Words Are Everywhere in Chicago

Caitlin Murray Giles - Chicago
May 1, 2012

The ABC's don't just exist in books! Take your beginner reader out into the big wide world to search for busy letter Bs and zany letter Zs. See letters and numbers come to life in real-world situations. (It will be fun for both of you!). Wondering where to start your local letter adventure? Try these locales that are laden with lots of letters.

All aboard!

In addition to marveling at the hustle and bustle of thousands of commuters, your little letter lover will be able to spot his favorites on the many arrival and departure boards at Union Station. To top off this adventure, take an actual train ride (and challenge your traveling companion to sound out the letters and identify your stop).

Get your grocery cart and go

Grocery store shelves are lined with many opportunities to learn letters and numbers. Head over to the Lincoln Park Whole Foods on a Wednesday or Thursday morning at 10:00 to catch a live music performance from the talented folks at Bubbles Academy and then stroll the aisles in search of letters (and trick your kiddos into helping you with your shopping!).

What's the score?

Treat your little sports enthusiast to a game (any college or professional event will do) and chat about the numbers and letters on the scoreboard while you enjoy the game. During the summer months, hopefully the scoreboards at Wrigley and U.S. Cellular Fields will be jumping!

C is for Chicago

Perhaps the most iconic sign in town is the masthead at the Chicago Theatre. Stroll down State Street and introduce your reader to the name of his or her hometown—writ large!

Look to the sky

During the summer months, the beaches are packed with Chicagoans in search of sand and sun. Frequently, planes pulling advertising banners frequent these busy beaches, promoting everything from insurance to upcoming events. To the average beach-goer, these noisy planes are a distraction. To kids, this phenomenon is a chance to see letters and numbers overhead. Keep your eyes peeled for interesting and unusual signs to point out to your kids when you are at the lakefront this summer—a unique opportunity to see letters and numbers fly by!