How about these temperatures?? I am LOVING it! The kids are back outside, and I've heard reports of the first crocuses poking through what's left of the snow. Did anyone besides me catch the cleaning bug this weekend? Come on, spring!!!
If you haven't checked out our blog in awhile, now's a good time to do it. We just posted a great article about Super Foods for pregnant moms and babies, written by Denise Henderson of Square One Organics. Check it out!
The weather's going to be warm but rainy this week, so if you're looking for something to do with your kids, we've put together a few ideas for you below.
Monday - Friday, March 8-12
Free Weekday EventsChicago and Suburbs
Kidwinks’ members can sort this long list by distance from their homes!
Weekday Free Admission Days
Chicago and Suburbs, ILFree general admission at Chicago area museums and other institutions. Click then scroll down.
Weekday Open Play
Chicago and Suburbs, IL
Click then scroll down for a list of open play times at area indoor play places.
Bubbles Academy Songs and Stories for Kids Whole Foods Lincoln Park Chicago, ILWednesday and Thursday
Mother-Daughter Dessert Decorating at American Girl Place Chicago, ILFriday only
Parents Nights Out! Arlington Heights, ILFriday
More Activities for Kids Chicago and suburbs, IL
Click to find tons of activities for children and families: bowling, indoor play areas, museums, sledding hills, ice rinks, indoor swimming…..
More Weekday Family Friendly Events Chicago and suburbs, IL
Find mom & son date nights, family fun nights on Friday, story times, children’s theater and much more.
Saturday, March 13
Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade Chicago, IL
St Patrick's Festival Chicago, IL
Let's Make Music - Music Institute of Chicago Evanston, IL
Family Fishing Fun Lake Yelenich
Lombard, IL
Second Saturday Family Storytime Park Ridge, IL
Create-a-Craft Mount Prospect, IL
Free Weekend Events
Chicago and suburbs, IL
A list of FREE, family-friendly weekend events.
More Fun Things To Do With Kids on Saturday
Chicago and suburbs, IL
Live theater, family programs, story times, etc.
Sunday, March 14
Breakfast with the Apes Chicago, IL
Northwest Side Irish Parade Chicago, IL
Maple Sugaring Days Naperville, IL
Second Sunday Special Program - Niles Public Library Niles, IL
Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live Rosemont, IL
More Kids Activities and Events on Sunday Chicago and suburbs, IL
Children’s theater, nature center programs, family activities at museums and Navy Pier, etc.
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!
Make-a-Messterpiece
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 ArtistsMemories Wow!
New to kidwinks!
Safety Park Tours - Ongoing Activity
Baby Signs by Wendy Auffant - Service
Molly's Cupcakes - RestaurantSquare One Organics - Shopping
Sharing is Caring!
Make a Mom Happy - Share a great resource with another mom. We have made it easy for you by putting this link at the bottom of each of our emails: To forward this to a friend, please click here.
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.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Talk about setting the table early:
Super Foods are a smart food choice for PREGNANT MOMS on a nutrition mission for baby
During pregnancy women spend a lot of their time trying to eat the best food for the growing baby in their womb. Not all foods are created equal; knowing what foods pack the most nutrition into each bite just makes sense while pregnant, as well as when it’s time to feed your little one. One of the greatest breakthroughs in recent nutritional news is the concept of Super Foods. Super Foods are foods such as broccoli, quinoa, pumpkin, papaya and squash, that are super-rich in vitamins and nutrients, offer identifiable health benefits and quite literally are multi-tasking nutritional powerhouses. They’re important for every growing baby, on the inside and outside. Eating Super Foods as part of your daily routine just makes sense during pregnancy. That way when, it’s time to choose what to feed the new baby, Super Foods are already part of the routine and a no brainer.
Pregnancy IS the perfect time to explore Super Foods and become familiar with the incredible benefits for you and baby. Major nutritional Super Food sources include: fruits like papaya and mango, greens such as, asparagus, broccoli, spinach and peas, Vitamin A rich foods like pumpkin and butternut squash, and a little known Super Food grain, quinoa. It is important to select the purest options and to try to buy organic and or natural whenever possible. Remember moms we are looking for the shortest ingredient statements we can find and they are usually found in the perimeter of the store. The shorter the ingredient statement the less likely you and your bundle of joy are of ingesting something potentially harmful. Play around with recipes, add tasty spices, or incorporate Super Foods into everyday dishes like spaghetti (mix squash or spinach into your sauce!). What you discover now will help guide your choices when feeding your child, from six months through childhood. (But remember it’s important to keep the Super Foods unblended and simple when you start baby on solids, making digestion as well as allergy detection easier).
