Our Events

Young Families & Community Events

These are all our Young Families and Community-wide events listed here for your convenience.

JUF Young Families programming is enriched by the diversity of our participants. We know each family is unique and all are welcome. Please email us at youngfamilies@juf.org if you have any questions or if you require any accommodations to make our programming accessible and welcoming to your family.

jBaby & PJ Library| Expectant Parent Dinner| Highwood

Thursday, July 17, 2025 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Are you expecting a little one soon? Inviting all expecting parents for a fun, casual dinner to get to know other soon to be parents. Participants are responsible for their own dinner. Appetizers are on us!

Location:
Tapas Del Lago
329 Waukegan Ave
Highwood IL, 60040

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

jBaby|Shalom to Shabbat Baby Play Cafe| City

Friday, July 18, 2025 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Roll, wiggle, and giggle your way into the weekend at our cozy Shabbat-themed play café for little ones ages 0–24 months! We’ll enjoy sweet sensory fun like tummy time with a story, baby-friendly sensory bins, and plenty of soft spaces to explore. While the babies play, grown-ups can relax and shmooze over a light nosh. It’s the perfect low-key Friday vibe to start Shabbat with a smile!

Location:
Chicago Public Library- Lincoln Park Branch
1150 W Fullerton Ave.
Chicago IL, 60014

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

Dig In! Garden & Grow Together

Saturday, July 19, 2025 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM <Add to Calendar>

(Recurring Weekly on Saturday, between 6/14/2025 - 8/9/2025)

Led by beloved early childhood teacher and experienced gardener, Liz Zetley, children and caregivers will cultivate a sense of wonder and a love of the natural world in this interactive class for the whole family! Through sensory-rich, hands-on activities around the garden and grounds of the 'Z' Frank Apachi campus, families can connect with one another in nature while exploring how Jewish values come to life all around us. Participants will pick and snack on whatever bounty is ready for harvest each week and are also invited to take produce home. Any surplus harvest will be donated to a local food pantry.

This class is best for families with children 18 - 36 months; older siblings welcome!

No Class on July 5.

Location:
‘Z’ Frank Apachi
3050 Woodridge Lane
Northbrook IL, 60062

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jbabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4907

Register Online

jBaby & PJ Library| Playground Playdate and Picnic Summer Series| Oak Park

Saturday, July 19, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Grab a picnic lunch, join Oak Park ambassador Talia at a local Oak Park playground, and spend the morning outside playing, shmoozing, and noshing! BYOP, (bring your own picnic) we'll provide a sweet snack!

Next Playground Playdate and Picnic:

August 9th

Location:
Local Oak Park playgrounds
Varies each month
Oak Park IL, 60302

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

jBaby and PJ Library | Preserving Traditions: Canning 101 Class | Glenview

Sunday, July 20, 2025 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

As Tevye taught us in Fiddler on the Roof, "TRADITION!" is a hallmark Jewish value. Traditions, passed down from generation to generation, sustain our strong community. Join jBaby and PJ Library parents to master the delicious art (and tradition) of canning/pickling. This hands-on, adult-only class is taught by a jBaby grandma and master canner. We will make a berry sauce and pickled cucumbers for your family. Plus, enjoy brunch treats and meet new friends while honoring the generations that came before us. Registration includes all materials and supplies.

Location:
Cunliff Park Fieldhouse
540 Echo Ln
Glenview IL, 60025

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

Summer Lunch Bunch

Tuesday, July 22, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

(Recurring Weekly on Tuesday, between 6/3/2025 - 8/12/2025)

Come meet new friends! Pack a lunch and play inside our playroom or go outside to the local park. 10am-Noon every Tuesday!

Location:
200 W Dundee Road
Wheeling IL, 60090

Contact:
Lauren Comm
dir-lifelong-learning@shir-hadash.org
847-498-8218

Register Online

Dig In! Garden & Grow Together

Saturday, July 26, 2025 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM <Add to Calendar>

(Recurring Weekly on Saturday, between 6/14/2025 - 8/9/2025)

Led by beloved early childhood teacher and experienced gardener, Liz Zetley, children and caregivers will cultivate a sense of wonder and a love of the natural world in this interactive class for the whole family! Through sensory-rich, hands-on activities around the garden and grounds of the 'Z' Frank Apachi campus, families can connect with one another in nature while exploring how Jewish values come to life all around us. Participants will pick and snack on whatever bounty is ready for harvest each week and are also invited to take produce home. Any surplus harvest will be donated to a local food pantry.

This class is best for families with children 18 - 36 months; older siblings welcome!

No Class on July 5.

Location:
‘Z’ Frank Apachi
3050 Woodridge Lane
Northbrook IL, 60062

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jbabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4907

Register Online

jBaby & PJ Library | Multigenerational Popsicles in the Park | Buffalo Grove

Saturday, July 26, 2025 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM <Add to Calendar>

Bring the whole family and extended family to a multigenerational popsicles in the park playdate! We will provide popsicles and PJ Library books to take home.

