September 8, 2009

Starbright Dance Kids Chicago

The owner of A Fairytale Ballet works the same magic on this new sister dance studio, offering jazz, tap, yoga, and jazz/hip-hop for little Astaires.

  Lakeview, Fun, Birthday Parties, Dance

September 8, 2009

Aigre Doux Kids Chicago

Though kids plus a white-tablecloth restaurant don’t usually add up, the fancy French spot has mastered the formula. Tykes enjoy off-menu selections ranging from organic carrot soup to zucchini fritters and can even visit the kitchen to watch the chefs at work.

  Near North Side, Food & Drink, Birthday Parties, Kid-Friendly Menus

September 8, 2009

Curio Cafe Kids Chicago

Kids scribble on a wall-size chalkboard, tinker with action figures, and play musical instruments at Avondale’s intimate restaurant. The supply of toys on hand is almost as genius as the kids’ menu, featuring fresh organic dishes.

  Roscoe Village, Food & Drink, Birthday Parties, Kid-Friendly Menus

September 8, 2009

Legoland Discovery Center Kids Chicago

Denmark’s famed Legoland theme park exists on a small scale here, offering rides, building workshops, and even a 4-D cinema. Of course, there are lego models galore, including Willis Tower and Navy Pier.

  Fun, Birthday Parties, Rainy Day

June 1, 2009

Bubbles Academy Kids Chicago

What do you get when a kids’ video content creator and a child development specialist start a business? This wholly interactive play space, offering classes (yoga, cooking, music), camps, and special events (pajama parties, zoo outings). Parents-only workshops cover everything from navigating preschools to CPR training.

  Lincoln Park, Fun, Birthday Parties, Dance

April 27, 2009

Smash Cake Kids Chicago

The bakery/cafe sells the same delicious vegan and organic goods (banana fudge brownies, sticky buns, fruit parfaits), as its sister spot, Bleeding Heart Bakery. But it trumps it in family fun, with weekly storytelling and free cupcakes for kids on their birthdays.

  Lakeview, Food & Drink, Birthday Parties, Kid-Friendly Menus

March 9, 2009

Easel Art Studio Kids Chicago

Whether Junior’s on a stick-figure kick or loves landscapes, he’ll thrive at Kerry Peagram’s art school. Classes range from painting to mixed-media to “story art” (kids create characters and scenery). Drop in on weekends for open studio time.

  Bucktown, Fun, Birthday Parties, Crafty

March 2, 2009

The Kids' Table Kids Chicago

Alice Waterses-in-waiting stir, bake, chop, and snack at the cooking school for tykes. Recipes go way beyond mac ’n’ cheese (hello, strawberry rhubarb cobbler and veggie chili). The Solving the Picky Eater Puzzle class is a must for anyone with a fusspot.

  West Town, Food & Drink, Birthday Parties, Educational

February 9, 2009

Room2Play Kids Chicago

The South Side’s much-needed indoor play place nurtures imaginative minds with music, art, and movement classes. If you can’t fit that into your schedule, drop-in open play times are perfect (make a beeline for the dress-up costumes and ride-on toys).

  Near South Side, Fun, Birthday Parties, Dance