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EventsFeatured
Nancy Stevens

Best Pumpkin Patches

Fall is here and Halloween is on the way, so get out your carving tools and go find the perfect pumpkin. Here are some of our favorite pumpkin farms and fests for the season. Abbey Farms Aurora: (630) 966-7775, abbeyfarms.org 2855 Hart Road: Beyond a pumpkin patch, the farm’s Pumpkin... Read More
EventsFood
Nancy Stevens

Fall Apple Picking

Last year, the coronavirus pandemic was top of mind at suburban orchards, which opened with changes and precautions in place. Operators this season will follow current guidelines and recommendations, but the atmosphere is expected to be more relaxed. Still, it’s always best to check before you go. “We hope... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Corn Mazes and Fall Festivals

Autumn brings a bounty of activities and attractions throughout the suburbs. But for the adventurous (and those with a good sense of direction), corn mazes offer a special type of fun. At 33 acres of elaborate detail, the granddaddy and self-described world’s largest is the Richardson Adventure Farm &... Read More
CraftsHoliday
Halloween Pumpkin
Bob Cushman

How to Carve a Pumpkin

Think you know the latest tricks for carving a creepy pumpkin? The pros continue to push the barriers. A handful of people become professional pumpkin carvers each fall, specializing in fantastical designs. Among them are Alex Wer, self-styled “Pumpkin Geek,” who lives near Sacramento, Calif.; Scott Cummins, a Perryton,... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five August 27, 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! Find Family Fun Apple Picking Late Summer Nothing says fall like fresh midwestern apples picked right off the tree... Read More
Featured
Apple picking girl
Nancy Stevens

Find Family Fun Apple Picking

Nothing says fall like fresh midwestern apples picked right off the tree and made into delicious apple pies. Here’s a list of apple orchards within an easy drive from Chicagoland.  All Seasons Orchard Woodstock: 815-338-5637   www.allseasonsorchard.com 14510 IL Route 176. All Seasons offers apple picking, pumpkin, pumpkin patch... Read More
EducationFeatured
Bob Cushman

Top 5 Back-to-School Bus Safety Tips

It’s back-to-school season, which means yellow buses are back on the roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, school buses are 23 times safer than passenger cars and 10 times safer than walking. First Student , a leading school transportation provider, offers the following back-to-school safety tips to... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five August 13, 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! Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute – Schaumburg Summer Breeze Saturday, August 14, 7:00 pm The Midwest’s longtime #1 ABBA... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five August 6, 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! Outdoor Activities For Kids All Summer An extensive list of outdoor activities for kids! You’ll be sure to find... Read More
Parenting
Bob Cushman

Top 6 Tips when finding a Babysitter

Top 6 Tips when finding a babysitter Babysitting services today have changed from the days of ringing the resident babysitter and asking if she was free for the evening. Rising rates and technology have changed the face of babysitting. According to UrbanSitter’s 2021 National Childcare Rate Survey, babysitting can... Read More
Education
Dollar photo preschool
Bob Cushman

Finding the Right Preschool

Metro Creative Services Parents know that choosing a preschool for their children is a decision not to be taken lightly. Preschools are often a child’s first extensive experience away from home, and the right school can help kids make that transition more smoothly. When looking for a preschool for... Read More
EducationFeatured
Preschool
Bob Cushman

What is school readiness?

All parents are aware of the importance of school readiness. But, what exactly is it? And, how can you prepare your child? Teacher Perspectives on School Readiness In a recent study conducted by Bright Horizons, elementary school teachers shared their views on what they believe to be the most... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five July 23, 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! The eighth annual Junior Tour de Naperville August 14 Hosted by the Naperville Park District, the event gives kids,... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

The eighth annual Junior Tour de Naperville

The eighth annual Junior Tour de Naperville is returning to Commissioners Park on Saturday, Aug. 14. Hosted by the Naperville Park District, the event gives kids, ages 3 to 12, the opportunity to ride their bicycles, big wheels or tricycles around the 1.2-mile trail, cheered on by family and... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five July 9, 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! Taste of Chicago To-Go July 7-11 Taste of Chicago To-Go will return this summer with special events around the... Read More
Featured
Nancy Stevens

