Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

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.

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.

Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

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