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Side Quest Social Club is a makerspace and process-inspired boutique social club created-for and curated-by tweens (aged 9-13)!

The nonprofit Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA) announces 23 vendors for the 15th anniversary season of the Glenwood Sunday Market, which will operate every Sunday from June 2 to October 27 (closed on June 30 and August 18), from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. On the southbound Glenwood Avenue between Morse and Lunt Avenues (west side of the CTA Red Line Morse stop), the Market offers a variety of products ranging from meat, produce, dairy, honey, bakeries, sweets, to coffee, tofu, popsicles and flowers, plus newly added free kids’ activities. New this year will be free weekly kids programming such as scavenger hunts, recipes, and agricultural lessons about participating farmers. The weekly recipes will incorporate in-season ingredients available at the Market. All vendors accept cash and most accept credit and debit cards. LINK Cards and other SNAP cards are also accepted at the Market, with a grant match program continuing in 2024: every LINK transaction will be matched thanks to the generous grant from LinkUp Illinois. No RSVP is necessary, but please go here for more details. Street parking availalbe. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: Maggie@silvermangroupchicago.com.

Mnemon is the secret weapon of spelling bee competitors from TX, GA, FL & more. It is your comprehensive training platform to master any word for the National Spelling Bee. If you are ready to win at Nationals, State, Regionals, and beyond, and don't want to spend over $10,000, then don't wait! Pay a fraction of the cost of traditional methods and get yourself ready for it this summer.

This is an excerpt from the Chicago Tribune's latest column, Kids like to swear. Do I blame Olivia Rodrigo? Or do I blame myself?, written by Christopher Borrelli. This column features a quote from NPN's Executive Director, Amy Johnson. I turned to the parent next to me and asked what she was going to do about all the, you know … I didn’t want to say it. The what, the parent asked. All of the swearing, the F-bombs and such, I said. This was several weeks ago, at the United Center, where Olivia Rodrigo was playing the second of two shows. Soon, if her new album, “Guts,” was any indication, she would be singing F-words and S-words and lots of other B(ad)-words, loudly and prolifically, and to judge by the lines to get in, she would be singing them to many, many children, middle school-aged and younger. Which meant, of course, thousands of young children shouting back naughty, naughty words. I wasn’t clutching my pearls in horror. But I was wondering: Have we all decided — you, me, Olivia, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift — that young children can swear now? Kim Vanhyning, the parent beside me, from the village of Channahon near Joliet, was attending with her two children, ages 9 and 12, and their grandmother Dorothy, who whispered: The kids recently lost their 7-year-old brother to cancer; they had shirts made that read “(Expletive) Cancer.” They knew swear words more intimately than they liked. And yet, Kim said, for tonight, “the rule is: Sing the swear words, but only tonight.” At their age, I would have felt weird swearing in front of my mom...

Summer Improv Camp at iO Theater! Dynamic & engaging week-long programs for Youth (Ages 7-12) + Teens (Ages 13-17) designed to build performance skills & develop confidence, teamwork & effective communication techniques. Improv's not just about being funny; it’s about embracing spontaneity, taking risks, & strengthening your voice. iO Improv Summer Camp culminates in a chance for students to showcase their new skills in live performance for family & friends!

St. Matthias School is the only wall-to-wall Catholic International Baccalaureate (IB) elementary school in Illinois. Located in the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago, we are committed to welcoming everyone and creating a love of lifelong learning in our students. We are dedicated to developing faith-centered, service-oriented, compassionate global citizens through a program of differentiated, interdisciplinary, and rigorous inquiry.

At Tutu School, we believe in exposing children at the earliest possible age to creativity, movement, and classical music; and that twirling should be a fundamental part of any childhood. Classes start at 18 months and are always ongoing throughout the year. We can’t wait to twirl with you!

Join Hive for a free overview workshop on Conscious Parenting, you will learn about the 10-pillar framework that will give you additional tips and tools to bring more peace, calm & joy into your home, as you head into summer! RSVP required. Please go here to register.

Chicago Psychotherapy is a private therapy practice in Lincoln Park. We offer individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy, in addition to assessment services, parenting workshops, school-based services, and clinical training. We support clients of all ages, from all walks of life. We believe in seeing clients for their strengths, understanding individuals in context, and working collaboratively with clients and their families in meeting treatment goals.

Chicago Fire FC Camps are the perfect way to introduce your child to the world’s fastest-growing youth sport and develop their soccer skills. In addition to small group instruction centered around technical themes and Social and Emotional Learning traits, participants receive a Chicago Fire camp t-shirt, and a ticket to a Chicago Fire match. Along with the ticket comes a special matchday experience including the opportunity to play at Soldier Field pre-match, player autographs, an appearance by lovable Fire mascot, Sparky, and discounted tickets for the whole family. We accept children ages 6-14.

