Happy Swimming!

Thompson Strawberry Farm

Fall doesn’t mean enjoying a beautiful flower field has to come to an end.

Many sunflower fields are just now blooming!

Enjoy an outdoor, pandemic appropriate activity, and bring home a vase a full of flowers to adorn your home!

14000 75th Street, Bristol WI
Roughly 40 min drive from Chicagoland (15 min north of Six Flags)
Visit the sunflower fields everyday, 10 AM – 7 PM
$25/carload of people (up to 6 people)
You get a dozen sunflowers with your entrance fee. If you’d like more flowers they are $10/dozen.

Von Bergen’s Country Market

9805 IL Route 173, Hebron IL
Sunflower mazes 1 & 2 are closed for the season. Maze 3 should be open in early October. Check their Facebook page for updates!

Johnson’s Farm Produce

8960 E Ridge Rd, Hobart, IN
Sunflower Fun Farm Weekend is September 12th, 13th, 19th & 20th
- “We offer a sunflower U Pick, kids activities galore at our Fun Farm, and a delicious variety of seasonal treats. Plan to spend time in our beautiful sunflower maze. Not only is it fun to go through, we bet you won’t be able to stop taking pictures. Our field of sunflowers definitely delivers a “wow!”
U-Pick Flower fields open August 29th!

Stade’s Farm & Market

3709 Miller Road, McHenry, IL
Check their Facebook page for U-pick hours and sunflower field status

M & D Farms and Garden Center

14946 S. Bell Rd, Homer Glen
Monday-Friday: 9AM-6PM
Saturday 9AM-5PM
Sunday 9AM-3PM.

Harvest Time Farm Park

17904 Grant St., Lowell IN
Autumn Season is September 12 – October 25, Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 6pm
Sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, wildflowers, and more!

County Line Orchard

200 S. County Line Rd, Hobart IN
Best pick of sunflowers is mid to late September
General admission is $1. Pay For What You Pick – $2 for large or $2 for small bunch

Three Acre Farm

9973 Homerich Avenue Southwest, Byron Center, MI
- Thursday, Sept. 3 from 6:30pm-8:30pm
- Saturday, Sept. 5 from 9am – Noon
- Thursday, Sept. 10 from 6:30pm-8:30pm
- Saturday, Sept. 12 from 9am – Noon
- Thursday, Sept. 17 from 6:30pm-8:30pm
- Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9am – Noon
HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANY TIME DUE TO WEATHER OR UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. Check their Facebook or Instagram page for updates!).

Proclamation Flowers

33891 S Rivals Rd, Wilmington, IL
“For $30, you and up to 4 others will have unlimited and exclusive access to cut whatever is blooming in the flower field. We grow around 300 hundred varieties of 70 species of cut flowers, many of them unique, heirloom, or specialty blooms you’re not going to find other places. No one else will be in the flower field with you during your time slot. So it’s truly all yours for the picking! Or taking photos in (totally okay), or just stopping to take it all in.”
Book your private cutting session through their website!
There is a pumpkin cart open to the public when you enter off of Route 102. Self service, electronic payments only. Greenhouse grab ‘n’ go bouquets will also be for sale when the pumpkin cart is out.

Peony Hill Farm

1015 Zola Road, Harrisburg, IL
A Peony Farm with 12 acres of fresh cut flowers. They sell the cut flowers in the spring and root divisions in the fall.
2020 blooms are closed for the season, roots available for October delivery.

Shawnee Hills Lavender Farm

480 Brown Section Rd, Cobden, IL
U-Pick lavender farm
Closed for the 2020 season, lavender blooming season usually the first weeks in June

Fall Raspberry Picking Near Chicago

Johnson’s Farm Produce

Did you miss berry picking this summer? Don’t fret!

There are still quite a few farms in and near Illinois to pick raspberries

and with lots of other U-Pick options as well!

Heider’s Berry Farm

Woodstock
U-Pick red raspberries are $5 / pint. Cash or check only.
Season continues until Mid-October but check their Facebook page for announcements before driving over. There are days where they are temporarily picked out.

Hobart, IN
U-Pick raspberries, produce, sunflowers, and zinnias!
The fun farm is open on weekends!
Always check their Facebook page before driving down.

Stade’s Farm & Market

McHenry
If you are interested in raspberries, make sure to call ahead and / or check their Facebook page for availability. They sell out quickly on the days they are available for U-Pick.
They do have apples, sunflowers, and zinnias as well!

Thompson Strawberry Farm

Bristol, WI
Beautiful sunflowers, yummy raspberries, and pumpkins soon as well!
Sunflower Hours are everyday 10:00-7:00
Raspberries will begin on Wednesday September 9th, and go for another 5 weeks.
- Raspberry picking is closed Monday and Tuesdays for ripening and open Wednesday-Sunday: 8:00-5:00

Happy Picking! And don’t forget to bring your mask and social distance!

Near to Chicago U-Pick Berry Farms

Backwoods Berry Farm:

27244 Hettick Scottville Rd., Hettick IL
Blueberry season coming to a close, keep an eye out for peaches in August!
Facebook page has the most current updates on the berry status

Billy Boy’s Blueberry Barn

650 Freyer Rd., Michigan City IN
Closed on Tuesdays
Masks required
“We are the closest blueberry farm from Illinois located approximately less than 60 minutes from Chicago, IL. We are minutes away from New Buffalo, MI, the Lighthouse Place Premium Outlet Mall and the Indiana Dunes.”

Blueberries of Indiana

U-Pick season is open!
Check their Facebook page for blueberry status before heading out
No credit cards accepted
Wear masks in the building, bring your own containers.

Garwood Orchards

5911 W. 50 S, La Porte IN
Check the Facebook page for updates before you arrive but latest availability include green tomatoes, pickles, & red and black raspberries.

Heider’s Berry Farm:

1106 N. Queen Anne Rd., Woodstock
“Heider’s Berry Farm provides pick your own and pre-picked strawberries (June and September till frost) and raspberries (July and September till frost). Seasons vary depending on the weather so watch for specifics as the seasons approach. Hours are flexible depending on weather and supply. Check facebook or Connect With Us on the home page before coming.”

Johnson’s Farm Produce

8960 E. Ridge Rd, Hobart IN
Strawberry season is closed.
Last days for blueberry U-Pick are July 23rd – 26th and then the farm will be closed for U-Pick until August 29th when it reopens for raspberries & blackberries!

McCann Berry Farm

18110 Kishwaukee Valley Rd, Woodstock, IL
Wednesdays: 8 am until picked out (generally by 2 pm). Saturdays: 8 am until picked out (generally by 1 pm).
Call ahead or check FB page for updates to determine availability

Olive Berry Acres:

2575 W. Mine Road, Mazon IL
Closed for U-Pick strawberry season

Prairie Hill Blueberry Farm: 2020 Season is over

Stade’s Farm and Market:

3709 Miller Rd, McHenry IL
Strawberry & raspberry season is over, but U-Pick sunflowers are in season!

Stateline Blueberries

9957 N. Frontage Rd, Michigan City IN
Masks are not required and you do not need a reservation
The Farm Update section of their website gives you the most up to date information on their blueberries and where to pick.

Tammen Treeberry Farm

37131 Essex Rd, Wilmington, Illinois
U- Pick blueberries scheduled to reopen Thursday, July 23rd. Watch Facebook page for updates

The Blueberry Patch

7015 Blackwell Dr., Sawyer MI
U- Pick is open!

Thompson Strawberry Farm:

14000 75th Street, Bristol WI
“Our strawberry season is now over. It looks like the sunflowers might be ready around the 25th of July, and go for about two weeks. We will have a short break, to wait for more to bloom. Then we should have sunflowers for a month after that. Our pick your own raspberries will begin around the end of August.”

Tom’s Farm Market

10214 Algonquin Rd, Huntley, IL
U-Pick season is over

Valley Orchard

811 E. State Street, Cherry Valley IL
“Blueberries and blackberries are available. Red raspberries and currants are done for the season.”

You Pick Berries:

30683 Lanan Rd, Kingston IL
Currently not enough berries for picking so far. Follow Facebook page for updates

Splash Pads

*Chicago Park District: “More than 100 Spray Features are now open throughout the city, most from 9 am- 9 pm daily. This includes a few water playgrounds.” Click here for the link of open water spray features in Chicago.

~~31st Street Harbor: Closed~~

~~Adams Playground Park (Chicago):~~ Closed

Aurora (Fox Valley Park District) Splash Pads are open!

Eola Community Center
Stuart Sports Complex
Martin Luther King
Blackhawk Park

~~Bensenville Water Park :~~ Closed for 2020 season

Berens Park – Elmhurst:

No more than 30 people will be allowed in the spray ground at a time.
Fee is $6R/$8NR (Kids under 2 are free). Reservations must be made for each person, ages 2 and over, who will be at the spray ground.
After the two hour time slot, participants will be asked to leave so staff can disinfect the lounge chairs, features and touchpoints
Masks are to be worn when not actively engaged in water play

~~Bisons Bluff – Schaumburg:~~ Playground open for reservation holding residents only, stream and water feature are closed

Buffalo Grove Spray’N’Play

The Spray ‘N Play will open on July 8. Due to the phase 4 limits on how many people can be inside the facility at one time, reservations are highly recommended. To make a reservation, please send an email to snp@bgparks.org.

Des Plaines Dee Park Splash Pad:

Open 12 – 7 weekdays & 12 -5 on weekends
No reservations needed but capacity is capped at 50 occupants.

