Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

Best Summer Camps for Teens in Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 03/10/2024 - 9:56am

Teen performers. Photo courtesy of CircEsteem

Summer camps for teens prove that summer camp fun doesn't have to end with middle school! High school kids can still get in on the action by finding a summer camp in Chicago that caters to their interests, whether art, sports, theater, or STEM. Some colleges even offer programs to help students prep for college courses while still in grades 9-12. We even found some unique Chicago summer camps for aspiring filmmakers, circus artists, and kayakers.

School Break Camps: Holiday and Spring Break Camps to Keep Kids Busy on Days Off

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 03/03/2024 - 12:14pm

Whether your kids are into theater, cooking, sports, or STEM, we've got you covered! Photo courtesy of Snapology Chicago

Finding spring break camps for your kids doesn't have to be stressful. With so many local organizations opening their doors to kids for half- and full-day camps, your kids can have fun and learn something different during that week off school. Not quite like the spring break itinerary you planned in your 20s, but important nonetheless!

Whether your kids are into theater, cooking, sports, STEM, skateboarding, or even The Floor is Lava, there are spring break camps for them in the Chicago area. Many also offer camps during the summer, during winter breaks, and even single-day camps for Teacher Institute Days and other school-but-not-work holidays.

You can also check out our Chicago Camp Guide for more school break camps and summer camps or search our list of indoor playspaces to see if they have special programming happening for spring break. Be sure to check their deadlines before it's too late!

What's New at Chicago Zoos: Cute Cubs and a Primate Forest at the Brookfield and Lincoln Park Zoos

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 02/23/2024 - 7:48am

The lion cubs; Pesho, Lomelok and Sidai! Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo

If you haven't spent time at one of the two Chicago zoos recently, get ready for a real treat! With tons of upgraded structures and many new animals at the Brookfield Zoo and the Lincoln Park Zoo, you might end up as excited as you were on your first visit as a kid. To help make your trip the best it can be, check out the latest updates, news, and events happening in 2024. Don't forget to wear your walking shoes because it's going to be a long—and fun—day.

Looking for more fun things to do with kids in Chicago? Be sure to check out our top indoor playspaces perfect for snowy or rainy days, the best laser tag and paintball spots for kids in Chicago, and, of course, 100 things to do with Chicago kids before they grow up.

Top Philadelphia Summer Camps for Teens and Tweens

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 02/11/2024 - 8:11am

Junior Marine Biologists Camp at The Center for Aquatic Sciences at Adventure Aquarium gives camper ages 11-14 the opportunity to dive deep into the summer camp experience and discover what it is like to have a science career. Photo courtesy of the aquarium

Summer camp is a great way for tweens and teens to explore their interests, make new friends, and stay active during the summer. Whether they're interested in sports summer camps, film summer camps, theater summer camps, or STEAM summer camps, there are tons of summer camps in Philadelphis for teens and tweens to find the right fit.

We've rounded up the best summer camps in Philly for teens and tweens below, and you can find more summer camp options for kids of all ages and intrerests in our Philadalphia Summer Camp Guide.

Secrets To Visiting the Art Institute of Chicago With Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 02/04/2024 - 9:26am

Kids can learn about iconic and important art. Photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins

Everything you need to know about exploring this world-class museum with kids.

25 Must-Try Paczki Places for Chicago Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Mon, 01/15/2024 - 3:04pm

Paczki photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins

Know where to find the best packzi in Chicago? We do!

Some cities celebrate Mardi Gras, but here in Chicago, we celebrate Paczki Day! If you're new in town, Chicago is rich in Polish heritage, and in Poland, this day is celebrated with donut-like pastries filled with delectable jams, custards, or creams. More traditional fillings include prunes or poppy seeds, but some Chicago bakeries have upped their baking game by filling their paczki with more off-the-wall items like Oreos, S'mores, and even Dorito dust.

Whether for breakfast or a treat, your family can find a favorite paczki spot from our list of bakeries!

Be sure to check out our Chicago kid-friendly restaurant guide or our ultimate list of Chicago restaurants where kids eat for free if you need other places to grab a bite!

Things to Do in Chicago's Lincoln Square Neighborhood with Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Tue, 11/14/2023 - 4:46pm

Chicago's Youth Only Makerspace is located in Lincoln Square. OpenShop photo courtesy of BitSpace.

Lincoln Square is a historically-German Chicago neighborhood at the Western stop of the Brown Line. This fun neighborhood is anchored by Giddings Plaza, a pedestrian plaza with a historic-looking fountain just east of Lincoln Avenue between Leland and Lawrence. Its location just off the L and with narrow streets makes it a pedestrian-friendly location with lots of unique shops and restaurants for families to explore.

Many families come to Lincoln Square for its street festivals or for a concert at The Old Town School of Folk Music, which is not actually located in Old Town. But there's plenty to do, see, hear, and eat even after those events are over. Here are some great things to do with kids in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.

If you want to venture to other great Chicago neighborhoods, check out our list of 100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids.

CTA Holiday Trains and Other Christmas Train Shows in Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 11/03/2023 - 10:59am

CTA is running its holiday trains and buses in 2023. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Loop Alliance

Are you ready for the CTA Holiday Trains and Buses 2023! Here's what you need to know.

The Chicago Loop Alliance has announced that the CTA Holiday Train will be riding the rails again for the 32nd year in 2023. Holiday buses are back, too! Look for Santa Claus as he returns to the trains and buses and for pictures with kids.

Read on for our CTA holiday train tips and more Chicago Christmas train show recommendations. And don't miss our list of Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains in Chicago.

Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

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