Join NPN and Dr. Shelley Upton with Chicago Psychotherapy PLLC as we talk through how and when to get your child evaluated for developmental differences for those children presenting as early as preschool years through those with lower support needs who are starting to present after they have begun their education journey. Dr Upton will also speak through her experience with IEP' and how an IEP evaluation and a clinical evaluation differ and how best to utilize them to support your child's needs. This will be a Live Webinar with an opportunity to ask questions. Dr. Upton specializes in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, learning disabilities, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. She is skilled at conducting a variety of cognitive, neuropsychological, developmental, and adaptive measures with both typically developing and neuro-diverse patients (e.g., ASD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Dr. Upton also has experience in the administration of various specialty evaluations such as special education eligibility evaluations and evaluations for the purposes of procuring accommodations for high stakes tests (e.g., the ACT and SAT). She has an extensive background in working with neurodiverse clients across the lifespan and their families.

If you’re like most parents, returning home from a vacation with children can leave you feeling like you need a vacation from the vacation. With a little planning though, you can re-enter your routine with ease and even work in some much needed “vacay recovery.” Here are some top notch tips for helping you (and your kiddos) get back into the swing of things. Plan a buffer day for the family: It can be tempting to try to squeeze in as much away-time as possible, but returning home on a Saturday vs. a Sunday can make all the difference for you and your kids. Have a loose plan on how you’ll spend your first day back and keep it low key. My kids love to have pajamas and a movie day! If you’re really on your A-game, you might decide to pull out some old toys or games to keep kids entertained while you unpack luggage and prepare for the week. Plan a buffer day for YOU: This is great if you have school aged kiddos. If you can swing it, take the Monday off! Send the kids back to school and take your own pajama day. Resist the temptation to be productive and truly relax. No, you really don’t need to get back to work. This is your permission to take the extra day for YOU. Hire a service to clean while you’re away: The hustle and bustle to get out the door for vacation can sometimes leave your home in disarray. There is nothing better than coming home to a clean house. You’ll be so happy to walk into a clean home, with beds made, dishes cleaned, and toys tidied. From here on out, make it part of your vacation budget! Pre-plan grocery delivery: Place a grocery delivery order for the day you return home. Consider quick meals like frozen pizza or pasta. Of course take-out is always an option too, but even a small delivery of groceries to set you up with the essentials can put your mind at ease as you head into the week. Order prints of your vacation photos: If you see a dip in your mood upon returning from a vacation (this happens to my husband!), you might consider a fun activity for the family to reflect on the trip once you’ve returned home. Order prints of your vacation photos and have a scrapbooking night as a family. You don’t need to get fancy with materials either. Put the photos in a pile and let everyone cut, glue, and chat while you remember the fun you had!

MB Writing and Editorial Services owner Matt Beardmore leverages 20+ years of editing and writing experience to help his clients create their best content. Matt, an NPN contributing writer, has had work published in the New York Times, Fodor’s Chicago Travel Guide, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, ESPN the Magazine, and numerous other national and local publications.

Join us for the “Little Seeds, Big Flowers” STEM NPN Playdate free event at Kensington School of Lincoln Park on Friday, May 10th, from 9:00 to 11:00am! How does your garden grow? With STEM learning at Kensington! Spring has sprung and brings endless educational opportunities, sun, flowers and fun for young children. Event activities will be held in Kensington’s “Sky Room” atrium and outdoor play space. Activities and takeaways include: Butterfly 3D Printing Flower Arrangement Colander Creations Gardening and Soil Sensory Play - Flower Pot Planting Gift Mom’s Day Photo Booth Flower Sorting Mathematics Gnome and Fairy Garden Dramatic Play Grow-at-Home Window Green House Spring Music and Movement around the Piano Obstacle Course Fun with Coach Saaku Allergy-Friendly Snacks and Refreshments Farmers Market child-sized canvas tote bag and Garden Time book from our school nurse, Mrs. Health & Happiness Grow your child’s STEM skills, meet other families, and play in Kensington’s new and unique environments! This event is open to 2 – 5-year-olds with younger siblings welcome. Founded by an educator over 50 years ago, Kensington School is excited to join the Chicago community. Learn more about Kensington School of Lincoln Park and upcoming city schools here. Kensington School is located at 2745 N. Lincoln Avenue with metered and free parking available. We hope to see you there!

