Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

Museum of Ice Cream Chicago: Unlimited Ice Cream for All

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 10/29/2023 - 8:57am

Get sugared up at Museum of Ice Cream Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

UNLIMITED ICE CREAM. For us, and I'm assuming for most families, that's the biggest attraction at the Museum of Ice Cream Chicago. Here, you can eat your way through an imaginative world of sweetness, along with one weird savory treat, and take plenty of selfies along the way. So purchase a ticket to the Museum of Ice Cream Chicago, and arrive with an empty stomach.

Not feeling ice cream today? Check out our Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Chicago.

Not-S0-Scary Halloween Events in Chicago for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 10/13/2023 - 10:48am

Toddlers will love Pumpkin Party. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way

Halloween events in Chicago can be scary! Luckily, there are plenty of Halloween events for toddlers and preschoolers so that the littlest pumpkins can get their treats without all the tricks. We've rounded up more than 30 parties, concerts, storytimes, pumpkin patches, and trick-or-treating Halloween events in Chicago for toddlers and preschoolers to enjoy.

Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy Halloween events in Chicago during the daylight hours at one of the many trunk-or-treats throughout the Chicago area. Looking for recommendations on where to get a pumpkin, how to dress up, where to trick-or-treat and more? Check out our Chicago Halloween Fun Guide.

Here is our list of top Halloween events in Chicago for toddlers and preschoolers in 2023!

Doodles X CAMP: Chicago's Exciting New Immersive Experience for Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 10/08/2023 - 10:29am

Checking out CAMP's new immersive experience in Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins

When you first walk into Chicago's CAMP, it looks like a toy store filled with games, puzzles, figurines, balls, scooters and more. But I'd actually describe it as a "purveyor of fun." Much more than a store, CAMP hosts events, shows, and immersive experiences for kids. We were lucky enough to check out their Doodles X CAMP immersive experience, and it was a great time. Buy tickets for Doodles X CAMP for a chance to peek behind the magic door and see what's there.

Trunk-or-Treats in Chicago for Halloween 2023

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 09/22/2023 - 12:25pm

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.

Amazing Corn Mazes Near Chicago for Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 09/15/2023 - 8:49am

Have some fall fun at these corn mazes near Chicago. Photo courtesy of All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock, Illinois.

Corn mazes near Chicago are usually located on a farm that offers a cornucopia of fall fun. Corn mazes throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin present creative themes and different ways to navigate the twists and turns, so children of varying ages can join in the challenge. Some corn mazes also have flashlight corn maze nights and hayrides.

At most of these corn mazes near Chicago, families can also enjoy plenty of harvest time fun, including apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn bins, and even Halloween-themed outdoor movies. Many of the farms listed on our corn maze list also host fall festivals throughout the season. Read on for our top picks for corn mazes near Chicago, and check out our Fall Fun Guide for Chicago Kids for more seasonal fun.

What Can Really Be Recycled? Myth-Busting the Recycle Symbol

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Tue, 09/12/2023 - 12:00pm

It can be hard to determine just what goes into the recycling bin.

We all know how important recycling is for the environment. Unfortunately, it's hard to figure out exactly how to recycle. What does the recycle symbol mean? What can be recycled (and what can't)? Where do we put items we want to recycle? And, most important, how do we teach kids about recycling symbols and what they mean?

This confusion—coupled with the fact that recycling rules often vary from city to city—is part of the reason only 32% of trash in the US is recycled, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.

We're here to (hopefully) answer all of your questions about what to recycle, how to recycle it, and just how to decode that ubiquitous recycle symbol. Check out our Earth Kids Guide for more tips on creating Earth-friendly habits for your family, including our tutorial on how to compost. And, sign up for our Earth Kids newsletter for more ideas and activities every month.

Fall Bucket List for Kids: 37 Things To Do in Chicago This Fall

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 09/01/2023 - 1:32pm

It's apple season! Photo courtesy of Apple Holler Orchard

Kid-friendly fall activities in Chicago bring the family fun for pumpkin-spice pushers and apple aficionados alike. This year is no exception. We've put together a list of 37 fun things to do in Chicago this fall with your family, from pumpkin patches to great hiking trails. And don't forget to check out our Fall Fun Guide for Chicago Kids for even more seasonal things to do in Chicago.

Visiting Starved Rock State Park With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay, and More

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 08/18/2023 - 3:15pm

Located just 90 miles from Chicago, Starved Rock State Park is there for when Chicago families need to get away from school and screen time and head to the great outdoors for the weekend. The state park is one of several just a 90-minute drive southwest of Chicago, but once you leave the area officially considered the suburbs, you may feel like you're in a different world.

In addition to the wealth of hiking, there are unique places to stay and interesting restaurants to keep our kids entertained for a weekend trip. We also love that we can plan a vacation here at the spur of the moment. Each time we've gone, we have found lodging with less than two weeks notice.

Here's what our family likes to do at and around Starved Rock State Park. For more outdoor family fun, check out our State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids.