Donuts… mmmm! In the past we’ve done a donut trail map, which you can check out below, but I think a vote is in order. Who has the best donuts?! We tried to include the shops people have mentioned before, but you are of course welcome to write in an option as well. Then we’ll announce the winners so we…
Outdoor winter fun is just the excitement my family needs this year! When the snowfall starts, I can’t wait to bundle my kids up and head to the sledding hill. As a parent, my heart just bursts with joy when the kids see fresh snow falling outside. Sledding hills are a great way to enjoy time together outside and get…
5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . Happy New Year! We love to include our children in reminiscing about the past year’s blessings and ringing in the new year together. Thankfully, celebrating New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be at midnight. You can celebrate with a “noon year’s eve,” have an early countdown at bedtime, or celebrate in a…
Talking about the reason we celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus brings meaning to the season. It can be easy to get swept up in the buying of gifts and the “I want’s of Christmas. Taking a moment to visit a nativity scene brings clarity and meaning to Christmas, bringing the miracle of Christmas to life. Some churches even…
Incredible Christmas light displays are illuminating the night and bringing joy to Chicago’s suburbs! So pile in the car with a thermos of hot chocolate and a tin of Christmas cookies to see the beautiful displays our local families have created. From big attractions to incredible residential displays, we’ve got tons of options for your family. Submissions for 2020 are…
The fresh air, smell of pine, and finding that perfect tree . . . It must be Christmas time! This is one holiday tradition sure to thrive this year. As a child, driving out to the Christmas trees farm with carols playing, standing in the cold until we found the perfect tree, and then having cookies and hot chocolate while…
Our roundup of December 2020 family-friendly events is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. Organizations in the western suburbs have gone above and beyond to ensure safety guidelines are being followed as you spend quality time with your family this holiday season. Of course, things may change, so be sure to check in closer to the event date!…
This year, we’re so grateful for our local restaurants! A great way to show your support? Take a break from the kitchen and order up a full Thanksgiving feast — or just let someone else take care of the turkey (or turkey-stuffed-poblano peppers). Know of another Thanksgiving feast or family-style meal deal? Email us at annie@mykidlist.com and we would love…
Santa Claus is coming to town! Enjoy the festivities of the season and visit Santa at these local spots. Taking a picture with Santa is always a tradition for our family. I think I love the outtakes even more than the perfect pose! This year, venues are coming up with creative ways to carry on those traditions. We have categorized…
Hope D. Wall School in Aurora, “Home of the Rockets” has a new playground and it’s amazing! This inclusive playground has so many opportunities for kids of all abilities to play and we thought it was so creative that their mascot was incorporated in this fun playground. Please note that it is open to the public outside of school hours…
When life feels overwhelming, it’s tempting to curl up on the couch and worry only about my own little family. But reaching out a helping hand is such a beautiful act of hope. When we volunteer, donate, and care for others, it brings light to our own worlds — and that applies to our kids, too. Let’s be honest: It…
The Kidlist team is beyond excited for Halloween this year! After seeing so many fun events and holiday celebrations canceled earlier in 2020, we’re so happy to see trick-or-treating happening for so many towns! The Illinois Department of Public Health put out a lot of information about keeping your family safe during Halloween festivities. Find your trick-or-treat hours listed below,…