Spending the day at the public pool on a hot summer day is one of my favorite childhood memories. Back then, my mom would give us $5 and just send us away for the day, telling us to watch each other, listen to the lifeguards, and come back at closing time! Though times have changed a bit, pool memberships are…
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…
Here in the Chicago suburbs, we’ve got the best of both worlds: city life and wide open spaces. We don’t have to go far to enjoy the great outdoors! Not only is exploring our natural environment an incredible learning opportunity for kids, but it’s also one of the most entertaining and rewarding ways to enjoy a beautiful spring or summer…
Rain, rain go away! Come again another day! It’s raining, it’s pouring, staying inside is getting boring! Rainy days offer just another challenge in the life of a parent. Cabin fever can set in fast and before you know, it the kids are bouncing off the walls and complaining that they are bored. With a little help from this list of…
Last week, my niece summoned all her courage and marched home from school to ask her parents the question they’d been anticipating since she started Kindergarten: Can I get my ears pierced? It’s a rite of passage for many little girls, and it can bring both excitement and apprehension—for both the piercee and the parents! To help make your child’s…
The library is a great place to take your little one to get out of the house and jump start their imaginations. Almost all libraries offer story times for babies and toddlers. Furthermore, most of the local libraries offer puzzles, small tables for activities, and building blocks. Others have iPads, small theatre set-ups and more. Story times can vary by…
Nature centers offer a dose of the great outdoors, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. I had no idea these existed until recently, when we were driving past the new Knoch Knolls center and stopped in to explore. Now I know the secret: nature centers are a great source of (usually free) fun in any weather! These Chicagoland nature centers that have walk-in visitor…