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NPN's Screenless Saturday Family Playdates are for children approximately 6-9 years old and their parents. At this Screenless Saturday Family Playdate, you and your child will explore a new activity together while learning about the middle school and high school programs at Bennett Day School. Stay tuned for more information! Bennett Day School is located at 955 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 Parking/Public Transportation Info: If you are planning to drive, there is limited parking available in the gravel lot on the NW corner at Morgan and Hubbard (across the street from Bennett's campus). There is also free parking available on the west side of Morgan and south side of Hubbard, or metered parking on Grand Ave. Bennett Day School is two blocks west of the Grand Blue Line stop and the Halsted 8 bus, and 2 blocks north of the Pink/Green Line Stop at Morgan if those options are convenient to you. NPN's Screenless Saturday Family Playdates are for children approximately 6-9 years old and their parent(s) to have screen-free fun together and learn about middle and high schools. This is not a drop-off playdate. A parent must be present at all times. We promise you'll have a great time. We can't wait to see you! Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. The non-member fee is $20/adult. Non-members: May we suggest becoming a member for $20? Then you can attend all of our playdates for free. We'd love to have you. Use promo code playdate24 if you'd like to join. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please feel free to contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships.

Join us for Sunday play at Catherine Cook School! There will be fun activities on the rooftop playground and two drop-in read-along sessions from 9:15 am - 9:30 am and 10:00 am to 10:15 am in their cozy library. Parents, grab a cup of coffee, share some yummy snacks with your children, relax, and enjoy as your kids experience some fun and unique Catherine Cook School activities! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old and their sbilngs. Bring the whole family! Spots are limited so register today. Catherine Cook is located at 226 W Schiller St, Chicago, IL 60610 NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. The non-member fee is $20/adult. Non-members: May we suggest becoming a member for $20? Then you can attend all of our playdates for free. We'd love to have you. Use promo code playdate24 if you'd like to join. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please feel free to contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships.

"Bring the Outdoors In" at the Sunday Family Day with Park West Co-op & NPN on Sunday, December 8th, from 9:00-11:00 am. Come with your child to explore outdoor materials inside our award-winning preschool classrooms and indoor gym! Let your child's imagination be your guide and follow them as they investigate a variety of outdoor materials creatively used indoors. Play in our sand and water tables, investigate sticks, leaves, fruits and vegetables. Try painting, build with blocks, complete puzzles, read books, and more. Enjoy the adventure- we hope you will join us! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old and their families (siblings welcome!). Allergy-friendly snacks provided A goal at Park West Co-op is to infuse the school environment and activities with opportunities for children to further their understanding of literacy, numbers, arts and science in ways that make sense to them and are developmentally appropriate- all in a play-based curriculum. Park West Cooperative is located at 2214 N Bissell St, Chicago, IL 60614. They are accessible just two blocks South of the Fullerton L stop (Red, Brown, Purple lines) and easily accessible from both the Fullerton and Armitage bus. Metered parking is available on Webster. Street parking is available but please allow some extra time as they are located in the beautiful and busy Lincoln Park Neighborhood. NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. The non-member fee is $20/adult. Non-members: May we suggest becoming a member for $20? Then you can attend all of our playdates for free. We'd love to have you. Use promo code playdate24 if you'd like to join. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please feel free to contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships.

Join us for a purposeful playtime at the charming Mary Meyer School! Described as a “big, warm hug!”, Mary Meyer School has been inspiring preschool aged children to encounter the world with joy, curiosity and confidence since 1943 in their warm and beautiful row house turned preschool. As we explore the world of purposeful play we will make homemade play dough to take home, draw a self-portrait, and sway to the music of Mary Meyer School’s long-time musician-in-residence, Susan Salidor. Don’t miss this chance to snuggle up with a book in their pillow-filled bathtub by the sunny window and discover the joys of purposeful play at Mary Meyer School. Event opens at 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Music with Susan will begin at 10:00 AM. *This event is best for ages 2 to 4 but the whole family is always welcome. Spots are limited so register today! Mary Meyer School is located at 2817 North Pine Grove Avenue Chicago, IL 60657. NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. The non-member fee is $20/adult. Non-members: May we suggest becoming a member for $20? Then you can attend all of our playdates for free. We'd love to have you. Use promo code playdate24 if you'd like to join. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please feel free to contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships.

