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…
The first snowfall of the season (on Halloween!) got us excited for winter fun, and what’s more exciting than sledding? My 6- and 4-year-olds have never been sledding, and they’re excited to give it a try this year. Grab your snow gear and head to one of these local sledding hills. Most locations will be open with at least two…
Every year, my family looks forward to lounging around in our jammies as we bake cookies and watch movies over winter break. But when the holiday cheer fades into whining and bickering, we know it’s time for a break from winter break! Fortunately, there are plenty of cool camps in the western suburbs to keep kids of all ages from…
Halloween is just around the corner! Easily find your town’s recommended trick-or-treat hours in this helpful list. Check out the easy to print graphics if you are traveling to neighboring towns and share them with your friends! You’ll find trick-or-treat hours for the western suburbs, far west, and southwest suburbs in this handy article. Trick-or-Treating Hours in Chicago’s Western Suburbs…
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…