Start the New Year with GiGi’s Playhouse Open House Events! 

Happy New Year from all of us at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago! We’re thrilled to welcome 2025 with a series of exciting open–house activities and events throughout January, and we’d love for you to join in on the fun. These activities and events are the perfect opportunity to experience our programs, connect with the community, and learn how you can be part of our mission. 

We invite you to join us at a raffle and a bingo challenge throughout January! The rules for both are as simple as 1-2-3. Every time you visit GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago in January, you can enter for a chance to win two tickets to BrewHaHa – our first signature event of the year! The more you visit, the greater your chances of winning! Plus, by visiting the Playhouse, you can check off some things on the bingo card. You can win fun prizes by completing a “BINGO” line or filling in the entire card from January 1 to 31! 

As for the open house events, here is a snapshot of everything we have in store! Remember to RSVP through our calendar. Join some or come for all—we’d love to see you! 

Monday, January 6 – GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Open! (All Day) 

Stop by anytime between 9am – 5pm to explore GiGi’s Playhouse and learn more about what we offer. 

Tuesday, January 7 – Virtual Volunteer Orientation (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM) 

Join us online to discover how you can make a difference as a volunteer. 

Saturday, January 11 – GiGiFIT Infant Program (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM) & Open House (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 

Bring your little ones (ages 0 to 3) to this fun and supportive fitness program for young children with Down syndrome. Stay after to enjoy coffee, and bagels, and capture memories at our playful photobooth! 

Tuesday, January 14 – In-Person Volunteer Orientation (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM) 

Join us in person at GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago to learn about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved. 

Saturday, January 18 – Family Meet & Greet & GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Trivia (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 

Spend a fun-filled morning connecting with other families and get to know GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago better through a playful game of trivia! 

Tuesday, January 21 – Open House (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM) & Fantastic Friends Group (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM) 

Warm up with a cup of delicious hot cocoa and decorate your mindfulness journal! Then check out Fantastic Friends, a social program that is perfect for adults with Down syndrome (18 years or older) of all abilities to connect and have fun. 

Wednesday, January 22 – Open House (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM) & Yoga (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM) 

Create your very own trail mix and craft yoga dice to inspire movement and fun. Stay for an evening of relaxation and unwind with a yoga session. All ages and experience levels are welcome! 

Thursday, January 23 – Open House (4:30 PM – 5:30 PM) & Hockey with Chicago North Hockey Team (5:30-7:00) 

Build your perfect snack plate at our nacho bar and make a friendship keychain during this fun evening event. Adults with Down syndrome (18 years or older) are welcome to join in on a fun evening of hockey practice with the Chicago North Hockey Team! 

Saturday, January 25 – LMNOP (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM) & Open House (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 

Language Music N’ Our Peeps (LMNOP) is an interactive program for children ages 0–3, focusing on early communication skills through music and movement. Wrap up the morning with coffee, donuts, and a chance to create your own name sign in American Sign Language ASL)! 

Note About GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago Programs vs. Open House 

Our programs are tailored for specific age groups to provide the best experience for participants. However, the open house portions of our events are open to everyone! Whether you’re attending a program or just stopping by to say hello, we invite individuals of all ages to join in the open house fun and festivities. 

There’s no better time to visit GiGi’s Playhouse and discover how GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago is working to empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Whether you stop by for a program, an activity, or to say hello, we’d love to see you this January. 

Let’s make 2025 a year of connection, joy, and possibilities!