Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

Visiting Starved Rock State Park With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay, and More

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 08/18/2023 - 3:15pm

Located just 90 miles from Chicago, Starved Rock State Park is there for when Chicago families need to get away from school and screen time and head to the great outdoors for the weekend. The state park is one of several just a 90-minute drive southwest of Chicago, but once you leave the area officially considered the suburbs, you may feel like you're in a different world.

In addition to the wealth of hiking, there are unique places to stay and interesting restaurants to keep our kids entertained for a weekend trip. We also love that we can plan a vacation here at the spur of the moment. Each time we've gone, we have found lodging with less than two weeks notice.

Here's what our family likes to do at and around Starved Rock State Park. For more outdoor family fun, check out our State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids.

Best Classes for Preschoolers and Toddlers in Atlanta

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 08/13/2023 - 11:47am

Join Dunwoody Nature Center for one of the most popular Nature Center programs: Mommy & Me Nature Class! Photo courtesy of the center

Take your toddler or preschooler to awesome Atlanta classes in order to stave off boredom, enrich skills, and meet friends. Parents can join their toddlers in the fun while they try new activities, meet other parents, or just play outside of the living room. Whether you're interested in nature, gymnastics, swimming, art, or museums, there's something for everybody on our list of top classes for toddlers and preschoolers in Atlanta!

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.

Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

Pages