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

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

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 01/27/2023 - 1:06am

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.

Local Baby Stores in Chicago For Gifts, Gear, and More

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 01/22/2023 - 8:13am

Looking for baby stores in Chicago? Here's a list of local favorites.

Stroller, high chairs, loveys, clothes...it's amazing how many things babies need. Luckily, these baby stores in Chicago specialize in everything you need to outfit and care for your baby, or to gift to an expectant parent in your life. From strollers to clothing, these shops have it all. While all of these shops have physical locations, they all have great websites, and many also have baby registries.

Baby gear can add up fast, so cut your costs with this article on How to Get Free Baby Stuff. Then you can focus on Finding the Right Daycare, and maybe registering for Baby Swimming Classes.

Best Coffee Shops in Chicago to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 01/15/2023 - 11:21pm

Looking for the best coffee shops in Chicago that are also kid-friendly? These Chicago coffee shops have kid-friendly environments AND caffeine.

Some days you just want to treat yourself to a nice cup of coffee out of the house, or stop to rest with a beverage during a busy afternoon with family activities. Before you look to convenient chain drive-thru locations to power you through, read on.

You don't have to stop going to cool local coffee shops just because you have kids! And with the right coffee shop kid-friendly entertainment, you might even get to drink your coffee while it's still hot. The city and suburban coffee shops below are all kid-friendly and great for getting some much-needed caffeine. Some are indoor play areas with attached cafés, and others are award-winning coffee shops that happen to have kid-friendly environments.

Check out our recommendations here for indoor play spaces for kids and 50 awesome things to do indoors in Chicago with kids.

Best of 2022 - Chicago Kid Edition: Top Openings, Happenings and Other Awesome Stuff We Loved

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 12/25/2022 - 8:05am

2022 in Chicago was a fun year. From museum openings to new exhibits and play spaces, there were some great additions to the Chicago kids space this year. To help ring in 2023, we’ll take a look back at some of the top openings, happenings, and other stuff we loved about 2022 in both Chicago and the rest of the country.

If you didn’t get to visit some of these great new spaces, they are great additions to your bucket list in 2023. For more kid-friendly fun in the new year, check out our round-up all things family in Chicago here.

Exploring the Sloomoo Institute in Chicago: What to Expect at a Slime Museum

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Mon, 12/12/2022 - 8:05am

There are so many textures to explore at Sloomoo Institute Chicago.

If you have any little slime lovers in your family, the newly opened Sloomoo Institute in Chicago is a must. This hands-on space lets you touch, smell, feel, and explore slime textures, colors, and scents unlike any other. Sure, you can always make slime at home, but Sloomoo takes that experience and makes it much, much bigger, plus keeps the slime inside their space and off the walls of your kitchen.

The Sloomoo Institute Chicago is located at 820 N. Orleans and offers timed admission tickets to ensure every group has an enjoyable sensory experience. And if you're looking for a museum with a little less mess, check out our Museum Guide.

Explore Ice Castles Across America with Kids this Winter

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sat, 11/19/2022 - 10:00am

Explore the colorful Ice Castles in Midway, Utah. Photo by AJ Mellor/Ice Castles

If you’re looking for some great winter fun for your family, consider visiting Ice Castles. These amazing structures, made up of over 20 million pounds of ice, are a sparkly, magical experience for both grown-ups and kids. And with Ice Castles in New Hampshire, Minnesota, New York, and Utah—as well as the famous Lake Geneva Ice Castles in Wisconsin—there just may be one near your home or within a short drive for a quick getaway.

From what to wear to what to expect, we have all the details about visiting these magical Ice Castles with kids. For more ideas on what do this winter, check out our favorite outdoor winter activities for kids and our Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Sports Guide.

Holiday Volunteering Opportunities for Kids and Families in Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 11/18/2022 - 7:25am

Kids can volunteer alongside parents at these Chicago charities. Photo courtesy of the Greater Chicago Food Depository

Holiday volunteering opportunities are a great way to show your children that there’s more to the season than parties and getting gifts. This year, show them how good it feels to help someone in need. To help you find the right volunteering opportunities in Chicago for you and your family, we’ve rounded up several holiday (and year-round) volunteer opportunities in Chicago for families. Many of these groups even have events and opportunities for kids as young as 5. It’s never too early to show your kids the importance of helping our community.

For more holiday events, happenings, and festive fun, check out the Mommy Poppins Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families.

8 Top Dual Language Preschools Near Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 10/21/2022 - 12:57pm

Photo courtesy of the Rayito de Sol Spanish Immersion Early Learning Center

If you’re interested in exploring the many benefits of a dual-language preschool in Chicago, you’ve come to the right place. Preschools in Chicago featuring dual language programs provide a curriculum that is either partly or completely immersed in a second language. The goal is to help students reach developmental, literacy, and language milestones in two languages. We’ve rounded up some great preschools in Chicago as well as the nearby suburbs. Some schools on this list continue through elementary school as well.

For more preschools in Chicago, check out our list of Top Montessori Preschools in Chicago.