Chicagolanders: Don't Forget to Check Out Christkindlmarket

One of my favorite things to do when I worked downtown Chicago was to go to Christkindlmarket during the Holiday Season. I'd rave to my co-workers about them having the best hot chocolate (and potato pancakes) and they'd never be let down after trying them. It was a fun and festive time for all of us.

For those of you that have never been, now's the time to mark your calendars so you don't forget to go! It starts November 25th and goes until Christmas Eve. They are open from Sunday-Thursday 11am – 8pm and Friday & Saturday 11am – 9pm. And it's located at the Daley Plaza between Washington, Clark & Dearborn Street.

What exactly is the Christkindlmarket? There are over 50 German and International vendors with hand crafted ornaments, toys and unique gifts as well as traditional German foods, sweets and beverages.

You can find all the details and lists of vendors HERE.

Now if only I could get their recipes for the hot chocolate and potato pancakes!

Toys R Us: Geoffrey's Birthday Party Saturday, Sept 26th

Saturday, September 26th, Toys R Us is having a birthday party for Geoffrey the Giraffe from Noon until 3PM. They will have birthday party parades, games and giveaways. Store locator HERE.

Thanks for sharing, Tomorrow's Plight!

Thomas The Train Playdate: Sept 12th at Toys R Us

KC Penny Pinchin Mama has a posting HERE with details on a Thomas Playdate at Toys R Us this Saturday, the 12th.

Thanks for sharing, KC Penny Pinchin Mama!

Home Depot: Do It Herself Workshop

Home Depot is offering a "Do-It-Herself" Workshop on September 24th for Kitchen Updates. If you are interested in attending, make sure you click the banner above to sign-up.

Chicagolanders: Day Out with Thomas

For those of you in the Chicago area, Thomas the Train is going to be at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL the next two weekends. So if you are looking for something to do with the kids, you can check it out HERE.

Publix: Free Event for Kids June 13th

Sweet Savings has a posting HERE on a cool FREE event going on at Publix on Saturday--a hands-on cooking event for kids!

Toys R Us: Super Why Event This Weekend

Penny Pinching Parent has a posting HERE on an upcoming Super Why event going on at Toys R Us. So for those of you with kiddos who love this show or those in need of something FREE to do this weekend, you may want to check it out.

Michael's: Kids Craft Saturday: Thumb Doodle Cards

If you are looking for something to do with the kids tomorrow, Saturday June 6th, consider checking out Michael's latest craft for kids: Thumb Doodle Cards. Participating locations are offering it from 10AM-1PM.

Thanks, The Thrifty Mommy!

Free Family Fun

Looking for some FREE or Near-Free Family Fun? The Sassy Saver has a few links for you HERE that you might want to check out.

(Lovin' the new site look, Melissa!)

REI: Summer Programs For Kids

Do you have an REI store by you? (Click HERE to find out.) Thrifty Northwest Mom has all the details HERE on some great summer programs they are offering.

Home Depot: Workshop June 6th

Home Depot is offering a "Build a FREE Hardware Sorter" workshop on June 6th. You can read more details about the workshop from Moms Need To Know HERE.

Reminder: Free Weekend Events for Family Time!

Don't forget these Free things you can do with your family this weekend:

~It's the first weekend of the month. So that means if you are a Bank of America Customer, you can get into select museums for FREE this weekend.

~The first weekend of June is typically a "Free Fishing" weekend in most states. Here's one link to check to see if yours is listed. Otherwise, try doing a Google Search on "Free Fishing Day in" (then add your state.) Are you from Illinois? Click HERE and scroll to the bottom for info. on ours.

Make sure you plan some family time this weekend!

Bass Pro Shops: Free Summer Workshops Each Weekend

Money Saving Mom has a posting HERE on some FREE summer workshops/camps that Bass Pro Shops are offering.

Reminder: Free Ice Cream at Wal-Mart Today!

Just a little reminder about my posting HERE that Wal-Mart has FREE Ice Cream today, at participating locations. Make sure you call ahead to see if yours is offering it!

It's from 11AM-4PM. Samples being offered are:

Dibs Snack Bag
Blue Bunny Aspen Frozen Yogurt Granola Bar
Ben & Jerry's Flipped Out Cup

Yum!!

Reminder: Free Fishing Days

I just wanted to remind you all about my posting HERE on how most states offer a FREE Fishing Day/Weekend. This is a time when you can take your kids out fishing without having to buy a fishing license. It's a great way to see if your kids will love it enough to cover the expense of the license later.

Click HERE for a site that has compiled some fishing dates by state. If yours isn't listed or outdated, just do a Google Search on "Free Fishing Day 2009" and add your State in there. Most states offer it the first weekend in June, but not all. So be sure and check!

Those of you from Illinois, ours is June 5th through 8th. If you want more info on it, you can click the link HERE and it's at the bottom.

You can't beat FREE memories. I know I'll always remember those trips my Grandpa took us on.

Brookfield Zoo: Fisher Price Little People Musical Show

For those of you going to be in the Chicagoland area June 5th and/or 6th, Brookfield Zoo is having a Fisher Price Little People Musical Show. Cost of admission is $2. You can even order the tickets ahead of time. More info HERE and more info on other events at Brookfield HERE.

Don't forget about the Butterfly Garden and Petting Zoo when you are there. Those are great attractions for the kiddos.

Thanks for the tip, Kristy & Susi!

Half Price Books: Summer Reading Program

Half Price Books has a great summer reading program that starts June 1st and runs until July 31st. For every week that your kids 12 and under read at least 15 minutes per day, they'll receive a $3 Half Price Books gift card!

Click HERE for more details. Click HERE for locations.

Calendar of Events

The Freebie Blogger always does a great job of putting together a calendar of events. Check out her latest round-up HERE of upcoming freebies and events.

Wal-Mart: Free Ice Cream Day!

On Saturday, May 30th, Wal-Mart is having a FREE Ice Cream Day from 11AM-4PM. Samples being offered are:

Dibs Snack Bag
Blue Bunny Aspen Frozen Yogurt Granola Bar
Ben & Jerry's Flipped Out Cup

As with all promotions, be sure to call to see if your location is participating.

Thanks, Moms To Monkeys!

Calendar of Free Events Round-Up

Looking for something to do for FREE? The Freebie Blogger has a great round-up of some free events going on over the next few weeks. Check it out HERE.

She also has a FREE Redbox code that works at Walgreens HERE.