NPN's Screenless Saturday Family Playdates are for children approximately 6-9 years old and their parents. At this Screenless Saturday Family Playdate, you and your child will explore a new activity together while learning about the middle school and high school programs at British International School of Chicago, South Loop. Stay tuned for more information! British International School of Chicago, South Loop is located at 161 S. 9th St., Chicago IL, 60605. NPN's Screenless Saturday Family Playdates are for children approximately 6-9 years old and their parent(s) to have screen-free fun together and learn about middle and high schools. This is not a drop-off playdate. A parent must be present at all times. We promise you'll have a great time. We can't wait to see you! Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. The non-member fee is $20/adult. Non-members: May we suggest becoming a member for $20? Then you can attend all of our playdates for free. We'd love to have you. Use promo code playdate24 if you'd like to join. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please feel free to contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships.

NPN's Screenless Saturday Family Playdates are for children approximately 6-9 years old and their parents. At this Screenless Saturday Family Playdate, you and your child will explore a new activity together while learning about the grade school, middle school and high school programs at Chicago Waldorf School. Stay tuned for more information! Chicago Waldorf School is located at 5200 N Ashland Ave. NPN's Screenless Saturday Family Playdates are for children approximately 6-9 years old and their parent(s) to have screen-free fun together and learn about middle and high schools. This is not a drop-off playdate. A parent must be present at all times. We promise you'll have a great time. We can't wait to see you! Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. The non-member fee is $20/adult. Non-members: May we suggest becoming a member for $20? Then you can attend all of our playdates for free. We'd love to have you. Use promo code playdate24 if you'd like to join. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please feel free to contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships.

Join us for Sunday play at Bennett Day School! Calling all explorers ages 2-5 and their siblings! Join us for a STEAM Sunday playdate on Sunday, September 8 from 9:00 - 11:00 am. Bennett Day School is so excited to be partnering with Neighborhood Parents Network of Chicago (NPN) again to bring Chicago-area families this FREE playdate. There will be fun STEAM activities for kids and light snacks. Parents – grab a cup of coffee and enjoy as your kids have fun and engage with peers! Bennett Day School is located at 955 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642 Parking/Public Transportation Info: If you are planning to drive, there is limited parking available in the gravel lot on the NW corner at Morgan and Hubbard (across the street from Bennett's campus). There is also free parking available on the west side of Morgan and south side of Hubbard, or metered parking on Grand Ave. Bennett Day School is two blocks west of the Grand Blue Line stop and the Halsted 8 bus, and 2 blocks north of the Pink/Green Line Stop at Morgan if those options are convenient to you. NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. The non-member fee is $20/adult. Non-members: May we suggest becoming a member for $20? Then you can attend all of our playdates for free. We'd love to have you. Use promo code playdate24 if you'd like to join. If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about a fee-waived membership.

Join LEEP Forward and NPN for Autumn Adventures! This sensory-friendly, inclusive event is designed for all children, ages 2-5, with siblings of all ages welcome to join in the fun! Embrace the magic of autumn with a variety of engaging activities that promote exploration and creativity: Children can dive into our Leaf Sensory Bin filled with dried leaves, acorns, and other textures, or enjoy the Apple Sensory Bin where they can scoop and discover hidden treasures. We’ll have a Pumpkin Painting station where little artists can decorate mini pumpkins with non-toxic, washable paint, and a playdough Station featuring autumn colors for creative molding and shaping. For imaginative play, kids can dress up our friendly scarecrow using old clothes and hay, and relax in our Autumn Story Corner with cozy blankets and captivating fall-themed stories. Plus, don’t miss our guided Nature Walk, where everyone can collect autumn treasures! We will also have a bounce house for our little adventurers seeking more movement activities. Our event will also include a ball pit and sensory tables for more hands-on exploration. Finally, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks to keep everyone energized, and every family will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting! Join us for a morning of sensory exploration, connection, and autumn fun in an inclusive environment. We can’t wait to see you there! Location: 1447 W Montrose NPN Playdates are free for NPN members. The non-member fee is $20/adult. Non-members: May we suggest becoming a member for $20? Then you can attend all of our playdates for free. We'd love to have you. Use promo code playdate24 if you'd like to join. If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships.