~~Dunbar Park:~~ Closed

~~Dragonfly Landing – Lisle:~~ Closed

~~Festival Park & Eastside Recreation Center (Elgin)~~: Currently closed.

Fountain Square Park – Elk Grove:

Sprayground now open through Labor Day
Mon – Fri: 12:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Sat – Sun: 10:30 am – 7:00 pm

~~Glenview Splash Pad at Little Bear Garden:~~ Closed for 2020

Lake Zurich Spray ground Paulus Park Beach: Spray ground and beach open to Lake Zurich residents

Maryknoll Park:

Open for timed, date specific entry. Walk ups are allowed but subject to availability.
“Reservations are available in 1.5-hour time blocks from 9am to 6:30pm Monday-Saturday and 11am to 6:30pm Sunday and may be made up to 7 days in advance. Reservations are required for EVERY individual entering the gate and utilizing space. Face covering must be worn when checking in and when social distancing is not possible. Hours subject to change without notice.”

McCarty Park – Aurora:

Open daily from 11 am – 7 pm

~~Millenium Park Crown Fountain:~~ Currently closed

Moore Park Spray Ground – Geneva:

50 person capacity, social distancing and mask recommendations must be followed

Mundelein Spray Park

Free for residents, $4 for non.
Register in advance

Oak Brook Splash Island:

Monday-Thursday, 90 minute “Open Swim” sessions will begin every 2 hours, beginning at Noon. Each session will be limited to 25 people and require advance registration. For all “Open Swim” sessions, including opportunities for our indoor Leisure Pool, we are utilizing the UPace app. Instructions on how to download and use the app can be found here: https://www.obparks.org/reserve
Check in at the back door for a wristband to provide access to Splash Island.

Otter Cove Splash Park:

Residents may reserve a time slot and prepay up to 3 days in advance. Nonresidents may reserve a time slot and prepay up to 2 days in advance. Limit of 2 visits per week. Ages 15 & under must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Park Ridge Splash Pad at Prospect Park:

Reservations required through website. Residents have priority over non, with non-residents only receiving a drop in spot if space is available.

~~Portage Park Water Playground:~~ Currently closed

Prairie Point Splash Pad (Oswego):

50 patron max capacity
Practice social distancing

Roselle – Turner Park Water Splash Pad:

The Splash Pad will be open daily, 10:00am-6:00pm
To activate the water feature, place your hand on the sensor on the blue pole (it is a sensor that needs to be covered, not a button that needs to be pushed).

Rosemont Splash Pad: Open to Rosemont residents only

Skokie Water Playground:

“Take a leisurely dip in our 14,000 square foot main pool with beach entry, play in our fully accessible splash pad, take a ride down one of our three big slides or take the challenge and stand beneath the big red bucket and get drenched when 300 gallons of water come crashing down!”
Pre-registration tickets are required to enter the facility for Skokie residents only and residents may purchase tickets up to 5 days in advance.
Non-residents may purchase any remaining session tickets on the day of the visit.

~~Stingray Bay (Huntley):~~ Closed

Ty Warner Park – Westmont

50 guests at a time
2 hr visit limit
Mask to be worn when entering, exiting, and when not under the sprayers

Water Parks

~~Barefoot Bay Aquatic Center (Mundelein):~~ Closed

Centennial Park Aquatic Center (Orland Park):

Admission is by reservation only.
Admission is limited to three sessions per day: Orland Park Residents: 12-2 pm, 3-5 pm, and 6-8 pm. Non-resident: 6-8 pm
Registration is available at Sportsplex, Village Hall Cashier’s Office, CPAC, and online at www.tinyurl.com/CPAC-Open Swim.

Great Wolf Lodge (Gurnee):

Waterpark access is only for guests with a hotel reservation at this time. Day passes currently are not being sold.

~~Mystic Waters in Des Plaines:~~ Closed for the 2020 season

Otter Cove Aquatic Park: (St. Charles) :

Main attractions closed, splash park open
Residents may reserve a time slot and prepay up to 3 days in advance
Non-residents may reserve a time slot and prepay up to 2 days in advance

Raging Rivers (Grafton):

Now open daily, no reservations needed

Raging Waves (Yorkville):

Opening Day, July 11th

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor:

Park opens Monday, July 20th for members and July 22nd for everyone else.
Reservations required

The Water Works (Schaumburg): Only open for member only lap swim by reservation

~~White Water Canyon Water Park (Tinley Park):~~ Closed for the season

Beaches / Rec. Lakes

~~Centennial Beach (Naperville):~~ Closed

Evanston Beaches:

4 of Evanston’s beaches are open for public swimming
A daily pass or season token must be presented for admission
Daily passes, good for entrance to any of our open swimming beaches, can only be purchased at the Dempster St. Beach Office or the Clark St. Beach Office

Gillson Park & Willmette Beaches: Open to season pass holders only.

Glencoe Beach: Currently only open to Season Pass holders. No daily passes available at this time

Hi-Tide Campground (Leland)

Younger kids will enjoy the smooth sandy beach and shallow area of the lake, while the older kids enjoy large water toys that will keep them entertained all day long!
Purchase a daily pass or book a camping spot for the night / weekend!

Illinois Beach State Park (Zion)

“Illinois Beach State Park is located along the shores of Lake Michigan from Waukegan to the Wisconsin state line. The park offers a campground, full service resort, camp store, picnic areas, hiking and biking trails and a visitors center open intermittently throughout the year. There is swimming along the six miles of beaches.“

Lake Zurich: Paulus Park and Breezewald Park Beach

Open to Lake Zurich residents only

Mundelein Diamond Lake Beach

“Enjoy Diamond Lake Beach, a quaint, summertime favorite, with soft sand, expansive shoreline, great swimming (complete with a floating SportsPark), kids’ playground/climber on the sand, shaded picnic areas and more. Paddle boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available for rent for an enjoyable excursion on the water.”
Create an account with Mundelein Park District and register in advance

Oval Beach (Saugatuck, MI)

“Celebrated around the world for its beautiful sweep of shoreline and backdrop of rolling dunes, this is the main beach in town and the most happening place to soak in the sun.”
The daily vehicle entrance fee is $10 (8am – 9pm)
A short 2.5 hr drive from Chicago!

Riviera Beach (Lake Geneva, WI)

Daily admission to the beach can be purchased at any of the four pay stations located near the beach entrance during regular beach hours.
Fontana Beach & Williams Bay Beach are open to residents only

Rosewood Beach Highland Park

Free for residents
Nonresidents must purchase a season beach pass to enter

Silver Lake Beach (Kenosha, WI)

Limited occupancy
25$ per car for non-residents

Three Oaks Recreation Area (Crystal Lake)

Limited occupancy, first come, first serve basis

Washington Park Beach (Michigan City, IN)

“This 140-acre park has 2 miles of pristine beach, the Washington Park Zoo, the Michigan City Senior Center, a restaurant, concessions, the Oasis Splash Park, public art, amphitheater, a marina, public fishing, and more!

Happy Swimming!

2020 Chicagoland Farmers Markets

Elmhurst Farmers Market

Farmers Market Season has begun and is thriving! This will definitely be a different experience than you are used to but so are grocery stores and lots of other experiences!

Make sure to get the full requirements from each farmers market you want to attend, but the guidelines are mostly the same throughout all of them.

Wear a mask, limit the members of the household in attendance, no pets, etc. The Illinois Farmers Market Association outlines all of the guidelines.

MONDAYS

Hinsdale Farmers Market

June 1st – October 12th
7 a.m – 1 p.m
Burlington Park 30 E Chicago Ave.
FREE “Fitness In The Park” every Monday at 8 AM during the Farmers Market season.

WEDNESDAYS

Aurora Farmers Market

June 27th – October 17th
8 AM – Noon
Water Street Square (65 Water Street)
“Due to the global pandemic, social distancing and sanitary practices will be in effect at the Aurora Farmers Market in 2020. With our new “in and out”-style Market, we will be limiting the number of patrons in the Market at one time. In addition, we will have sanitizing stations placed throughout the Market for patrons and vendors. Patrons are REQUIRED to wear face coverings at our Market.”

June 7th – October 20th
7 AM – 1 PM
Located in the York & Vallette Business District
No pets, maintain 6 FT. social distancing, wash and sanitize hands, wash produce at home.

Grayslake Farmers Market

June 3rd – September 23rd
3 – 7 pm
Located at the corner of Center and Whitney Streets in Historic Downtown Grayslake.
Face coverings required, maintain 6 ft distance.

Highland Park (Ravinia) Farmers Market

June 3rd – October 28th
Priority Shopping Hours: 7 – 8 AM
General Public Shopping: 8 AM – 1 PM
Facemasks required, social distancing, no congregating or pets

Oak Lawn Famers Market

June 5th – October 14th
Dumke Drive at 52nd Ave.
7 – 1 pm
Wear a mask.
Vendors will be limited to agricultural products (flowers, seeds, plants), produce and cottage foods (honey, jam, fruit pies). Touching products is prohibited.

Winfield Farmers Market

June 5th – October 30th
7 – 1 pm
Winfield Farmers Market is conveniently located at the SW corner of
County Farm & Geneva Roads, in the parking lot of Winfield’s popular
Prairie Trail Center shopping plaza

THURSDAYS

Barrington Farmers Market

June 18th – October 15th
3 – 7 pm
“We welcome all visitors to follow the guidelines in mind as you visit the “In and Out” market this season, until further notice.”

