Kidwinks' Jean Lemke and Nina Taluc with ideas for Chicago Area Free Sum...

Flying With Kids

I have been thinking about all of the wonderful things that I wanted to say about my vacation to Costa Rica. However, what I thought might be useful was something different. While at the airport waiting to board our plane my boys were playing their PSPs (A big treat for them since I usually don’t let them play). It occurred to me how much easier it had gotten to travel with them now that they are a little older. When my boys were very young I took them on several trips without my husband. That means it was just me and them, scary! I took them to Germany, the East Coast, and Mexico in addition to other places that we went with my husband. I thought I would share some of the things that I have learned so that maybe one or two of the tips may make your travel experience better.

Here it goes….

Nurse – if you are still nursing your baby then plan to nurse on take-off and landing. It helps their ears to adjust to the altitude easier. With my younger one it would put him to sleep, double bonus.

Buy them a new book. Before one trip I went to the discount lane of the book store and picked up a huge sticker book for just a few bucks. It was great to keep them occupied for a little while.

Pack little bags. This works for car rides too. I get some brown paper lunch bags. In each bag I put something different. A few toys from the dollar store, a toy or game from home that they haven’t played with for a while, an edible treat that they usually don’t get at home, a few hot wheels, you get the idea. You want to create a little surprise in each bag. When they would get bored with the items in one bag I would give them another. Don’t let them know you have several bags that way they won’t just rip through them all right away. I always try to avoid candy on a trip. The sugar does not encourage sitting still and relaxing.

If you have a portable DVD player bring it. Our DVD player was invaluable the time it took me and the boys 26 hours to get home from Mexico. We spent most of that time on the runway in airplanes, or waiting at the airport. My kids held up almost better than me.

Choose a direct flight whenever possible. It is faster, less taking off and landing, less chance of delays and cancelations.

If you do have connecting flights pack your carry-on bag with things you will need in case you spend the night. Another lesson I learned from my Mexico trip. Luckily my youngest always had his blankie with him but there were other things that it would have been nice to have. Bring a change of clothes or two (depending on the age) and plenty of diapers, ointment, and underwear. Bring fever medication. You will be hard pressed to find children’s Tylenol at an airport especially the later it gets and that is when they cancel flights.

Bring small games such as cards, right left center, dominos, etc.

With babies don’t underestimate the entertain value of the plastic cups they give you your drinks in. When my oldest was a baby he played with 3 of the plastic cups for almost the entire flight.

Plan to be ON the entire time. After a flight I was always exhausted because I spent so much time making sure my kids were content. When I flew to Germany it just so happened that when my 2 year old would fall asleep my 4 year old would be awake and need something to do. There was no rest for the weary on that flight. So many times after a flight other passengers would come up to me and tell me how well my kids did. These were the same people who were looking very worried about the prospect of having a baby or small child near them on a flight.

And one last note. Please don’t let your kids kick the back of the seat in front of them.

On our way back from Costa Rica our connecting flight was delayed 4 hours. It was 10:30 at night (we had been traveling since 10 that morning) and we were all a little stir crazy. We played UNO, Right Left Center, Rummy, you name it we played it. Luckily we had bought a small kick ball in Costa Rica and packed in one of our carry-on bags. I found a deserted spot in the airport and the boys played soccer to burn off some energy. An airport security guard even joined in the game which the boys thought was really cool. Earlier we had lent it to a fellow passenger who was trying to keep their 2 year old entertained. My husband had put the ball in his carry-on bag because there was no room for it in our checked baggage. Who knew it would be so useful!

I would love to hear your suggestions on how to keep the little ones happy on a flight.

Contest - Get ready!!

Get ready Chicago area parents. Check kidwinks.com because we are going to be announcing a contest soon. There will 20 winners. If you are already a member you will be getting an email announcing the contest including all of the details.

