Spending the New Year at home with the kids? I am! Every year we make a bunch of appetizers and get some fun beverages like egg nog and sparkling cider. We all snack until we can barely move and stream some movies. This year’s selections: Armageddon and Talladega Nights. Who says you have to countdown […]
Archives for 2017
Chicago Area New Year’s Eve Events for Families 2017
December 29, 2017 By
Every year has its ups and downs and now is the time for reflection and preparing for a fresh start. Celebrate with the kids at these family-friendly events in the Chicago area. Pre-New Year’s Eve Celebrations Pre-New Year’s Eve Party, Little Beans Play Cafe, 1809 W. Webster, Chicago Saturday, December 30 from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm […]
Places to Go & See this Winter Break – Good Day Chicago
December 23, 2017 By
Yesterday I had the amazing opportunity to appear in a segment on Fox 32 Chicago’s Good Day Chicago. I was very nervous, but everyone was so nice and I got to chat with Anita Padilla. Check out my winter break recommendations in the segment below. Need a copy of The Ultimate Kids’ Adventure Guide to […]
Santa Suite at Swissotel Chicago
December 14, 2017 By
Santa’s a busy guy, especially during the holiday season. He seems to be all over the place and one of his favorite spots in Chicago is his special Santa Suite at the Swissotel. The Swissotel is an all glass 4-diamond hotel with views from Navy Pier to Millennium Park. They have over 600 rooms and […]
39 Christmas Shows in the Chicago Area
December 6, 2017 By
One of the things Chicago definitely does right is theatre, and during the holiday season you’re sure to find a tremendous number of Christmas shows. There are classics like the Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol, and edgier shows like Pine – which takes place outdoors in a Christmas tree lot – and improv show Bowl […]
Holiday Lights in the Chicago Area
December 5, 2017 By
Christmas will be here sooner than you think, so now is the time to enjoy all the seasonal events Chicago and the surrounding suburbs have to offer. There are displays of holiday lights of all sorts – private homes, public areas, and ticketed events. Know of a great holiday light display I didn’t include? Comment […]
Top 3 Toys from The Chicago Toy & Game Fair
December 2, 2017 By
What will be the next must have toy for Christmas? What new toys are out there that will land on your kid’s Christmas list? It’s always a mystery, but less so if you spent the weekend at the Chicago Toy & Game Fair this November. ChiTAG (the Chicago Toy & Game Fair) is North America’s […]
Elf at the Paramount Theatre
December 1, 2017 By
Information provided by the Paramount Theatre: Bring the kids to meet Buddy the Elf at free events at three public libraries in Aurora and Oswego on Saturday, December 2. Direct from Paramount Theatre’s holiday production, Elf The Musical, everybody’s favorite oversized elf will meet his fans, make holiday mischief and spread Christmas cheer at: 10 a.m. […]
Holiday Family Fun at Oakbrook Center
November 27, 2017 By
Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook is an outdoor shopping center that has over 150 shops and plenty of dining options, but for the winter holidays they’ve added some extra family fun with a glass house for Santa filled with decorations, an interactive activity, and a digital countdown to Christmas, and an outdoor ice skating rink. […]
9 3/4 Magical Details About the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
November 26, 2017 By
Since the publication of the first Harry Potter book twenty years ago, it’s been bringing magic to adults and children throughout the world. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort has captured that magic with amazingly detailed recreations of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. The two are located in two parks – Diagon Alley […]
Santa HQ at Fashion Outlets of Chicago
November 21, 2017 By
Visiting Santa is a memorable time for kids during the holidays so why not make the most of the experience? Santa HQ at Fashion Outlets of Chicago offers a chance to chat with Santa and take photos, but there’s so much more to do. Kids (and adults) will be delighted by the sight of Santa […]
Chicago Toy and Game Fair Giveaway
November 16, 2017 By
Want to find the coolest toys and games for the holidays this year? At the best prices? Don’t wait for Black Friday, because the Chicago Toy & Game Fair has it all this weekend. Also known as ChiTAG, the Chicago Toy & Game Fair is North America’s biggest toy & game fair and it’s open […]
Last Chance: A Year with Frog and Toad – Chicago Children’s Theatre
November 8, 2017 By
Family activities can always create special days and special memories, but even more so when includes a part of your childhood you can share with your children. A Year with Frog & Toad was one of my favorite books when I was growing up and I remember it fondly. I kept a very old and […]
Refreshing and Recharging on a Busy Day: A Step by Step Guide
November 3, 2017 By
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, INC. and The Coca-Cola Company, all opinions are mine alone. #ServeWithACoke #Schnucks #CollectiveBias As a mom, I often feel like I’m moving a hundred miles an hour in twelve different directions. There are times that my day is so busy and I’m so frazzled from making sure everyone […]
Stranger Things on Netflix Streaming
October 20, 2017 By
I have a confession: I haven’t finished watching season 1 of Stranger Things. I’ve watched a couple episodes, but got busy with life and didn’t get back to it, even though I really want to. It’s been long enough that I don’t want to pick up where I left off, but go back and start […]
All Seasons Apple Orchard
October 14, 2017 By
