IT’S ALIVE! (Halloween, that is.) Dust those cobwebs off your costumes, because Halloween is happening! The western suburbs have pulled out all the stops to ensure you and your little goblins have a spook-tacular time. After all the spring and summertime cancellations, we’re over the moon at the sight of so many family-friendly Halloween events. Creep through haunted forests, carve…
Fall in Chicagoland is a picturesque setting with warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights. I feel like it’s our last chance to take long family walks, go out for bike rides, and enjoy nature without bundling up too much. There are plenty of wonderful opportunities to soak in the beauty of the season. (Looking to get the best fall…
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…
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 is anything like my girls, the pony rides are our first stop at any festival. These farms offering horseback riding classes give children the opportunity to deepen their love of horses and spend a beautiful summer day outside. A simple trail can ignite a life-long interest in horses. Whether you’re starting out with introductory lessons and camps,…
Last night, I was scrolling through photos from June last year: a waterpark vacation, visits to the library, playgrounds, restaurants, splash pads . . . wow, things are certainly different this year! But working on this round-up of 2020 summer fun energized me. There are still fun things to do around town if you know where to look! And our…
Restaurants are now open for outdoor dining, but not all restaurants can accommodate outside seating. We found it a little daunting to try to figure out our options, but wanted to take a break from cooking, get out of the house, and enjoy a meal together. That’s where this handy list comes in! Scroll to the town you are interested…
Consider this your menu of options for ordering takeout for your family! Not only does it feel good to get a break from cooking, but getting curbside or takeout supports our wonderful local restaurant community. Please note that the menus have been gathered on May 12, 2020 and are subject to change. Click the restaurant name to be taken to…
If these long, cold and dreary days have you and your crew dreaming of summer sunshine, treat your kids to the next best thing. Head to a local indoor pool for family swim! It’s a great way to get active together, and you’ll get a head start on perfecting your strokes before summer hits. From fitness centers to swim schools,…
Our nature loving readers have voted and these are your top 10 nature centers in Chicagoland! Nature centers can be visited year round and have indoor spaces for your kids to explore and learn about animals, plants, habitats, and geology! Nature centers are amazing destinations that are kid friendly and the best part . . . 9 out of 10…
February in the Chicagoland area tends to be pretty miserable. Most of us have had enough of the cold, and to add insult to injury, we have an extra February day in 2020! Don’t worry, we have you covered. We have some awesome ideas for free February fun that will have you flying through February and looking ahead with bright…
A gym membership with childcare has completely changed my workout routine — as in, I now have one! Of course, some days I drop my kids off and slump into an armchair with a magazine for the first hour. Or shower. (Hey, self-care is self-care.) But a gym membership isn’t the only way to work out with kids. Parent/child fitness…