QRCP Summer Camp in Lake Zurich

Today is the last day that we are dropping the kids off at Quentin Road Christian Preschool Camp. My kids, who have never been big fans of camp, said they would like to go next week too. They have had an unexpectedly great time. The camp is all day. We could have dropped the kids off as early as 8:30 a.m. but we were never able to get up and ready by that time. Yesterday we picked them up at 5:45 p.m. and could have been even later because they were somewhat disappointed that it was time to leave. Don’t let the word preschool fool you. My 11 year old was having a great time. Not only are there regular camp activities but there are also activities that can be added such as horseback riding lessons, swim lessons (indoor pool), math lessons, etc. Lunch and snacks are provided by the school. It is so much easier and faster to get ready in the morning when you don’t have to worry about getting a lunch or two together for your kids. This is cool; when you check the kids in in the morning you go over to one the computers and type in their code. The computer records when you dropped the kids off. Then when you pick them up in the evening you stop by the computer again type in the code and you get a receipt that you need to sign and give to the teacher before your child is released. I sort of felt like I was picking up a pizza but what a great idea! The camp is very large and can accommodate over 400 kids. Some of the regular activities include a huge slip and slide, a big inflatable slide, paddle boat rides, computer time, and many other things that I just can’t think of right now. Here is another bonus, on Wednesdays they sell dinner. You can place your BBQ dinner order when you drop the kids off in the morning and then pick up your dinner when you pick up the kids or stay and eat it at there. This was a no brainer for us. How great is it not to have to cook and not to have to clean up, all for a very reasonable price. I had the pulled pork sandwich, Dylan (11) had a half slab of ribs, and Tyler (8) had the chicken nuggets. The kids were even saying they would like to go back next year. This camp is very well done!

Chicago Family Activities Guide May 24 - 31

I fought it for as long as I could, and finally had to break down and turn on the a/c Sunday. Good day for sprinklers, hoses and water balloons. Can't wait for the pools to open this weekend!
It's hard to believe Memorial Day Weekend is already here. This issue of our Weekly Chicago Family Activities Guide incorporates Memorial Day, since it's part of the long holiday weekend. Our next issue will come out on Tuesday, June 1st. Some of this week's events are highlighted below, with links to easily find the rest. Don't forget to check our guides and our site frequently - we're always adding to them, even after this email goes out!

Summer Memberships!
Make a Messterpiece - Glenview
You asked for it... and now you got it! Make A Messterpiece is pleased to announce its inaugural Summer Memberships program, click the above link for more information. Summer hours are: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 5 pm / Sunday 11 am - 5 pm.


¿Habla Español? Want your kids to?
Language Stars FunImmersion® Studios! - Various LocationsA two hour blast of FunImmersion® with an exciting theme! These Spanish studios are available June - August. Register online and SAVE $5.00 on each studio! Use coupon code: studio2010 when registering. Click on link above for more information!


Monday - Friday, May 24 - 28

Free Weekday EventsChicago and Suburbs
It’s a long list! Kidwinks’ members can sort this list by distance from their homes!


Weekday Free Admission Days
Chicago and Suburbs, ILFree admission at Chicago area museums and other institutions. Click then scroll down.
Open Play Times
Chicago and Suburbs

Story Times
Chicago and Suburbs
Shrek Forever After in 3D Hollywood Palms Cinema Naperville, IL
Downers Grove Park District Family Concert Series Downers Grove, IL

Little Green Thumb Wednesdays - Garfield Park Conservatory Chicago, IL

Date Night! - Kidz Parties Plus More Barrington, IL
Fan Fest Joliet Jackhammers Joliet, IL
Schaumburg Flyers Shrek Night Schaumburg, IL
More Activities for Kids Chicago and suburbs, IL
Bored kids? Get some ideas here: museums, mini golf, indoor play & swimming ...
More Weekday Family Friendly Events Chicago and suburbs, IL
Click through the Events Calendar to find more fun. Lots to do - don't miss out!


Saturday, May 29
Memorial Day Parade Downtown Chicago Chicago, IL

Memorial Weekend Block Party Arboretum of South Barrington, IL
Free activities & concert by 10,000 Maniacs!