Making organic pureed food for your child is a wonderful thing, but when you lack the time, energy or resources, pre-cooked organic Super Food purees from companies like River Forest based Square One® Organics can be a lifesaver. Square One president and creator, Denise Henderson, made her twins’ food when they were small, color coding foods by vitamins and nutrients and then organized into age appropriate categories to make things easier. She found that using food journals and a superfood guide for each stage of food introduction took the guesswork out of feeding. After extensively researching Super Foods, Henderson worked with a pediatric nutritionist, pediatric allergist and a food scientist to create a line of organic Super Foods. That is how in 2008 Square One® Organics was born!
Below is an offering of Super Foods from Square One®, and why they are such a smart choice for both pregnant moms and babies:
Pumpkin: Super Food for the eyes and the heart, it’s an excellent source of vitamin A, E, C, and B6.
During pregnancy women spend a lot of their time trying to eat the best food for the growing baby in their womb. Not all foods are created equal; knowing what foods pack the most nutrition into each bite just makes sense while pregnant, as well as when it’s time to feed your little one. One of the greatest breakthroughs in recent nutritional news is the concept of Super Foods. Super Foods are foods such as broccoli, quinoa, pumpkin, papaya and squash, that are super-rich in vitamins and nutrients, offer identifiable health benefits and quite literally are multi-tasking nutritional powerhouses. They’re important for every growing baby, on the inside and outside. Eating Super Foods as part of your daily routine just makes sense during pregnancy. That way when, it’s time to choose what to feed the new baby, Super Foods are already part of the routine and a no brainer.
Pregnancy IS the perfect time to explore Super Foods and become familiar with the incredible benefits for you and baby. Major nutritional Super Food sources include: fruits like papaya and mango, greens such as, asparagus, broccoli, spinach and peas, Vitamin A rich foods like pumpkin and butternut squash, and a little known Super Food grain, quinoa. It is important to select the purest options and to try to buy organic and or natural whenever possible. Remember moms we are looking for the shortest ingredient statements we can find and they are usually found in the perimeter of the store. The shorter the ingredient statement the less likely you and your bundle of joy are of ingesting something potentially harmful. Play around with recipes, add tasty spices, or incorporate Super Foods into everyday dishes like spaghetti (mix squash or spinach into your sauce!). What you discover now will help guide your choices when feeding your child, from six months through childhood. (But remember it’s important to keep the Super Foods unblended and simple when you start baby on solids, making digestion as well as allergy detection easier).
Making organic pureed food for your child is a wonderful thing, but when you lack the time, energy or resources, pre-cooked organic Super Food purees from companies like River Forest based Square One® Organics can be a lifesaver. Square One president and creator, Denise Henderson, made her twins’ food when they were small, color coding foods by vitamins and nutrients and then organized into age appropriate categories to make things easier. She found that using food journals and a superfood guide for each stage of food introduction took the guesswork out of feeding. After extensively researching Super Foods, Henderson worked with a pediatric nutritionist, pediatric allergist and a food scientist to create a line of organic Super Foods. That is how in 2008 Square One® Organics was born!
Below is an offering of Super Foods from Square One®, and why they are such a smart choice for both pregnant moms and babies:
Pumpkin: Super Food for the eyes and the heart, it’s an excellent source of vitamin A, E, C, and B6.
Papaya: Super Food for Digestion and Antioxidant, Excellent Vitamin A and C It is also and excellent source of folate (major for pregnancy) and contains an enzyme to help aid the digestive process.
Peas: High in folic acid, manganese, and vitamins A, B1, B6, C and K. Peas are also one of the highest sources of vegetable protein.
Broccoli and Spinach: True Super Foods for bone, heart, brain, and immunity these “greenies” are great sources of vitamin C and beta-carotene, folic acid, iron, potassium, and anti-cancer nutrients that help boost enzymes that detoxify the body. No wonder your own mom always pushed them on you!
Butternut squash: Super Food for eyes, skin, and heart. An excellent source of both Vitamins A and E.
Mango: A heart and immunity Super Food. Excellent source of Vitamins A and C, mango contains enzymes that aid digestion.
