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Bob Cushman

Why shamrocks are a symbol for St. Patrick’s Day

There’s plenty of green to be seen these days as we head into St. Patrick’s Day. Green-clad leprechauns, minty milkshakes, and festive green streamers and garland are just some of the popular holiday traditions. But as 6-year-old Jana R. from Hanover Park helped her mom tape shamrocks and pots... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Family-Friendly Chicago Area Museums

Whether you’re there to see a specific exhibit or just to escape the heat, museums are a great place to go! It’s nearly impossible to visit a museum and not learn something new. We have so many great museums in and around the Chicagoland area–large and small, international and... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five February 18, 2022

Here are our top five things to do with you and your family this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Disney’s Frozen at the Cadillac Palace Theatre February 18 – July 31 An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects,... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five January 28, 2022

Here are our top five things to do with you and your family this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Penguin Encounter – Shedd Aquarium Winter Meet one of Shedd’s penguins! During this 30-minute experience you will be right next to... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five January 21, 2022

Here are our top five things to do with you and your family this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Outdoor Ice Skating Winter These ioutdoor ice rinks across Chicagoland offer families plenty of chances to go have fun!    ... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five January 14, 2022

Here are our top five things to do with you and your family this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Hit the Slopes in the Suburbs Winter Now that winter weather has officially arrived, it’s time to make the most of... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five January 7, 2022

Here are our top five things to do with you and your family this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Best Sledding Spots in the Suburbs Winter Outdoor recreation has kept us going through the COVID-19 pandemic, and it doesn’t have... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Best Sledding Spots in the Suburbs

Outdoor recreation has kept us going through the COVID-19 pandemic, and it doesn’t have to stop now that the weather is cold and snowy. Here are some of the best sledding spots in the suburbs. Caboose Park, Lake Villa Township, 27908 Fairfield Road • Hill available for sledding and... Read More
FeaturedFun
Bob Cushman

Outdoor Ice Skating

Bluett Park Mount Prospect: 847-391-5744, www.dpparks.org/parks-facilities/ice-skating-and-sledding 1408 Thayer St. Free. Central Park Oak Brook: 630-990-4233, www.obparks.org 1500 Forest Gate Road, Our Community Ice Rink is free and open to the public, weather permitting. Bring your own skates. Centennial Park Naperville: 630-883-4242, napervilleparks.org 500 W. Jackson Ave., Skating is free,... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five December 17, 2021

Here are our top five things to do with you and your family this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Light Up the Lake – Navy Pier December 18 – January 2 Brighten the winter season with Chicagoland’s biggest indoor, temperature-controlled... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five December 10, 2021

Here are our top five things to do with you and your family this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Holiday Express – Blackberry Farm This December (See available times) Bring the family for a magical and memorable experience – just... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Cosley Zoo’s annual Festival of Lights and Tree Sale

Cosley Zoo’s annual Festival of Lights and Tree Sale is a tradition for many families Visitors can stroll through animal-themed light displays and trees decorated by local families, businesses and organizations, as well as shop for trees, wreaths and decorations to deck their own halls. The festival began the... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Aurora Festival of Lights

Aurora Festival of Lights opens free holiday light display The Aurora Festival of Lights — one of the largest free outdoor drive-through holiday light displays in Northern Illinois — opens for its 15th year on Friday, Nov. 26. It will feature even more dazzling displays that will delight both... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five December 3, 2021

Here are our top five things to do with you and your family this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Best Christmas Events in Chicago for Families 2021 This December If you don’t have weekend plans yet, the suburbs and city... Read More
Holiday
Christmas Tree Farm dollar photo
Nancy Stevens

6 Best Places to Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree

Why cut your own tree? It’s a good way to experience the countryside and support a local family farm. The trees are recyclable and sustainable, rather than made from oil-based petroleum products. The smell of fresh pine instantly creates a holiday atmosphere in your home. Just be sure to... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five November 19, 2021

Here are our top five things to do with you and your family this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Gogh Skating – Maggie Daley Park Starts November 19 This experience at Maggie Daley Park is included in every ticket reservation,... Read More
EventsHoliday
Nancy Stevens

Tree Lighting in Chicago Suburbs 2021

Tree Lighting in Chicago Suburbs 2021. You can visit with Santa at these neighborhood tree lighting ceremonies and holiday festivals. Nov. 25, 8-11am Chicago Thanksgiving Parade Chicago: www.chicagothanksgivingparade.com, State St. Nov. 26, 6:30-9pm Christmas Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting Antioch: https://www.antioch.il.gov, downtown to Village Hall. Nov. 26, 4:30-9pm Tree... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five November 12, 2021

Here are our top five things to do with you and your family this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Brookfield Zoo Skating Rink Opens November 13, 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm Lace up your skates and head to Brookfield Zoo... Read More
Education
Bob Cushman

How to Raise Successful Problem Solvers

The great jazz musician Duke Ellington had the right attitude about problems when he said, “A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” We face them, large and small, every day. Helping our children develop the critical thinking skills they need to do their best at... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five November 5, 2021

Here are our top five things to do with you and your family this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Veterans Day Events and Fall Festivals Nov. 5-11, 2021 November 5 – 11 This weekend is your last chance to make... Read More
Education
Nancy Stevens

Secrets for Helping Boys Learn

The problem of boys in education is not a new one – data has been mounting for many years that our sons are simply falling behind our daughters, says pioneering veteran in education, Edmond J. Dixon, Ph.D. But it’s not because boys are any less intelligent than girls, he adds. A recent... Read More
FoodHoliday
Nancy Stevens

Finding Deals for Thanksgiving Meals

Make your Thanksgiving dinner one of the best bargain meals you prepare this year. By shopping the sales and using coupons, you’ll save big while your family and friends rave about your delicious meal. 1. Plan Ahead: The key to saving on groceries is taking time to plan your list... Read More
Fun
Nancy Stevens

Two New Ways to Celebrate after Thanksgiving

Get your family involved in Giving Tuesday and Small Business Saturday While some families plan their after Thanksgiving holiday shopping around Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there are two new dates that get our attention this year: Small Business Saturday on November 24th, and Giving Tuesday on November 27th. We think these are... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five October 29, 2021

Here are our top five things to do for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Halloween in Chicagoland: Fun Festivals and Events October 29 – November 4 Here are some local Halloween festivals to do... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five October 22, 2021

Here are our top five things to do for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s  calendar of events! Halloween Events and Festivals October 22-28 Here are some local Halloween festivals to do for you and your family to... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Halloween Events and Festivals: Oct. 22-28, 2021

This weekend Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Sunday, Oct. 31, at Cosley Zoo, 1356 N. Gary Ave., Wheaton. See thousands of pumpkins while visiting the animals. Children’s rides, plus apples, gourds, pumpkins, cider, cornstalks and straw bales for purchase. Timed entry tickets required.... Read More
EducationHealthParentingSafety
Nancy Stevens

5 Tips to Handle Bullying

Although October is National Bullying Prevention Month, the bullying doesn’t stop when October is over. Here are some tips from expert Philip Brown, PhD, on understanding and dealing with bullying. Dr. Brown works with Wear the Cape–a brand that aims to restore the power of kindness and good character.... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

13 frightfully fun Halloween experiences in the suburbs

Ghosts, gore, ghouls and gourds are staples of the frightfully fun experiences found throughout the suburbs this fall. Residents can get in the Halloween spirit with frightening festivals, intricate jack-o’-lanterns, spooky shows and post-apocalyptic adventures. Many activities are geared toward kids and families, while others are designed for thrill-seekers... Read More