Chicago Area Apple Orchard Guide 2019

September 1, 2019 By

I’ll confess that I’m not a huge fan of fall. It’s fine and all, but I prefer spring and summer and I’m not enthusiastic about the approach of cold weather. However, I LOVE apple picking. It almost makes up for the fact that summer is ending. It’s a tradition in our family to go apple […]

Chicago Area Berry Picking Guide 2019

June 6, 2019 By

Who doesn’t love a nice, juicy berry? You can buy them at the grocery store, but it’s a chore to go shopping and you often find the strawberries (or raspberries, or blueberries) are just not that fresh. Treat yourself and your kids to super fresh, ripe berries right off the vine at one of the […]

Skiing, Snowboarding, and Tubing Near Chicago

February 9, 2019 By

Embrace winter with a day of skiing, snowboarding, or tubing. Here are some great places not too far from Chicago to where – depending on your skill and comfort level — you can glide gently or zoom down some hills. All of these locations can help out Mother Nature by making their own snow! Weather […]

Best Spots for Leaf Peeping Near Chicago

November 5, 2018 By

Autumn announces itself with yellows, oranges, reds, and purples and it’s officially here. Take the kids out to explore all the changes autumn brings and enjoy the beautiful foliage at these four spots near Chicago: Chicago Botanic Garden With 26 different gardens on over 300 acres, you’re sure to see plenty of autumn foliage at […]

Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America

September 18, 2018 By

Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America offers more scary attractions than ever! Too scared? Visit during the daytime hours for family-friendly thrills.

Troll Hunt at the Morton Arboretum

August 31, 2018 By

You can expect to find lots of interesting creatures at the Morton Arboretum – birds, ducks, squirrels, and now TROLLS. Trolls first made their appearance at the Morton Arboretum in the spring and rumor has it they’ll stick around through the end of 2018. Danish artist Thomas Dambo used reclaimed wood to create these colossal […]

White Sox Family Field Day

May 4, 2018 By

It’s baseball season! It’s always fun to catch a White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field, and there are plenty of extra fun events at the field as well.   Family Field Day The Chicago White Sox are hosting a Family Field Day on Saturday, May 12, 2018. Fans will have  the opportunity to experience […]

55 Free Things to Do in Chicago and Surrounding Areas

April 19, 2018 By

FREE, FREE, FREE! There’s no better price. Use this list to plan a single afternoon, a day full of activities, or an entire vacation. I’ve tried to include a lot of variety – indoor and outdoor, city and suburbs, and activities that are appropriate for toddlers, older kids, and adults. Any suggestions for additions to […]

Big News from Six Flags Great America

April 11, 2018 By

Christmas isn’t exactly around the corner, but opening weekend for Great America is. If you’re excited about the April 21 opening weekend, Six Flags Great America has some amazing news for you. In addition to the brand new, record-breaking loop coaster, Mardi Gras Hangover, and an accompanying Mardi Gras Festival in late summer, they’re also […]

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. […]

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 […]

Origami in the Garden at the Morton Arboretum through October 22, 2017

July 1, 2017 By

The Morton Arboretum prides itself on being a living museum and that’s a beautiful thing about visiting. It’s never exactly the same, with trees growing and changing throughout the season. Each visit is a different experience, not only because of the living things, but because they are often displaying new exhibits. P.S. Looking for more […]

Chicago Free Museum Days – Summer 2017

May 24, 2017 By

The end of the school year is RIGHT around the corner. Filling the summer with family time, fun, and educational experiences is easy in an amazing city like Chicago, but it’s NOT always easy on the wallet. Thankfully, there are plenty of attractions that are free every day, and many that offer free or discounted […]

Free Chicago Museum Days – Fall 2016

September 9, 2016 By

  Summer is sliding away and it’ll be fall (officially) very soon. Spend your fall exploring Chicago attractions for free! Most free days only apply to Illinois residents with valid identification and only apply to general admission, not special exhibits or events. Adler Planetarium – September 12-16, October 10, November 11, December 3-9. Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool– […]

Illinois Bucket List

June 28, 2016 By

Illinois Bucket List Illinois is more than just Chicago and the Bears. Though we love them both, it’s nice to branch out and visit the rest of our great state sometimes. Join us on our adventure as we work our way through this Illinois Bucket List. Typical Spots I wouldn’t usually include the typical spots […]

Chicago Area U-Pick Strawberry Farms 2016

June 15, 2016 By

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 […]

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