Turn a boring stuck-at-home day into an anything-goes jam session. Just pop by one of the many sing-a-longs happening around town and your antsy kiddo will be singing a happy tune. We found drop-ins for nearly every day of the week and, for most, no registration or pre-planning is required. Flip through our album to find out where to go and which awesome kids’ musician will entertain you.

Mr. Dave

Mr. Dave

Mr. Dave long made his rounds around the Chicago kindie music scene, and now (lucky us!) he has his very own studio. Classes are offered on a drop-in and online reservation basis throughout the week and even feature guests like Little Miss Ann and Tunes with Tim.

Too many classes to list! Check their schedule online
Cost: $22 per child drop-in; class packs also available online
Mr. Dave's Music, 1935 W. Division, Wicker Park
Online: mrdavemusic.com

Rocking Brunches at Beat Kitchen

The Boogers

Beat Kitchen and their Concerts for Kids series is the place to be for rockin’ families on Sunday mornings. Their musical matinees give everyone a chance to rock and roll to one of the best kindie lineups in the U.S. while indulging in a finger-licking, full brunch menu featuring pub fare faves. A dance floor means kids can really get their groove on, with prime table spots so mom and dad can watch the fun and perhaps sip a Bloody Mary or two. 

Sundays; doors open at 11 a.m. for brunch, show starts at noon (check the calendar for Fall/Winter series to begin)
Cost: $12
2100 W. Belmont Ave., Roscoe Village
Online: beatkitchen.com

Tunes with Tim at Monica + Andy

Monica Andy

Local moms rave about sessions with the talented Tim Bredrup, who charms all ages with everything from classic nursery rhymes to classic rock. With a goal of inspiring the next generation of budding musicians, Tim teaches the basics of rhythm, melody, and harmony, all while having fun! If you live closer to the Oak Brook or North Bridge Guideshops, check out the calendar for fun musical events all week long, as well. 

Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon & 4:15 p.m.
Cost: $15 per child, per class
Monica + Andy, 2038 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park
Online: monicaandandy.com

Miss Jamie from the Farm at Mariano's

Miss Jamie from the Farm

Moo. Baa. La-la-la. Farm fun meets addictive folk-pop when Miss Jamie is in the room. The singer and guitarist makes the rounds at local Mariano's every month and has a dedicated following. Before you comb the aisles, check out her show, which combines puppetry, call-and-response and get-on-your-feet live music. Your kids will not only dance, but they'll also learn a thing or two about healthy eating and local farming, both central to her fun-loving persona.

Visit Miss Jamie’s website and follow her Facebook page for monthly Mariano’s performance schedules. (As of press time, her FB Events page was more up-to-date than her website.)
Cost: Free

Bubbles Academy at Whole Foods Lincoln Park

TK Photography

You have to get groceries anyway, so why not make it a musical event? The massive Whole Foods Lincoln Park hosts music teachers from Bubbles Academy twice a week, turning the area near the main entrance into a huge song-and-dance party.

Every Thursday, 3:30 p.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Whole Foods, 1550 N. Kingsbury St., Lincoln Park
Online: bubblesacademy.com

Juicebox at Chicago Cultural Center & Garfield Park Conservatory

Paul Callan via flickr

The City of Chicago's live music series is a great way to introduce the performing arts, from music to dance to theater. The shows take place in a kid-friendly setting (read: sitting on the floor, wandering around and noshing on Goldfish crackers are all permitted). Various performing groups from across the city offer their time to introduce children to their talent, and each week is a fresh experience.

First & Third Fridays at 11 a.m. 
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Downtown

First & Third Saturdays at 11 a.m. 
Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., Garfield Park

Cost: Free; No registration required.
Online: cityofchicago.org

Mr. Singer at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Sway along to a joyful jamboree featuring animal songs and dances for wee ones. Every show features a kids’ choice and a grown-ups' choice giving you the opportunity to request your favorite sing-a-long song.

Wednesday and Fridays at 9:15 a.m. & 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Lincoln Park
Online: lpzoo.org

 

— Maria Chambers & Nicole Morris

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