Quinoa: This lesser known grain supplies all the essential amino acids, contains more protein than any other grain, and is gluten-free.
Making Super Foods part of your daily routine is smart beyond pregnancy and into the stages of early food introductions (6 months to one year). Some additional choices to incorporate into your diet include berries, lentils, millet, avocado and beets. Introducing baby’s first foods one food at a time for 3-5 days in a row is a prudent and medically advised approach. This way any negative food reactions can easily be detected.
For a list of additional Super Foods that are easily digested by most infants and a more tips on creating your baby’s super healthy solid food plan, visit Square One Organics and then click view website.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Family Fun in Chicago and Suburbs March 1 - 7
Spring is in the air, and it's time to update your wardrobe with some fun, spring accessories. And I've got the perfect, very cheap, place to do it: Clark Street, between Wilson and Sunnyside in Chicago. It's an entire block of stores that sell mostly accessories at very reasonable prices (think at least half what you'd spend at most other stores). You can find pashmina shawls in just about every color (and some prints) imaginable for $4 - $5; scarves; jewelry; purses; hair accessories; hats; pins and more. I heard about this place a few years ago and finally went this weekend. I sure wish I would've gone sooner! It's also a great place to pick up birthday gifts or treat bag goodies for your daughters' birthday parties. I didn't see much for men or boys, but I only made it into 4 out of the 10 or so stores on one side of the street - never made it to the other side. Good reason to go back!!!
If you're looking for something to do with your kids this week, we've got some suggestions below for you.
Save the date!
Join the MOMs Club of Northern Chicagoland for our Spring Open House at the Skokie Library on Monday, March 8th. We are a local chapter of the International MOMS Club, a non-profit support group designed for the at-home-Mother and their children. 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.
Email us at: chicagomomsclub@gmail.com to be placed on the EVITE list for our open house.
Monday - Friday, March 1-5
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 general admission at Chicago area museums and other institutions. Click then scroll down.
Weekday Open Play
Chicago and Suburbs, IL
Click then scroll down for a list of open play times at area indoor play places.
Matinee Movie Magic - Kerasotes Theaters Chicago and suburbs, IL
Take your baby to a first-run movie without worrying about disturbing others!
More Activities for Kids Chicago and suburbs, IL
Click to find tons of activities for children and families: bowling, indoor play areas, museums, sledding hills, ice rinks, indoor swimming…..
More Weekday Family Friendly Events Chicago and suburbs, IL
Find preschool fairs, free movies, story times, children’s theater and much more.
Saturday, March 6
Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Package - Navy Pier Chicago, IL
Designer Children’s Consignment Sale – Growing Cents of Style Deer Park, IL
Saturday and Sunday
Maple Syrup Harvest Highland Park, IL
National Pig Day – Brookfield Zoo Brookfield, IL
Sock Monkey Madness Festival Midway Village Museum Rockford, IL
Saturday and Sunday
The Emperors New Clothes St Charles, IL
Kids Fare: Carnival of the Animals and More Evanston, IL
Legotivities! - Des Plaines Library Des Plaines, IL
Free Weekend Events
Chicago and suburbs, IL
A list of FREE, family-friendly weekend events.
More Fun Things To Do With Kids on Saturday
Chicago and suburbs, IL
Live theater, family programs, story times, etc.
Sunday, March 7
Free Admission to Chicago Children's Museum Chicago, IL
Free Admission - DuSable Museum Chicago, IL
Maple Syrup Hikes - Ryerson Woods Riverwoods, IL
Peter Pan Trivoli Theatre Downers Grove, IL
Get Out There! Spring Peepers Highland Park, IL
More Kids Activities and Events on Sunday Chicago and suburbs, IL
Children’s theater, nature center programs, family activities at museums and Navy Pier, etc.
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!
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 ArtistsMemories Wow!
New to kidwinks!
Hollywood Park - Ongoing Activity
Pony Birthday Parties - Service
99 cent kids meal at Park Grill - RestaurantMorkes Chocolates - Palatine - Shopping
Remember Me!
Stay logged in - If you haven't done so already…check the Remember Me box. When you come back to kidwinks.com you will already be logged in.
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!
Sign Up!
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!
If you're looking for something to do with your kids this week, we've got some suggestions below for you.
Save the date!
