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It’s apple picking season, and there are plenty of great apple orchards near Chicago so you can take part in this family-favorite tradition! One of the best (and worst) parts about living in Chicago is the season changes. They all have their perks, but fall is particularly magical in the Midwest. Even though September can…

Chicagoans love fall for many reasons, but one of the most popular activities during this season is visiting pumpkin patches. Whether you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin to carve, a fun family outing, or just a scenic drive in the countryside, there are plenty of pumpkin patches around Chicago to choose from. Here are some…

There is no place like Chicago in the summertime. Because it’s cold for more than half the year, people in the area take advantage of the warm weather and soak up the sun while they can. One of the best things about summer is ice cream on a hot day, and Chicagoland has some amazing,…

Chicago is known for its world-class museums, award-winning restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. But, when you’re kid, one of the best ways you can spend your time is playing on an awesome playgound. Luckily, the Windy City and the Chicago suburbs have some truly special playgrounds that will entertain your kids for hours, and the best…

Chicago’s vibrant theater scene is a treasure trove of enchanting performances tailored specifically for young audiences. live theater in the city offers an array of experiences that cater to the entire family. Whether you’re exploring the Chicago River, marveling at the tallest buildings, or pondering life’s great questions, there’s a show for every taste and…

Summer is festival season, and the Windy City and its surrounding areas are home to some of the best summer festivals in the United States, attracting visitors from all over the world. From good food and live entertainment to art fairs and family-friendly carnival rides, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Downtown Chicago has…

Spending time outside in Chicago can be less than ideal for much of the year, so it’s important to know of places to help your kids exert some energy indoors. Here are our recommendations for the best indoor play spaces and playgrounds in the Chicago area. Whether you’re looking for an indoor play area to…

Easter season is approaching, and there are dozens of family-friendly activities in the Chicago area for your Easter celebration. Whether you’re looking for brunch options, photo opportunities with the Easter bunny, or Easter egg hunts, we’ve found fun ideas for the whole family. Many activities require advance registration; some sell out quickly, so we recommend…

One of the best parts of the winter season in Chicago is enjoying the available cold weather activities. Ice skating is a great family winter tradition; the beauty is that you can find an indoor ice rink that is open year-round if it’s something you enjoy! Here are some of the best places to go ice skating around the Chicago area, so you can find the perfect spot for your family!

When you’re a kid, there’s nothing better than a day of sledding. Whether it’s a snow day after a heavy snowfall, or a just a weekend with a few inches of snow during the winter season, we’ve found the best places to go sledding in the Chicago area. We’ve made sure to include some favorite…

The image above is LEGOLAND Discovery Center. I realized soon after having kids that the key to keeping everyone in my house sane was to actually get out of the house. Every Sunday is “family day” and we pick a new activity, restaurant, or park to try. It’s become our most cherished family time and…

If you’re looking for an unforgettable gift and less clutter in your home, an experience gift is a great option. I’ve always been a big fan of experience gifts because toys can lose their appeal quickly, but the memories from a unique experience gift can last a lifetime. Added Bonus? Experience gifts can mean quality time for the whole family, so everyone can enjoy it! Here are some great ideas for Chicago experience gifts for your kids.

Halloween season in the Chicago area is so much fun! There are so many spooky events and options for Halloween fun. Whether you want to check out a pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin, visit a haunted house for a little scare, attend a fall festival, or watch some Halloween-themed movies, there is the…

Turkey Day is almost here, which means the official launch of the holiday season! There are tons of fun things to do in downtown Chicago and around the Windy City this time of year. Even if you prefer staying home, we have some ideas for great things to do to spend quality time with your…

It wouldn’t be Halloween without a few spooky activities. We’ve done some research and found a wide range of haunted options, so whether you want to introduce your little one to the spirit of Halloween or scare the living daylights out of your teenager, there’s something for you. Here are the best haunted attractions in…

National Latinx Heritage Month/Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the many contributions of the Latinx community to Chicago! There are many great options for celebrating the diverse cultures of these communities with kids in the Chicago area. The Best Ways to Celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with Kids…

We are always looking for fun ways to beat the heat during the hot summer months, and one of our favorite options is to visit splash pads. Splash pads are perfect on a hot summer day, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Some are located in public parks, while others are part…

What is Mini Fest? Mini Fest is the brainchild of art teacher, Sydney Walters. Sydney realized that a lot of kids did not have the access or resources to practice their creativity, She decided to take action and created Mini Fest, an art-making festival that is accessible, memorable, and engaging for all ages. Artists and…

Berry picking is a great family activity and a unique way to spend a weekend, and there are plenty of local farms that offer a wide variety of fresh produce. From strawberries to blueberries, raspberries, to blackberries, there is something for everyone. One of the best things about berry picking is that it allows you…

Chicago is known for having a hard winter. It’s cold and snowy and seems to last forever. But the brutal winters make spring that much more magical. When the temperatures rise, the birds start chirping, and colorful new blooms pop up, there is a sense of new life across the city. Suddenly, kids are playing…

The Family Show at the Chicago Magic Lounge. Photographer: Sarah Elizabeth Larson (@selfoto on Instagram), courtesy of Chicago Magic Lounge. Chicago Magic Lounge | 5050 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 Magic Lovers and Harry Houdini enthusiasts: get excited! The Chicago Magic Lounge, a beloved magic bar on north Clark Street in Andersonville, has officially…

Feature photo: Semicolon Bookstore. Photo courtesy of Semicolon Bookstore. The city of Chicago wouldn’t be the same without the many small businesses that make the city interesting. These independent shops, restaurants, and businesses are integral to the social fabric of Chicago, and so many of them are owned by Black entrepreneurs. In celebration of Black…

The Chicago Field Museum is definitely a must-see if you’ve never been, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chicago. It helps to plan the details of your visit ahead of time to minimize costs, see special exhibits, and partake in fun events. Read this guide for tips, tricks, free museum…

This weekend marks the beginning of an important holiday and annual tradition in Chinese culture known as Lunar New Year. On Sunday, January 22nd, the Chinese zodiac signs transition from the Year of the Tiger (2022) to the Year of the Rabbit (2022). New Year celebrations typically begin on New Year’s Eve (January 21st) and…

Chicago’s central location makes it a huge travel hub in the United States, which means even if Chicago isn’t your final destination, there’s a good chance you could find yourself here on a layover. There are two airports in Chicago: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). This post focuses on…