Use kidwinks' weekly Family Activities Guide to find the best kid-friendly events and activities in Chicago and the suburbs for this week, including tons of free events!
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This contest has ended. Congratulations to our winners: Mary Oconnor from Norridge, korsgarden from Sugar Grove, souperjess from Highland Park and pink118 from Chicago.
WIN TOYS!! WIN TOYS!! WIN TOYS!!!
We're giving Santa a little help this year! We've been busy previewing some of the toys to be exhibited at the upcoming Chicago Toy and Game Fair, and the exhibitors were kind enough to donate some of their toys for a giveaway! FOURlucky people will each win a large group of toys plus a Family Pass to the Toy and Game Fair! The four groups of toys are identified below. The first winner drawn will receive Group 1; the second winner drawn will receive Group 2, etc.
December 15, 2009: Congratulations Carol P who won a box of Citiblocs from Geppetto's Toy Box
Chicago kids
Kids Eat Free
Because Jean & I were constantly looking for kids eat free deals we created a calendar on kidwinks.When my kids were small I hated the thought of spending $5-$6 on a meal that they were not even going to eat half of.Boy that seems like a long time ago.There are so many restaurants in the Chicago area that offer kids eat free deals that it is hard to keep them all straight.Also, many of the restaurants do advertise their kids eat free deals.It is usually just word of mouth.That makes it really hard to find kids eat free deals when the restaurants aren't even telling.Another problem is that often the deals change without notice.If you don't advertise your kids eat free deal then you don't need to advertise when you change the kids eat free deal.We are constantly calling the restaurants to make sure that they are still running their promotion.However, we always encourage parents to call the family-friendly restaurant to make sure they are still running their kids eat free deal.We hope you enjoy the calendar and happy dining.
We are constantly looking for new kids eat free deals. We serach the web, paper, and local family friendly restaurants. Often our members let us know about deals that we don't have listed yet on kidwinks. We are the leader in up to date information regarding kids eat free deals in the Chicago area.
If you know of a great kids eat free deal please contact us and let us know. There are so many family friendly restaurants in the Chicago area that offer kids eat free deals that it is hard to keep track. That is why we created our Kids Eat Free calendar. To help moms keep all of the kids eat free deals straight and easliy accessable.
Chicago Kids Activities
Next month kidwinks.com is going to be on TV talking about the Chicago Kids Activities going on New Year's Eve.You would be surprised by how many activities there are just for kids in Chicago and in the suburbs to help kids and families celebrate New Year's eve.There are far more activities that I can fit into one 3 minute segment that is for sure.We thought it would be great to include a giveaway in the segment so not only are Chicago area parents going to learn about kids New Year's Eve activities but they will be able to win admission to the venues that we are going to highlight.This is going to be a great giveaway.So not only are we going to highlight Chicago area New Year's Eve kids activities we are also going to be announcing the contest on TV.Stay tuned for more details.I can tell you that we are going to be on ABC-7 a local Chicago station on December 6.
This weekend we will be attending a Chicago kids activities, The Chicago Toy & Game Fair at Navy Pier. We are going to have a booth at the fair for the entire weekend. There will be plenty of activities for kids. Last year the fair was geared toward older kids but rumor has it that this years activities will make it even bigger and better then last. We hope that you will have time to check out this Chicago kids event and stop by our boooth. We are going to be giving away some great prizes.
Each day we enter in more activities for kids in the Chicago area. We are constantly adding Chicago activities for kids such as birthday party places, indoor play areas, classes and camps.
Things To Do In Chicago With Kids
We have all kinds of things to do in Chicago with kids.From free museum days to dine without whine at the Four Seasons on Michigan Ave kidwinks.com is a parent's true resource to find things to do and places to go in Chicago with kids.We cater to Chicago area parents who have children under the age of 12.Whether you are looking for the least expensive place to have a birthday party or are looking for the most unique place to have a birthday party we have it and the birthday cake too.We are always adding new things to do in Chicago with kids.Our database never stops growing.We care constantly adding new event, activities, and things to do along with kids eat free deals.