Bolingbrook Promenade Street Market

July 2nd – August 27th
4 – 9 pm

Clarendon Hills Farmers Market

June 4th – October 31st
7:30 – 2 pm

La Grange Farmers Market

June 4th – October 29th
7 – 1 pm
Corner of LaGrange Rd. and Harris Ave.
Senior citizens encouraged to shop between 7 – 7:30 AM

Libertyville Farmers Market

June 4th – October 22nd
7 – 1 pm
In Cook Park on West Church Street
No dogs allowed, must wear a mask, do not touch products, use touchless payments or preorder if possible.

Naperville’s 95th Street Farmers Market

June 4th – September 24th
3 PM – 7PM
Located in the parking lot of the 95th Street Library 3015 Cedar Glade Road, Naperville
Face coverings required

Orland Park Farmers Market

July 2nd – August 20th
4 – 8 pm
Crescent Park (near the 143rd Street Metra station)
Social distancing, one way aisles, and an in and out shopping experience.

Wauconda Farmers Market

July 2nd – September 24th
4 – 7 pm
Main Street between Bangs and Mill Streets

FRIDAYS

Elgin Farmers Market

June 12th – October 2nd
3 – 7 pm
Spring Street in Downtown Elgin
“To help keep customers and vendors safe, everyone will be required to wear face masks at the market. Only vendors will be allowed to handle products until a sale transaction is completed. Food sampling is discontinued for the time being.”

Lake Zurich Farmers Market

June 5th – September 11th
3 – 7 pm
Paulus Park: 200 S Rand Rd.

Schaumburg Farmers Market

Every Friday from June through October
7 – 1 pm
Trickster Gallery: 190 S. Roselle Rd.
This year’s market will have only one entrance and one exit both containing hand sanitizing stations. Patrons are asked to sanitize their hands before entering and upon leaving the market.
The time-period from 7 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. will be designated exclusively for shoppers over the age of 65.
No pets or bikes will be permitted

St. Charles Farmers Market

June 7th – October 25th
8 – 1 pm
Baker Methodist Church: 307 Cedar Ave.
Follow the link to see current vendors and how to preorder from them.

SATURDAYS

Arlington Heights Farmers Market

June 20th – October 31st
8 AM – 1 PM
In the parking lot at Vail and Fremont

Aurora Farmers Market

June 27th – October 17th
8 am – noon
Water Street Square
“Due to the global pandemic, social distancing and sanitary practices will be in effect at the Aurora Farmers Market in 2020. With our new “in and out”-style Market, we will be limiting the number of patrons in the Market at one time. In addition, we will have sanitizing stations placed throughout the Market for patrons and vendors. Patrons are REQUIRED to wear face coverings at our Market.”

Batavia Farmers Market

May 30th – October 31st
8 – noon
North River Street between Wilson and State
“The first season of Downtown Batavia’s Boardwalk Shops is set to host a soft opening beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 13 alongside another successful morning at the Batavia Farmers’ Market. The Boardwalk Shops are designed to attract small businesses, create more retail shopping, and bring people into Downtown Batavia to enjoy this unique destination and the rest of the downtown community. The tiny house-style shops, located at 114 East Wilson Street across from Bocaditos, Oak & Swine, Wilson Street Tavern, and Six + Cypress, will host eight new businesses for the 2020 season.”

Crystal Lake Farmers Market

June 13th – September 28th
8 – 1 pm
In Depot Park, next to the downtown Train Depot

Downers Grove Farmers Market

June 6th – October 17th
7 – 12:30
7 – 7:30 time reserved for the elderly

Elk Grove Village Farmers Market

June 8th – October 12th
7:30 – 1 pm
Come visit us at the Clock Tower at Wellington and Biesterfield
on the municipal parking grounds in Elk Grove Village, IL.

Evanston Farmers Market

May 2nd – November 7th
7:30 AM – 1 PM
The market will open early for senior and disabled shoppers from 7-7:30 am
Wear masks, no animals, maintain social distancing.

Glenview Farmers Market

June 20th – October 24th
8 AM – Noon
Historic Wagner Farm: 1510 Wagner Rd, Glenview

Green City Farmers Market: Lincoln Park

Green City Market in Lincoln Park will re-open on Saturday, June 13 from 7 AM – 1 PM, and Green City Market in the West Loop (Mary Bartelme Park) will re-open on Saturday, June 20 from 8 AM – 1 PM.
As our markets begin to re-open with social distancing guidelines, you have options on how to shop Green City Market! Home delivery and curbside pick-up at Band of Bohemia are available every Wednesday. Pre-ordering on WhatsGood is also available (and highly encouraged!) for pick-up at GCM Lincoln Park.
Read the Safe Shopper Guidelines before arriving.
Club Sprouts and at-market programming for kids and families are suspended so we can do our part to promote social distancing for everyone’s health and safety. Green City Market has free Club Sprouts activites available to access and download at home.
The market will open early from 7-8 a.m. to serve vulnerable populations first. Seniors, pregnant women, and those at elevated risk for Covid-19 will be allowed into the market during the first hour each market day.

Huntley Farmers Market

May 23rd – October 5th
8 – 1 pm
Kids can stop by the information booth for a take home craft to go!
Coral Street, Church Street, & Town Square
Face masks must be worn in the market.

Lisle French Market at PrairieWalk Pond

June 20th – September 29th
8 – 1 pm
Located along Garfield Ave, adjacent to Prairiewalk Pond
The first hour of the market (8AM-9AM) is reserved for our at-risk population (seniors and those with underlying conditions). We encourage other customers to come later to the market to avoid crowds and having to wait in long lines.
Limit family groups and wear a mask.

Naperville Farmers Market

June 6th – November
“We are a year round farmers market! During June-November we host 40+ vendors every Saturday 7am-noon and during the winter select vendors are still onsite.
Downtown Naperville: 200 East. 5th Avenue
Touch-less drive through available from 12:30 -1 where you may shop from your car!
Customers are asked to wear masks.

North Center Farmers Market

June 20th – October 31st
7 – 1 pm
Northcenter Town Square – 4100 N. Damen

Oak Park Farmers Market

7:30 – 1 pm every Saturday through October
“Vendor stalls are moved from the usual Pilgrim Church parking lot site on Lake Street to nearby streets to allow room for safe social distancing and preorders offered via an online app as part of a pilot program.”
Patrons will be required to enter on foot at Scoville and Lake and exit at East and Lake.
And as with grocery stores, patrons will not be allowed to bring reusable bags and face coverings will be required.

Palatine Farmers Market

May 2nd – October 31st
7 – 1 pm
Every Saturday at the Palatine Train Station Parking Lot (directly east of the Palatine Train Station)

Rolling Meadows Farmers Market

May 23rd, June 27th, July 18th, August 22nd, September 26th
10 – 2pm
Community Church of RM: 2720 Kirchoff Rd.

Sugar Grove Farmers Market

June 6th – September 28th
8 – noon
Sugar Grove Village Hall Parking lot

Tinley Park Farmers Market

June 6th – October 10th
8:00 – 12:30
Zabrocki Plaza, 17375 S. Oak Park Avenue

Wheaton Farmers Market

May 30th – November 7th
8 – 2 pm
Of special note- SENIOR HOUR 8:00 AM- 9:00 AM
The first hour of the market will be reserved for our seniors and those at higher risk.
Wear a face mask, no animals, and one member per household if possible

SUNDAYS

Antioch Farmers Market

Antioch farmers market will return June 28th
This market will be once a month, on the last Sunday of the month, June, July, August, and September. 8:00 am – 2:00 pm located at the William E. Brook Entertainment Center (Bandshell) 900 Skidmore Drive Antioch.

Cary Farmers Market

June – September
9 – 1 pm
Cary Train Station

Geneva Farmers Market

June 7th – November 8th
9 – 2 pm
South Street & 4th Street

Glen Ellyn Farmers Market

June – September
8 – 1 PM
Parking lot South of the Railroad tracks between Forest and Main

Logan Square Farmers Market

June 21st – October 25th
10 – 3 pm
9 AM – 10 AM priority shopping for individuals of high risk
Takes places along Logan Blvd from Milwaukee to Whipple

Mt. Prospect Farmers Market

June 7th – October 18th
8 – 1 pm
East Metra commuter lot at NW Hwy and Emerson Street

Oswego Farmers Market

June 28th – October 18th
9 -1 pm
19 Main Street in downtown Oswego

Plainfield Farmers Market

June 2nd – September 15th
Noon – 4 pm

Wicker Park Farmers Market

July 5th – October 27th
8 am – 2 pm
Preorder currently available for pickup at Big Star: 1531 N. Damen Ave

Do you live in the West or Far West suburbs?

Check out this awesome and handy printable from Families On The Fox!

West suburban farmers markets

West Suburban Farmers Markets

Virtual Resources For Chicago Kids

With everything going on in the world, I am a full advocate for throwing those screen time guidelines right out the window.

So many local and national businesses have gone virtual to adapt to the changing climate and guess what? By supporting them through virtual classes and events

you are supporting businesses that are so important to our community!

