This summer is the perfect time to bring the fun to your own home! Bounce houses, water slides, and inflatable obstacle courses will provide your kids with hours of entertainment. Even if you’re expecting a smaller crowd or just your own kids, check out these bounce house and party rentals to maximize the fun at your family get-together. Many of…
The month of July is full of summer-time fun! Outdoor movies, concerts, and water activities are just some of the many family-friendly events in the western suburbs. Now more than ever, it’s important to click on the links for up-to-date information about social distancing requirements, advanced registration details, or any other guidelines to consider that will ensure your family enjoys…
Nothing beats a beautiful summer night in Chicago. Pack your blanket and enjoy an outdoor movie in the western suburbs. You’ll laugh, cry, or even sing along to these family-friendly movies being shown under the stars. New this summer, most events are requiring advanced registration in order to monitor crowd sizes and social distancing. Click the links to find out…
We’ve heard from almost all of the park districts now that playgrounds are open! Please note that they are not being sanitized regularly, so they are “use at your own risk”. (We have included overall guidelines below.) Our wonderful local park districts have been busy planning and executing playground replacements! Check out the new playgrounds that were just completed as…
Select zoos, bowling, indoor dining, and other kid-friendly spots are coming as Illinois plans to transition into Phase 4 of the reopening plan on Friday. We’re covering the reopening plans below — but be sure to call ahead or make online reservations to be sure the business has space for you! Things are changing quickly and most businesses can only…
Ice cream is the ultimate summer treat, and there are so many amazing local shops to choose from! My girls love it anytime we happily announce that we’re going out for ice cream. And, with more time on our hands as of late combined with a list this awesome, we may just need to visit each and every sweet shop…
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…
A lot of activities may be canceled this summer, but one thing is definitely not: reading! These retailers and local libraries are encouraging children’s love of learning by offering free summer reading programs. Enjoy a beautiful summer day reading outside, or curl up with a good book and a blanket on a rainy day inside. Start a virtual family book…
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a fun and interactive way for kids to explore religion and learn about Bible stories through games, lessons, crafts, and snacks. Unfortunately many churches have had to cancel VBS, but some have adapted their program so families can still participate virtually, with take-home kits, and outdoors! In general, VBS is for ages 4 through 12, although…
We are excited to announce that many summer camps are still happening this year! Our local businesses and park districts have been very busy reimagining summer with all the new guidelines and safety measures and we are overjoyed with what they came up with. I am so grateful for our community and everything it offers. Check out these great options…
IMPORTANT NOTE: This article is no longer up-to-date. Many of the pools below have chosen to close for the 2020 season; please see our article on what’s open, closed, and rescheduled for more information. Many local spots have extended their early bird pricing due to the uncertainty around COVID-19. Check below for discount details and tentative opening days. Please note…
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…