Favorite Non-Library Story Times for Chicago Kids

Lisa R said:  This large indoor play area hosted by the Skokie Parks district has everything you need to entertain little ones for a whole day, including a giant climbing structure, water table, large light bright wall, toddler/crawler friendly area, and pretend play section with a giant book wall. Drop by on Tuesdays of the month to catch story time in the giant book corner.

Tuesdays, 10:30 am

SkokieChabad said:  Preschoolers can enjoy and celebrate the upcoming High Holiday season! Mrs. Zeesy Posner (of Junior Gan Israel Day Camp and Skokie Chabad's preschool) has been a beloved educator for over 25 years. Young children love her inimitable and engaging style! Join her at Barnes and Noble for a fun and age-appropriate introduction to YomKippur, with story, songs, and activity geared for children (up till 5 years old).

Chrissy OGorman said:  Treat your child to an extra special trip to the Kohl Children’s Museum by taking them to story time! Stories are read by museum professionals and book selection rotates every month. After the story, be sure to stay for the many interactive exhibits offered at the museum, including a fabulous water play station, mini grocery store, and the always-popular baby nursery.

Wednesdays or Mondays, 3:30 pm

Chrissy OGorman said:  Head over to the Hundred Acre Wood stage in the children's area at the Deerfield Square Barnes & Noble for a fun story time! Story times are held every Friday and Saturday, with the Saturday story times often also featuring a special event or guest, and activities after the story. Check out their store locator to see the story time schedule for the B&N closest to you.

Select Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10:30 am

Erin P. said:  M & M Acres is a farm whose mission is provide second chances to animals through rescue and rehabilitation. They aspire to inspire compassion toward animals and educate the community. Bring your kiddos to the farm on Monday mornings to read a story, enjoy a snack and juice and say hello to the animals. They can even brush a pony, donkey, or cow.

Mondays & Wednesdays, May - October, 10 am - 11 am

Lisa R said:  Ongoing programs at the River Trail Nature Center teach kids about the native plants and animals found inside this urban oasis as well as the American Indians and fur traders that once frequented the area. Drop in to the exhibit building with your little one on select Wednesdays for nature themed stories, crafts and activities. Once story time is over, kids can visit with a few native animals housed in the center, climb around in recreations of an eagle's nest and fox den, or put on a puppet show in the Discovery Area.

Select Wednesdays, 10 am

Molly Weber said:  My daughter loves story time but not as much as she loves being outside. This event combines those two things, allowing children to soak up the beautiful summer weather while enjoying an entertaining story! This event is weather permitting.

Fridays at 11 am, June through October

Lisa R said:  If you're planning a visit to the DuPage Children's Museum, be sure to check the daily drop-in schedule, which has a story, music, or block building session almost every hour. Drop-in story time happens three times a day, and is the perfect way to take a little breather after checking out all of the museums other exciting offerings.

Monday - Thursday, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
Friday , 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm & 5:30 pm

Saturday, 9:30 am, 11:30 am, & 2:30 pm
Sunday, 2:30 pm

Erin P. said:  In this popular story time event at the Creek Bend Nature Center, librarians from the St. Charles Public Library will read books, share finger plays, engage in songs and more! Everyone can enjoy the interactive exhibits in the nature center after the program. Exhibits include a Prairie Ecology exhibit, a wetlands exhibit, and an exhibit about the state tree - the White Oak.

10:30-11 am on the select Wednesdays noted above