My maternity leave is quickly coming to an end as summer begins. Here are some things that I want to do around Chicago with the baby as the temps warm up and we can go outside to play (I was going to type “without a hat,” but we’ll be exchanging our winter hats for bucket hats to keep the sun out of Leigh’s eyes).

1. Chicago Botanic Garden : The last time I was here was on a field trip in elementary school. It’s free admission, but parking costs $25 ($30 on weekends). I’m particularly interested in the Butterflies and Blooms exhibit where you get to go in a 2,800-square-foot room where you’re surrounded by 500 butterflies. I’m bringing my camera for this trip! It costs an extra $6 for this experience, but I think it’s worth it.

2. Chicago Cubs Game : I really want to take Leigh to his first Cubs game this summer. Wrigley Field is a beautiful ballpark and it’s been a few years since we’ve gone to a game. We might not be able to sit in the bleachers and get trashed like we used to, but we can still eat a few hot dogs and down a couple cold ones in the cheap seats where there’s shade. We’ll have to make it a day game on a weekend so our friends can join us. We might even go for Leigh’s first el ride to get to the game!

3. Navy Pier and the new Centennial Wheel : The new Ferris Wheel opens this summer and I really want to check it out. Navy Pier is such a classic summer destination for our family and this new ride looks like fun, especially since it’s now air conditioned. Tickets are $15! Kinda expensive just to sit in a giant car and go around a wheel, but we might have to go for a ride if we make down there.

4. Wisconsin State Fair : Yeah, I know this isn’t in Chicago, but we live directly in the middle of Chicago and Milwaukee, so it’s fair game. Between August 4-14, more than 400,000 cream puffs are consumed and I want to help contribute to that grand total! If you buy tickets now, they are half price, putting you back only $6. Saving my money for the cream puffs!

The best part about all of these things: Leigh is free! Most places don’t charge admission for children under 3, so we’ve got a few more years to enjoy that deal.

That’s my list! I know it’s only four things, but that’s plenty for us to try to achieve. We can barely make it out to eat breakfast on a weekend and there’s a lot of landscaping that needs to be done around the house. If you want to join on on any of these excursions, just let me know!