Looking for something to do this week end in Chicago with kids? Stop by the Chicago Toy and Game Fair at Navy Pier. We are going to be running a prize wheel and giving away some great prizes. Another kids event going on this weekend if you are looking for things to do in Chicago with kids is the festival of lights. Yes, Mickey is going to be there to light up the night and start the holiday season. While I am not into crowds many in the Chicago area who are looking for fun things to do with kids like to attend the festival.
When my boys were small I was constantly looking for things to do in Chicago with my kids. My boys were constant motion and I and they needed to get out of the house. My kids and I hate to do the same thing over and over again so I was spending a lot of time trying to find things to do in Chicago with my kids that were new.
November 10, 2009: Congratulations to..
swinney17 from Oak Forest
who won the family weekend pass to the Chicago Toy and Game Fair at Navy Pier and 8 games from Out of the Box Publishing!
November 3, 2009: Congratulations to...
Krystyna from Lockport
Nae from Roselle
Ali from Bartlett
and Lizkimball from Geneva
Each of them won 4 tickets to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Zing Zang Zoom!
Things to do in Chicago with kids,
Chicago kids activities,
Chicago family fun,
Chicago kids free events, or
kids eat free deals
If you are looking for things to do in Chicago with kids you have come to the right place.On kidwinks.com we list not only Chicago kids activities but also Chicago kids free events.We know that free events in Chicago is a popular thing now with this economy so we try to provide Chicago parents with the most and best information to find not just Chicago family fun but free events in Chicago with kids.Our members love that kidwinks.com is the best source for kids eat free deals in the Chicago area.
Try us out.You can also send an email reminder to your inbox if you find a Chicago kids event or a Chicago kids free event just to make sure that you don't miss out on any of the Chicago family fun.
Congratulations to...
Alison's Mom from Arlington Heights
and mddonaldson from Darien
who each won 4 tickets to the Disney Live! show in Rosemont.
Congratulations to Marie from Chicago, Candace from Joliet and Barb from Aurora. Each of these ladies won $25 from kidwinks for entering our raffle drawing at the Baby Expo in Tinley Park on Sept. 26th.
Congratulations to the following, who each won 4 tickets to Kiddieland:
CD wrote a record 218 reviews; DJ wrote 172; thetrumpetangel wrote 128; wickercat wrote 113; Maxi'smama wrote 84; Jules wrote 83; amya0202 wrote 81; gratamama wrote 64; Nae wrote 57; and LDW wrote 53 reviews!!!
Our members wrote over 1600 reviews during this 6-day contest, and we thank everyone for their participation and thoughtful reviews. We truly believe that reviews are a huge part of what makes kidwinks.com so helpful to other parents.
Chicago Free Events
A couple of months ago we were on WGN-TV news a local Chicago TV station talking about all of the Free Chicago Events we had listed on kidwinks.com.We were highlighting the free events going on in Chicago during the summer but we have plenty of free events listed all year long.We have so many Chicago free events listed in our events calendar on our events page that we created a facebook page where now each day kidwinks add one free Chicago area event to facebook.com/FreeThingsToDoInChicagoWithKids.Our likes are growing rapidly.It seems parents in the Chicago area are constantly looking for free events in Chicago.On our facebook page we also include the suburbs of Chicago because there are lots of parents and lots of events going on just outside of Chicago.
As I mentioned above another free event that is going on in Chicago is the Festival of lights parade. If you are a teacher, librarian, or a scout in uniform then The Chicago Toy and Game Fair would also be another free event in Chicago that you may want to check out.
In just a few minutes I will be posting a new free event in Chicago for kids and families. This weekend there are tons of free events geared toward kids in Chicago and the suburbs so it won't be hard to find a free event in Chicago that the kids will enjoy and is put on with kids in mind. As all parents know, happy kids happy mom.
Congratulations to
Clara (in Chicago)
who won the home accessories
from Signature HomeStyles!
Congratulations to
Amy (in Chicago)
who won the 10-Visit Pass
from Pump It Up Chicago!
Kidwinks.com is a website that is jam packed with chicago family fun, chicago kids activities, Chicago kids free events, things to do in Chicago with kids. We have a kids eat free calendar and a chicago kids activities calendar. We are your source for chicago family fun we also cover the suburbs. We also have great kids birthday party ideas and indoor play areas for bad weather.
