Few things make parents happier than finding free entertainment, especially when it involves water play on a hot summer day. Gather your pennies — so, um, we guess it’s not totally free — because we rounded up water fountains worthy of your wishes. Some you can actually play in! From the world-famous and massive to the tiny and refreshing, these fountains in Chicago will put a smile on your face and a click in your camera.

Crown Fountain

You'll find it hard to find a spot to throw your wishful pennies, but Crown Fountain at Millennium Park should top your bucket list of must-see Chicago fountains. Completed by Spanish Artist Jaume Plensa in 2004, this fountain is unique because of its use of modern mixed media (light, LED display and water). Pack a swim diaper and change of clothes because the fountain's two 50-foot glass-brick towers joined by a 232-foot long granite pool invite visitors to ditch their shoes and take a respite from the summer sun. The faces appearing on the towers were taken from a cross-section of 1,000 Chicago residents and are modern interpretations of traditional gargoyles in fountains from which water, a symbol of life, flows from an open mouth. The fountain is open daily mid-spring to mid-fall.

201 E. Randolph St., Millennium Park; Online: cityofchicago.org

Eli Bates Fountain

You might know it as the “Storks at Play” fountain. Officially, the fountain is named for its donor after he bequeathed money making its 1881 installation possible. Tiny visitors will enjoy the whimsical bronze birds spewing water from their beaks and will be in awe of the half-boy, half-fish creatures holding large fish that appear to come alive, splashing in the water. Tall bronze reeds and cattails protrude from the center of this stunning fountain that serves as the centerpiece for the formal garden just south of the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

East of N. Stockton Dr. & South of Lincoln Park Conservatory, Lincoln Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Buckingham Fountain

A list isn't complete without mentioning this Grant Park gem, arguably the most well-known fountain around. Open to the public in 1927, architect Edward H. Bennett designed it to be a focal point for Grant Park without obstructing views of Lake Michigan, in which it was designed to symbolize. The enormity of the lake is embodied by the 15,000 gallons of water re-circulated every minute and the water displays that shoot as high as 150 feet from the ground—something that’s guaranteed to impress the kids! The four states that border Lake Michigan are represented in the four sets of Art Deco-style sea horses in the massive lower basin. The fountain runs from 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily from May to mid-Oct. and a 20-minute water show begins every hour on the hour.

Columbus Drive  & Congress Parkway, Grant Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Triton Fountain

Make this a must-see on your next trip to The Art Institute. You'll have to pay general admission to enter the museum to see it — however, children under 14 enter free and Illinois residents get free admission every Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m. A calming sight, it was designed by famed Swedish sculptor Carl Milles and was dedicated in 1931. It's the centerpiece of the 11,000-square-foot McKinklock Memorial Park, located off the museum cafe and flanked by beautiful Dutch Elm trees. The park is open for dining in the summer and offers plenty of space to stretch little legs.

Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; Online: artic.edu

Fountain of Time

Simply known as "Time", artist Lorado Taft's creation is thought of as the most monumental piece of art in Chicago's Public Art Program and was the first to be completed using concrete. It was created in 1920 as a monument to the first 100 years of peace between the U.S. and Great Britain. Across a reflecting pool, Father Time looks over 100 figures representing birth, the struggle for existence, love, family life, religion, poetry and war. If you want to leave the deep, philosophical discussion aside, just take in its beauty, toss some pennies and snap a few pics. The sheer mass and intricacy of the 110-foot-long sculpture will make this visit to Washington Park a treat.

Cottage Grove Ave. & 59th St., Hyde Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Children's Fountain

This bubbling beauty is photo opp gold. It was dedicated in 1982 by Chicago’s first female mayor, Jayne Byrne. Moved from its original location on Upper Wacker Dr., you'll now find it just south of the Chicago History Museum. Turn a trip there into a game of I Spy. Can you spot the frolicking children, musical instruments and arching cranes? Adults will simply appreciate its artfulness. It stands four tiers tall and has a scallop-shaped granite basin as the base. Shapely stairs lead to the fountain where you’ll find a plaque dedicating the fountain to all Chicago children who take from our past to better our future.

