🎉 Win Free Swag & a $50 Gift Card from Chicago Public Library! 🎉
Are you a library lover or know someone who is? Here’s your chance to score some exclusive CPL swag and a $50 gift card! 📚
How to Enter:
1️⃣ Share your favorite library memory in the comments and use #CPL4Life
2️⃣ Or head to Bit.lyCPL4Life and share your story there ... thats it!
💬 Here’s Jeffery’s favorite memory: "Some of my earliest memories come from visiting my local branch in Logan Square. I remember the thrill of receiving my library card and the instant joy of having unlimited access to all the books I wanted. To this day, I'm an avid library user, and I’m glad my children are following in my footsteps." – Jeffery
What’s your favorite memory? Share below and join the CPL community for your chance to win! 🌟
#ChicagoPublicLibrary #CPL4Life #LibraryLove #Contest
#CPL4Life Story Contest is here! Chicago Public Library is a place of discovery, inspiration and lifelong learning! We want to hear YOUR story! How has CPL made a difference in your life? Whether it’s finding a favorite book, learning a new skill, attending a memorable event or using our digital resources, we want to know!
How to enter:
1. Share your story, photo, or short video (up to 60 seconds) about how you use CPL.
2. Include the hashtag #CPL4Life in your post.
3. Tag @ChicagoPublicLibrary so we can see your amazing story!
4. Get creative—use images, videos or tell a mini-story!
Prizes:
- Every week, we’ll select a random winner to receive exclusive CPL swag!
- Grand Prize: A special CPL Swag Pack featuring CPL T-shirt, $50 local bookstore gift card and more.
Contest Dates:
- Start: October 28, 2024
- End: December 30, 2024
The Grand Prize Winner will be announced on January 1, 2025!
Don’t miss your chance to be featured and win fantastic prizes. Let’s celebrate the library that brings our community together!
Ready to share your story? Use #CPL4Life and let’s get started!
Share your CPL Story and win: https://www.chipublib.org/lifelonglearner/#anchor?utm_source=chicagoparent
Sponsored by: Chicago Public Library
🏕️🐸 Camp Bullfrog Lake is an awesome, close-to-home nature destination in Chicagoland. About 20 miles from downtown Chicago, this @fpdcc campground is a great place to hike, fish, kayak and enjoy the outdoors with littles.
Assistant editor @nikkityysplit recently visited and got some suggestions on things to do and see with kids from @outsidechicago. Here are a few takeaways:
⛺️ Pitch a tent, get cozy in an RV or rent a cabin for groups up of up to 10 people. Bring your child's favorite stuffed animals and blankets to make the tent feel like home!
🥾Hike the Palos Trail System. There is a short, paved path from the boat house on the edge of the lake, and a grass path that leads to the full trail system. For extra fun, bring glow sticks and flashlights and head out on a night hike!
🌊 Get out on the water by renting a kayak. Single and tandem options are available, and only campers can rent kayaks which ensures the lake won't get too crowded.
🐟 Bring your own fishing gear and catch bluegill, largemouth bass or even catfish!
🌟 Where to Find Weekend Fun With Chicagoland Kids August 16-18! 🌟
From the suburbs to downtown, we hope you have a great weekend at these events!
🚲 Street Love Ride at St. Agatha Catholic Church 🚲
🗓️ Aug. 17
📍 3147 W. Douglas Blvd., Chicago
💵 Free; registration required
Join a 9-mile slow ride through the West Side with bikes decked out in lights and glow-in-the-dark accessories, plus a community expo with music and snacks.
🎒 Back 2 School Fair at Association House 🎒
🗓️ Aug. 17
📍 1116 N. Kedzie Ave., Chicago
💵 Free
Get ready for school with free supplies, health screenings, games, a bubble show, and more!
🎨 Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival 🎨
🗓️ Aug. 16-18
📍 800 Church St., Evanston
💵 Free
Explore art from 150 juried artists, enjoy live music, food trucks, a kid’s art zone, and more!
🎥 Movies in the Parks at Holstein Park🎥
🗓️ Aug. 17
📍 2200 N. Oakley Ave., Chicago
💵 Free
Enjoy a family-friendly screening of “Wish” (PG) at dusk in the beautiful Holstein Park.
✏️ Back-to-School Bash at Chicago Ridge Mall ✏️
🗓️ Aug. 16
📍 444 Chicago Ridge Mall, Chicago Ridge
💵 Free
Celebrate back-to-school with custom lunch bags, photo ops, Dippin’ Dots, and giveaways.
🎸 Concerts on the Green at Breidert Green 🎸
🗓️ Aug. 18
📍 Kansas and White Streets, Downtown Frankfort
💵 Free
Relax with live music on Sunday evening—bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy genres like rock, jazz, swing, and country.
🍴 Taste of Glen Ellyn🍴
🗓️ Aug. 15-17
📍 Northwest corner of S. Lambert Road and College Road, Parking Lot #6, Glen Ellyn
💵 Free
Indulge in local food, live entertainment, and carnival rides at this community favorite.
Get out there and make the most of this summer weekend! 🎉✨
🎥 Video: Evanston Art Festival / courtesy @amdurproductions
June in Chicagoland with kids is pure joy! ✨ From the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck to free live music and more, here are a few ideas to plan your month with exciting events!
