Looking for some free fun events with your kids that include musical entertainment?
Then check out the Dancin’ Sprouts program at the Chicago Botanic Garden that provides free concerts twice a month for children. It is part of the “Summer Evenings at the Garden” program and is offered on the first and third Wednesdays of June, July, and August, with performances at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. As a bonus, on these evenings, the CBG allows families to picnic on the Esplanade only.
Each Dancin’ Sprouts evening features two 45-minute shows, with the first show at 5:30 p.m. and the second will begin at 6:30 p.m. Please note that you still have to pay for parking if you are a nonmember.
Click here for learn more about the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Fun for Families.
Per the Chicago Botanic Garden website, here is the summer schedule:
 | June 3: Jim Gill’s Family Room Tour Listen to Jim GillJim Gill’s family concerts lead parents and children to sing and play together. That’s because in addition to being an award-winning musician and author, Jim is a child development specialist and knows the importance of family play. Don Stille joins Jim Gill on accordion for this performance. |
 | June 17: ScribbleMonster Listen to ScribbleMonster ScribbleMonster can be heard nationally on children’s radio, and their latest release was named one of the Top 10 Kids & Family Albums of 2008 by NPR. Their “draw outside the lines” approach to music for the family has earned the band raves ranging from parents to Parenting Magazine. Come sing, think, play, dance, and get creative with ScribbleMonster. |
 | July 1: Joel Frankel Listen to Joel Frankel By combining his musical talents with his background in education, Joel Frankel presents an energized, creative performance that is stimulating for kids and appreciated by adults. |
 | July 15: Jeanie B! and The Jelly Beans Listen to Jeanie B! Jeanie B! and The Jelly Beans guarantee a rockin’ good time for the whole family. Come prepared for dancing, singing, and most of all — fun! |
 | August 5: Dave Rudolf’s It’s a Jungle Out There! Listen to Dave Rudolf Swing from the trees and roar like a lion at Dave Rudolf’s totally interactive show. Dave is a Gold Record and Grammy-nominated artist and has written songs for Disney as well as 10 award-winning children’s albums. |
 | August 19: The Amy Lowe Trio Listen to The Amy Lowe Trio Fun, interactive, cleverly crafted songs will spark your imagination. Clap your hands, stomp your feet, and sing along to the jammin’ beats. Here’s world-class music the whole family will enjoy! |
