The Chicago Traveler

Kids’ Party Time

by Matt B on May 16th, 2007

Kids deserve great parties. So if you’re looking for something beyond the cheesy magician for hire, Chicago has plenty to offer.

Liz Isaacs and Juliet Greene created Kiddy Cuisine to help promote children’s healthy cooking and eating. Cooking can be an excellent way for kids to find confidence and self-esteem. The two chefs take advantage of their Whole Foods partnership to use natural and organic ingredients. Every miniature chef gets to decorate his/her individual chef hat and also wears a special apron that bears his/her name. Once everyone’s hands are washed, the culinary masterpieces begin. Some birthday packages include Giant Cookies Workshop, Breakfast in the Afternoon, Cha-Cha-Chow through Mexico, and Crazy for Cupcakes. When cooking themselves, many kids find themselves eating foods and vegetables they may have refused before.

If you and your children would prefer to stay out of the kitchen, how about a karaoke party? At Goldilocks & Gremlins in Wicker Park, kids can get involved with activities, games, and crafts. Birthday party packages can be designed around the child’s interests, from rock & roll parties to beauty shop celebrations.

At the FireZone in Glenview, local firefighters have gone from renting out authentic fire trucks to creating a space for children to come to and explore. Featuring real firefighters, real fire engines, and educational displays, this interactive environment provides a fun and educational experience. FireZone takes care of the cake, refreshments, and party favors. Adults don’t have to miss out on the fun either. One of the fire engines is equipped with a blender, a wine cooler, an LCD television, an Atari, and a few other amenities.

If your kids have incredibly artistic and creative imaginations, they can bead, paint, and paste in any of the different themed rooms at Creative Café. From birthday parties to baby showers to graduation parties, the studio serves as a great venue for just about any creative celebration you have in mind. There are programs dedicated to both boys and girls, from ages 4-13. There is a jewelry and sewing area, a girls’ tea-party room, a space dedicated to outdoors crafts, and the Prop Shop, where crafts and supplies can be purchased.

Photo credit: SXC

Kiddy Cuisine c/o Whole Foods ($$$$): 1000 W North Ave; 312-405-8212
Hours vary by appointment
Public Trans: Bus # 8, 72 or Red Line train (North/Clybourn)
http://www.kiddycuisine.com/

Goldilocks & Gremlins ($$$$): 1905 W Division St; 773-252-5055
Mon - Fri: 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sun: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Public Trans: Bus #9, 50, 56, 70 or Blue Line train (Division)
http://www.mudpiesforkids.com/

The FireZone ($$$$): 548 Zenith Dr (Glenview); 877-597-FIRE (3473)
Party Slots
Sun - Sat: 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., 12 noon - 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
http://www.firezonechicago.com/main.html

Creative Café ($$$): 1837 W Grand Ave; 312-997-9933
Hours vary based on party/class
Street parking available
Public Trans: Bus #9, 50, 65 or Green/Pink Line train (Ashland)
http://www.creativecafeonline.com/

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Creative Cafe Tags: $$$, art, chicago, children, entertainment, family-oriented, kids, ukranian village, wicker park

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