Location:
Woodland Park
2500 N Buffalo Grove Rd.
Buffalo Grove IL, 60089

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

Bagels in the Park | Terminal Park | Skokie

Sunday, July 27, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Join jBaby Chicago to schmooze, play and eat delicious bagels at our annual Bagels in the Park series!

This is a free event, but please register so we have accurate bagel numbers.

Location:
Terminal Park
9401 Kenton Ave (Emerson & Kenton)
Skokie IL, 60077

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jbabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4907

Register Online

Bagels in the Park | Winnemac Park | Lincoln Square

Sunday, July 27, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Join jBaby Chicago to schmooze, play and eat delicious bagels at our annual Bagels in the Park series!

This is a free event, but please register so we have accurate bagel numbers.

Location:
Winnemac Park
5100 N Leavitt
Chicago IL, 60625

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4907

Register Online

Bagels in the Park | Women's Park and Gardens | South Loop

Sunday, July 27, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Join jBaby Chicago to schmooze, play and eat delicious bagels at our annual Bagels in the Park series!

This is a free event, but please register so we have accurate bagel numbers.

Location:
Women's Park and Gardens
1801 S Indiana Ave
Chicago IL, 60616

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4907

Register Online

PJ Library| Parent-Child Challah Bake|Naperville

Sunday, July 27, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Have you been dreaming of making challah for shabbat? Let two friendly local Jewish parents help get you and your kids started! Each parent-child pair will braid and dress their own challah. This gathering is geared toward children 3 and up. While our challot are baking, we'll enjoy snacks and story time. Best of all: we'll nosh together on our challot fresh out of the oven.

Location:
Congreagation Beth Shalom
772 W 5th Ave.
Naperville IL, 60563

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

Summer Lunch Bunch

Tuesday, July 29, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

(Recurring Weekly on Tuesday, between 6/3/2025 - 8/12/2025)

Come meet new friends! Pack a lunch and play inside our playroom or go outside to the local park. 10am-Noon every Tuesday!

Location:
200 W Dundee Road
Wheeling IL, 60090

Contact:
Lauren Comm
dir-lifelong-learning@shir-hadash.org
847-498-8218

Register Online

Dig In! Garden & Grow Together

Saturday, August 2, 2025 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM <Add to Calendar>

(Recurring Weekly on Saturday, between 6/14/2025 - 8/9/2025)

Led by beloved early childhood teacher and experienced gardener, Liz Zetley, children and caregivers will cultivate a sense of wonder and a love of the natural world in this interactive class for the whole family! Through sensory-rich, hands-on activities around the garden and grounds of the 'Z' Frank Apachi campus, families can connect with one another in nature while exploring how Jewish values come to life all around us. Participants will pick and snack on whatever bounty is ready for harvest each week and are also invited to take produce home. Any surplus harvest will be donated to a local food pantry.

This class is best for families with children 18 - 36 months; older siblings welcome!

No Class on July 5.

Location:
‘Z’ Frank Apachi
3050 Woodridge Lane
Northbrook IL, 60062

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jbabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4907

Register Online

PJ Library| Family Volunteering at The Ark| City

Sunday, August 3, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM <Add to Calendar>

Join other PJ Library families for a fun and meaningful morning of volunteering at The Ark! We will learn about different ways to help others in our own community. Please bring canned kosher food items and lightly used PJ Library books to donate and sort together as a group. 

Location:
The Ark
6450 N California Ave.
Chicago IL, 60645

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

Summer Lunch Bunch

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

(Recurring Weekly on Tuesday, between 6/3/2025 - 8/12/2025)

Come meet new friends! Pack a lunch and play inside our playroom or go outside to the local park. 10am-Noon every Tuesday!

Location:
200 W Dundee Road
Wheeling IL, 60090

Contact:
Lauren Comm
dir-lifelong-learning@shir-hadash.org
847-498-8218

Register Online

Dig In! Garden & Grow Together

Saturday, August 9, 2025 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM <Add to Calendar>

(Recurring Weekly on Saturday, between 6/14/2025 - 8/9/2025)

Led by beloved early childhood teacher and experienced gardener, Liz Zetley, children and caregivers will cultivate a sense of wonder and a love of the natural world in this interactive class for the whole family! Through sensory-rich, hands-on activities around the garden and grounds of the 'Z' Frank Apachi campus, families can connect with one another in nature while exploring how Jewish values come to life all around us. Participants will pick and snack on whatever bounty is ready for harvest each week and are also invited to take produce home. Any surplus harvest will be donated to a local food pantry.

This class is best for families with children 18 - 36 months; older siblings welcome!

No Class on July 5.

