Drop-In Toddler Classes and Tot Time Open Play in Chicago

Lisa R said:  Mr. Dave's whimsical children's music and classes are a magical experience for both kids and parents. You can find him performing at his own Wicker Park studio and at events all around Chicago. You can listen to all of his music online to get in the mood before you go.

Shila said:  A great way for parents and their children to get in the water together! Teach your child to have a life long love swimming by playing with them at Adventure Island, a local indoor water playground which includes a shallow depth area, slides & spray features. Tot time open swim is available for a few hours in the morning and evening on Thursdays and Fridays.

Thursdays & Fridays

Lisa R said:  Little Tykes Time at Flying High Gym is the perfect solution if your child has some extra energy to burn! For 90 minutes, kids kindergarten and under are invited to explore a variety of age appropriate gymnastics equipment, play areas, and toys without interference from older children.

Weekdays, 10-11:30 am

Lisa R said:  This 45 minute interactive class encourages children old to interact with each other and move their bodies any way they can. Classes are offered in a warm, community-oriented environment. Advance registration required.

Wednesdays, 9-9:45am & 10-10:45 am

Shila said:  This open playgroup at one of Chicago's best museums for kids is exclusively for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers (and their caregivers). Four 45-minute sessions are offered each day.

Open Thurs-Sun

Lisa R said:  Dawn Marie is a singer-songwriter who loves entertaining children. She performs every Wednesday at Madison Street Books, and at various other locations throughout Chicago on a regular basis, so it is a great way to explore the city with your little one! Check out her Facebook page for up-to-date concert information.

Wednesdays at 10am

Lisa R said:  At Crabtree Nature Center, several miles of self guided family-friendly walking trails span out from a well appointed visitor center that is filled with things for kids to touch and explore. Nature Story Time offers littles ones and their caregivers a seasonal story outside followed by a short hike or activity.

Select Wednesdays, 10 am

Molly Weber said:  Children love expressing themselves through music and this is a perfect opportunity to foster that desire. It is a great way for them to get moving and communicate with their bodies while enjoying the kid friendly songs and get in some awesome socialization with other children. The drop in event lasts 20 minutes so there will be plenty of time to explore the rest of the museum before or after.

Daily (closed Mondays), time varies by day

Lisa R said:  Gather in this fun park with landscaped flower walks, playground, and splash pad for kid friendly entertainment in an entertaining setting! Each week features a different children's artist, sponsored by the Hoffman Estates Arts Commission and the Village of Hoffman Estates. Bring a picnic lunch and plan to stay awhile.

Select Summer Fridays, 10 am

Alexandra F. said:  This free children's concert series will bring in a variety of performers to delight families with young kids, so stroll down to the Mural Corner in the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion at Navy Pier every Tuesday in March and April to enjoy a diverse musical experience!

Tuesdays, 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm

Alexandra F. said:  This free new program for preschoolers will happen at a different park each Tuesday over the summer, and include fun activities such as art, science, read alouds, music and movement, and more! Materials will be provided.

3:30-4:30pm

Upparent said:  Old Town School of Folk Music's celebrated early childhood music program is free and open to the public every Friday morning over the summer! There will be two back-to-back 45-minute performances at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier, so bring your little ones and get ready to wiggle!

10am & 11am

Kathleen Howlett said:  Irish Community Services offers a free playgroup at the Irish American Heritage Center. Its every Tuesday from 10:00am-11:30am and is open to everyone, no RSVP needed.

Tuesdays 10-11:30am