100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up

The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.

Check out these iconic things to do in Chicago with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every native Chicagoan really must experience!

One childhood doesn't seem like enough time to fit in all the great things to do in Chicago—though who could blame you for trying? Whether it's racing with your toddler through the sprinklers at Mary Bartelme Park, wowing your preschooler at the Field Museum, gliding with your grade-schooler on the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park, or taking in engineering marvels with your tween at the Chicago Architecture Center, take advantage of everything this beautiful city has to offer kids of all ages.

Whether you're a local or a visitor to the Windy City, we hope you can use this list to make some great new memories with your kids. Now I'm off to scarf some Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo's.

100 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before Kids Grow Up

Visit LACMA's Levitated Mass. Photo by Joey Zanetti

Check out these iconic things to do in Los Angeles with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every native Angeleno really must experience!

Kids. We can't stop them from growing up so fast, but we can try not to miss any of the best, most memorable things to do in their hometown. Los Angeles is the best city in the country for raising kids, and that means there are so many things to do before little chickens spring the coop. 

Being phenomenal LA parents, you've certainly already done several of these; but which of these 100 not-to-be-missed, family-fun outings have you not yet done? There's always this weekend!

100 Best Things To Do in Atlanta with Kids Before They Grow Up

Take a photo at Tiny Doors ATL's door #6, featured in a custom bench by artist Ira Hill, located on the Beltline Eastside trail. Photo courtesy of Tiny Doors ATL

Check out the ultimate things to do in Atlanta with kids — including attractions, activities, fun events, museums, famed landmarks, and much more!

Atlanta offers kids a chance to see giant pandas, zipline through trees, pick peaches, and walk through a shark tunnel! This Southern mecca is home to Coca-Cola, Atlanta Braves, and down-home hospitality, while offering so many kid-friendly activities and fun events. Families have plenty to do for a weekend, a week, or even longer.

Check out our list of 100 fun things to do in Atlanta with kids before they grow up to find the best museums, indoor play places, festivals, and amusement parks in the area!

Looking for fun stuff to do in Atlanta this coming weekend? We've got great weekend events here!

Best Sunflower Farms Near Philly for Family Fun

Lose yourself in a patch of sunflowers at Johnson's Locust Hall Farm. Photo by Cody Conk

Sunflower picking season is almost upon us! There's something magical about frolicking in a sea of sunflowers on a summer day that delights children of all ages and adults. From August and into September, there are countless sunflower farms and sunflower field activities in the Philadelphia area to choose from, including picking your own flowers, taking professional photos, or making your way through a sunflower maze. Read on to learn about the best sunflower farms near Philly for the whole family to enjoy. 

If you're looking for more pick-your-own activities, check out our Guide to Farm and U-Pick Fun. For more summer fun, don't miss our Summer Activity Guide.

100 Things To Do in Boston Before Kids Grow Up

Indoors and out and about, there are so many thing to do in Boston with kids before they grow up! Photo courtesy of the Rose Kennedy Greenway website

There are so many things to do in Boston with kids. Steeped in history, compact, and easy to navigate (on foot, at least), Boston is the best city to raise kids. And Boston offers a wealth of opportunities for family fun that are hard to pass up. With our list of top family activities, Mommy Poppins can help to make sure you don’t miss any of the best, most memorable things to do in Boston. We’ve included well-known favorites from the Freedom Trail to our glorious shoreline, as well as some of our more hidden local gems on this 100 not-to-be-missed, kid-friendly list of Boston activities.

St. Thomas with Kids: 25 Best Things To Do in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

 Coki Point Beach offers some of the best snorkeling in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

If you want the exotic feel of a foreign country without leaving the US, consider visiting St. Thomas, Virgin Islands for your next warm and sunny family vacation. Many visit St. Thomas as a cruise-stop destination, but there's so much more to explore beyond the ports. The US territory has its own unique charm with breathtaking beaches, crystal-blue water, friendly locals, and gorgeous red roofs climbing the hills outside its capital city, Charlotte Amalie. And the best part? No passports are needed to enter!

Here are 25 of the best things to do in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands with kids, including some great St. Thomas resorts, hotels, and restaurants. You'll see why St. Thomas, Virgin Islands is one of the best places to visit in the Caribbean, which you can read more about it in our Caribbean Family Travel Guide.

Chicago's Best Parks & Playgrounds for Kids Birthday Parties

Pool Day Birthday Party. Photo by @anjanettew, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

A birthday party in a Chicago park is a great way to host a kid's birthday party without spending thousands of dollars. We’ve compiled a list of some great parks in Chicago that have field houses and party rooms to rent, or just great grassy and picnic areas available for a free kid’s birthday party. Many of these spaces also allow you to bring in outside food and entertainment. Chicago parks are great for a small birthday party where you want to decorate a few picnic tables and let the kids enjoy the playground. 

While almost all parks and playgrounds in Chicago allow small gatherings for free, the City of Chicago does require a permit for gatherings of 50 people or more or those serving adult drinks. If you’re unsure, call the local field house manager of the park you’re considering. We’ve also noted below which park has a free public pool available for those summer birthday kids.

For more great free parks in Chicago, visit this guide for the Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds as well as our round-up of the Best Playgrounds in Chicago. And don't forget to check our Kids' Birthday Party Places in Chicago Guide, too.

20 Best Mini Golf Courses for Connecticut Kids

Mini golf is a family-friendly activity for all ages to enjoy.  Photo provided by Kelly Patino

It's high season for visiting some of the best mini golf courses in Connecticut! Along with ice cream visits, fruit picking, and beach days, miniature golf is an essential family outing during the summer months. Mini golf is great for all ages. And a round of 18 holes is easy on the family budget. Many miniature golf courses offer all day or weekly pricing deals. Some even offer a chance at a free round with a hole in one. These Connecticut courses have entertaining obstacles and challenging terrains at every hole. Many places offer ice cream, food options, and additional recreational attractions to turn miniature golf into an all day adventure for the entire family. 

Read on to find a mini golf course near you. You can make a mini golf outing part of an awesome summer day trip in Connecticut. And always check our Ultimate Kids Summer Vacation Guide for the latest from our summer fun experts!

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