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Allegro Dance Boutique 2114 Central St., Evanston, 847-733-8460 allegrodanceboutique.comA dance boutique that provides everything for “bodies in motion”—girl and boy clothing for dance, gymnastics, and ice skating, dance shoes, and professional pointe shoe fittings for little ballerinas.
Arabesque Dancewear and Yoga Boutique 644 N. Bank Lane, Lake Forest, 847-482-0997 arabesquedb.comDancewear for all ages—leotards, leg warmers, tights, bags, and warm-ups, as well as tutus and wings for dancing tots. Shoes for ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop are available in sizes from toddler to adult.
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Bass Pro Shop Gurnee Mills, 6112 W. Grand Ave., Gurnee, 847-856-1229 709 Janes Ave., Bolingbrook, 630-296-2700 basspro.comSerious gear for junior outdoorsmen—Carhartt overalls and duck jackets, camouflage bodysuits, kid hunting and fishing gear, heavy-duty boots, and life vests.
Belmont Army Surplus 855 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, 773-549-1038Somewhat hidden inside the hipster parade of Belmont Army Surplus is this skateboard shop that carries boards for boys and girls from Adidas, Vans, and Alien Workshop, as well as bearings, grip tape, and trucks.
Board Sports Unlimited 204 W. State St., Geneva, 630-845-0400It’s all about snowboarding here, with a huge selection of boards, outerwear, clothing, boots, and goggles. Youth sizes are stocked in Burton, 686, Bonfire, and Volcom.
Body and Sole 931 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, 847-446-2005 bodyandsolewinnetka.comThis dancewear boutique has been in business since 1974. Shop for children’s dance clothing and shoes, as well as outfits for gymnastics and ice skating—leotards, ballet dresses, jazz pants, ice skating dresses, leg warmers, and tights. Staff can expertly fit dance shoes, which include ballet jazz, tap, hip hop, and pointe shoes.
Burton 56 E. Walton St., Chicago, 312-202-7900 burton.comThe bottom floor of the flagship Chicago store houses the children’s merchandise (starting at 2T) such as colorful coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, helmets, and (obviously) snowboards.
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Cabela’s 5225 Prairie Stone Pkwy., Hoffman Estates, 847-645-0400 cabelas.comThe outdoor superstore carries outerwear from Columbia, The North Face, and Carhartt, as well as snow pants, base layers, rain gear, kid’s fishing waders, hunting attire, and camouflage. Also find sandals from Teva and Crocs, hiking shoes from Merrell, and boots from Kamik and Bogs.
Centrum Sport Soccer 5535 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, 773-545-9777 centrumsport.comThis 12,000 sq. ft. soccer superstore has a significant children’s selection. Soccer cleats from adidas and Nike, shorts, bags, and jerseys from international and professional teams are available in child sizes.
Champs Sports Visit champssports.com for locationsThese mall-based athletic stores carry footwear, clothing, and some sporting equipment. Shop children’s sneakers and athletic shoes from brands such as Nike (including Nike Shox and Nike Air Max), adidas, Reebok, Timberland, and Converse. Shorts, T-shirts, hoodies, and hats are designed for sports, but are more likely to be worn for fashion.
Chicago Dance Supply 5301 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-728-5344 chicagodancesupply.comThis Andersonville shop outfits young dancers in leggings, jazz pants, ballet dresses, leotards, tutus, and tights. Ballet, jazz, and pointe shoes are also sold, and custom shoe fittings are taken very seriously. Appointments are recommended for first-time pointe shoes.
Chicago Fly Fishing Outfitters Ltd. 1279 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, 312-944-3474 chicagoflyfishingoutfitters.comThis fly fishing emporium carries a small selection of children’s gear, like fly fishing reels and waders.
Chicago Soccer 4839 N. Western Ave., Chicago, 773-271-2255 2901 S. 49th Ave., Cicero, 708-656-3100 3415 W. North Ave., Melrose Park, 708-410-2255 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, 847-674-0543chicagosoccer.net
If soccer requires it, Chicago Soccer has it: soccer pants, T-shirts, zip-up jackets, team jerseys from Nike, adidas, Puma, and Pele Sports, a vast selection of gear from balls to bags to shin guards, and youth soccer shoes from adidas and Nike.
