Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

Best Attractions and Things To Do in Chicago With Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 08/18/2024 - 10:32am

Yayoi Kusama's LOVE IS CALLING. Photo by Kyle Flubacker, courtesy of the WNDR Museum

The Windy City is a fabulous place for families. With world-class museums, great architecture, fun foods, and beautiful natural settings, it's filled with some of the best attractions kids and adults can enjoy together. Whether visiting on a vacation or living here, there's always something new to do or learn. So we've compiled a list of some of the best attractions in Chicago made with kids in mind!

If you want to learn or do more, check out our list of 100 things to do with Chicago kids before they grow up, or check out our calendar of fun events, many of which take place at these cool venues.

Detroit with Kids: 22 Best Things To Do in Detroit, Michigan

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sat, 08/17/2024 - 12:00pm

Step back in time at Detroit's Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.

Detroit, Michigan is home to world-class museums, quirky art and attractions, a free aquarium, and a fun professional sports scene. We were surprised to find out just how much Detroit has to offer for families traveling in the Midwest. The Motor City took a hard hit during the recession, but it is full of enduring history, and many of its attractions have been renovated and restored to their original 1920s glory.

My family visited Detroit as a stopover between Chicago and Toronto, but there's easily enough to do there to fill a four-day trip. Here are our 22 favorite things to do in Detroit, Michigan with kids, from where to find the best Detroit style pizza to kid-friendly Detroit hotels.

See our Midwest Family Vacation Guide for more fun midwestern cities to visit with kids, like Columbus, Ohio and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

16 Chicago Tours You Must Take With the Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 08/16/2024 - 11:45am

Chicago Boat Tour. photo by chsyang via Flickr

Sure, tourists might know Chicago tours are one of the best ways to appreciate the city's rich history, amazing architecture, indulgent foods, and attractive art. But, when was the last time you took one with the kids? Even if you've lived here your entire life, there's always something new to learn.

While architecture river cruises are the bread and butter of Chicago tourism, the Windy City has lots more to offer. Check out a Chicago food tour, a ghost tour, an art tour, or even a tour with fun forms of transportation to liven up your experience. Here are a few of the best Chicago tours to take with the kids!

For more fun in Chicago with kids, check out the best museums for kids in Chicago, 100 things to do with kids in Chicago before they grow up, and 100 free things to do in Chicago with kids.

Robot Restaurants and Other Fun Automated Spots in Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 08/09/2024 - 8:54am

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar! Photo by Maureen Wilkey

While 2024 doesn't look exactly like the future we watched play out on The Jetsons, one exception may be the robot restaurants popping up all over Chicago. We found a dozen restaurants (and one hotel) with robot servers delivering food or drinks, and some with robots helping in the back of the house. They were a great impetus to get our kids to try new foods with a little added fun!

For more restaurant fun in Chicago, check out these themed restaurants, the best restaurants with room for kids to play, and the best breweries and beer gardens for families in and near Chicago.

The Brookfield Zoo Has Plans to Take Your Zoo Experience to the Next Level

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 8:29am

New Amphitheatre in the Wildlife Discovery Zone. Renderings credit Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects and Booth Hansen.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago turned 90 earlier this month, but the animals have big plans for the next decade and beyond. The Brookfield Zoo master plan—the ambitious Next Century Plan, was unveiled on Tuesday, July 16, outlining a $500 million renovation and expansion plan that will take place in four phases over the next 15 years.

As a native Chicagoan who has been visiting Brookfield Zoo Chicago for more than three decades and taking my kids there for nine years, I'm so excited to see how the zoo will convert its historic grounds into a modern haven for wildlife and conservation!

If you plan to head to the Brookfield Zoo now, check out what's new and cool at Chicago's zoos for 2024.

Galena, Illinois With Kids: 22 Top Things To Do in Galena

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 07/26/2024 - 10:33am

Hanging with Ulysses Grant. Photo by author Maureen Wilkey

Galena, Illinois, a city rich in history and charming surroundings, is less than three hours away from Chicago, making it a perfect getaway for families. Once a hub for commerce by way of the Mississippi River, its legacy is worth exploring. Grown-ups and kids will love everything from learning about its most famous resident—former U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant—to the abundance of nature, shopping, and more. Here are 22 things you must do in Galena, Illinois with kids.

Looking for other fun adventures near Chicago? Check out everything to do in Napierville, Springfield, and Lake Geneva, WI

Best Kid-Friendly Beer Gardens and Breweries in and around Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 07/19/2024 - 9:07am

Give a cheers in the garden at Two Brothers. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

Sometimes, parents need a break. And maybe a beer. So, we've scoured the city and suburbs for some of the best beer gardens and local breweries in Chicago that welcome kids—many of which have great outdoor seating. We looked for places with quality kids' menus, something for kids to see or do, a lack of raised eyebrows about bringing kids along for the ride, and of course, great brews. Cheers!

For other great places to eat with kids, check out this list of restaurants with space for kids to play, the best themed restaurants in Chicago, and the ultimate guide to kid-friendly restaurants in Chicago.

Best Themed Kids Birthday Spots in Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 07/14/2024 - 9:51am

Birthday party at the Field Museum! Photo courtesy of special events at the Museum.

Are you looking for kids' birthday party places that match their specific interests? Tired of trampoline parks and pool parties? We looked all around Chicago and the suburbs to find various choices for kids interested in everything from science and cooking to their favorite toys. From simple to extravagant, there's a theme to match every child's birthday dream on this list. So happy birthday to your kiddo! We hope you have fun.

For other fun birthday party ideas, check out these spots for toddler birthdays, these great tween and teen birthday party spots, and the best indoor birthday party spots in Chicago.

Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

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