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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 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 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 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.

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.”

Summer is a time for joy and play, but for families with disabilities, it can sometimes bring unique challenges, especially when juggling the needs of multiple children. Often, siblings of individuals with disabilities can feel overlooked or struggle to connect and understand their brother or sister. Join us for a warm and inclusive playdate designed to nurture strong, meaningful relationships between siblings! Led by our compassionate team at Leep Forward, kids will engage in delightful activities and games aimed at fostering genuine connections. Meanwhile, parents will have the opportunity to observe and learn valuable techniques for creating supportive environments at home that encourage sibling play and interaction. Our panel of siblings, spanning different ages, will share their own experiences and offer practical advice to parents on cultivating healthy sibling relationships and ensuring that each child receives the support they need. Plus, families will enjoy community connections, delicious food, open play, and exciting giveaways! Come join us for this FUN and enriching event, where every child is celebrated and valued for who they are! Onsite and street parking available. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ttjeanbaptiste@cps.edu.

“The moment we choose to love we begin to move against domination, against oppression. The moment we choose to love, we begin to move toward freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others. That action is the testimony of love as the practice of freedom.” —bell hooks Liberation is defined as the act of being freed from imprisonment, slavery, or some type of captivity. Love and liberation are two things that go hand in hand. One cannot exist without the other. There are different kinds of love: self, familial, platonic, romantic, community, cultural—the bounds are limitless. How has love acted as a liberating force in your life? Contributing youth artist are asked to consider the theme of “Love and Liberation” broadly and to interpret this prompt creatively in their submissions. About 21Minus 21Minus is a one-day showcase curated and produced by Teen Creative Agency (TCA) with support from Lead Artists Olive Stefanski and Miguel Limon, and Ahmad Bracey, Manager of Youth and Schools. This is a free event for people ages 21 and under and their families, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. 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

As soon as we arrived at Family Camp in Michigan last summer I started to lose track of time. We had decided to take a family vacation at a kids sleep away summer camp for a few days. Ostensibly it was to introduce our two kids to camp. But I was also curious to experience the classic American summer camp that I had seen in movies like “The Parent Trap” for myself—the kind with cabins and scenic ponds and bonfires around which we’d roast marshmallows and sing camp songs. We arrived at camp a bit late and so we dropped our stuff off in our cabin and headed to dinner at an array of outdoor picnic tables. As we started talking about the next few days and all the activities we wanted to try, I instinctively reached for my phone to check the time. And, I realized I’d left it at the cabin—something that I would do for the rest of family camp. How relatively easy it was for all of us to disconnect from our devices was one of the happy surprises from camp. At home, my boys typically default to watching screens or playing video games during down time. We set screen time limits but then find ourselves having to play screen time police, a role we do not relish. At family camp, the only devices available were the phones my husband and I had brought with us. And, because all meals and activities were already arranged and on-site it was easy to break the habit of constantly checking them. No need to look up directions, make dinner reservations, text the babysitter, or even keep track of time—our days revolved around a loose schedule of participating in various sporty activities, eating meals and, yes, roasting marshmallows around a bonfire! For the boys, the chance to try new things made them forget their devices quickly. When I asked my kids recently whether they had missed their screens at camp my older son replied “it just wasn’t on my mind.” And, it’s true. With so many activities within walking distance of our cabin, we all discovered newfound interests. My younger son discovered his love of archery and spent hours trying to hit a bullseye. And, the boys and I all tried water skiing for the first time– an exhilarating and slightly terrifying experience. At night, we’d all fall into our twin beds exhausted from our active days. We also quickly learned that the best way to discover things at camp was to explore. One night, we emerged from our cabin and noticed a number of families heading through a path in the woods that we hadn’t seen before. We decided to follow these families and discovered a shortcut to dinner! This tiny discovery felt huge, like we’d gained inside camper knowledge. And the fact that we’d gained it through our own powers of observation—not our phones—felt so satisfying. With more space from our screens, we all surprised ourselves and each other. My boys invented an imaginary game, incomprehensible to adults, that completely absorbed them for long stretches (and which they continue to play to this day). And, I slowly gained confidence that I was ready to re-enter the paid workforce after five-and-a-half years as a stay-at-home mom. Something about radically changing the scenery and rhythms of our day, and finding out we could adapt, made me feel confident that I could do this in other areas of my life too. For families looking to plan an unplugged vacation, the best advice that I have is to approach it with a sense of adventure. Embrace getting out of your comfort zone and try to find somewhere with lots of things to keep you occupied during the day. We loved attending family camp at Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods Camp. But there are plenty of other places that offer family camp including the YMCA Family Camp Nawakwa in Wisconsin and YMCA Family Camp Pinewood in Michigan. For those families wanting a true camping in a tent experience, the Chicago Park District offers a Family Camping program with campfires and s’mores of course!

