The Science Behind Pixar at the Museum of Science & Industry
My kids are growing up with Pixar movies. Cars taught them about friendship, Monsters Inc taught them to think independently, and Inside Out taught them about the importance of expressing their emotions. Then there’s Wall-e, Toy Story, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, Up… the list goes on and on. The characters in these movies and the […]
Care.com Nanny Share: affordable child care with plenty of perks
Kids aren’t cheap. There’s clothing and shoes to buy every few months, groceries, and pediatrician visits. If you’re like me, you scrimp and save wherever you can. I’ve clipped coupons, bought things second-hand, and accepted hand-me-downs from friends and family. Being cheap (or “frugal”) is fine for clothes and toys, but when their care and […]
Chicago Cheap Summer Movie Guide
I love settling into a darkened movie theater with my family and a ginormous bucket of popcorn. It doesn’t matter if we see a brand new release, or an old favorite movie, it’s just nice to escape for an hour or so into a different world. Bonus: it’s especially nice to escape from the heat […]
Free Donuts for National Donut Day
Friday, June 1 is National Donut Day! Haven’t made plans to celebrate yet? “Donut” worry! Here are Chicago shops celebrating this tasty holiday with free donuts or other specials. The Dapper Doughnut Free donuts on June 1, 2018 Duck Donuts Free donut on June 1, 2018 Dunkin’ Donuts Free classic donut of your choice with […]
Urban Air Adventure Opens in Crystal Lake
Urban Air Adventure Park is opening their new Crystal Lake location this weekend and celebrating with a huge Grand Opening celebration! Urban Air Adventure Park is a full-service family entertainment center, with exciting attractions like wall-to-wall trampoline arenas, Dropzone, slam dunk track, trampoline dodgeball arenas, trampoline free-style open jump areas, the Urban Warrior Course™, The TUBES indoor […]
International Migratory Bird Day at Brookfield Zoo
What are we gonna do this weekend? It’s a constant question in our house, and I bet it is in your too. This information just came to be from Brookfield Zoo and it looks like a fun day: Enjoy the beautiful spring weather and venture out to Brookfield Zoo for the annual International Migratory Bird […]
White Sox Family Field Day
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 […]
Chicagoland: Read All About It
Got a free weekend and wondering what to do with the kids? Overwhelmed with the idea of keeping the kids occupied this summer? Have no fear – I’ve got all kinds of ideas for you and I’ll be talking about them at the Schaumburg Central Library. The Schaumburg library conducts a series of presentations called […]
Sesame Street: F is for Friends Pop-Up Tour
This Saturday, the letter of the day will be “F” for Friends and the numbers of the day will be 11 and 4, because between those hours you and the kids can hang with some Sesame Street characters! When: Saturday, April 28, 2018 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Three live shows will repeat throughout […]
Earth Daze Open House at the Chicago Children’s Theatre
Celebrate Earth Day at the Chicago Children’s Theatre’s FREE Open House. Join them for a t-shirt “make a statement” workshop, showing the world what you believe, and attend legendary and mythical workshops with our fabulous summer camp teaching artists. Explore our summer camp themes of myth, legend, fairy tale, and folktales using craft, drama, song, and play! 20-minute […]
Brookfield Zoo Celebrates Earth Day with a Party for the Planet
Go green this Earth Day by joining Brookfield Zoo for its annual Party for the Planet celebration on Sunday, April 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The day of fun-filled environmentally-friendly activities, which are presented by energySMART, a Nicor Gas program, feature animal Zoo Chats, recycling and planting opportunities, and an Eco Expo, where […]
55 Free Things to Do in Chicago and Surrounding Areas
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 […]
Bubble Guppies Live! Ready to Rock
What time is it? It’s time for Bubble Guppies Live! With three kids we’ve been watching Bubble Guppies for many years and it’s a really cute show. My kids, especially Campbell right now, can’t get enough and of all the shows the kids watch, Bubble Guppies probably has my favorite music. You can bet that […]
Big News from Six Flags Great America
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 […]
Cirque Du Soleil – CORTEO
A cast of over 50 acrobats, actors, singers, and musicians from around the world make up Corteo by Cirque Du Soleil. They’ll be arriving in Rockford, Illinois this week for six performances at the BMO Harris Bank Center. Corteo This unique production directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca premiered in Montreal in April 2005 and has […]
Buckingham Fountain prepares to #SwitchonSummer2018
The start of Spring in Chicago brings not just warm weather and colorful blooms, but also an increase in the number of free things to do. Buckingham Fountain, an iconic Chicago attraction, wakes from its winter slumber soon to entertain Chicagoans and visitors with hourly displays, including music and lights after dusk. Be there to […]
An Epic Tale of Scale at the Chicago Children’s Theatre
Theatre is transforming its new West Loop home, The Station, into an all-immersive, two-story theatrical environment, totally unique to Chicagoland, for the world premiere live theater event: An Epic Tale of Scale. And it’s going to be EPIC! Co-created and co-directed by Henry Wishcamper and Jo Cattell, collaboratively designed by Chicago Children’s Theatre Community Programs […]
Monster Jam Roars Into Rosemont – 2018
Hear that? Yep, it’s the roaring and rumbling of monster truck engines. But wait, there’s more! When Monster Jam roars into Rosemont this March they’re bringing the famous Monster Jam trucks (of course), but also the Speedsters and ATVs. Monster Jam will be at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont Friday, March 2 through Monday, March […]
19 Movies and Shows on Netflix Streaming About Love, But Not Romance
Valentine’s Day is approaching and I’ve never been the lovey-dovey romantic type. I prefer fun or practical gifts to the flowers/candy/jewelry, and I generally favor dramas to rom-coms. Regardless, I still like Valentine’s Day and I’m still a big believer in love. Love takes many forms and Netflix streaming has shows and movies that celebrate […]
PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure” in Chicago
PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure” will stop at The Chicago Theatre on Saturday, February 17, 2018 and Sunday, February 18, 2018. Show times are 10:30 am, 2:00 pm, and 5:30 pm each day. PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure” is packed with action, music, and innovative costumes that bring the pups and […]
7 Ways to Celebrate MLK Day in Chicago
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is so much more than a holiday from school. It’s a day to celebrate the life and work of a Nobel Peace Prize recipient who struggled to make America a place of equality. Learn about Dr. King, the Civil Rights Movement, and others working for equality and progress at these […]
Countdowns on Demand with Netflix Streaming
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 […]
Chicago Area New Year’s Eve Events for Families 2017
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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. […]
