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Join NPN members for a walk around Horner Park every Tuesday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 AM. Meet in front of the little snack stand (pictured) at Berteau and California. Strollers and dogs welcome! Bring a friend! Everyone is welcome. Horner Park is located at 2741 W. Montrose Ave. There is a free parking lot on California that runs most of the length of the park from Belle Plaine Ave on the south to Cullom Ave on the north. The snack stand where we meet is in the middle, at Berteau and California. For more information, to check for (very rare) last-minute cancellation news, or to ask questions, please refer to this thread on the discussion forum. Need to upgrade your membership to access the forum? Upgrade to a parent membership here. Use code join30off for $30 off a one-year membership. Cover photo credit: Roman Biernacki -
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Join NPN for some coffee breaks this summer! Free Coffee on NPN if you are one of the first five to arrive ☕☕☕☕☕ + 1 month free NPN parent membership for everyone who attends (both new and current members), up to 6 free months per person 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🗓️ 6 dates 🕙 10:00-11:00 am 📍 La Boulangerie & CO Logan Square, 3129 W Logan Blvd Look for Amy in her NPN t-shirt RSVP is appreciated but not required. 🙌 RSVP for all dates: Thurs June 18 Wed June 24 Thurs July 16 Thurs July 30 Thurs Aug 13 Mon Aug 24 Join us in sharing a mid-morning break together, over coffee. All parents are welcome. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 Cover photo credit: indra projects -
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Free Coffee on NPN if you are one of the first five to arrive ☕☕☕☕☕ + 1 month free NPN parent membership for everyone who attends (both new and current members), up to 6 free months per person 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🗓️ 6 dates 🕙 10:00-11:00 am 📍 La Boulangerie & CO Logan Square, 3129 W Logan Blvd Look for Amy in her NPN t-shirt RSVP is appreciated but not required. 🙌 RSVP for all dates Thurs June 18 Wed June 24 Thurs July 16 Thurs July 30 Thurs Aug 13 Mon Aug 24 Join us in sharing a mid-morning break together, over coffee. All parents are welcome. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 -
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Free Coffee on NPN if you are one of the first five to arrive ☕☕☕☕☕ + 1 month free NPN parent membership for everyone who attends (both new and current members), up to 6 free months per person 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🗓️ 6 dates 🕙 10:00-11:00 am 📍 La Boulangerie & CO Logan Square, 3129 W Logan Blvd Look for Amy in her NPN t-shirt RSVP is appreciated but not required. 🙌 RSVP for all dates Thurs June 18 Wed June 24 Thurs July 16 Thurs July 30 Thurs Aug 13 Mon Aug 24 Join us in sharing a mid-morning break together, over coffee. All parents are welcome. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 -
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Free Coffee on NPN if you are one of the first five to arrive ☕☕☕☕☕ + 1 month free NPN parent membership for everyone who attends (both new and current members), up to 6 free months per person 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🗓️ 6 dates 🕙 10:00-11:00 am 📍 La Boulangerie & CO Logan Square, 3129 W Logan Blvd Look for Amy in her NPN t-shirt RSVP is appreciated but not required. 🙌 RSVP for all dates Thurs June 18 Wed June 24 Thurs July 16 Thurs July 30 Thurs Aug 13 Mon Aug 24 Join us in sharing a mid-morning break together, over coffee. All parents are welcome. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 -
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Free Coffee on NPN if you are one of the first five to arrive ☕☕☕☕☕ + 1 month free NPN parent membership for everyone who attends (both new and current members), up to 6 free months per person 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🗓️ 6 dates 🕙 10:00-11:00 am 📍 La Boulangerie & CO Logan Square, 3129 W Logan Blvd Look for Amy in her NPN t-shirt RSVP is appreciated but not required. 🙌 RSVP for all dates Thurs June 18 Wed June 24 Thurs July 16 Thurs July 30 Thurs Aug 13 Mon Aug 24 Join us in sharing a mid-morning break together, over coffee. All parents are welcome. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 -
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Free Coffee on NPN if you are one of the first five to arrive ☕☕☕☕☕ + 1 month free NPN parent membership for everyone who attends (both new and current members), up to 6 free months per person 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🫶 🗓️ 6 dates 🕙 10:00-11:00 am 📍 La Boulangerie & CO Logan Square, 3129 W Logan Blvd Look for Amy in her NPN t-shirt RSVP is appreciated but not required. 🙌 RSVP for all dates Thurs June 18 Wed June 24 Thurs July 16 Thurs July 30 Thurs Aug 13 Mon Aug 24 Join us in sharing a mid-morning break together, over coffee. All parents are welcome. ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 -
In this video, Amy, Sitaara, and their guests discuss the challenges of self-care for parents, especially those with children who have developmental differences. They speak with Lydia Thibodeau, a mother of a child with a disability and Founder of Sommet Nannies, and Erica Hornthal, Founder and CEO of Chicago Dance Therapy and author of the award-winning book Body Aware, about the importance of understanding children's moods, the role of movement in emotional regulation, and the benefits of dance movement therapy. This conversation emphasizes the need for parents to fill their own cups and the significance of community support in navigating parenting challenges. -