Citizen Skate Café 920 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, 773-751-5809 citizenskatecafe.comThis combination skateboard and coffee shop near Wilson Skate Park is a hangout for Uptown skaters. (Their own line of Citizen skateboards ($30) are perfect for beginners.) Also find trucks, wheels, stickers, helmets, and Dox shoes. Owned by Christian organization Jesus People USA, proceeds from the shop and café benefit ministries in Uptown.
Columbia Sportswear 830 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-951-2679 columbia.comColumbia’s Chicago flagship store carries heavy duty outdoor gear for babies, toddlers, and kids—baby buntings, toddler thermals and snowsuits, fleece, parkas, snow pants, heavy duty boots, gloves, hats, and scarves.
The Competitive Foot 102 N. Marion St., Oak Park, 708-524-0030 814 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, 708-246-5520 competitivefoot.comThe Competitive Foot opened in 1974 as one of the first shoe shops devoted exclusively to athletic sneaks, and it carries shoes for running, tennis, soccer, and cross-training as well as casual shoes and sandals. Children’s brands include New Balance, Asics, Saucony, and Adidas.
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Dancin’ 1
1314 N. Cedar Rd., New Lenox, 815-485-9486
5147 Main St., Downers Grove, 630-968-1794
dancin1.com
These stores carry apparel for dance, gymnastics, and ice skating. The array of shoes is impressive, including pointe, ballet, hip hop, jazz, and tap shoes.
Dick Pond Athletics 927 S. Roselle Rd., Schaumburg, 847-985-9720 26 W. 515 Saint Charles Rd., Carol Stream, 630-665-3316 2775 Maple Ave., Lisle, 630-357-6884 303 N. 2nd St., St. Charles, 630-587-0745 2164 Randall Rd., Carpentersville, 847-783-0701 dickpondathletics.comYou might know Dick Pond from its Shoemobile, a caravan that travels to schools and races around Chicagoland to fit kids and adults in the perfect running shoe. This running emporium carries youth running shoes, cross country and track spikes, running accessories, shorts, pants, and warm-ups, and youth wrestling shoes and gear.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Visit dickssportinggoods.com for locationsSports gear galore. Performance tees, shorts and athletic pants, sweatshirts, and jackets from brands such as Under Armour, Nike, Livestrong, Adidas, and Reebok. Shoes are mostly sport-centric—running shoes, soccer shoes, and cleats—although there is a selection of sneakers and sandals as well. Of course the shelves are also lined with soccer balls, basketballs, golf clubs, skates, bikes, and other sporting goods.
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Eddie Bauer Visit eddiebauer.com for locationsEddie Bauer’s children’s selection consists solely of high performance outerwear, such as puffer vests, down jackets, fleece coats, and baby buntings. (Some stores also have youth sizes in snow shoes, skis, and poles.) The Eddie Bauer car seats and strollers are not sold at Eddie Bauer stores but can be found at Target and Babies R Us.
Erehwon 1000 W. North Ave., Chicago, 312-337-6400 20505 N. Rand Rd., Kildeer, 847-726-1301 2585 Waukegan Rd., Bannockburn, 847-948-7250erehwon.com
The outdoorsy superstore carries a small selection of infant, toddler, and kid apparel: fleeces, coats, hats, base layers, snow pants, rain gear, and baby bunting from Columbia and The North Face. The shoe selection is on the small side, but The North Face boots, Merrell shoes, and Bogs are available for toddlers and kids.
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FA Skate Shop 131 W. Prospect Ave., Mount Prospect, 847-392-3377 faskates.comA suburban skating outpost since 1985 (the original was located in Arlington Heights) that sells skateboards, decks, wheels, bearings, and helmets; snowboards, boots, and goggles; and shoes from Adidas, Converse, and Nike.
Finish Line Visit finishline.com for locationsShop children’s shoes from infant to size 7, including the ever popular Nike Shox, Air Jordans, and Reebok Zigs, as well as Jordan sandals, Polo boots (particularly adorable in toddler sizes), and Jordans for infants. There is also a good selection of team gear and activewear from Under Armour and Jordan.
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Golfsmith 2782 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, 773-281-1494 golfsmith.comThis golf and tennis shop carries a selection of youth merchandise, like Callaway and Lynx golf clubs, Prince and Wilson tennis racquets, and clothing, shoes, bags, and balls for both sports.
