Close your eyes and imagine cruising on calm blue waters, the breeze blowing through your hair, and the sun shining down . . . Paradise, right? Hop in your car and just a short drive away from Chicago, you can be cruising on a boat for a day! My family needed to get away and splash around for the day….
Fruit picking is this summer’s hottest family activity! You are outside, socially distanced, and picking some of nature’s sweetest bounties! Blueberry picking generally starts in mid-July and runs approximately 3-4 weeks. Blueberries freeze nicely, so you can enjoy their deliciousness (and antioxidants) year-round. But where to find blueberry picking near here? We’ve rounded up all the blueberry U-Pick farms within…
What are we going to do today? If you are like me, I am trying to keep my kids active this summer, both mind and body. Activity kits are available throughout the suburbs to pick up and take home. Crafts, summer school at home, cooking, art projects, and more . . . and the best of all, someone else prepares…
Restaurants are now open for outdoor dining, but not all restaurants can accommodate outside seating. We found it a little daunting to try to figure out our options, but wanted to take a break from cooking, get out of the house, and enjoy a meal together. That’s where this handy list comes in! Scroll to the town you are interested…
Find a strawberry picking farm a short ride from the suburbs of Chicago and get some great tips for u-pick strawberries! Picking start dates included.
My favorite memories of my dad and I were fishing off the dock or by the pond at the Mallard Lake Forest Preserve. There’s something about fishing that lures families together to create memories outdoors! It isn’t just teaching your child to fish that creates a bond. It’s the calm, quiet moments in nature. This peaceful tranquility is something my…
My family has a game night once a week, and even more during this stay-at-home order. Family game nights give us the opportunity to turn off the TV, put the phones down, and spend time laughing and playing together. We’ve also started brainstorming games to play virtually with grandparents and friends to keep busy and stay connected during the coronavirus…
We asked Kidlist readers: What are the best libraries for kids in the western suburbs? These are the top 10 libraries for 2020, as voted on by our readers! They’ve got play areas with kitchens, dollhouses, STEM toys, puppet theaters, games, puzzles, and more.Many libraries in our area allow you to use any local library card to check things out, so don’t be…
Our nature loving readers have voted and these are your top 10 nature centers in Chicagoland! Nature centers can be visited year round and have indoor spaces for your kids to explore and learn about animals, plants, habitats, and geology! Nature centers are amazing destinations that are kid friendly and the best part . . . 9 out of 10…
“Mommy, how do you make that?” Do your children inquire as to why and how things work? The new exhibit at the DuPage Children’s Museum answers those questions curious minds ask. How People Make Things is based on factory tours from the television series Mister Rodgers’ Neighborhood. Kids can explore how every day objects are made, what tools are used,…
Are you longing for summer fun during the long, cold winter months of Chicago? Try an indoor water park within driving distance from the Chicago suburbs. During the bitter months of our Chicago winter my family plays at libraries and indoor play places. When we start longing for summer fun, we bust out the bathing suits and head to an…
5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . Happy New Year! Ringing in the new year doesn’t have to be at midnight. We love to include our children in reminiscing about the past year’s blessings and ringing in the new year, without staying up past their bedtime! You can celebrate with a “noon year’s eve”, have an early countdown at…