Back-to-School Special Issue

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!

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In this Issue:

• Caffeine Headquarters

• Cool-for-School School Supplies

• Back-to-School Threads

• School Drop-Offs

• Vitamin Headquarters

• Playdates & Picnics

• Daycare & Preschool

• After-School Activities

• Central Street News and Events

CAFFEINE HEADQUARTERS

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.

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 & PICNICS

Photo courtesy of MKSK Studios

Independence Park at 2627 Stewart Ave. is the perfect place to meet up with friends for a playdate or after-school picnic. Order takeout from one of our local Central Street restaurants and enjoy it in the park. Make it a family night on August 25 for the 5th annual Takeout Picnic from 6 - 8 PM.

*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 & 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 Street

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

SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR

Photo courtesy of MKSK Studios

From shopping events to community events, arts and culture, holiday festivities, and more, save the dates for special happenings on Central Street! Visit our special events page on the Central Street website.

2026 EVENT SCHEDULE:

• Takeout Picnic | August 25, 6 - 8 PM

• Central Street Trick or Treat | Saturday, October 24

• Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting | Saturday, November 14

• Small Business Saturday | Saturday, November 28

• Late-er Night On Central | Thursday, December 10

ABOUT CENTRAL STREET

Central Street Evanston is a 501(c)(6) non-profit corporation that manages Special Service Areas (SSAs) #7 and #8 along the Central Street and Green Bay Road corridors. Funded by the commercial property owners and businesses within the SSA boundaries, revenues are collected from a self-imposed additional property tax and reinvested to fund marketing, special events, beautification, placemaking, and other services to support Central Street businesses and create a vibrant sense of place for residents and visitors.