Goskand Sports + Ski 5657 S. Harlem Ave., Chicago, 773-586-2577 goskandsports.comA family-owned business that specializes in ski and soccer equipment for the whole family. Skis, ski boots, winter coats, and base layers come in children’s sizes. Boot fitting, ski rentals, and repair are also available. On the soccer side, shop for cleats, balls, jerseys, and Chicago Fire apparel. A sampling of supplies and equipment for other sports, such as volleyball and basketball, are also in stock.
Gunzo’s Hockey Headquarters 7706 W. Madison St., River Forest, 708-771-8666 6730 W. Dempster St., Morton Grove, 847-965-2300 gunzos.comA one-stop hockey shop that carries skates, sticks, helmets, gloves, jerseys, shin guards, bags, goalie gear, and fan wear for the hockey player or fanatic. A small selection of figure skates is also available. Gunzo’s also offers skate fitting, sharpening, and repair.
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Hildebrand Sporting Goods 1809 W. Roosevelt Rd., Broadview, 708-344-0800 hildebrandsports.comA family-owned, old school sports store that carries equipment for nearly every sport—baseball, football, basketball, golf, tennis, soccer, hockey—and offers services like baseball mitt repair and skate sharpening.
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Ivivva 1351 W. Roscoe St., Chicago, 773-472-6191 ivivva.comVictoria’s Secret did it with the “Pink” brand, and now Lululemon has Ivivva Athletica, the gateway to a grown-up brand. The Chicago showroom carries the line of the product for active girls aged 4 to 14, with colorful and fun yoga pants and activewear for gymnasts, ice skaters, dancers, or those who just want to look really good laying around. Call first; hours are irregular.
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Kay Clay Dance Supply 245 N. Cass Ave., Westmont, 630-963-4252 813 E. Ogden Ave., Naperville, 630-717-1615Kay Clay carries dancewear (leotards, Capezio layers, warm-ups), yoga and ice skating outfits, and ballet, ballroom and jazz shoes. Pointe shoe fittings by appointment.
Kiddle’s 258 Market Square, Lake Forest, 847-234-0025 kiddlessports.comThis family-owned sporting goods store has been in Lake Forest for more than 40 years. Shop for equipment, clothing, and accessories for soccer, baseball, football, hockey, volleyball, swimming, tennis, lacrosse, field hockey, cheerleading, and bicycling. Kiddle’s provides expert shoe fitting across all sports from brands such as Adidas, Asics, Nike, Saucony, and Wilson.
Kid’s Foot Locker Visit kidsfootlocker.com for locationsAthletic shoes and clothing for kids from infant to size 7, such as the best-selling Air Jordans, Nike basketball shoes, Adidas, Skechers, and Converse. Toddlers can kick around in Nike Air or New Balance sneakers, and infants in Jordan and K-Swiss. Under Armour and Nike tees, shorts, and hoodies are available in pint-sizes.
King Keyser 41 S. Washington St., Hinsdale, 630-323-4320 kingkeyser.comThis ski and snowboard shop has been a Hinsdale institution since 1952. The kid selection of outerwear is outstanding and boasts possibly the most fun and colorful array in the area, from brands Obermeyer, Bitsy, and Spyder.
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Leo’s Dancewear Factory Store 1900 N. Narragansett Ave., Chicago, 773-745-5600 leosdancewear.comOriginally founded in 1924 by a designer who made dance shoes for the performers in the Loop theaters surrounding his store, it is now a third generation family business that specializes in dance shoes of all kinds—ballet, tap, jazz, modern dance, and pointe shoes. The factory store carries closeouts at clearance prices on shoes, leotards, dance dresses, leg warmers, and a selection of costumes.
L.L. Bean Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie, 847-568-3600 Arboretum, 100 W. Higgins Rd., South Barrington; 888-552-5548 llbean.comThese large L.L. Bean stores carry coats, fleece jackets, snow pants, rain and snow boots, flannel shirts, pajamas, and swimsuits for kids, and buntings, hoodies and boots for infants and toddlers. Gear includes BOB strollers, sleeping bags, backpacks, tents, sleds, wagons, bike trailers, life vests, and helmets.
