Chicago’s unique vocabulary and insider references could fill up an entire dictionary. We figured it was time for an addendum just for you parents out there. Here’s a lesson in local lingo for Moms and Dads.

Dan Ryan
Everywhere else: Common names for dudes.
In Chicago: The clogged interstate where your little one conveniently decides to have meltdowns or diaper blowouts during rush hour.

photo: David Wilson via Flickr

Wiggleworms
Everywhere else: Kids that can’t sit still, no matter how many candy bribes their parents offer.
In Chicago: Old Town School of Folk Music’s music- and puppetry-filled classes that get babies and toddlers shaking their thang.

photo: Old Town School of Folk Music

The Jewels
Everywhere else: Precious gems.
In Chicago: Where you buy your groceries. Replace “The” with “Da” on the South Side.

 photo: Jewel-Osco Facebook page

Cubs & Sox
Everywhere else: Crosstown teams that typically need minor miracles to win.
In Chicago: A fandom choice you make for your child at birth. Switching sides or choosing Wisconsin is grounds for disownment.

photo: courtesy of a Red Tricycle reader

Babies, Tots n’ More
Everywhere else: What you see at a zoo, park or Yo Gabba Gabba! concert.
In Chicago: The twice-yearly consignment sale that’s so big, Moms have gone in and come back out hours later with bouncy seats, strollers and enough clothes to dress a small village.

photo: Babies, Tots n’ More Facebook page

Prentice
Everywhere else: An archaic word for “apprentice.”
In Chicago: The hospital where many bouncing babies are born.

photo: bradleypjohnson via Flickr

The Bean
Everywhere else: What’s usually left ignored on a kid’s dinner plate.
In Chicago: The shiny silver sculpture that your child left a nose print on, just before you took a family selfie.

photo: Cody Austin via Flickr

NPN
Everywhere else: A acronym for what sounds like some big fancy corporation.
In Chicago: A warm group of parents (Neighborhood Parents Network) that plan events for learning and fun.

photo: NPN via Alexis Staryk Photography

The El:
Everywhere else: The 12th letter in the alphabet.
In Chicago: The elevated train system you take with your kids — but only while clinging to hand sanitizer like it’s the key to the universe.

photo: discosour via Flickr

Bubbles
Everywhere else: What you can blow using soapy water and a wand.
In Chicago: Lincoln Park’s magical play space and education center that delights parents through the baby and toddler years. (See also: Little Beans Cafe, Purple Monkey Playroom, Kidville, Sod Room.)

photo: Bubbles Academy

Polar Vortex
Everywhere else: Something very cold.
In Chicago: Something very, very, extremely, overwhelmingly, need-three-snowsuits-and-omg-my-eyelashes-are-frozen cold.

photo: Rob Swystun via Flickr

Cheers
Everywhere else: What you say when you raise a glass.
In Chicago: A Facebook moms group that insiders rave about.

photo: Donnie Ray Jones via Flickr

Sue
Everywhere else: What you do when you want to take somebody to court.
In Chicago: The large bony T.rex that greets you in the lobby of The Field Museum.

photo: Kelly Aiglon

Magnet
Everywhere else: A piece of iron that attracts other iron-containing objects.
In Chicago: The type of school you become obsessed with getting your kid into when he or she is still in utero.

photo: Catherine via Flickr

The Suburbs
Everywhere else: Big yards, green grass, good schools, peace and quiet.
In Chicago: All of the above. Otherwise known as “way out there” and “the country” to city parents.

photo: LancerE via Flickr

The City
Everywhere else: Awesome architecture, exciting sports, beautiful lake, amazing museums.
In Chicago: All of the above. Otherwise known as “way out there” and “date night Mecca” to suburban parents.

photo: Nicolas Henderson via Flickr

Oak Park & Evanston
Everywhere else: Suburbs on the west and north side.
In Chicago: All of the above. Otherwise known as “still the city — really, we swear” to parents that live there.

photo: Eric Fredericks via Flickr

Do you have any additions to our dictionary? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

Life in “The Square” definitely has its benefits. The homey indie businesses! The summer concerts in the plaza! The adorable German vibe! If you live there — or are considering it — you already know how awesome Lincoln Square is for families. Read on for 10 signs you’re a parent in this blooming ‘hood. Do you relate to them?

