Blog

Friday Fun Five Nov 13 2015

Here are our top five favorite events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Get out there and make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s November/December Digital Edition, or search our calendar of events! Winter Sports Open House November 15 at Villa Olivia in Bartlett... Read More
EventsHoliday
Morton Arboretum Illuminations
Bob Cushman

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremonies 2015

Get in the holiday spirit with these tree lighting events that will fill your children with wonder. Many ceremonies include family activities and a visit from Santa, so Go Make Holiday Memories! For more holiday family fun, see our related posts on Chicago’s Holiday Events and Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree... Read More
Safety
winter family fun girl in snow
Bob Cushman

Keep Your Family Safe

3 Ways to Keep Your Family Safe This Winter With the change in seasons, snow, ice, and low temperatures can cause risks to your family’s health, well-being, and safety. All these risks can be easily averted with just a little forethought on how to best prepare for the winter.... Read More

Friday Fun Five Nov 6 2015

Here are our top five favorite events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Get out there and make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s Fall issue, or search our calendar of events! Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Through November 21... Read More
FeaturedSafety
Dollar Photo window blinds
Bob Cushman

What Parents Should Know about Window Blind Safety

Oaklee’s guest post by Laura Nikolovska, Program Director for Kids In Danger, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s product safety. Q & A WITH LINDA FROM PARENTS FOR WINDOW BLIND SAFETY At the beginning of October, IKEA announced that it will only carry blinds with no cords or inaccessible cords in... Read More

Cute Cases Make Traveling Fun for Kids

Headed on a trip to grandma’s house this holiday season? Here are a few of our latest finds to keep your kids comfy while you’re on the go. The Trendykids Travel Buddies sets make traveling fun. These hard shell cases and matching blankets have fun faces and colors that... Read More
FeaturedHolidaySafety
Halloween Pumpkin
Bob Cushman

Tips for Safe Trick-or-Treating

Oaklee’s guest post from Sue Kirchner, local mom and owner of Chocolate Cake Moments, a website dedicated to helping parents relax, smile and enjoy their family and maybe even indulge themselves. Find Sue at www.chocolatecakemoments.com.    Halloween night can’t come soon enough for my kids. They are ready to... Read More

Friday Fun Five Oct 30 2015

Here are our top five favorite events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Get out there and make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s Fall issue, or search our calendar of events!   Halloween Family Magic Show October 31 in Park Ridge Looking for some family... Read More
EventsFeaturedFun
Moster Mash Oswego IL
Bob Cushman

Friday Fun Five Oct 23 2015

Here are our top five favorite events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Get out there and make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s Fall issue, or search our calendar of events! Monster Mash Bash October 24 in Oswego Spooky event where there will be impromptu... Read More
Food
Super Crispy Treats
Bob Cushman

Fun Halloween Crispy Treats

Here are some fun ideas for your Halloween party treats. In her new book,  Super Cute Crispy Treats, food crafting expert Ashley Fox Whipple shows you how to create cute and colorful treats instead of offering the same boring snacks. The treats offer a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, and moms and kids alike... Read More

Friday Fun Five Oct 16 2015

Here are our top five favorite events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Get out there and make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s Fall issue, or search our calendar of events! Pumpkins on the Green October 17-18 in Glen Ellyn All ages. October 17-18... Read More
Featured
Halloween Pumpkin
Bob Cushman

Sweet Tips for a Healthier Halloween

On October 31st little ghosts, goblins, princesses, and creatures of all kind will once again march from one house to the next in search of sugary treats. Halloween can be scary, especially when it comes to the amount of calories and sugar consumed. Dr. Dyan Hes, Medical Director at Gramercy... Read More

Zubits: An Alternative to Shoelaces

When my son played soccer, he never could keep his shoelaces tied! Finally, there’s a great solution besides Velcro laces, which just don’t hang on when wet grass gets in the sticky part. This new option is called Zubits Magnetic Shoe Closures.   Zubits are a pair of super... Read More

The Happy Kid Handbook

Finally, someone has come up with a realistic manual for raising happy kids! A new book, The Happy Kid Handbook: How to Raise Joyful Children in a Stressful World, offers a straightforward approach that produces happy children and sane parents. The author, Katie Hurley, LCSW, is a mother of... Read More

Friday Fun Five Oct 9 2015

Here are our top five favorite events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Get out there and make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s Fall issue, or search our calendar of events! Didier Farms Pumpkinfest Runs through October 31 in Lincolnshire Hayrides, pony rides, animal... Read More
ParentingSafety
KIDS baby
Bob Cushman

October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month!