Congratulations to
maxi'smama
who won the $75 gift card
from RIDEMAKERZ!
If you are looking for things such as Chicago free kids, birthday party kids chicago, free think to do in chicago with kids, kids eat free, chicago kids activities, chicago family fun, chicago kids free events, or chicago free museum days, then you have come to the right place.
Congratulations to
bjplitz
who won the Racing Session
from Melrose Park Indoor Racing!
If you are looking for things such as Chicago free kids, birthday party kids chicago, free think to do in chicago with kids, kids eat free, chicago kids activities, chicago family fun, chicago kids free events, or chicago free museum days, then you have come to the right place.
Congratulations to
Shopping Mommy
who won the Sizzlin' Summer Beach Basket
from Baby Crazy!
Kidwinks.com is a website that is jam packed with chicago family fun, chicago kids activities, Chicago kids free events, things to do in Chicago with kids. We have a kids eat free calendar and a chicago kids activities calendar. We are your source for chicago family fun we also cover the suburbs. We also have great kids birthday party ideas and indoor play areas for bad weather.
Congratulations to
MamaD
beth
Amy
&
EriccaG!
Kidwinks.com has everything a parent needs to find things to do with kids in Chicago.Parents can search for kids eat free deals and Chicago kids activities.Better yet we have lots of Chicago kids free events we are a sure way to find Chicago family fun.
They each won a
Kohl Children's Museum Family Pass
chicago family fun, chicago kids activities, Chicago kids free events, things to do in Chicago with kids.
We have a kids eat free calendar and a chicago kids activities calendar. We are your source for chicago family fun we also cover the suburbs. We also have great kids birthday party ideas and indoor play areas for bad weather.
Kidwinks.com has everything a parent needs to find things to do with kids in Chicago.Parents can search for kids eat free deals and Chicago kids activities.Better yet we have lots of Chicago kids free events we are a sure way to find Chicago family fun.
Chicago Family Fun
Chicago Family Fun
We have chicago family fun if that is what you are looking for. Find family events and activities. One grat place to check out first is out events calendar. There you can find things to do and places to go with the kids each day of the month in and around the Chicago area that includes the suburbs.
Chicago is packed with family fun this weekend. I will be posting a couple of free fun ideas for the weekend on our facebook page FreeThingsToDoInChicagoWithKid in just a few minutes. However, you should sign up for our weekly activities guide so that our hand picked selection of family fun in the chicago area can delivered to your inbox each Monday.
At kidwinks.com we are all about finding fun in Chicago for the family. We don't just stop at Chicago though, we also include the suburbs because we belive there is fun to be had for the family in all of the Chicagoland area. We have thousands of businesses listed and there are still thousands to add. So many business cater to families in Chicago and that is why you need a resource like kidwinks.com so that you can easily find that family fun, sort it by distance to your house, read others ratings to see if it really is fun for the whole family. We hope you enjoy.
For some ideas of fun activities to do with the kids in Chicago and the suburbs take a look at our guides:
Yearly Guides
Seasonal Guides
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Kidwinks visits Halloween Party at Navy Pier in Chicago
A couple of Fridays ago I took the kids to Chicago to enjoy the Halloween Party at Navy Pier. The Really Big Halloween Party features: animal rides and a petting zoo, a dance party with live brass bands at noon & DJ spinners after 4 p.m., street performers, Harry Houdini's death defying water chamber escape, and if you purchase the Big Party Pass you get tickets to seven attractions - a very good deal ($20 for adults and kids 5 and over, and $15 for ages 3-4).
Using the pass we were able to ride a camel. I never knew they were so soft and fuzzy.
We rode the carousel and played mini golf. The kids rode on the swing ride... something I just can not do any more.
There were performers dressed up who interacted with people walking along the pier. Here are my kids having a hissing contest with a cat.