Chicago Park District Pools and Water Play Areas

The city of Chicago has some of the best pools and water playgrounds so you can beat the heat this summer. This list will help you find one close by. Adams Water Playground Chicago: 312-742-7787 www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Adams-Playground-Park/#.U5CSYK79Xuc 1919 N. Seminary Ave. Archer Interactive Water Play Area Chicago: 773-284-7029 www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Archer-Park/#.U5CSvK79Xuc 4901... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five July 2, 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! Weekend’s Fireworks Displays July 2-5 Here’s a look at this weekend’s fireworks displays. Note: Details could change, so it’s... Read More
EventsFeaturedFun
Fireworks
Nancy Stevens

4th of July 2021 – Festivals & Parades

MainStreet Libertyville Lunch in the Park: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, July 2, at Cook Park, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy live music and food vendors. The event for July 2 will feature Jimmy Carroll. (847) 680-0336 or mainstreetlibertyville.org. Lakeside... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Best Fireworks Near Me – July 2021

Here’s a look at this weekend’s fireworks displays. Note: Details could change, so it’s best to check before you go. IN GLENVIEW: • July 4 at Gallery Park, 2001 Patriot Blvd. This year the show will not be synchronized to music and there will not be a live musical... Read More
Featured
Nancy Stevens

Have a great Birthday Party!

Here’s a look at some facilities and services to help you make the most of your special events. Many facilities and services book well in advance, so start booking your winter and spring parties now. Des Plaines Park District Des Plaines: 847-391-5700, www.dpparks.org Party indoors and outdoors with our... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five June 19, 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! Woodfield Summer Fling Carnival June 18-20, 1:30 pm – 10 pm North American Midway Entertainment’s Woodfield Summer Fling Carnival... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Woodfield Summer Fling Carnival

North American Midway Entertainment’s Woodfield Summer Fling Carnival is open and runs through Sunday, June 20, in Parking Lot G of Woodfield Mall, at the corner of West Frontage and Woodfield roads in Schaumburg. Weekday hours are 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., and weekend hours are 1:30 p.m. to... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five June 11, 2021

Here are our top five at home 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!   Family Beaches on Lake Michigan All Summer We’ve put together a list of Chicago’s suburban pools... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Oaklee’s Friday Fun Five June 4, 2021

Here are our top five at home 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!   Water Parks in the Chicagoland Area All Summer We’ve put together a list of Chicago’s suburban... Read More
Featured
Nancy Stevens

10 Tips to Stop Stressing Kids this Summer

Parenting expert Michele Borba says overscheduled, overwhelmed kids are missing out on the free play and downtime that develop their capacity to care about others. Here, she offers 10 tips to help us stop stressing the empathy out of our kids this summer. Summer, of course, once revolved around free... Read More
Featured
Memorial Day
Bob Cushman

Where to Observe Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who lost their lives serving our country. Services, observances, parades and ceremonies throughout the suburbs offer a chance to reflect on the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Friday, May 28 Memorial Day Pantry: 10 a.m. and noon Friday,... Read More
Featured
Chicago Asian Family reading date night
Nancy Stevens

5 Ways to Ditch Technology for Family Bonding

Here are 5 ways to ditch technology in favor of intergenerational family bonding. No face-to-face contact is needed for massive communication to take place today! Children are text messaging, surfing their favorite websites and playing video games. Adults are looking at Facebook, Twitter and emails. These activities aren’t even... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

Chicagoland Water Parks Summer 2021

We’ve put together a list of Chicago’s suburban pools and water parks for you. All you have to do is add the swimsuits and sunscreen, and you’re good to go make memories! Elk Grove Park District* Rainbow Falls Waterpark 200 Rev. Morrison Blvd., Elk Grove Village Hours: Sat, Sun &... Read More
Featured
Bob Cushman

6 Best Parks and Preserves to Picnic

1. Independence Grove, 16400 Buckley Road, Libertyville. Centered around a 115-acre lake, this Lake County Forest Preserve District property offers boat rentals, a swimming beach, dog park, cafe, visitors center, fishing, sand volleyball, and hiking and biking trails. Admission is free for Lake County residents with I.D.; nonresidents pay... Read More