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
Last Chance: Illumination at the Morton Arboretum
December 30, 2017 By
Illumination is an amazing light display at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle for the holidays. Christmas may be over, but you still have a little bit of time to enjoy it because Illumination will be open until January 1, 2018. This is an outdoor attraction so dress for the weather. Location Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois […]
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. […]
The Polar Express Schedules Stop at Chicago Union Station
November 29, 2017 By
The Polar Express has arrived in Chicago! Rides are scheduled from now through January 1, 2018. The Polar Express is a VERY popular holiday event. It often sells out pretty quickly after tickets go on sale, which in most locations starts in June. The Polar Express at the Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin […]
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 […]
Chicago Christmas Tree Farms
November 15, 2017 By
Family traditions make holidays special, and Christmas is one of those holidays that is overflowing with traditions for most families. If cutting your own tree isn’t one of your traditions yet, it should be! Choose from one of the many Chicago Christmas tree farms. All of the farms listed below offer pick-your-own trees. As always, […]
Chicago Area Santa Guide
November 13, 2017 By
Get those wishlists ready because Santa is in Chicago! As kids tell Santa what they want for Christmas, it’s a great time to get some great photos for your holiday cards, photo albums, and to post on social media. Many locations even offer special events for things like holiday pj’s, ugly sweaters, and pets for […]
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 […]
Halloween Candy Buy Back
November 1, 2017 By
Halloween means lots of fun – costumes, parties, trick-or-treating – and lots and lots of candy. If you’re looking to save your kids (and yourself) from the sugar and tooth decay, why not “sell” it? Through “Operation Gratitude” dentists volunteer to “buy” Halloween candy from kids for money (generally $1 a pound), prizes, dental hygiene […]
Chicago Area Trick-or-Treat Hours
October 26, 2017 By
Halloween is the craziest holiday and I love it. Dress up like someone (or some thing) else and go door-to-door asking for treats. Does it get any better than that? Get those costumes ready and find out trick-or-treat hours for your area. Sunday, October 29, 2017 Northwest Suburbs Round Lake – Sunday, October 29 from […]
Teal Pumpkin Project with Free Printable Pumpkin Sign
October 24, 2017 By
Food allergies are on the rise and Halloween can be a particularly difficult time for families of children with food allergies. To help families who are dealing with allergies, FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is encouraging people to participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project. Paint a pumpkin teal, or hang a sign with a […]
Indoor Trick-or-Treating in the Chicago Area
October 24, 2017 By
You can never tell what to expect from the weather in the Midwest on Halloween, so it’s always nice to have a backup plan. And whatever the weather, sometimes it’s nice to be warm and cozy inside. This list includes many of the places you can trick-or-treat inside in Chicago and the suburbs. As always, […]
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 […]
Chicago Area Halloween Events
October 15, 2017 By
Halloween only lasts one day, but doesn’t it seem like it should be more? I know I prefer to celebrate much longer than that. Get those costumes ready and enjoy these events all through the month of October. Know of any other fun events coming up? I’d love to hear about them! Please note that […]
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 […]
Chicago Pumpkin Patch Guide 2017
October 9, 2017 By
It’s pumpkin time! The weather hasn’t been very autumn-y lately, but the leaves are changing and Halloween is approaching. Grab those sweaters (or maybe sunscreen) and spend the day at a Chicago pumpkin patch choosing the perfect pumpkin for your family and enjoying some autumn farm activities. Admission prices do NOT include the cost of […]
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 […]
