programs

 Scholarships are available for all programs  

Together Time: Family Drop-In

Now offered Friday mornings at our second site in South Evanston at The Musical Offering, 743 Custer Ave.

Together Time is an informal playtime for families and their children ages birth to four years.  It provides a safe and stimulating environment with thoughtfully chosen, developmentally appropriate toys and activities, snacks and a brief circle time with songs and stories. Families meet and play together while early childhood specialists are available to answer parenting and child development questions. Coffee and light snacks available.
Central St: Mon-Thurs 9:30-11 am Tues 4-5:30 pm
Custer St: Fridays 9:30-11 am
$15/family ; $100/punchcard good for 8 visits

Afternoon Together Time

Offered Tuesday afternoons from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in response to parents whose four-year olds have aged out of Together Time, but still love the opportunity to engage in free play. Afternoon Together Time is a drop-in program designed with the developmental needs of your child in mind. Children from birth through four years of age are welcome! Each week we offer dress-ups and Circle Time with stories, songs and movement geared toward toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Offered October - May

Dads Day!

A drop-in designed for dads and their children, birth to 4 years. Fathers, grandfathers, and uncles are welcome to come have a cup of coffee and enjoy play with trains, legos, blocks, balls and other great toys with their little ones. Every other Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Please check this website under Schedule for dates.

Baby N Me

A 5 week group for first time parents and their babies, ages birth to one year.  Participants meet other new parents, learn about infant development and other important issues relating to becoming a parent.  Infant specialists facilitate the groups as parents share the challenges of new parenthood.
Call 847-328-PLAY to register

Beyond the Baby Blues

A six-week support group for pregnant and postpartum women  who are experiencing feelings of sadness, anxiety, isolation, or having difficulty adjusting to life with a new baby. In this group, women will find a safe and caring space to connect and regain their sense of well being. This group is offered free of charge. Call 847-328-4282 for times and more information.

3 & 4 Explore

Offered once a month on Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 5 pm, 3 & 4 Explore offers three and four year-olds (up to the fifth birthday) activities centered around a particular topic of interest to them such as cars and trucks, music, and gardening. Activities will include singing, finger-plays, use of the flannel board, crafts, moving to music and generally having a good time. This program provides a nice way to learn what it is like to be in a group and enjoy developmentally appropriate activities that foster learning, confidence and competence. 

Call 847-328-PLAY or e-mail to register.

Parent Workshops

Offered jointly by The Family Room and The Parent Circle Monthly, these are professionally led discussions on a range of child development and parenting topics for parents of children under the age of 4. Topics include such areas as Sibling Relationships, Setting Limits and Nutrition for Your Toddler. Child Care is offered in a separate space during the workshop discussion. Free of charge. There is a $5 fee for babysitting.

Call 847-328-PLAY for times and to register

Family Events

Special events for the entire family focused around a particular theme such as Halloween, Valentine’s Day and Winter Magic.  Exciting entertainment such as a puppet show or local song artist may be included. Family fun and a great opportunity to meet others.
Call 847-328-PLAY for times and to register