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MC Sports 71 Danada Square, Wheaton, 630-665-4051 727 W. Route 22, Lake Zurich, 847-550-9940 440 E. Rollins Rd., Round Lake Beach, 847-740-4510 Joliet Mall, Joliet, 815-254-2451 mcsports.comThis Midwestern sports chain carries youth sizes in clothing and shoes for football, soccer, baseball, basketball, running, golf, and tennis. Selection varies by store, but most also carry supplies for skateboarding, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Moosejaw Mountaineering 1445 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, 773-529-111 moosejaw.comThe youth selection is on the small side, but baby and kid items include jackets from The North Face and Patagonia, snow pants, swimwear, Sorel boots, Keen sandals, and hiking baby carriers. Check the online outlet for deals.
Motion Unlimited 218 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 312-922-3330 motionunlimiteddancewear.comA dancewear boutique owned by dancer and choreographer Greg Begley, this shop always has expert shoe fitters on site. Youth sizes are available in dancewear such as leotards, tights, dance dresses, jazz pants, and leggings. Also shop ballet, jazz, and tap shoes, and a large selection of pointe shoes. (No appointments necessary for fittings.)
Motiv8 Skate Shop 415 N. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park, 630-833-3747 motiv8skateshop.comA family-owned shop that carries skateboards, clothing, shoes from Vox and etnies, and skate parts. BMX bikes and parts also available.
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Niketown 669 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-642-6363 nikestore.comThe enormous Nike superstore on Michigan Avenue carries the entire breadth of the Nike line, with apparel and shoes for basketball, tennis, running, and more. The children’s selection is a mix of fashion and function, including performance and trendy sneakers, baby Air Jordan shoes, shirts, warm-ups, and puffer vests.
The North Face 875 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-337-7200 1600 Sherman Ave., Evanston; 847-733-0875 thenorthface.comYou’re never too young to wear a fleece from The North Face. Fleece jackets, down jackets, snow pants, hiking and snow boots, baselayers, and convertible cargo pants are available for toddlers and kids. For babies, find heavy duty jackets, down bunting ($129), and snow booties.
NorthShore Soccer & More 1745 Orchard Ln., Northfield, 847-501-3630 soccerandmore.netThis locally-owned store has served North Shore athletes since 1989. Soccer gear includes soccer balls, shin guards, jerseys, and Adidas, Nike, and Puma shoes. The “and more” comprises a mix of men’s and women’s volleyball gear and apparel, field hockey sticks and cleats, and badminton racquets.
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Patagonia
1800 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, 312-951-0518
48 E. Walton St., Chicago, 312-640-5934
patagonia.com
Climbers, skiers, snowboarders, and fishermen outfit themselves at Patagonia. The kid selection is small but heavy-duty. Baby buntings, puff jackets ($80), kid’s parkas (around $149), insulated jackets ($199), vests, and snow pants can withstand rain, snow, and cold.
Payless Shoe Source Visit payless.com for locationsPayless carries the American Ballet Theatre for Spotlights line of dance shoes. Jazz, tap, and ballet shoes are priced at less than $30.
Play It Again Sports Visit playitagainsports.com for locationsWhen your kid wants to try a new sport, needs new gear for an old sport, or has just given up on one altogether, these franchises are the spot to sell, buy, and trade sports equipment. Golf, baseball, hockey, soccer, and football gear is available, as well as fitness equipment, rollerblades, and skateboards. Alongside used gear is a sampling of new gear, much of which is overstocks and closeouts at discount prices.
Play Soccer 4717 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-561-3465 playsoccerinc.comThis Andersonville shop is devoted to all things soccer, from practical items like shoes, balls, and bags, to fan gear like professional team jerseys.
Polla’s Soccer Stuff Golf Mill Center, Niles, 847-714-3504A small, soccer-centric shop tucked into Golf Mill mall that carries shoes, balls, and sports jerseys, including many from international teams.
The Princess Club 3300 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, 773-472-4733Anything a little princess (particularly a dancing one) could need: tutus, leotards, bows, tiaras, princess dolls, plush toys, puzzles, and holiday outfits from Mudpie.
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Rainbo Sports
1440 Paddock Dr., Northbrook, 847-998-1000 shoprainbo.comThe figure skating emporium in the area since 1956, Rainbo Sports carries youth ice skates for all skill levels and has worked with Olympians Katrina Witt and Dorothy Hamill. Shop ice skates, practice and competition outfits, skate bags, and take advantage of professional figure skate fittings.
