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Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bright Horizons! Bright Horizons provides high-quality education and child care, trusted by parents and organizations around the world, made to fit the way people learn, live, and work today! At this playdate, you and your child can: 😋 Enjoy a healthy morning snack 🫧Engage in bubble play on the outdoor playground 🪴 Experience their Garden works program by gardening and decorating pots 🖌️Paint your own canvas! Bright Horizons is located at 321 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60604. If needed, you can call them at 312-985-5142. Parking and entrance: Bright Horizons is located in the Northern Trust building. Paid parking is available in the onsite parking garage and in a paid lot across the street. Paid street parking is also available on surrounding streets and in other paid lots nearby. The entrance to Bright Horizons is in the Northern Trust building, near Potbelly. Look for the "Bright Horizons" sign on the door. Staff will be there to welcome you. 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!

Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bennett Day School! Inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, Bennett Day School's program is build upon the idea that children are naturally competent, curious, and capable individuals who are co-collaborators in their education. At this playdate, you and your family can: 😋 Enjoy a morning snack 🪵 Explore the outdoor garden 🎈 Play with a variety of materials and toys in the preschool classrooms 🎉 Relax, enjoy, 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. 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!

Join us for a magical morning of discovery and play at Baker Demonstration School’s ‘Bloom & Grow: Spring Playdate Adventure.’ Your child will explore our thoughtfully designed early childhood spaces, plant flowers to nurture at home, play in our garden playground, and experience the joy of learning through play—the Baker way! This special event is designed for families with children ages 3-5 (by September 1st) who are curious about our early childhood program. While children engage in guided exploration, parents will have the opportunity to observe our child-centered approach in action and chat with our experienced educators. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Ample parking in the school parking lot This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: skinser@bakerdemschool.org.

Mother’s Day in Chicago often brings to mind flowers, brunch reservations, and maybe a last-minute card scribbled with love (and crumbs) from the kids. And while mimosas and pancakes are always welcome, the truth is — many moms are craving something deeper this Mother’s Day. I asked moms across Chicago, from Rogers Park to Beverly, what they really want. The answers? They're refreshingly real. “I want a break. Just a real break.” "I'm with my kids all the time — I love them to death, but I'd give anything for a day with no one saying 'Mom' for a few hours. Even two!" — Jasmin, mom of 3 in Bronzeville Rest topped nearly every response. And not the kind of rest where you sneak in a nap between laundry loads. Moms are asking for guilt-free, uninterrupted rest. The kind where someone else handles things, even if just for a day. “Help around the house — without having to ask.” "A clean kitchen. No laundry on the stairs. I want my family to just see what needs to be done and do it." — Maria, Logan Square For many moms, emotional labor is the real thief of peace. The gift of initiative — not having to direct help — was high on the list. More than physical gifts, moms wanted the mental load lightened. “Time alone. And time together.” These two may sound contradictory, but Chicago moms are masters of nuance. "I want to start the day alone with a hot cup of coffee and a guilt-free scroll through my phone. Then I want to end it with my family, doing something simple like a movie night, a bedtime story, or even a picnic at the park." — Shaye, Hyde Par Solitude and connection are both precious — and most moms want a balance of both. “To be seen — and appreciated.” "Honestly? I want to feel like what I do is noticed. Not just on Mother’s Day, but still... it’s nice to hear ‘thank you’ and know it’s meant." — Katie, Edgewater A sincere thank-you, a handwritten note, or even a heartfelt conversation can go a long way. It's not about a grand gesture. It's about being seen. “Time off from the invisible job.” While many workplaces offer PTO, parenting doesn’t come with days off — even on Mother’s Day. "I love my kids more than anything, but what I want is someone else to plan the meals, pack the bags, think through what everyone needs. Just for one day." — Leigh, Lakeview Being the default parent, the planner, the finder of lost shoes — it’s exhausting. Taking over that invisible labor, even temporarily, is one of the most thoughtful gifts a partner or family member can give. The Bottom Line Yes, brunch is lovely. But what Chicago moms really want this Mother’s Day is something that lasts longer than a latte. They want space to breathe. Support without asking. Gratitude that feels real. So if you're wondering how to show up for a mom in your life this year — ask her what she needs. And then listen. It might be brunch… but it also might be silence, sleep, or someone else doing the dishes.

Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Bubbles Academy! Bubbles Academy is Chicago's home for creative learning, offering caregiver and child classes, a year-round preschool program, and a community that comes together to celebrate holiday and cultural events! Join NPN and Bubbles Academy for this special playdate where you can begin to make connections and build a foundation that will last a lifetime! At this playdate you and your child can: 👶 Enjoy their colorful playroom with soft, plush toys and tumbling mats for infants, crawlers, and climbers 🪵 Explore their gorgeous Nature Playground 🎵 Sing along with your favorite Bubbles musical artist 🫧 Exercise fine motor muscles with sensory play Bubbles Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool is located at 2184 N. Elston Ave. Parking and entrance: Free parking in the preschool lot adjacent to the Nature Playground at 2184 N. Elston! 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!

Get ready for an awesome interactive storytime with author Rachel R. Adler! Rachel will be reading their new book, Tiger Tuffy and the Awesome Birthday Bike and sharing some related activities. This is a free event and no RSVP is required. But please go here for more information. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: thehatchcomic@gmail.com.

Join Bubbles for this Mother's Day event for the whole family and for a great cause! Your little ones will enjoy open play, an interactive concert, make an art project and bouquet for mom or special caregiver. Light snacks provided and coffee sponsored by Werewolf Coffee Bar. Plus, meet the team behind Chamber of Mothers and learn more about their efforts to advocate for maternal rights in the US. They focus on 3 core areas: paid family leave, affordable childcare and maternal health. https://chamberofmothers.com/ Entry is $10. The proceeds from this event will be donated to Chamber of Mothers non-profit. RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Onsite parking lot available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: bigbubble@bubblesacademy.com.

This playdate is at capacity and registration is closed. Come and enjoy time with your family and others at this NPN playdate at Chicago Waldorf School. ☕ Sip a warm cup of tea and experience kneading bread dough. You can sample the fresh baked rolls later in the morning. 🎈Witness your child play in one of the Early Childhood classrooms and hear about the PreK and Mixed Age programs. 🪴Enjoy time together in the beautiful outdoor nature park and garden where guests are free to play or try their “hand” at finger knitting. 🐝 Listen as Early Childhood teachers share a puppet play with the group, allowing time to partake in beeswax modeling. Chicago Waldorf School is located at 5200 N Ashland Ave. Parking and entrance: Free parking can be found on Farragut and Paulina Ave. Please come to the west side of the building (5200 W. Ashland), through the black gates off Foster Ave., or the chain link fence gate off Farragut Ave. You will find our Main Doors at the southwest corner of the building, just inside the main playground area. Please ring the bell to the right of the door and you will be buzzed in. 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!

🎥 Win Two Tickets to The Goonies 40th Anniversary in Concert with The Chicago Philharmonic! 🎵 🎉 NPN is excited to offer members the chance to win two tickets to the one-night-only performance (Saturday, April 26 @ 7:30pm) of The Goonies 40th Anniversary in Concert with The Chicago Philharmonic at the Auditorium Theatre! Audiences will experience one of the most-loved films of the '80s with the Chicago Philharmonic playing the Dave Grusin score live to film. How to Enter: Comment on THIS POST through Monday 4/14 sharing your favorite '80s movie. Here is the link to the post: https://www.npnparents.org/forums/topic/192850-win-2-tickets-to-the-goonies-40th-anniversary-in-concert-with-the-chicago-philharmonic/ Deadline: Entries must be submitted by Monday 4/14. The winner will be contacted via email on Tuesday 4/15. Don’t miss your chance to experience this beloved adventure comedy from 1985 that follows a group of misfits on a search for long-lost treasure, complete with an ancient map, deadly booby traps, a ruthless crime family, and Baby Ruth candy bars! 🌟

Experience one of the reasons Families Together is such a great place to learn and grow – messy sensory play! You and your child are invited to make some beautiful messes with playdough, paint, glue, water, and more. Learn about the benefits of sensory play and how our play-based, emergent curriculum supports children’s development starting at age 2 ½. Meet Families Together teachers and director Ann Gadzikowski (author of Creating a Beautiful Mess: Ten Essential Play Experiences for a Joyous Childhood). Join us for snacks, parenting resources, and fun give-aways! Messy Morning PlayTime is for children ages 2-3 (age 2 by 3/1/25) and their adult caregiver(s). This is a free event and no RSVP is required. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: businessmanager@ftcns.org.

Incredible India Adventure: Bollywood Dance, Folk art, Hindi! Ultimate cultural immersion with Bollywood Dance, Indian Folk art, and Hindi! Students will learn about the magical state of Rajasthan with deserts and camels, learn a dance from there, and also learn about Holi, the festival of colors, from our Maya/Neel Holi book. This is a free trial class for an 8-week session. 10 to 10:45 am - Ages 3 to 5 years 11 to Noon - Ages 6 to 8 years This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Lot parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ajanta@bollygroove.com.