North of W. North Ave. & East of N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: chicagoparkdistrict.com

Trio of Sculptural Drinking Fountains

We’ve shown you where to toss your wish-carrying pennies and dip your toes, but how about where to wet your whistle? Lincoln Park Zoo has a trio of sculptural drinking fountains that put the old-school drinking fountains to shame. Just west of the Kovler Lion House, you’ll find “Lion Fountain” which depicts a lion pride — an adult male, adult female and three small cubs mounted on a bronze podium where they appear to be sharing a drink with their human friends. North of the Regenstein African Journey near Conservatory Gate is the home to “Elephant Fountain".  A bronze mama and baby elephant wait patiently for visitors to supply them with a cool drink. Lastly “For the Young at Heart” at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo features a rabbit, dear, raccoon and nut-carrying squirrel frolicking near its three spouts. 

Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park; Online: lpzoo.org

Rose Petal Fountain

Three acres at the Chicago Botanic Garden are dedicated to more than 150 varieties of roses, almost 5,000 roses altogether! The shades of these blooms get lighter as visitors near the focal point of the rose garden, the Rose Petal Fountain, a cast-concrete bubbler in the shape of a Tudor rose. Streams of water in varying shapes and heights shoot from its center. Neighboring the fountain, kids can rest their legs and find shade amongst the fragrant climbing roses on the Cedar Arbor.

Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe; Online: chicagobotanic.org

— Maria Chambers

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With a return to normal slowly becoming a reality, American’s shopping patterns are telling a unique story. It’s no secret that over the past year, everyone’s shopping habits changed drastically, but the biggest indicator that we are turning a corner comes from one place: pudding.

Instacart’s Pudding Pack Index is “an index for normalcy through the lens of groceries.” Apparently, typical lunchbox items that include pudding, fruit snacks and granola bars and how often they are being purchased serves as an indicator of just how “normal” things are. Keep reading to see how.

Instacart has broken the pandemic down into categories and compares how the sales of certain items coincided with normalcy.
  • April 2020: Sales for items in the index dropped 48% lower than pre-pandemic base levels.
  • Jun. 2020-Feb. 2021: Sales climbed to 20% below the pre-pandemic baseline
  • Mar.-Apr. 2021: The index climbed to the highest rate since the start of the pandemic.
  • May 2021: Index is just over 9% below the “normal” pre-pandemic rate.

The Pudding Pack Index serves as a barometer a return of normal, and we well on our way. “Parent or not — you should pay attention to the Pudding Pack Index,” says Laurentia Romaniuk, Instacart’s Trends Expert and Senior Product Manager. “When parents are adding pudding packs to their cart, it means they’re also starting to head back to the office, drop their kids off at school, and take vacations. Parents represent a cross-section of American culture on every level and when life is normal for parents, it’s normal for almost everyone else, too.”

Pudding, anyone?

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: ToscaWhi via iStock

 

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Historically, Juneteenth is the day that the final enslaved people in Texas were freed, years after the Emancipation Proclamation passed. In addition to Juneteenth’s historical origins, this day is not just about education, but also for celebrating Black culture. Here are a few events happening around the globe, including many you can participate in from home or while social distancing. 

family around laptop

Whether you’re eager to take advantage of the country’s re-opening or still quarantining at home, these destinations have ample experiences to indulge in a little commemoration. We’ve rounded up a few events below:

Tour the National Museum of Bermuda’s Hall of History

Thurs., Jun 18

If you’re interested in looking through an international lens at connections that bind black people across the African diaspora, Bermuda is an excellent place to start. From its colonization by the British to modern day, a similar story of Black experience that parallels the American story unfolded on the remote island. The National Museum of Bermuda is home to a Hall of History which vividly depicts the entire history of Bermuda across a 1000-foot mural that is now available to view online via a 360 degree virtual tour.