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Although there is plenty of gear for the outdoorsy kid (snow pants, long underwear, ski equipment), the selection of outerwear works just as well for heading to the school bus. REI carries down jackets and performance fleece from The North Face, Patagonia, and Columbia, as well as hats, gloves, snowsuits, and rain gear. Also find hiking boots, winter and rain boots, sandals, and comfy kicks from Merrell and Keen. There is a smallish selection of baby gear like BOB and Baby Jogger strollers, heavy-duty carrier backpacks for long hikes, bikes, and helmets.
Russian Pointe Dance Boutique 333 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-332-7200 russianpointe.comThese pointe shoes are handcrafted in Moscow, and this flagship store offers expert fittings on a raised stage. This shop is much more geared toward the serious dancer than a beginner ballerina but does have a small selection of children’s tutus, tights, and skirts.
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Scandinavian Ski and Snowboard Shop 1621 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, 847-729-0550 scanskishop.comSki and snowboard equipment and clothing for kids 3T and up. Shop for skis, boots, bindings, snowboards, helmets, and coats from The North Face, Burton, Spyder, and Obermeyer. Ask about the kid’s ski and snowboard club.
Shred Shop 3801 W. Oakton St., Skokie, 847-679-3060 shredshop.comSnowboards, skateboards, paddleboards, and wakeboards abound at this Skokie store, which also sells all the accessories (boots, helmets, goggles) to go along with each sport. Burton jackets, clothing from Paul Frank and Volcom, and shoes from etnies and vans also stocked here.
Snowbird Ski Shop 2709 Pfingsten Rd., Glenview, 847-920-7547 1439 Peterson Rd., Libertyville, 847-920-7547 shopsnowbirdski.comBoth locations of this ski shop carry infant, toddler, and kid apparel and equipment like goggles, snowboards and snowboard boots, skis and ski boots, helmets, hats, gloves, snow pants, and jackets from Obermeyer, Spyder, and The North Face.
Snowcrest Ski and SnowboardCenter 13352 S. Cicero Ave., Crestwood, 708-389-4963 snowcrestskicenter.comThis ski and snowboard shop offers expert instruction and even has an indoor practice mountain. Beginners can be fitted for skis and boots, and youth sizes are available in gear, coats, and other apparel.
Soccer 2000 224 Ogden Ave., Downers Grove, 630-241-9500 soccer2000.comA family-owned soccer emporium that is part retail store/part warehouse to accommodate team orders. Find everything and anything a young soccer player needs from Puma and Adidas shoes and cleats to uniforms, bags, and jerseys.
Soccer Edge 4931 S. Route 59, Naperville, 630-717-7550 thesocceredge.netNaperville’s soccer shop carries Nike and Adidas clothing, Chicago Fire and other team jerseys, indoor and outdoor shoes, warm-ups, shorts, pants, bags, and balls.
The Soccer House 999 Waukegan Rd., Glenview, 847-998-0088 thesoccerhouse.comEverything a soccer-loving kid could need: Cleats, balls, shin guards, nets, bags, and jerseys from European and national teams. The store also carries lacrosse and field hockey equipment.
Soccer Madness 364 W. Half Day Rd., Buffalo Grove, 847-947-2060 soccermadnessonline.comThis well-organized store carries shoes, cleats, bags, team jerseys, and apparel from Umbro, Nike, and Puma. Soccer Madness recently added field hockey equipment—sticks, eyewear, and shin guards—to its product mix.
Soccer & More 9159 W. 151st St., Orland Park, 708-364-1111 mysoccerandmore.comA south suburban soccer staple stocked with soccer cleats, turf shoes, indoor and outdoor soccer balls, goalie gear, shin guards, warm-ups, and international team jerseys. Also in-store is fan gear for the Blackhawks, Bears, Cubs, and White Sox.
Soccer Plus 456 W. Northwest Hwy., Palatine, 847-776-7954 500 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, 847-549-6011 soccerplusinfo.comThese enormous stores carry soccer and lacrosse gear from the likes of Under Armour, adidas, Puma, Umbro, and more.