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We're sorry for the inconvenience. This event has been cancelled due to a schedule change at Gallagher Way. Join NPN members at Gallagher Way for free morning yoga. The class begins at 7:00 AM. Arrive at 6:30 AM to check in for yoga and meet with fellow NPN members. Click here to fill out a waiver for Gallagher Way and learn more details. For inclement weather check the Gallagher Way Facebook and Instagram pages. Required: RSVP here to let us know you are coming! Gallagher Way is located at 3635 N Clark St. If you like, meet up at Do-Rite Donuts and Chicken after for our Academic Center/High School parent chat. More information here: https://www.npnparents.org/events/event/611-academic-centerhigh-school-parent-chat/ -
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Are you ready to go back to work? Join us for this in-person opportunity to get current resume and LinkedIn tips with Carly of ALR Connections. Join other parents and NPN members for coffee and conversation, questions and answers, and tips and strategies on getting your resume and LinkedIn profile up to date and ready to go! This event will be held at Sarima Cafe, located in Bucktown at 1924 W. North Ave. This is a very short walk from the Damen Blue line stop. We have reserved an area in the back of the cafe. Register at the green button to receive updates. Mobile users, scroll down to register. Questions? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org -
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This event has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience. Join LEEP Forward and NPN for August 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 end of summer with a variety of engaging activities that promote exploration and creativity! ☀️ Children can dive into our Sensory Bin filled with a variety of items and textures. 🖌️ We’ll have a painting station where little artists can create with non-toxic, washable paint, and a playdough station for creative molding and shaping. 📚 For imaginative play, kids can dress up and relax in our Summer Story Corner with cozy blankets and captivating stories. 🌻 Plus, don’t miss our guided Nature Walk, where everyone can collect natural 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 end-of-summer fun in an inclusive environment. We can’t wait to see you there! Location: 1447 W Montrose Questions? Email amy@npnparents.org. NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You help us keep these playdates free with your paid membership or donation. Thank you for supporting NPN! -
When we think about back-to-school season, most of the focus lands on the morning hustle of packing lunches, racing the clock, and getting everyone out the door on time. But here’s the secret many parents overlook (myself included...until now!): what happens after school may actually matter more than what happens before it. The after-school hours set the tone for the entire evening, influencing everything from your child’s mood to their ability to learn and your family’s overall stress level. By prioritizing a strong, predictable after-school routine, you’re not just managing chaos - you’re laying the foundation for parenting success this school year. Not buying it? Here are a few tips to give it a try this week and see if you notice a difference. 1. Start with a Reset Ritual Kids hold it together all day at school, and when that final bell rings, they need a chance to exhale. Build in a short transition ritual before jumping into homework or activities. This could be a snack at the kitchen table, 15 minutes of quiet time, or even a quick walk around the block. It signals to your child that school is over, home is safe, and now it's time to reset. 2. Fuel with the Right Snacks Am I the only one with kids that are true believers that they are near starvation after school? The dreaded 'fridge binge is real. Keep a rotation of easy, healthy snacks on hand to hold the kiddos over until dinner. Easy grabs like fruit, cheese sticks, hummus and pita, or even something light like popcorn are your no-prep saviors. Pairing protein and carbs help stabilize energy so kids don’t crash before dinner. Food prep isn't my favorite hobby but I'm giving it a try this year for after school snacks, to keep me sane and to keep my kids away from the fridge (and out of our stash of other lunch items for the week). 3. Create a Homework Habit (That Works for Your Family) Some kids like to dive right into homework, while others need downtime first. Don't let the influential moms on social media get you down because your kid's homework routine doesn't look like theirs. The real key is consistency. Choose a regular time and place for schoolwork, whether it’s the dining table, a cozy corner, or the library down the street. Keep supplies handy to cut down on the “Where’s a pencil?!” scramble. 