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

Top 10 Best Hotdogs in Chicago to Try with Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 04/17/2022 - 3:38pm

When it comes to hotdogs, the infamous Chicago-dog is a classic. The key to a great Chicago hotdog is arguably the toppings. A true Chicago hotdog comes complete with sport peppers, tomatoes, pickles, celery salt, onions, relish, and mustard on a poppy seed bun. You’ll notice the Chicago dog does not include ketchup. Some famous Chicago hotdog stands don’t even serve ketchup as an option.

If you’re looking for the best Chicago hotdogs in the city, we’ve got you covered. From the North side to the South side, we’ve rounded up the most famous hotdog stands and restaurants in Chicago. Grab the kids and get the hotdog crawl started (with or without ketchup, it's up to you). And for more dining recommendations, check out our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurant Guide.

10 Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago for a Family Vacation

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 04/10/2022 - 8:00am

Get packing and check out this list of hotels in Chicago for a family vacation.

Whether you’re a local looking for a fun downtown staycation or visiting the city from out of town, we’ve rounded up the best hotels in Chicago for a family vacation. There are literally hundreds of hotels in Chicago, so to narrow it down, we’ve picked hotels with fun amenities, indoor or outdoor pools, kid-friendly rooms, and great locations for family fun. Get packing and check out this list of hotels in Chicago for a family vacation.

For more family-friendly activities and things to see, visit our Chicago Visitor's Guide. If you're looking for great attractions to visit, check out our guide for the Top Tourist Attractions in Chicago for Kids.

12 Animal Encounters and Petting Zoos near Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 04/08/2022 - 8:28am

Photo courtesy of Pioneer Farm, Facebook

Whether you’re looking for adorable baby farm animals or even fully grown exotic animals, we’ve got you covered. From the city to the suburbs and southern Wisconsin, we’ve rounded up some of the best animal encounters, local farms, and petting zoos near Chicago. A few petting zoos near Chicago are also open for year-round fun.

For more animal and farm fun check out our list of the Best Zoos and Aquariums in Chicago for Kids and our picks for the Best Farms with Family Entertainment.

Fun Ways for Kids to Celebrate National Siblings Day 2022

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Tue, 04/05/2022 - 12:00pm

Siblings are friends for life! Photo by Matthew Nighswander

Siblings can often seem like they're on an emotional roller coaster—best of friends one minute and at each other's throats the next. But no matter how much they may argue and fight, siblings also share a bond like no other. On National Siblings Day 2022, kids can celebrate that bond in some fun and special ways.

Each year, National Siblings Day is celebrated on April 10. National Siblings Day 2022 happens to fall on a weekend (a Sunday), so that means there's even more time to have fun! Though it may not rank up there with Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, or Halloween, your kiddos will surely enjoy showing each other how much they mean to each other.

Here are 10 fun ways for kids to celebrate National Siblings Day on April 10, 2022.

Top 10 Skate Parks Near Chicago for Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 04/03/2022 - 1:58am

There are lots of options for indoor and outdoor skate parks near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Schaumburg Park District

As skateboarding becomes popular again, there is more access to beautiful new skate parks near Chicago. Often, these skate parks are free year-round. From the city to the suburbs, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best skate parks near Chicago. Check out our favorite Chicago skate parks to try with your aspiring skaters.

How to Plan a Kids' Birthday Party At Home

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Tue, 03/15/2022 - 12:42pm

Plan the perfect at-home kids' birthday party with these ideas and tips. Photo by Kampus Production via Pexels

Planning a kids' birthday party can be as stressful as it is fun. You've got to think about the food, the guest list, the decorations, and so much more. But before you can get to all those details, you have to decide where the party will be. And if you're on a budget—or you just want a more private event—having the birthday party at home can be a great option.

To help you plan the perfect birthday bash, we've rounded up loads of kids' birthday party ideas, from yummy kids' birthday party food and festive decorations to fun party favors and birthday party games for kids. No matter what birthday theme your kiddo is into or how many people you’re inviting, we have ideas for every size party and budget. By following our tips and tricks, your next kids' birthday party is sure to be a stress-free success.

For more kids' birthday party ideas and inspiration, check out our ultimate Birthday Party Ideas Guide. Party on!

St. Patrick's Day 2022: Kid-Friendly Events and Parades in Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 03/11/2022 - 11:53pm

St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Chicago, photo courtesy of U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Michel Sauret, (CC BY 2.0)

St. Patrick’s Day parades in Chicago are among some of the best in the country. From the famous Chicago River dyeing to local St. Patrick's Day parades on every side of the city and suburbs, we’ve rounded up some of the best St. Patrick’s Day parades and events for kids. While many of the usual festivities took a break over the past two years, almost all the staple events are back this year, and even some new additions for the wee ones.

For more fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with kids check out our Funny Leprechaun Tricks and Trap Ideas for Kids as well as our list of the Best Things to do in March with Kids.

Things to do with Kids in Chicago's West Loop

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 03/06/2022 - 8:08am

Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook

In Chicago, the West Loop is known for its vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. It’s also home to the historic Greek Town neighborhood and where the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks call home. So where do you go when you’re venturing into the West Loop of Chicago with kids? We’ve got you covered. From traditional Greek food to amazing facilities for kids to climb, jump, and get their energy out, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite places to go in the West Loop with kids.

Check out our Chicago Visitor's Guide for more things to do with kids in Chicago's neighborhoods.