The Soccer Post 936 Roosevelt Rd., Glen Ellyn, 630-942-9300 24402 W. Lockport St., Plainfield, 815-436-6635 soccerpost.comThis chain has two area locations that supply equipment for indoor and outdoor soccer including cleats, team jerseys, sweatshirts, and training pants from Nike and Adidas.
Soccer Shop 359 S. Randall Rd., Elgin, 847-931-0750 soccershopinc.comBalls, bags, jerseys, cleats, and warm-up suits, available in youth sizes from Adidas, Champion, Nike, and Puma.
Sports Authority Visit sportsauthority.com for locationsSports apparel for boys and girls: hoodies, T-shirts, workout pants, and swimwear from The North Face, Under Armour, and Nike. The girl selection also includes tennis skirts and dance leotards. Shoes for almost any sport (running, soccer, golf, even bowling) come in a broad range of sizes. Backpacks, camping equipment, bikes, skates, golf clubs, tennis rackets, skateboards, and trampolines are also here.
Strings Attached 1369 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, 773-857-6900 stringsattachedstore.comThe pro shop for Lincoln Park’s Lakeshore Club across the street is all about tennis, racquetball, badminton, and squash and the racquets, bags, clothing, and shoes to go along with them from Wilson, Prince, Dunlop, Adidas, and Harrow. Kid sizes available.
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That Really Good Dance Store 1429 W. Main St., St. Charles, 630-377-9297 saintcharlesschoolofdance.comDancewear shop that carries leotards, tutus, ballroom, ballet, jazz, and tap shoes, clothing for gymnastics and ice skating, and gifts for little dancers.
Total Hockey 1230 W. 75th St., Downers Grove, 630-322-9850 2751 Pfingsten Rd., Glenview, 847-272-8930 170 Barrington Rd., Schaumburg, 847-798-9820 2111 Founders Dr., Northbrook, 847-205-0828 550 St. Charles Rd., Elmhurst, 630-279-7221 totalhockey.netThis Missouri-based hockey superstore has 12 locations throughout the Midwest and carries a wide selection of hockey gear. Youth equipment includes bags, skates, goalie gear, sticks, jerseys, helmets, and protective wear.
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Uncle Dan’s the Great Outdoor Store 3551 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, 773-348-5800 901 W. Church St., Evanston, 847-475-7100 621 Central St., Highland Park, 847-266-8600 udans.comThis local, family-owned outdoor store carries camping, hiking, and other adventure equipment including a selection of baby and kid gear (with more to choose from in the suburban stores). Find little backpacks, coats like Patagonia puff jackets for babies ($80 to $99), hats, gloves, snow boots, and buntings.
Uprise 1820 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, 773-342-7763 upriseskateshop.comThis Wicker Park shop—run by skateboarders, for skateboarders—is friendly and encouraging to newbies. The shop sells complete boards as well as individual components like trucks and decks, as well as tees, hoodies, hats, and shoes from Vans and Adidas.
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Vertical Drop Ski + Patio 116 W. Main St., St. Charles, 630-584-1250 verticaldrop.comWinter coats and snow pants (in kid sizes 2 to 20) from The North Face, Spyder, Obermeyer, Patagonia, and Nils, as well as alpine skis, snowboards, and boots. Youth sizes available.
Viking Ski Shop 3422 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, 773-276-0732 131 W. Northwest Hwy., Barrington, 847-381-1188 vikingskishop.comA snowboard and ski shop that carries baby, toddler, and kid’s coats, as well as snowboards, skis, helmets and boots for children. Both locations offer rentals, services, and ski trips.
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Wilson Yards Skateboard Shop 1354 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago, 773-561-2406Kids are welcome at this friendly basement shop, located near the Wilson Skate Park. The owners are just as happy to induct a newbie as to hang with an experienced skater. The skateboards, trucks, wheels, and other gear are priced reasonably.
Windward Sports 3317 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-472-6868 windwardsports.comA swim, snow, and skate shop. Burton snowboards, paddleboards, skateboards (complete and components) and other equipment is stocked along with goggles, helmets, snowpants, shoes, wet suits, jackets from Burton and Volcom, and apparel from Billabong, Roxy, and Quiksilver.
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Zumiez Visit zumiez.com for locationsA skate and snowboard lifestyle chain, with boy and girl sizes in T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, and snow pants from brands Burton, Volcom, and Billabong, as well as skateboards, snowboards, and shoes from DC and Vans.