25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5

Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago

If you're looking for things to do in Chicago with little kids, this is the list for you. While there are thousands of tourist attractions and cultural experiences in Chicago (and about 100 of them that you should do with kids before they grow up!) not all of them are great for kids under 5 years old. So, after creating a list of things you should do with Chicagoland babies before they turn one, we set about making the ultimate list of 25 things to do in Chicago before your little one turns 5. From zoos to gardens to museums, much of this list is especially great for preschoolers and kids about to enter kindergarten. 

A few of our selections are well-known favorites with specific attractions for preschoolers, while other ideas are more off the beaten path, but all are things we've enjoyed doing with tots before they turn 5!

20 Things To Do in Kingston with Kids

Explore the Trolley Museum of New York in Kingston. Photo courtesy of the museum

Kingston, NY, is rich in history, and much of its old-world flair is still alive today. Kingston was New York's first state capital in the late 18th century, and visitors will be charmed by its stately Victorian homes, fun museums, and charming shops. 

We’ve gathered 20 things to see and do with the family while visiting the city, highlighting kid-friendly dining, and giving you options for turning a day trip into an overnight stay.

Find more Hudson Valley inspiration in our rundown of 35 things to do in the Hudson Valley with kids and our ultimate 3-day Hudson Valley itinerary written by a local mom

Family-Friendly Wineries on Long Island's East End

Grab some apple crisp ice cream from the ice cream shop and a bottle of dry rose from wine barn at Harbes Family Farm.

With so many wineries on Long Island's East End now welcoming children, Long Island wine country has become a huge destination not just for couples and bachelorette parties, but for families with kids, too.

From picnic areas to live music and fun annual events, we’ve rounded up a host of kid-friendly wineries on Long Island's East End—many of which are family-owned and operated—offering the best experiences for little visitors. In addition to wine, most tasting rooms at these Long Island vineyards offer light snacks and nonalcoholic beverages, and some even allow outside food and drink in designated picnic areas. Of course, kids must be supervised, and any pets must be on leashes. Be sure to check individual websites for specific rules. And be responsible if you're driving.

Legoland New York Set to Giveaway 100 Season Passes as Summer Temps Soar

Legoland New York is set to beat the summer heat with a cool giveaway: 25 lucky visitors receive a family four-pack of season passes every time the temp hits 100.

Legoland New York has locals and visitors alike begging for a mercury-popping day thanks to a hot new giveaway that's triggered by 100-degree temperatures! To add a little fun to the sweltering summer heat, the park is set to give away 100 FREE season passes every time the mercury tops 100.

Find out what it takes to enter and read about all the fun at Legoland New York, which checks in at No. 22 on our list of the 100 best things to do in Westchester and the Hudson Valley before kids grow up.

Not Your Usual Back-to-School Supplies List: Actually Useful Ideas from a Teacher

Forget regular pencil cases, this "pop" one from ZIPIT helps with fidgets and nerves. My kids love it.

It's that time of year again – Back-to-School, which means it's time to go shopping for back-to-school supplies! There are plenty of boring back-to-school lists out there that have the typical pencil case, crayons, and a backpack. That's not what this list is.

This Back-to-School season, we've talked with a teacher and several moms to come up with favorite lesser-known items that we think deserve a place in your Back-to-School shopping cart. From noise-canceling headphones to erasable pens that really work, we come up with a list of unique essentials.

Whether your little one is starting kindergarten or heading back to elementary school, we've got you covered with a list of cool back-to-school supplies that will make the upcoming school year a breeze. For more Back-to-School ideas, like lunches kids actually like or first day of school traditions, check out our Back-to-School Guide.

Zip Lines and Adventure Ropes Courses for Kids in and Around NJ

Explore the Mountain Creek zip line course in Vernon.

Buckle up for a soaring ride on a zip line through the treetops in New Jersey, or gear up for an outdoor adventure at one of our exhilarating obstacle courses. Swaying bridges, wobbly balance logs, cargo nets, high wires, and rope ladders are among the features at these sky-high ropes courses, along with tree climbers and platforms built right into tree trunks. Many treetop courses are best for older kids and teens, but some also offer tyke courses closer to the ground.

We've rounded up some of the coolest zip line and ropes courses in New Jersey, plus a few in Pennsylvania, and added a few options just over the border in New York, including one year-round pick. You'll find these parks at local zoos, amusement parks, down on the Jersey Shore, and even at some Poconos family resorts.

Breaking Halloween News: Boney Island is Back and at NHM!

Boney Island is back, baby, and with some special new twists courtesy of the Natural History Museum. Photo courtesy of the museum.

Boney Island is back this Halloween season! One of the Los Angeles area's most popular family-friendly haunts for decades, the former lawn haunt from Sherman Oaks has joined forces with the Natural History Museum to stage a spookily exciting comeback. After 5 long years, there are lots of kids who have never experienced this LA Halloween tradition, and we're so excited that this is the year a whole new generation can experience the not-too-spooky thrills.

For more Halloween news, reviews, and events, be sure to check back frequently for updates on our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Los Angeles Families. And while you're at the Natural History Museum, you'll want to spend the whole day, armed with this Insider Tips for Visiting the Natural History Museum with Kids.

CT's Best Parks and Playgrounds for Kids Birthday Parties

Dazzle your little ones with a birthday bash at one of CT's best parks and playgrounds for kids birthday parties!

Summer is the season for kids' birthday parties at Connecticut's best parks and playgrounds. If your child has a summer birthday, we have good news for you. You can avoid expensive entertainment centers, cleaning your house, and then cleaning up again after the party. These fun parks and playgrounds right here in Connecticut offer great picnic areas, shade, playgrounds, and more for a memorable birthday. 

Still need more help planning your party? We have a list of Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas for Summer Birthday Parties for you to browse through and get some great ideas. And our Connecticut Kids' Birthday Party Guide is packed with our top picks for celebrating in style!

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