Schaumburg with Kids: Best Things to Do in Schaumburg, Illinois

Try one of Schaumburg's outdoor activities. Photo courtesy of the Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm

Located about 30 miles from downtown Chicago, Schaumburg is a quick weekend drive from the city or surrounding suburbs. If you live in Chicagoland, you’ve likely heard of Schaumburg's big attraction, Woodfield Mall. But, Schaumburg has tons of other fun and family-friendly places to explore, too. From outdoor activities to LEGOLAND, you'll find plenty of fun things to do with kids in Schaumburg. And for more things to do in Chicago neighborhoods, check out our Visitors Guide.

Take a Ghost Tour in Los Angeles and Discover the Terrors of Tinseltown

The Hollywood sign's spooky history is part of the tour. Have you seen the sign's ghost when hiking?

Ghost tours are perfect Halloween (or anytime!) fun for teens, tweens, tourists, and even locals who love LA.

My kids are teenagers. That means they are too old for pumpkin picking at Underwood Farms. They also have inherited my horror of a jump scare, which means they have no interest in Halloween Horror Nights or the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. But these kids raised in the era of true crime podcasts can get down with some real-life spooky stories. So when I heard about US Ghost Adventures LA tours, it sounded like a perfect family Halloween teen outing.

I signed us up for the LA Ghosts: Terrors of Tinseltown Tour, and guess what? I was right! An evening of laughing, walking, learning, spooking, and eating chocolate with your teens is worth its weight in gold. Read on to learn more about just how scary the tour is, where it goes, and why it's my family's new Halloween tradition.

For more fun with teens, check out our Los Angeles Activities Guide for Teens and Tweens. And, since this tour made me remember how fun it is to play touring in my own town, I really recommend checking out our Ultimate 3-Day LA Itinerary by a Local Mom. Man, I love LA.

Museum of Illusions Houston Will Blow your Mind

Museum of Illusions Houston. Photo courtesy of the author

Children see magic because they look for it. Houston kids won’t have to look far, because the Museum of Illusions has opened a location in the Galleria. My family loves immersive experiences, and with over 60 different exhibits, this museum is like no other venue we have seen. 

The Museum of Illusions Houston packs a lot into a small space including optical illusions, visual tricks, and hands-on interactive displays. They even have something called a vortex tunnel that still has us questioning reality. Needless to say, my kids' minds were blown.

We think it will blow your minds as well. But before heading out, read on to learn what to expect from your visit. And don't forget to check out our list of Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families and our Children's Museums and Exhibits Guide for Houston for more museums to explore.

St. Augustine with Kids: 30 Best Things To Do in St. Augustine, Florida

The secluded St. Augustine Beach is a perfect respite from daily life. Photo Photo by Mancy Carter

Florida has its “Emerald Coast,” its "Space Coast," its “Treasure Coast,” and even its “Forgotten Coast.” But unless you spend time in its northernmost section, you might be unaware of its “Historic Coast,” headlined by the haven of St. Augustine.

About an hour south of Jacksonville, whose sizable airport services most major carriers, sits America’s oldest city, St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Spanish explorers. To visit St. Augustine’s charming cobblestone streets and seemingly ancient architecture is to be reminded of Florida’s multicultural history.

Of course, these days visitors—adults and kids alike—are better welcomed than the 18th-century pirates who sailed in for plunder. These days, St. Augustine is a seaside haven for kids and families, particularly those eager to mix a little education with all that Florida sunshine.

Read on for our picks for the 30 best things to do in St. Augustine with kids. Then check out our Florida Family Vacation Guide for more great getaways in the Sunshine State.

Trunk-or-Treats in Chicago for Halloween 2023

Trunk-or-Treat in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Winnetka Park District

Trunk-or-treat events in Chicago mean that it's never too cold, too hot, or too far to walk on Halloween. Trunk-or-treats are perfect for the littlest ghosts and goblins because they take less time and are often during daylight hours. Trunk-or-treat in Chicago involves local families, businesses, or organizations decorating their cars and lining them up in a parking lot so kids can go from trunk to trunk gathering sweets, just like trick-or-treating. And many neighborhoods and suburbs have them, sponsored by their park district, local church, school, or toy store. Trunk-or-treating also offers kids an extra opportunity to grab some candy before Halloween, while supporting local businesses and non-profits.

Best Gymnastics Classes for Kids in Connecticut

They will love hanging out and making friends at the best gymnastics classes for kids in Connecticut! Photo courtesy of Farmington Valley Gymnastics & More via Facebook

The best gymnastics classes help kids of all ages develop coordination, strength, and balance. Gymnastics classes also foster confidence, teamwork, and a healthy sense of competition. The best gymnastics classes for kids in Connecticut also provide a mix of classes and private instruction. There are programs geared for competetive gymnastics and others that are just pure fun. Tumble on!

Need a class that you can attend with your little one? Check out Mommy and Me Classes for Babies and Parents in Connecticut. And see all our picks for enrichment programs in the Guide to Classes in Connecticut for Kids.

Secret Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World With Babies and Toddlers

Create magical moments at Hollywood Studios, including those with Florida's only snowman, Olaf!

Many people ask why take a toddler or baby to Walt Disney World if they won't remember it? It's simple! Parents will always remember their child's first time riding Dumbo, or the smile/horror on their face seeing Mickey for the first time. Toddlers and babies at Disney World will have fun, experiencing new and exciting things. Bonus? Kids are free until they turn three! So for all our parents who dream of bringing their toddlers and babies to Disney World, we have your definitive guide for the best experience possible.

For more tips on a visit to Walt Disney World, like Visiting Every Park at Walt Disney World with Kids or the Best Disney Character Breakfasts for Kids, check out our Orlando Theme Parks & Amusement Parks Guide.

Best Playgrounds Near Atlanta for Kids and Families

Enjoy the colorful textures and climbing structures at Abernathy Greenway Park's playground in Sandy Springs. Photo by Melanie Preis

Atlanta playgrounds are the best spots in town for kids to explore the outdoors. Atlanta offers access to so much lush, green space, and Atlanta playgrounds make use of these idyllic spots by attracting the most energetic park enthusiasts: kids! These playgrounds, from Buckhead to Smyrna, have special attractions like water canons, climbing nets, rope pulls, and splash pads—as well as the tried-and-true classics like slides, swings, and monkey bars.

Looking for something else to do outside? Check out Atlanta's best playgrounds for toddlers, hikes for the whole family, and more in our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Atlanta.

Pages