Chicago

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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.

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!

Explore winter at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Botanic Garden

30+ Things To Do in Chicago This Winter with Kids

Don't let the cold stop you: We've got indoor, outdoor, and at-home picks for winter fun.

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.

Sledding in Caldwell Woods, photo courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County

Best Sledding Hills In and Near Chicago

When the snow falls, it's time to hit the hills.

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.

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Photo courtesy of Alpine Valley Ski Resort, Facebook

The Best Places to Snowboard or Ski Near Chicago with Kids

Discover the best spots where Chicago families can ski and shred.

Register for the Chicago Blackhawks Hockey Clinic at Greenwood Park, Warren Park, and Wentworth Park. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Parks District

Best Things To Do in Chicago in January with Kids: Light Shows, Frozen Fest, MLK Weekend

Got the winter blues? Check out these fun events coming in January.

The Chicago Wolves Ice Skating Rink at the Brookfield Zoo is made of a synthetic material called Glice that requires no water and does not need to be kept below 32 degrees. Photo Courtesy of the Chicago Zoological Society

Winter Activities Guide for Chicago Kids

Here's our ultimate guide to the best things to do with kids in Chicago this winter, from ice...

GUIDE

Looking for snow tubing near Chicago? Try Villa Olivia, about an hour away. Photo courtesy of Villa Olivia

Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families

Hit these slopes near Chicago for family-friendly snow tubing this winter season.

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 Things To Do in Chicago with Kids

Find the best FREE activities for kids in Chicago.

GUIDE

Photo courtesy of the Rosemont Parkway Bank Entertainment District

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks for Chicago Kids and Families

One perk of a long, cold Chicago winter is the chance to glide across the ice all over the city.

This cake hides a delicious surprise inside. No wonder it's one of our favorite recipes of 2021!

Best Kid-Friendly Recipes of 2021: What We Loved Cooking This Year

Discover the most popular kid-pleasing recipes of 2021!

Visit the Ice Castles in Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of Geneva National Resort

The Best Winter Day Trips Near Chicago for Kids

Looking for something to do in that post-holiday stretch? Take the kids out on an all-day adventure.

West Palm Beach is not only gorgeous, it's packed with kid-friendly adventures. Photo by Jackie Jones

Our Favorite Family Vacation Spots of 2021: Great Cities, Beaches, Hotels, and More

Get inspired for next year's family vacation with this list of our favorite recent destinations.

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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.

GUIDE

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...

Batter up! There are classes for kids of all ages and interests in Chicago.

Best Classes for Kids in Chicago in 2021

Have fun with great classes for kids in Chicago.

GUIDE

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 Every State

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.

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.

Easy Recipes for Kids

Simple but delicious recipes for families.

GUIDE

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.

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

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

Virtual and Online Guide for Family Fun

Find fun online classes, entertainment, and more virtual things to do.

GUIDE

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.

50 Best Kids' Movies for Family Movie Night

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

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!

GUIDE

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.

GUIDE

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.

Making time for reading each day is a low-key goal that works for all ages. Photo by Josh Applegate/Unsplash

The Realistic Guide to Homeschooling for Busy Parents

No one expects you to run a full school. Here are some realistic tips instead.

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.

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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!

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Latest Articles

100 Best Kids' TV Shows of All Time

Danielle Smith , Jan 25 - Did your favorite kids' TV show make the list?READ MORE

Favorite Things to Do With Kids in Roscoe Village and North Center

Maureen Wilkey , Jan 23 - Our favorite things to do with kids in two of Chicago's unique neighborhoods. READ MORE

The Best Ski Resorts in the US for Family Vacations

James Smith, Jan 22 - Hit the slopes at one of our favorite kid-friendly ski resorts.READ MORE

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

Maureen Wilkey, Jan 21 - Check out our favorite things to do at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo!READ MORE

22 Free Kids' Music Playlists for Breakfast through Bedtime

Danielle Smith, Jan 20 - Keep these kid-friendly tunes on heavy rotation from morning to night.READ MORE

Best Things to Do in Chicago this Weekend with Kids: Kids' Theater, Winter Sports, and Lunar New Year

Maureen Wilkey, Jan 19 - Check out the best activities in Chicago for kids this weekend, Jan. 22-23.READ MORE

Winter Fun for Chicago Kids

During the 2021 winter break, enjoy the Serenity Winter Flower Show at Garfield Park Conservatory , photo courtesy of the conservatory

Things to Do in Chicago with Kids During Winter Break

Winter break is coming. We can help fill those days with fun, engaging activities.

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks for Chicago Kids and Families

One perk of a long, cold Chicago winter is the chance to glide across the ice all over the city.

Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families

Hit these slopes near Chicago for family-friendly snow tubing this winter season.

Best Sledding Hills In and Near Chicago

When the snow falls, it's time to hit the hills.

15 Favorite Indoor Play Spaces in Chicago

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

Winter Activities Guide for Chicago Kids

Here's our ultimate guide to the best things to do with kids in Chicago this winter, from ice...

GUIDE

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