Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

Fun Indoor Birthday Party Places with Mega Playgrounds in NYC

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 07/14/2024 - 9:32am

Kanga's Indoor Playspace offers activities and fun for all ages and makes a great indoor birthday party destination.

When it comes time to find a perfect, all-weather birthday party place in NYC there's really just one answer: the mega play space.

From bounce houses and trampolines to arcade-packed game venues, these wide-open indoor playgrounds give all your pint-sized birthday party guests a chance to run free. Check out our top picks for the best indoor play spaces to throw your next birthday party below—and find more party planning tips in our Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC.

21 of the Best Summer Day Trips From Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 07/12/2024 - 9:00am

Lake Geneva is an easy day trip from Chicago. Photo courtesy of Visit Lake Geneva

So you didn't really plan a summer vacation this year? While getting out of town for a week (or even a weekend) can sometimes be impossible, just a day away can refresh and recharge. We’ve gathered up 21 summer day trips from Chicago with kids in the car for a couple of hours (or less) and still offer a change of scene and plenty of fun. From beaches to hikes to slides, we've rounded up some fun-filled day trips away from the city for the whole family to enjoy.

For more local trip ideas check out our Midwest Travel Guide or our list of the Best Lakeside Resorts for Families.

Baby Swimming Classes in Chicago: Swimming Lessons for Babies and Toddlers

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 07/07/2024 - 8:50am

Mommy & Me Swim Class. Photo by Fat Camera courtesy of Canva

If your little fish is ready for baby swim classes, plenty of instructors in Chicago and the suburbs are excited about introducing little ones to the water. Be aware that these baby swim classes require a parent to accompany their child into the water, as most baby swim classes in Chicago focus as much as or more on the parents' comfort and skills as the babies'.

Parents should look for baby swimming lessons in their neighborhood and a comfortable pool—for many that means indoors and heated—to give their tots the best first-time water experience possible. We've rounded up the top baby swim classes in Chicago and the suburbs for parents of the two and under crowd, so get your suit and go!

21 Things to Do in Naperville With Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 06/28/2024 - 11:20am

A family having tons of fun in Naperville. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

As a kid, I was convinced that I could count the things to do in Naperville on one hand. I was either wrong or a lot has changed in the last several decades because now that I have kids, I feel like I'm frequently shuttling my kids out to fun activities near Nana and Papa's house.

Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Chicago: 19 Cool Party Places for Teens

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 06/23/2024 - 11:15am

Birthday parties at these indoor skydiving venues include a flight class, two flights per guest, and party room time. Photo courtesy of iFly

High school and middle school kids may be too big for Chuck E. Cheese or hired princesses, but there are still plenty of exciting birthday party ideas for teens and tweens in Chicago that don't break the bank. We rounded up sporty teen birthday party ideas, sweet 16 birthday ideas, ideas for kids who love to cook, and even a few spots perfect for thrill-seeking kids.

Some big kids may choose to just meet up with their friends at a fun place that matches the season of their birthday—and there are ideas for those too! Think beaches in the summer, ice skating rinks in the winter, or a park to hike in the spring or fall. You can also check out our favorite bowling centers and mini golf courses for more ideas.

Here are some of the best birthday party places near Chicago for teens, tweens, and sweet 16s!

Best Lightweight Travel Car Seats and Strollers for Air Travel

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Tue, 06/18/2024 - 12:00pm

Finding a great travel car seat can make or break a trip with kids.

Finding the best travel car seat can be a life saver when traveling by air with small children. A good travel car seat can help your little one sit safely in their airplane seat and in rental cars or rideshares. Some car seats even turn into strollers, or can be easily snapped into a stroller as part of a travel car seat system.

The best travel car seat for your family depends on your budget, your ability and/or willingness to lug the seat through the airport, and the age and size of your child. You should also consider whether you want a seat that can be used for both everyday and travel, or if you're OK with buying a separate travel car seat.

We've found eight top-rate, FAA-approved travel car seats for infants, toddlers, and young kids. Find even more great travel gear, including the best kids' luggage, in our Best Baby and Kid Gear Guide.

How To Make the Best Paper Airplanes - With Free Printables

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Tue, 06/04/2024 - 12:00pm

Learning how to make the perfect paper airplane is a childhood rite of passage.

Wondering how to make the best paper airplane? Read on!

Paper airplanes combine lots of kids' favorite things: crafting, vehicles, science experiments, and throwing things. You also don't have to buy endless supplies or clean up paint, glue, or glitter to make them.

If your kiddo is new to making paper airplanes, it's best to start with a simple version. Then, they can experiment with more complicated paper airplane designs to see which flies the farthest or fastest or which can do the best tricks. Read on for paper airplane instructions for everyone from beginners to advanced plane-makers. Your kids will be on their way to making the best paper airplane in no time!

For more free printable fun, we've got 100 Totally Free Printable Activities for Kids in our roundup of our favorite 1000 Coloring Pages and Printable Activity Sheets for Kids.

12 Pride Events Happening in June 2024 in Chicago for Families

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 06/02/2024 - 9:16am

Kids smiling for Pride Month! Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way

Chicago's rainbow of families celebrates Pride in June! And when it comes to Pride events for kids, while the big parade in Lakeview may be a little much for young families, there are still plenty of Pride celebrations to enjoy with family and friends who are LGBTQIA+. Kick off the month with an Interfaith festival featuring Flamy Grant in Evanston or a picnic in Buffalo Grove. Celebrate Pride in Lakeview with the Chicago Pride Festival or at a big, family-friendly event at Navy Pier. And read stories about pride in Warrenville or Uptown.

You can also celebrate Pride at home with our list of favorite rainbow-related activities. Happy Pride Month!