🏳️🌈 Queer Fam Pride Jam
🗓️ June 2
📍 Millennium Park, Chicago
Enjoy House dance lessons, sing-a-longs, DJ sets, and performances. RSVP for free tickets. 🎤
😋 Ribfest Chicago
🗓️ June 14-16
📍 Northcenter, Chicago
Feast on delicious ribs, enjoy live music, and let kids have fun at “Kids Square” with entertainment, inflatables, and games. 🍖
🎀 Hello Kitty Cafe Truck
🗓️ June 15 & June 22
📍 Oakbrook Center (June 15), Orland Square (June 22)
Pick up adorable Hello Kitty merch and yummy treats! 🍰
🎶 Old Town School of Folk Music Happy Hour
🗓️ June 11 & June 25
📍 Gallagher Way, Chicago
Enjoy summer concerts, free dance lessons, and interactive music experiences! 🎸
🎉 Summer Block Party at Navy Pier
🗓️ June 26
📍 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Throwback to the 90s with DJs, live bands, interactive murals, video games, and a firework show!
What’s on your June calendar? Tag us, we love to see it! 😍
🎥 Video courtesy @hellokittycafetruck
#chicagodads #Chicagomoms #chicagotoddlers #chicagoparent #chicagowithkids #chicagoland #chicagoevents #summerinchicago #hellokittycafetruck #hellokitty
Picnic days are finally here! 🙌 On the next sunny day, why not pack some sweet snacks for your family?
📷: @laurenjeziorski
#ShareChicagoParent #ChicagoMom #ChicagoParent #Chicago #ChicagoSuburbs #ChicagoDad #ChooseChicago #EnjoyIllinois
Get ready, Chicagoans! 🌆✨ A thrilling new attraction has landed in @navypierchicago.
Introducing @experienceflyover, the immersive flight ride that takes you on a breathtaking journey above the Windy City, without leaving the ground!
➡️ Dive into a unique experience with flight motion seats, a massive 65-foot screen, and sensory effects like mist and wind, bringing Chicago’s iconic landmarks to life right before your eyes.
➡️ Open now at Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave., Chicago. Tickets are $24/adults 14+, $14/kids ages 13 and under. Note: All guests must be at least 40″/102 cm tall in order to ride.
➡️ SPECIAL DEAL! Chicago Public School students can obtain individual $5 tickets by showing their school IDs from now through April 30, 2024.
➡️ And while you’re at Navy Pier, why not make a day of it? Ride the Centennial Wheel, explore @chicagochildrensmuseum and treat your taste buds at classic Chicago eateries.
📷: @katinabeniaris
#experienceflyover #thingstodoinchicago #thingstodoinchicagowithkids #ChooseChicago #ChicagoParent #ChicagoMom #ChicagoDad #EnjoyIllinois
Cozy vibes and delicious eats – embrace the hygge life without leaving the comfort of your home! ✨🍲
Dine by candlelight in your comfiest PJs with a steaming bowl of homemade beet chili. Here’s a simple recipe to bring warmth to your winter nights:
Ingredients
- 2 onions
- 7 small cloves of garlic
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- 1 serrano pepper
- 1 fresno pepper
- 1 habanero pepper (seeds out for less spice)
- 1 32-ounce can vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of cumin
- 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans
- 1 15-ounce can black beans
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans
Directions
1. Cut onions small and fry for 5 minutes until caramelized, adding salt to taste.
2. Add garlic and fry for another 2 minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
4. Add spices and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 1 hour.
5. Peel 3 beets, coat with olive oil, and roast in the oven for 30 minutes.
6. Add roasted beets to the pot.
7. Stir in tomato paste and let simmer for 30 minutes with the pot covered.
8. Add beans and simmer for an additional 30 minutes with the lid off.
Voila! Your cozy beet chili is ready to warm your soul. 🌟 🧡
📷: @laurenjeziorski
#HyggeLife #CozyEvenings #HomemadeChili #WinterComfort #ShareChicagoParent #ChicagoMom #ChicagoParent #Chicago #ChicagoSuburbs #ChicagoDad #ChooseChicago #EnjoyIllinois
Dive into the art of soap crafting for a easy and sweet holiday gift! 🧼🎁 From clove-infused magic to citrusy bursts, our homemade soap bars are a perfect blend.
🎥: @laurenjeziorski
#ShareChicagoParent #ChicagoMom #ChicagoParent #Chicago #ChicagoSuburbs #ChicagoDad #ChooseChicago #EnjoyIllinois
🔆Light up your holidays in Rosemont🔆
From ice skating and spectacular light displays, to visits with Santa 🎅 and shopping for gifts🎁at Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Rosemont has festive activities for the whole family👪 to enjoy. With endless dining and entertainment options, Rosemont is the ultimate destination to capture the magic of the season!
bit.ly/VillageofRosemont
✨ Step into the enchanting world of Disney without leaving Chicago! 🏰✨
🌟 @disney100exhibit is celebrating of 100 years of The Walt Disney Company.
🧸 Find 250+ rare Disney treasures and behind-the-scenes artifacts from beloved classic films to the latest Pixar, Star Wars, and MARVEL movies.
📸 Explore 10 whimsical galleries; 14 interactive installations; Disney character photo opportunities; and browse exclusive Chicago-themed Disney merchandise at the gift shop.
🎟️ Tickets are $25-35 per person. The exhibit is being held at @exhibitionhub_artcenterchicago in Logan Square, Chicago.
#DisneyMagic #ChicagoAdventures #Disney100Exhibition #ThingsToDoinChicago #DisneyFamily #DisneyAdult #LoganSquare
📹: @bynikkiroberts
Let’s go behind the scenes of Chicago Parent’s November/December 2023 magazine cover! 📸
#ShareChicagoParent #ChicagoMom #ChicagoParent #Chicago #ChicagoSuburbs #ChicagoDad #ChooseChicago #EnjoyIllinois
