Activity: SafeHouse "Spy" Restaurant

The SafeHouse is a unique restaurant downtown with a spy theme and we had so much fun.

We won't provide many details, as it is much better to experience in person (no spoilers below, don't worry).

The restaurant does a great job of playing up the spy theme, including: finding the store front*, providing a password to enter (or perform a series of tests if you don't know it), and an optional scavenger hunt option while you await your meal.

We decided to create our own clues for the kids to figure out how to the restaurant. It was easy and a lot of fun - we were immediately in "spy mode" and used the train and walk to get fully into character before arriving at the restaurant.

Noteworthy:

• The food is similar to bar food (and adult beverages are a-plenty) - burgers, fries.
• Kids meals come in fun containers with more "spy" work opportunities.
• There is a photo booth where you can send a photo / postcard from anywhere in the world.  We couldn't get our older son out of the booth, he loved it so much.
• In the women's restroom there is a surprise for people who pull down the hat covering the sexy door.
• A magician visits the table and he is great with the kids (and magic)!  Have a few dollars handy for a tip. 
• Leaving is fun -- you'll need a dollar or credit card handy.
• Reservations are recommended.

Age Recommendation: 5-14
My 5 and 7 year olds loved it - they have asked to go back.
Our friends have kids in grade 3, 5, and 8 - they all have asked to return to the restaurant too!

Location/Transportation:
SafeHouse is located in the River North neighborhood, making it easy to access from Red Line Grand stop.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
The boys had a blast and can not wait to go back.


*the name SafeHouse is nowhere to be seen on the exterior/from the street.

Activity: UFC Gym

In honor of tonight's UFC fights, our testing of the UFC Gym was most appropriate. A friend extended us a last minute invitation and we jumped on it!

The best part: Our location has a kids (Youth Fit Fight) class at the same time as an adult class (Boxing Skills and Techniques).

I have always wanted to hit against a bag, so this was an awesome experience.  And to watch my kids doing the same thing a few feet away was so fun.

The kids have been warned that the adults will barely be able to move tomorrow.  I am lucky my fingers are even able to type this much.

Noteworthy:

• The Adult class is a series of jumping rope, punches, push-ups, burpies, and sit ups. 
• At the end you put on gloves and hit against the bags.  It was awesome.
• Kids had a great time - even our 3 year old!  Class age was mostly K-3 grade kids.

Cost Savings:

• Promotion running: 5 days free
• Visit the site for details on membership fees

Location/Transportation:
Various locations throughout Chicago: River North, South Loop, Wrigleyville

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
This was great!  I love being able to work out at the same time as the kids.

Playground: Ward (Aaron Montgomery) Park

Ward Park is in a serene area nestled along the river, with a beautiful view of the city.  It has a lot of options to play on: rolling hills, monkey bars, swings, slides, teeter-totters, spinning & climbing structures, and a water feature.

Noteworthy:
- Great outdoor seating with shade umbrellas
- Dog park nearby
- Next to Erie Cafe, which has outdoor seating along the river.
- There was a little hot dog stand on the corner which provided our dinner and everyone loved sitting on a small hill with our feet in the grass.

Cost Savings:
Free!

Location/Transportation:
River North
- El Stops: Chicago Brown/Purple line
- There was parking adjacent to the park, which it looked like a lot of patrons used.  Not sure on cost.

Kid's Jury: 5 stars
Great park, great location.