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The Zoo is one of the best things to do with kids in Lincoln Park. Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo

Best Things to Do in Chicago's Lincoln Park Neighborhood with Kids

Explore Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood with these kid-friendly options.

ChiTown Movies is a drive-in movie theater in Chicago. Photo courtesy of ChiTown Futbol, Facebook

Drive-In Movie Theaters In and Around Chicago for Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

Head outside and see a movie this summer.

Santa's Village is an amusement park that brings Christmas all summer. Photo courtesy of Santa's Village in Dundee, Illinois

Best Water Parks and Amusement Parks for Toddlers Near Chicago

If you have a toddler, don't miss out on one of these fun amusement parks this summer.

Celebrate Chicago River Day this month! Photo courtesy of the Friends of the Chicago River, Facebook

Best of May: 50 Things To Do in Chicago with Kids for Mother's Day, Memorial Day Weekend, and More

It's May! Time for nature events, Mother's Day, and more!

Photo courtesy of the Thomson Strawberry Farm, Facebook

Strawberry Picking Near Chicago: U-Pick Berry Farms for Chicago Area Families

Pick your own strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and even gooseberries at these local farms.

Maplewood Park in Bucktown is made entirely for little ones. Photo courtesy of the author

Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds in Chicago

Check out this list of playgrounds made just for smaller kids.

Top 10 Best Hotdogs in Chicago to Try with Kids

There are so many hotdogs for kids to try in Chicago!

Best Things to See and Do at the Shedd Aquarium with Kids

Headed to the Shedd? Here's what you can't miss.

Photo courtesy of Pioneer Farm, Facebook

12 Animal Encounters and Petting Zoos near Chicago

The best places near Chicago for kids to cuddle animals.

Get packing and check out this list of hotels in Chicago for a family vacation.

10 Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago for a Family Vacation

We managed to pick 10 great kid-friendly hotels out of the hundreds in Chicago.

There are lots of options for indoor and outdoor skate parks near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Schaumburg Park District

Top 10 Skate Parks Near Chicago for Kids

The Chicago area has plenty of options for your aspiring skaters.

April 2022 kicks off with all the Easter egg hunts you can handle!

Best of April: Awesome Things To Do in Chicago with Kids

We've got loads of ideas for Chicago kids this coming April.

Read, set, race at the Chicago Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum

When Kids Get in Free at 30 Chicago Museums, Zoos, and Parks

How to see Chicago's best arts and parks on a budget with kids.

Timber Ridge Lodge and Water Park offers day passes to its water park for a spring break daycation! Photo courtesy of Timber Ridge Lodge

40 Things To Do with Chicago Kids over Spring Break 2022

No plans yet for Spring Break 2022? We've got you covered.

Celebrate Holi at Navy Pier this spring in Chicago. Photo by James Richards IV, courtesy of Navy Pier

Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids this Spring

There's a long list of fun things to do with kids this spring in Chicago.

Work on STEM skills with a fun summer camp in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Camp Invention

10 Can't-Miss, In-Person and Virtual STEM Summer Camps near Chicago

From battle bots to 3D printing to Harry Potter science.

Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook

Things to do with Kids in Chicago's West Loop

Rediscover or explore the West Loop for the first time with these kid-friendly recommendations.

Campers at a sports summer camp near Chicago. Photo courtesy of High Five Sports Camp

Top Sports Summer Camps Near Chicago: Soccer Camps, Baseball Camps, Hockey Camps, and More

Looking for a sports camp this summer? We've got a list of 32 in and near Chicago for kids of all...

Pedalheads uses summer camp to teach preschoolers how to ride a bike. Photo courtesy of Pedalheads Bike Camps

Popular Preschool Summer Camps Near Chicago for Your First Time Camper

These camps offer a great first summer camp experience for preschoolers.

Children's museums are a favorite indoor activity in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Children's Museum, located at Navy Pier

50 Awesome Things To Do Indoors in Chicago with Kids

Indoor places to play, learn, create, and climb with Chicago kids on cold or rainy days.

Dine with a view at any Chicago riverfront restaurant. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center

Best Restaurants on the River: Chicago River Dining for Families

Interested in dining on the Chicago riverfront with kids? Try on of these favorites.

Chicago's museums are some of the top tourist attractions in the city. Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Top Tourist Attractions in Chicago: Best Things to See and Do With Kids

It may be called The Second City, but Chicago is second to none when it comes to urban vacation...

Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids

Best play spaces, bowling, obstacle courses, museums, and more NJ spots for when bad weather...

Allstate Arena has tons of fun activities for the Wolves' youngest fans—like a fireworks display and pyro and laser light show at every game.

