Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

Best Swim Schools and Swimming Lessons in Chicago for Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 08/06/2023 - 8:29am

Chicago has many great swim schools in the area. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Swim School

Swimming lessons in Chicago provide safety, fun, and fitness: which is what we're looking for in most kid activities. Luckily, there are lots of swim schools in Chicago to choose from. Wait for summer or get started anytime—these centers are indoors, open year-round, and hold lessons in heated pools. From babies to toddlers to reluctant swimmers, there are swim lessons in Chicago for kids of all ages and abilities in every part of town. We recommend making sure your child is continuing to make progress by getting in the water with them at a family swim from time to time, like at your favorite pool, family-friendly beach, or even a thrilling water park.

Check out our Best Classes for Kids in Chicago guide for more types of classes and lessons for kids.

Family-Friendly Bowling Alleys Near Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 07/28/2023 - 10:09am

Stardust Bowl is one of many family-friendly bowling alleys in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Stardust Bowl

Get ready to be bowled over by fun at these family-friendly bowling alleys in Chicago and the suburbs. Bowling is a fun activity when Chicago is too hot, cold, or rainy, and these venues are the perfect place to get out of the house for some family fun or throw a bowling birthday party for kids. It's time to strike out and get rolling to some fun times at Chicago's bowling alleys!

If bowling isn't up your alley (pun intended), check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids.

17 Mini Golf Courses Near Chicago for Kid-Friendly Putt-Putt

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 07/23/2023 - 8:02pm

Try one of these fun Chicago mini golf courses. Photo courtesy of Diversey Driving Range and Mini Golf

There's no shortage of mini golf near Chicago—and putt putt might just be one of the better summer and fall activities for kids. It offers a chance for some physical activity and a bit of fresh air. These 17 Chicago mini golf courses are fun for kids and adults alike, combining skill and luck for a friendly competition among family members. We've also included indoor putt putt in Chicago for inclement weather, so those are always a solid backup plan (or primary plan!).

Harry Potter: Magic at Play at Water Tower Place in Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 07/21/2023 - 8:54am

Do you have a kid who knows what house the sorting hat would place them in and could identify a blast-ended skrewt or a mandrake? If so, you might want to take them to visit Harry Potter: Magic at Play at Water Tower Place. The pop-up experience has extended its stay in Chicago through Labor Day weekend, giving kids plenty of chances to check it out before school starts again. Explore the magical wizarding world to ignite your kids' imaginations and encourage reading and story-telling over the summer break.

Harry Potter: Magic at Play is the perfect Indoor Activity for a rainy day or bad air quality day. Here's what to expect from the experience.

Best Boat Rides in Chicago for Families

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Tue, 07/11/2023 - 12:35pm

Wendella offers themed sightseeing boat rides in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Wendella Sightseeing Company

Ready to hit the water? Families can celebrate the season by boarding a variety of boats on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River. Some may even want to venture further west for an old-fashioned river boat ride on the Fox River in St. Charles or a kid-powered paddle boat ride along the Naperville Riverwalk. A wide variety of boat rides are available for enjoying the water throughout the city and suburbs.

Check out some of our favorite boat rides near downtown Chicago and beyond. Families who are interested in relaxing dinner cruises, adventurous sailing, or architecture are sure to find something here that floats their boat.

Free Camps and Classes for Kids at a Store Near You

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Tue, 07/04/2023 - 12:00pm

Kids can learn coding, video skills, and more during free Apple Camps at the Apple Store. Photo courtesy of Apple

Classes and camps are a big part of growing up for many kids. They are fun, enriching, and provide parents with some much-needed alone time on weekends or during school breaks. But as every parent knows, the cost of camps and classes can add up quickly.

Luckily, not every class your kid takes has to cost an arm and a leg. Many national chain stores offer fun and free camps and classes for kids that will teach them something new and show them a great time. These include cooking classes, coding and tech lessons, arts and crafts workshops, and more.

Here are 11 nationwide chain stores that offer free classes and camps to help fill kids' schedules without breaking the bank—even if your child does ask you to buy something while you're there! Check out our Guide to Classes for Kids and our Summer Camp Guide for even more fun ways to fill your kids' days.

Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 06/16/2023 - 4:00pm

There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva

Hikes in Chicago are a fun family outing that's outdoors, close to home, and doesn't break the bank. Hiking with kids in one of Chicago's forest preserves or parks is a great way to get everyone outside, and there are many shady trails where you can beat the heat while getting some exercise.

We’ve rounded up 15 of our favorite Chicago-area hiking spots, all within an hour's drive of the city, for a perfect family day trip. While some hiking trails may be better suited to bigger kids who can walk a mile or more on their own, plenty of these paths are stroller friendly—in fact, we’ve hiked a few with two preschoolers in a double stroller. Who knows, maybe a local hike will inspire your family to take a trip to a national park this year or next.

St. Joseph with Kids: Best Things to Do in St. Joseph, MI

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 06/11/2023 - 8:09am

White, sandy beaches line St. Joseph. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

Summer in the Chicago area is all about Lake Michigan. The Third Coast has lots of great beaches, but sometimes, it's fun to get out of the city and take your family somewhere more relaxing. We decide to try out St. Joseph, Michigan, and we loved it so much we ended up going back the next summer, too. The town has a beachy feel with a few less crowds than Lake Geneva. And it's less than two hours away, even from the western suburbs. Stay two nights for a quick getaway, or move up to three nights if you feel like a couple of relaxing beach days.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in St. Joseph and the surrounding areas! For beaches even closer to Chicago, try our Best Beaches in Chicago for Families article, and don't forget to plan a few more Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways this summer as well.

Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

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