1. You proudly walk to your Wiggleworms classes.

photo: Old Town School of Folk Music / Kevin Viol

2. Summer Thursdays look like this: play time at Welles Park, dinner at Costello’s, gelato at Paciugo and family music at the fountain. Yes, every Thursday.

photo: Lincoln Square / Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

3. Davis Theatre is close to your heart. Your kiddos see all the new movies there — and don’t miss the mega cineplex one bit.

photo: Davis Theatre

4. Typical order-in night is Korean food.

photo: San Soo Gab San

5. You’ve brought your kiddo to a “session” at The Grafton Pub. And hosted at least one birthday party there.

photo: The Grafton Pub

6. Convenience is key. Especially considering that your kids can get their hair cut AND cut loose in the same building. (Give it up for Pickle’s Playroom!)

photo: Pickle’s Playroom / Tunes With Tim

7. You live in a three-story walkup. And even though climbing all those stairs is exercise enough, you’re a proud member of Lincoln Square Athletic Club.

photo: Lincoln Square Athletic Club

8. Your kids know the word charcuterie (and love it!) thanks to Gene’s Sausage Shop & Delicatessen. Rooftop season, here you come.

photo: Gene’s Sausage Shop via Richie D. on Yelp

9. A good time filler is walking the kids over to Mariano’s and going nuts over all the free samples.

photo: Mariano’s

10. Date night means not having to leave the ‘hood. After all, that’s what Huettenbar and Bistro Campagne are for!

photo: Bistro Campagne

What do YOU think is a sign of being a parent in Lincoln Square? Share it in the Comments below!

—Story by the fun folks at NPN (Neighborhood Parents Network)

Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) has been connecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city for 35 years! NPN is essential for all expecting, new and seasoned parents.

Kids live large in Lincoln Park. The pretty streets! The museums! The playgrounds! Hey, you also have maddening parking to contend with — and a nap schedule that hinges on the rumble of the El outside your window. But that’s all part of this crazy parenting game. Here are 10 signs that you’re raising a family in Lincoln Park.

1. You’ve taken a Wiggleworms class with Miss Julie, Mr. Dave or Little Miss Ann … or all three.

photo: Mr. Dave at Wiggleworms / Old Town School of Folk Music

2. Who cares if it’s small — you’re proud to have a backyard (or, at the very least, you’ve made a garden of your fire escape).

photo: Tele Chhe via flickr

3. Lunch comes from the hot bar at Whole Foods at least once a week, and sometimes dinner, and sometimes on the same day.

photo: Tony via flickr

4. You can get in and out of Green City Market in under 20 minutes but definitely not spend less than $20.

photo: Kurman Communications

5. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is your play space.

photo: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

6. You recognize the chaos of RJ Grunts but continue to bring the kids because it’s awesome and, wow, unlimited salad bar.

photo: R.J. Grunts

7. You hit the Buy Buy Baby at least once a week when your little one was six months and under.

photo: Patrick S. via Yelp

8. Musical story time at Lincoln Park Zoo with Mr. Singer is your weekly go-to … and built-in nap insurance.

photo: Mr. Singer

9. You’ve been to a free NPN play date at The Land of Nod or mingle at Bubbles Academy.

photo: NPN / Land of Nod

10. Playgrounds are your main social hubs. The bars have just too many babies.

photo: Dan4th Nicholas via flickr

What do YOU think is a sign of being a Lincoln Park mom? Let us know in the Comments!

— Story written by the fun folks at NPN, with Kelly Aiglon

Neighborhood Parents Network (NPN) has been connecting a diverse community of families with the resources they need to navigate parenting in the city for 35 years! NPN is essential for all expecting, new and seasoned parents.

The cure for the end-of-summer stir-crazies? Drop-in activities that you can do on a moment’s notice. There are tons of music and art classes and events around town that fit the bill, from a sing-along at Mariano’s to a make-your-own-masterpiece at Morton Arboretum. Did we mention they’re easy on the wallet? Yeah, we like that too!

photo: City of Chicago

Millennium Park Target Family Fun Festival
There’s so much going on at this shebang, you just might forget to get the kids ready to go back to school! With interactive activities, acts and crafts, games and music for kids of all ages all for the low price of free, it’s totally worth the price of parking or public transportation it takes to get there. Activities are provided by Barrel of Monkeys, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago History Museum, Easel Art Studio, Lookingglass Theatre and The Millennium Park Foundation, just to name a few.

Held daily 10 a.m.-3 p.m. thru Sunday, August 24
Admission: Free
201 E. Randolph St.
The Loop
312-742-1168
Online: cityofchicago.org

Bubbles Academy Shows at Monica + Andy
Like chocolate and peanut butter, kids music and shopping are the perfect combination. And in this case, the music is coming from Bubbles Academy, the Lincoln Park play space and interactive activities hub. Bubbles musicians make guest appearances at Chicago’s newest children’s clothing store, Monica + Andy on a weekly basis. The 30-minute interactive performance is packed with popular children’s songs for kids to jam along to while parents check out the store.