We also saw the fire performers who are always amazing to watch. Keep in mind that most of attractions are outdoors so bring your coats. They also have costume contests on Saturdays for children, teens and adults with first, second and third prizes and there is Trick-or-Treating for children 12 and under in costume on select dates. ~ Nina
Family Workshop at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago
This past Sunday my two boys and I headed over to the Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago for one of their family workshops - Thanksgiving Platters. The space is in a large warehouse that has been converted into the art studio with many classrooms along with a store and restaurant (counter service) area. We checked in by the front desk which is in the store area and were given directions to our studio which we quickly forgot and got lost. Thankfully we are a smart family and the facility is not that big and we found our way without too much trouble. It did give us an opportunity to walk around and peek into the other studios. So inspiring! I wish that I could have spent the day in each area learning something new, creative, and artistic.
The workshop was set up for 11 people total, a nice size. However, in the end there were only 7 of us there, an even nicer size. We had two instructors covering the workshop and that was perfect for some real one-on-one guidance and assistance. I too was able to make my own platter which I quickly turned into bowl, with help of course. This was not the kind of workshop where I, the parent, was there to just help my kids. At the beginning of the class we were given some brief instruction which once again quickly forgot because I was anxious to get my hands dirty and get to work. Luckily, Matt knew that little was more and let us at it. The clay was already formed into large slabs resembling large platters so that the kids didn't have to waste time and energy getting the clay to a starting point. Once we figured out our shape we then started in on the decorating. First by carving pictures into the clay with various tools, my favorite was a wooden skewer. Then we set to work painting our creations.
Because the paint is so dull when it is applied it is hard to get an idea of what the end piece is going to look like. By all of the paint jars they did have a sample of what it looks like before and after the glazing and kilning process.
As you can see in the picture I had to try to be an over achiever with my intricate detail which ended up taking far longer than I had expected, than my children appreciated, and than the class time. Matt and Mary were supper nice and repeadly told me not to feel rushed and to take all of the time that I needed to get it done. I can not wait to see my, I should say, our platters. We should be receiving a post card in the mail letting us know when they are ready to be picked up.
Screams in the Park in Rosemont - A Chicago area Haunted House
Up until this time I have never gone into a haunted house. Okay, I have gone into the fun houses at carnivals and fairs but nothing that was supposed to be super scary. Before kids I was a big fan of horror movies and slasher movies. Name an older one and I have probably seen it. Even though I enjoy being scared I was never brave enough to venture into a haunted house. Then I realized that it is sort of my duty to check out new exhibits and venues in the Chicago area. Even though Screams in the Park is not geared toward the little ones there are plenty of families with older kids and plenty of moms and dads who enjoy a good fright. So, I felt a lot of responsibility and didn't want to let anyone down. Days before going I would lay awake in bed and fret over what my experience was going to be like. The day of I though off all kinds of ways to back out. I must say though, what made me so interested was the theme of this haunted house, H.H. Holmes. He was a mass murderer who was doing his hunting during the Columbian Exposition here in Chicago over a century ago. I read and loved the Devil in the White City and that is where I first learned about H.H. Holmes. I guess I should stop right here and say THIS IS NOT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. The recommended age is 13 an over. Waiting in line with my husband I was nervous but knew there was no turning back. Once we were admitted in I loved it! The rooms of H.H. Holmes boarding house were well thought out and creepy. I don't want to give too much away but... there were costumed "creatures" lurking around every corner keeping me on my toes. It was not over the top scary (no one chasing me with a real chainsaw... one of my big worries) but it was definitely scary enough, well done, and very entertaining. I think I might be hooked.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Kidwinks vistis Hallowed Haunts - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
My family and I love Halloween. I really enjoy classical music although I am not a aficionado. I use to go to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on Michigan Ave. in Chicago a couple of times a year but that was before kids. Now I go about once a decade. I loved Hallowed Haunts presented by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a concert specifically for kids. Go early because there are activity stations set up for the kids where they can do crafts and a haunted trail that they can walk through. All of it is geared for the younger set. The performance itself is only an hour which is the perfect amount of time for kids. All of the musicains too are dressed in costume. It is obvious that the orchestra is enjoying the relaxed playful atmosphere. Once the performance starts the music comes to life. The maestro and his terrified assistant must use the power of the baton to control the ghoulish orchestra of the undead and lead them in concert. It is a twist on the classic story The Sorcerer's Apprentice and is brought vividly to life in concert. Dress up in costume and take the kids to this concert at least once. ~ Nina
For more information follow this link - Hallowed Haunts - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
