Seeking Playgroups in Hyde Park

Someone already posted my suggestions, so just wanted to give lots of thumbs up to:
1) Marshas Music Together
2) Hyde Park Parent Support Network (PSN)

PSN has informal playgroups (join anytime, free), a playroom, and a listserv, which I used to create a playgroup for my son 4 years ago. Fabulous resource, about 250 members in Hyde Park.

Forgive me if I'm repeating, don't recall if these were mentioned:
* Hyde Park Neighborhood Club (55th and Kimbark, various activities for all ages plus tot lot -- open playroom, inexpensive.
* Chicago Park District was mentioned, just wanted to say my children have really enjoyed gymnastics (at that age, they program is low key skills development and a lot of fun) -- they use Chicago State University facilities on 95th and Cottage Grove. I applied through Chicago State.
* Family Resource Center (if you're affiliated w/ U of C)
I hope you have a safe and easy move!

Hi I.- HP is super family-friendly. I love it! There are parks located throughout the neighborhood (Bixler is my fav- on 57th & Kenwood). There are several beaches within walking distance too. Other posters have already mentioned great suggestions but I wanted to also include checking out the Hyde Park Art Center and the Smart Museum for fun arts programming. My son attended Marsha's Music Together class and loved it- I did too. Little Kickers soccer class is fun for little ones and they offer classes at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club as well as other locations. These type of classes typically run on 10 week schedules and you can often join them after they have already begun.

Good luck!

Hi I..

I live in Hyde Park and LOVE it! There are so many parks and playgrounds and depending on where you live, the lakefront is only a short walk away.

There are Chicago Park District camps/parks in the area and they all have their own programs. I haven't looked into any of those, but I'm sure you could find things like playgroups, day camps, swim lessons, etc. Just go online and google "chicago Park District"

My daughter is almost one, and she just started Marsha's Music Together and has a blast in the class. I believe her class goes up to age 3-5. Marsha's Music Together also has a preschool program.

There is also the Hyde Park Suzuki Institute that has a Kindermusik program and other musical classes for infants/toddlers/children.

The Hyde Park Parent Support Network(www.hydeparkpsn.org)has playgroups and activities. I'm not a member of this yet, but am definitely considering it. The membership fee is really inexpensive and is based off a sliding scale.

There are several bookstores in the neighborhood that do story time (Borders, 57th Street Bookstore).

There is also a library in the neighborhood, and although I haven't looked into it, they may have activities such as story time.

The Museum of Science and Industry is in Hyde Park. I don't know if they have a playgroup or if they have organized activities, but they do have a children's room that kids love to play in.

Hope this helps. I'll let you know if I think of anything else. :0)

J.

When it gets closer to the time you move, you can check with the Chicago Park District to see what toddler/early childhood programs are offered at the park closest to where you are moving to and when the session starts. In general, I think the sessions start in January (winter session) and April (spring session).