4. Balance Activities with Downtime Chicago offers endless after-school options from sports, arts, tutoring, you name it. While enrichment activities are great, don’t forget that kids also need unstructured time to rest, play, and just be kids. Striking a balance helps prevent burnout - for them and for you. 5. Build in Connection Moments Evenings can slip by in a blur of dinner, homework, and bedtime. Make it a goal to carve out at least one intentional moment of connection each night. Whether it’s a conversation about the day, a family walk, or simply laughing together over dinner. These little check-ins strengthen bonds and give you valuable insight into your child’s school life. 6. Prep for Tomorrow, Tonight Want to make your mornings less stressful? Do as much as possible in the evening. Pack lunches, lay out clothes (I even started letting my kiddos sleep in one piece of clothing that they'll wear to school the next day to ease grumpy getting dressed sessions), stuff homework folders, and sign permission slips. And by 'do' I mean do together. Enlist the help of your kiddo, no matter how old they are - to teach them how to be prepared and get them excited for the following day. A calm morning can be a whole lot easier with a well-organized night. The Bottom Line: Parenting success this back-to-school season isn’t about having the most color-coded calendar or Instagram-worthy lunchbox. It’s about creating an after-school rhythm that supports your child’s well-being and gives your family more peace at the end of each day. By prioritizing these hours, you set everyone up for smoother mornings, stronger connections, and a school year that feels less frantic and more fulfilling. -
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Join LEEP Forward and NPN for a Preschool Discover Day! Get ready for an exciting, hands-on event designed to introduce children ages 2-5 to the magic of preschool. Siblings of all ages are welcome to join in the fun as we create a morning filled with exploration, creativity, and connection in a warm and inclusive environment. Young learners will engage in activities that spark curiosity and imagination. They can explore our sensory bins, overflowing with exciting textures and hidden treasures, or express their creativity through painting with non-toxic, washable paints. Budding builders can dive into playdough creations, while future storytellers can relax in our cozy story corner with captivating tales. Our preschool-themed event also includes a pretend play area where kids can dress up, role-play, and experience the joy of imaginative adventures. For outdoor fun, families can join a guided nature walk to collect treasures and learn more about the world around them. To keep everyone energized, we’ll provide healthy, allergy-friendly snacks. As an added bonus, every family who attends will be entered into a raffle for a night of respite or babysitting—a special treat for parents. Join us for a morning that offers a glimpse into the preschool experience and showcases how we nurture young minds through play, exploration, and meaningful connections. We can’t wait to welcome you! Location: 1447 W Montrose NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We need your help to keep these playdates free for families. Please support NPN's work by becoming a paid member or donating. -
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This playdate has been canceled and is in the process of being rescheduled. Please check the NPN calendar soon for the new date. We are sorry for this inconvenience. Thank you for your understanding. 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. We ask non-members to contribute $20, which comes with a one-year NPN membership giving you free access to every playdate! Non-members, RSVP and then contribute HERE. If you are experiencing financial hardship, contact us at director@npnparents.org to ask about our fee-waived memberships and playdates. -
As summer bids farewell and fall begins to paint the world in hues of amber and gold, families often face the challenge of transitioning from the relaxed, free-spirited days of summer to a more structured fall routine. This shift can be both exciting and daunting, but with a little planning and creativity, you can make the transition smooth and enjoyable for everyone. Here’s a guide to help you establish a fall routine that fosters balance, productivity, and family togetherness. 1. Reflect on What Worked in Summer Before diving into the new routine, take a moment to reflect on what worked well during the summer. Did your kids enjoy the flexibility of later bedtimes? Did family dinners become more frequent? Use these insights to inform your fall routine. For example, if you found that evening walks became a cherished family tradition, consider incorporating them into your autumn schedule. 2. Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule As days get shorter, it’s important to reset sleep schedules for everyone in the family. Gradually shift bedtimes and wake-up times to align with the new season. Consistent sleep routines help improve mood, concentration, and overall well-being. A calming pre-bedtime ritual—like reading together or having a soothing bath—can also help ease the transition. 3. Plan a Balanced After-School Routine With school back in session, it's crucial to establish a balanced after-school routine. Designate specific times for homework, extracurricular activities, and downtime. Create a family calendar to keep track of each member’s commitments and responsibilities. This helps everyone stay organized and reduces the stress of last-minute scrambles. Related bonus! I purchased this super-sized clear calendar for my family over the summer. We mounted it outside of our kitchen and it helps us stay organized and plan ahead for the week at a (screen-free!) glance! 4. Embrace Seasonal Activities Fall offers a plethora of activities that can enrich your family’s routine while establishing new traditions! Visit a local pumpkin patch, take a scenic hike or walk and collect colorful leaves, or bake seasonal treats together (here's a cute list of fall treats!). Integrating these activities into your routine not only makes the season enjoyable but also creates lasting memories. 