June 1, 2009

Bubbles Academy Kids Chicago

What do you get when a kids’ video content creator and a child development specialist start a business? This wholly interactive play space, offering classes (yoga, cooking, music), camps, and special events (pajama parties, zoo outings). Parents-only workshops cover everything from navigating preschools to CPR training.

  Lincoln Park, Fun, Birthday Parties, Dance

April 27, 2009

Smash Cake Kids Chicago

The bakery/cafe sells the same delicious vegan and organic goods (banana fudge brownies, sticky buns, fruit parfaits), as its sister spot, Bleeding Heart Bakery. But it trumps it in family fun, with weekly storytelling and free cupcakes for kids on their birthdays.

  Lakeview, Food & Drink, Birthday Parties, Kid-Friendly Menus

March 3, 2008

Smarty Party Kids Chicago

Birthday parties here don’t stop at cake and balloons. Co-owners Jen Toomey and Jolene Biesack go whole hog with “backward” parties (kids eat under the table, walk backward, dress inside-out) and more. Classes (Spanish, yoga) keep things hopping during the week.

  Lakeview, Fun, Birthday Parties, Dance

September 17, 2007

Pump It Up Kids Chicago

Bouncy castle lovers, take heed: This monolith of a play space teems with inflatable slides and jump rooms of all kinds. A special area for toddlers has everything on a smaller scale. You can rent the whole shabam for birthday parties.

  Lincoln Park, Fun, Birthday Parties, Rainy Day