Ever since moving to Chicago 4 years ago, I have often found myself saying, “Why would I live anywhere else?”
Then, winter hits.
It’s not so much the cold that kills me, (although it’s not my favorite), it’s more so being stuck in the house. Especially with a toddler.
Now that I have a walking, talking “mini-me” running around, I’ve had to get creative in finding ways to keep us busy without breaking the bank and keeping us out in the cold.
Here are 5 fool proof activities you can do with your kids in Chicago that will keep you from going stir crazy.
Visit Kidtown at Midtown
My number one “skip the gym” excuse is I don’t have time and I don’t want to pay a babysitter to workout. Well, Midtown Athletic Club officially ruined that excuse for me!
They have an incredible children’s activities and babysitting program called, Kidtown and it’s complimentary with your membership. Whenever I need to break a sweat, I just bring her with me! While I’m running on the treadmill, she’s getting to play and interact with kids of all ages. They have theme days throughout the week, complete with different events such as “Tunes on Tuesdays” and “Crafty Thursdays”.
Not to mention, once she turns 3, we can bring her to drop-in fitness classes so she can get a jump start on a healthy, active lifestyle. When the temps are freezing and I’m needing a workout, Kidtown at Midtown Athletic Club is a total win win!
Children’s Museum at Navy Pier
Navy Pier in winter? No, I’m not crazy!
The children’s museum, which is indoors, is a must do activity with your little one(s). It’s three floors of exhibits and activities that encourage families to create, explore, and discover together. They have a dinosaur expedition where kids can dig for dinosaur bones, waterways which is an interactive system showcasing the wonders of water, Pritzker playspace which is perfect for the youngest of visitors plus, play it safe where you’re invited to learn about fire safety.
Skyline allows you to explore what keeps Chicago’s tallest buildings standing, and Elia’s favorite, kids town, is an early-learning exhibit that features a real CTA bus, mini grocery story and a kid size cityscape! With an exhibit for every imagination, there’s really no going wrong in checking it out!
Plus, you can buy a membership that includes parking so you never even have to step foot outside!
Bubbles Academy
Bubbles Academy in Lincoln Park is another staple that every parent or caregiver should have on their activity agenda!
Their whole mission is to help build a foundation for your child that will last a lifetime. They have a ton of classes at all times of day and have flexible open play hours so your hectic schedule doesn’t have to get in the way of time out of the house! Their classes hit every foundation you could ever want for your little one. They have music, movement, art, core development, drama, speech development, nutrition, and math and science! Seriously! What more could you ask for to give you child a well-rounded education?!
Little Beans Café
I’ve lost track of the number of mommy dates I’ve planned at Little Beans Café. It’s great for Elia because she can enjoy classes of all kinds or play in the little beans village! Plus, it’s great for me because I can catch up with a girlfriend over a cup of coffee all while still being in mom mode. It surprises me that there aren’t more places like this!
Little Beans Café provides a safe and fun environment for the kids and a comfy place for you to hang out with other parents, it really is a spot that’s fun for the whole family!
Whole Foods
I know what you’re thinking, “Erica, grocery shopping with a kid is not my idea of fun”!
BUT, hear me out!
I’m sure you’ll be surprised to know Whole Foods has classes including, story time. Sometimes during the week, our nanny will take Elia and her boyfriend (yes, she has one) and it’s a fun and different activity to break up the day.
I also love walking around there with Elia. It’s a great environment to teach her different foods and let her try different things from the hot bar. This in particular has become our Sunday routine. She loves getting to try things she normally wouldn’t and we love not having to think about dinner!
These 5 outings have kept me from pulling my hair out and kept Elia active, social, and from turning the house upside down. The next time your in a bind and desperate to change up your routine try one of these activities out! Let me know how you like it and if you have any other suggestions of your own!
Love always,
Erica
