 of you who participated - we love to see your pictures and learn more about you.

The long Labor Day Weekend is here, and there's all sorts of family-friendly events and activities going on all over Chicago and the suburbs. There are many festivals throughout the area, so rather than try to fit them into one particular day in my newsletter, I changed the format a bit. I've listed a few events for each day, and then listed some of the festivals separately. Most of the festivals run all weekend, but not all, so make sure you check the schedules for each.

Friday, September 4
Far Out Fridays - Adler Planetarium Chicago, IL Enjoy the spectacle of the starry sky as you experience Far Out Fridays at the Adler .
Happy Hour/Teddy Bear Dinner at Nibbles Play Cafe Wheeling, IL Happy hour starts at 5:00 with free kids appetizers and at 6:00 -bring your favorite …
Free Outdoor Movies Long Grove, ILTell your friends and bring your kids and neighbors to this fun event in the suburbs.
Taste of Polonia Chicago, IL
Families will enjoy a weekend full of exciting entertainment, our new Kids Stage, activities …

Saturday, September 5
Free Fishing for Kids Evanston, IL Equipment, bait and fishing expertise are provided for free at this popular event.
WFamily Free Events - Old Orchard Shopping Mall Skokie, ILActivities include storytelling sponsored by Barnes & Noble and make-it-and-take it crafts.
Braids and Bows American Girl Place Chicago, ILLearn the basics of braiding! Our Doll Hair Salon stylists will share secrets for pulling off a ….
Exploration Station - Oak Park Conservatory Oak Park, ILChildren are guided by docents through explorations of birds, plants and the ecosystems…

Sunday, September 6
Free Admission to Chicago Children's Museum Chicago, IL Target Free First Sundays. First Sunday of every month: Free admission for ages 15 and under.
Mary Poppins Sing-a-Long at Wilmette Theater Wilmette, ILMARY POPPINS SING-A-LONGMovie with live cast
Family Drop In Activities - Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe, ILGet close to nature and discover where food comes from with fun, free activities.
County Farm Fair - Kline Creek Farm Winfield, ILBring the kids to experience an old-fashioned fair including blue ribbons, games, entertainment, …

Monday, September 7 – Happy Labor Day!
Labor Day Family Jump Chicago, IL Come bounce, climb and play on Labor Day. Open to all ages, 10am-2pm, cost is $10/child.
Carillon Concerts at Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe, IL Enjoy an enchanting 45-minute musical performance of carillon bells on a warm ….
Sammy Starfish B-Day Bash Carol Stream, ILCoral Cove Waterpark will celebrate Sammy the Starfish's birthday with free admission all day.
Historical Chicago Tour American Girl Place Chicago, IL Spend a day with your girl in Chicago! Your experience begins with brunch and an intro…

Labor Day Weekend Festivals
Naperville Last Fling Naperville, IL The 2009 Last Fling is fun and exciting for the whole family! Parade, rides, entertainment …
North Shore Greek Fest Deerfield, IL
Authentic Greek food and pastries, live and DJ music, dancing, children's games and entertain...
Paula Red Festival 2009 Sturtevant, WI
This festival celebrates the beginning of apple picking season. Family fun activities, entertain…
Glen Ellyn Autumn Daze Glen Ellyn, IL
Kids rides, games and pony rides, Radio Disney Road Crew Shows, Art Show Music, live bands …
Schaumburg Septemberfest Schaumburg, IL
As always, admission and entertainment at Septemberfest are FREE to the public!
Fox Valley Folk Festival Geneva, IL
Concerts, topical song and story workshops, special activities and things for the kids, vocal...

We add new listings continually, so make sure to check our family-friendly Events Calendar and our Ongoing Activities section frequently as you look for events and activities to enjoy with your kids. And when you decide to take the kids out to eat, please check our Kids Eat Free Calendar first, so you know where they can eat free or cheap. The calendar also lists restaurants offering special entertainment (like magicians) for kids.
Enjoy your long weekend!

Nina Jean
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