Music

“Bubbles Adacemy is Chicago’s premier early childhood arts enrichment center and preschool located in Lincoln Park.”
Their music classes are extremely interactive and are sure to put a smile on your child’s face.
Enrollment options:
- $60/family for unlimited
- $25 for a 5 class pack
- $10 for single drop in
- Pay What You Can, Mon – Sat daily for the 9 AM Family Music & Movement. You can join for as little as $1, with free tickets available for First Responder Families

“Stages Performing Arts is a Chicago based company offering one-of-a-kind classes and birthday party entertainment for children ages 2 months to 12 years. From fun, developmentally appropriate infant/toddler classes (that are also entertaining for parents and caregivers) to a training ground for the next generation of performers, Stages has it all!”
Stages On Demand allows you to access your favorite classes and live events anytime and anywhere!
They also have wonderful Facebook Live events like Colin’s Storytime Chill, Evenings With Elsa, Wake Up Early With Anna, Bergen Bedtime Stories, and more!

Nanny Nikki is an interactive children’s entertainer who loves classic children’s songs and sharing her love of music with young children and their loved ones!”
Your little ones will adore her youtube channel filled with videos that can be watched anytime of day! Follow her on Facebook and Instagram for additional pop up concerts!

“Miss Jamie from the Farm takes young kids and their families on an imaginative musical adventure to her “farm,” where they learn values like hard work, healthy eating, and being kind to animals and each other. With the help of farm animal puppets and songs both familiar and new, Miss Jamie’s Farm kids music show will leave everyone stomping their boots and hollering for more fruits & veggies!”
Check out her You Tube Channel to watch interactive music videos any time!

Little Miss Ann (Ann Torralba) is an award winning kids musician. She is a former Chicago Public School teacher, a mom, a veteran instructor at the Old Town School of Folk Music.”
Live Facebook concerts, Monday & Wednesday at 10 AM, Fridays at 4 PM

“Mr. Dave has an organic way of connecting with children and adults alike. His simplistic approach to writing and performing introduces the world of music in an uninhibited way. Mr. Dave currently lives in Chicago where he has taught at The Old Town School of Folk Music for almost 10 years.”
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10:15 AM and 4 PM. (No 4 PM class on Saturdays)

“Chicago’s original music classes for babies, toddlers, and children at the Old Town School of Folk Music.”
“And did you know ALL our regular Wiggleworms classes are online and you can join at any time? Now you do! Browse over 100 classes at ots.fm/wiggleworms and find a class to bring home today!”
4 week classes available! Follow the link to access their schedule!

“Mothership Launchpad is A space for children to grow. A place for parents & caregivers to connect. we offer select retail, classes and workshops for littles to parents. it takes a village to raise a child. we are here to support our village of moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers.”

“Come experience our fun-filled classes of singing, dancing, movement, games, and instrument play! Our classes are designed for babies, toddlers, and young children ages 0-6!”
Try a class for free using code “freetrialvmc4“

“Participating in a Sarah Jayne Lane show is non-stop fun and excitement! With Sarah’s vibrant presence you can’t help but dance! Her mixture of standard kid tunes with her original kindie tracks makes for a jamming good party! Sarah loves a fun pop song too, so make sure you shout out your requests!”

“Engaging, beautiful, and multi-sensory theatre for children under 6 in the Midwest.”

Although not local to Chicago, this Columbus, Ohio based event company is near and dear to my heart. In my opinion they are the best character company you can find and I hope you get a chance to enjoy their virtual events, birthday specials, private princess video chats, and more!

Exercise

“Please join me on this journey to encourage babies, toddlers, and caregivers to sing, dance, and groove to the music!”
We can personally vouch that this zumbini class is a delight for babies and toddlers! We miss going to see Cara in person but this is the next best thing!

“Their vision is to ignite in our youth a life-long love for physical fitness and play that will positively affect their health and emotional well-being into adulthood.”
Subscribe for FREE at home family workouts, activities, and tips!
June 13th: Skip & Scott with Barnaby Bear at 9:30 AM
- “Join us for a morning of adorable kid’s programming when Chicago’s Skip & Scoot kid’s fitness joins Nantucket’s Barnaby Bear for some adventures!

“Buddha Belly Kids Yoga is a mobile yoga company dedicated to nurturing kids’ innate desire for movement and play. We explore yoga through poses, movement, and relaxation while encouraging creativity and fun! Our classes balance both structure and spontaneity as we honor each individual’s unique energy. We believe in play-based education, while incorporating traditional yoga poses, sequences, and relaxation techniques to deepen self-awareness. The most unique thing about Buddha Belly Kids Yoga is that we are educators; it’s kids first, then yoga. With over 15 years in Education, we bring a fierce passion for developing a safe space for children to just be.”
They have so many class options for all ages and every day of the week!

“Lincoln Park Dance and Move is a dance + movement studio located in the heart of Lincoln Park. Come dance with us!”
LPDM turns 3!
- Celebrate on June 10th at 4 PM!
- Registration includes Zoom class, surprise activity, and wrapped gift box to open together online!
Follow the link to get their full class schedule!

“All our programs leverage yoga as a tool to fight for gender equity and social justice.”
They have partnered with Together We Camp for live yoga classes, workshops with leading women in their fields, meditations, and projects to engage students in their communities! Online and offline activities will be included and a supply list given ahead of time. Check it out!
“Together We Camp is a virtual and unplugged camp that puts kids in charge.” Brought to you by Chicago’s top enrichment providers.
- June 15th – August 28th.
- Designed for 1st – 6th graders

Dance With Miss Priya

“By teaching a love for self, others, and all around us through yoga and mindfulness techniques, we are providing life long skills and tools for the children to embody the amazing vessel they were given to experience the beauty of their life.”
Kindess Kids Yoga offers children’s classes for ages 4-12, teens, and family classes!
Watch & Subscribe to the YouTube Channel as well!

Priya Raman is a dancer and teacher based in Chicago.
“Dance is my happy place. I love teaching kids & creating fun dances + tutorials to upbeat Bollywood/Indian music for all ages! I strive to help children explore the world through the joy of creative movement & culture. My students call me “Miss Priya”. Help me grow by subscribing to my channel & sharing my videos! Contact me for LIVE online classes! Happy Dancing!”
What a fun and different way to exercise with your littles!

Storytime

“At Big City Readers our goal is not only for your child to gain confidence in reading, but to LOVE learning. We believe children thrive when they feel a sense of community and belonging, which is what they will find in these small group classes.”
Storytime is at 10 AM every day on Instagram live!

Join their Facebook Live every Monday at 10 AM for story time!

Enjoy a free musical story time with Stages Performing Arts every Tuesday at 5 PM!

Every Friday at 6 PM, enjoy a themed bedtime story with Stages on their Instagram Live!

Join Michelle Obama for story time every Monday at Noon CST on PBS Kids Facebook Page!

Pete The Cat Club Virtual Storytime with James Dean

Join Levar Burton (from Reading Rainbow fame) every Monday at 11 AM CST on Twitter Livestream for kids of all ages
On Wednesday’s at 5 PM CST there is a reading session for teens
On Fridays at 8 PM CST there is a reading session for adults!

Every day at 11 AM on Instagram Live! (@petethecatofficial)

All streamed on Instagram Live
Picture books weekdays at noon
Live cartoons on Saturday at noon
Chapter Books After Dark every day around 7 PM. Previous chapters can be found in IGTV

Using voices, accents, and funny commentary, you can watch Josh Gad read various children’s stories live on his Twitter and Instagram accounts!

“Storyline Online is available 24 hours a day for children, parents, caregivers and educators worldwide. Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator, aiming to strengthen comprehension and verbal and written skills for English-language learners.”
Parents and children alike will enjoy listening to stories read by your favorite celebrities!

Science

“We blur the lines between subjects, seamlessly connecting literature, history, art and design, writing, role play and popular culture and bring it to life through math and science. Our immersive storylines empower students to use math and science to solve problems that are engaging and interesting to them.”
Tune in weekdays at 10:30 AM to Facebook Live to interact with live experiments!
Their You Tube channel also has a plethora of amazing videos!
$20 Hands-on Virtual Pop-Up workshops have been a big hit!
- Making Fizzing Bath Bombs
- Harry Potter Potions
- Science of Ice Cream
- Secret Agents: Invisible Ink and Codes
- Unicorn and Rainbow Science
- Superhero Science
Subscribe to their YouTube Channel for extras and interactive lessons.

The museum may be temporarily closed but they have a great selection of learning resources available online!
You can filter by grade level and topic!
Peruse through their videos on Facebook for the live videos they have been posting!

Science activities and topics you can access at anytime! Including hands on activities you can do at home!
Watch the videos they have been posting on their Facebook page!

The interactive activities on their Facebook page are sure to please your budding astronaut!
Check out their online resource catalog!

“All of the lessons are expertly designed to engage students, achieve learning outcomes, and be easy for teachers to use. We have short mini-lessons that are completely digital and full lessons that include an activity. All of the activities are designed to use simple supplies a parent will likely already have at home.”
Very easy to use, you can search by grade level!

”NASA provides a safe place for children to play as they learn about NASA and its missions. On this site, you will find games of various skill levels for children pre-K through grade 4. These games support national education standards in STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Animals

“Looking for ways to make your kids’ time at home entertaining and educational? Or just need a fun break for yourself? Join Brookfield Zoo on Facebook every weekday at 11:00 a.m. Central for a “Bring The Zoo To You” Facebook Live featuring one of our animals as well as plenty of educational, informative insight from one of our Animal Care Specialists. If you can’t make it at 11, that’s okay. The video will be saved afterward on Facebook as well as on our YouTube channel.”

