BACK-TO-SCHOOL GUIDE

Written By Angela Shaffer

Summer is winding down, and school days are right around the corner. Get your kiddos fully prepared with our special Back-to-School Guide, featuring everything you need from local businesses right here on Central Street. We wish everyone a fantastic and successful school year ahead!

CAFFEINE HEADQUARTERS

We know weekday school mornings can be rough, so when you need a caffeine pick-me-up and a treat, visit one of these Central Street businesses:

*Colectivo Coffee is opening soon at 2945 Central Street - Learn More

Visit more food and drink stops

COOL-FOR-SCHOOL SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Raise your hand if you love shopping for school supplies! We're not talking the supplies you have to buy, but the ones that are fun to have. Paper Source is a favorite stop for pencil cases, note cards, and cool pens, but you’ll also find journals, totes, stickers, squishies, and more at the following shops on Central:

Alicia Mohr, Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony, Notice, and Stella.

Visit more shops and stops

BACK-TO-SCHOOL THREADS

When it comes to backpacks and back-to-school clothing, Central Street delivers! From tots to tweens, you’ll find backpacks and cool threads at children's boutique Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony. For tweens, teens, and young-at-heart adults, pay a visit to Alicia Mohr. You’ll even find an adorable curated collection of children’s clothing and accessories at Notice.

*See Maya Papaya & Tony Macarony’s recent feature on WGN’s Spotlight Chicago.

SCHOOL DROP-OFFS

Save the gas and drop your kiddos off at school with a bike from Mack's Bike and Goods. Pop your kiddos in the back seat and pedal away (don’t forget the helmets).

*Bike accessories, snacks, fun stickers, and gifts are available in the shop.

VITAMIN HEADQUARTERS

Keep the entire family healthy throughout the school year. Walsh Natural Health is your organic vitamin and supplement headquarters. Walsh carries high-quality brands like Pure Encapsulations, Metagenics, New Chapter, Nutrigold, and more. Free local delivery.

*Treat yourself to a Rishi Dandelion Ginger craft-brewed sparkling botanical tea!

PLAYDATES AND PICNICS

Photo courtesy of MKSK Studios

Fun for the whole family, Independence Park at 2627 Stewart Ave. is the perfect place to meet up with friends for a playdate or after-school picnic.

*Help take care of our beloved park by putting trash and recycling in the proper bins and returning chairs and tables to the dining edge before you leave. “Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere...” - Love, Barney

DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL

If you’re looking for a daycare for your littles, Little Green Tree House (LGTH) is a vibrant early childhood center on Central Street that serves children between six weeks and five years of age. LGTH provides high quality care combined with a strong educational foundation and a focus on environmental consciousness. Little Green Tree House offers a 10% monthly tuition discount to all Northwestern University benefits-eligible faculty, staff, and students with children enrolled in Infant, Toddler, Advanced Toddler, Preschool and Pre-K Programs.

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Keep your kiddos busy after school on Central Street. Enroll them in ballet, music, art, fitness, sewing classes, and more! We’ve highlighted businesses that offer classes for kids, but please visit our website for more experiences and class offerings:

Evanston School of Ballet | 1933 Central Street
Music Conservatory of Illinois | 2809 Central Street

Evanston Art Center | 1717 Central Street

Gym 1801 (Kids Jiu-Jitsu) | 1801 Central Street

Fitbox45 (Kids Boxing) | 2510 Green Bay Road
Sew on Central | 1937 Central Stree

*For after-school fun right at home, stop by Heroines & Heroesand pick up a new game or book from the young readers section.

Visit the Central Street website
Angela Shaffer
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