Free Thinking: Lincoln Square050

What's free in the Lincoln Square area for kids and families?

Architecture buffs can stroll past the restored façade of Krause Music Store (a Louis Sullivan building) at 4611 N. Lincoln Avenue, and then walk north to Giddings Plaza, which features a bronze-tiered fountain inspired by Sullivan's motifs as well as plenty of space for children to run around and play tag in the courtyard. Across the street is The Book Cellar, which occasionally hosts children's authors and storytimes but always offers a small reading nook in the children's section, where kids can host their own story hour.

Just two blocks south of the Western Brown Line "L" station, Welles Park has a nice neighborhood park with a playground featuring swings and slides, baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, a gazebo, a fieldhouse with a year-round indoor swimming pool, plenty of grass, and a smattering of trees just right for climbing. The park is ideal for spreading out a picnic, throwing a Frisbee, kicking a ball, or just lounging with a book.

Local libraries are always a good way to while away an afternoon for free. The Sulzer Regional Library offers storytimes for babies and toddlers, plus workshops, lectures, and other events for kids of all ages (check with a librarian for a schedule) - and borrowing a pile of great kids' books is always an option. Walk a bit north of Sulzer to find the Old Town School of Folk Music, where Afrofolk, Latin, or other ethnic music is offered on most Wednesday nights throughout the year.

Challenge the kids to a treasure hunt for loose change (who knows what's lurking under the sofa cushions and car seats?), then take the spoils to the Jewel store on Lincoln Avenue between Cullom and Berteau - and pass some time magically turning change into bills in the Coinstar machine. And while you're at it, this is a perfect opportunity to introduce kids to the "rule of threes" by dividing the loot into three piles - one to save, one to donate, and one to spend!

Know of more free stuff, events, and activities for kids and families around Chicago? Add a comment below and we'll get right on it!