June = juicy strawberries! We’re getting plenty of sunshine and rain lately and that helps grow some delicious strawberries. Spend a day in the sun and let that strawberry juice run right down your chin, but be sure to pick plenty for baking and freezing. Don’t forget your sunscreen and cash (many farms only accept […]
There’s an episode for that on Netflix Streaming
June 1, 2016 By
Sometimes being a parent can feel like being a broken record. I feel like I say the same things over and over again, but the kids rarely (if ever!) listen. I’m sure this happens to a lot of parents, but without meaning to I often find myself lecturing my kids. I talk and I watch […]
Chicago City Guide sponsored by Chicco + Giveaway
May 31, 2016 By
Warm weather has arrived! We adventure year-round, but spring and summer are my favorite because there are so many gorgeous outdoor things to do in Chicago. In fact, thanks to Chicco, I’m sharing some of the best places to visit with your family. Chicco is now offering a brand new travel system called the Viaro which […]
Gurnee Mills Gift Card Giveaway
May 29, 2016 By
The end is near! The end of school, that is. My kids are already out and I know lots of other school districts are too, or will be soon. I love having my kids home and enjoying summer activities with them, but summer vacation also means it’s a little harder to get some time without […]
Free Summer Reading Programs 2016
May 16, 2016 By
Just because school will be out for the summer doesn’t mean reading should stop. Reluctant or voracious, or somewhere in between, your child will love receiving rewards and treats offered by these local and national reading programs. Sign your child up early and READ! Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Triathalon Opening Ceremonies at Barnes & […]
Netflix Streaming Settles the Sibling Showdown
May 7, 2016 By
This April a lot of people were celebrating Sibling Day by posting selfies or old photos with siblings on social media sites. We didn’t really celebrate sibling day, but our whole month of April involved a lot of sibling time and appreciating siblings. We had a bit of a family emergency and spent about two […]
Free Chicago Museum Days – Spring 2016
April 16, 2016 By
Spring has arrived! (Someone please tell Mother Nature.) Spring is about rebirth and renewal, so what better time to renew your love for Chicago and all the amazing things it has to offer? Visit an old favorite museum, or check out someplace brand new, and do it for less by visiting on a free day. […]
KEEN Introduces Kids’ Encanto Collection
April 8, 2016 By
I have a bit of a shoe problem. I shoes so I buy them more than I should and I’ve amassed quite the collection. A few years ago my friend posted a photo on Facebook of her new shoes – KEEN Harvest MJ Woven Rice Bag – and I fell in love with them. I’m […]
New LEGO Shows Added to Netflix Streaming
April 4, 2016 By
As always, a new month means new additions to the Netflix Streaming library and March brought two LEGO shows – LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship and LEGO Bionicle: The Journey to One. LEGO Friends: The Power of Friendship LEGO Bionicle: The Journey to One As part of the Netflix #StreamTeam, we got to celebrate […]
Corner Bakery Cafe – Review and Giveaway
March 22, 2016 By
Recently the boys and I had a busy day with a lot of time spent in the car. We were all getting a little hungry (okay, maybe even hangry), but I wanted something healthier and tastier than drive-thru fare, so we popped into the Corner Bakery in Oak Lawn. Corner Bakery has a huge selection of […]
UNICEF Tap Project for World Water Day
March 22, 2016 By
World Water Day is Tuesday, March 22, 2016, and I have some really important information to share, and a great way you can help children get the clean water they need. Over 1,000 children under the age of 5 die each day due to a shortage of clean water. UNICEF’s Tap Project offers a simple […]
Chopped Junior Casting Talented Kid Chefs
March 16, 2016 By
Exciting news! Chopped Junior is looking for talented young chefs. Food Network’s Chopped is one of our favorite shows to watch as a family. In fact, we even set up our own Chopped challenge. We haven’t seen Chopped Junior yet, but I know we’ll love it. I can’t wait to check it out. Do you […]
Museum Day Live (free museum tickets!)