Stylists' Secrets From The Doll Salon - American Girl Place Chicago, IL
2010 Navy Pier Summer Fireworks Chicago, IL

Flower Fairy Festival at The Morton Arboretum Lisle, IL Saturday and Sunday

Great America Discount Passes Grayslake, IL
Chicago Gaelic Park Irish Fest Oak Forest, IL
Homecoming Celebration at St. James Bartlett, IL
Opening Weekend Hesston Steam Museum La Porte, IN
Red, White & BBQ - Ty Warner Park Westmont, IL
Friday - Sunday
Free Weekend Events
Chicago and suburbs, IL
A list of FREE, family-friendly events for this long weekend.
More Fun Things To Do With Kids on Saturday
Chicago and suburbs, IL
Plenty more going on this weekend: children’s theater, story times, family programs and more.

Sunday, May 30
Cuneo Gardens Art Fest Vernon Hills, IL Saturday and Sunday
Family Campout Kane County Cougars Geneva, IL
Flying 4 Kids - Schaumburg Park District Schaumburg, IL
WoofStock - Meineke Recreation Center Schaumburg, IL
Sunday Family Days - Arlington Park Arlington Heights, IL
Brookfield Zoo day!
More Kids Activities and Events on SundayChicago and suburbs, IL
Find more events to enjoy this Sunday.


Monday, May 31 - Happy Memorial Day!
Memorial Day Parades Chicago and Suburbs, ILNote the days - not all parades are on Monday.
More Kids Activities and Events on Memorial DayChicago and suburbs, IL
Find more to do on Memorial Day. Call ahead to ensure businesses are open on this holiday.


Dining Out?

Check our Kids Eat Free Calendar before you head to a restaurant with the kids.

Click on any day to get a list of restaurants offering kids meals deals on that day. Some restaurants also offer special entertainment for kids on certain nights, and you'll find those listed too. Don't forget: Members can sort this list to see what's nearest to them!

Save!

TopGolf - Free Mini Golf
TopGolf Birthday Parties
Pump It Up Summer Jump Camp Coupon (Chicago location only)
QRCP Summer Camp
Splatters Birthday Parties
Fair Oaks Farms
Pop In Playtime - Pump It Up Vernon Hills
Naperville Park District Birthday Parties
Party Time Palace
Home Comfort Heating & Cooling
Merry Music Makers
TechStuff Video transfer, computer & handheld game repair, etc.
Park Ridge Speed Skating Club
A Sterling Design Photographic ArtistsMemories Wow!


New to kidwinks!

Clow International Airport and Museum - Ongoing Activities
Table Side Magic Shows - O'Donovan's Restaurant - Restaurants Northbrook Farmers Market - Shopping
Von Orthal Puppets Summer Camp - Services


Kidwinks Guides


Tip of the Week


Kidwinks' Shopping Section is not just for kids! If you're looking for clothing, eco-friendly products or a gift, click through our Shopping Section. We've got several cool stores (many have online catalogs) listed there that offer just about everything imaginable.

Let the categories along the left guide you to what you need...or didn't know you needed!

Help Us Grow!

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Tell businesses you found them on kidwinks. Tell them in person when you visit, or use our handy form letter to email them.
Join us on Facebook.

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Enjoy your week!

Family Activities Guide Chicago and Suburbs May 3 - 9Monday, May 3, 2010 10:09 AM

This Sunday, moms get to celebrate the hardest job in the world...being a mom. What do you have planned for this special day? My six-year old said "Mom, I made you something really beautiful forMother's Day. And I think you should get to choose whatever you want to do that day..... Could you choose to go golfing, at that place we just went to? Please? Please!! PLEASE!!!!" Hmmm...somehow, the idea of "mom's choice" got lost along the way ....

We've gathered and listed some Mother's Day events throughout the week, not just on Sunday, so click through the calendar to find them. You'll find a link to the golfing place that my daughter is so enamored with in the Newbies area toward the bottom of this email. You'll also find links to our popular online Kidwinks Guides down there too. Check our guides and frequently - we're always adding to them too!

Smile Pretty!

Chicagoland4Braces - Dr. Gerry Aylward Elmwood Park and Palatine, IL Great Smiles Start Here! Braces for children and teens. No Down Payment Options Available.

