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…
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…
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…
Miniature golf courses are starting to open and we have the scoop on all the options in the western suburbs, with photos, hours, prices, and features of each. Put your skills to the test and indulge in a family game of miniature golf! Mini golf is the perfect all ages activity to get your family outside this summer, enjoying each…
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…
Yes, farmers markets are opening in 2020! Farmers, small business owners, and artisans need our help now more than ever. But do expect changes. According to the Illinois Farmers Market Association: “farmers markets are transitioning from community gathering spaces to transaction based markets, or IN-and-OUT markets. A few key tips from their new safety procedures: Maintain at least six feet…
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…
Graduation is normally such a memorable and exciting milestone, but it’s looking a bit different this year as many of these events move to a virtual platform. We’ve come up with some inventive ways to make these moments extra special for such deserving kiddos! You can tailor these to just about any age, from preschool to high school. The Kidlist…
Consider this your menu of options for ordering takeout for your family! Not only does it feel good to get a break from cooking, but getting curbside or takeout supports our wonderful local restaurant community. Please note that the menus have been gathered on May 12, 2020 and are subject to change. Click the restaurant name to be taken to…