International Festivals, Oktoberfests, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

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'Go Run with the Chicago Runners Association in Humboldt Park. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

Travel around the world without leaving the Chicago area this weekend! It's time for World Music Festival (in locations throughout the city), World Dumpling Fest in Logan Square and Celebration of International Cultures in Oak Brook. Or if you're specifically interested in German culture, you're in luck. Oktoberfest are everywhere this weekend. Check them out in Tinley Park, Palatine, Glendale Heights, West Loop, Berwyn, and Elk Grove Village.

And while summer vacations might be over, there are still plenty of weekends for fall day trips—here are some of our favorites. If you only have one day, now is a great time for apple picking. We've rounded up some of the best orchards around Chicago.

Enjoy this amazing summer weekend in Chicago!

Spider Pavilion, Ocean Institute Maritime Festival, and More Top Things To Do in Los Angeles This Weekend

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Watch webs weave around you at the NHM Spider Pavilion. Courtesy of the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County

Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles this weekend? Here are some of our favorite events and activities to add to your list this weekend

The spooky season starts spinning its web this weekend, with the opening of the Natural History Museum's Spider Pavilion. Annual favorites Brick or Treat, and the pumpkin patches at Tanaka Farms and Irvine Park Railroad also fall into place. 

Read on for more fun things to do in Los Angeles this weekend, from puppets, fiestas, and maritime amusement. 

Try Your Luck at the Best Claw Machine Arcades in NYC

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Whether you best the claw machines or not, everyone walks away a winner at Boba Box thanks to its drinks-and-treat packages. Photo by Jody Mercier

NYC claw machine arcades offer tons of fun for the whole family. Created in the late 19th century, claw machines gained huge popularity in Japan and China throughout the '90s, and claw machine arcades in NYC have seemingly been multiplying of late! Unlike most traditional arcades, these NYC claw machine arcades give kids a chance to walk away with a fun take-home prize. When you're ready for a snack, most of these claw machine arcades also serve tasty treats like boba and ice cream.

If you're worried you'll spend a lot and walk away empty-handed, don't fret: Staff at many of these claw machine arcades in NYC ensure guests get a prize by helping people to play or adjust prizes in the machines. Read on for our full list of the best claw machine arcades in NYC, and for more gaming fun, check out some of these awesome traditional arcades across the five boroughs. Don't forget to bring cash!

10 Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 Activities to Celebrate with Kids

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Get ready to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos, right after Hispanic Heritage Month. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off in September and lasts into October. Here we've assembled some Hispanic Heritage Month facts and activities for kids to celebrate and honor the Latin culture and roots of many Americans.

Beginning as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, Hispanic Heritage celebrations now encompass an entire month to celebrate the accomplishments and culture of people whose ancestors come from Latin America, Mexico, Spain, and the Caribbean. With more than 62 million Americans claiming Hispanic heritage, that's a lot to celebrate!

Read on for facts, foods, and fun that are perfect for kids and the whole family.

Best Pregnancy and Parenting Classes in New Jersey

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New Jersey has many great classes for moms-to-be.

Birthing and parenting classes offered throughout New Jersey range in topics from breastfeeding to infant care to prenatal yoga. Expectant parents can gain knowledge and confidence for a healthy pregnancy and birth through pregnancy and parenting classes focusing on prenatal and postnatal skills. 

You can find more pregnancy and parenting classes in New Jersey, and even book a class online, in our directory of classes and listings. Check our New Jersey Classes for Kids Guide for more kids’ activities and classes for kids of all ages and interests.

Best Preschools on the Upper West Side

Drew Kristofik's picture Submitted by Drew Kristofik on

Bank Street School offers a progressive, child-centered approach to education. Photo courtesy of the school

When it comes to finding the best preschool in NYC, the family-packed Upper West Side offers plenty of choices. With preschool spots in high demand, it can feel as if you're trying to get your toddler into college!

Take heart, though, great preschools on the Upper West Side are plentiful, so with a little legwork, you'll find the right fit for your family. We're outlining some top Upper West Side preschools below, and we've divided them by type to help you start your search. Don't forget our Preschool Directory is an excellent resource to find more programs as well.

For more help, we've compiled a helpful list of preschool admissions tips, plus 10 questions to ask during a preschool tour.

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