Join NPN for a Sunday Playdate at GEMS World Academy Chicago in Lakeshore East. Parents, grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities and get to know this international school tucked away next to a beautiful park, adjacent to Maggie Daley Park. This event is best for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Siblings are always welcome. Bring the whole family and make a day of it in downtown Chicago! GEMS World Academy Chicago is located at 350 East South Water Street, Chicago, IL 60601. Please read the driving/parking instructions carefully, as GPS technologies sometimes have a difficult time finding the GEMS campus

For the first time ever, your family can enjoy free admission to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and a special musical performance from Bubbles Academy by attending NPN's annual Preschool & Elementary School Fair! Held every fall, NPN’s Annual Preschool & Elementary School Fair has been the No. 1 resource for school-searching parents for over 20 years! This year, families have an opportunity to talk with representatives from nearly 60 schools, both public and private, as well as daycares and enrichment providers. Plus your family will enjoy: 🪴 Free entry to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and all exhibits! 🎵 A special children's musical performance from Bubbles Academy teaching artists ✏️ Two 30-minute parent breakout sessions about preK and elementary school search (stay tuned for more information!) 🎁 Raffle prizes and giveaways for registered attendees 🧁 Refreshments ➤ List of participating schools SCHEDULE 9:00 AM ➤ Exclusive access to Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum for museum members and registered NPN school fair attendees ➤ Breakout Session I begins (topic preschool search, check back soon for more details). Breakout session ends at 9:30. ➤ Visit with school representatives in the exhibit hall 10:30 AM ➤ Enjoy a musical performance with Bubbles Academy on the patio off the South Gallery ➤ Visit with school representatives in the exhibit hall 11:30 AM ➤ Breakout Session II (topic is elementary school search, check back soon for more details) ➤ Visit with school representatives in the exhibit hall 12:00 PM ➤ Fair ends, continue to enjoy the museum MUST-KNOW INFO When: Sunday, October 6, 2024 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Where: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N Cannon Dr., Chicago, IL 60614 Parking: For directions and parking information, visit this link Who: FREE for NPN members ($20 donation recommended); $20 non-member adults Not an NPN member? Join NPN now for $20 using promo code school24 and attend the school fair for free! For new members only. Does not apply to membership renewals. ➤Registration is required for entry, walk-in registrations welcome. ➤By registering for this event, you agree that NPN may share your name and email address with our sponsors. ➤Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. Schools and businesses: Interested in exhibiting or advertising opportunities? Find out more HERE. NPN is a 501(c)(3) organization. We thank our sponsors for their support. Thank you to our Sponsors

