Find an event
The Chatterbox | April 16
File under: "Hot off the press"
- A 16-year-old Fenwick High School student paralyzed from the waist down is fighting for the right to compete as a swimmer in the state championship, says the Chicago Tribune. The LaGrange girl, Mary Kate Callahan, is backed by the attorney general and disability rights group Equip for Equality, who are expected to file a federal case against the Illinois High School Association for discrimination. The IHSA says their regulations don't currently have a scoring system that could allow disabled students to compete.
- San Francisco Weekly has a short report about some NorCal kids who are using change.org to petition Crayola to recycle its plastic markers. As 10-year-old Dante writes: "I am not a useless little kid. I can make a difference! By telling you to recycle your pens."
- In case you've been living under a rock, Time magazine recently released a super-controversial cover. Take a peek at this gallery and guess which one it is
- A solar eclipse, which will look like a "ring of fire" in the sky, will take place this Sunday. Unfortunately for us, only folks on the West Coast will be able to see it.
File under: "Fun stuff"
- Need a big smile? Watch this dad's extremely well-done take on the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" video, a tribute to the late Adam Yach.
- Have you heard? Our new issue is here! This time we're hitting the playground.
CircEsteem 11th Annual Spring Circus | Photos
The circus was in town over the weekend, and we're not talking Barnum & Bailey.
Nonprofit CircEsteem, which unites kids from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds in the teaching of circus arts, held its annual spring circus featuring astounding stunts in trapeze, tightwire, Gym Wheel and other acts. This year's show also included a performance by students from Connect Force, a local org that promotes positive living through hip-hop, deejaying and break dancing. Students from Envision Unlimited, which provides services to people with special needs, also performed. Check out highlights in the slideshow above.
National Train Day 2012 | Photos
When you think about, given how much people of all ages love trains, it's a wonder that National Train Day wasn't created a century ago. The informal holiday to celebrate all things locomotive only began in 2008, but we still found plenty of railfans at Union Station who came to play engineer. (It didn't hurt that this year's observance fell on the weekend; National Train Day, May 12, marks the date that a ceremonial golden spike was driven into the ground in Utah, connecting two railroad lines to create the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S.)
In addition to endless fun checking out model trains, event organizers at Amtrak brought in fun guests, such as CSI: NY actor Hill Harper, celebrity chef Tom Douglas and a team of hip teens from Radio Disney. Enjoy our slideshow of the action below.
Biceps, Babies & Buggies stroller-fitness class | Review
Biceps, Babies & Buggies stroller-fitness class for new moms in Oz Park, May 1, 2012.
When I signed up for the Biceps, Babies & Buggies stroller-fitness class for new moms, I thought it'd be a walk in the park. And part of it was—it took place in Oz Park (2021 N Burling St). But considering my thighs and backside were screaming for three full days after the class, I can safely say I was wrong about it being easy.
National Train Day 2012 | Preview
National Train Day, which features a plethora of kid-friendly activities, was started by Amtrak in 2008 to honor the ceremonial opening of the transcontinental railroad.
All aboard! Train enthusiasts can rejoice during Amtrak’s National Train Day this Saturday at Union Station. The free event celebrates the history of trains and train travel with live entertainment, model trains and interactive exhibits.
The selection of this particular date was not random: On May 12 in Utah, 143 years ago, a ceremonial golden spike was driven into the ground, connecting two railroad lines to create the first transcontinental railroad. Inaugurated in 2008, National Train Day celebrates this historic event with festivities at iconic train stations in four major cities (the others are New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles), as well as with hundreds of grassroots events across the country.
Here in Chicago, you can take the whole family on a walk through luxury railcars, or let the kids investigate displays of train equipment and model-train masterpieces. Check out the freight-equipment displays to see how railroads are moving toward a greener future by adding electric trains and using innovative new braking systems. Or ride Amtrak's "special excursion train," a bi-level locomotive (adults $5, kids 12 and under free), on a 40-minute jaunt (departure times are 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm). Stop by the “All Aboard Explorer’s” Kid’s Depot for arts-and-crafts activities and chances to win surprise giveaways. Besides painting and Play-Doh-ing, kids can hit up the Wii for aerobic dancing and fitness games.
