The Chicago History Museum with Kids: Top Things to See and Do

The Chicago History Museum is free for kids 12 and under.

The Chicago History Museum is off the beaten path of Chicago's Museum Campus and downtown area in historic Old Town, and gives kids an idea of how this great metropolis got here and why its people are so interesting. It's the only museum in Chicago that focuses on how the Windy City got to be what it is today. Just like the city itself, the museum is a little eclectic and a lot of fun. It's great for kids because most of its exhibits have interactive elements, and you can get through most of the exhibits in about three hours.

The Chicago History Museum is open Tuesdays through Sunday and is always free for kids 12 and under. It's also relatively affordable to adults at $19, with a $2 discount for students and seniors. It's easily accessible via the Brown Line and several buses, or you can park nearby for $10 a day with validation. And if your kids like this museum, check out more in our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Chicago.

What makes Chicago such an awesome city? Here are our favorite parts of the Chicago History Museum for kids:

Top Art Summer Camps in New Jersey

At Artsi Studio, campers learn technique and create paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more. Photo courtesy of the studio

Kids can get their creative juices flowing at summer art camps in New Jersey. Art camps offer the opportunity to explore pottery, drawing, sewing, ceramics, and more, with options for kids as young as preschool up through the teen years. These art camps are located in art schools, museums, and pop-up locations and often can be booked by the week.

For more summer camps in New Jersey, check out our lists of affordable summer camps, Bergen County Camps, and STEM summer day camps, plus bookmark our Guide to Summer Camp in New Jersey and our New Jersey Summer Camp Directory, where you can search for summer camps by age, interest, and town. 

Visit SeaWorld Orlando Like a Local with These Insider Secrets

SeaWorld Orlando offers families a chance to discover the beauty and majesty of sea creatures, as well as thrilling rides, fun shows, and more!

SeaWorld Orlando is one of the best theme parks in Central Florida for families of all ages and interests —from amazing animal exhibits and shows, to roller coasters and kiddie rides, SeaWorld Orlando has it all!

As an Orlando native, our family has had SeaWorld passes for many years now, and my kids (ranging in age from 4-12) have loved visiting SeaWorld Orlando at every age. And to top it off, we learn something new about the incredible resident marine animals at each visit! Read on for everything you need to know about visiting SeaWorld Orlando with kids.

Plan your Orlando vacation with the help of our Orlando Theme Park and Water Park Guide. Be sure to also bookmark our Florida Family Travel Guide for more fun ideas around the Sunshine State.

Best Nature Centers on Long Island for Families to Explore

 Visit with the piggies at Suffolk County Farm and Education Center. Photo courtesy of the center

Long Island has an abundance of nature centers to explore that help us learn about and appreciate the region's natural wonders, like its world-class beaches and woodlands. Many of these destinations offer indoor and outdoor nature-based activities for children and caregivers.

When it's time to unplug and spend some quality time together, there's nothing like taking in some fresh air and connecting with nature and each other. So, next time you need a change of scenery, consider visiting one of these 13 nature centers on Long Island.

If you're looking for other alfresco activities on Long Island, like a roundup of the best hiking trails, be sure to check out our Guide to Outdoor Activities.  

24 Best Things To Do in Norwalk, CT with Kids

Find something to smile about with the best things to do in Norwalk, CT with kids!

The top things to do in Norwalk cater to tourists and locals alike, with a family-friendly eclectic mix of urban, coastal, and charming neighborhood experiences.  Norwalk highlights include two of Connecticut's most popular attractions: The Maritime Aquarium and Stepping Stones Museum for Children. Norwalk’s proximity to the Long Island Sound provides visitors with access to the coastline at Calf Pasture Beach and Sheffield Island and its dedication to diversity can be tasted and seen through its thriving restaurant and arts scene.

Perhaps most importantly, Norwalk is the place that I have called home for just about a dozen years, and it is the place where I choose to raise my family. We have all grown up in this town. We celebrated the last days of school and birthdays at Mr. Frosty's. We said farewell to Summer at the Oyster Fest, spent way too many early baby mornings at Stepping Stones, and developed a close friendship with the seals at the Maritime. Norwalk is our home, and I am so happy to share it with you. 

You can follow along with all my adventures by following along on Instagram.

Providence with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in Providence, RI

There are lots of interactive exhibits at the Providence Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

From the history of Benefit Street to the food on Federal Hill, there are so many things to do in Providence with kids. Tucked on the southern New England coast between New York and Boston, Providence sometimes gets overlooked as a family travel destination. But the self-proclaimed "Creative Capital" is a hive of kid-friendly art, American history, and waterfront fun. It's a lot less crowded and touristy than other urban centers, which helps when you have kids in tow. What's more, Providence is a short drive from some truly stunning beaches, allowing for a surf-and-turf mix of activities over the course of a warm weekend. Here's a checklist of can't-go-wrong activities for a visit.

Visiting Golden Gate Park with Kids: Everything You Need To Know

Kiddos will love the arched drum bridge. Japanese Tea Garden photo by Nicole Findlay

Golden Gate Park, the crown jewel of San Francisco, has over 1,000 acres to explore—all packed with things to do with kids! With row boats on Blue Heron Lake, hikes up Strawberry Hill, museums, carousels, Ferris wheels, and botanical gardens—where is a family even supposed to start? With this guide to all the best things to do in Golden Gate park, you can plan an itinerary for one day or many.

Locals and tourists alike won't want to miss favorite activities, like visiting Claude, the albino alligator, at the California Academy of Sciences, searching for butterflies on Strawberry Hill, and digging into a burger and fries at Beach Chalet.

While planning your visit to Golden Gate Park, explore some family-friendly urban hiking trails in San Francisco, and check out this list of free museum days for kids in San Francisco. And for more great ways to explore the city, check out our list of fun things to do in San Francisco this weekend with kids.

A Guide to Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta for Little Atlanta Braves Fans

Atlanta baseball is a beloved activity, so cheer on those Atlanta Braves at Truist Park! Photo by Claire Robinson

When families visit Truist Park for an Atlanta Braves game, it's like living the song, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game," except so much more! Sure, the Truist Park has peanuts, Cracker Jacks, and a crowd, but it also has Chick-fil-A, pizza, and an interactive kids' zone. Visiting Truist Park for an Atlanta Braves game is an amazing experience on its own, and baseball fans (and non-sporty people) have an additional option to have fun at the surrounding Battery Atlanta. This entertainment district provides loads of fun for Atlanta families and visitors alike.

Located in the Cumberland neighborhood of Cobb County, Truist Park (originally SunTrust Park) opened in 2017 as the new home ballpark for Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves. This state-of-the-art facility sits next to The Battery Atlanta, which is open year-round for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

As baseball season approaches, cheer on the Atlanta Braves (winners of four World Series) with our helpful guide to Truist Park. And keep the party going by hanging at The Battery...or skip the sports part and just enjoy Atlanta's ultimate entertainment district!

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