The staff have been taking time to show us lots of live videos on Facebook! Enjoy them at your leisure by looking through the videos section of their Facebook page.

The staff have been taking time to show us lots of live videos on Facebook! Enjoy them at your leisure by looking through the videos section of their Facebook page
Enjoy the “Sea Curious” video series on their You Tube channel

Tune into their Facebook every day at 2 PM CST and keep an eye out for the link to fun activities you can do at home after you watch!

The San Diego Zoo has created an amazing resource filled with live cams and videos of your favorite animals! Take your virtual field trip today!

Art

“Every week we work on a masterpiece. Step-by-step instructions are provided but also allowing kids to use their imagination and come up with a unique art work.”
Summer STEAM / Maker Camps now online!
Weekly themes!

“Mo Willems invites YOU into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. If you post your art to social media, be sure to hashtag it with #MoLunchDoodles!”
New episodes will be posted each weekday at Noon CST and then remain online to be streamed afterwards.

Visit them virtually to explore the collection and get ideas for interactive ideas you can do with your family!

“I Was Raised on the Internet”
- Online only artworks from the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s exhibition.
“What does art look like when it is made specifically for the web? The games, digital videos, and interactive websites here demonstrate radically different approaches and platforms that artists working online may employ. Some of the works celebrate the internet as a space for connection, self-expression, and identification; others warn about the perils of digital surveillance and manipulation. Please note: some of these works contain mature content.”
Art at Home: Recycled Balones
- Art at Home is a series of simple, fun activities created by Chicago artists that you can produce with whatever materials you’ve got on hand..

Virtual Resources For The Differently Abled

“Easterseals Illinois Autism Partnership (IAP) launches VIRTUAL CLASSROOM, releasing new videos every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 AM, CST. Visit our IAP YouTube channel to enjoy the visual, hands-on nature of our videos.”

For some more amazing resources, he’s a link to “25 Amazing Virtual Field Trips!” Take a tour of cities, Ellis Island, The Louvre, and more!

Did your Disney trip need to be rescheduled? The kids might enjoy Virtual Disney World! Put them in a laundry basket and move it up and down while they watch to pretend they are on one of the rides!

What Should We Stream Today Chicago? May 19th – 24th, 2020

With everything going on in the world, I am a full advocate for throwing those screen time guidelines right out the window.

So many local and national businesses have gone virtual and in lieu of our weekend event guide, I will keep you updated with the virtual events of the week!

Maybe you are working from home, or maybe you just want to be able to experience the story times and music classes your child is used to!

Either way, WSWDTC has got you covered!

Music

“Bubbles Adacemy is Chicago’s premier early childhood arts enrichment center and preschool located in Lincoln Park.”
Their music classes are extremely interactive and are sure to put a smile on your child’s face.
Enrollment options:
- $60/family for unlimited
- $25 for a 5 class pack
- $10 for single drop in
- Pay What You Can, Mon – Sat daily for the 9 AM Family Music & Movement. You can join for as little as $1, with free tickets available for First Responder Families

“Stages Performing Arts is a Chicago based company offering one-of-a-kind classes and birthday party entertainment for children ages 2 months to 12 years. From fun, developmentally appropriate infant/toddler classes (that are also entertaining for parents and caregivers) to a training ground for the next generation of performers, Stages has it all!”
Pay What You Can drop in classes are available each week!

Nanny Nikki is an interactive children’s entertainer who loves classic children’s songs and sharing her love of music with young children and their loved ones!”
Your little ones will adore her youtube channel filled with videos that can be watched anytime of day! Follow her on Facebook and Instagram for additional pop up concerts!

“Miss Jamie from the Farm takes young kids and their families on an imaginative musical adventure to her “farm,” where they learn values like hard work, healthy eating, and being kind to animals and each other. With the help of farm animal puppets and songs both familiar and new, Miss Jamie’s Farm kids music show will leave everyone stomping their boots and hollering for more fruits & veggies!”
Check out her You Tube Channel to watch interactive music videos any time!
Marianos hosts a Miss Jamie FB Live every Saturday at 10 AM!

Little Miss Ann (Ann Torralba) is an award winning kids musician. She is a former Chicago Public School teacher, a mom, a veteran instructor at the Old Town School of Folk Music.”
Live Facebook concerts, Monday & Wednesday at 10 AM, Fridays at 4 PM

“Mr. Dave has an organic way of connecting with children and adults alike. His simplistic approach to writing and performing introduces the world of music in an uninhibited way. Mr. Dave currently lives in Chicago where he has taught at The Old Town School of Folk Music for almost 10 years.”
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10:15 AM and 4 PM. (No 4 PM class on Saturdays)

“Chicago’s original music classes for babies, toddlers, and children at the Old Town School of Folk Music.”
“And did you know ALL our regular Wiggleworms classes are online and you can join at any time? Now you do! Browse over 100 classes at ots.fm/wiggleworms and find a class to bring home today!”
Join them online M-F at 10:30 AM for drop-in music classes!

“Mothership Launchpad is A space for children to grow. A place for parents & caregivers to connect. we offer select retail, classes and workshops for littles to parents. it takes a village to raise a child. we are here to support our village of moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers.”

“Come experience our fun-filled classes of singing, dancing, movement, games, and instrument play! Our classes are designed for babies, toddlers, and young children ages 0-6!”
Try a class for free using code “freetrialvmc4“

“Participating in a Sarah Jayne Lane show is non-stop fun and excitement! With Sarah’s vibrant presence you can’t help but dance! Her mixture of standard kid tunes with her original kindie tracks makes for a jamming good party! Sarah loves a fun pop song too, so make sure you shout out your requests!”

“Engaging, beautiful, and multi-sensory theatre for children under 6 in the Midwest.”

Although not local to Chicago, this Columbus, Ohio based event company is near and dear to my heart. In my opinion they are the best character company you can find and I hope you get a chance to enjoy their virtual events, birthday specials, private princess video chats, and more!

Exercise

“Please join me on this journey to encourage babies, toddlers, and caregivers to sing, dance, and groove to the music!”
We can personally vouch that this zumbini class is a delight for babies and toddlers! We miss going to see Cara in person but this is the next best thing!
Spring Into Virtual Zumbini
- Mondays at 9:45 AM
- Wednesdays at 10:15 AM
- Thursdays at 9:30 AM

“Their vision is to ignite in our youth a life-long love for physical fitness and play that will positively affect their health and emotional well-being into adulthood.”
Join the Zoom classroom for a half hour kids workout every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 10 AM.
The cost is $12/household no matter how many kids you have!

“Buddha Belly Kids Yoga is a mobile yoga company dedicated to nurturing kids’ innate desire for movement and play. We explore yoga through poses, movement, and relaxation while encouraging creativity and fun! Our classes balance both structure and spontaneity as we honor each individual’s unique energy. We believe in play-based education, while incorporating traditional yoga poses, sequences, and relaxation techniques to deepen self-awareness. The most unique thing about Buddha Belly Kids Yoga is that we are educators; it’s kids first, then yoga. With over 15 years in Education, we bring a fierce passion for developing a safe space for children to just be.”
This Week’s Lineup!
- M-F: Busy Buddhas at 9:00 AM
- Blissful Buddhas: Mon-Fri at 4:00 PM
- Mon & Wed: Brain Breaks for Elementary Kids at 11:15 AM
- Mon & Wed: Storybook Yoga at 10 AM
- Tues & Thurs: Movement & Mindfulness at 10:30 AM
- Bendy Buddhas Tween Yoga Tues. at 1 PM
- Miss Sarah Movers & Shakers on Friday at 10 AM
- Miss Sarah First Dance for Toddlers on Friday at 11:15 AM

“Lincoln Park Dance and Move is a dance + movement studio located in the heart of Lincoln Park. Come dance with us!”
Schedule:
- Tues 11 AM: Hip Hop Bop (3-5 yr)
- Tues 4 PM: Hip Hop Basics (5-8 yr)
- Wed 11 AM: Mommy & Me (18 mo – 2.5Y)
- Wed 4 PM: Intermediate Ballet (9-12Y)
- Thurs 9:30 AM: Zumbini by Cara – Kalino Finds The Beat (0-4Y)
- Thurs 11:00 AM: Bitty Ballerinas (3-5Y)
- Thurs 4:00 PM: Intermediate Hip Hop (9-12Y)
- Fri 11:00 AM: Bitty Ballerinas (3-5Y)
- Sat 10:00 AM: Hip Hop Bop (3-7Y)

“All our programs leverage yoga as a tool to fight for gender equity and social justice.”
Toddler Yoga at 9 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

“By teaching a love for self, others, and all around us through yoga and mindfulness techniques, we are providing life long skills and tools for the children to embody the amazing vessel they were given to experience the beauty of their life.”
Kindess Kids Yoga offers children’s classes for ages 4-12, teens, and family classes!
Watch & Subscribe to the YouTube Channel as well!

Storytime

“At Big City Readers our goal is not only for your child to gain confidence in reading, but to LOVE learning. We believe children thrive when they feel a sense of community and belonging, which is what they will find in these small group classes.”
Storytime is at 10 AM every day on Instagram live!

Join their Facebook Live every Monday at 10 AM for story time!

Enjoy a free musical story time with Stages Performing Arts every Tuesday at 5 PM!

Every Friday at 6 PM, enjoy a themed bedtime story with Stages on their Instagram Live!