Amazon Prime Day 2024 has arrived! The annual two-day sale is full of discounts, promos, and exclusive deals for Amazon Prime subscribers. Amazon Prime Day is a pretty big deal because it is one of the best opportunities to score discounts on a variety of items outside of Black Friday and Cyber Monday while stocking up on items you'll need throughout the year like gifts, cleaning supplies, and tech. If you've shopped Amazon Prime Day in the past, we're sure you may have felt overwhelmed by the sea of deals available but not to worry - we've compiled a list of shopping tips and amazing deals to help you navigate your saving adventure! Preparation is Key 🔑 It's incredibly easy to get overwhelmed by the number of deals available on Prime Day and overspend. Remember, this is a time to save money - not spend more than you need to or purchase things you don't need. Take a few deep breaths, grasp your credit card tight, and follow these tips to be prepared. 💳 Membership Check Consider Prime Day your virtual Costco or Sams Club - you can't access the deals without flashing your membership at the door. Make sure your membership is current and that you are logged in before you plan to join in. If you're not a member already, the best news is that Prime Day always includes great incentives to take advantage of Amazon's core products - including: Amazon Prime Membership: Try Amazon Prime free (and participate in Prime Day!) for 30 days! Reminder: you can only take part in Prime Day if you are a Prime member! Amazon Student / Young Adult Membership: Take advantage of a 6-month free trial! 🗒️ Make a list - check it twice! It's inevitable, a great deal is a surefire way to convince you that you NEED that deluxe automatic plant waterer. Save the explanations to your partner when they trip over all of the boxes from your Prime Day haul by making a list and checking it twice. The best way that I've found to avoid overspending is to grab your calendar and make note of all of the important holidays, birthdays, and celebrations coming up. Create a list of names and upcoming events (just make sure you're on that list, too!) and jot down a few gift ideas for each person. Don't forget to also stock up on the household items you'll need and maybe a few big-ticket items (like a new TV or speaker system) if your budget allows. 🛍️ Make sure you're actually getting a deal Prime Day has put a ton of pressure on competitors so be sure to shop around on Prime Day and leading up to it to see if you're scoring the best price. Big box stores like Target, Best Buy, and Walmart are guaranteed to also slash their prices or even price-match Prime deals to remain relevant during this 48-hour sprint so do your research and shop around! 🌩️ Capitalize on Lightning deals Lightning deals are promos that are only available in limited numbers for a short period of time. If you notice a lightning deal on a product you love, you can track the deal and be notified once it's live in the Amazon App. If you miss out, you may also be able to join the waitlist to be notified if more become available. Here's a short list of some of our favorite Prime Day deals! Best Amazon Prime Kid Deals Toniebox Audio Player Starter Set We love our Toniebox! This full set comes with everything your little one needs to get started! (Here's the link to one for kiddos that aren't into princesses). Magna-Tiles 100 Piece Construction Set Magna-Tiles are here to stay! This set is sure to bring on hours of fun for the kids (and you!) and is a great addition to a set you already have or an easy way to introduce your kiddo to the fun of Magna-Tiles. VTech Kidi Star DJ Mixer Budding DJ on your hands? Get your little one mixing with this interactive mixer with over 2,000 sound combinations! Best Amazon Prime College Deals Fast Charging Station Trust me, your college student will need way more outlets than those available in their dorm. This will come in handy! Moving Bags with Handles Wondering how you're going to tote all of their stuff into their dorm? These reusable bags are super sturdy and have handles! Toss them on your arm or wear it as a backpack! These saved us on moving day last year! Shark Vertex Ultralight Corded Stick Vac Your kiddo won't have you around to clean up behind them so they are going to need to take cleaning into their own hands. This quality lightweight vac should last long enough to get them through college and their first apartment! Best Amazon Prime Home Deals BISSELL Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner This little green monster is powerful, check out the over 82k positive reviews! Greenworks Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower This lightweight lawn mower will make your next grass day a breeze! Ninja Foodi Smart 13-in-1 Dual Heat Air Fry Countertop Oven Upgrade your countertop with this mighty little air fry oven that can Air Fry, Sear Crisp, Rapid Bake, Frozen Pizza, Fresh Pizza, Griddle, Air Roast, Bake, Broil, Toast, Bagel, Dehydrate, and Reheat in an all-in-one, powerful, 1800-watt appliance. Not an Amazon Prime Member? Click here to check out all of the deals and start your Prime membership today! *As a 501c3, we are always searching for ways to invest back into NPN and help us continue to grow. For that reason, we may earn an affiliate commission on the sales of products that we link to at zero cost to you. We vow to only feature items that we genuinely love and want to share and that our opinion on each item is our own and not at all influenced by any earnings.

Pitkin Stearns is the US agent for the line of award winning baby sleep products from Rockit Sleep. The Rockit Rocker attaches to a stroller and rocks the baby so that you don't have to. The ZED vibrates the mattress mimicking an automobile's acceleration and deceleration. The Wooshh is a small sound soother with 8 sounds and 4 volume levels. USB rechargeable except for ZED.