5. Designate Family Time As schedules get busier with school and activities, it’s important to prioritize family time. Set aside dedicated periods for family bonding, whether it’s a game night, a movie marathon, or a weekend outing. Regular, intentional family time helps strengthen relationships and provides a comforting routine amidst the busyness. 6. Stay Flexible and Adapt While routines are beneficial, flexibility is key. Unexpected events and changes are a natural part of life, so be prepared to adapt your routine as needed. Encourage open communication within the family to address any challenges or adjustments that might arise. 7. Reflect and Adjust Finally, take time to reflect on how the new routine is working. Are there areas that need tweaking? Is your family feeling balanced and happy? Regularly assess and adjust your routine to ensure it meets everyone’s needs and keeps the family dynamic positive and productive. Transitioning from summer to fall doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By thoughtfully establishing a new routine, you can create a season filled with structure, joy, and family connection. Embrace the change, celebrate the season, and enjoy the beautiful fall journey with your loved ones. -
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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 -
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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 -
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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 -
Join the Discussion in the NPN Forum on April 18th (Member's Only Event): Here is an opportunity to "Ask an Expert," Amy Lynne Ratnow of ALR Connections, specifics about how parents can return to work after a break, how to pivot your skillset into something new, how to address gaps in a resume (and get other resume tips), how to utilize LinkedIn to your advantage, and where to start: Forum Discussion Amy Lynne Ratnow, is the Founder and Owner of ALR Connections. With her flair for creativity and a drive to succeed, Amy started a corporate gift company and that blossomed into meeting and event planning. She met several women at various stages in their careers, looking for employment and realized she needed to help bridge the gap. Amy knew it was time to open her own company where she could build on her relationships with her client partners and support women joining the workforce looking for new jobs. It was a great way to combine her entrepreneurial side and her passion for helping people. In 2017 birthed the creation of ALR Connections. For the past 7 years, ALR Connections has been bringing authenticity and passion to the niche of helping women find jobs where their skills can shine. Amy and her locally focused team help people pivot, reinvent and re-establish themselves in the current workplace by building personal relationships, highlighting transferable skills, and developing a community of professional support. At the same time, ALR helps small businesses without HR departments grow and thrive by vetting and placing perfect-match talent on their behalf. For more information visit alrconnections.com.
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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 -
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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. -
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We are sorry, but this event has been canceled. Parents, this one is for you! We'll see you for food, drinks and necessary connection time with other Chicago parents from Bubbles and NPN! This event will take place in the beautiful Bar & Study area at Aster Hall in 900 Shops. Appetizers and your first cocktail or mocktail is included + event photos by TK Photography ❤️ Date & Time: Tuesday, February 13th from 4:00 - 6:00 PM Location: Aster Hall Bar & Study Lounge at 900 Shops, 900 N Michigan Ave, Level 6, Chicago, IL 60611 Parking: Validated parking at the 900 Shops Garage for $11 for 3 hours of parking. -
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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. -
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NPN's Member Networking is your monthly opportunity to meet and network with other parents in Chicago. This month NPN member Jaime Wail of Country Financial is hosting us and providing coffee and light bites. Thank you, Jaime! So come and grab a cup of coffee and chat with NPN's business members and parent members. Meet parents who work in your industry and learn about other industries. Not currently working, but still want to make connections, learn about local businesses, and meet other parents? Please come! If you've been looking to build your professional and social network, we hope you'll join us. RSVP today! You will receive an email confirmation immediately upon registration. This event is designed for adults. Children in strollers, baby carriers, or your arms are welcome. Member Networking Country Financial, 4525 N. Western Ave., Chicago, 60625 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Contact: amy@npnparents.org This event is for NPN members only. Not a member? For a limited time, you can join NPN using promo code Mingle20 and save $20 on your membership. -
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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.
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