Oaklee’s guest post by Laura Nikolovska, Program Director for Kids In Danger, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s product safety.   Do you know what “safe sleep” means for an infant? Well, it’s changed a lot over the years. Back in 10,000 B.C. the perfect night’s rest was animal... Read More
FeaturedFun
Bob Cushman

Parties at Elk Grove Park District

              Make memories that will last a lifetime with a party at the Elk Grove Park District. Choose a party theme to fit your age group. We offer organized parties that are filled with excitement and surprise. We accept reservations for carousel parties one... Read More

Friday Fun Five Oct 2 2015

Here are our top five favorite events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Get out there and make some memories! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s Fall issue, or search our calendar of events! Autumn Harvest Festival October 3 in Arlington Heights  There will be a petting... Read More
FeaturedReviews
BugBand insect repelling band
Bob Cushman

Product Review: Bug Bands

Do the mosquitoes and ticks drive you indoors this time of year because you don’t want to use nasty chemical-filled sprays? Here’s an all-natural bug repellent product that’s safe for the whole family. The BugBand Insect Repellent is DEET-free and uses naturally derived geraniol to repel mosquitoes, flies, gnats,... Read More
Reviews
Disney Frozen Fever
Bob Cushman

Book Review: Disney Frozen Fever Party Book

The Frozen theme is still going strong, with Elsa throwing a birthday party for her sister Anna in Disney’s short film Frozen Fever. Join in the fun with two new books by Edda USA: Disney Frozen Fever Hairstyles and Disney Frozen Fever Party Book. The Hairstyles book will help... Read More
Reviews
Kandoo Kids handwashing soap
Bob Cushman

Product Review: Kandoo Kids Soap

In honor of Handwashing Day on Oct. 15, we’re giving away a bottle of this fun new soap that actually helps kids make sure their hands are clean. The soap is dispensed in a bright-colored foam to help your child know when the soap is covering his hands. It’s... Read More

Friday Fun Five Sept 25 2015

Here are our top five favorite events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Get out there and make some memories!   For more great family events, see Oaklee’s Fall issue, or search our calendar of events! Platform Tennis Open House and Exhibition September 25 in Glen Ellyn Come socialize... Read More
Reviews
RuMe crossbody bag
Bob Cushman

Product Review: RuMe Crossbody Backpack and Pouches

I have all sorts of re-usable bags, including sturdier bags for groceries, mesh bags for technology cords and travel pouches for cosmetics. Now I have a new favorite, go-everywhere bag: the RuMe Crossbody Backpack.   This backpack is sturdy enough to carry a good load, but it’s ultra-lightweight and... Read More

Kid-Friendly Performances in Aug.-Oct. 2015

Aug. 19 – Oct. 11, 2015 “October Sky” A New Musical Lincolnshire: www.MarriottTheatre.com The Marriott Theater. The beloved Universal Pictures film October Sky is now a new musical. When Sputnik lights up the 1957 October sky over the small Appalachian mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia, Homer Hickam dreams... Read More
Reviews
Authentic Me Elements for Girls
Bob Cushman

Product Review: Authentic Me: Elements for Girls

How are you supporting your daughters on their path to explore, embrace and empower their true, authentic selves? Authentic Me, a local Downers Grove company created a fun way for tween and young teen girls to explore the important aspects of growing up. It’s called Elements for Girls, and... Read More

Product Review: Hip Appeal Hands-Free Wrap

Like most moms, I wouldn’t dream of wearing a bulky fanny pack today, but I need something to keep my hands free to hold kids, push a stroller and carry groceries all at the same time. Here’s a functional, stylish and affordable solution: the Hip Appeal. The 5-inch-wide fabric... Read More

Friday Fun Five Sept 18 2015

Here are our top five favorite events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Get out there and make some memories! Sponsored by DUPAGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM For more great family events, see Oaklee’s Fall issue, or search our calendar of events! Fall Fest 2015 September 18-20 in Des Plaines Free admission,... Read More
Featured
Chicago family crafts
Bob Cushman

Try Something New in a Local Class

            Whether your kids are into sports or cooking, there are so many opportunities to explore a new interest or perfect a current hobby. Here are some businesses that offer classes for you to try. Don’t forget to check out your local park district for... Read More

Product Review: Magic Opener

Ever break a nail opening a pop-top can, or have trouble twisting the tops off water bottles and beer cans? Here’s a fun and easy solution for you: The Magic Opener. This durable plastic tool fits easily in all hands, and combines the three most common types of beverage... Read More
Featured
Chicago Museum Week Field Museum
Bob Cushman

First Annual Museum Week Coming to Chicago!

For the first time ever, 12 of Chicago’s most beloved institutions will come together for seven days of exclusive offers, events, special programs and giveaways. Running from Oct. 1-7, 2015, the Chicago Museum Week is hosted by Museums in the Park,  and is designed for Chicagoans and visitors to become reacquainted... Read More
EventsFeaturedFun
The Sandwich Fair, Sandwich IL
Bob Cushman

Friday Fun Five Sept 11 2015

Here are our top five favorite events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Get out there and make some memories! Sponsored by DUPAGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM For more great family events, see Oaklee’s Fall issue, or search our calendar of events! Family Fun Fest and Classic Car Show September 12 in... Read More

Friday Fun Five September 4 2015

Here are our top five favorite events for you and your family to enjoy this weekend! Get out there and make some memories! Sponsored by MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! For more great family events, see Oaklee’s Summer issue, or search our calendar of events! Last Fling 2015 September 4-7 in Naperville The Last... Read More

The Dangers of Drawstrings

Oaklee’s guest post by Laura Nikolovska, Program Director for Kids In Danger, a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to improving children’s product safety.   Drawstrings on children’s clothing aren’t safe. Here’s why and what you can do if your child’s clothing has them. 13-year-old Brandi Browder died when the drawstring on her... Read More