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.
Weekly Playgroup in Chicago
Chicago Dads organize a weekly playgroup that meets on Wednesdays in the city. You can find it by going to the "Group calendar" in the Chicago Dads section of this website. The playgroup usually meets from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. When the weather is good, meetings are held outside, often in a city park. When it is too cold or too hot or too wet to be outside, meetings are held at a museum or other indoor venue. Meetings are almost always held at a location that does not charge admission.
Playgroups still meeting on Wednesdays
I just wanted to post something here because the site's been getting stale lately. For those new Chicago dads visiting this page, yes, we are still meeting regulary for playgroup on Wednesdays, but have taken to communicating the location via a text message service called GroupMe. If you'd like to be added to that group to receive notifications, just shoot me an e-mail (msmithivas -at- gmail) with your cell phone number and I'll get you set up.
Dads also schedule informal gatherings on other days, so if you're not available Wednesdays there are other options.
It's been awhile!
Hello there. I had joined this group about 8 or 9 months ago because I was feeling overwhelmed about being a stay at home Dad. I was glad to see that there were other Dads out there doing the damn thing because, at the time, I felt completely out of my element and sometimes still do. The one thing I haven't been able to do, due to a ton of anxiety on my part is start a good routine for my now 1 year old son where we go out and hang with other parents and kids.
Sept. 21 playgroup at Welles Park
Should you have any questions, please call Ariel Isenberg (630) 951-0200.
Thurs Sept 8
Gabriel (5 y.o.) and I will be at peggy notebaert nature museum (free thursdays) from 1pm - 4pm today if anyone wants to join us. My phone is 773.677.5977 - James
Fall 2011
Hi folks - like last year, Gabriel and I won't be able to attend any morning gatherings as he is in pre-school (at Swift). But feel free to touch base if you are ever in Rogers Park and want to hang out. Our Wednesday and Thursday afternoons are free. We often end up at Berger park. We'll also be heading down to the Museum of Science of Industry over the next several weeks for their free days.
- James
Eyecare
I think Oscar might need glasses (he can't "read" small text).
I called an optician who told me they didn't do eyetests for kids under seven and that I should get a referral from his paediatrican. The paediatrican's office wants to send him to an optamologist which seems unnecessary.
Any recommendations on where I could take him or what I should look out for?