If you want to go off the beaten track into celebrity land, chef Tom Douglas will conduct cooking demos and share recipes with attendees, while CSI: NY actor Hill Harper talks about his Amtrak travel experiences. The performer Miss Lori, who frequently teams up with PBS to create informative live events for kids, will also be on-site to provide entertainment for families. And teen pop music comes courtesy of Radio Disney.
We all went through that locomotive-lover phase as children. After celebrating National Train Day, it’ll be your kid’s turn to model a conductor’s hat around the neighborhood.
Have a kid who can't get enough of the choo-choo? Check out our guide for a fun, train-themed outing.
National Train Day is this Saturday, May 12, at Chicago Union Station (500 W Jackson Blvd) from 11am–4pm. For more event information, go to NationalTrainDay.com. If you can’t make it to Union Station, you can still participate by uploading your train-travel stories, photos and videos for a chance to win prizes.
Six Flags Great America unveils new X Flight coaster
Ever wonder what it would feel like to dangle from the wing of an airplane? Six Flags Great America's new X Flight wing coaster is your chance to channel your inner daredevil and live to tell about it.
The park's newest coaster suspends riders mid-air with no track above or below. Instead, pairs of seats are attached on either side of the track (the reason it's called a "wing" coaster and not a "roller" one), so your arms and legs are free to dangle as you climb 12 stories for a 55 mph ride through 3,000 feet of track. Along the way, you're treated to tight turns, plunges, five inversions (read: you're fully upside down), water misting and one seemingly last-minute, skin-tight sideways twist through a keyhole cut-out of a mock air-traffic control tower.
The state-of-the art ride, made by the same designers who created Raging Bull, Batman: the Ride and Superman: Ultimate Flight, is smooth and bump-free–this ain't no rickety American Eagle. It's a thrill ride for sure, but what may be missing for coaster fanatics is that flutter-in-your-stomach sensation you feel when classic rides like the Eagle feel like they're going just a little too fast or turning and dropping more than they should be, even though you know (hope?) they're not. For all it's bells and whistles–the X Flight is supposed to give riders a feeling of weightlessness–this coaster feels safe, almost too safe, slowing down for the super-twisty parts.
Still, we'll be lining up with the rest of the crowds for another crack at it–and the park's other 13 coasters this summer.
For Six Flags Great America ticket and calendar info, click here.
Mother's Day 2012
Saturday 12
Moms of Avon
City Lit Theater, 1020 W Bryn Mawr (773-293-3682, citylit.org). Noon–4pm; $75.
The Viola Project, an organization that aims to foster girls' interest in theater, invites mothers along for a pre–Mother's Day Shakespeare workshop. The Viola Project serves girls ages 10–16.
Mother's Day Paint-A-Plate Kid Event
IKEA, 750 E Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook (630-972-7900, ikea.com). 1pm.
Dads, give your kids a hand in creating something cool for Mom by taking them to IKEA for this free craft session. First purchase a plate (99 cents to $3.49), then head to the craft corner to paint and personalize it with a picture or poem just for Mom. Paints and decorations will be supplied.
Mother's Day Portraits in the Park
Lincoln Park near Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N Clark St (773-478-6607, rickaguilar.com). Must call for prices and to reserve an appointment time.
For Mother's Day, treat your mom to a professional portrait with the little ones with a park in full spring bloom as the backdrop. Rick Aguilar Studios' mini sessions provide a mix of candid and posed shots.
Mother's Day Tea
Richard H. Driehaus Museum, 40 E Erie St (312-482-8933, driehausmuseum.org). 3pm; $60.
Catch up with your mom, wife or partner over tea, teeny crustless cucumber-mint sandwiches, scones and pastries. Tour the regal Driehaus Museum mansion after nibbling on dainty refreshments. Reservations required.
Motherhood the Musical
Royal George Theatre, 1641 N Halsted St (312-988-9000, theroyalgeorgetheatre.com). 2pm, 8pm. $48–$65.