Join the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago to celebrate the last Family Day of the season! Sueños Music Festival will be raffling two pairs of tickets for the Sueños Music Festival event. Join us as we bring together incredible local artists for a day of workshops and interactive experiences. Salvador Andrade will be leading a collaborative workshop using found objects that draw inspiration from Mexican textiles. Mr. Pintamuro, known for his captivating artwork that merges Aztec and Mayan storytelling with Japanese anime, will share his expertise and creativity with families. Printmaker Atlan Arceo will guide participants of all ages through a workshop on various print techniques for all ages. The Mexican Consulate of Chicago is collaborating with us to share two stories from Home is Somewhere Else, directed by Carlos Hagerman and Jorge Villalobos, which is a unique and timely animated documentary that tells stories of immigrant youth, exploring each character’s inner world alongside their colorful hopes, and dreams for a better future. Don’t miss our family workshop, Tell Me About Your Wings, to learn more about the traditional techniques of indigenous cultures in Mexico, such as the Wixárika, in commemoration of Jorge Marín’s sculpture Wings of Mexico. Last but not least, Borderless Magazine will be conducting family interviews for all ages to highlight stories that will be published in the near future! Designed and led by Chicago artists, Family Day is a monthly program that allows families and youth to connect and engage with contemporary art through activities and performances for all-ages. Enjoy FREE admission while taking part in workshops, open studio sessions, gallery tours, performances, and more. Activities are facilitated in English and Spanish with ASL interpretation provided. This is a free event, and no RSVP is required. But you can go here for more information and advanced tickets. 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.

Embarking on family adventures, such as road trips, airport travels, or exploring foreign lands, often poses the challenge of picky eating. A change in routine, exposure to new environments, and the availability of unfamiliar cuisines can all contribute to a child's resistance to trying new foods. As a registered dietitian, I emphasize the importance of healthy eating, consistent meal frequency, adequate protein and energy intake, and hydration while minimizing highly processed foods. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind children's picky eating during travel and offer practical tips to ensure proper nutrition whether on a road trip, at the airport, or overseas. Tips to Improve Eating Habits and Promote Nutrition on the Road, at the Airport, and Overseas Create a Portable Pantry for Road Trips I advocate for planning by packing a cooler with ice packs and a variety of healthy snacks. Options like cut-up/whole fruits or vegetable sticks paired with a healthy dip like dark chocolate/regular hummus, plain Greek yogurt, or nut butter packs, along with single-serving packet choices such as yogurt-covered/plain raisins, applesauce, low sodium jerky, seaweed snacks, popcorn, dried mango, dates, mini energy bars, cheese sticks/balls, drinkable kefir, cheese/nut crackers, plain/dark chocolate pretzels, pistachios or dark chocolate almonds, and sunflower seeds can provide essential nutrients during long drives. As a dietitian, I recommend avoiding excessive reliance on sugary treats, which can lead to energy spikes followed by crashes. Airport Adventures Navigating airport dining can be challenging, but with thoughtful planning, it becomes manageable. Carry a mix of healthy snacks such as the ones mentioned above. Look for airport restaurants offering balanced options like salads, wraps, or grilled chicken. Whether you're on a road trip, at the airport, or overseas, having a stash of familiar, healthy snacks can be a game-changer. Hydration is Key I stress the importance of staying hydrated during travel. Carry reusable water bottles and encourage regular sips. Limit sugary drinks and opt for water or diluted 100% fruit juices. Coconut water is also a great choice! Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining energy levels and overall well-being. Balanced Fast Food Choices While on the road, fast food may be the most convenient option. However, as a dietitian, I recommend making mindful choices by selecting items with a balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. Many fast-food establishments now offer healthier alternatives, such as grilled chicken options or salads. Opt for Buffets or Family-Style Dining Choose restaurants that offer buffet or family-style dining options. This allows children to explore various dishes in smaller portions without feeling overwhelmed. It also gives them a sense of control over their meal choices. Embrace International Flavors Traveling abroad provides a unique opportunity to expose your child to diverse cuisines. Encourage kids to try small portions of local dishes. For food safety, focus on foods that are cooked thoroughly and filtered bottled water. Engaging in the cultural aspect of food can make the experience more enjoyable. Explore Local Markets While overseas, immerse your family in the local food culture by exploring markets. Allow your child to pick out fresh fruits, vegetables, or local snacks. This not only promotes healthy eating but also provides an exciting cultural experience. Maintain Routine with Time Zone Changes If traveling across time zones, try to maintain a consistent mealtime routine as much as possible. This helps regulate your child's hunger and ensures they receive the nutrients their growing bodies need. Set a Healthy Example Children often model their behavior after their parents. Demonstrate the importance of nutrition by making mindful food choices yourself. If they see you enjoying a variety of nutritious foods, they may be more inclined to do the same. Juggling picky eating during family travels requires creativity, preparation, and a dash of flexibility. By understanding the reasons behind picky eating while on the road, at the airport, or overseas, and implementing practical tips, you can transform mealtime into an opportunity for nutritional exploration. As a dietitian, my emphasis is on creating lasting memories of nourishing adventures for your child, ensuring they receive the nutrients their growing bodies need.