Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

Apple Picking near Chicago: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 08/27/2023 - 10:49am

Just about an hour from Chicago, kids can pick apples at Apple Holler from mid-August to November.

Take a trip to an orchard for apple picking near Chicago for some fresh air this fall season. Fall harvest season is already in full swing at several orchards throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Families willing to take a one- or two-hour drive can enjoy country life for a day, with hayrides, petting zoos, corn mazes, and apple picking near Chicago. Some orchards even offer pumpkin picking and other fruits throughout the season.

We’ve created a list of the best apple orchards near Chicago. Kids can pick apples and play farmer for a day without breaking mom and dad's bank account.

For other fun family trips near Chicago, try these Day Trips Near Chicago or Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways. For more fun things to do near Chicago this season, check out our Fall Fun Guide.

Street Fests and More Fun Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend with Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Wed, 08/23/2023 - 8:22am

Chalk Howard Street is one of the street festivals in Chicago this weekend. Chalk art by Anat Ronen, photo courtesy of Chalk Howard Street

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

School may be back, but there's still time to get in one more summer street festival this weekend! Hungry families can try out new eats at Taste of Greektown, Pizza City Fest or River Forest Food Truck Rally. Artsy kids can check out some new pieces in Glen Ellyn or Bucktown, or try their hand at making their own art in Rogers Park. Outdoor concerts are entering their final weeks of the season, but you can still hear some music in Oak Brook or Frankfort this weekend.

If your kids don't have anything to do after school yet, check out our list of free and cheap after school classes and activities. Didn't get that last summer vacation in? Plan a quick weekend trip to Starved Rock this fall. There's also just days left of the Harry Potter: Magic at Play exhibit at Water Tower, so get your little witches and wizards out there before it's over.

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 Baby Classes in Chicago: Mommy & Me, Baby Yoga, and More

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 08/13/2023 - 11:21am

Wiggleworms offers fun baby classes in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Old Town School of Folk Music

Chicago's baby classes give parents and little ones something enriching to do before preschool starts. Chicago parents can choose from dozens of mommy & me and parent & me classes for babies, from swimming lessons to yoga classes, from dance classes to outdoor activities. Many of these classes require parent involvement, but some have drop off classes available as children get older. These classes provide great opportunities for the littlest of kids to learn lifelong skills.

Check our guide to the Best Classes for Kids in Chicago for more kids' activities and programs.

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.

30 Best Things to Do in Chicago August 2023 with Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 07/30/2023 - 8:18am

This August is full of fun things to do in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Howard Street Chalk Fest

Looking for things to do this August in Chicago? Here are some great things to do in Chicago with 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.