Join Michelle Obama for story time every Monday at Noon CST on PBS Kids Facebook Page!

Pete The Cat Club Virtual Storytime with James Dean

Join Levar Burton (from Reading Rainbow fame) every Monday at 11 AM CST on Twitter Livestream for kids of all ages
On Wednesday’s at 5 PM CST there is a reading session for teens
On Fridays at 8 PM CST there is a reading session for adults!

Every day at 11 AM on Instagram Live! (@petethecatofficial)

All streamed on Instagram Live
Picture books weekdays at noon
Live cartoons on Saturday at noon
Chapter Books After Dark every day around 7 PM. Previous chapters can be found in IGTV

Using voices, accents, and funny commentary, you can watch Josh Gad read various children’s stories live on his Twitter and Instagram accounts!

“Storyline Online is available 24 hours a day for children, parents, caregivers and educators worldwide. Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator, aiming to strengthen comprehension and verbal and written skills for English-language learners.”
Parents and children alike will enjoy listening to stories read by your favorite celebrities!

Science

“We blur the lines between subjects, seamlessly connecting literature, history, art and design, writing, role play and popular culture and bring it to life through math and science. Our immersive storylines empower students to use math and science to solve problems that are engaging and interesting to them.”
Tune in weekdays at 10:30 AM to Facebook Live to interact with live experiments!
Their You Tube channel also has a plethora of amazing videos!

The museum may be temporarily closed but they have a great selection of learning resources available online!
You can filter by grade level and topic!
Peruse through their videos on Facebook for the live videos they have been posting!

Science activities and topics you can access at anytime! Including hands on activities you can do at home!
Watch the videos they have been posting on their Facebook page!

The interactive activities on their Facebook page are sure to please your budding astronaut!
Check out their online resource catalog!

“All of the lessons are expertly designed to engage students, achieve learning outcomes, and be easy for teachers to use. We have short mini-lessons that are completely digital and full lessons that include an activity. All of the activities are designed to use simple supplies a parent will likely already have at home.”
Very easy to use, you can search by grade level!

”NASA provides a safe place for children to play as they learn about NASA and its missions. On this site, you will find games of various skill levels for children pre-K through grade 4. These games support national education standards in STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Animals

“Looking for ways to make your kids’ time at home entertaining and educational? Or just need a fun break for yourself? Join Brookfield Zoo on Facebook every weekday at 11:00 a.m. Central for a “Bring The Zoo To You” Facebook Live featuring one of our animals as well as plenty of educational, informative insight from one of our Animal Care Specialists. If you can’t make it at 11, that’s okay. The video will be saved afterward on Facebook as well as on our YouTube channel.”

The staff have been taking time to show us lots of live videos on Facebook! Enjoy them at your leisure by looking through the videos section of their Facebook page.

The staff have been taking time to show us lots of live videos on Facebook! Enjoy them at your leisure by looking through the videos section of their Facebook page
Enjoy the “Sea Curious” video series on their You Tube channel

Tune into their Facebook every day at 2 PM CST and keep an eye out for the link to fun activities you can do at home after you watch!

The San Diego Zoo has created an amazing resource filled with live cams and videos of your favorite animals! Take your virtual field trip today!

Art

7 week virtual drawing class.
Every Tuesday at 5:30 PM
“Every week we work on a masterpiece. Step-by-step instructions are provided but also allowing kids to use their imagination and come up with a unique art work.”

“Mo Willems invites YOU into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. If you post your art to social media, be sure to hashtag it with #MoLunchDoodles!”
New episodes will be posted each weekday at Noon CST and then remain online to be streamed afterwards.

Visit them virtually to explore the collection and get ideas for interactive ideas you can do with your family!

“I Was Raised on the Internet”
- Online only artworks from the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s exhibition.
“What does art look like when it is made specifically for the web? The games, digital videos, and interactive websites here demonstrate radically different approaches and platforms that artists working online may employ. Some of the works celebrate the internet as a space for connection, self-expression, and identification; others warn about the perils of digital surveillance and manipulation. Please note: some of these works contain mature content.”
Art at Home: Recycled Balones
- Art at Home is a series of simple, fun activities created by Chicago artists that you can produce with whatever materials you’ve got on hand..

Virtual Resources For The Differently Abled

“Easterseals Illinois Autism Partnership (IAP) launches VIRTUAL CLASSROOM, releasing new videos every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 AM, CST. Visit our IAP YouTube channel to enjoy the visual, hands-on nature of our videos.”

For some more amazing resources, he’s a link to “25 Amazing Virtual Field Trips!” Take a tour of cities, Ellis Island, The Louvre, and more!

What Should We Stream Today? Chicago, IL May 11th – May 17th, 2020

With everything going on in the world, I am a full advocate for throwing those screen time guidelines right out the window.

So many local and national businesses have gone virtual and in lieu of our weekend event guide, I will keep you updated with the virtual events of the week!

Maybe you are working from home, or maybe you just want to be able to experience the story times and music classes your child is used to!

Either way, WSWDTC has got you covered!

Music

“Bubbles Adacemy is Chicago’s premier early childhood arts enrichment center and preschool located in Lincoln Park.”
Their music classes are extremely interactive and are sure to put a smile on your child’s face.
Enrollment options:
- $60/family for unlimited
- $25 for a 5 class pack
- $10 for single drop in
- Pay What You Can, Mon – Sat daily for the 9 AM Family Music & Movement. You can join for as little as $1, with free tickets available for First Responder Families

“Stages Performing Arts is a Chicago based company offering one-of-a-kind classes and birthday party entertainment for children ages 2 months to 12 years. From fun, developmentally appropriate infant/toddler classes (that are also entertaining for parents and caregivers) to a training ground for the next generation of performers, Stages has it all!”
Pay What You Can drop in classes are available each week!

Nanny Nikki is an interactive children’s entertainer who loves classic children’s songs and sharing her love of music with young children and their loved ones!”
Your little ones will adore her youtube channel filled with videos that can be watched anytime of day! Follow her on Facebook and Instagram for additional pop up concerts!

“Miss Jamie from the Farm takes young kids and their families on an imaginative musical adventure to her “farm,” where they learn values like hard work, healthy eating, and being kind to animals and each other. With the help of farm animal puppets and songs both familiar and new, Miss Jamie’s Farm kids music show will leave everyone stomping their boots and hollering for more fruits & veggies!”
Check out her You Tube Channel to watch interactive music videos any time!
Marianos hosts a Miss Jamie FB Live every Saturday at 10 AM!

Little Miss Ann (Ann Torralba) is an award winning kids musician. She is a former Chicago Public School teacher, a mom, a veteran instructor at the Old Town School of Folk Music.”
Live Facebook concerts, Monday & Wednesday at 10 AM, Fridays at 4 PM

“Mr. Dave has an organic way of connecting with children and adults alike. His simplistic approach to writing and performing introduces the world of music in an uninhibited way. Mr. Dave currently lives in Chicago where he has taught at The Old Town School of Folk Music for almost 10 years.”
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10:15 AM and 4 PM. (No 4 PM class on Saturdays)

“Chicago’s original music classes for babies, toddlers, and children at the Old Town School of Folk Music.”
“And did you know ALL our regular Wiggleworms classes are online and you can join at any time? Now you do! Browse over 100 classes at ots.fm/wiggleworms and find a class to bring home today!”
Join them online at 10:30 AM for drop-in music classes!

“Mothership Launchpad is A space for children to grow. A place for parents & caregivers to connect. we offer select retail, classes and workshops for littles to parents. it takes a village to raise a child. we are here to support our village of moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers.”

“Come experience our fun-filled classes of singing, dancing, movement, games, and instrument play! Our classes are designed for babies, toddlers, and young children ages 0-6!”
Try a class for free using code “freetrialvmc4“

“Participating in a Sarah Jayne Lane show is non-stop fun and excitement! With Sarah’s vibrant presence you can’t help but dance! Her mixture of standard kid tunes with her original kindie tracks makes for a jamming good party! Sarah loves a fun pop song too, so make sure you shout out your requests!”

“Engaging, beautiful, and multi-sensory theatre for children under 6 in the Midwest.”
Concert on Saturday, May 16th at 5 PM on the Connecting Routes Facebook Page

Although not local to Chicago, this Columbus, Ohio based event company is near and dear to my heart. In my opinion they are the best character company you can find and I hope you get a chance to enjoy their virtual events, birthday specials, private princess video chats, and more!

Exercise

“Please join me on this journey to encourage babies, toddlers, and caregivers to sing, dance, and groove to the music!”
We can personally vouch that this zumbini class is a delight for babies and toddlers! We miss going to see Cara in person but this is the next best thing!
Spring Into Virtual Zumbini
- Mondays at 9:45 AM
- Wednesdays at 10:15 AM
- Thursdays at 9:30 AM

“Their vision is to ignite in our youth a life-long love for physical fitness and play that will positively affect their health and emotional well-being into adulthood.”
Join the Zoom classroom for a half hour kids workout every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 10 AM.
The cost is $12/household no matter how many kids you have!