An Exclusive 43% Discount on Fun-Filled Chicago Wolves Hockey Games for the Whole Family

Don't miss the fireworks, face painting, and more kid-friendly fun.

Semicolon is a Black-owned bookstore in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Semicolon

Black-Owned Businesses to Discover in Chicago

Check out a Black-owned business for Black History Month and all year long.

PLAY at Yorktown Center. Photo courtesy of the center

20 Free Indoor Play Spaces Near Chicago

20 places to keep kids (and parents) happy and warm in Chicago's frigid witners.

Photo courtesy of Enchanted Castle

The Best Indoor Birthday Party Spots for Chicago Kids

Play gyms, ninja training, and more: Chicago's birthday party options are hard to top.

Kids will have a hard time deciding between all the delicious treats at Dinkel's, the 100 year old Bavarian bakery

Favorite Things To Do with Kids in Roscoe Village and North Center

Our favorite things to do with kids in two of Chicago's unique neighborhoods.

Photo courtesy of the author

Best Things To See and Do at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago

Check out our favorite things to do at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo!

Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook

Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids

Find the best FREE activities for kids in Chicago.

Chicago's Field Museum came alive with Wild Color in 2021. Photo courtesy of the museum

15 Awesome Things that Opened in Chicago for Kids in 2021

Check out these new fun things in 2022 if you missed them this year.

Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook

Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids

Find the best FREE activities for kids in Chicago.

The iconic ConAgra mural in Chicago, created by artist Jeff Zimmermann, is visible from the 606 elevated Bloomingdale Trail. Photo courtesy of jazim.com

Our Favorite Things to Do with Kids in Bucktown and Wicker Park

Kid-friendly things to do and places to eat in Bucktown and Wicker Park.

Play inside again at places like Present Place. Photo courtesy of Present Place

15 Favorite Indoor Play Spaces in Chicago

When the weather's at its worst, these indoor play spaces are a wish come true.

At-Home Guide for Families: 100s of Activities for Kids

Indoor activities, games, and online fun to keep kids busy during the pandemic.

Spectacular city views of the Chicago Skyline in River North. Photo courtesy of Wendella Boat Tours.

The Best Things to Do In Chicago's River North and Gold Coast Neighborhoods with Kids

Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, there are plenty of things to do in River North and...

The Field Museum is home to some of the country's most complete dinosaur skeletons.

The Land Before Time: How to Do Chicago's Field Museum with Kids

The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is one of the country's favorites. Read our tips and...

There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

Best Places to Hike Near Chicago with Kids

Soak up nature in these forest preserves and parks near the Windy City.

Calling all Chicago Cubs fans! Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way

Things To Do in Wrigleyville with Kids

Check out our tips for what to eat, see, and do near Wrigley Field with kids.

Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.

The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals

Children's outdoor birthday parties and parties at home are even more special this year. But even...

The Outdoor Play Plaza at Greensboro Children's Museum in North Carolina.

The Best Children’s Museum in the US: Museums Worth Planning a Vacation Around

Did your favorite children's museum make the list?

Be sure to bundle up in the chillier months, but it's always beautiful.

Exploring the Shore Path of Lake Geneva: A Great Way to Beat Cabin Fever

Get the inside scoop on a day trip that's wonderful any time of year.

See the elephants at the Milwaukee Zoo.

The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids

Get up close and personal with animals from around the world.

Take your little one for a splash in the Crown Fountain. Photo by Sandor Weisz

20 Things To Do with Chicago Babies Before They Turn One

Start your urban parenting journey with these fun outings.

One, two, three, jump! The Peninsula—Gold Coast, Chicago

Best Indoor Swimming Pools in Chicago for Families

For a warm daycation or staycation, look no further.

Mary Bartelme Park, named after the first female judge in Chicago. Photo by Ron Gordon.

Best Playgrounds in Chicago: Destination Play Zones Worth the Trip

In a city of great playgrounds, these are the swings, climbers, and slides that stand out above the...

Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander

64 Easy Science Experiments for Kids to Do at Home

Execute mind-blowing science experiments with stuff you have around the house.

Bake, cook, and create together!

Easy Recipes for Kids

Simple but delicious recipes for families.

Lego plus sand means a fun sensory bin!

30 Days of Indoor Activities for Kids

Games, baking projects, and crafts galore will entertain all ages.

Laila's Lunchbos is a lovely introduction to a child's new country and Ramadan, the month of fasting.

21 Kids' Books About Racism, By Age

Books can help parents and kids wade through a difficult time and complex issue.

