Summer is here (kind of) and I am PREPARED to have the best time with my nanny kiddos! I have a list on my phone of events and activities to give my littles, and me hehe, a summer to remember!
I’ll post something for every age, though most of these activities are geared towards my nanny kiddos!
I apologize if I’m sharing hidden gems, but as a nanny it is so nice to have tons of options for a long summer with kids!
Margaret Donahue Splash Pad
Margaret Donahue Park is a go-to spot for so many nannies in the Lakeview area! Go and make friends! In summer, it’s the hot spot to cool down in the little splash pad! Just make sure you pack sunscreen, towels, and extra clothes!
Other Splash Pads:
- Adams Park Water Playground-Lincoln Park
- River Park Splash Pad-Lincoln Square
Beach Trip
I love going to the beach with kids! Chicago beaches can get CRAZY, so stay away from Oak Street Beach! Honestly, my absolute favorite beaches are up in Rogers Park! Don’t tell them I sent you because those beaches are truly a gem! So many families spend their days relaxed on the beach. Plus, parking is way easier to find!
Loyola Beach and Hartigan Beach are absolute gems!
Water Taxi to Chinatown
This is an incredibly fun experience for grown-ups and kids! I LOVED going on the water taxi, and it’s so cheap. It’s $10 for a day pass! Boats will be open starting in June! Pack a picnic for the park or get some bubble tea in Chinatown!
Make sure you plan ahead, book your ride, and figure out parking or transportation! But it’s worth the planning!
Wiggleworms
Tuesday mornings May 10-September 27 2022 at 10am a bunch of kiddos and their caregivers gather at Gallagher Way to sing and dance along to FREE music by Old Town School of Folk Music! Gallagher Way is right next to Wrigley Field and is such a fun area. Get out of the house on Tuesday morning with your kiddos to wiggle and sing:)
IT IS FREE! We love free!
Skokie Water Playground
Just north of Chicago you can find this amazing water playground. Pack the kids up for a day in the sun and water. This is perfect for younger kids that need something more than a little splash pad! At $15 for non-residents, you can fill a day with so much fun!
Garfield Park Conservatory
This place is amazing. I recently visited for the first time EVER and was absolutely obsessed. My nanny kids adore nature and all things flowers, so I’m stoked to bring them here this summer! I’ll dress them for a photoshoot!
On Monday’s 10am-12pm they have a free kids program designed for children 5 years old and under. Each week they have activities for littles to do including digging in soil, planting, tours, and story time. All kids must be accompanied by an adult…this isn’t a daycare!!
Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park is HUGE! It can definitely be intimidating to bring kids here, so stray away from holidays and weekends! But it’s still so fun, bring an extra grown-up if you need:)
It’s a 20 acre public park with a massive playground, splash pads, skating ribbon, climbing wall and MINI GOLF! You can find something to do for everyone.
I’m going to do the mini golf this weekend. See you there. This park is FREE!
Pixar Putt Chicago
Pixar Mini Golf will be happening May 28th-August 21st 2022 at Navy Pier Polk Brothers Park! This pop-up mini golf is a bit more pricey with prices starting at $31 per person. However, if you are Pixar and Chicago lovers, this will be a hit!
Lincoln Park Zoo
This city zoo is FREE!! My nanny kids love the zoo! And I love walking 4+ miles while pushing a stroller! Most of the animals make their way outside during the summer and we’re able to see more activity! There are multiple playgrounds around the zoo, a beautiful nature boardwalk, and the zoo farm!
Please stay tuned, I’ll have another post on summer crafts and activities, as well as a post on rainy day outings and activities:)