Held Tuesdays in August, 10:30-11 a.m.
Admission: Free
2038 N. Halsted St.
Lincoln Park
312-600-8530
Online: monicaandandy.com

photo: Morton Arboretum

Art at Morton Arboretum
Get art-spiration or be a busy bee at the west suburban outdoor wonderland. The drop-in classes and family adventure programs keep littles busy and engaged with projects like make-your-own mini scarecrows or water lily masterpieces based on famous nature art. You’ll finally have the ideal answer to the age-old kid question, “What are we doing today?”

Held through October on weekdays from 1-4 p.m. & weekends from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Included in Arboretum admission ($12/adults; $9 youth ages 2-17; discounts on Wednesdays)
4100 Illinois Route 53
Lisle
630-968-0074
Online: mortonarb.org

Toddler Tuesdays at The Red Balloon Co.
Not sure how you’re going to find time to stock your kid’s closets now that he’s graduated from sitting in the stroller to running through stores pulling everything off the shelves? The good people at The Red Balloon Co. in Bucktown have solved the problem with weekly Toddler Tuesdays. Each Tuesday, swing by and encourage your kids to let it rip with free music or art classes while you pick up the hottest children’s fashions. Upcoming themes include heart-pumping activities from The Little Gym and “Schoolapalooza,” a party that salutes back-to-school season.

Held Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Admission: Free
1940 N. Damen Ave.
Bucktown
877-969-9800
Online: theredballoon.com

photo: Miss Jamie From the Farm

Kids Classes & Concerts at Mariano’s
Need to bribe your sidekicks in order to get your grocery shopping done? Never again! Mariano’s has put together a calendar now through September that’s packed with in-store drop-in art classes, plus music shows by Miss Jamie From the Farm (we love her peppy guitar jams about healthy eating and too-cute puppetry!). In fact, it will keep your kids so busy while you stock your fridge, you’ll never have to bribe them again … at least, not to get them to go to Mariano’s.

Locations throughout the city and suburbs.
Admission: Free
Complete schedules online: marianos.com

Mr. Dave at Sprout San Francisco
Get your groove on with Mr. Dave at Wicker Park’s much-loved natural and organic children’s boutique. The laidback, relatable singer is a staple in Chicago’s kindie music circuit and his performances mix classic children’s songs, covers of mainstream ditties and original tunes. Instruments and bubbles are often used to get the crowd going. Thanks to his daily appearances weekdays, you’re bound to catch a show.

Held Mondays, 10 & 11 a.m. & noon; Tuesdays, 11 a.m.; Wednesdays-Fridays, 4 p.m.
Admission: $10/child (advance registration recommended)
1943 W. Division St.
Wicker Park
773-489-0009
Online: sproutsanfrancisco.com

photo: Michaels

Get Crafty at Michaels
Bring your kids to see the artsy folks at Michaels for an awesome — and free — family craft time events at one of the Chicago-area locations, like the Duck Tape back to school project on August 16. In honor of all the picture-perfect moments that go with this fun time of year, kids will get to make their very own picture frames out of Duck Tape (recommended for ages 3 and up).

Locations throughout the city and suburbs.
Admission: Free
Complete schedules online: michaels.com

Old Town School of Folk Music’s Toddlers, Tunes and Turtles
Who doesn’t love a free, pre-bedtime outdoor concert? Join Old Town School of Folk Music in different parks around the city from now through September, with a variety of performers like Mr. Singer, Lenny Marsh and Lanialoha Lee. Pack a picnic and a blanket, and boogie until the sun goes down. For schedule dates and times, check the website at oldtownschool.org or call 773-728-6000.

Tuesday, August 12, 6 p.m.; Music for Kids with Jeremy Babcock at River Park – 5100 N. Francisco Ave.

Thursday, August 14, 6 p.m.; Music for Kids with Mr. Singer at Revere Park – 2509 W. Irving Park Rd.

Tuesday, August 19, 6 p.m.; Music for Kids with Maria McCullough & Yahv Pichardo at Nichols Park – 1355 E. 53rd St.

Thursday, August 21, 6 p.m.; Music for Kids with Lenny Marsh at Piotrowski Park – 14247 W. 31st Street

Tuesday, August 26, 6 p.m.; Music for Kids with Lindsay Weinberg at Adams Playlot Park – 1919 N. Seminary St.

Thursday, August 28, 6 p.m.; Music for Kids with Maria McCullough & Yahv Pichardo at Lawler Park – 5210 W. 64th Street

Thursday, September 4, 6 p.m.; Music for Kids with Lenny Marsh at Donovan Park – 3620 S. Lituanica Ave.

Thursday, September 9, 6 p.m.; Music for Kids with Lanialoha Lee at Welles Park – 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.

 

How are you planning to keep sane for the rest of the summer? Let us know in the Comments?

— Jo Aaron