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.

Join LEEP Forward and NPN for an inclusive Playdate with Sensory Exploration on Sunday, May 19th, from 9:00 am - 11:00 am for children ages 2-5 years old. Step into a world of sensory exploration and playful discovery with LEEP Forward! Our inclusive environment celebrates individual differences and encourages exploration, meeting each child right where they are. At our NPN Playdate, we're all about PLAY! Dive into a morning of fun filled with sensory exploration featuring various textures, obstacle courses, and messy play activities. Get ready to bounce in our bounce house, engage with sensory tables, and unleash your creativity with outdoor gardening projects (weather permitting). And don't worry about snacks - we've got you covered with healthy, allergy-friendly options for everyone. Plus, every family attending will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite/babysitting! Come join us for a morning of laughter, learning, and lots of fun! We can't wait to see you there! Location: 1447 W Montrose

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.

Come join us for a delightful Summer Fun playdate on Sunday, June 2nd, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM at CST Academy in Lincoln Park. CSTA warmly welcomes you to a morning filled with sunshine-inspired hands-on activities, sensory exploration, and access to our indoor gym! We’ll be serving freshly brewed coffee, refreshments, and wholesome snacks. This event offers a fantastic opportunity for your child to have a blast while families discover our multidisciplinary services, including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, ABA therapy, and our therapeutic preschool and kindergarten program. CST Academy is located at 1765 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

ACM School of Music has taught thousands of adults and kids to express themselves musically. We offer recitals, jam sessions, karaoke nights, and the chance to create new music for our Molto Tutti Festival. Being at ACM means you’re part of an organization that produces wildly creative events like the Sound of Silent Film Festival, the Thirsty Ears Festival, the PBS series Songs About Buildings and Moods and many others.

Join NPN and CPS for a Sunday Playdate at the The Dr. Fisher Early Learning Center in Lincoln Park. Parents, grab a cup of coffee, relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities and get to know this CPS Early Learning Center. This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! The Dr Fisher Early Learning Center is located at: 1840 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614

Join the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago on a fantastic journey into the world of alebrijes! Renowned masters of folk art from Oaxaca, Mexico, Jacobo and Maria Angeles, and their son and daughter Sabina and Ricardo Angeles experts in wood carving and creators of the popular figures known as alebrijes, will guide you through a unique experience of color and creativity. In this interactive hands-on workshop, you will learn to color your own Tonas and Nahuales using natural pigments and dyes while exploring authentic techniques passed down through generations. Artist Moises Salazar will leads a hands-on workshop as part of this month’s Family Day and create your own figures and characters through puppet making. 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, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. 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.

Greektown Chicago is excited to announce the Annual Greek Heritage Parade, celebrating the rich Hellenic identity and culture in Chicago. The parade has been established as one of the biggest annual events in the Chicago Greek community since its founding in the 1960s. During this parade celebration, visitors can see colorful traditional costumes, experience traditional Greek music and dance troupe performances, and watch as the community officially celebrates Greek Independence. Keep a look out for more parade announcements on GreektownChicago.org and follow Greektown on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates. No RSVP is required, but please go here for more information. This is a free event and street parking is available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: Maggie@silvermangroupchicago.com.

Join us for a Sunday Playdate from 9-11am at Bright Horizons in Lakeview as you have the opportunity to Create Art, Engage in STEM activities and Play in the space. Healthy snacks will also be provided. This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents, have fun as a family, and take part in exciting and educational activities for your preschooler. This event is for children ages 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! BONUS! All families in attendance will be entered into a raffle to win four tickets to the new Cirque du Soleil show, Crystal, at the NOW Arena. Bright Horizons at Lakeview is located at 2840 N Lincoln Ave. Street parking is available directly in front of the school.

This month’s Family Day features a Libreria Donceles pop-up, with artist Pablo Helguera leading Spanish and English readings to promote bilingual learning. We also welcome Poems While You Wait, who write poems specifically for you, and illustrators Denise Holmes and Jacqueline Alcantara, who each read from their newest book releases. Learn about Holmes’s and Alcantara’s unique illustration processes through their drawings, final art, and time lapse video, before getting a chance to create your own character using basic shapes and line—with watercolor pencil and collage—for your very own picture book cover. Additional drawing, coloring, and activity sheets created by Jacqueline and Denise are available on site. All ages and abilities welcome. Don’t forget to shop for books at the workshop and in the MCA Store. 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, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. 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.

