Easter Brunch or Dinner Delivery: Chicago Restaurants Offering Takeout Holiday Meals
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on

Coronavirus outbreaks throughout the state have promoted Illinois officials to issue a shelter-in-place for residents. But even with social distancing measures recommending that people stay at least six feet away from each other to avoid the spread of germs, there's still plenty for kids and parents to do outside or virtually to enjoy this unplanned stay-cation.
With the city on lockdown our normally robust calendar of events has dwindled down to cancellations, postponements, and virtual activities as we try to navigate our current norm of social distancing, however, we don't think that means your weekend has to be any less fun than normal.
We rounded up a slew of activities that will keep you engaged and entertained all weekend long. And while rain is in the forecast, if it holds off and you're able to get outdoors this weekend to take advantage of some passive recreation, please stay aware and safe! And if all else fails, don't forget to consult our parents' pandemic guide with hundreds of at-home activities and crafts. In Gov. Pritzker's shelter-in-place mandate, there are specific exceptions made for "walking, hiking, running or biking – including going to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas, except for playgrounds." Make sure a healthy dose of sunshine is on your family's agenda for the weekend!
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on

Sure, you can snap a picture with Santa in hundreds of spots around Chicagoland at this time of year. But at a few select locations, kids and adults both naughty and nice can dine, cruise, or even bowl with Santa. From a casual Santa sing-a-long to a decked-out Santa suite at the Swissôtel, here are the best Santa breakfasts, brunches, and experiences for Chicago families this holiday season.
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on

Trying to put together a great staycation schedule for your NYC kids for Spring Break? We've rounded up the best of Easter weekend, as well as the top things to do specifically on Easter Day. Now we're collecting the best family events happening this very week, Monday, April 2-Friday, April 6, across New York City.
And good news! This break comes right after Easter with some run-off events on Monday, right in the middle of Macy's Flower Show, and the chance to be outside (forecast: sunny!) toward the end of the week.
So don't dread the break—enjoy it just as much as they do by reading on for more great family-friendly fun. Find even more options in our daily Event Calendar, April GoList, and just released Spring Fun Guide, including day trip ideas and fairs and carnivals.
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on

It's no secret that all of us here like "FREE." We're always on the lookout for free activities around NYC, play spaces, and even summer camps. But Luna Park's March 24 opening day event at Coney Island, Brooklyn, makes the four-letter word all the better, as almost all proceeds from donations will serve the Girls Scouts' 6000 troop.
Read on to find out what's included in this almost-FREE day and who you'll be helping with your small donation.
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on

SpongeBob SquarePants (the cartoon) might be pretty far down on your list a parent-approved media. But SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical just made it to the top of mine. Talented actors, a solid storyline, and insanely imaginative sets—and a complete lack of hokeyness—made this performance a family Broadway standout. You won't find oversized sponge or starfish costumes, but the talent seamlessly translated the characters (none of whom are human) to the stage and easily transported the audience to a quirky and much-loved Bikini Bottom.
Read our review for a sense of what to expect from this infectious performance, or check out our complete Theater Guide for NYC Kids for many more options.
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on

Edible candy murals, a candy-adorned unicorn, and a gigantic gummy bear. Sounds like your kid's best Willy Wonka fantasy? It's actually a new museum headed to New York City's Flatiron neighborhood in 2019.
Sugar Factory, known for its over-the-top desserts, smoking drinks, and celebrity guests, will open the Museum of Candy in the former Limelight Club location (the corner of 20th Street and 6th Avenue). The 30,000-square-foot space, complete with a winding staircase, will showcase candy's pivotal moments from the early 1900s to today, along with 15 candy-themed experiential rooms that might just cause cavities upon viewing.
I'm no stranger to candy. I even incorporate it into my career, taking my kids along to check out the new Hershey's Chocolate World, and dutifully "fact-checking" articles like 15 Insane NYC Desserts To Try. (Tough job.) And now, I'm happy to bring you more details on this sweet new NYC museum.
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on

When you have a 4-year-old jumping bean like I do, the idea of taking him or her to a quiet, please-stay-in-your-seat performance is a little intimidating. But it'll never get better unless we practice, so we headed to Midtown—Times Square, to be exact—to try out a performance of the brand-new The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Jack Ezra Keats. With a runtime of 45 minutes, I was hopeful we could make it through this special series of tales from one of NYC's homegrown literary legends.
Read on to find out all about the creative and inventive play/musical hybrid perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and even elementary-age kids.
