Lauren LaRoche

Lauren LaRoche has been a working writer and journalist for more than 12 years. When she’s not writing, she and her husband are chasing after their dog and three children in Chicago. Her career includes work in marketing, in graphic design, and as a lifestyle and events editor for CBS Chicago. To check out more of her writing, visit her website at ldesignchicago.com.

Latest posts by Lauren

Chicago Public Schools Increased Its 2024 Budget: Who Gets the Extra Money?

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 08/25/2023 - 1:52am

Eugene Field Elementary School celebrates Back to School in 2023! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Public School System

Earlier this summer, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) announced that they will add over $240 million in funding at the school level for next year. Despite the bump, roughly one in 10 schools will likely still see cuts in the budget. With a $9.4 billion proposal for the 2024 fiscal year and an estimated pupil-peer spending increase of $1,000, parents have questions about how the money is being allocated, and why some schools are still seeing budget cuts.

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 08/20/2023 - 12:23am

Chicago's affordable afterschool programs are located around the city. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

Affordable afterschool programs in Chicago can be hard to find, especially with rising prices everywhere. It's important for working parents to have a safe, fun, and educational environment for their kids before and after school, so we've done the work for you and come up with a list of free or cheap afterschool programs in Chicago. Several of these afterschool programs offer hardship assistance, scholarships, or free tuition.

Many of the aftercare options on the list below offer sports, games, mentorship, STEM activities, career planning, homework help, and more. And for more classes for Chicago kids and babies, check out our Best Classes for Kids in Chicago Guide.

Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities in Chicago for Kids: Go Karts, Axe Throwing, and More!

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 08/11/2023 - 10:47pm

Extreme sports in Chicago offer that adrenalin rush for thrill-seeking kids. Photo courtesy of The Forge at Lemont Quarries

Extreme sports in Chicago give thrill-seeking families something to keep adrenaline levels high. If your kids love to go fast, climb high, or sail through the sky or water, this round-up is for you. From indoor skydiving to go-karts and axe throwing, the extreme sports on this list are great for a fun afternoon or a kids' birthday party. Enjoy some high-energy fun with the list of thrills below.

25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 8:24am

Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago

If you're looking for things to do in Chicago with little kids, this is the list for you. While there are thousands of tourist attractions and cultural experiences in Chicago (and about 100 of them that you should do with kids before they grow up!) not all of them are great for kids under 5 years old. So, after creating a list of things you should do with Chicagoland babies before they turn one, we set about making the ultimate list of 25 things to do in Chicago before your little one turns 5. From zoos to gardens to museums, much of this list is especially great for preschoolers and kids about to enter kindergarten.

A few of our selections are well-known favorites with specific attractions for preschoolers, while other ideas are more off the beaten path, but all are things we've enjoyed doing with tots before they turn 5!

Chicago's Best Parks & Playgrounds for Kids Birthday Parties

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 11:02pm

Pool Day Birthday Party. Photo by @anjanettew, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

A birthday party in a Chicago park is a great way to host a kid's birthday party without spending thousands of dollars. We’ve compiled a list of some great parks in Chicago that have field houses and party rooms to rent, or just great grassy and picnic areas available for a free kid’s birthday party. Many of these spaces also allow you to bring in outside food and entertainment. Chicago parks are great for a small birthday party where you want to decorate a few picnic tables and let the kids enjoy the playground.

While almost all parks and playgrounds in Chicago allow small gatherings for free, the City of Chicago does require a permit for gatherings of 50 people or more or those serving adult drinks. If you’re unsure, call the local field house manager of the park you’re considering. We’ve also noted below which park has a free public pool available for those summer birthday kids.

For more great free parks in Chicago, visit this guide for the Best Tot Lots and Toddler Playgrounds as well as our round-up of the Best Playgrounds in Chicago. And don't forget to check our Kids' Birthday Party Places in Chicago Guide, too.

Heat Wave Hot List: Best Ways to Keep Cool in Chicago with Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 07/09/2023 - 8:02am

Paradise Bay Water Park will cool you down all day. Photo courtesy of the Lombard Park District

It can get hard to beat the heat during Chicago's late summer months. If you need to get your little ones out of the house and still keep cool, then you'll love this list. We’ve rounded up the ultimate list of beaches, pools, splash pads, and indoor air-conditioned things to do to beat the heat in Chicago. From swimming to splashing and all the great local indoor play spaces and museums, this guide has our favorite ways to take a break, cool off, and have some fun.

For more summer activities in Chicago, check out our Summer Fun Guide for Chicago Kids.

Best Sunflower Fields Near Chicago for Pick-Your-Own Flowers

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 07/07/2023 - 7:07am

The Thompson Strawberry Farm in Bristol, Wisconsin. Photo by the author

These sunflower fields near Chicago will ddd a little extra sunshine to your summer. Here, you can get out in nature, pick flowers, or stroll through a maze of sunflowers. For a day on the sunflower farm, make sure to pack bug spray, sunscreen, some kid-friendly scissors, pruners, and vases to get those gorgeous bouquets home. Bring your phone fully charged as well: These farms have amazing photo opportunities (we're talking holiday card potential)!

For more outdoor adventures in seasonal farm fun check out the best places to go strawberry picking as well as our favorite family farms near Chicago.

State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 07/02/2023 - 8:27am

State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources

State parks near Chicago offer the perfect family summer road trip. These state parks in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana are all under a 3-hour drive from downtown. There are campsites available for both tents and RVs. There are multiple trail options for hiking, beaches for swimming, and fun places for kids to fish, picnic, and kayak. The Illinois State Parks all offer free admission.

Summer is a great time to make a weekend out of hiking and swimming and everything else that state parks near Chicago have to offer. For more summer fun check out our picks for the Best Stroller Hikes, Hikes for Kids, and the 10 Campgrounds for Tent Camping near Chicago with Kids.