Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on
Check out these neighborhoods near Chicago for the best lights displays in the area.
Lauren LaRoche
Lauren LaRoche has been a working writer and journalist for more than 12 years. When she’s not writing, she and her husband are chasing after their dog and three children in Chicago. Her career includes work in marketing, in graphic design, and as a lifestyle and events editor for CBS Chicago. To check out more of her writing, visit her website at ldesignchicago.com.
Latest posts by Lauren
Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Chicago
Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on
Don't feel like cooking? Check out our list of kid-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Chicago.
If you're all about family during the holidays but would rather not slave away in the kitchen all day, there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Chicago where you can dine in or order a take-home meal. From traditional Thanksgiving menus to family-style brunch and more, we’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Chicago. These Chicago restaurants are also kid-friendly with special kid's menus and pricing for all your little turkeys.
For year-round dining, check out our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurants Guide.
20 Fall Day Trips from Chicago for Families
Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on
If you're looking for an easy fall day trip from Chicago without a hotel stay or time off from work and school, you've come to the right place! From farms to quaint towns, and fall leaves, we've rounded up some of our favorite fall day trips from Chicago. Do you want to pick pumpkins, stroll through shops in Galena or Savanna, hike the shoreline in Sheboygan, or check out a haunted house? Yup, we've got a suggestion for you. And the best part? Every trip on this list is either in Chicagoland or less than a 2.5-hour drive away!
Happy fall exploring! Visit our Fall Fun Guide for more trip ideas, guides, holiday crafts, and more.
Best Farms for Family Fun and Entertainment in Chicago
Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on
Spending the day at a farm with family entertainment near Chicago is one of the best things about fall. Think petting zoos, pony rides, U-Pick fun, and most definitely a corn maze or two! From hand-picking flowers to milking a goat to hayrides, these local farms have something for everyone in the family. Check out our list of the best Chicago farms with family entertainment to visit with your little ones.
For more fall fun in Chicago, check out the best apple-picking orchards for kids, the best harvest and pumpkin festivals in Chicago, and 37 things you must do with kids in Chicago during the fall.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals
Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on
Having birthday party entertainers come to your home is a great way to host your kiddo's friends without the hassle of dragging everything to a (potentially pricey) birthday party venue. And, even if you're just throwing a small backyard bash, you can still go big on the entertainment! The Chicago birthday party entertainers, artists, and rentals below will give your kid's home birthday party a little something extra.
Fire truck rentals, video game trucks, magicians, puppets, princesses, special game setups... Chicago has it all. And if you're up to the challenge of baking the cake yourself, we've got 10 great birthday cake ideas here.
For more great birthday party ideas, check out our lists for our favorite birthday party locations, virtual party ideas, and more.
19 Roadside Attractions Near Chicago You Must See
Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on
A summer road trip isn’t complete without a stop at one of the sometimes quirky (but always interesting) roadside attractions near Chicago, Michigan, Indiana, and Wisconsin. These top spots provide a fun place to stretch your legs, take pictures, and make hilarious family memories your kids will always remember.
Whether you’re headed to Wisconsin and need a stop at the Cheese Castle or are staying local and are pining for an Italian vacation, this list has something no matter which direction you want to go. Pack your bags, hit the road, and prepare for an amazing adventure!
For more road trip fun, check out these weekend road trip ideas and these car games for kids.
Roller Skating Rinks in Chicago and the Suburbs Worth a Spin
Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on
Whether you want to introduce the kids to an iconic activity or relive the glory days of your youth, a roller skating rink in Chicago or the suburbs is quite possibly one of the best ways to do it. These classic spots are also great for large birthday parties, scout field trips, and team outings. Good for an afternoon or weekend adventure, the Chicago area boasts an array of fantastic roller skating rinks.
Here’s a rundown of the best roller skating rinks near Chicago and the suburbs for kids, and don't forget your '80s outfit!
10 Batting Cages Near Chicago Worth Swinging By
Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on
There's something special about outdoor and indoor batting cages. After all, you can take the kids at any time of year and spend an hour or so watching them swing away at a baseball or softball (or join if you need to blow off steam). You get a taste of America's pastime without the hassle of taking the kids to an actual ballpark and can enjoy a sporting activity without going all in for the day. Perfection, basically, especially for baseball lovers.
Whether your child is an aspiring ball player or simply enjoys swinging a bat, these 10 outdoor and indoor batting cages in Chicagoland offer a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to hone their abilities. Grab a bat and get ready to hit some balls at these top-notch outdoor and indoor batting cages in Chicago and the suburbs.
Looking for more sporty fun for kids? Check out these awesome bowling alleys, the best laser tag and paintball spots near Chicago, and the best places for extreme sports just for kids.