Fight the restlessness of quarantine, join in for LIVE ONLINE YogiKids classes held every day, twice a day!!! Photo courtesy of Yogi Nation

Find Free and Affordable Online Classes, Parties, and Camps on Poppins@Home

Explore tons of virtual free and low-cost fun with our new platform.

Photo courtesy of Kodable

Coding Programs for Kids: Free and Cheap Websites That Teach Kids Programming

These programs teach kids how to code, build websites, apps, and more.

Make the day special by letting your kid call the shots!

30+ Free Ways to Celebrate Your Kid's Birthday at Home

Make your kid's birthday special with these creative, no-cost ideas.

These kids movies are classic hits!

50 Best Kids' Movies for Family Movie Night

These classic family movies include wild adventures, sci-fi, and coming-of-age tales.

Teach 'em to tie during downtime.

65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age

It's not a bad time to go back to basics, especially when we have the kids' full attention.

Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting.

Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects for Creative At-Home Fun

Bookmark this blockbuster list of arts and crafts and never run out of ideas for creative play.

Boredom Busters for Kids

Find crafts for kids, games, and more projects to spark kids' imaginations!

Watch as the egg slides into the bottle!

How to Get an Egg into a Bottle: A Science Experiment with a Bit of Magic

Kids play both scientist and magician in this experiment.

Homeschool & Online Learning Resources for Families

We'll help you navigate a complex school year with these tools and resources.

25 STEM Activities Easy Enough for Preschoolers

DIY projects for your smallest tinkerers, explorers, and scientists.

Create a colorful, texturized world with a DIY sensory bin. Photo by Emma Graig

10 Sensory Bin Ideas for Busy Toddlers

Turn a cheap container bin into a magical indoor play item.

22 Online Tutoring Services for Homework Help and Remote Learning

Find an online tutor in any subject with these services–some are available 24/7!

Kids as young as age 10 can help load and unload the dishwasher.

Chore Charts for Kids: Age-by-Age Lists and Free Printables

There's no better time to enlist your kids help with housework. Here are age-appropriate tasks.

Online Birthing, Lamaze, and Parenting Classes for Parents-To-Be

Can't make it to an in-person childbirth class? There are online options!

Watch your sketch appear in this invisible ink science experiment!

Science Experiments for Kids: How to Make Invisible Ink

Write secret messages with this simple invisible ink recipe.

These free online classes and educational resources are perfect for homeschooling and remote learning..

30+ (Mostly FREE) Online Learning Resources, Apps, and Games for Kids

Supplement distance learning with these online lessons, apps, and more.

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country. Photo courtesy of NPS

Rocky Mountain National Park: Guide for Visiting with Kids

Expect plenty of wildlife sightings and family hikes on this trip!

Latest Articles

10 Swimming Lakes Near Chicago You Need to Discover

Lauren LaRoche , May 22 - Take a trip to one of these swimming lakes and cool off this summer. READ MORE

Best Sprinkler Parks and Splash Pads in Chicago

Siobhan Adcock , May 20 - The fun is as wet as it gets at these nearby sprinkler parks.READ MORE

Create a Pollinator Garden in Your Home or Apartment: Planting a Butterfly Garden or Bee Garden with Kids

Vanessa Leigh, May 19 - Create a pollinator garden that the birds, bees, and butterflies will love.READ MORE

Outdoor Festivals and 20+ More Things to Do with Kids in Chicago This Weekend

Maureen Wilkey, May 18 - Check out the best activities in Chicago for kids this weekend, May 20-22.READ MORE

Ultimate Summer Bucket List Ideas: 100 (Mostly) Free Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids

Stephanie Ogozalek, May 17 - 100 ways to pack more play into your summer day. READ MORE

Top-Rated San Francisco Tours for Families: Alcatraz, Muir Woods, and More

Jessica Laird, May 17 - A top-rated San Francisco tour can make your Bay Area visit easy and fun.READ MORE

Sping Fun for Chicago Kids

Timber Ridge Lodge and Water Park offers day passes to its water park for a spring break daycation! Photo courtesy of Timber Ridge Lodge

40 Things To Do with Chicago Kids over Spring Break 2022

No plans yet for Spring Break 2022? We've got you covered.

Celebrate Holi at Navy Pier this spring in Chicago. Photo by James Richards IV, courtesy of Navy Pier

Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids this Spring

There's a long list of fun things to do with kids this spring in Chicago.

There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

Best Places to Hike Near Chicago with Kids

Soak up nature in these forest preserves and parks near the Windy City.

See the elephants at the Milwaukee Zoo.

The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids

Get up close and personal with animals from around the world.

When the city (and the river) turn green, it must be spring!

Spring Fun Guide for Chicago Kids

The best seasonal events and fun for Chicago kids.