Juneteenth Rock Hill

Fri., Jun. 19
7 p.m. ET

For more than 15 years, Rock Hill, SC has been commemorating Juneteenth with a festival highlighting the best local talent the state has to offer. Rather than let COVID-19 ruin the festivities, they’ve taken the event online with a great line-up of poetry, dance and more including their Poet Laureate Angelo Jeter.

 

Juneteenth Art Bazzar 

Fri., Jun. 19

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET

Baltimore’s Dovecote Café is  a cultural hub in the predominantly Black neighborhood, Reservoir Hill. The Black-owned business centers its community in everything from black art to music to a variety of events including their beloved Juneteenth Festival. Due to COVID-19 the café has been temporarily closed so Aisha and Cole decided to take one aspect of the festival, the Art Bazaar, virtual! On June 20th, they’ll be featuring art from black artists on their Instagram page for viewers to purchase. They’ll also be releasing a “freedom” playlist featuring a variety of black artists, and their favorite cookout recipes perfect for any Juneteenth celebration.

 

Juneteenth With the Story Pirates

Fri., Jun. 19, 2020

4 p.m. PT

Celebrate with the Story Pirates with a very special Juneteenth edition of the Story Creation Zone, the live virtual improv show, featuring the first-ever all-Black company member show, moderated by veteran Story Pirate Khalia! The Story Creation Zone is interactive, which means kid viewers can suggest ideas and then see them brought to life on the spot by the Story Pirates in a hilarious, musical show.

 

Friday Nights at OMCA: Juneteenth Program

Fri., Jun. 19, 2020

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT

In commemoration of Juneteenth 2020, OMCA will bring together a cross section of Oakland artists, educators, and activists to honor efforts made in the ongoing struggle for the liberation of Black people everywhere. Featuring: DJ Nina Sol, Amir Abdul-Shakur, Johwell St-Cilien, Fresh “Lev” White, Samara Atkins, Shane Evans, and Kev Choice.

The event will air on OMCA’s YouTube channel.

 

Juneteenth: a Celebration of Resilience

 Fri., Jun. 19, 2020

Juneteenth is a time to celebrate, to gather as a family, to reflect on the past and look to the future. We invite you to engage in your history, learn where you came from, and discover (or share) ways to celebrate this holiday. On this day we are bringing the African American History and Culture Museum to you through presentations, stories, photographs, and recipes from the Sweet Home Café. 

 

Juneteenth and Barbecue Virtual Tour

Sat., Jun. 20, 2020

7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. ET

For only $10 per screen, learn about the history of Juneteenth, Emancipation Day, and stories of what Atlanta and other important African American communities were like post-Emancipation in our LIVE Juneteenth Virtual Tour. This is an approachable and engaging way to learn about some of America’s most forgotten history, including why barbecue is and always has been a celebration food. Tours are appropriate for children age 10+.

Our optional ATL Treat Box is a bit larger than usual because we are featuring two amazing treats from local African-American entrepreneurs. For $19.99, you’ll get the original AubSauce (a line of small batch, artisanal barbecue sauce), two Miss D’s Pralines, a strawberry lemonade recipe, ideas for different ways to use your barbecue sauce, a crossword activity to be completed during the virtual tour, and a watercolor postcard of the King Memorial. And, as always, all of our ATL Treat Boxes include free shipping in the continental United States.

