The Best Chicago Restaurants Where Kids Can Play

Little boy trying for a strike! Photo courtesy of Pinstripes

Good restaurants are one thing, but for parents, kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago are something else altogether. A place where someone else cooks and cleans up while the little ones are entertained for long enough that a conversation between partners (and enjoying your dinner) is possible? Yes, these places exist! 

We found the best restaurants in Chicago and the nearby suburbs where kids can play or have something extra special to keep them busy while you dine. From playgrounds to bowling and even planes landing and taking off, whether you have a tot, a tween, or a teen, there’s something for everyone.

Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Philly

There are a host of spraygrounds and splashpads in the Center City area, like the Fountain at Dilworth Park.  Photo courtesy of Center City District

Making a quick trip to the nearest sprinkler or splash pad around Philly is a great way to cool kids off on a hot day! The water playgrounds and splash pads listed below are some of our favorite local splash parks to enjoy free water play and make the most of summer.

Headed to the shore this summer for some ocean play? Check out these 70 Things To Do With Kids at the Jersey Shore, and don't forget to visit our Summer Activity Guide for more summer fun!

5 Summer Safety Issues Experts Want Parents to Know

We’ve partnered with Connecticut Children’s to share guidance from their free 2024 Summer Safety Toolkit.

When it comes to kids, summer safety goes hand-in-hand with summer fun–from keeping the ticks away to avoiding dangerous dehydration when temperatures climb. To ensure that families are on top of common warm weather woes, we’ve partnered with Connecticut Children’s to share guidance from their free 2024 Summer Safety Toolkit. As always, the comprehensive kit provides straight-forward, age-appropriate advice from leading pediatric experts 100% dedicated to kids.

Here are five summer safety tips you may not have considered, plus guidance from the pros:

10 Underrated Summer Travel Ideas for Families

Explore Fort Williams Park in Portland, Maine. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala

When school lets out for summer, families love to hit the road (or the skies) and travel to new places. But while summer journeys can be glorious, they also come with the downsides of peak travel season—higher prices, heavy traffic, larger crowds, and longer lines.

But it doesn't have to be that way. There are plenty of places across the US that offer many of the things families look for in a summer vacation—beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, engaging museums, and more—but aren't as well-known. That means families can make amazing summer memories with far less hassle.

Here are 10 underrated summer travel ideas for families across the US. Our Family Travel Guide includes even more great summer vacation ideas, including our massive list of the 100 best family vacation destinations.

Legoland Florida: Everything to Know for a Great Visit with Kids

Legoland Florida is filled with rides, fun characters, and even a water park. Photos courtesy of Legoland Florida Resort

Orlando holds its own magic, and one of our family's favorite destinations is Legoland Florida Resort. Specifically designed for children age 2 to 12, Legoland Florida offers rides perfectly suited for my little ones and ensures a seamless experience for a full day of theme park fun with toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids alike.

We love the building and outdoor play opportunities at Legoland Florida, so kids can take a break from ride hopping and flex their creativity. Read on for the top things to do at Legoland Florida, including our favorite rides, places to eat, hours, tickets, and even top Legoland hotel options!

Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families

Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin

Whether you're visiting NYC or live here year-round, taking in a Broadway show is a special family experience. Kids are sure to remember it vividly, and chances are parents won't soon forget the credit card bill. That's why it's important to pick a production wisely, especially when bringing young children to their first Broadway performance.

While Disney juggernauts The Lion King and Aladdin are popular options, there are other kid-friendly choices that aren't as obvious. We've rounded up our top Broadway shows for families and organized them by age appropriateness. Once you've picked a Broadway show, all that's left to do is book tickets. We've got you covered there, too, with our tips to save on Broadway tickets.

If you're looking for more options, browse our Family Activity Calendar for family shows beyond Broadway, and bookmark our Guide to Children's Theater for reviews and recommendations.

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