Chicago Toy and Game Fair

We all know how much kids love toys, so imagine their delight when they enter a giant room at Navy Pier full of toys, games and all things kid-friendly during the Chicago Toy and Game Fair. Not only can kids play their hearts out with the newest, latest and greatest toys on the market, they can meet cartoon and Star Wars characters, watch stage productions, dance with Radio Disney and participate in contests and activities.

Your sci-fi loving kids can get their fill at the Star Wars character breakfast at 9a.m. Saturday Nov. 21. The event sold out last year, so ticket reservations are encouraged. Tickets to the breakfast are $30, $25 kids, which include fair admission and a goody bag.

Inspired kids can meet other kid-inventors or show off their inventions to the public and toy game executives Saturday. Kids who just want to look at other inventors’ ideas can vote on their favorite to determine who will win a trip to the New York City Toy Fair.

But this fair is not just about fun and games, there’s a purpose to play. “Playing games teaches kids strategies and cooperation… When you sit down to play a game with somebody, you get to learn about them in a low-pressured setting,” says Mary Couzin, ChiTAG’s executive director.

ChiTAG is held at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 21and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 22. Admission is $10, $5 kids, free for teachers and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in uniform. Discounted parking coupons are available at the fair’s ticket booth. For more information, call (847) 677-8277 or visitwww.chitag.com.

Kate Pancero, Chicago Parent