 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

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Considering all of the restaurants popping up in and around Chicago this summer, ice cream isn’t the only thing your kids will be screaming for. While we have a new retro soda fountain shop to go wild for, there’s also barbecue, kid-friendly salads, teriyaki … and more barbecue. Your next family dinner date starts now.

photo: Piggyback Tavern

Piggyback Tavern
Summer is the season for barbecue. Which would explain all the new ‘cue spots popping up around here. Forest Park’s much-loved Piggyback Tavern is one, and it’s expanding to the Loop. The new Piggyback is a fast-casual riff of the original, showcasing the slow-cooked, hardwood-smoked meats it’s known for in a comfortable, quick-service environment. Kids and adults alike can go wild customizing their barbecue dishes for lunch. Options include pulled pork and brisket in the form of sandwich, bowl, plate or salad, bedecked with optional sauces like Zesty, Mustard or Smokey Sweet. For sides, there’s jalapeño cheddar cornbread, mac ’n’ cheese and collard greens. Another nice touch here is the barnyard motif, bringing a welcome taste of the countryside to the heart of the city via wood tables, barn wood walls, vintage lighting and pig-inspired artwork. Get ready to pig out!

176 N. Wells St.
The Loop
Online: piggybacktavern.com

Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill
Piggyback isn’t the only meat Mecca in expansion mode these days. Orlando-based Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill made its Chicagoland debut in Mount Prospect’s Randhurst Village, marking the company’s 66th location in the country. The new location showcases the hand-rubbed, house-smoked dishes the company has built an empire out of, so you can rest assured it will be delish. The menu covers a pretty impressive cross-section of America’s regional barbecue traditions, too, offering a little something for every craving. There’s St. Louis ribs, Texas-style beef brisket and Memphis dry rub, to name a few. Additionally, youngsters can feast on smoked wings, build-your-own burgers and other finger-licking delicacies. The restaurant is enormous, complete with a roaring fire pit, lending the feel of a boisterous backyard barbecue party.

164 Randhurst Village Dr.
Mt. Prospect
847-305-1799
Online: smokeybones.com

photo: Be Leaf

Be Leaf
All that barbecue calls for a little reprieve in the form of a wholesome salad or grain bowl. While not necessarily on the same scream-inducing levels as ice cream, kids will certainly take a liking to the vibrant chef-driven dishes on deck at Be Leaf, the Loop’s newest fast casual dining outlet. Working with local farmers to ensure the freshest in locality and seasonality, Be Leaf produces some of the best tasting greenery your kids will ever taste. It’s especially inviting with its build-your-own menu options and the quirky “Decision Tree,” a wall-mounted menu maze of sorts that takes guests on a tour of food options and descriptions. Diners young and old can accent their greens of choice — kale, arugula, mesclun, romaine, spinach, quinoa, farro — with add-ons like grapefruit, caramelized onions, bacon, tofu, sweet potato falafel and steak. So even if it starts off healthy and light, you can easily turn it into summery comfort food. The space is as green as the food, outfitted with planter walls, produce-packed baskets, flowers and other elements designed to echo a countryside farm.

29 N. Upper Wacker Dr.
Downtown
312-877-5399
Online: beleafsalad.com

GLAZE Teriyaki
In the heat of summer, the grill reigns supreme. It helps when said grill is manned by an alum of the Culinary Institute of America. Chef Dennis Lake leads the charge at GLAZE Teriyaki, a Seattle-style fast casual joint that’s heating up Lakeview with its first Chicago outpost. Using locally sourced, organic ingredients, Lake cooks up a menu befitting summertime cookout dreams, complete with char-grilled chicken, hanger steak, pork loin, wok sautéed vegetables and salmon. What helps sets GLAZE apart from the home grill is its signature teriyaki sauce, made fresh daily with an addictive mix of smoky, caramel-y flavors, and notes of garlic, ginger, pineapple and apple. Every entree also has a gluten-free version available, which is a nice touch. The casual restaurant has a laid back, homey feel with an open kitchen, communal tables, reclaimed wood benches, exposed brick walls and Japanese-style vintage fabrics.

