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

Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 04/14/2023 - 7:17pm

St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis

Budget weekend getaways from Chicago mean that your family vacations aren't limited to longer school breaks. Chicago is home to some world-class tourist destinations, but it’s also within a short drive to even more sights, museums, sports teams, and nature adventures. If you’re looking for a quick and budget-friendly weekend getaway near Chicago, this round-up is for you. We have staycation and road trip ideas in nearby areas that don’t require thousands of dollars worth of plane tickets or passports.

For more budget-friendly travel ideas for Chicago families, check out our guide to tent camping near Chicago and our Midwest Travel Guide.

Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 04/07/2023 - 10:46pm

Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum

Stroller hikes allow us to get in some exercise and scenery without carrying a three-year-old all the way back to the car. If you've ever been hiking with little kids, you know that having a backup for when their legs get tired is as important as bringing snacks. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite kid-friendly stroller hikes to help you out. These hikes swap steep inclines and rocky terrains for smooth, paved, or gravel surfaces that make it easy to push a stroller with kids. You’ll get your steps in while taking in beautiful sights and the kids get outdoors, away from screens. These strolls are perfect for littles still in a stroller and siblings who want to get their wiggles out without the need for hiking gear.

Looking for more kid-friendly fun outdoors? Check out our round-up of kid-friendly hikes for after the stroller days come to an end and this list of best outdoor adventures for kids.

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour is Coming to a Theater Near You

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Thu, 04/06/2023 - 7:00am

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour is a fully immersive musical extravaganza traveling across America this year! Photo courtesy of Shore Fire Media

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour is coming to a city near you. The show is making a stop in Houston on April 15th before heading to San Antonio on April 16, and continuing across the country from there. One of our writers had the privilege of seeing the show when it stopped in Rockford, Illinois, and her family had a blast while she got the scoop on everything parents need to know about this show. Hot take: If you have a little Blippi fan in your home, this show does not disappoint.

From the songs you can sing along and dance to, to the adorable kids (and parents!) dressed like Blippi, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about this fun and interactive show. Read on for the details on this show that's sure to delight your favorite preschooler.

Kid-Friendly Spas and Kid Spa Parties in Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 03/17/2023 - 1:03am

Hit the spa with your kid for a spa party in Chicago. Photo by Lisa Gagne for Canva

Some salons and spas in Chicago offer services for kids, perfect for birthday parties, celebrating a special occasion, or as a bonding activity over manicures. Whatever the reason for treating your kid (and/or yourself!) we've rounded up some of our favorite kid-friendly spas and spa parties in Chicago. From mommy and me spa days to birthday pedicures, these are some amazing spas, nail salons, and spa party venues. Many of the kid-friendly spas below offer private kids spa parties and there's also a mobile beauty bar that can deliver a spa party at home.

For more birthday party ideas check out our favorite Indoor Kids Birthday Party Venues in Chicago and the Ultimate List of Birthday Party Entertainment and Rentals.

Exploring the New Houston Family Play Tree House at Lincoln Park Zoo

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Tue, 02/28/2023 - 10:58pm

The Houston Family Play Tree House at Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo by Lauren LaRoche

If you’re looking for a free outing in Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo is likely already high on your list. The new Houston Family Play Tree House has recently opened in the zoo, making it an even more fun place to explore with kids. Plus, the tree house is located indoors, making it a great stop even if the weather isn’t optimal for walking around the zoo.

This accessible play space is replacing the former Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo and has play features that appeal to children up to about the age of 10. For more fun with kids in Lincoln Park, be sure to check out our Lincoln Park neighborhood guide for some great places to check out with kids before or after your zoo trip.

Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 02/24/2023 - 8:44am

Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg

Looking for themed restaurants in Chicago? Here are our favorite themed restaurants for kids.

These themed restaurants in Chicago turn a regular meal into a whole event. You can head to one of these themed venues to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion, or just to entertain your kids for a few hours while you eat. With interactive animals, trains that bring your dinner, and jousting knights, these themed restaurants for kids in Chicago are more of an experience than a restaurant. Whether you’re after an arcade, high tea with dolls, or a milkshake as big as your head, there’s something for everyone on this restaurant round-up below.

For more great Chicago restaurants for kids check out these unique restaurants for outdoor dining and our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurant Guide.

Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 02/17/2023 - 10:34am

Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders

Looking for ninja warrior classes in Chicago? We have a list of the best ninja warrior gyms and climbing gyms in Chicago.

If you have a little one who is prone to climbing the furniture, walls, and anything else they can, this is a round-up for you. We've gathered up the best ninja warrior courses and climbing gyms in Chicago. In addition to the drop-in play, each ninja warrior location or climbing gym below offers weekly training classes and monthly membership options. Many also have after-school care or summer camps. You can also host birthday parties and private events for a ninja warrior birthday party. Adults can also get in on the ninja or climbing action.

For more indoor activities, check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids.

Best Indoor Water Parks Near Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 02/05/2023 - 11:30pm

Have some fun in the water even in the winter at one of these indoor water parks near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Kalahari Resort

Indoor water parks near Chicago will let you have a fun day swimming with your family without a plane ticket to a tropical destination. There are plenty of indoor water parks near Chicago with tube slides, lazy rivers, and even wave pools to help you beat those winter blues. We’ve grouped these indoor water parks by location so you can see which are easily done in a day trip and which would require a mini-road trip or staycation.

For more indoor family fun, check out our guide to indoor play spaces for Chicago kids. And if you're just looking for swimming without a bunch of slides, we also have a list of Best Indoor Swimming Pools in Chicago.