Keeping the kids entertained and active all summer is no easy task. Mix up your summer break routine (and keep the kids off electronics!) by trying out some of the many open gym sessions in the southwest suburbs this summer. Not only will kids of all ages have a blast bouncing, climbing, flipping, and swinging their way through the gym,…
The whole Kidlist team gets really excited about our annual summer bucket list. We start talking about it when there’s still snow on the ground (and that’s not even counting April snowstorms this year). The summer bucket list represents everything we’re about: giving local families ideas and tips for making amazing memories with their kids. This year, we decided to…
Keep the kids up late because they won’t want to miss how the southwest suburbs celebrate the 4th of July! Fireworks and parades can be found in nearly every town. There is no shortage of patriotism on the 4th of July, so make sure to raise those flags proudly and join in on the fun! Use our guide below to…
Calling all movie buffs: $1 summer movies for kids are back in action! When the summer heat becomes all too much, cool off at your local participating movie theater for some really (really!) cheap children’s flicks. These movies discounts generally don’t come alone; bring some extra cash for heavily discount popcorn, candy, and soda combos. It’s hard to think of…
Splashing in the sun is one of the best summer delights! When my eldest daughter was a baby, I quickly learned that splash pads are an awesome summer water alternative! They are a great way to stay cool in the summer sun, practice fine motor skills of filling and dumping cups, and enjoy a relatively inexpensive, if not free, activity….
Here in Chicagoland, we like to soak up every bit of summer. One of the best ways to do that is by grabbing your lawn chairs, packing a picnic lunch (or dinner), and heading out to your favorite park with friends and neighbors to enjoy some live music. We’ve got a long list of outdoor concert series in the southwest…
Grab a blanket and some snacks, because this summer, there are loads of outdoor movies to enjoy! You can catch a flick in a nearby town almost every day of the week. All of the outdoor movies are family friendly, so make sure to bring the whole crew along. Keep in mind, that there is no shelter from the elements,…
There’s nothing like fresh produce straight from the farm at a local farmers market! Many markets feature things like baked goods, flowers, honey, meats, and cheeses in addition to your typical fruits and vegetables. (Some even have the occasional donut truck or face painting station!) So round up your family, grab a tote and some sunscreen, and check out these…
Having a party? Look no further! A bounce house, water slide, or inflatable obstacle course at a party really pumps up the fun. Many of these companies offer rentals of tables, chairs, and tents to make party day easier. Some even have concessions, games, and other outdoor fun! Check out one of these rentals for your next birthday party, graduation…
It’s so exciting when there are new playgrounds on the horizon! We have amazing parks systems and park districts in the west and southwest suburbs, many of whom are planning some great new spaces for our children. Here are the locations you can look forward to checkin out in the near future! We also included information from the past year…
Family outings to museums and zoos can get costly, especially when you add in parking and special exhibits. While admission and donations often go towards improving the organizations, most of us are still looking to get the most bang for our buck! Many museum memberships will pay for themselves after two or three visits, but some take longer. We’ve compiled…
Here in Chicagoland, we’re pretty lucky. (Yes, I’ve been outside… but hear me out!) We’ve got an abundance of awesome museums and educational attractions just minutes away. But these visits can also be pretty expensive. Did you know that you can get free admission and discounts from your library when you check out the Museum Adventure Pass? Libraries have individual…