This week, we will be exercising our mouths (eating lots of yummy food), and our patience (hanging with family and out-of-town guests), but what about our bodies? 

You don’t need a gym membership or an indoor play space to get moving over the Thanksgiving Holiday.  Here are 5 fantastic Chicago playgrounds with large, adjacent green space for that game of football, tag, or any other all-family games you may play, perfect for all ages and ability levels.  AND bonus t...

Posted on November 21, 2012 at 6:00 AM by Mistie Lucht

The fall season typically invokes the excitement of a new classroom, new school supplies and a brand new year of learning for our children. But it also means a return to the school-day routine and assignments—a busy schedule that can leave the more open-ended explorations of summer a distant memory. However, those adventures need not be a seasonal phenomenon.

From playing in the living room to visiting the grocery store or taking a trip to the park, library or museum, out-of- sch...

Posted on November 02, 2012 at 6:00 AM by Natalie Bortoli

As a mom, does the word "summer" call to mind both joy and trepidation? Why not hire a babysitter and put your feet up for an afternoon or two each week? Summer sitters can be a welcome change for both parents and kids; someone young and energetic to splurge on ice cream and lead the charge to a museum or water park -- perfect!    

When you find your perfect summer sitter, here are a few activities around town that the kids are sure to love.

Peggy Noteb...

Posted on May 29, 2012 at 7:10 AM by Jenny Rowland

Like all parents I know, I am constantly on the hunt for fresh ideas for FREE fun for the kiddos.  Here are seven great ideas for filling your week with free fun!

SUNDAY – Explore nature and check out the glass-enclosed beehive at the North Park Village Nature Center.

MONDAY - Be transported into a fabulous fantasyland with a great story read by The Storybook Mom at Little Threads every Monday at 11am.

TUESDAY –Jam with the under 10 crowd Toys et Cetera...

Posted on April 10, 2012 at 5:10 AM by Cindy McCarthy

Living in a city with kids means one thing: Sooner or later you'll find yourself on a public bus or train with the kids!

The Pros of Public Transportation

It's cheap.  With gas prices at an all-time high, taking a bus or train is a great way to save a little money.  Children under 2 typically ride for free.  And even if your child is old enough that he needs his own ticket, most bus and train tickets are under $5 per person.  Plus, parking fees in th...

Posted on March 26, 2012 at 7:00 AM by Heather Varon

Thank you to everyone who submitted their awesome NPN City Kid (& Baby) Photos!  We received so many awesome photos - it was not an easy decision.  Each one reminds us how awesome Chicago is and how much cooler our little urban dwellers make it.

Please visit our NPN Facebook page to check out more of our favorites.  Vote and help us pick the winning NPN City Kid photo before 9/5! The winner will be published in our winter issue of NPN Parent to Parent.  The...

Posted on August 29, 2011 at 8:00 AM by Sarah Cobb

Chicago parents love taking their little ones all over the city - by car, train, bus, and lots by little feet. It is amazing watching them become true city kids. Britax is helping us celebrate our lovable City Kids! THREE winners will get to CHOOSE the right Britax Car Seat for their City Kid! Giveaway details below - ends Aug. 25.!

NPN"s Discussion Forum has great posts like "I know my kid is a city kids because". Here are a few LOL quotes from our city kids:

...

Posted on August 17, 2011 at 8:00 AM by Sarah Cobb