Question
Moving to Chicago
We're moving from NY to Chicago with our 4-month old baby. We're planning to live downtown. Can you tell me of any kid-friendly apartment buildings/areas? Also, what's the best way to find mom groups?
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4 Answers
http://www.chipublib.org/003cpl/calendar/cplcalendar.html#children
A really good way to find Moms groups (apart from the internet) is to go to story time at the library. This is the link to the Harlod Washington Chicago Public Library in the Loop.
www.npnparents.org The Chicago Northside Parents network organizes some great playgroups. You have to pay a yearly fee to belong to the group, it's well worth the money. Or so I thought.
When we lived downtown we did all kinds of fun baby classes at the local YMCA where we met lots of Mums and babies whom we're still good friends with (4 years later!). The Y we belonged to was the Lakeview YMCA.
Another great option is the Sweet Pea Yoga studio if you're into yoga. Jenny runs a great studio, very popular. She makes everybody feel welcome whether you've done yoga before or not. The Baby and Me yoga class is awesome!
Just a few suggestions! Hope that helps!
Hi Kelly,
I too lived in Lakeview, a great area near Wrigley field. Another nice neighborhood is Lincoln Park with nice parks, tree-lined streets, and lots of families. Lakeview might be a little less expensive but you are coming from NY so things will seem really reasonable price wise.
I also recommend sweetpea studio which is a great mommy and me yoga class. I went when my daughter was 4 months, once they begin crawling it's not quite the same. The Northside parent's network is a great resource as well as gymboree (the Lakeview one is really busy) when your child is a little older. I wouldn't bother until he/she is about 1 or more. Finally, the Chicago parks department offers a ton of wonderful activities, I wouldn't be surprised if they had mommy and me groups or other activities. There are also fun street festivals in the summer / fall which cater to little ones. Just look for signs around the neighborhoods. I know there is one in Southport in the fall which was a lot of fun, they also have a great day around Halloween where all the store owners dress up. Southport is also in Lakeview.
In short, Chicago is a WONDERFUL city for parents and you won't have any trouble meeting folks / making friends. Have a wonderful time!
meetup.com
I been with this group- stay at home moms for a year.
We have get togethers atleast 3-4 times a wk. So, wen u get to Chicago just e mail Me or answer on here.