March 10, 2016 By
In honor of the Smithsonian Museum, which offers free admission daily, participating museums around the country will be offering free tickets on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Register online for two free tickets. Participating Chicago area museums: Mayslake Peabody Estate in Oak Brook Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago Glessner House Museum in Chicago SciTech Hands-On […]
Chicago Area Easter Egg Hunts 2016
March 10, 2016 By
Spring! Easter! They’re nearly here. Whether the Chicago weather gets the message or not, head outside (or inside, or into the pool, in some cases) to search for some Easter eggs. These are just some of the hunts in Chicago and the suburbs. Have a favorite one that’s not listed? Let me know and I’ll add […]
Netflix Streaming the Sicks Days Away
March 4, 2016 By
The past month has been pretty brutal in terms of illness in our family. We had a grand total of four colds (Cooper dodged that bullet) and six diagnoses of strep throat (I had it twice!). Ouch. Needless to say, we didn’t do a lot of adventuring, or working, or – well, anything. I’m not […]
20 St. Patrick’s Day Activities for Kids
February 29, 2016 By
St. Patrick’s Day is a great time to break out the craft supplies and get creative with the kids. I’m a total sucker for rainbow projects – it’s always nice to have colorful works of art hung up. This St. Patrick’s Day, I want to get my kids involved in other activities as well, not […]
Chicago Area Sensory Friendly Movie Screenings – Winter 2016
February 27, 2016 By
Watching a movie in the theater can be a special family outing, but it can be difficult for children or adults with special needs and/or sensory issues. To address this and give all families an opportunity to enjoy the experience, some local theaters offer sensory friendly or special needs screenings with lights up, sound down, […]
Brookfield Zoo Celebrates New PBS Show Nature Cat & the 15th Birthday of the Hamill Family Play Zoo
February 20, 2016 By
With the warm weather we’re having now it’s hard to believe that it was SO cold just last weekend. We braved the cold to spend the day at Brookfield Zoo and meet PBS star Nature Cat. Nature Cat is an animated show on PBS featuring a house cat named Fred. When Fred’s family leaves for […]
Children’s Theatre – Winter 2016
February 8, 2016 By
Theater isn’t just for adults! Our city has a great theater history and plenty of shows for all ages. As Chicago Theater Week approaches (February 11-21, 2016), there’s no better time to check out plays and performances for the family. Presented by the Winnetka Children’s Hour at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Avenue, Chicago: […]
Free Kids February Returns to MSI
February 5, 2016 By
Exciting news from the Museum of Science & Industry: WHAT: From February 1 through February 29, 2016 the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is offering FREE MUSEUM ENTRY to kids ages 3-11. (Two free kids’ tickets permitted per voucher with the purchase of one paying adult.) This is a perfect time to escape the […]
Mardi Gras Celebrations for Families
February 3, 2016 By
A trip to NOLA might not be in the budget, but you can still celebrate some of the fun and festivities of Mardi Gras right here in the Midwest with these family-friendly celebrations coming up soon: Saturday, February 6 The Sounds of Mardi Gras at the Mokena Community Public Library Mo Beat Blues will be […]
New Year, Fresh Start with Netflix Streaming
January 31, 2016 By
I love a new year, a blank calendar, and a fresh start. Even though we’re already a month into 2016, it still feels fresh and new and I’m enjoying planning my year, looking forward to new adventures, and making sure I focus on the things that are most important this year. While I fill my […]
Illinois Friends of Midwives Hosts MommyCon Giveaway
January 30, 2016 By
The Coalition for Illinois Midwifery, a group seeking to change the laws in Illinois regarding home birth, is offer a giveaway of two tickets to MommyCon on March 5 at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center. Each donation to the Coalition of Illinois Midwifery (paypal to donations@illinoismidwifery.org) of $25 will buy you one raffle ticket. The […]
Winter Specials at Medieval Times
January 27, 2016 By
Regular ticket prices are $61.95 for adults and $36.95 for children (ages 12 and under), but Medieval Times has several special offers right now so you can choose which one is right for you and save big money. Fill the Pantry – Bring 3 non-perishable food items to receive and use code FOODWEB16 to save […]
Monster Jam Returns to Chicago for 2016
January 26, 2016 By
The widely popular #MoreMonsterJam tour is returning to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., Feb. 12-15, 2016, with the tantalizing points-paying endurance showdown, featuring more of what the Monster Jam® fans have been asking to see – #MoreMonsterJam! Experience the energy and excitement with this exclusive showcase of endurance featuring the best lineup of Monster […]
Family-Friendly Groundhog Day Events
January 25, 2016 By
Whether Punxsutawney Phil has a shadow or not, we all know that Chicago weather is too crazy for anyone to really predict. Regardless of the prediction, Groundhog Day is a great time to come out of hibernation, brave the weather, and enjoy some family fun. Groundhog Day Events in Woodstock Thursday, January 28 through Tuesday, […]
4 Events to Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 15, 2016 By
Monday is a school holiday to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. and his impact on civil rights. Enjoy the holiday with your family by learning more about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement and celebrating his messages of peace and equality at one of these great events in the Chicago area: […]
Remembering David Bowie
January 13, 2016 By
I think it’s safe to say everyone was sad to hear about the passing of David Bowie earlier this week. Here are just a few ways you can remember his music, fashion, and acting talent on your own or with your kids: Buy or rent Labyrinth on Amazon Video. (affiliate link) The New York Public […]
Museum of Science & Industry’s 2016 Black Creativity Programming Kicks Off January 18
January 12, 2016 By
The Museum of Science and Industry sent me some information about upcoming programming: The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago will kick off its annual Black Creativity program with a Family Day on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—Monday, January 18, 2016. This annual program brings together students, families, teachers and the public to explore the […]
Disney On Ice: 100 Years of Magic Skating Into Chicago
January 9, 2016 By
January and February in Chicago are full of ice – on the street, sidewalks, cars – and it’s not much fun to deal with. January and February also mean there’s lots of ice at the Allstate Arena and the United Center, but this ice is a lot more fun because it’s full of Disney characters. […]