Monday - Friday, May 3 - 7

Free Weekday Events Chicago and Suburbs It’s a long list! Kidwinks’ members can sort this list by distance from their homes!	Weekday Free Admission Days Chicago and Suburbs, IL Free admission at Chicago area museums and other institutions. Click then scroll down.
Open Play Times Chicago and Suburbs	Story Times Chicago and Suburbs
Lego Store Mini Build - Northbrook Court Northbrook, IL	Adventure Night at STP Schaumburg, IL
Mom's Night Out Orland Square Mall Orland Park, IL	First Fridays For The Family Lincolnwood Town Center Lincolnwood, IL
More Activities for Kids Chicago and suburbs, IL Bored kids? Get some ideas here: museums, mini golf, indoor play & swimming ...	More Weekday Family Friendly Events Chicago and suburbs, IL Click through the Events Calendar to find more fun. Lots to do on Friday - don't miss out!

Saturday, May 8

Celtic Fest Millennium Park Chicago, IL Saurday and Sunday	It's a Bloomin Festival at Apple Holler Sturtevant, WI
Duck Race at the Riverwalk Naperville, IL	Rocket To the Clouds Arlington Heights, IL
Sesame Street Live : Elmo's Green Thumb Rosemont, IL	Mothers Day Tea Cucina Della Rosa Barrington, IL
Fish Feeding Frenzy Bass Pro Shops Bolingbrook Bolingbrook, IL	Guitar Hero Competition St. Charles, IL
Tour the Farms Day Brodhead, WI Take a drive with and tour some real farms.	Family Days - MCA Chicago, IL
Free Weekend Events Chicago and suburbs, IL A list of FREE, family-friendly weekend events, including many Earth day events.	More Fun Things To Do With Kids on Saturday Chicago and suburbs, IL Plenty more going on this weekend: children’s theater, story times, family programs and more.

Sunday, May 9

Mother’s Day Brunch - Lambs Farm Libertyville, IL	Memories with Mom at American Girl Place Chicago, IL
A Doggone Great Mother's Day at Hollywood Palms! Naperville, IL	Mom's Day Fancy Nancy Party Niles, IL
Mother's Day at The Water Works Schaumburg, IL	Mother's Day Brunch Kane County Cougars Geneva, IL
Sunday Family Days - Arlington Park Arlington Heights, IL	More Kids Activities and Events on Sunday Chicago and suburbs, IL Find more brunches and more family fun to enjoy this Mother’s Day.

Dining Out?

Check our Kids Eat Free Calendar first. Click on any day to get a list of restaurants offering kids meals deals on that day. Some restaurants also offer special entertainment for kids on certain nights, and you'll find those listed too. Don't forget: Members can sort this list to see what's nearest to them!

Save!

Splatters Birthday Parties Fair Oaks Farms Pop In Playtime - Pump It Up Vernon Hills Naperville Park District Birthday Parties Party Time Palace Home Comfort Heating & Cooling Pop In Play - Pump It Up Chicago Merry Music Makers TechStuff Video transfer, computer & handheld game repair, etc. Park Ridge Speed Skating Club A Sterling Design Photographic Artists Memories Wow!

New to kidwinks!

TopGolf - Ongoing Activities (Wood Dale) Francesca's Bellezza - Kids Eat Free 1st Monday - Restaurants (LaGrange)

Kidwinks Guides

Tip of the Week

We've always believed that learning from the experiences of other moms (and dads) is one of the most valuable benefits of kidwinks.com. So help other moms out -- write a review of a place you love (or don't) and let them know about it! To write a review, login to kidwinks (if you're not a member yet, click here to sign up - it's free!) then find the business or event you want to review. You can use the calendar, search box, or the categories along the left to find places to review. Then just click on the Review It tab at the top.

Help Us Grow!

Here are two ways you can help kidwinks grow: Tell businesses you found them on kidwinks. Tell them in person when you visit, or use our handy form letter to email them. Join us on Facebook.

Join kidwinks!

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Did your bff forward this eNewsletter to you?? Sign up to become a member of kidwinks.com. Make sure you check the box to join our mailing list so you can receive this eNewsletter yourself!