3112 N. Broadway St.
Lakeview
773-697-3580
Online: glazeteriyaki.com

photo: Fuller House

Fuller House
This family-friendly pub-style eatery in Hinsdale features a wide array of people-pleasing dishes that run the gamut from brick oven pizza to jumbo pretzels. The restaurant has family in its blood, owned and operated by siblings Sam Vlahos and Patricia Vlahos-Segretto, who worked to compile a comfortable, neighborhood-oriented pub that families could flock to on the regular. And flock they will when they get a taste of the house-brined pickles, the brisket tacos, the prime burgers, the roast chicken and the cookie skillets. The two-story restaurant is warm and inviting, featuring a facade of exposed brick, barrels from local distilleries, salvaged oak and refurbished wood beams sourced from a defunct Chicago church. High-tops and banquettes comprise seating on the main floor, while a curved staircase weaves to a lively balcony area with an illuminated wine wall and a second floor dining room packed with traditional tables.

33 E. 1st St.
Hinsdale
630-537-1653
Online: fullerhousebar.com

Spinning J
What’s old is shiny and new again, thanks to the arrival of Humboldt Park’s eagerly awaited and highly scream-worthy Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain. Americana nostalgia is the name of the game at this corner spot, glistening with the type of comfy, glossy cushioned seats typically reserved for bygone diners and ice cream parlors. True to form, the dessert menu screams comfort, from the vibrant housemade soda drinks to the farm-fresh pies brimming with local, seasonal fruits like blueberries and cherries. This is the ice cream shop we’ve all been yearning for this summer.

1000 N. California Ave.
Humboldt Park
872-829-2793
Online: facebook.com

Where do you like to take the kids out for dinner? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Matt Kirouac

Looking for a bargain on quality kids’ stuff? We took a peek inside Smallfry’s, the newest resale shop on the block, and found that not only do they have a mix of new boutique items and gently used, quality toys and clothes, but they also have a play area for your wiggly ones. Read on to find out what we discovered.

Photo: Smallfry

Inside the Shop

Your first sight walking into Smallfry is the clean, organized space where great attention has been paid to detail and effort has been made to create an eye-catching and relaxing shopping experience. You won’t have to shuffle through overstuffed clothing racks or mixed up sizes in this shop! The shelves are neatly arranged to feature the best of Melissa and Doug, Haba, and the other brands that parents look for when they want the best quality and top-notch learning experiences in the toys they choose for their munchkins.

Photo: Rosemary Ragusa Photography

The Brains Behind the Business

Avery Waxman was a corporate employee with a toddler at home and was newly navigating the parenting world. She walked by Zanzibar one day, saw that it was up for sale, and had the sudden vision of opening a children’s resale shop that could provide reasonably-priced boutique options mixed with practical basics that every parent needs. This cross section of quality, affordability, and functionality is exactly what she has brought to the Hollywood district with Smallfry.

Photo: Smallfry

Shopping and Consigning with Smallfry

Smallfry opened on January 3rd, so they are still building their inventory to offer a wide variety of sizes and styles. For this reason, the intake process for consignors is really flexible. No appointment is needed and there are not a lot of restrictions on seasonal items, styles, or sizes. All children’s sizes, from infant through size 10 are accepted, and they are not opposed to taking out-of-season items. The state-of-the-art software system they are using provides shoppers and consignors with their buying and selling history, as well as a speedy way to search inventory when a item is being requested. This allows Smallfry to keep inventory “in the back” when it doesn’t fit on the shelves and quickly look up your requests when you don’t immediately see what you’re looking for. That’s some fabulous customer service!

Photo: Marianne Walters

Bring the Kids

As the parent of a young tot, this owner is prepared for the little ones to join you while you shop. A corner of the store is dedicated to a playspace for the littles to hang out while their parents browse. Additionally, events are being arranged every two weeks for families to enjoy in this fun and inviting space. Check out the calendar for upcoming events and join them for Creative Storytime, Micah & Me, Yoga Tots, and Stretch, Dance, Play. Looking for something to do after you stock up on clothes, gear, and toys? Walk across the street to the public library branch or head down the road to Grant Park and make an afternoon of it.