Location:
‘Z’ Frank Apachi
3050 Woodridge Lane
Northbrook IL, 60062

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jbabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4907

Register Online

jBaby|Summer Splash and Tumble | Evanston

Sunday, August 10, 2025 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM <Add to Calendar>

Did you know that Shimra is also a talented gymnast? Join us for a 15 minute baby gymnastics class, followed by a fun splash pad session at Central Park! Bring a blanket for baby’s learning session on how to flip. Lunch of kosher pizza will be provided around noon.
Gymnastics class recommended for ages 6 months- 3 years. If your baby is younger than 6 months you are of course welcome to join us to participate in the interactive songs and fun with friends old and new.

Location:
Central Park
9350 Central Park Ave.
Evanston IL, 60203

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

jBaby & PJ Library| Tu B'Av: Sweets for your Sweetie| City

Sunday, August 10, 2025 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM <Add to Calendar>

Come make some sweets for your sweetie in honor of Tu B’Av (a modern day Jewish/Israeli holiday of love)!

Come make challah and cookies at R&A Sourdough (an amazing local bakery) while making new friends and learning all about baking Jewish and secular treats!

Get a babysitter and bring your partner or leave your partner at home and bring home treats to share!

Cost of the event is $18 per person.

Location:
R&A Sourdough
1938 West Lawrence Ave.
Chicago IL, 60640

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

Summer Lunch Bunch

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

(Recurring Weekly on Tuesday, between 6/3/2025 - 8/12/2025)

Come meet new friends! Pack a lunch and play inside our playroom or go outside to the local park. 10am-Noon every Tuesday!

Location:
200 W Dundee Road
Wheeling IL, 60090

Contact:
Lauren Comm
dir-lifelong-learning@shir-hadash.org
847-498-8218

Register Online

jBaby & PJ Library| Brunch and Babies| Jefferson Park

Sunday, August 17, 2025 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM <Add to Calendar>

Calling all Jefferson Park families! Join jBaby Ambassadors Shimra (Skokie/Evanston) and Talia (Oak Park) for our second annual Bagels and Babies. We'll bring bagels, cream cheese and coffee. You bring the babies (and older siblings).

Location:
Gladstone Park
5421 N. Menard Ave.
Chicago IL, 60637

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

PJ Library| Parent & Child Yoga| Deerfield

Saturday, August 23, 2025 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Bring your little yogis to a fun and engaging parent/child yoga class! This class is for children ages 2-6 years old with their grown-ups. We will have 15 minutes to play on the playground before the class starts. Parents will practice yoga alongside their children, and we will serve light snacks at the end.

Location:
Maplewood Park
900 Clay Ct.
Deerfield IL, 60015

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

jBaby & PJ Library | Havdalah Bonfire | Morgan Park

Saturday, August 23, 2025 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Join jBaby, PJ Library, and Jews of Beverly at the scenic Edna White Community Garden for a bonfire, s'mores, a sing-a-long, and the chance to build your own bouquet. It's going to be a fun night for everyone!

Location:
Edna White Community Garden
1812 W Monterey Ave.
Chicago IL, 60643

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

Bagels in the Park | Lindberg | Oak Park

Sunday, August 24, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Join jBaby Chicago to schmooze, play and eat delicious bagels at our annual Bagels in the Park series!

This is a free event, but please register so we have accurate bagel numbers.

Location:
Lindberg Park
1150 N Marion Street
Oak Park IL, 60302

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4905

Register Online

Bagels in the Park | Margaret Donahue Park | Lakeview

Sunday, August 24, 2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

oin jBaby Chicago to schmooze, play and eat delicious bagels at our annual Bagels in the Park series! Please note, Margaret Donahue Park has a fun splash pad, so feel free to bring a change of clothes, towel, or bathing suit for your little one!

This is a free event, but please register so we have accurate bagel numbers.

Location:
Margaret Donahue Park
1230 W School Street
Chicago IL, 60657

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4907

Register Online

Bagels in the Park | Maryknoll Park | Glen Ellyn

Sunday, August 24, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Join jBaby Chicago to schmooze, play and eat delicious bagels at our annual Bagels in the Park series!

This is a free event, but please register so we have accurate bagel numbers.

Location:
Maryknoll Park
845 Pershing Ave
Glen Ellyn IL, 60137

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabyChicago@juf.org
312-357-4907

Register Online

Bagels in the Park | Wood Oaks | Northbrook

Sunday, August 24, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM <Add to Calendar>

Join jBaby Chicago to schmooze, play and eat delicious bagels at our annual Bagels in the Park series!

This is a free event, but please register so we have accurate bagel numbers.

Location:
Wood Oaks Park
1198 Sanders Road
Northbrook IL, 60062

Contact:
jBaby Chicago
jBabychicago@juf.org
312-357-4907

Register Online
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“PJ Library encourages us to celebrate more, to explore more, to be Jewish more often, more creatively and more freely.”

PJ Library family