3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck

Looking for things to do when visiting Chicago with kids? We've got you covered with this three day itinerary packed with kid-friendly activities in Chicago.

Chicago is a great city to explore with kids. From the food to the museums and parks, there is something for everyone to do, see, and eat. To help you plan the ultimate 3-day trip with your family, we’ve rounded up our favorite kid-friendly activities you can pack into a long weekend.

When visiting Chicago, it’s always wise to have a few alternate and indoor options mapped out as well. In one weekend, you could see a little of all four seasons. Check out our Free Things To Do in Chicago On Cold and Rainy Days for bad weather alternatives that won't cost you extra cash. And while we list many food options below, you can also peruse our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurants Guide. Lastly, you'll probably want to check out our Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago.

If you're staying in town and plan to visit multiple attractions in the Chicago area (we’re looking at you, people with visiting relatives you’ll be squiring around town), it’s worth it to look into a Go City - Chicago sightseeing pass to save money on entrance fees to attractions like the Navy Pier, Field Museum, the aquarium, and the planetarium.

Disney Celebrates 100 Years of Magic with Celebrations at Disneyland, Disney World, and More

Disney turns 100 with celebrations from coast to coast and around the world. Photo courtesy of Disneyland

Disney is turning 100 in 2023! That Mickey Mouse looks pretty great for his age. (For the record, Mickey Mouse isn't 100 yet, as he was first seen in 1928.) To celebrate 100 years of childhood smiles, the Walt Disney Corporation is throwing a party at theme parks across the globe. This year we get new nighttime spectaculars at Disneyland in Anaheim (and hopefully at Walt Disney World in Orlando as well), traveling museum exhibits across the country, a new animated feature film dedicated to the legacy of the animation studio, and more.

The worldwide anniversary bash begins January 27, 2023 at Disneyland, and the party continues all year, with more dates to be announced at other Disney parks. We've rounded up the biggest and best new rides, shows, movies, and celebrations, so you can plan your Disney-themed vacation this year. If your Disney trip takes you to Disney World, be sure to check out all our Orlando theme park coverage, and if your family is more partial to the west coast, we've got all the tips and tricks you need to know when visiting Disneyland with kids.

Top Types of Parenting Styles from Gentle Parenting to Tiger Mom: Which Is Best?

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels

Types of parenting styles these days actually outnumber books on parenting! From tiger moms to gentle parenting, which style is best for you? Finding your parenting style is a bit like finding your tribe. With so many categories (and sub-categories), it can be a challenge to find the right fit. Are you a Koala parent like Kim Kardashian or a permissive mom like Jada Pinkett Smith?

The good news is you don't have to settle on one single style. The better news is we've brought together some of the top types of parenting styles here, so you can see what everyone is talking about, and figure out which style(s) intuitively make the most sense to you. Plus, you'll be able to distinguish the helicopter parents from the bulldozers at the next school function!

Hopefully, these types of parenting styles will make you feel seen, as you recognize like-minded parenting schools of thought. Kind of like these funny parenting memes, that give you a chuckle and let you know you're not alone.

Registration Opens for Free Spring Break STEM Camps in NYC

Kids can get a lesson in space technology at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum's STEM Matters spring break camp. Photo courtesy of the museum

The NYC Department of Education's popular free STEM Matters program is back in 2023 and offers FREE week-long camps during New York City's spring break, with programming running from Monday, April 10-Friday, April 14, 2023. The deadline to apply for these hands-on programs, serving kids in kindergarten through 8th grade, is fast approaching.

Seventeen different sites are offering programs across the five boroughs, and many are hosted by New York City’s top cultural institutions, including kid hot spots like the Bronx Zoo and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The subjects are diverse but focus on the sciences.

Looking for more camp coverage for spring break or beyond? Be sure to bookmark our New York City Camp Guide and our Camp Directory where you can search for camps by type, age, and neighborhood.

The Best Indoor Ice Skating Rinks for Long Island Kids

The Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink in Great Neck offers learn-to-skate programs and plenty more.

Long Island's many awesome indoor ice skating rinks are a great place to take spirited toddlers, school kids, and teens during winter. This roundup of the best indoor rinks features information on open-skate times, group and private lessons, birthday parties, and sports leagues. 

Most of these rinks offer skate rentals, and some are run by local municipalities that offer discounted fees for residents. Fees and times are accurate as of January 2023.

Of course, if your family prefers to do its skating outdoors, be sure to check out our guide to Long Island’s best outdoor rinks. For more seasonal fun, check out our mega winter fun list, which has dozens of ideas for cold-weather activities, and tons of other helpful posts in our Winter Activities Guide for Long Island Families

Best Kid-Friendly Coffee Shops in Westchester

Kids can start off their morning with a delicious waffle at Peekskill Coffee Shop.

Family-friendly coffee shops are among the many reasons I love living in Westchester—a list that also includes world-class outdoorsy activities and a huge range of things to do with kids every day of the week. As someone who works from home and also has two young kids, though, checking out the many great coffee shops near me is particularly close to my heart. Tea plus a treat is a win-win for me and them!

So whether you want a place to hang with your baby where you can read a book or two, or a spot to stop after basketball practice for a muffin with your little athletes, there are plenty of mom-and-pop shops to choose from throughout the county. The places on this list are all local—many owned by local families, too—and all offer delicious dishes, family-friendly hangs, and lively events that kids can take part in. Read on for a few of our favorite coffee shops in Westchester.

Looking to go out to lunch or dinner with the fam instead? Check out our Guide to Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Westchester

13 Best Baby Stores in Philly: Gear, Clothes, and More for the Teeniest Philadelphians

Philly's own Colugo creates strollers, carriers, and more for the modern parent.

We found the best baby stores in Philly for all the gear, toys, and clothing a babe could want.

Whether it’s your first baby or your third, stocking up on baby essentials can be stressful, and it can be hard to find a store with baby toys, baby gear, and baby clothes that match your style as well as your budget. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite Philadelphia baby stores where you can find all the stuff for your littlest family member. Whether you're shopping for a baby gift or welcoming a new baby into your home, we've got you covered. 

While you're at it, don't miss our list of all the things every Philly baby should do before they turn one. Grown-ups with babies also need a caffeine fix, so be sure to browse our list of kid-friendly coffee shops, or check out our roundup of stroller-friendly walks and hikes for some fresh air with baby in tow. 

Visiting Mystic Aquarium with Kids: What You Need To Know Before You Go

Mystic Aquarium offers Connecticut kids a remarkable look at sea life! Mystic Aquarium photo by Jocelyn Sherman Avidan

Visiting Mystic Aquarium with kids is fun and entertaining for the whole family. New England is home to world-class aquariums, but Connecticut families don't have to look further than Mystic Aquarium for an engaging and educational activity that's perfect for kids. From the tiniest snails to the beluga whales (and everything in between), the aquarium has something for everyone. And from the ample (and free!) parking to the many nearby dining options, parents will find lots to love about a visit to Mystic Aquarium.

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