Category: The Best Kind of Fun is Free

101 Things to do with your Chicago Kid

  I am reposting this entry from March 1, 2010 because I came across it in my archives and it really is a pretty darn good list if I do say so myself. I’ve got to really focus if I want to get to all of these things before my kids head off to college.... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
November 22, 2013 at 10:09 am • 

Free city fun for new moms and their babes

Free city fun for new moms and their babes
This morning I was part of a Bump Club and Beyond panel of "city moms" talking to a packed room of new mamas and their little ones about bringing up baby in Chicago. I was in good company, joining Kelly Aiglon and Lindsay Gladstone of Daily Candy Kids, Samantha Lande from Eater Chicago, Cindy McCarthy of On the Go Chicago, Rebecca Little of Pinwheel and my bestie and business partner Sara Fisher of Self-Made Mom fame.  We talked about everything from family-friendly restaurants to navigating the CTA with a stroller and the best places to buy high-end kid's resale. I spoke a little bit about finding activities that meet my two pieces of criteria. First, I love a free, quality activity when I can find it (if you read Wee Windy City, you already know this about me). In addition, I also love an outing where both mommy and the kids get something out of it. With those two things in mind, I recommended the following urban activities and destinations...
By Caitlin Giles,
July 22, 2012 at 2:28 pm • 

Fun, free, family-friendly events coming up at The Red Balloon Co.

Fun, free, family-friendly events coming up at The Red Balloon Co.
The Red Balloon Co. on Damen is one of my go-to spots for gifts and kid’s clothes (I love the initial tees and give them as new baby presents all of the time). This store is what an independent children’s boutique should be. And I am loving their more spacious digs at 1940 N. Damen.... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
June 30, 2012 at 10:32 pm • 
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Free seed planting workshop for kids at Matty K's Hardware Store

Free seed planting workshop for kids at Matty K's Hardware Store
Generally, I try not to bring my kids with me on trips to the hardware store because they touch everything and meander (they are kids after all).  Usually, this is not an efficient use of any one's time. However, I heard about a really creative event at a new hardware store that is geared towards kids (yes, they want you to bring your kids into their store!). I had to tell you about it...
By Caitlin Giles,
March 1, 2012 at 9:49 pm • 

Meet the Babysitters of K. Grace Childcare at a free family event

K. Grace Childcare invites you to join them for a FREE, fun-filled family event! On Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m., bring your little ones to Bubbles Academy for a “family play date.” Enjoy crafts, creative activities, yummy snacks and entertainment while you meet and mingle with some of K. Grace’s amazing... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
March 15, 2011 at 5:13 pm • 

Brunch with the Bump Club (plus my tips on the best family freebies in Chicago)

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending my morning with some expectant and new mamas at the monthly Bump Club and Beyond Brunch at Vinci. I was part of a panel of Chicago mommy bloggers including Cindy McCarthy of On the Go Chicago, Linda Marsicano of Babble Chicago and my buddy and business partner Sara... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
February 13, 2011 at 8:45 pm • 
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New CBS Local Post: Best Free Story Times in Chicago

Are you experiencing some really long days cooped up indoors with the kiddos? Uh yeah, me too. What you need is more FREE things to do — easy, last-minute activities that your kiddos will love. I wrote a post for the Best of Family section of the new CBS local website with some recommendations for... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
January 20, 2011 at 9:31 pm • 

Summer Links

Are you having a good summer so far? Me too. We’ve been doing all sorts of fun activities around town — and then I’ve been busy blogging about it all. I am writing another blog for the months of June and July called School’s Out!. I’ve been posting about family-friendly activities in and around Chicago... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
June 21, 2010 at 11:18 am • 

The Summer Scheduling Series

Mamas and papas, it is time to get your calendars out and put the ol’ creative thinking caps on. In just a few short weeks (or less), school is going to be over for the year and your children are going to be looking at you to keep them busy during the months of June,... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
May 12, 2010 at 2:41 pm • 
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The Wee Weekender (May 14th-16th)

A Family Workshop at the Lurie Garden in Millennium Park. Looking for something fun do to? How about a hands-on gardening workshop, yoga for toddlers, making creative critters out of rocks, or a storytelling event for the whole family?Lurie Garden Family Workshop: Plant Power. Families with kids over age 6 can spend an afternoon in... Read more »
By Caitlin Giles,
May 11, 2010 at 12:23 pm •