Autumn in the Parisi household means apple picking. We have gone apple picking every year since Cooper was born and some of my favorite photos of the kids are from our apple picking adventures through the years. If apple picking isn’t a tradition in your household you should consider starting it now. One of our […]
Peppa Pig’s Surprise Live Show Coming to Chicago
October 1, 2017 By
Peppa Pig’s Surprise Ready to blow your preschooler’s mind? Peppa Pig Surprise, a live show, is coming to Chicago for a live show this November. Up until now your preschooler has probably only seen Peppa Pig on Nick, Jr., but that can change. The Peppa Pig live tour is traveling the United States, visiting 60 […]
LEGO Ninjago Movie Comes to Theatres and Legoland Discovery Center is Celebrating
September 30, 2017 By
We had an opportunity to see a the newest LEGO movie – the LEGO NINJAGO Movie. LEGO NINJAGO Movie The LEGO NINJAGO Movie arrived in movie theaters on September 22. The movie is set in Ninjago City where Master Builder Lloyd struggles because he’s the son of evil Lord Garmadon who is constantly attacking the […]
Hyundai Hope on Wheels Celebration of Life Dinner in Chicago
September 28, 2017 By
Hyundai Hope on Wheels says that “pediatric” and “cancer” are two words that should never go together. It’s so true. It almost sounds like an oxymoron. When I think of “pediatric” I think of lively, happy kids bursting with energy and life. I think of colorful play areas and playful doctors with lollipops. “Cancer” makes […]
Escape Strategy Mad Hatter Escape Room
September 22, 2017 By
Escape rooms are popping up everywhere and for good reason – they’re fun! What is an escape room? For anyone who hasn’t visited one yet, let me tell you a little about how an escape room works. Most escape room facilities have multiple rooms and each room has a theme. Themes can be general (like […]
Creating a Baby Gift Basket at Marshall’s
September 18, 2017 By
September often brings to mind school, changing leaves, and football, but what about birthdays? Did you know that September is the most common birthday month in the United States? I didn’t until I saw this heat map, but I do see a lot of birthday notifications lately! Of course, birthdays mean babies. It’s not statistically […]
“A Year with Frog and Toad” Comes to Chicago Children’s Theatre
September 9, 2017 By
A Year with Frog & Toad brings great memories for me. It was one of my favorite books as a child and I’m so excited because the Chicago Children’s Theatre is bringing it to the stage this fall. A Year with Frog & Toad brings lots of happy memories not only to parents and children, […]
Top Baby Products from the Chicago Baby Show 2017
September 7, 2017 By
A couple weeks ago, Navy Pier was the site of the first Chicago Baby Show and I was lucky enough to attend. Other Baby Shows have taken place in Los Angeles, Anaheim, and New York. What is the Chicago Baby Show? It’s the “Largest Show for New and Expectant Parents in the Country”, featuring over […]
Legoland Discovery Center Hosts Back-to-School Party
September 2, 2017 By
It’s back to school time and whether your kids started a couple weeks ago or won’t start until this Tuesday you can celebrate at Legoland Discovery Center this weekend. Legoland is at Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg, located at 601 N. Martingale Road. From Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4, Legoland is hosting a […]
Netflix PersuAsion, Pretty Little LiArs Style
September 1, 2017 By
There are lots of reasons you might want to convince someone to watch a show you love; maybe you want to sit next to them and watch it together, or you just need someone to talk to about it, or you just know they’ll love it. Now that John and I have been married more […]
World’s Largest Loop Coaster Coming to Six Flags Great America
September 1, 2017 By
If you’re a coaster fan, hold on to your hat! Six Flags Great America just made a huge announcement. In 2018 the “Thrill Capital of the Midwest” will introduce a record-breaking attraction – the world’s largest loop coaster. Thrill riders will “face-off” in a unique seating configuration. Guests will be seated back-to-back and face-to-face. They’ll […]
Force Friday II Midnight Madness Release Party
August 31, 2017 By
It’s almost Force Friday II weekend! New products inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be released tomorrow, Friday, September 1 and to celebrate Disney Store locations in Chicago, New York, and San Francisco will have a midnight madness party. Chicago’s Michigan Avenue Disney Store, located at 717 N. Michigan Avenue, will open at […]
Shopkins Live! Giveaway
August 31, 2017 By
Back to school often means less time to play. If you’re kids are missing their favorite toys this might cheer them up a whole lot! The #1 kids toy in North America are those tiny Shopkins dolls and accessories and now they’re big and on the move. In Shopkins Live! Shop It Up! Your beloved Shoppies make their […]
Go Ape Treetop Junior at Bemis Woods
August 28, 2017 By
Website: Go Ape Chicago Social media: Go Ape USA on Facebook, @GoApeUSA on Twitter, and @GoApeUSA on Instagram Location: Bemis Woods, 1100 Ogden Avenue, Western Springs Phone: 800-971-8271 Hours: Open April through November. Hours can vary; it’s best to book your adventure online. Admission: $28 per person. Specials: Sign up for the Go Ape email newsletter to receive news and discounts. Parking: Free […]
Free Chicago Museum Days – Fall 2017
August 25, 2017 By
I’ve probably mentioned this before, but I think fall – especially early fall – is the sweet spot when it comes to visiting museums and other attractions in the Chicago area. Summer tourists are gone, kids are back in school, and school field trips are rare in the beginning of the school year. All this […]
