After a dry, hot summer, this weekend’s weather was a bit surprising: torrential thunderstorms! Sticks of lightening! Many, many inches of rain! All baseball games were canceled, and since Chris took the car all weekend to a Notre Dame game with his friends I was – in theory – stuck at home with six kids.

But, I had plans! The four little kids and I spent Saturday morning at The Chicago Children’s Theatre enjoying the latest production of “A Very Hungry Caterpillar Show.” The show tells four of Eric Clark’s beloved and familiar stories with interactive live actors, colorful puppets, and charming music. Many times during the performance the kids stood up on their seats just to get a better look at the excitement on the stage!

What I love about productions at The Chicago Children’s Theatre is that kids are allowed to be kids. They are encouraged to react to the show and shout out excitement. And, everything is timed with kids in mind: this show was under an hour, and because it was broken into four stories the kids were engaged throughout. I never heard an “I’m bored” or “Can we go home?”

Another perk of this company: before and after the show the kids were welcomed with art projects and snacks. Our family spent just as much time working on butterfly crafts as we did watching the show, which turned this morning out into a very proper outing!

As a parent, I welcome any screen-free opportunity to keep my kids entertained and enlightened. This completely adorable show wrapped my kids into a new and delightful little world that encouraged imagination and enthusiasm. We all left the theatre happy, excited and more connected, feelings we don’t get from screen-time. A morning well spent!

More info on the show here:
https://chicagochildrenstheatre.org/vhcs/