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

Kid-Friendly Spas and Kid Spa Parties in Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 03/17/2023 - 1:03am

Hit the spa with your kid for a spa party in Chicago. Photo by Lisa Gagne for Canva

Some salons and spas in Chicago offer services for kids, perfect for birthday parties, celebrating a special occasion, or as a bonding activity over manicures. Whatever the reason for treating your kid (and/or yourself!) we've rounded up some of our favorite kid-friendly spas and spa parties in Chicago. From mommy and me spa days to birthday pedicures, these are some amazing spas, nail salons, and spa party venues. Many of the kid-friendly spas below offer private kids spa parties and there's also a mobile beauty bar that can deliver a spa party at home.

For more birthday party ideas check out our favorite Indoor Kids Birthday Party Venues in Chicago and the Ultimate List of Birthday Party Entertainment and Rentals.

Exploring the New Houston Family Play Tree House at Lincoln Park Zoo

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Tue, 02/28/2023 - 10:58pm

The Houston Family Play Tree House at Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo by Lauren LaRoche

If you’re looking for a free outing in Chicago, the Lincoln Park Zoo is likely already high on your list. The new Houston Family Play Tree House has recently opened in the zoo, making it an even more fun place to explore with kids. Plus, the tree house is located indoors, making it a great stop even if the weather isn’t optimal for walking around the zoo.

This accessible play space is replacing the former Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo and has play features that appeal to children up to about the age of 10. For more fun with kids in Lincoln Park, be sure to check out our Lincoln Park neighborhood guide for some great places to check out with kids before or after your zoo trip.

Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 02/24/2023 - 8:44am

Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg

Looking for themed restaurants in Chicago? Here are our favorite themed restaurants for kids.

These themed restaurants in Chicago turn a regular meal into a whole event. You can head to one of these themed venues to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion, or just to entertain your kids for a few hours while you eat. With interactive animals, trains that bring your dinner, and jousting knights, these themed restaurants for kids in Chicago are more of an experience than a restaurant. Whether you’re after an arcade, high tea with dolls, or a milkshake as big as your head, there’s something for everyone on this restaurant round-up below.

For more great Chicago restaurants for kids check out these unique restaurants for outdoor dining and our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurant Guide.

Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 02/17/2023 - 10:34am

Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders

Looking for ninja warrior classes in Chicago? We have a list of the best ninja warrior gyms and climbing gyms in Chicago.

If you have a little one who is prone to climbing the furniture, walls, and anything else they can, this is a round-up for you. We've gathered up the best ninja warrior courses and climbing gyms in Chicago. In addition to the drop-in play, each ninja warrior location or climbing gym below offers weekly training classes and monthly membership options. Many also have after-school care or summer camps. You can also host birthday parties and private events for a ninja warrior birthday party. Adults can also get in on the ninja or climbing action.

For more indoor activities, check out our Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids.

Best Indoor Water Parks Near Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 02/05/2023 - 11:30pm

Have some fun in the water even in the winter at one of these indoor water parks near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Kalahari Resort

Indoor water parks near Chicago will let you have a fun day swimming with your family without a plane ticket to a tropical destination. There are plenty of indoor water parks near Chicago with tube slides, lazy rivers, and even wave pools to help you beat those winter blues. We’ve grouped these indoor water parks by location so you can see which are easily done in a day trip and which would require a mini-road trip or staycation.

For more indoor family fun, check out our guide to indoor play spaces for Chicago kids. And if you're just looking for swimming without a bunch of slides, we also have a list of Best Indoor Swimming Pools in Chicago.

3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 01/27/2023 - 1:06am

The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck

Looking for things to do when visiting Chicago with kids? We've got you covered with this three day itinerary packed with kid-friendly activities in Chicago.

Chicago is a great city to explore with kids. From the food to the museums and parks, there is something for everyone to do, see, and eat. To help you plan the ultimate 3-day trip with your family, we’ve rounded up our favorite kid-friendly activities you can pack into a long weekend.

When visiting Chicago, it’s always wise to have a few alternate and indoor options mapped out as well. In one weekend, you could see a little of all four seasons. Check out our Free Things To Do in Chicago On Cold and Rainy Days for bad weather alternatives that won't cost you extra cash. And while we list many food options below, you can also peruse our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurants Guide. Lastly, you'll probably want to check out our Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago.

If you're staying in town and plan to visit multiple attractions in the Chicago area (we’re looking at you, people with visiting relatives you’ll be squiring around town), it’s worth it to look into a Go City - Chicago sightseeing pass to save money on entrance fees to attractions like the Navy Pier, Field Museum, the aquarium, and the planetarium.

Local Baby Stores in Chicago For Gifts, Gear, and More

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 01/22/2023 - 8:13am

Looking for baby stores in Chicago? Here's a list of local favorites.

Stroller, high chairs, loveys, clothes...it's amazing how many things babies need. Luckily, these baby stores in Chicago specialize in everything you need to outfit and care for your baby, or to gift to an expectant parent in your life. From strollers to clothing, these shops have it all. While all of these shops have physical locations, they all have great websites, and many also have baby registries.

Baby gear can add up fast, so cut your costs with this article on How to Get Free Baby Stuff. Then you can focus on Finding the Right Daycare, and maybe registering for Baby Swimming Classes.

Best Coffee Shops in Chicago to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 01/15/2023 - 11:21pm

Looking for the best coffee shops in Chicago that are also kid-friendly? These Chicago coffee shops have kid-friendly environments AND caffeine.

Some days you just want to treat yourself to a nice cup of coffee out of the house, or stop to rest with a beverage during a busy afternoon with family activities. Before you look to convenient chain drive-thru locations to power you through, read on.

You don't have to stop going to cool local coffee shops just because you have kids! And with the right coffee shop kid-friendly entertainment, you might even get to drink your coffee while it's still hot. The city and suburban coffee shops below are all kid-friendly and great for getting some much-needed caffeine. Some are indoor play areas with attached cafés, and others are award-winning coffee shops that happen to have kid-friendly environments.

Check out our recommendations here for indoor play spaces for kids and 50 awesome things to do indoors in Chicago with kids.