The trials of motherhood might not always give reason to break out into song, but in this comedic musical, catchy choruses spring from blessings and perils alike. The four-woman show, written by Sue Fabisch and directed and choreographed by Broadway’s Lisa Shriver, follows the ups and downs of four mothers in four very different life situations.
Sunday 13
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra Mother's Day Concert
Symphony Center, Orchestra Hall, 220 S Michigan Ave (312-294-3000, cso.org). 7:30pm; $20–$50.
Treat mom to an evening of classical music performed by the talent-packed 7–18-year-olds of the CYSO. As part of its 65th anniversary season, this performance presents the world premiere of Double Concerto for Flute, Clarinet and Orchestra by composer-in-residence Joel Puckett and the Moldau by Czech composer Bedrich Smetana.
Mother's Day Brunch
Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Rd (708-688-8000, czs.org). 11am, 1:30pm; $49, kids $35.
This all-you-can-eat brunch in the zoo's Discovery Center ends with mom's little ruffians taking her to visit the real deal wild animals. Make reservations at czs.org/events.
Mother's Day Tea at The Drake Hotel
The Drake Hotel Palm Court, 140 E Walton Pl (312-787-220, thedrakehotel.com). 11am–5pm; $36, kids 12 and under $18.
Moms receive extra pampering on their special day during this high tea service, a Chicagoland perennial favorite. A harpist performs as an array of traditional brews and tiny sandwiches, pastries, breads and scones are served in the opulence of The Drake's Palm Court. Afterward, the lady of the day can take in a fashion show or indulge in spa services provided by Mario Tricoci salons.
Salt Creek Ballet: "Aurora's Wedding"
McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage , 425 Fawell Blvd (630-942-4000, atthemac.org). 2pm; $30, seniors $25, under 18 $20.
No, it isn't about nuptials on the other side of Naperville. "Aurora's Wedding" is essentially Act III of The Sleeping Beauty, here with Maria Mosina and Alexei Tyukov of Colorado Ballet guest-starring in the leads. Set to dance the Bluebird is young Michael Fitzgerald of west-suburban Winfield, a natural talent with a sharp ear. Additional repertoire completes the program.
TipsyCake Mother's Day Tea
TipsyCake, 1944 N Damen Ave (773-348-4418, tipsycakechicago.com). 11am, 1:30pm; 3:30pm; $25.
Take Mom to tea this Mother's Day and enjoy TipsyCake treats such as heart-shaped scones with jam and fresh cream, chicken and egg salads, caprese sandwiches, petit fours, Parisian macaroons and more. The kid-friendly event will also feature pro photos of kids and moms by Julia Franzosa, and a small gift for Mom.
Click here for 30 Mother's Day brunches and dinners.
Enter for a chance to win a four-pack of tickets to Mur-Mur
DynamO Théâtre: Mur-Mur
Our last ticket giveaway during the Chicago Humanities Festival's kid-centric Stages, Sights & Sounds series has arrived!
In Mur-Mur, two teen couples and a pestering younger brother hang out at their favorite graffiti-filled brick wall, where secrets and aerial-acrobatics abound. Teen romance and teasing take center stage in the Cirque-style performance from Montreal's DynamO Théâtre.
For your chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to the May 12 performance at 3pm, simply fill out the short form here. Good luck!
The Chatterbox | May 9
File under: "Keeping it real"
- Led by 14-year-old Julia Bluhm, a swarm of tweens and teens descended on Seventeen magazine last week to protest the publication's ample use of Photoshop according to this report. The girls delivered 25,000 signatures calling for the magazine to "commit to printing one unaltered—real—photo spread per month." Bluhm was invited in to discuss her concerns with editor-in-chief Ann Shoket. The petition, available at change.org, has since amassed more than 60,000 signatures.
A Brown Bear, A Moon, and A Caterpillar: Treasured Stories By Eric Carle | Theater review
Source material never guarantees success. But in the case of the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s A Brown Bear, A Moon and A Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle, this ideal pairing of performing-arts company with beloved children’s author equals an onstage triumph at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater (hosted by Chicago Children's Theatre).
58°