Going Back Outside
Being able to pop into a class or space without a reservation is at the top of the list of things I miss about pre-pandemic life. As a nanny, outings and community events are how I keep myself and the children I care for socialized (and sane!).
Today, “G” (the 2 year old I care for) and I went to storytime for the first time in 2 years. While it wasn't his first storytime, it is the first one he remembers. The last time we attended G was nine months, and his sister (now 4.5) was only 2. While at storytime we ran into a friend and took our party to the playground for an impromptu playdate. It got me thinking about the good old days and how much I have missed these random playdates.
As the world starts to reopen and families start looking for ways to get out and connect with their community, I wanted to make it easy and share my favorite things to do around the city.
Hello Baby Chicago https://hellobabychgo.org/
Monday: Drop-in play from 9 am-4 pm at Hello Baby Chicago (https://hellobabychgo.org/) located in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the southside. Hello Baby is the nation's first (and only) free drop-in play space and provides southside families with a place to connect, play and learn.
Tuesday: Storytime at Lincoln Square's Sulzer Regional Library (https://www.chipublib.org/locations/67/) - one of Chicago's 79 library branches. They have two options for storytime (9:45 am and 10:30 am) and you can come early or stay after to play in their children's section which spans across the first floor of the library.
Adler Planetarium www.adlerplanetarium.org
Wednesday: Bop over to the Museum Campus for some after-school + work exploration and playtime at the Adler Planetarium (https://www.adlerplanetarium.org/) starting at 4 pm. Pack up your dinner and bring it with you so you can go straight to bedtime when you get home. Come for the play lab and stay to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan!
Thursday: The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (https://naturemuseum.org/) in Lincoln Park houses the most beautiful butterfly exhibit along with a newly revamped play area. From 10 am-4 pm, explore and learn all about the bugs and plants that live among us. You could even make it a double fun day and walk 5 minutes south to Lincoln Park Zoo. LPZ is one of America's oldest zoos and one of the only free zoos in the country!
Garfield Park Conservatory https://garfieldconservatory.org
Friday: Embrace nature at the Garfield Park Conservatory (https://garfieldconservatory.org/) nestled in the heart of Chicago's west side. Their outdoor area is perfect for littles who have endless energy. I cannot think of a better way to foster our children's love for nature while city living.
All of these outings are lowkey, require no advanced reservation, and are conveniently accessible by car or public transit! Whether you have a bitty baby, toddler, or preschooler, all these spots are perfect for all ages and stages!
I am looking forward to sharing more ways and events for families to connect and build community in Chicago. When you hit these spots, make sure you follow and tag me in your posts over on Instagram @nias.nest