Join Snapology of Chicago, as we celebrate our Explore FLL (First LEGO League) Teams at our first annual FLL Explore Festival! This is a FREE event, and we would greatly appreciate and welcome your presence to celebrate. Our competitive LEGO League Challenge team will have a special guest appearance to demonstrate their robot run that awarded them a top 6 finish. In addition to both our teams showing off their amazing hard work, we will have LEGO building stations for all that attend, so you can make your own incredible LEGO creations. This is a free event and No RSVP is required. Parking lot located in front of the building (Free), Street parking. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: opsmanager.chicago@snapology.com.

Music Together is an amazing early childhood music education program for caregivers and children (babies - age 5). Join us for a free 45-minute class! RSVP required. Please go here to register. Ample street parking on Michigan Ave, 18th, and other side streets. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: frontdesk@southloopschoolofmusic.com.

Join NPN on Sunday, February 11, from 9:00 -11:00 AM at the British International School of Chicago, South Loop (BISC-SL) for a fun and free, Super Bowl-themed playdate. It will be a big win for your 2-5-year-old when they suit-up for the BISC-SL team. We’ll be exploring, experimenting, imagining, creating, playing, and meeting new teammates at our very own Super Bowl Sunday playdate. Your child will enjoy a half-time allergy-conscious snack while you get a cup of coffee, chat with parents and learn more about BISC-SL. British International School of Chicago, South Loop students aged 3 through 18 experience the kind of extraordinary educational opportunity that gets children excited to come to school each day. The personalized, holistic approach to learning ensures that every child's learning needs are met. BISC-SL emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world. BISC-SL is located at 161 W. 9 th Street. You are welcome to park in the Roosevelt Collection parking garage for 2 hours of free validate parking. We look forward to seeing you on February 11th ! Visit bischcagosl.org for more information on our school.

Looking for a special gift or just a treat for yourself? Check out this list of Black-owned businesses in the city (many of which offer delivery or curbside pickup), where you can get everything from cocktail-themed artisan soaps to kids' toys. *Updated 1/28/2024 Food & Drink Batter & Berries: Breakfast/brunch/lunch spot in Lincoln Park Brown Sugar Bakery: Cakes and cupcakes in Chatham Can't Believe It's Not Meat: A vegan and vegetarian restaurant specializing in plant-based comfort food in Hyde Park Chemisty: Black-owned steakhouse and celebration/party venue in Hyde Park Chicago French Press: Coffee roaster that offers bean subscriptions and beans by the pound Coffee, Hip Hop & Mental Health: A cafe and mental health resource in Lakeview The Common Cup: Coffee shop in Rogers Park Demera: Ethiopian cuisine in Uptown Ethiopian Diamond: Ethiopian cuisine in Edgewater Friistyle: Belgian frites in Bronzeville Frontier: Meat-focused restaurant in Bucktown Fruve Express Juicery: Cold-pressed juice in Loop and South Loop Gimme Some Sugah: Pies, cakes, cookies and more in South Shore Good to Go Jamaican: Jamaican cuisine on Rogers Park/Evanston border The Grail Cafe: Breakfast and lunch in South Loop Ina Mae’s Tavern: New Orleans cuisine in Wicker Park Justice of the Pies: Pies available in markets and some restaurants Kilwin’s: Ice cream and sweets in Hyde Park Kyoto Black: Coffee shop in Edgewater currently offering coffee bean delivery Lem’s Bar-B-Q: Barbecue spot in Chatham Life’s Sweet: Cafe in Rogers Park Lizzy J: Catering, cafe and housemade iced tea in Ravenswood The Long Room: Bar/restaurant in Ravenswood currently offering to-go cocktails, beer and wine Love Corkscrew: Wine delivery; also available in various retail locations Luella’s Southern Kitchen: Soul food in Lincoln Square Pearl’s Place: Southern cuisine in Bronzeville Rooh Chicago: Indian cuisine in West Loop Shawn Michelle's: Ice cream shop in Bronzeville Sip & Savor: Coffee shop in Bronzeville Soule: Southern cuisine in West Town Strugglebeard Bakery: Baked cookies and sweets made with love by a Veteran in Hyde Park. Taste 2 Go: American cuisine in West Loop Taylor’s Tacos: Tacos for catering or pickup (Tuesdays only) in East Garfield Park Virtue: Southern cuisine in Hyde Park Clothes & Accessories A’nies Accents: Boutique in South Loop Buttonsbyferrai: Etsy shop featuring custom and social activist buttons Kido: Kids' toys and clothes in South Loop; online ordering available Kiwi’s Boutique: Boutique in Tri-Taylor; online ordering available Mimi’s Tot Closet: Shop for girls’ clothes in Auburn-Gresham; online ordering available Love Peridot: Accessories shop in South Loop; online ordering available Recycled Modern: Vintage, upcycled and handcrafted furniture and home decor shop in Lakeview Reformed School: Etsy shop featuring humorous and social activism T-shirts and accessories The Silver Room: Jewelry, accessories, clothes, gifts and more in Hyde Park; online ordering available Sir & Madame: Fashion brand with a store in Hyde Park Standout Style Boutique: Online-only clothes and accessories Beauty/Personal Care/Health 80th and May: Online-only shop featuring artisan soaps and bath salts Blade and Bloom: Etsy shop featuring skin-care products Bodi Shak: Group fitness gym in Uptown Chatto: Natural hair- and skin-care products in West Loop; online ordering available Depart with Art: Online-only shop featuring organic body products Eb & Flow: Yoga studio in Bucktown; currently offering live online classes Goldkissed Essentials: Online-only shop featuring handmade soaps Mad Moisture Beauty: Online-only skincare products Mind Body Defense: Kickboxing gym with private classes in Uptown Next Man Up Spa: A spa catering to men in Bronzeville Pear Nova: Online-only vegan nail polish Soap Distillery: Cocktail-inspired artisan soaps Sweet Beginnings: Beekeeping social enterprise featuring honey and honey-based body care products; online ordering available Black Owned Market: Online-only bath and body products Urbane Blades: Men’s barbershop in Near North Side Wholistic Skincare: Skincare salon in Clybourn Corridor; online ordering available Books, Gifts & More Black Ensemble Theater: A theater and arts production studio that also provides theatrical and technical theater training opportunities for youth in Uptown Boxville: A shipping container marketplace featuring diverse-owned businesses that operate year-round in Bronzeville Helendora Samuels Picture Framing: Custom frame shop in Wicker Park Rose Blossom Chicago: Online-only florist Semicolon Chi: The only Black woman–owned bookstore in Chicago. Store in River West; online ordering available. Thepairabirds: Etsy shop featuring illustrated artwork Third Coast Comics: Comic and graphic novel shop in Rogers Park This is not an exhaustive list, so we'd love to get your recommendations for awesome Black-owned businesses in Chicago. Share them with us at sitaara@npnparents.org.

