9 3/4 Magical Details About the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
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
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
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 […]
Last Chance: A Year with Frog and Toad – Chicago Children’s Theatre
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
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 […]
Stranger Things on Netflix Streaming
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 […]
All Seasons Apple Orchard
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 […]
Peppa Pig’s Surprise Live Show Coming to Chicago
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
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
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
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 […]
Creating a Baby Gift Basket at Marshall’s
September often brings to mind school, changing leaves, and football, but what about birthdays? Did you know that September is the most common birthday month in the United States? I didn’t until I saw this heat map, but I do see a lot of birthday notifications lately! Of course, birthdays mean babies. It’s not statistically […]
“A Year with Frog and Toad” Comes to Chicago Children’s Theatre
A Year with Frog & Toad brings great memories for me. It was one of my favorite books as a child and I’m so excited because the Chicago Children’s Theatre is bringing it to the stage this fall. A Year with Frog & Toad brings lots of happy memories not only to parents and children, […]
Top Baby Products from the Chicago Baby Show 2017
A couple weeks ago, Navy Pier was the site of the first Chicago Baby Show and I was lucky enough to attend. Other Baby Shows have taken place in Los Angeles, Anaheim, and New York. What is the Chicago Baby Show? It’s the “Largest Show for New and Expectant Parents in the Country”, featuring over […]
Legoland Discovery Center Hosts Back-to-School Party
It’s back to school time and whether your kids started a couple weeks ago or won’t start until this Tuesday you can celebrate at Legoland Discovery Center this weekend. Legoland is at Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg, located at 601 N. Martingale Road. From Saturday, September 2 through Monday, September 4, Legoland is hosting a […]
Netflix PersuAsion, Pretty Little LiArs Style
There are lots of reasons you might want to convince someone to watch a show you love; maybe you want to sit next to them and watch it together, or you just need someone to talk to about it, or you just know they’ll love it. Now that John and I have been married more […]
World’s Largest Loop Coaster Coming to Six Flags Great America
If you’re a coaster fan, hold on to your hat! Six Flags Great America just made a huge announcement. In 2018 the “Thrill Capital of the Midwest” will introduce a record-breaking attraction – the world’s largest loop coaster. Thrill riders will “face-off” in a unique seating configuration. Guests will be seated back-to-back and face-to-face. They’ll […]
Force Friday II Midnight Madness Release Party
It’s almost Force Friday II weekend! New products inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be released tomorrow, Friday, September 1 and to celebrate Disney Store locations in Chicago, New York, and San Francisco will have a midnight madness party. Chicago’s Michigan Avenue Disney Store, located at 717 N. Michigan Avenue, will open at […]
Shopkins Live! Giveaway
Back to school often means less time to play. If you’re kids are missing their favorite toys this might cheer them up a whole lot! The #1 kids toy in North America are those tiny Shopkins dolls and accessories and now they’re big and on the move. In Shopkins Live! Shop It Up! Your beloved Shoppies make their […]
Go Ape Treetop Junior at Bemis Woods
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 […]
Free Chicago Museum Days – Fall 2017
I’ve probably mentioned this before, but I think fall – especially early fall – is the sweet spot when it comes to visiting museums and other attractions in the Chicago area. Summer tourists are gone, kids are back in school, and school field trips are rare in the beginning of the school year. All this […]
Goldstar Comp Train: Get Free Tickets to Theater, Dance, Comedy, & More
Interested in cheap local entertainment? Goldstar’s Comp Train promotion starts today (Wednesday, Aug 23) in which you can get complimentary tickets to live theater, concerts, dance, comedy and more! Note that service fees do apply to each ticket you order, but even with the fees it’s still a deep discount from the regular price. Goldstar […]
Pheasant Run Family Fun Package Giveaway
The amazing thing about Toddling Around Chicagoland and my book The Ultimate Kids’ Adventure Guide is that I get to share some amazing places and our experiences there. I love when I get to share helpful information, and it’s even better when I get to give things away! The Ultimate Kids’ Adventure Guide to Chicago […]
Modern Map Art Review
I was born in Chicago. I lived near Midway Airport (and by “near” I mean one block over) until I moved away for college, and then law school, when I was 21. After law school, I returned to Chicago, to the same house I grew up in. John and I bought the house from my […]
Overnight Getaway – Summer Splash Getaway at Pheasant Run Resort
The Pheasant Run Resort is a 250-acre resort in St. Charles. We recently had the opportunity to visit and enjoy their Summer Splash Getaway package. Details Location: 4051 East Main Street, St Charles, IL 60174 Phone: 630-584-6300 Parking: Free parking is available in the resort’s lot. Valet is also available. Check-in/check-out: Check-in begins at 4:00 pm […]
Origami in the Garden at the Morton Arboretum through October 22, 2017
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 […]
The Ultimate Kids’ Adventure Guide to Chicago
There’s so much to do in Chicago – where do you start? You may have heard – especially if you have “liked” the Toddling Around Chicagoland Facebook Page – but my book was published! It’s a family travel guide for the Chicago area, to help you plan all your adventures. The Ultimate Kids’ Adventure Guide […]
Super Savings with Groupon Coupons
My kids started summer break less than a week ago. We’ve watched a parade, barbecued with friends, attended a Boy Scout event, spent time with Grandma and Grandpa, and lots more. What I’m realizing is that it’s gonna take a LOT to keep these kids busy this summer. We’re already planning outings to the Morton Arboretum, […]
Chicago Free Museum Days – Summer 2017
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 […]
Big Changes at the Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium, one of the most popular and most visited attractions in Chicago, recently announced a new mission. Their new mission is: “Sparking compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world.” In an effort to increase access to the exhibits, experts, and animals, and to streamline and simplify ticketing, the Shedd is changing […]