Join the MOMs Club of Northern Chicagoland for our Spring Open House at the Skokie Library on Monday, March 8th. We are a local chapter of the International MOMS Club, a non-profit support group designed for the at-home-Mother and their children. 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.
Email us at: chicagomomsclub@gmail.com to be placed on the EVITE list for our open house.
Monday - Friday, March 1-5
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 general admission at Chicago area museums and other institutions. Click then scroll down.
Weekday Open Play
Chicago and Suburbs, IL
Click then scroll down for a list of open play times at area indoor play places.
Matinee Movie Magic - Kerasotes Theaters Chicago and suburbs, IL
Take your baby to a first-run movie without worrying about disturbing others!
More Activities for Kids Chicago and suburbs, IL
Click to find tons of activities for children and families: bowling, indoor play areas, museums, sledding hills, ice rinks, indoor swimming…..
More Weekday Family Friendly Events Chicago and suburbs, IL
Find preschool fairs, free movies, story times, children’s theater and much more.
Saturday, March 6
Alice in Wonderland Tea Party Package - Navy Pier Chicago, IL
Designer Children’s Consignment Sale – Growing Cents of Style Deer Park, IL
Saturday and Sunday
Maple Syrup Harvest Highland Park, IL
National Pig Day – Brookfield Zoo Brookfield, IL
Sock Monkey Madness Festival Midway Village Museum Rockford, IL
Saturday and Sunday
The Emperors New Clothes St Charles, IL
Kids Fare: Carnival of the Animals and More Evanston, IL
Legotivities! - Des Plaines Library Des Plaines, IL
Free Weekend Events
Chicago and suburbs, IL
A list of FREE, family-friendly weekend events.
More Fun Things To Do With Kids on Saturday
Chicago and suburbs, IL
Live theater, family programs, story times, etc.
Sunday, March 7
Free Admission to Chicago Children's Museum Chicago, IL
Free Admission - DuSable Museum Chicago, IL
Maple Syrup Hikes - Ryerson Woods Riverwoods, IL
Peter Pan Trivoli Theatre Downers Grove, IL
Get Out There! Spring Peepers Highland Park, IL
More Kids Activities and Events on Sunday Chicago and suburbs, IL
Children’s theater, nature center programs, family activities at museums and Navy Pier, etc.
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!
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 ArtistsMemories Wow!
New to kidwinks!
Hollywood Park - Ongoing Activity
Pony Birthday Parties - Service
99 cent kids meal at Park Grill - RestaurantMorkes Chocolates - Palatine - Shopping
Remember Me!
Stay logged in - If you haven't done so already…check the Remember Me box. When you come back to kidwinks.com you will already be logged in.
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!
Sign Up!
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!
Monday, February 22, 2010
eNewsletter - Chicago Kids Activities Feb. 22 - 28
Have you caught Olympic fever? I've been watching with my third grader and very much enjoying it. It's always more interesting when you have a local athlete to cheer on, like Evan Lysacek from Naperville.
We've also been watching speed skater Nancy Swider-Peltz Jr., who is coached by her mother, 4-time Olympian Nancy Swider-Peltz Sr., one of the coaches of the Park Ridge Speedskating Club (how cool that these kids can be coached by, and skate with, an Olympian!). Nancy skated 9th in the Women's 3000m and will be skating next in the Women's Team Pursuit on February 26th. Go Nancy! Speed skating is great fun and open to kids as young as 4. Check out your local club.
Read on to find out what you can do this week when you're not watching the Olympics.
Monday - Friday, February 22 - 26
Free EventsChicago and Suburbs
It’s a long list! Kidwinks’ members can sort this list by distance from their homes!
Free Admission Days
Chicago and Suburbs, ILFree general admission at Chicago area museums and other institutions. Click then scroll down.
Open Play
Chicago and Suburbs, IL
Click then scroll down for a list of open play times at area indoor play places.
Putting Edge Fun Center
Hoffman Estates, IL
Additional locations in Lincolnshire and Norridge.
More Activities for Kids Chicago and suburbs, IL
Click to find tons of activities for children and families: bowling, indoor play areas, museums, sledding hills, ice rinks, indoor swimming…..
More Weekday Family Friendly Events Chicago and suburbs, IL
Find preschool fairs, free movies, story times, children’s theater and much more.
