DIY Mary Poppins

SWEEPING THROUGH TOWN Mary Poppins turns every day into an adventure for the Banks kids.

The current Broadway in Chicago production of Mary Poppins at the Cadillac Palace Theatre introduces a new generation to the simple joys of activities like flying kites and feeding birds (which, FYI, both the city and park district strongly discourage). But fans of all things supercalifragilisticexpialidocious needn’t leave their enthusiasm behind at the theater. Read on for suggestions that will add a little Poppins magic to your kids’ lives after the show.

Tea parties

Mary Poppins’s charges, Jane and Michael Banks, laugh their way to the ceiling during an impromptu tea party. We can’t guarantee a gravity-defying adventure, but we can suggest some kid-friendly spots to sip tea.

Nada Tea & Coffee House (1552 W Fullerton Ave, 773-529-2239) is a Japanese-style teahouse that recommends a two- or three-tea sampler in smaller-size pots ($2–$2.50) so children can taste different kinds of tea. Scones, muffins and Japanese butter cookies are also on the menu, and the teahouse hosts birthday parties.The Kids’ Tea at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago (160 E Pearson St, 312-266-1000) includes ham and cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cookies, brownies, and apples with caramel sauce. Drink choices include hot and iced tea, as well as lemonade and hot chocolate. It’s all served with kid-friendly utensils and on cutesy china featuring alien characters for $20.

Afternoon tea service at American Girl Place Cafe (835 N Michigan Ave, 877-247-5223) allows young ladies to quench their thirst with pink lemonade while nibbling on an array of sweets such as cinnamon buns, scones and finger sandwiches with their dolls in tow ($17).

Money, money, money

The Banks kids would rather give money to an old woman feeding the birds than open accounts at their father’s bank. Your kids can learn a thing or two about how to handle their own finances with a visit to the e, (230 S LaSalle St, 312-322-5322). The Money Museum here provides a kid-friendly primer on the Federal Reserve System free of charge—and all visitors take home a bag of shredded money.

From April 18–25, the Chicago Fed also hosts Money Smart Week Chicago, which includes a series of free classes and activities geared toward teaching kids (and adults) about financial topics. Go to chicagofed.org for details.

Go fly a kite

Your family can be like the Banks clan and test the winds this weekend at Glenview Kite Day (Attea Middle School, 2500 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, 847-724-5670, Saturday 4, 11am–2pm), where demonstrations, competitions and kite-flying workshops are planned. Bring your own kite, or make one from kits available for purchase at the event. Admission is free.

Take a spin

One of the most memorable scenes in the 1964 movie version of Mary Poppins is when the Banks children ride a carousel and the horses fly off of it. Although the stage version features statues that come to life instead of horses, hard-core fans may still want to take a turn on a merry-go-round.

The 1920s-style musical carousel at Navy Pier (600 E Grand Ave, 312-595-PIER; navypier.com) starts the season (weather permitting) this week. For $5, kids can choose among 36 animals including a frog, cat and even a dragon for their ride.

A year-round, indoor merry-go-round at the Elk Grove Park District (1000 Wellington Ave, Elk Grove Village, 847-437-9494) includes 18 hand-painted horses and a chariot. Rides cost 25 cents each, or three rides for 50 cents.

The 48-animal carousel at Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N Clark St, 312-742-2000) is open now and gives kids creature choices including zebras, pandas and ostriches, plus two chariots for $2.75 a ride.

Mary Poppins runs through July 12 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W Randolph St, 312-902-1400.