Chicago Dads provides networking opportunities through activities such as "Dad's Night Out", playgroup activities for children, various other outings, and general camaraderie. We function as an informal volunteer association of independent groups and individuals. We believe the involvement of a father in the life of his child is beneficial to the child, and ultimately society as a whole. Most of us have made a conscious choice to be the primary care provider for their children. Some work full-time, part-time or work at-home. Some are retired or are at-home dads. We invite all involved fathers to network with us. As researcher Dr. Kyle Pruett says, "fathers have always parented differently than mothers...and father care is as essential as mother care for your child." For this belief and many others, you're an involved dad. ChicagoDads.com is here to help. This is the place to meet other dads from across the greater Chicagoland metropolitan area.
Potbelly's by O'Hare
On Thursday I took Adam (19-months-old) to the Potbelly's on Mannheim just south of Touhy.
We sat outside on their patio and Adam was beside himself with glee as plane after plane passed over, seemingly just above the trees (they go by about every two minutes).
Also two freight trains passed by on the tracks that are just behind Potbelly's.
I recommend this field trip to any dads with kids that are as crazed about planes and trains as mine is.
Chicago Sky
Chicago Sky got in touch proposing a Father / Daughter outing to see a game. No firm details yet but I wanted to get an idea of the level of interest within the group.
Thanks
sorry about the spam!
Park District Programs
Online Signup for Fall Programs is tomorrow at 9am
If you are really quick with your trigger finger maybe you can snag ceramics w/ the awesome Ms Jackie at Lincoln Park cultural centre (Saturdays @ 11:30 4&5 year olds)
Media Request (RedEye)
From the RedEye:
My name is Melanie Kucera and I am a reporter with the Chicago Tribune's RedEye. I am working on an article about stay-at-home dads, and was looking to speak with someone from the Chicago group. Is there someone that can answer some questions for me and perhaps put me in touch with local Chicago dads? Perhaps we can talk Monday afternoon? You can reach me at my e-mail address: mkucera@tribune.com
Thanks so much, and I look forward to hearing from someone!
Melanie
Going Swimming...
Hi Dads,
It's prime time for swimming with the kids right now.
I frequent River Park, both it's water playground and swimming pool, but this Thursday, (Aug. 6), we're going to the Whealon Pool Aquatic Center, 6200 W. Devon, (east of Milwaukee). It's run by the forest preserve, and there is a fee, but I'm not certain how much.
Cool things to do this weekend
In no particular order:
Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival in my neighborhood (Logan Square). Fri, Sat, Sun with kids activities
Halsted St Market Days - probably not kid friendly, unless your kid is into leather thongs... 
Fiesta del Sol in Pilsen
Anyone want to join me for Yelp Summerfest tomorrow night?
The local reviews website Yelp.com is throwing a huge party tomorrow (Friday) night at the Irish American Heritage Center. The event is sold out, but I can bring a guest. Anyone wanna tag along?
Dad's Night Out for Sun July 26: Wicker Park Fest
For tonight, let's try something different and meet at the Wicker Park Fest. This is an outdoor street fair located at the intersection of Milwaukee Ave. and North Avenue and runs south a few blocks on Milwaukee to about Wood Street. The festival concludes tonight at 10PM so we can meet around 7:15PM and wander around listening to the music on the various outdoor stages. If guys want to hang out past 10PM, there are dozens of nearby bars.
Great Photographer!
I recently used a local photographer to take my daughter's 6 month pics. She is waving her fee for 8 customers in August and has 6 spots still open if you are interested you can check out her work and contact her through her website www.tiianorsymphotography.com
Chinatown Dragon Boat Racing Sat July 25
Sorry for the late notice... I'm taking the kiddies tomorrow to this event. It's located at Ping Tom Memorial Park, which is at 300 W. 19th Street. This park has a nice soft surface playground and right next to the Chicago river. We should be there around 10:30ish. It sounds like there will be music, food, crafts, and performances as well. The festivities run until about 5PM.