Photo: Marianne Walters

The Scoop

Smallfry is located on NE Tillamook St. in Hollywood/Grant Park, just a hop off of Sandy Blvd. Street parking is readily available, and you can’t miss the picture windows of the storefront with the brand-new Smallfry logo. When you arrive, say “hi” to Avery and be sure to offer her your feedback on your shopping experience.

4107 NE Tillamook St.
503-284-1276
Online: smallfrypdx.com

What do you look for in a great consignment store? Let us know in the Comments below!

– Marianne Walters

In New York City, it often feels like every week, not just January 16-20, is Soccer Coaches Week, as boys and girls starting as young as a year old can be seen chasing that recognizable, black and white ball in the parks, on the street, and at specialty classes, camps and teams all over town.  Don’t want your kiddo left behind?  It’s not too late!  Check out some of Red Tricycle’s favorite spots to master the internationally beloved game of soccer mere days after you first get the hang of that walking upright thing:

Super Soccer Stars
Various NYC locations
You know you’ve seen the multi-colored T-shirts, but did you know that Supper Soccer Stars, which hosts lessons, games and birthday parties, also offers a Pre-Soccer class for toddlers between the ages of 12 and 24 months?  (Thought we were kidding about that learning to kick while learning to walk thing, didn’t you?)  Kick & Play is a movement program for parents and their tots, exploring the new notion of self-propelled physical activity… while also developing early soccer skills, of course.

Chelsea Piers
23rd Street & Hudson River Park
Right behind Pre-Soccer is Micro-Soccer.  Future David Beckhams between the ages of 2 and 3 can begin learning to Bend It in a promised supportive and nurturing environment… with Mom and Dad by their side. Children age 3 and up who can separate without problems then have the option of moving into a Spikes class, where preschoolers run, play, improve muscle coordination and learn the concepts of teamwork and cooperation.

Kids In Sports
Various locations in New York City and Connecticut
When is a 1 year old not just a 1 year old?  When he or she is actually a Tiny Athlete!  At Kids In Sports, Tiny Athletes are introduced to a cross-section of physical activity in a Multi Sport format, where three consecutive weeks of learning soccer fundamentals share space with Baseball, Basketball, Floor Hockey, Football and Volleyball.  Open to kids up through 7, although all individual classes are grouped by age.

Soc Rock
Various locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens
2 and 3 year olds can also kick the ball around at Soc Rock, where founder and frequent instructor James Christie is a former pro player and current personal trainer.  Unlike other programs, his focus is on overall strength training and conditioning (yes, for 2 year olds, too) and on teaching skills that promote success in both sports and life.

Soccer by Coach Fher
Various locations
What better way to celebrate Soccer Coaches Week than by checking out a class by a coach proud enough of his methods to turn his name into a brand?  Argentinean native Shadrach Gonzalez Fher (see why the kids just call him Coach?) is certified in both sports training and Child CPR.  His classes are non-competitive, focused on fun, and offer the option of playing inside or outside (which means you get to decide where you want to sit and watch).

Carlos Oliviera Soccer Academy
Various locations in Manhattan and Queens
Another coach confident enough to stamp his name on the product, Carlos Oliviera teaches soccer the way it’s played in, to quote the very enthusiastic World Cup announcer in 2002, “Brahziiiiiillll!”  Open to boys and girls ages 2 ½ and up, COSA has just expanded its unique methodology and approach into the NYC public schools.

Not sure if soccer is the right sport for your family?  A multi-week commitment can be a bit much, especially in the winter, when just getting your little guy or girl into a snowsuit and out of the house can be considered ample exercise for the day – if not the lifetime.

In that case, consider trying out a class that’s one-time only, warm and, most importantly, free.  In the summertime, the NYC Parks & Recreation Department offers regular, hour long Tot Soccer Classes in Riverside Park for anyone age 5 and younger.  Make a note on your calendar and try to catch one in a few months.

Where do you take your budding soccer stars to practice their kick, shots, and passing?

— Alina Adams

photos courtesy Alina Adams and of the respective company’s facebook pages