Chicago Area Special Needs Santa Guide

Visiting Santa at a crowded mall can be overwhelming for any child (or even adults), and especially challenging for children with special needs. These events are designed with children with special needs and their families in mind. Events vary, but they attempt to accommodate sensitivities to crowds, noise, and lights as well as physical needs. […]

Chicago Area Santa Guide

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 […]

Indoor Trick-or-Treating in the Chicago Area

You can never tell what to expect from the weather in the Midwest on Halloween and this year proves it because it’s supposed to snow! Sometimes it’s nice to be warm and cozy inside, and on a Halloween like this it’s especially nice. This list includes many of the places you can trick-or-treat inside in […]

Chicago Area Apple Orchard Guide 2019

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 […]

Free Chicago Museum Days – Summer 2019

July means we’re well into summer. Are you making the most of it? Get out there and enjoy the rest of your summer days with renowned art, historical artifacts, and technological exhibits and enjoy the sights of the Chicago area. Some attractions can be pricey, especially when you’re paying for a whole family, so free […]

Fourth of July Parade & Firework Guide – 2019

I don’t know about you, but we’re just about falling into our summer routine when the Fourth of July comes along to shake things up. I love it! Not only do I love celebrating independence and freedom, but it’s a kick in the butt. It’s a reminder that summer is filled with amazing opportunities for […]

Chicago Area Berry Picking Guide 2019

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 […]

Chicago Area Baseball Clubs for Kids

It’s baseball season and lots of the local baseball teams have clubs for kids. Kids get souvenirs from the team and tickets to attend games for a fraction of the price you’d pay purchasing them separately. The Chicago White Sox even have a free kids club! Chicago White Sox Chicago White Sox Kids Club – Free […]

Chicago Area Easter Egg Hunts

The green buds are popping out of the ground, Daylight Savings time has arrived, and Spring is just around the corner. That means the Easter Bunny is on his way too, and he’s stopping at several spots in Chicago and the suburbs to hide eggs along the way. Many of the hunts and events listed […]

Chicago Area Easter Bunny Guide

It’s almost Easter so it’s time for the annual photos with the fluffy symbol of Spring. The Easter Bunny will be making stops at these locations in and around Chicago for photos before he hops away on April 21. If you’re a family with a child with special needs, scroll to the bottom for information […]

St. Patrick’s Day Family Events 2019

Everybody is Irish on St. Patty’s Day so don some green and embrace the luck of the Irish hunting for clovers, attend a parade, or watch a waterfall turn green. I do my best to provide accurate, up-to-date information, but it’s always best to call first to verify information as details can change and events can be […]

Skiing, Snowboarding, and Tubing Near Chicago

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 […]

Illumination at the Morton Arboretum

Illumination is an amazing light display at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle for the holidays. Illumination will be open until January 1, 2019. This is an outdoor attraction so dress for the weather. Our experience below is based on our 2017 visit, but other information has been updated for 2018.  Location Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois […]

The Polar Express Schedules Stop at Chicago Union Station

The Polar Express has arrived in Chicago! Rides are scheduled from now through January 1, 2019. 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 […]

Best Spots for Leaf Peeping Near Chicago

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 […]

Chicago Area Trick-or-Treat Hours

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 28, 2018 North suburbs Zion – 2-5 pm Northwest Suburbs Round […]

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