Outdoor winter fun is just the excitement my family needs this year! When the snowfall starts, I can’t wait to bundle my kids up and head to the sledding hill. As a parent, my heart just bursts with joy when the kids see fresh snow falling outside. Sledding hills are a great way to enjoy time together outside and get…
Our local businesses, teachers, and coaches are getting creative to offer safe outlets for kids to explore athletics, arts, academics, and more! When our team started putting this guide together, we realized that even if some of the traditional options aren’t available, these spots are still amazing resources for parents to help their kids stay connected to the activities they…
Do you have a little one who loves listening to music and twirling around your house? If your kids are anything like mine, they love any excuse to have a family dance party. Participating in dance activities is great for fitness and coordination — and dance is for everyone! Many of these studios offer the typical ballet and tap, but…
Classes for little kids ages 0–5 years old help keep kids playing, learning, exploring, and engaging with other children. With countless classes offered for children at this stage in life, there’s something for everyone! Almost as important as the benefits for the kiddos: parents can meet and connect with other parents in this same stage of life. Check out all…
If you’re looking to boost your child’s self-confidence, discipline, and strength, take a look at these dojos for martial arts classes! You’ll find taekwondo, hapkido, jiu jitsu, martial arts, and karate classes for children as young as 4 years old. Several of them offer free classes, or free trial weeks, so be sure to inquire. Park districts also often offer…
If your child dreams of nothin’ but net — or they’ve outgrown dunking on the Little Tikes hoop — you’ve got lots of choices. From competitive traveling teams to all-kids-play local leagues, we’re rounding up local basketball programs in the western suburbs. Don’t forget to check with your own local school, YMCA, and park district, too! This article is sponsored…
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…
Splash pads are the perfect way for families to cool off in this summer heat. Young toddlers can explore the spouts and sprays, while big kids can drench themselves with dumping buckets. Some of these locations are even fenced in to contain your littlest runners. Click the links to confirm details about safety guidelines, modified hours or advanced registration requirements….
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…
Summer temps are (finally!) here, and what better way to cool off than a day at the pool? You don’t need a membership to enjoy a trip to the pool as a family!. There are so many great outdoor pools with day passes for a fun swimming outing; some even have special tot hours with reduced prices. Many pools vary…
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…
There are many kid-friendly bowling alleys in our neck of the woods that offer great options. Bumper rails and rolling ramps are awesome ways to build confidence in young bowlers until their skills grow. Most of the options locally are very kid friendly, offering birthday parties as well as specials on select days of the week. Explore one near you…