Visit Local Parks: Enjoy a stroll or have a picnic in a nearby park. Many parks also have playgrounds & splash pads suitable for babies.
Story Time at the Library: Check out your local library, or visit a new one, for free storytime sessions designed for babies and toddlers. Don't forget to get your library card if you don't already have one! The Chicago Public Library offers more than just books for all ages!
Play Dates with Friends: Organize play dates with other parents and their babies for a fun and social outing.
Visit Lincoln Park Zoo/Farm in the Zoo: Babies often enjoy looking at the animals and with our free zoo there is no stress if you can't stay long enough to "see it all".
Explore Nature Trails: Take a walk on nature trails or in botanical gardens to enjoy the outdoors. We LOVED taking the train to the Chicago Botanical Garden, especially when the trains are running.
DIY Play: Create opportunities for play using everyday items in a new way! Wooden spoons and a pot for musical play, or pulling textured scarves, mittens, (really any fabric!) from a shoebox are two of my favorite go-tos. You can even make some safe sensory play by placing smaller, or messier, items inside sealed bags or containers for little ones to safely squish, pat or shake!
Attend Community Events: Look on the Macaroni KID Chicago calendar for free community events like fairs, festivals, or family-friendly concerts.
Visit a Farmer's Market: Explore on of the city's local farmer's markets and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells. Not only are they entertaining, but a great source of local produce & goods and an opportunity to visit a new neighborhood.
Music and Movement: Put on some music and dance or sing with your baby at home.
Visit a Museum: Chicago is home to amazing museums and if you visit on one of their Illinois Resident days then basic admission is FREE! With newborns it's a great time to visit YOUR favorite spots, but as they get older all of the museums offer great sights and play areas for younger kids.
Ride the Rails: If the idea of a road trip with an infant sounds intimidating then let one of the main train options help you explore beyond your usual area! "L", the Metra, and Amtrak offer multiple routes to get you to some great locations around and outside of Chicago!
Go to the Beach: The city is lined with great beaches and we discovered that baby can have fun there too! Check out these tips for a great beach day with baby.
These activities can be enjoyable for both you and your baby and can help build community while creating lasting memories.
