It doesn’t take long for kids to go from cooing bundles to chatterboxes. Keep them talking with two foreign language programs that teach through art and music.
Voice of the City’s Fine Arts for Tots
Park your stroller in Logan Square for music-based Spanish classes taught in collaboration with Multilingual Chicago. Before their first goo-goo-ga-ga, babies join the fun as teachers sing bilingual songs. Scarf waving, finger play, and movement come into the fold as motor skills develop and audio cues take hold. For the older set (toddlers through age 5), expect dancing and gestures — all of it done to recorded and live music from Spain and Latin America. 2934 North Milwaukee Avenue, at Gresham Avenue (773-292-7676). Classes run through June 11. To enroll, go to multilingualchicago.com, $95 a month.
ArtReach at Lillstreet
Ravenswood’s new bilingual arts program introduces kids ages 7 to 12 to Hebrew, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, French, and Italian through interactive 90-minute workshops. Instead of traditional back-and-forth word repetition, students do crafts while learning related vocabulary, grammar, and customs. Activities include making animals from paper, decorating yarmulkes, and fashioning pinatas and mosaics. 4401 North Ravenswood Avenue, at Montrose Avenue (773-907-0841). Classes run April 10-23. To enroll, go to artreachatlillstreet.org, $15 a class.
Now they’ll really mouth off.
SHOP
Petunia Pickle Bottom Trunk Show
What: Scope out all of the brand’s collections, including diaper bags, slings, baby carriers, layette, and blankets.
Why: Sweet vintage-inspired prints won’t put you in a fashion pickle.
When: Thru Mar. 27. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: Krista K Maternity + Baby, 3530 N. Southport Ave., b/t Cornelia Ave. & Addison St. (773-248-4477).
BUY
Color Wheel Studio’s Membership Pass
What: The Bucktown children’s art studio just introduced ten-hour punch cards that you can use during any open studio time.
Why: Big savings; passes are $150 ($100 less than if you purchase time on separate occasions).
When: Creative juices flow. Studio schedule online at thecolorwheelstudio.com.
Where: 2016 W. Concord Pl., at Damen Ave. (773-661-1743).
PLAY
Tot Spot at Chase Park
What: Chicago Park District’s small but cheery toy-filled indoor play space is a bargain at just $3 a day per child.
Why: It’s available for birthday parties on Sunday afternoons.
When: Open play, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: 4701 N. Ashland Ave., at Lawrence Ave. (312-742-7518).
Photo: Courtesy of Voice of the City