Join the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago this February for Family Day. Artist Regina Agu, one of Newcity Art Magazine‘s 50 Chicago Artists of 2023, will lead an art activity for families. In addition, KIDO Chicago is back with a full family takeover across the museum featuring music, art-making, and storytelling. 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. 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 a free event, but RSVP is required, please go here to register. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: Sross@mcachicago.org.

THIS EVENT IS FULL: WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING RSVP'S. PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR NEXT PLAYDATE ON 1/28! Sign up here! NPN Playdates are back! Join us for Sunday play at Kids' Work Chicago Riverview! Their large indoor play spaces will be open, crafts will be available, plus goodie bags with snacks for the kids! Parents come and relax and enjoy as your kids experience some fun activities! This event is for kids aged 2 - 5 years old. Spots are limited so register today! Kids' Work Chicago Riverview is located at 3429 N. California Ave, near I-94 on California between Addison and Belmont. The parking lot in front of the building has plenty of spaces and there is also ample street parking in the neighborhood! All families in attendance will be entered into a raffle to win a gift certificate to Goldfish Swim School Roscoe Village.

Please join us for a morning of playtime for children under 3, including crafts, music, and free play. And of course, conversation and refreshments for parents, too! 9:30 to 9:45 a.m. -- Welcome, free play 9:45 - 10:15 -- music and songs with Miss Maria 10:15 - 11:00 a.m. -- Free play Parking is usually available in our Sacred Heart parking lots or on the street. Strollers may be left on the building's porch. This is a free event, but RSVP is requested. Please go here to register. This is a repeating event! Additional playdates on April 17 and 24, 2024. Register here! This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: marjie.murphy@shschicago.org.

Please join us for a morning of playtime for children under 3, including crafts, music, and free play. And of course, conversation and refreshments for parents, too! 9:30 to 9:45 a.m. -- Welcome, free play 9:45 - 10:15 -- music and songs with Miss Maria 10:15 - 11:00 a.m. -- Free play Parking is usually available in our Sacred Heart parking lots or on the street. Strollers may be left on the building's porch. This is a free event, but RSVP is requested. Please go here to register. This is a repeating event! Additional playdates on April 17 and 24, 2024. Register here! This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: marjie.murphy@shschicago.org.