Wiggleworms @ Old Town School of Folk Music

A genuine Chicago rite of passage — the celebrated early-childhood music class you do together.

Why you'll go

Since 1985, a real class on the floor with shakers and live folk/rock/pop, done together. The insider pick that says you actually know Chicago parenting.

What they'll love

Shakers and bells in their hands, live folk/rock/pop played right there on the floor, and a whole circle of grownups and babies bouncing, clapping, and moving together. At this age they can't follow a lesson, but they lock onto the music and the other kids instantly — and the whole thing is designed for you to hold, bounce, and dance them through it rather than sit them down.

Real talk

A commitment, not a drop-in: $221 ($201 members), 45 min × 8 weeks, open enrollment (one free try-out via the front desk). A 12–24 month class fits a new walker exactly. Main hub Lincoln Square; the Lincoln Park campus is more central.

Don't miss

• Take the free tryout before you commit It's a real commitment — a full 8-week session, not a drop-in — but you can register for a single tryout class (or bring a friend along once per session) by calling the front desk. Call the desk at 773-728-6000 and book the tryout into the exact class time you'd actually attend.
• Get the age band right Classes split into 0–12 months, 12–24 months, and 2–4 years; a ~15-month-old belongs in the 12–24 month class, which is paced for new walkers. Don't age up early — the younger band keeps the group at a similar mobility level, which matters on a crowded floor.
• Pick your campus Lincoln Square (4544 N Lincoln Ave) is the original hub with the most sessions; the Lincoln Park campus is more central if you're coming from the south or east. There are also suburban locations (Evanston, Park Ridge, Western Springs, Glen Ellyn, Naperville) if the city campuses don't fit your week.