Summertime patios are here! But have you ever been curious if you could bring your dog along? There are many dog-friendly restaurant patio options across the western suburbs, so plan a doggy date today. Remember the rules of dog etiquette also apply to restaurant patios: keep dogs leashed and make sure they are well exercised and calm prior to your…
Nothing feels more like summer than 4th of July fireworks and parades. Each town celebrates in their own family-friendly way, whether walking the streets in a patriotic parade or enjoying a colorful fireworks show at dusk. Grab a blanket, some lawn chairs, and your best patriotic gear to check out one of these awesome Independence Day celebrations with your family!…
The sun is shining, band is playing, and carnival rides are spinning. It must mean summer festival time!
The only thing better than summer fun is FREE summer fun! Having a blast doesn’t have to break the bank. With classic car shows, outdoor movies, splash pads, nature centers, and more, there’s something for every family. Check out these great free summer activities all around the western suburbs. 2019 Free Summer Fun in the Western Suburbs Here are a…
The reason this Kidlist Mom loves splash pads is that my little kids are able to be more independent than at a pool. (It’s also a bonus that I don’t have to put on my bathing suit or bring life jackets!) Most splash pads and spray parks are opening Memorial Day weekend, with exceptions noted in the comments under each….
As you work on your summer bucket list, don’t forget an outdoor concert as a part of a summer music series in the western suburbs. (After all, we endure winters in Chicago in order to be able to enjoy summertime fun outside!) Whether you’re taking in a children’s performance or a sunset serenade, get your family and friends together to…
Pack some popcorn and your lawn chair to enjoy a beautiful summer evening with outdoor movies in the western suburbs. All of these free events feature family-friendly movies, and some may sell concessions or have pre-show entertainment. Click on the listing to see more information such as the specific location and suggestions on what you should bring. Oh, and don’t…
Have you seen all of the gorgeous tulips at the Oakbrook Center? Year after year they dig all of them up (usually after Mother’s Day) and offer them to the community so we can all enjoy them in our own yards! Get all the details below about when Oakbrook Mall is giving away free tulips, where to go, what to…
Thanks so much for voting for your favorite playgrounds! Everyone came up with an amazing list of the best parks and playgrounds- there are maybe even some on this list that you haven’t visited before. Here’s an idea: Do a playground tour of the playgrounds on this list! You’re kids will have a blast. Harvester Park, Burr Ridge Harvester Park15W400…
It’s springtime in Chicagoland, and there’s beauty all around us! It’s the perfect time to take a stroll through an outdoor art festival to find that special piece of art to decorate your home, or maybe just to spark your own creativity . . . especially if you’ve got a budding artist in the family. Whatever your fancy, we’ve got…
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…
Going fishing together is a time-honored family tradition that brings generations together. I remember my grandpa taking us down to fish from the little pond outside his condo — and while my grandparents’ condo association probably wasn’t too pleased, I’m happy to have those memories. The key to fishing is coming prepared. Here’s what you need to bring, a few…