Saturday, February 27
Cinderella Children's Tea Palmer House Hilton Chicago, IL
Family Fun @ Your Library: Untuned Unplugged Game Day - Skokie Library Skokie, IL
Festival of the Sugar Maples McHenry County Conservation District Marengo, IL
This event is held both Saturday and Sunday.
The Mozart Experience - Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chicago, IL
Free Weekend Events
Chicago and suburbs, IL
Find FREE, family-friendly events this weekend.
More Fun Things To Do With Kids on Saturday
Chicago and suburbs, IL
Live theater, family programs, story times, etc.
Sunday, February 28
Owl Secrets - Harold Tyrell Trailside Museum River Forest, IL
Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans Chicago, IL
The 101 Dalmatians Musical - Cadillac Palace Theatre Chicago, IL
Beauty & The Beast - College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, IL
Skunk Cabbage Walk - River Trail Nature Center Northbrook, IL
More Kids Activities and Events on Sunday Chicago and suburbs, IL
Children’s theater, nature center programs, family activities at museums and Navy Pier, etc.
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!
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 ArtistsMemories Wow!
New to kidwinks!
Chicago Treehouse - Ongoing Activity
Taste of Trinity - Service
Graziano's - RestaurantThe Bubblegum Bowtique - Shopping
Find What's Near You!
Whether you're clicking through our Kids Eat Free Calendar or Events Calendar, or browsing categories along the left of our pages, remember to use the distance sort to find the places closest to you. You need to be a kidwinks member (it's free) and logged in. Then whenever you have a list of search results displayed, you can click on the Distance link at the top of the list to sort the results by distance from your house.
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.
We've also been watching speed skater Nancy Swider-Peltz Jr., who is coached by her mother, 4-time Olympian Nancy Swider-Peltz Sr., one of the coaches of the Park Ridge Speedskating Club (how cool that these kids can be coached by, and skate with, an Olympian!). Nancy skated 9th in the Women's 3000m and will be skating next in the Women's Team Pursuit on February 26th. Go Nancy! Speed skating is great fun and open to kids as young as 4. Check out your local club.
Read on to find out what you can do this week when you're not watching the Olympics.
Monday - Friday, February 22 - 26
Free EventsChicago and Suburbs
It’s a long list! Kidwinks’ members can sort this list by distance from their homes!
Free Admission Days
Chicago and Suburbs, ILFree general admission at Chicago area museums and other institutions. Click then scroll down.
Open Play
Chicago and Suburbs, IL
Click then scroll down for a list of open play times at area indoor play places.
Putting Edge Fun Center
Hoffman Estates, IL
Additional locations in Lincolnshire and Norridge.
More Activities for Kids Chicago and suburbs, IL
Click to find tons of activities for children and families: bowling, indoor play areas, museums, sledding hills, ice rinks, indoor swimming…..
More Weekday Family Friendly Events Chicago and suburbs, IL
Find preschool fairs, free movies, story times, children’s theater and much more.
Saturday, February 27
Cinderella Children's Tea Palmer House Hilton Chicago, IL
Family Fun @ Your Library: Untuned Unplugged Game Day - Skokie Library Skokie, IL
Festival of the Sugar Maples McHenry County Conservation District Marengo, IL
This event is held both Saturday and Sunday.
The Mozart Experience - Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chicago, IL
Free Weekend Events
Chicago and suburbs, IL
Find FREE, family-friendly events this weekend.
More Fun Things To Do With Kids on Saturday
Chicago and suburbs, IL
Live theater, family programs, story times, etc.
Sunday, February 28
Owl Secrets - Harold Tyrell Trailside Museum River Forest, IL
Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans Chicago, IL
The 101 Dalmatians Musical - Cadillac Palace Theatre Chicago, IL
Beauty & The Beast - College of DuPage Glen Ellyn, IL
Skunk Cabbage Walk - River Trail Nature Center Northbrook, IL
More Kids Activities and Events on Sunday Chicago and suburbs, IL
Children’s theater, nature center programs, family activities at museums and Navy Pier, etc.
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!
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 ArtistsMemories Wow!
New to kidwinks!
Chicago Treehouse - Ongoing Activity
Taste of Trinity - Service
Graziano's - RestaurantThe Bubblegum Bowtique - Shopping
Find What's Near You!