“Buddha Belly Kids Yoga is a mobile yoga company dedicated to nurturing kids’ innate desire for movement and play. We explore yoga through poses, movement, and relaxation while encouraging creativity and fun! Our classes balance both structure and spontaneity as we honor each individual’s unique energy. We believe in play-based education, while incorporating traditional yoga poses, sequences, and relaxation techniques to deepen self-awareness. The most unique thing about Buddha Belly Kids Yoga is that we are educators; it’s kids first, then yoga. With over 15 years in Education, we bring a fierce passion for developing a safe space for children to just be.”
This Week’s Lineup!
- M-F: Busy Buddhas at 9:00 AM
- Mon & Wed: Brain Breaks for Elementary Kids at 11:15 AM
- Mon & Wed: Storybook Yoga at 10 AM
- Tues & Thurs: Movement & Mindfulness at 10:30 AM
- Bendy Buddhas Tween Yoga Tues. at 1 PM
- Blissful Buddhas: Mon-Fri at 4:00 PM
- Miss Sarah Movers & Shakers on Friday at 10 AM
- Miss Sarah First Dance for Toddlers on Friday at 11:15 AM

“Lincoln Park Dance and Move is a dance + movement studio located in the heart of Lincoln Park. Come dance with us!”

“All our programs leverage yoga as a tool to fight for gender equity and social justice.”
Toddler Yoga at 9 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

“By teaching a love for self, others, and all around us through yoga and mindfulness techniques, we are providing life long skills and tools for the children to embody the amazing vessel they were given to experience the beauty of their life.”
Kindess Kids Yoga offers children’s classes for ages 4-12, teens, and family classes!
Watch & Subscribe to the YouTube Channel as well!

Storytime

“At Big City Readers our goal is not only for your child to gain confidence in reading, but to LOVE learning. We believe children thrive when they feel a sense of community and belonging, which is what they will find in these small group classes.”
Storytime is at 10 AM every day on Instagram live!

Join their Facebook Live every Monday at 10 AM for story time!

Enjoy a free musical story time with Stages Performing Arts every Tuesday at 5 PM!

Every Friday at 6 PM, enjoy a themed bedtime story with Stages on their Instagram Live!

Join Michelle Obama for story time every Monday at Noon CST on PBS Kids Facebook Page!

Pete The Cat Club Virtual Storytime with James Dean

Join Levar Burton (from Reading Rainbow fame) every Monday at 11 AM CST on Twitter Livestream for kids of all ages
On Wednesday’s at 5 PM CST there is a reading session for teens
On Fridays at 8 PM CST there is a reading session for adults!

Every day at 11 AM on Instagram Live! (@petethecatofficial)

All streamed on Instagram Live
Picture books weekdays at noon
Live cartoons on Saturday at noon
Chapter Books After Dark every day around 7 PM. Previous chapters can be found in IGTV

Using voices, accents, and funny commentary, you can watch Josh Gad read various children’s stories live on his Twitter and Instagram accounts!

“Storyline Online is available 24 hours a day for children, parents, caregivers and educators worldwide. Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator, aiming to strengthen comprehension and verbal and written skills for English-language learners.”
Parents and children alike will enjoy listening to stories read by your favorite celebrities!

Science

“We blur the lines between subjects, seamlessly connecting literature, history, art and design, writing, role play and popular culture and bring it to life through math and science. Our immersive storylines empower students to use math and science to solve problems that are engaging and interesting to them.”
Tune in weekdays at 10:30 AM to Facebook Live to interact with live experiments!
Their You Tube channel also has a plethora of amazing videos!

The museum may be temporarily closed but they have a great selection of learning resources available online!
You can filter by grade level and topic!
Peruse through their videos on Facebook for the live videos they have been posting!

Science activities and topics you can access at anytime! Including hands on activities you can do at home!
Watch the videos they have been posting on their Facebook page!

The interactive activities on their Facebook page are sure to please your budding astronaut!
Check out their online resource catalog!

“All of the lessons are expertly designed to engage students, achieve learning outcomes, and be easy for teachers to use. We have short mini-lessons that are completely digital and full lessons that include an activity. All of the activities are designed to use simple supplies a parent will likely already have at home.”
Very easy to use, you can search by grade level!

”NASA provides a safe place for children to play as they learn about NASA and its missions. On this site, you will find games of various skill levels for children pre-K through grade 4. These games support national education standards in STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Animals

“Looking for ways to make your kids’ time at home entertaining and educational? Or just need a fun break for yourself? Join Brookfield Zoo on Facebook every weekday at 11:00 a.m. Central for a “Bring The Zoo To You” Facebook Live featuring one of our animals as well as plenty of educational, informative insight from one of our Animal Care Specialists. If you can’t make it at 11, that’s okay. The video will be saved afterward on Facebook as well as on our YouTube channel.”

The staff have been taking time to show us lots of live videos on Facebook! Enjoy them at your leisure by looking through the videos section of their Facebook page.

The staff have been taking time to show us lots of live videos on Facebook! Enjoy them at your leisure by looking through the videos section of their Facebook page
Enjoy the “Sea Curious” video series on their You Tube channel

Tune into their Facebook every day at 2 PM CST and keep an eye out for the link to fun activities you can do at home after you watch!

The San Diego Zoo has created an amazing resource filled with live cams and videos of your favorite animals! Take your virtual field trip today!

Art

7 week virtual drawing class.
Every Tuesday at 5:30 PM
“Every week we work on a masterpiece. Step-by-step instructions are provided but also allowing kids to use their imagination and come up with a unique art work.”

“Mo Willems invites YOU into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. If you post your art to social media, be sure to hashtag it with #MoLunchDoodles!”
New episodes will be posted each weekday at Noon CST and then remain online to be streamed afterwards.

Visit them virtually to explore the collection and get ideas for interactive ideas you can do with your family!

“I Was Raised on the Internet”
- Online only artworks from the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s exhibition.
“What does art look like when it is made specifically for the web? The games, digital videos, and interactive websites here demonstrate radically different approaches and platforms that artists working online may employ. Some of the works celebrate the internet as a space for connection, self-expression, and identification; others warn about the perils of digital surveillance and manipulation. Please note: some of these works contain mature content.”
Art at Home: Recycled Balones
- Art at Home is a series of simple, fun activities created by Chicago artists that you can produce with whatever materials you’ve got on hand..

Virtual Resources For The Differently Abled

“Easterseals Illinois Autism Partnership (IAP) launches VIRTUAL CLASSROOM, releasing new videos every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 AM, CST. Visit our IAP YouTube channel to enjoy the visual, hands-on nature of our videos.”

For some more amazing resources, he’s a link to “25 Amazing Virtual Field Trips!” Take a tour of cities, Ellis Island, The Louvre, and more!

What Should We Stream Today? Chicago, IL May 4th – May 10th, 2020

With everything going on in the world, I am a full advocate for throwing those screen time guidelines right out the window.

So many local and national businesses have gone virtual and in lieu of our weekend event guide, I will keep you updated with the virtual events of the week!

Maybe you are working from home, or maybe you just want to be able to experience the story times and music classes your child is used to!

Either way, WSWDTC has got you covered!

Music

“Bubbles Adacemy is Chicago’s premier early childhood arts enrichment center and preschool located in Lincoln Park.”
Their music classes are extremely interactive and are sure to put a smile on your child’s face.
Enrollment options:
- $60/family for unlimited
- $25 for a 5 class pack
- $10 for single drop in
- Pay What You Can, Mon – Sat daily for the 9 AM Family Music & Movement. You can join for as little as $1, with free tickets available for First Responder Families

“Stages Performing Arts is a Chicago based company offering one-of-a-kind classes and birthday party entertainment for children ages 2 months to 12 years. From fun, developmentally appropriate infant/toddler classes (that are also entertaining for parents and caregivers) to a training ground for the next generation of performers, Stages has it all!”
Pay What You Can drop in classes are available each week!

Nanny Nikki is an interactive children’s entertainer who loves classic children’s songs and sharing her love of music with young children and their loved ones!”
Your little ones will adore her youtube channel filled with videos that can be watched anytime of day! Follow her on Facebook and Instagram for additional pop up concerts!

“Miss Jamie from the Farm takes young kids and their families on an imaginative musical adventure to her “farm,” where they learn values like hard work, healthy eating, and being kind to animals and each other. With the help of farm animal puppets and songs both familiar and new, Miss Jamie’s Farm kids music show will leave everyone stomping their boots and hollering for more fruits & veggies!”
Check out her You Tube Channel to watch interactive music videos any time!
Marianos hosts a Miss Jamie FB Live every Saturday at 10 AM!
Miss Jamie’s Farmhand Concert on Monday, May 4th at 11 AM

Little Miss Ann (Ann Torralba) is an award winning kids musician. She is a former Chicago Public School teacher, a mom, a veteran instructor at the Old Town School of Folk Music.”
Live Facebook concerts, Monday & Wednesday at 10 AM, Fridays at 4 PM

“Mr. Dave has an organic way of connecting with children and adults alike. His simplistic approach to writing and performing introduces the world of music in an uninhibited way. Mr. Dave currently lives in Chicago where he has taught at The Old Town School of Folk Music for almost 10 years.”
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10:15 AM and 4 PM. (No 4 PM class on Saturdays)

“Chicago’s original music classes for babies, toddlers, and children at the Old Town School of Folk Music.”
“And did you know ALL our regular Wiggleworms classes are online and you can join at any time? Now you do! Browse over 100 classes at ots.fm/wiggleworms and find a class to bring home today!”
Join them online at 10:30 AM for drop-in music classes!

“Mothership Launchpad is A space for children to grow. A place for parents & caregivers to connect. we offer select retail, classes and workshops for littles to parents. it takes a village to raise a child. we are here to support our village of moms, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers.”

