8 Top Dual Language Preschools Near Chicago

Photo courtesy of the Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center

If you’re interested in exploring the many benefits of a dual-language preschool in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place. Preschools in Chicago featuring dual language programs provide a curriculum that is either partly or completely immersed in a second language. The goal is to help students reach developmental, literacy, and language milestones in two languages. We’ve rounded up some great preschools in Chicago as well as the nearby suburbs. Some schools on this list continue through elementary school as well. 

For more preschools in Chicago, check out our list of Top Montessori Preschools in Chicago.

Visiting the Getty Villa with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Explore the herb garden at the Getty Villa in Malibu.

The Getty Villa in Malibu is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole greater Los Angeles area. The Villa is a re-creation of a Roman country house—and the original home of the Getty Museum, which has since moved to its tram-accessible perch above the 405. It's filled with a spectacular collection of ancient art and statues, spilling into gorgeous gardens, and is located right by the ocean for incredible views that make you think you've been magically transported to the middle of the Mediterranean.

If all of this makes it sound like a grown-ups-only space, that's not the case at all. With room to run and smell the herbs, fruits, and veggies growing in the garden; a magical pool to linger by; 3D art to entertain; a Percy Jackson-inspired self-guided tour; and so much more, this is one of my kids' favorite museums in town. Armed with these tips and tricks for when to visit, what to see, and even what to eat, the Getty Villa will quickly become your family's favorite local destination, too.

For guides to other favorite museums for kids in the LA area, including Kidspace in Pasadena and Pretend City in Irvine, check out our Museum Guide for Kids in Los Angeles and Orange County.

50 Things To Do in Midtown Manhattan with Kids

A family-friendly Broadway show is one of our favorite things to do in Midtown Manhattan with kids. Photo by the author

Whether you're a visitor, a commuter, or a local, it's hard to avoid the action-packed things to do in Midtown Manhattan. Bordered by 59th Street on the northern end and 34th Street to the south, encompassing Times Square and Rockefeller Center, and extending from river to river, Midtown Manhattan has an expansive personality that matches its footprint.

Between the towering office buildings and the tourist traps on seemingly every street corner, it might seem hard to uncover worthwhile, family-friendly things to do in Midtown Manhattan, but take note: This neighborhood is loaded with entertainment, art, attractions, and activities.

We've done the legwork and rounded up 50 fun things to do in Midtown Manhattan with kids in tow. Bookmark our NYC Neighborhood Guide for more fun places to explore.

10 Family-Friendly Vineyards and Hard Cider Houses in Westchester and the Hudson Valley

Adults can enjoy a drink from Hardscrabble Cidery at Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard while kids devour the donut pancakes.

Looking for the best family-friendly vineyards in Westchester and the Hudson Valley? Read on for 10 picks worth a day trip. 

While apple picking season is winding down, the rich orchards of Westchester and the Hudson Valley are more than one-trick ponies. Many of the orchards we flock to for farm fun also feature vineyards and hard cider houses. Some are particularly appealing to families, making a visit a fun outing for all ages.

Below we've rounded up 10 destinations for hard apple cider and wine that are suitable for kids. If, however, you are more of a beer connoisseur, there are plenty of Hudson Valley breweries for you to visit as well. Once you've sampled your way through Westchester and the Hudson Valley, be sure to check out our roundup of family-friendly wineries on Long Island. We've also got plenty more seasonal picks in our Fall Fun Guide.

Orlando with Teens: Top 20 Things to Do at the Theme Parks & Beyond

Even teens get swept up in the Disney magic!

Think Orlando is a destination just for kids? Visiting Orlando with teens is even better! Orlando theme parks are great when you can go on all the rides and don’t have to worry about the dreaded "theme park meltdowns." My big kids were also able to pack in lots of other adventures and hipster shopping areas as we explored all the Fun Things to do in Orlando Other than the Theme Parks.

Navigating Orlando with teens allows parents to spend more time together, perhaps even at places of shared interests (for example, you're never too old to be a Potterhead)! For more ideas about the best of Orlando theme parks, visit our Orlando Theme Parks & Water Parks Guide. You'll learn about out-of-the-box theme parks, like GatorlandCrayola Experience Orlando, and much more. 

Visiting the Philadelphia Zoo with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Visit some of the cutest residents, the red pandas, at the Philadelphia Zoo. Photo courtesy of the zoo

Here's everything you need to know about visiting the Philadelphia Zoo with your own rowdy cubs!

Lions and tigers and bears (and E-A-G-L-E-S obviously)...oh my! The animals at the Philadelphia Zoo have that same Philly spirit as their human counterparts--lively and passionate, with just the right amount of grit. At America’s very first zoo, located in Fairmount Park, you'll find more than 1,700 rare and endangered animals and will be transported to Africa, South America, and even farm country. From barnyard animals to exotic creatures, grown-ups and children alike are amazed and engaged by the sights and animal sounds the Philadelphia Zoo has to offer. 

One thing to note before your trip is that the Philly Zoo is BIG with lots of ground to cover, but don’t let that intimidate you from visiting with little ones. Prioritize your visit and consider a membership so that you’ll never miss an event or exhibit. Don't forget Philly has tons of places perfect for animal and nature lovers, so check out our Guide to Philly's Zoos and Gardens, where you'll find roundups of the best petting zoos and more.  

21 Things To Do on Long Island Before Your Baby's First Birthday

Spend a day at a Long Island beach with your baby in their first year. Photo by Gina Massaro

Are you looking for the best things to do on Long Island with your baby before they turn one? Read on for our list of 21 first adventures you and your baby will love experiencing together. 

Baby's first year is full of memorable firsts, and there is always something new to experience and explore with your little one on Long Island. From baby's first dip of their tiny toes into the ocean to their first play cafe fun to baby's first barnyard adventure, we have you covered. The photo-worthy moments this first year will be plentiful. Be sure to have your phone or camera ready for some great pictures. 

For more new parenting tips, check out our Baby Guide for New and Expecting Long Island Parents and 19 things all new parents on Long Island should know

Pages