Storytimes and Other Indoor Activites in Roscoe Village/Lincoln Square

Head to the Garfield Park Conservatory - they have a great Children's Garden (interactive, fun and learning, kids can run around).

The Sulzer library says they have story time the first Saturday of the month. Not sure when it starts - like 10 or 10:30 am. We came for part of it and it was very interactive - lots of fun. Oh, and also free!

Another idea: Welles park pool has 'Tot Swim' for babies/kids and parents from 9:00 am to 10:15. Also free & no reservations required!

I am going to be opening a children's boutique in Lincoln Square in April (www.littlegreenbabychicago.com) and will be hosting a playgroup and story time. If you want to send me your email address I'll get you on our mailing list for updates. The location of the store will be 4654 N. Rockwell and grand opening celebrations are scheduled for April 22nd. I may open before that if I get everything set up early. Thanks!

K.

I know The Book Cellar has storytimes on Fridays, but I'm not sure what time. Give them a call or check their website. Also, My Corner Playroom and Fantasy Kingdom are great indoor playrooms. Personally, I think MCP is better for younger toddlers and FK is better when they get a bit older, but check them out and see what your child likes.

Fundamentals Playroom at Luther Memorial Church has Sat. morning playgroup hours 9:30-11. It is located on Wilson one block west of Western. It is perfect for the age your son is right now. It is run by a wonderful woman named Misti. My girls (now 4) and I used to go there all the time. They also have Wed and Fri morning playgroup as well. I think it is 8$ and you can buy packages as well. Sulzer library has storytimes (ask Librarian for specifics) and they also have Passports that allow you to get into most local museums for free!! The best for kids are the nature museum, Field Museum (new playlab) and Chicago Children's Museum. It always bummed me out that Fantasy Kingdom was never open on the weekends but there is a new playroom called Room2play that is open on weekend mornings. It is located near McCormick Place but has free parking. It is worth the trip!! You should try to pick up Chicago Parents magazine (if you don't already), it has tons of great ideas. I pick mine up at Bloom Yoga on Rockwell and Leland. Hope this helps! I know your pain!!

Be By Baby on Paulina/Lincoln/Roscoe has storytime as well.

Smarty Party (Belmont & Wolcott) has Storytime and BYO lunch every Friday. Check out their website. Also, check your local school(Jahn) and library for storytime hours.

Hi L.,
We have the same problem in Edgewater. I am finding a huge lack of indoor type things to do close to our neighborhood and available to a working mom's hours. However we have discovered the Peggy Notebart Nature museum. It is wonderful. They have all kinds of fun things to do, an indoor slide, butterfly pavillion and their latest exhibit on music in nature is really cool. My daughter is just shy of 21 months, but she has been loving it since December. There is a fee, $8 for you or any other adults, but if you buy a membership for $60 it gets you in the whole year for free - I think this membership will get 4 adults in. There is the added hassle of parking, but there is a pay lot across the street at the zoo. Hope that helps...
S.

I believe the public library at Paulina just north of Belmont has weekend storytimes. Otherwise, you're right, most places are dedicated to weekday classes (like Musical Magic on Roscoe a few blocks east of Western). There is a fantastic park on Belmont & Damon for when the weather gets a little warmer, though. Hang in there!

Hello L.,
Below are some of the fun things in your area for indoor play/storytime.
check out www.pumpitupparty for indoor fun!
There's also a free story time on friday's I believe at the book cellar in lincoln square- their site didn't list a time, but you can call ###-###-#### to find out when.
There's a free drop in story time saturdays I believe at the sulzer library. 10:30 I think. ###-###-####
There's 'Book Bugs' on Tuesdays at 11:00 at Saint Luke's Church- 1500 W. Belmont (belmont/lincoln). Its a free 90 minute community playgroup/storytime where children ages 0-3 can read, sing and play, and parents can mingle, exchange experiences and make new friends. For the first 30 minutes of each week, a new theme will be introduced through books and songs. For the remaining 60 minutes, kids will be allowed to play and socialize freely together.
Also, you might call your local public school. They usually have something-a tot time of sorts- with storytime/playtime. I know I used to take Ben to Queen of Angels- 4530 N.Western ###-###-#### they open they're pre-school room on Wednesday's for a playgroup I think from 9:30-11? I hope that helps! It'll be spring soon!
Blessings,
J.

Just wanted to say thanks for posting this!! I copied down some of the answers, this is something I've been wondering about too. Who doesn't need more ideas?!?

We go to Gymboree (which costs $ by the month) and have weekend classes.

I also like the Barnes & Noble storytimes, though I am not sure if they do weekends.

A new place is opening up downtown if you're ever in the mood to travel - it's called Day Frog and will be located at 233 East Erie, right across from Northwestern Hospital. I met the owner and it looks like they're going to have a lot of cool activities available as a drop-in playroom along the lines of My Corner Playroom, but with more art supplies and larger space. I am not sure when they are opening though - I'd do a quick search before driving down. I figured I'd check them out after our next doctor's appointment, we're down in that area once or twice a month.

Good luck and thanks again, I can't wait for warm weather!!

Hi, the Sulzer library has some storytimes but you need to preregister. Also, Women and Children First bookstore has a free storytime on Wednesdays.

Fantasy Kingdom is a Child’s Birthday Party & parent-supervised indoor play center for ages 6 and under. Drop in anytime during our business hr’s & enjoy our space for children & adults alike! Costumes at each play area allow children to really become the little princesses, firemen or even dragons. The philosophy behind FK’s success is learning through play. By keeping the focus away from structured classes, kids are allowed to create their own fun. Kids can let their imaginations run wild!

Fantasy Kingdom
1422 N. Kingsbury St.
Chicago, IL 60642
312/642-5437
fantasykingdom.org