Lauren LaRoche

Lauren LaRoche has been a working writer and journalist for more than 12 years. When she’s not writing, she and her husband are chasing after their dog and three children in Chicago. Her career includes work in marketing, in graphic design, and as a lifestyle and events editor for CBS Chicago. To check out more of her writing, visit her website at ldesignchicago.com.

Latest posts by Lauren

10 Push-up Challenges for Kids That'll Make Everyone Sweat

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Tue, 07/13/2021 - 10:36am

These games make exercise feel like fun rather than work!

Sometimes you just need to get your kids moving. Push-ups are a great way to get the blood flowing, work on endurance, and help to build muscle strength. Of course with kids it's best to turn any kind of exercise into a game! From 'Pat-a-Cake' to the singing the ABCs, we've rounded up 10 push-up challenges and games that are anything but boring. Remember, the first one to fall or break from the push-up position is out.

For more active games to do with kids check out our monster exercise list.

12 Family-Friendly Summer Weekend Getaways near Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 07/02/2021 - 9:16am

See spectacular animals in a historic setting at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station.

Whether you need a beachside vacation or a cultural getaway in a (different) city, you don’t have to travel too far from Chicago to find it! All of the weekend getaways below are places you can drive to from Chicago— yet they feel like a world away. The trips include a hike under a waterfall, a boat ride through a city, an aquarium in a train station, and the water park capital of the world. From zoos to children’s museums to great nature escapes, we’ve highlighted several must-see attractions that make each getaway fun for the whole family.

Now, get the road trip snacks ready and enjoy the adventure. For more getaway ideas check out our Midwest Travel Guide and 20 Day Trips Near Chicago.

The 10 Best Campgrounds for Tent Camping near Chicago with Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 06/25/2021 - 8:41am

Camping at Illinois State Beach Park. Photo courtesy of Illinois State Beach Park.

Nothing says summer like a camping trip. If your family is ready for a weekend sleeping under the stars, we've got you covered with a selection of nature escapes all within a couple of hours of Chicago. From beautiful forests to the shores of Lake Michigan, these serene retreats are the perfect places for roasting marshmallows and making family memories.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or this is your first time pitching a tent, we’ve rounded up some of the best campsites near Chicago for families. For more outdoor adventures, check out our picks for the best places to hike with kids and our Midwest Vacation Guide.

DuPage Children's Museum: An Insider's Guide

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Tue, 06/08/2021 - 11:44am

Everyone is happy that the DuPage Children's Museum is open again!

The DuPage Children's Museum is once again open to the public and accepting reservations! Since the weather in Chicago can be hit or miss all year round, indoor play options can be lifesavers. The DuPage Children’s Museum is one of my very favorite spots to bring my kids. It's a fun, safe, indoor play space that has some major educational bonus points. With hands-on experiences for kids of all ages, this museum was made for tinkering, exploring, and letting creativity flow. Read on for tips and ideas for how to get the most out of a visit to the DuPage Children’s Museum.

Amazing Lake Resorts in the Midwest for Family Summer Getaways

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sat, 05/22/2021 - 7:11am

No need for castles in the air when you can build them in the sand at The Harbor Grand.

In the Midwest, there's nothing like summer on a lake. From kayaking to jumping off the swim pier, kids make memories that last a lifetime. To help plan a relaxed, sandy, summer vacation, we've rounded up our favorite family-friendly lake resorts. These resorts near Chicago range from lake resorts on nearby Geneva Lake or Green Lake to northern lake resorts in Door County, Wisconsin and Northern Michigan.

Each of these resorts features outdoor and indoor swimming options, water recreation, quaint nearby towns, and family-friendly suites, cottages, and accommodations. Parents can also enjoy nearby or on-site spas, golf, and plenty of lakeside sunsets.

Seeking even more inspiration for summer travel? Check out our Family Travel Guide for loads of family travel destinations, whether you're looking for day trip inspiration or you are ready to book a longer holiday at a family-friendly resort.

25 Things To Do on Mother’s Day in Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 05/02/2021 - 8:39am

See spring blooms at the Garfield Park Conservatory

It’s been a year to remember (or forget?). Moms deserve a day to relax and enjoy some much-needed family fun time. If you’re looking for some things to do this year in Chicago for Mother’s Day, you’ve come to the right place: From brunch to fine art to well-deserved pampering, everything on this list not only kid-friendly but designed with mom in mind. Get out and enjoy some time celebrating all the moms in your life—especially if that includes you!

Happy Mother’s Day, from all of us at Mommy Poppins.

Turn a Highchair into a Baby Activity Center with These Ideas

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Thu, 04/01/2021 - 8:50am

Keep babies occupied with highchair activities at their own baby activity center.

Sometimes, mama (or daddy) just needs a minute to get something done! If you need to keep your baby or toddler occupied while you work, cook, or finish a project, we’ve rounded up ten highchair activities that keep little ones both busy and happy. The best part is that everything on our list gets attached to the highchair—you won’t need to constantly pick things up off the floor.

From ice cubes to masking tape to toy cars, these baby activity center ideas are all made from things you already have in the house. These activities are both no cost and no mess, as well: you won't pay for 20 minutes of entertainment with an hour-long clean-up. These baby and toddler activities are also great for helping your little one explore all five senses, learn colors, and figure out cause and effect.

Looking for more baby activities? Check out our list of 99 Sensory Activities for Toddlers, Infants, and Kids of All Ages, plus tons more activities for little ones in our At-Home Guide for Families.

First Birthday Party Ideas for Quarantine Babies

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Tue, 03/09/2021 - 8:31am

You're not invited to my party! Photo by Kylie Najjar

For quarantine babies, the first year of life probably looked a little different. That doesn’t mean their birthday should be any less special. It’s your baby’s first birthday and you’ve been parents for a year—that’s something to celebrate! To help you with some special first birthday ideas, we’ve rounded up a few fun ways to host a quarantine birthday party for babies, with social distancing in mind.

Because a first birthday is also a celebration for the parents, we're going beyond just first birthday cakes and serving up treats for adults, too. Whether it’s virtual or in-person, we've got plenty of first birthday party themes and ideas to help mark this momentous occasion safely. Happy quarantine birthday, baby.