Kids Chicago - June 08, 2009

Saint's Day

Road Trip to St. Joseph, Michigan

Round and round the lake you go. Where you stop? St. Joseph, Michigan, for family fun along the shore.

Park atop the downtown bluff and descend to Silver Beach (101 Broad Street; 269-982-0533), a 1,600-foot stretch of surf, sand, and toddler-friendly playgrounds. Then beat the heat inside at Curious Kids’ Museum (415 Lake Boulevard; 269-983-2543), where they’ll blow giant bubbles and dance on an oversize keyboard.

Souvenir shop at an old-fashioned five-and-dime: G&M Variety (307 State Street; 269-983-2160), sells everything from wind-up toys to malt balls. A few doors down, the Toy Company (208 State Street; 269-983-0600) hawks science and craft kits, kites, and more.

For dinner, hungry tots mow on popcorn shrimp on the outdoor terrace at Schu’s Grill & Bar (501 Pleasant Street; 269-983-7248), overlooking the beach. On the go? The hot dog cart at the corner of Broad and State streets serves franks with all the fixings.

Stay nearby at Chalet on the Lake (5340 Notre Dame Avenue, Stevensville; 269-465-6365), where fully furnished cabins can be rented by the night or week; an onsite wading pool, fishing pond, and volleyball court sweeten the deal.

It all makes a big splash.

For more information on St. Joseph, call the Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council (269-925-6301 or swmichigan.org).

Photo credit: Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council

HEAR
Ziggy Marley
What: The reggae master performs songs from his bubbly kids’ album, Family Time.
Why: Zig out.
When: Sun., 9:30 a.m.
Where: House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., b/t Kinzie St. & Wacker Dr. Tickets online at livenation.com or call 312-923-2000.

DO
Family Fun Festival
What: Summer-long outdoor fest kicks off with wilderness-themed activities (nature crafts, storytelling, sing-alongs, more).
Why: Make it a playdate.
When: Wed.-Sept. 4. Daily, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Millennium Park, Chase Promenade North, Michigan Ave., b/t Randolph & Monroe Sts., Loop (312-742-1168).

READ
Grow: an Environmentally Friendly Book
What: Picture book/journal by two Chicago moms teaches tots the importance of green living.
Why: You want to plant the seed.
When: It’s grow time.
Where: Green Genes, 5111 N. Clark St., b/t Winona St. & Carmen Ave., Andersonville (773-944-9250).