Nothing beats quality one-on-one time with your child, and these Daddy-Daughter dances provide girls with the perfect opportunity for a fun-filled night with the men in their lives. Dads, stepdads, grandpas, uncles, older cousins, or even close family friends can come bust a move on the dance floor. These events include dancing (of course), refreshments, crafts, keepsake photos, flowers, and…
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…
Skate at one of the many year-round rinks or one of the pop-up winter rinks for some family fun. There are so many different options to choose from in the area and even more in the city. Check out our list to find skate rentals and admission fees, when applicable, and the best ways to find out if the outdoor…
Ring in the New Year with a countdown to Noon celebration! Families can spend time together creating lasting memories, taking part in special activities, grooving to live music, exploring the Museum’s hands-on exhibits, and counting down to Noon! This annual year-end celebration, now in its 18th year, has become a holiday tradition for families. EARLY BIRD SAVINGS THROUGH MONDAY, DECEMBER…
After all the pomp and excess of the holidays, January helps my family settle back down to earth. Free, local events around town are just the right speed for us — especially since we overdid it on the big events in December! Here, we’ve rounded up all the free event on our calendar for January, as well as other tips…
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…
While some Christmas traditions may come and go, getting a photo with Santa is a staple of the holiday season. With three children under 6, our family photos lately have one child with a blank stare, one looking to the side, and one with an adorable “can we get this over with?” smile. At these events, stop to see Santa…
Cutting down a live Christmas tree for your home can be daunting — at least it was for me! But I promise, it’s really an enjoyable family activity. Kids love running from tree to tree while making the pressing decision: which one will look best in your home? Our Christmas tree farms guide features hours, prices, tips, and more, making…
Our family has a Christmas tradition of spending some time with the big man himself while enjoying a meal together. This is a great time to catch up on our holiday plans, enjoy great food together, and allow the kids to visit with Santa for a longer amount of time. Want to get in on the fun? We hunted down…
Storybook characters come to life during this fun literary experience at the Museum. Enjoy a hot breakfast provided by Bean Sprouts Cafe, a photo op with Pete the Cat, a special story time, and exclusive time in Museum exhibits. Stay and continue to play after the Museum opens; each ticket includes Museum admission. $15 | DCM Member (age 1+) $25…
Here comes Santa Claus — right down our neighborhood lanes! What better way to ring in the Christmas season than a visit with Santa himself? At these family-friendly events, you’ll get to see the big guy (and maybe even catch a sighting of Mrs. Claus and the elves). Below, you’ll find tree-lighting ceremonies, parades, story times, photo opportunities, and more…
When the original movie, Frozen, came out 5+ years ago, my girls quickly became captivated by the amazing storyline of two strong and loving sisters who would go to any length to protect one another. Couple the movie’s positive message with some incredibly catchy music, and soon we were listening to the new soundtrack for all of our lives as…