Whether you're clicking through our Kids Eat Free Calendar or Events Calendar, or browsing categories along the left of our pages, remember to use the distance sort to find the places closest to you. You need to be a kidwinks member (it's free) and logged in. Then whenever you have a list of search results displayed, you can click on the Distance link at the top of the list to sort the results by distance from your house.
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.
Monday, February 1, 2010
eNewsletter - Chicago Kids Activities Feb. 1 - 7
Forecasted snow flurries this week. If we have to have winter, we might as well have snow to go with it so the kids can play outside! Whether you're looking for indoor or outdoor fun for the kids, we've got you covered on kidwinks! Here are some ideas for the upcoming week.
Monday - Friday, February 1 - 5
| The Morton Arboretum Lisle, IL Many fun activities for children, even during the winter months. | Chicago and Suburbs, IL Free general admission at Chicago area museums and other institutions. Click then scroll down. |
| Indoor Playground - Community Pavilion Oak Lawn, IL | Nickel City Arcade Northbrook, IL |
| More Activities for Kids Chicago and suburbs, IL Click to find tons of activities for children and families: bowling, indoor play areas, museums, sledding hills, ice rinks, indoor swimming….. | Find preschool fairs, free movies, story times, children’s theater, festivals and much more. |
Saturday, February 6
| Family Fun Days at Navy Pier Chicago, IL | |
| Winter Wonderland Celebration Geneva, IL | Father & Son Folding and Flying Paper Airplanes Arlington Heights, IL |
| Chicago and suburbs, IL Find out what’s going on near you! |
Sunday, February 7
| Be My Valentine Family Event Chicago, IL | Magic Sky at Triton College River Grove, IL |
| Free Admission to Chicago Children's Museum Chicago, IL | |
| Moscow Circus- Paramount Theatre Aurora, IL | More Kids Activities and Events on Sunday Chicago and suburbs, IL |
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. |
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Chicago Kids Activities Jan. 11 - 17
We had an excellent suggestion from one of our members that we share with everyone a few statistics about kidwinks. So here goes! Kidwinks was launched in March 2008, and since then we've grown to over 5,200 members. We have almost 2,000 businesses, and over 6,300 listings. A "listing" in kidwinks lingo means any event, activity, kids eat free special, etc. that you can find on kidwinks. The reason there are more listings than businesses is because one business can have multiple listings. Thanks for the idea, CindyP71! We'll keep you all updated on these numbers as we grow.
Need a little help keeping your New Year's resolution? Missy Vacala of Vital Fitness Chicago is here to help with a little advice. If you have a fitness, weight loss, or health question for Missy post it on our blog.
Keep taking the lbs. off with:Slim Right. Indulge in a delicious vanilla or chocolate shake as you satisfy your appetite with this unique blend of whey andsoy proteins. AmeriSciences Slim Right is a great-tasting proteindrink that promotes lean muscle mass to help achieveyour weight goals*Our 2nd blog question: Missy, I'm always trying to cut out carbs and just eat healthy overall. When I'm reading labels, I'm focus on the carbs on the label but I saw a show on Oprah where Dr Oz ...click to read more & Missy's answer.
Coming Up!
Language Stars Chicago and Suburbs, IL
January 19-25, 2010 is Language Stars Open House Week! Attend a trial class and receive a Border’s Gift Card and a Language Stars Around The World music CD! Currently enrolled families not eligible.
Monday - Friday, January 11 – January 15
Free Admission to Museums Chicago and Suburbs, IL
Click then scroll down to see a list of free or discounted admissions to Chicago area museums this week.
Attend a Storytime
Chicago and Suburbs, ILClick then scroll down to see the list of storytimes.
Open Play Times
Chicago and Suburbs, IL
Check out some of the open play times at gyms, jump centers and more. Click, then scroll down for the list.
Visit a Nature Center
Chicago and Suburbs, IL
Most nature centers are free and there are some fantastic ones listed here.
More Activities for Kids Chicago and suburbs, IL
Click to find tons of activities for children and families: bowling, indoor play areas, museums, sledding hills, ice rinks, indoor swimming…..
More Family Friendly Events Chicago and suburbs, IL
Find open play times, movies for moms and much more.
Saturday, January 16
Unity Wreath Make-and-Take:The Learning Tree Chicago, IL
Bison Feeding Elgin Public Museum Elgin, IL
Family Fun Bartlett, IL
Up and At'em Animal Chores - Spring Valley Schaumburg, IL
Preschool Fair For Parents Des Plaines, IL
More Fun Things To Do With Kids on Saturday
Chicago and suburbs, IL
Find out what’s going on near you!
