Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

17 Mini Golf Courses Near Chicago for Kid-Friendly Putt-Putt

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 07/23/2023 - 8:02pm

Try one of these fun Chicago mini golf courses. Photo courtesy of Diversey Driving Range and Mini Golf

There's no shortage of mini golf near Chicago—and putt putt might just be one of the better summer and fall activities for kids. It offers a chance for some physical activity and a bit of fresh air. These 17 Chicago mini golf courses are fun for kids and adults alike, combining skill and luck for a friendly competition among family members. We've also included indoor putt putt in Chicago for inclement weather, so those are always a solid backup plan (or primary plan!).

Harry Potter: Magic at Play at Water Tower Place in Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 07/21/2023 - 8:54am

Do you have a kid who knows what house the sorting hat would place them in and could identify a blast-ended skrewt or a mandrake? If so, you might want to take them to visit Harry Potter: Magic at Play at Water Tower Place. The pop-up experience has extended its stay in Chicago through Labor Day weekend, giving kids plenty of chances to check it out before school starts again. Explore the magical wizarding world to ignite your kids' imaginations and encourage reading and story-telling over the summer break.

Harry Potter: Magic at Play is the perfect Indoor Activity for a rainy day or bad air quality day. Here's what to expect from the experience.

Best Boat Rides in Chicago for Families

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Tue, 07/11/2023 - 12:35pm

Wendella offers themed sightseeing boat rides in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Wendella Sightseeing Company

Ready to hit the water? Families can celebrate the season by boarding a variety of boats on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. Some may even want to venture further west for an old-fashioned river boat ride on the Fox River in St. Charles or a kid-powered paddle boat ride along the Naperville Riverwalk. A wide variety of boat rides are available for enjoying the water throughout the city and suburbs.

Check out some of our favorite boat rides near downtown Chicago and beyond. Families who are interested in relaxing dinner cruises, adventurous sailing, or architecture are sure to find something here that floats their boat.

Free Camps and Classes for Kids at a Store Near You

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Tue, 07/04/2023 - 12:00pm

Kids can learn coding, video skills, and more during free Apple Camps at the Apple Store. Photo courtesy of Apple

Classes and camps are a big part of growing up for many kids. They are fun, enriching, and provide parents with some much-needed alone time on weekends or during school breaks. But as every parent knows, the cost of camps and classes can add up quickly.

Luckily, not every class your kid takes has to cost an arm and a leg. Many national chain stores offer fun and free camps and classes for kids that will teach them something new and show them a great time. These include cooking classes, coding and tech lessons, arts and crafts workshops, and more.

Here are 11 nationwide chain stores that offer free classes and camps to help fill kids' schedules without breaking the bank—even if your child does ask you to buy something while you're there! Check out our Guide to Classes for Kids and our Summer Camp Guide for even more fun ways to fill your kids' days.

Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 06/16/2023 - 4:00pm

There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva

Hikes in Chicago are a fun family outing that's outdoors, close to home, and doesn't break the bank. Hiking with kids in one of Chicago's forest preserves or parks is a great way to get everyone outside, and there are many shady trails where you can beat the heat while getting some exercise.

We’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite Chicago-area hiking spots, all within an hour's drive of the city, for a perfect family day trip. While some hiking trails may be better suited to bigger kids who can walk a mile or more on their own, plenty of these paths are stroller friendly—in fact, we’ve hiked a few with two preschoolers in a double stroller. Who knows, maybe a local hike will inspire your family to take a trip to a national park this year or next.

St. Joseph with Kids: Best Things to Do in St. Joseph, MI

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 06/11/2023 - 8:09am

White, sandy beaches line St. Joseph. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

Summer in the Chicago area is all about Lake Michigan. The Third Coast has lots of great beaches, but sometimes, it's fun to get out of the city and take your family somewhere more relaxing. We decide to try out St. Joseph, Michigan, and we loved it so much we ended up going back the next summer, too. The town has a beachy feel with a few less crowds than Lake Geneva. And it's less than two hours away, even from the western suburbs. Stay two nights for a quick getaway, or move up to three nights if you feel like a couple of relaxing beach days.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in St. Joseph and the surrounding areas! For beaches even closer to Chicago, try our Best Beaches in Chicago for Families article, and don't forget to plan a few more Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways this summer as well.

The Best Amusement Parks Near Chicago for Families

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 05/14/2023 - 8:04am

Ride high on Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America.

With so many great amusement parks near Chicago, you can skip the trip to Orlando or Los Angeles this summer and save it for when you need to beat the cold. There are plenty of places to get a day of rides, games, and greasy foods right near Chicago. Whether your kids are thrill-seekers looking for big roller coaster drops or beginners just learning about going on rides, the Chicago area has the perfect amusement park for everyone in the family.

If your family is looking for more thrills and rides in the great outdoors, try zipping through the trees at one of Chicago's aerial adventure parks or riding down the Chicago River on a power or paddle boat. And be sure to keep an eye on our event calendar, which is rapidly filling up with more events every day.

Best Outdoor Dining in Chicago at Family-Friendly Restaurants

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 05/12/2023 - 11:03am

The Royal Grocer is a Bucktown neighborhood family-friendly restaurant (with tiki torches)!

Chicago restaurants with patios offer a way for families to enjoy a meal out without worrying about their kids making messes or noise. And it's the perfect time of year for outdoor dining in Chicago. Many restaurants vastly expanded their outdoor seating areas (and tricked them out!) during the pandemic, and now families can take advantage of the gorgeous weather and outdoor seating to dine out in style.

From grilled sausage to whole roasted duck and lazy coffee-fueled brunches to late afternoon pretzel-fueled beer breaks, these are our favorite Chicago-area outdoor restaurants where families can enjoy a delicious meal outside their own four walls. And don't forget to check our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurant Guide for more recommendations.

Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

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