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Posts Tagged ‘Kids Chicago’
“Let’s Celebrate” Disney on Ice at Allstate Arena
Posted on February 5th, 2010 by Rebecca Taras
Want to find out whether your little ones still believe in magic, from the Easter Bunny to the Tooth Fairy to…Mickey Mouse and a cast of characters pulled from the entire Disney filmverse?
A visit to witness the ice-borne escapades of “Let’s Celebrate,” showing currently at Allstate Arena (through this Sunday, Feb. 7), will supply the answer. Our young test subjects sat spellbound, mouths agape, AND clapped for 45 minutes straight at one point.
One extra-romantic part of the performance cycled through just about every Disney couple that’s ever swooned in love on the screen doing some serious swooning on ice skates, as well.
The nice thing about this show is its comprehensive nature: if you and yours have a favorite character, odds are you’ll see them hit the ice. Another fringe benefit is that you can save $4 per ticket just by using the code, FUNFAM, when ordering seats through Ticketmaster (excepting Feb. 7, 3 p.m., performance).
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Disney, Family Friendly, Kids Chicago
Chicago Shops: Kids’ Shopping and Events
Posted on December 8th, 2009 by Adam Marks
We’ve been talking about holiday shopping deals and events around town for the past couple of weeks, focusing in on home decor and fashion-related finds, but this week we’re focusing on a group that counts on the holidays the most: kids! In honor of the little ones, here’s a roundup that’s sure to be fun for kids (and kids at heart!).
1. HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT THE 900 SHOPS
The latest in a line of Holiday Happenings going on at The 900 Shops, this week’s selection of Kids’ Stores are bringing you promotions and events perfect for holiday shopping.
Enjoy game demonstrations and the chance to win free games at Galt Toys + Galt Baby (left), then stop by Frankie’s Italian for a bite to eat, where kids will receive a complimentary mini-deep dish chocolate chip cookie topped with gelato.
Also be sure to stop by Glove Me Tender, Oilily, and Preggers, where you’ll receive a special gift with your purchase (more details here). While you’re at The 900 Shops, don’t forget to visit Santa on the 3rd floor; each child who visits with Santa receives a special gift!
2. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT MACY’S ON STATE STREET
Grab the kids and head over to Macy’s on State Street for an exclusive breakfast with the bearded man himself! There will also be face painting and balloon artistry to enjoy in-between bites of your scrumptious plated breakfast.
Don’t forget to pop up to Santaland on the 5th floor, a Macy’s tradition on State Street since 1948.
3. AMERICAN GIRL PACKAGE AT RITZ-CARLTON CHICAGO
For little girls who are dreaming of an American Girl Christmas, The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, a Four Seasons Hotel, has put together The American Girl Package, an old-fashioned, fun-filled sleepover for girls and their families! The Ritz-Carlton even provides a bed for your American Girl, complete with turn-down service, cookies, and milk.
The package includes complimentary gifts and a welcome photo of girls and dolls in front of the beautifully decorated Ritz-Carlton Christmas tree, the chance for kids to learn from The Ritz-Carlton’s talented pastry chefs in the kitchen, and complimentary in-room dining for guests 5 and under.
Rates begin at $350 per night. For reservations or additional information, go online or call (312) 266-1000.
For more information on holiday shopping and kid-friendly goings-on in Chicago, follow @CP_Chicago and @The900Shops on Twitter!
Tags: Holiday Events Chicago, Kids Chicago, Macy's on State Street, Santa Claus, The 900 Shops
Guide to Rides at Navy Pier Winter WonderFest
Posted on December 7th, 2009 by Cecilia Ehlenbach
With 170,000 square feet of holiday diversions at Navy Pier Winter WonderFest and a group that can’t agree, where do you head first? One wants that fast-paced, action-packed ride that your little one winces at, and the other is eyeing that cookie-decorating booth eagerly.
Well, it was a hard job, but we toured the 2009 Winter WonderFest and asked some of its most discerning guests what they thought of the rides, and we’ve put together some of the highlights for each age group, helping you keep everyone happy and out of Jolly Jail.
FIRST STEPS (YOUNGER CHILDREN)
For our smallest visitors, Navy Pier has a selection of rides that are sure to pique some interest. Your first stop for little ones is Patch’s Lighthouse, which hoists them 16 feet in the air (to the top of the lighthouse) and gently bounces them back down again.
Another great option for nervous kids (or nervous parents) is the Ice Dragons Kiddie Ride (right), where kids can fly the friendly, dragon-filled skies with you by their side.
We surveyed several attendees, and all agreed that the Snowball Blitz (located in Winter WonderFest Jr.) was a blast: the netted area is filled with soft, foam balls perfect for an indoor snowball fight that won’t leave you shivering.
MORE ADVENTUROUS (OLDER CHILDREN)
Despite there being no specific age restrictions, the height requirements (and palpable apprehension) for the more daring rides at Navy Pier Winter WonderFest make them less popular with the younger crowd.
Hordes of fearless kids wait in line to tackle the Extreme Ice Trail Ropes Course (video), a set of beams, ropes, and platforms you must maneuver while suspended 27.5 feet above the ground.
A safety harness and helpful guide make the course completely safe, but that didn’t stop future daredevils from lining up to take their turn.
By far the most sought-after attraction at Navy Pier Winter WonderFest is the Winter Wind Glider (right), the chance for kids to get that exhilarating, wind-in-your-hair experience without stepping foot outside.
INDOOR WINTER WONDERS (ALL AGES)
One of the newest additions to Navy Pier Winter WonderFest is the Slippery SnowFlake Hill, a two-story high hillside perfect for all ages, no bundling required.
Another excellent option for a wintry activity indoors is the Chicago Blackhawks Ice Skating Rink: located at one end of the Winter WonderFest, the skating rink is dimly lit with the twinkling lights of a large disco ball overhead (right).
Two other options for mixed age groups (or little ones who’d like you to accompany) are the Reindeer Express through the WonderFest village and the classic Kringle Carousel.
For more on Navy Pier Winter WonderFest, going on through Jan. 3, follow @CP_Chicago and @NavyPier.
Tags: Chicago Entertainment & Attractions, Kids Chicago, Navy Pier, Winter WonderFest
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