Sunday, January 17
Cool Kids Nature Hikes lisle, IL
Viva! Italian Festival Carol Stream, IL
Children's Activities at Spertus Chicago, IL
Dodgeball Sundays Glen Ellyn, IL
Old Town School of Folk Music Kids' Concerts Chicago, IL
More Kids Activities and Events on Sunday Chicago and suburbs, IL
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.
WIN!
Stay tuned to your inbox! We’ll be announcing a new contest within the next 24 hours!
Save!
Merry Music Makers
TechStuff
Park Ridge Speed Skating Club
A Sterling DesignMemories Wow!
Need a little help keeping your New Year's resolution? Missy Vacala of Vital Fitness Chicago is here to help with a little advice. If you have a fitness, weight loss, or health question for Missy post it on our blog.
Keep taking the lbs. off with:Slim Right. Indulge in a delicious vanilla or chocolate shake as you satisfy your appetite with this unique blend of whey andsoy proteins. AmeriSciences Slim Right is a great-tasting proteindrink that promotes lean muscle mass to help achieveyour weight goals*Our 2nd blog question: Missy, I'm always trying to cut out carbs and just eat healthy overall. When I'm reading labels, I'm focus on the carbs on the label but I saw a show on Oprah where Dr Oz ...click to read more & Missy's answer.
Coming Up!
Language Stars Chicago and Suburbs, IL
January 19-25, 2010 is Language Stars Open House Week! Attend a trial class and receive a Border’s Gift Card and a Language Stars Around The World music CD! Currently enrolled families not eligible.
Monday - Friday, January 11 – January 15
Free Admission to Museums Chicago and Suburbs, IL
Click then scroll down to see a list of free or discounted admissions to Chicago area museums this week.
Attend a Storytime
Chicago and Suburbs, ILClick then scroll down to see the list of storytimes.
Open Play Times
Chicago and Suburbs, IL
Check out some of the open play times at gyms, jump centers and more. Click, then scroll down for the list.
Visit a Nature Center
Chicago and Suburbs, IL
Most nature centers are free and there are some fantastic ones listed here.
More Activities for Kids Chicago and suburbs, IL
Click to find tons of activities for children and families: bowling, indoor play areas, museums, sledding hills, ice rinks, indoor swimming…..
More Family Friendly Events Chicago and suburbs, IL
Find open play times, movies for moms and much more.
Saturday, January 16
Unity Wreath Make-and-Take:The Learning Tree Chicago, IL
Bison Feeding Elgin Public Museum Elgin, IL
Family Fun Bartlett, IL
Up and At'em Animal Chores - Spring Valley Schaumburg, IL
Preschool Fair For Parents Des Plaines, IL
More Fun Things To Do With Kids on Saturday
Chicago and suburbs, IL
Find out what’s going on near you!
Sunday, January 17
Cool Kids Nature Hikes lisle, IL
Viva! Italian Festival Carol Stream, IL
Children's Activities at Spertus Chicago, IL
Dodgeball Sundays Glen Ellyn, IL
Old Town School of Folk Music Kids' Concerts Chicago, IL
More Kids Activities and Events on Sunday Chicago and suburbs, IL
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.
WIN!
Stay tuned to your inbox! We’ll be announcing a new contest within the next 24 hours!
Save!
Merry Music Makers
TechStuff
Park Ridge Speed Skating Club
A Sterling DesignMemories Wow!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Missy Vital Fitness Question #2
Q: Hi Missy, I'm always trying to cut out carbs and just eat healthy overall. When I'm reading labels, I focus on the carbs on the label but I saw a show on Oprah where Dr Oz said to watch sugars also, your items should have less that 6 grams of sugar. So take for example shopping for cereal was hard. I found Kashi whole grain puffs which has 70 calories, total carbs 15g , dietary fiber 1 and Sugars 0. I thought it was good but do you think it has too many carbs for a low carb diet?
2nd question about milk: 2% or fat free, skim milk or soymilk ??? I was using 2 % and now switch to soymilk. Is one better than the other ?
