Along with the joys of parenting, graduate students and postdocs with children face unique pressures and demands on their time. UChicagoGRAD Parenting Community supports families via enrichment programming and information sharing, but most importantly we strive to foster connections between fellow parents. While some of our programming is designed specifically for student and postdoc parents, most are available to all university-affiliated families. Caregivers are also welcome to accompany children. In Summer Quarter 2025, we offer two weekly children’s enrichment classes, a monthly Family Mixer, and a “Field Trips” in August (information to follow!). To receive sign-up invitations, subscribe to the StudentParent Listserv. And read on to see details about Summer events, read past newsletters, and learn about Resources for Parents and the Student Parent Market.
Summer Programming Schedule
Stories in the Park
Tuesdays, July 8–September 16, 11:00–11:45 a.m., Nichols Park, near the playground at 54th and Kenwood
Join Laura on Tuesday mornings for free Storytime, with books on a theme, along with songs, percussion instruments and fingerplays for all ages. After the stories, stay to snack or play in the park together. In the event of rain, we will be at Follett Campus Bookstore, instead (970 E. 58th Street, 2nd Floor).
“Crafternoons”
Fridays, June 27–September 19, 3:30–4:30 p.m., UChicagoGRAD HQ (970 E. 58th Street, 3rd Floor)
There will be a simple craft for children, a more complicated craft for big kids and grownups, as well as a coloring corner, toys for pre-crafters, and coffee and snacks for all. A nice chance to decompress in a beautiful. air-conditioned space at the end of the week. No crafts on Friday, July 4th.
Monthly Family Mixers
UChicagoGRAD HQ, 970 E. 58th Street, 3rd Floor
- Saturday, July 26: featuring a build-your-own strawberry shortcake bar
- Saturday, August 23: with bubbles, bubbles, bubbles
- Saturday, Sept 20: back to school!
Summer in the City Field Trip
In August we will venture out to explore Chicago together! Be sure to sign up for our listserv to get details as plans are finalized.
Parent Write-Ins
Parent Write-Ins will return in Fall Quarter, 2025
Resources for Parents
- Read the University’s Graduate Student Parent Policy
- Parent Resource Guide 2025
- Fellowship Guide for Students with Children
- Child Care Resource & Referral – The University awarded a grant to Dr. Sarah Diwan at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club to provide area childcare education and referral services to postdoctoral researchers and students at the University and Medical Center. Learn more.
Student Parent Market
Join the Student Parent Market listserv for student parents to buy, sell, give and and donate their items. This list is intended to separate such posts from all other family related announcements, and queries.