“Come experience our fun-filled classes of singing, dancing, movement, games, and instrument play! Our classes are designed for babies, toddlers, and young children ages 0-6!”
Try a class for free using code “freetrialvmc4“
Free Virtual Music Class on Tuesday, May 5th.

“Participating in a Sarah Jayne Lane show is non-stop fun and excitement! With Sarah’s vibrant presence you can’t help but dance! Her mixture of standard kid tunes with her original kindie tracks makes for a jamming good party! Sarah loves a fun pop song too, so make sure you shout out your requests!”
Concert Tuesday, May 5th at 11 AM

“Engaging, beautiful, and multi-sensory theatre for children under 6 in the Midwest.”

Although not local to Chicago, this Columbus, Ohio based event company is near and dear to my heart. In my opinion they are the best character company you can find and I hope you get a chance to enjoy their virtual events, birthday specials, private princess video chats, and more!
- Monday, May 4th: Live at 5, With Paulette the Fairy Godmother (4PM CST)

Exercise

“Please join me on this journey to encourage babies, toddlers, and caregivers to sing, dance, and groove to the music!”
We can personally vouch that this zumbini class is a delight for babies and toddlers! We miss going to see Cara in person but this is the next best thing!
Spring Into Virtual Zumbini
- Mondays at 9:45 AM
- Wednesdays at 10:15 AM
- Thursdays at 9:30 AM

“Their vision is to ignite in our youth a life-long love for physical fitness and play that will positively affect their health and emotional well-being into adulthood.”
Join the Zoom classroom for a half hour kids workout every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 10 AM.
The cost is $12/household no matter how many kids you have!

“Buddha Belly Kids Yoga is a mobile yoga company dedicated to nurturing kids’ innate desire for movement and play. We explore yoga through poses, movement, and relaxation while encouraging creativity and fun! Our classes balance both structure and spontaneity as we honor each individual’s unique energy. We believe in play-based education, while incorporating traditional yoga poses, sequences, and relaxation techniques to deepen self-awareness. The most unique thing about Buddha Belly Kids Yoga is that we are educators; it’s kids first, then yoga. With over 15 years in Education, we bring a fierce passion for developing a safe space for children to just be.”
- Mon & Wed: Brain Breaks for Elementary Kids at 11:15 AM
- M-F: Busy Buddhas at 9:00 AM
- Tues & Thurs: Movement & Mindfulness at 10:30 AM
- Wed: Storybook Yoga at 10 AM
- Bendy Buddhas Tween Yoga Tues. at 1 PM
- Blissful Buddhas: Mon-Fri at 4:00 PM
- Miss Sarah Movers & Shakers on Friday at 10 AM
- Miss Sarah First Dance for Toddlers on Friday at 11:15 AM

“Lincoln Park Dance and Move is a dance + movement studio located in the heart of Lincoln Park. Come dance with us!”
This week’s schedule:
- M: 11 am Bitty Ballerinas & 4 PM Ballet Basics
- T: 11 am Bitty Hip Hop Bop & 4 PM Hip Hop Basics
- W: 11 am Mommy & Me & 4 PM Int. Ballet
- Th: 9:30 AM Zumbini by Cara
- Fri: 11 AM Bitty Ballerinas & 4 PM Family Dance Jam

“All our programs leverage yoga as a tool to fight for gender equity and social justice.”
Toddler Yoga at 9 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays!

“By teaching a love for self, others, and all around us through yoga and mindfulness techniques, we are providing life long skills and tools for the children to embody the amazing vessel they were given to experience the beauty of their life.”
Kindess Kids Yoga offers children’s classes for ages 4-12, teens, and family classes!
Watch & Subscribe to the YouTube Channel as well!

Storytime

“At Big City Readers our goal is not only for your child to gain confidence in reading, but to LOVE learning. We believe children thrive when they feel a sense of community and belonging, which is what they will find in these small group classes.”
Storytime is at 10 AM every day on Instagram live!

Join their Facebook Live every Monday at 10 AM for story time!

Enjoy a free musical story time with Stages Performing Arts every Tuesday at 5 PM!

Every Friday at 6 PM, enjoy a themed bedtime story with Stages on their Instagram Live!

Join Michelle Obama for story time every Monday at Noon CST on PBS Kids Facebook Page!

Pete The Cat Club Virtual Storytime with James Dean

Join Levar Burton (from Reading Rainbow fame) every Monday at 11 AM CST on Twitter Livestream for kids of all ages
On Wednesday’s at 5 PM CST there is a reading session for teens
On Fridays at 8 PM CST there is a reading session for adults!

Every day at 11 AM on Instagram Live! (@petethecatofficial)

All streamed on Instagram Live
Picture books weekdays at noon
Live cartoons on Saturday at noon
Chapter Books After Dark every day around 7 PM. Previous chapters can be found in IGTV

Using voices, accents, and funny commentary, you can watch Josh Gad read various children’s stories live on his Twitter and Instagram accounts!

“Storyline Online is available 24 hours a day for children, parents, caregivers and educators worldwide. Each book includes supplemental curriculum developed by a credentialed elementary educator, aiming to strengthen comprehension and verbal and written skills for English-language learners.”
Parents and children alike will enjoy listening to stories read by your favorite celebrities!

Science

“We blur the lines between subjects, seamlessly connecting literature, history, art and design, writing, role play and popular culture and bring it to life through math and science. Our immersive storylines empower students to use math and science to solve problems that are engaging and interesting to them.”
Tune in weekdays at 10:30 AM to Facebook Live to interact with live experiments!
Their You Tube channel also has a plethora of amazing videos!

The museum may be temporarily closed but they have a great selection of learning resources available online!
You can filter by grade level and topic!
Peruse through their videos on Facebook for the live videos they have been posting!

Science activities and topics you can access at anytime! Including hands on activities you can do at home!
Watch the videos they have been posting on their Facebook page!

The interactive activities on their Facebook page are sure to please your budding astronaut!
Check out their online resource catalog!

“All of the lessons are expertly designed to engage students, achieve learning outcomes, and be easy for teachers to use. We have short mini-lessons that are completely digital and full lessons that include an activity. All of the activities are designed to use simple supplies a parent will likely already have at home.”
Very easy to use, you can search by grade level!

”NASA provides a safe place for children to play as they learn about NASA and its missions. On this site, you will find games of various skill levels for children pre-K through grade 4. These games support national education standards in STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Animals

“Looking for ways to make your kids’ time at home entertaining and educational? Or just need a fun break for yourself? Join Brookfield Zoo on Facebook every weekday at 11:00 a.m. Central for a “Bring The Zoo To You” Facebook Live featuring one of our animals as well as plenty of educational, informative insight from one of our Animal Care Specialists. If you can’t make it at 11, that’s okay. The video will be saved afterward on Facebook as well as on our YouTube channel.”

The staff have been taking time to show us lots of live videos on Facebook! Enjoy them at your leisure by looking through the videos section of their Facebook page.

The staff have been taking time to show us lots of live videos on Facebook! Enjoy them at your leisure by looking through the videos section of their Facebook page
Enjoy the “Sea Curious” video series on their You Tube channel

Tune into their Facebook every day at 2 PM CST and keep an eye out for the link to fun activities you can do at home after you watch!

The San Diego Zoo has created an amazing resource filled with live cams and videos of your favorite animals! Take your virtual field trip today!

Art

7 week virtual drawing class.
Every Tuesday at 5:30 PM
“Every week we work on a masterpiece. Step-by-step instructions are provided but also allowing kids to use their imagination and come up with a unique art work.”

“Mo Willems invites YOU into his studio every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. Learners worldwide can draw, doodle and explore new ways of writing by visiting Mo’s studio virtually once a day for the next few weeks. Grab some paper and pencils, pens, or crayons and join Mo to explore ways of writing and making together. If you post your art to social media, be sure to hashtag it with #MoLunchDoodles!”
New episodes will be posted each weekday at Noon CST and then remain online to be streamed afterwards.

Visit them virtually to explore the collection and get ideas for interactive ideas you can do with your family!

“I Was Raised on the Internet”
- Online only artworks from the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s exhibition.
“What does art look like when it is made specifically for the web? The games, digital videos, and interactive websites here demonstrate radically different approaches and platforms that artists working online may employ. Some of the works celebrate the internet as a space for connection, self-expression, and identification; others warn about the perils of digital surveillance and manipulation. Please note: some of these works contain mature content.”
Art at Home: Recycled Balones
- Art at Home is a series of simple, fun activities created by Chicago artists that you can produce with whatever materials you’ve got on hand.
Family Day Activities, Saturday May 9th
- DRAG QUEEN STORY TIME
  10–10:30 am CST
  Join Chicago Queen Chamilla Foxx for family-friendly story time. Chamilla Foxx will read selections of her favorite books from the MCA Store and perform one of her favorite songs.
- MOVE WITH ART
  10:45–11:15 am CST
  Get up and move your body! Artists Ione Sanders and Marcela Torres lead families in stretching, dancing, and playing with movement inspired by works in the MCA Collection.
- PLUSHIES AND PAPER DOLLS
  11:30 am–noon CST
  Learn how to make plushies and paper dolls that embrace all identities with artists Mikey Anderson and Lizz Ortiz. Participate in short, interactive demonstrations with each artist. Afterwards, join a video show-and-tell with the artists to share paper dolls, plushies, or other homemade characters that represent your family’s identities.

Virtual Resources For The Differently Abled