Gloria
A: Hi Gloria! Those are alll awesome questions. Dr. Oz is great. No doubt. If you get a chance, go on Amazon and buy his book "You On A Diet" used. It's got a lot of really good information in it.(Personally, I don't care for the style it is written in, but good info none-the-less). Buying any processed cereals is difficult when you are watching your sugar/carb intake. The Kashi IS a good one...but my opinion is that you go old school with the old fashioned type of oats, spelt or cream-of-wheat. This way you can add your own sugar. Agave nectar is the best (lowest in sugar, tastes great). Or 1/2 tsp (or less) of regular sugar (or brown), or some raisins or dried berries. If you don't have the time to make a single serving every morning, make a 5 servings for each day of the week and re-heat it in the morning. Remember that the carbohydrate amount in one serving of processed cereal is way more than one serving of oats or the like.
Begin tangent: I know that eating oats vs. eating a processed cereal (low fat or other) is hard to do. Let's face it, the processed stuff just tastes better! However, we are doing our bodies a huge injustice by putting all those chemicals/additives in it. Not to mention, we, as an entire culture, have ruined our taste buds! We are so used to the over seasoned burgers and fries to the over sweetened cereals and snacks, that we don't appreciate the real flavors of grains and produce. We need to adjust our taste buds, and reprogram our minds to suit! End tangent.
Skim is probably your best option mostly because it is the lowest fat. However not much different when it comes to the sugar content. Use portion control with all dairy products. A lot of people drink soy milk because they are either lactose intolerant, they are hard core vegetarian, or they are going through menopause (the phyto-estrogens are used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy). I drink it because it tastes good to me, has p.estrogens (no, I'm not going through "the change" yet) and because I don't eat dairy everyday. Remember that soy milk is only 2% calcium, to cow's milk 30%. I have to be sure to eat veggies high in calcium from day to day to make up for the dairy calcium I don't get. The sugar content in soy milk is usually low ( lower than milk). Be sure to read your ingredient label because most of the time the sugar source in sly milk is fake (aspartame, carageenan and/or others). Stay far away from fake sugar! I can not stress that enough!!!
I really hope this is helpful to you. If you have further questions on these topics or others, don't hesitate to post.
2nd question about milk: 2% or fat free, skim milk or soymilk ??? I was using 2 % and now switch to soymilk. Is one better than the other ?
Gloria
A: Hi Gloria! Those are alll awesome questions. Dr. Oz is great. No doubt. If you get a chance, go on Amazon and buy his book "You On A Diet" used. It's got a lot of really good information in it.(Personally, I don't care for the style it is written in, but good info none-the-less). Buying any processed cereals is difficult when you are watching your sugar/carb intake. The Kashi IS a good one...but my opinion is that you go old school with the old fashioned type of oats, spelt or cream-of-wheat. This way you can add your own sugar. Agave nectar is the best (lowest in sugar, tastes great). Or 1/2 tsp (or less) of regular sugar (or brown), or some raisins or dried berries. If you don't have the time to make a single serving every morning, make a 5 servings for each day of the week and re-heat it in the morning. Remember that the carbohydrate amount in one serving of processed cereal is way more than one serving of oats or the like.
Begin tangent: I know that eating oats vs. eating a processed cereal (low fat or other) is hard to do. Let's face it, the processed stuff just tastes better! However, we are doing our bodies a huge injustice by putting all those chemicals/additives in it. Not to mention, we, as an entire culture, have ruined our taste buds! We are so used to the over seasoned burgers and fries to the over sweetened cereals and snacks, that we don't appreciate the real flavors of grains and produce. We need to adjust our taste buds, and reprogram our minds to suit! End tangent.
Skim is probably your best option mostly because it is the lowest fat. However not much different when it comes to the sugar content. Use portion control with all dairy products. A lot of people drink soy milk because they are either lactose intolerant, they are hard core vegetarian, or they are going through menopause (the phyto-estrogens are used as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy). I drink it because it tastes good to me, has p.estrogens (no, I'm not going through "the change" yet) and because I don't eat dairy everyday. Remember that soy milk is only 2% calcium, to cow's milk 30%. I have to be sure to eat veggies high in calcium from day to day to make up for the dairy calcium I don't get. The sugar content in soy milk is usually low ( lower than milk). Be sure to read your ingredient label because most of the time the sugar source in sly milk is fake (aspartame, carageenan and/or others). Stay far away from fake sugar! I can not stress that enough!!!
I really hope this is helpful to you. If you have further questions on these topics or others, don't hesitate to post.
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