Ultimate cultural immersion with Bollywood Dance, Indian Folk art, and Hindi! Students will learn about the magical state of Rajasthan with deserts and camels, learn a dance from there, and also learn about Holi, the festival of colors, from our Maya/Neel Holi book. This is a free trial class for an 8-week session. Ages 3 to 5 - full Ages 6 to 8 - 11 am to Noon Ages 9 to 12 - Noon to 1 pm This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. The facility has a small parking lot. Street parking otherwise. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ajanta@bollygroove.com.

Join The Museum of Contemporary Art for Family Day! This month see if you can hear echoes of the future or the past in Wafaa Bilal: Indulge Me. ASL interpretation is provided at this event. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Lot parking available. 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 St. James School for their March Mavericks Open House on March 15th for a day of fun, basketball, and family-friendly activities! Whether you're exploring enrollment or just looking for a good time, you won't want to miss this event. What to Expect: March Mavericks: Meet their vibrant community and learn about their dynamic academic programs and extracurricular offerings. For the little ones, they’ll have arts & crafts, library activities, and story time throughout the morning. Snacks will be available to keep everyone energized, and children ages 0-7 must be accompanied by an adult. Basketball Camp: Enjoy basketball-themed activities like shooting contests and mini-games. Kids can develop their skills in a fun, supportive environment: 9-10 AM: Open Gym for Kindergarten and younger 10-11 AM: K-2 Instruction with Mr. Gast and team Why Attend? Explore their academic programs and after-school activities Tour the campus and meet current students and faculty Enjoy basketball activities for all ages and creative activities for younger children This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please email jcampbell@stjames-lutheran.org to register. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: jcampbell@stjames-lutheran.org.

St. James Lutheran School (2101 N Fremont St., Lincoln Park) invites you to bring your children (ages birth-4) for a fun and enriching experience designed to foster new friendships and develop social skills. Enjoy interactive toys, simple crafts, and engaging storytime in a warm, welcoming environment. From 8:45am to 9:15am, children can explore and develop their gross motor skills with open play on our playground. Then, from 9:15am to 10:15am, head to our Library for a creative seasonal art project followed by storytime. Caregivers must accompany children. This event repeats every Friday morning (with the exception of April 18, 2025) until June 6, 2025. FREE for all families, friends, and neighbors and no RSVP is required. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: jcampbell@stjames-lutheran.org.

German International School Chicago looks forward to welcoming you on Saturday, March 29, at our campus for a special open house event: From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. we will welcome families on our new nature playground for a fun family time. Please join us for events including: Free pretzels and hot drinks Meeting staff, faculty & current GISC families Complimentary face painting Shop the GISC flea market The event takes place on our playground at GISC Campus at 1726 W Berteau Ave, Chicago, IL 60613. Inclement weather? The event will move indoors to the gym if weather conditions require. This is a free event, but RSVP is required. Please go here to register. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: dvogel@germanschoolchicago.com.

Hey Chicago families and future explorers! Get ready to mark your calendars, because Summer is in the air. Edgewater is hosting a free Kids Activity Open House to showcase and discover the best camps for kids (0 to 17). This exciting event is your golden ticket to discovering the coolest camps around, all in one place. Whether your kiddo dreams of diving into science experiments, exploring the world of nature, creating a masterpiece artwork for the fridge, or just making awesome new friends, this camp extravaganza has something for everyone! Don’t miss this chance to make your child’s summer the best one yet! Enjoy a one-stop-shop of summer camps at one event! This is a free event, and no RSVP is required. Lot and street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: david@edgewater.org.

Join The Museum of Contemporary Art for Family Day! This month, enjoy soft, warm, lovely things. Create heartfelt art, participate in tea-making workshops, or even craft your own incense. ASL interpretation is provided at this event. This is a free event, and no RSVP is required. But you can go here for more details. Lot parking available. 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 us for a Family Fun African Fine Arts Event, where creativity, culture, and community come together in a celebration of African heritage and artistic expression! This is a free event and no RSVP is required. Free lot parking. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sissa@stapostleschool.com.

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.

GEMS World Academy Polar Play: STEAM the Winter Way! Join us for a Winter Wonderland of innovation, creativity, and exploration at GEMS World Academy Chicago! Meet some of their knowledgeable and passionate early childhood educators and discover how they engage young learners through inquiry and student agency. 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! Sunday, January 12, 2025 9:00 - 11:00 AM GEMS World Academy Chicago 350 East South Water Street, 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 NPN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please support NPN's work by becoming a paid member or making a donation.