That first year is a whirlwind—the days (and, more accurately, the nights) seem so long but the reality is that it’s over before you know it. If you’re lucky enough to live in Chicago, there are so many adventures to help mark the passage of time. And just because your baby won’t necessarily remember all these little field trips, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check them out—even if it’s just to get out of the house. Here are 35 things to do in Chicago before your little one turns one!
1. Get centered—and bond with your little one—at a baby and me yoga class at Tula Yoga in Logan square. They’re so kid friendly that “due to the unpredictability of a baby’s schedule, you may arrive up to 15 minutes late and still take class.” Om.
2. Cool off at Hollywood Beach where easy access sandbars make it a breeze to walk and wade with a swim-diapered baby.
3. Meet up with other moms and their little ones at Little Beans. Crawlers have tons of open space and there’s Intelligentsia coffee to keep you awake.
4. While an art exhibit may seem like overkill, the Art Institute’s family area—complete with blocks and books—is a must for budding artists.
5. Chicago is known for its vibrant music scene, so get your kids started early and enroll them in one of the many classes available around town. Our favorites include Bucktown Music, Merry Musicmakers, Harmonious Horizons, Musical Magic and Old Town School of Folk Music.
6. At the Chicago Children’s Museum, comfort is the name of the game. There are nursing chairs throughout the museum, a nursing room, plenty of changing tables, including private family bathrooms, and a bottle warmer. Babies can splash around at the WaterWays exhibit or cruise around in the crawl spaces in Kids Town. Kohl Children’s Museum is also perfect for babies, with interactive exhibits that help kids learn through play. Your baby will love the “All About Me” exhibit where they can hear “hello” in eight different languages and paint their faces. There are also Baby & Me group meetings at 9:30am every Monday were you can bring your infant and network with other parents about concerns, accomplishments and advice for the first year of parenting.
7. Meander through Maggie Daley Park—where grass, slides, and swings and splash pads are ever abundant.
8. The mother of all farmer’s markets, Green City Market, is the perfect place to spend a leisurely Saturday, stocking up on fresh foods, sampling local beer and wine, and picnic-ing in the park. Your baby will love the colorful flowers, scents and sounds and can crawl around in the expansive park.
9. What baby won’t be mesmerized by the fluttering butterflies at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Center? It always feels like summer in the 2,700-square-foot greenhouse complete with serene pools of water, flowers, tropical trees and 1,000 butterflies.
10. Set aside a morning to attend Women & Children’s First in Andersonville which offers a Wednesday morning story time (run by Miss Linda) that is a hit with all ages.
11. Multi-task by roaming the aisles of Target—Starbucks in hand—and stocking up on everything you need while your little one naps.
12. In winter months, sneak a taste of warmth at the Garfield Conservatory. A padded play area is perfect for infants and older kids can dig in the dirt, look at bugs and take in storytime.
13. The Museum of Science and Industry may seem a little over-the-top at this age, but within “The Idea Factory” there’s a special play area for kids under three. During winter months, the holiday display is a hit and it even “snows” inside.
14. Shedd Aquarium offers up close views of aquatic life that is perfect for babies—because what baby doesn’t love the belugas?
15. Escape the feel of the city by urban hiking at nature centers like North Park, Eden Place and Emily Oaks.
16. Down a pint—or two—at one of Chicago’s kid-friendly happy hours. Babies get fresh air and you get some adult time. We like Fizz Bar and Grill and The Waterfront Cafe.
17. Infants love watching the famous Puppet Bike in Andersonville, where stuffed critters sing, dance and beg for tips.
18. Take a baby class at Goldfish Swim School where the warm water is inviting and the class sizes aren’t overwhelming.
19. Pack a picnic and take in the free concerts at Millennium Park—or check out the Millennium Park Family Fun Fest.
20. The Chicago Botanic Gardens offer beautiful backdrops for family photos and also brightly colored flowers that your baby is sure to love.
21. Head out of the city for a trip to Wagner Farm. Even babies can’t resist the real-life moos and baas.
22. Get your baby’s haircut at Snippet’s! When you take your little one for their first cut, you get a video of the cut, a lock of hair in a keepsake box, a certificate and a keepsake shampoo.
23. Bundle up and head downtown for the Lincoln Park Zoo’s epic ZooLights spectacle during the holidays. The lights and music are stimulation at its finest.
24. Cool off your baby by walking him or her through the one of the many splash pads around Chicago.
25. Take a Stroller Strides class. Instructors weave songs and activities into the routine designed to entertain and engage baby while you get a work out.
26. Host a baby playdate with friends or sign up for an organized one through the Neighborhood Parents Network—a great resources for parents.
27. First boat ride? Hail a Water Taxi.
28. Venture to Skokie for their zero-depth outdoor pools; a great option for babies who can sit or crawl.
29. Try the Chicago Public Library storytimes—any or all of them.
30. Check out Play, a Logan Square toy store that offers story time twice a week, as well as amazing toys.
31. Get a cake smash portrait at TK Photography.
32. Grab a Bjorn and head to Wrigley Field! You can even pick up a “My 1st Cubs Game” certificate for you little one!
33. Happy Play Cafe—a 3,500 square-foot bird pet store and a rescue shelter center for rabbits—boasts a padded infant room that’s perfect for babes on the move.
34. Catch a baby-friendly production at one of our favorite Chicago theaters—companies like Emerald City Theatre and Chicago Children’s Theatre often have shows for the littlest theatergoers!
35. Head to the Bean where your baby will get lost in his or her reflection.
Photo credits: Flickr/rgmcfadden, Little Beans Cafe, TK Photography, Rene Ryan, Melissa Schwartz, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago Park District, Goldfish Swim School, Fotolia/Patryk Kosmider, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Water Taxi, TK Photography, Rene Ryan