Fairytales Can Come True – The Princess and the Frog We all know our family would have a great time on vacation at The Most Magical Place on Earth, but does a STAYcation have the same spellbinding appeal? With a few simple tricks, you too can enchant the kids and keep everyone’s spirits high. A Little Thought for Others Makes all the Difference – Winnie the Pooh The first rule of thumb for any time off is to plan ahead. Enlisting suggestions from everyone in the family helps create a schedule that makes all feel included. Then have choices in the event you need to switch up your plans. And don’t forget to note transportation options and remember your Ventra card! What… are you eating? - Ratatouille Have a good supply of snacks on hand and do your restaurant research. Modern-style food courts like Aster Hall at 900 North Michigan Shops offer something to suit all palates. Alternately, head over to Hamburger University on West Randolph and sample some of McDonald’s global menu items for the surprise factor. Or combine neighborhood exploration with cuisine sampling, such as traveling to Chinatown and taking in a post-lunch stroll in Ping Pong Memorial Park. Have a Nice Day - Hercules Do you have an actor-in-the-making or a budding scientist? Be sure to focus on their interests when looking for activities. There are plenty of children’s show venues in Chicago such as Apollo Theater or Chicago Children’s Theater. For artists or engineers, check out the Free Museum Days for Illinois residents or reserve a Digital Museum Pass online through Chicago Public Library. Don’t forget that the staycation is your vacation too! The current immersive experience craze can be enjoyed by littles dancing to the music and grown-ups appreciating the graphic interpretation. You’re Never too Old to be Young - Snow White Sloomoo Institute offers slime making for all (surprisingly therapeutic), while a trip to Lincoln Park Zoo (free) will always bring out the child in you. Haven’t yet ridden the Ferris Wheel? Head over to Navy Pier and act like a tourist. Just strolling and watching the boats alone is a relaxing activity. Our lakefront should never be underestimated as an inexpensive destination. The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway - Frozen Don’t let the weather get you down during a winter staycation. Chicago has two beautiful conservatories where you can warm up: Garfield Conservatory and Lincoln Park Conservatory, both with inspiring exhibits that would appeal to the whole family. Movies are another good option for snuggling up inside. Check out the free screenings at Chicago Public Libraries, or the Kid Flix series at Gene Siskel Film Center. And if the icy climes don’t bother you, there is ample ice-skating to be had both indoors (at McFetridge Sports Center) and outdoors (at venues throughout the city). Fill the World with Sunshine - Snow White Who cannot take pleasure in a sunny day in Chicago? During the summer months the beaches are a treat. Favorites include the child-friendly Montrose Beach with its good parking, bathrooms, and proximity to Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary. At sunset, grab your lawn chairs and take in something on the schedule with Movies in the Parks. Another firm favorite is Millennium Park with the Crown Fountain ‘splash pad’ and the neighboring Maggie Daley Park, providing everything from mini golf to a play garden. Adventure is Out There - Up Isn’t a traditional vacation all about going and trying something new? So, seek out somewhere you’ve never been before or something you’ve never tried. Have you camped out in a Chicago park? You can do that through the Chicago Park District! What about trying your hand at fishing? You can do that with them too! Or how about hopping on a water taxi and following your nose? The Only Limit is Your Imagination - Big Hero 6 So, never feel like a staycation is second best to a vacation. It can truly be the best of both worlds; you get out and about while having home comforts greet you at the end of the day. In the words of Merida, in Brave: “you control your destiny – you don’t need magic to do it.”

Are you stressed out by the idea of writing a college admission essay? Real College Essays can help. We’ve come up with an approach that demystifies the essay writing process and allows you to put your best foot forward when you apply to college. All of our tutors are published authors with PhDs who have 10+ years’ experience helping students write college admissions essays.

Summer Tuesdays come alive on the Museum of Contemporary Art's terrace with free concerts highlighting artists from Chicago’s internationally renowned music community. Enjoy live music while relaxing on the lawn with your own picnic, or savor snacks and drinks available for purchase. Then head inside to catch the MCA’s summer exhibitions—we’re open late on Tuesdays and free for Illinois residents. This is a repeating event, with free Tuesday concerts through August 27, 2024 No RSVP required, but please go here for further information. The parking garage is located on Chicago Avenue just west of Fairbanks Court and adjacent to the museum. The garage does not provide direct access to the museum. When you exit the garage, simply turn right and walk west up Chicago Avenue. Our entrances face Mies Van Der Rohe Way. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sypervaiz@mcachicago.org.