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.
Stroller and Bike Taken
Hello,
Thanks to all who responded offering to give our jogging stroller and bike a good home. Both have been adopted.
This Sunday March 7
Might be going to this with the fam:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/TheBlog/archives/2010/03/04/37-free-hyde-park-youth-symphony-concert
Receiving ChicagoDads e-mail updates
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Thurs Feb 25 playgroup : Barnes and Noble Storytime
Barnes and Noble in Lincoln Park (1441 W. Webster, at Webster Place) has a storytime for infants and toddlers beginning at 10AM. There's a cafe inside the store if you want to grab coffee/snacks, and of course, a big children's book section too. There's free parking in the Webster Place lot with validation from B&N. If you're motivated, you can see a movie in the theater next door afterwards. The storytime, if memory serves correctly, doesn't last very long, maybe 30 minutes max.
Fantasy Baseball League
We've got a Chicago Dads' Fantasy Baseball League that's been going on for three years or so, and we're looking for two more guys. It's a pretty casual league, with eight (or ten) teams, and new for this year a head-to-head format. There will hopefully be an in-person draft at my house sometime in March. If you're interested, send me an email at drainey@alum.dartmouth.org.
Thanks!
Doug
Thurs Feb 18 playgroup: Chicago Auto Show @ McCormick Place
Okay, so this is not your usual playgroup meetup. But I'm all for trying new stuff, and the show is in town this week. The good thing is aside from heinous parking fees ($19 if you park in a McCormick lot), the show itself is relatively cheap. All kids 6 and under are free. Strollers are allowed, and most of the vehicles are unlocked. On Thursday if you bring 3 cans of food, admission for adults is only $7 (normally $11).
http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/index.asp
Tips:
Dad's Night Out (DNO) ideas?
We're long overdue for one of these gatherings. For those not familiar, it's simply an excuse to get out of the house sans kids and have some adult conversation. We usually pick a neighborhood pub or restaurant on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday evening. Beer is usually involved! 
I just heard about a new gaming lounge called IgniteNetwork. Anyone into a cheap night of video games?
Meet Harrison Ford at Chicago movie premiere Jan 12
Yes, Jack Ryan / President of USA / Han Solo / Indiana Jones - that Harrison Ford!
For more details, see my blog post:
http://marksmithivas.posterous.com/meet-harrison-ford-at-chicago-movie-premiere
Hope y'all's can make it out on Jan 12. Hire a babysitter if you must! 