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 Midwest Overnight Summer Camps for Kids and Teens

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Mon, 02/28/2022 - 11:27am

Camp Walden is a popular overnight summer camp in the Midwest. Photo courtesy of Camp Walden in Michigan

Overnight or sleep away summer camp is one of those iconic childhood rights of passage. These magical places are where kids make new friends, unplug from screens, and get out of their comfort zone. With activities such as kayaking, horseback riding, ceramics, and archery, it's no wonder some summer camps offer stays ranging from mini-week camps up to entire season stays. From Illinois to Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, we've rounded up some of the top overnight summer camps in the Midwest.

For more great camp listings, check out our ultimate summer camp guide as well as our summer camp directory for more day camps, summer camps, and overnight camps. You can sort summer camp listings by age, interest, and more. Happy camping!

Black-Owned Businesses to Discover in Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 02/04/2022 - 8:36am

Semicolon is a Black-owned bookstore in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Semicolon

In celebration of Black History Month, we've rounded up some Black-owned businesses in Chicago, including restaurants, shops, and boutiques. We’ve also included some information on local culture and history museums in Chicago to explore. With a city so rich in Black history, this list is just a sampling of the many great businesses throughout the city.

And to celebrate Black History Month at home, check out this list of 30+ children's books.

5 Best Mini Meatloaf Recipes: Kid-Sized and Kid-Approved

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Thu, 01/06/2022 - 11:50am

Quaker Oats' mini meatloaf recipe uses oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs, making it gluten-free. Photo courtesy of Quaker Oats

Meatloaf is a savory and comforting dinner classic. On a busy weeknight with picky kids, it might not be possible (or necessary) to spend an hour in the kitchen making a full meatloaf when everyone is hungry and tired. This is where the kid-sized mini meatloaf comes to the rescue. Kids eat anything when it’s mini, right?

Here’s our roundup of five kid-sized and kid-approved mini meatloaf recipes. All of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time for a quick dinner you can pull out of the freezer. For even more recipes kids will love, check out our favorite kid-friendly recipes of 2021.

15 Awesome Things that Opened in Chicago for Kids in 2021

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 8:22am

Chicago's Field Museum came alive with Wild Color in 2021. Photo courtesy of the museum

In 2021, Chicago saw an awesome variety of new kid-friendly exhibits, activities, restaurants, pop-ups, and more for families. Many of these new places in Chicago for kids came as unique options to give people a way to get out and enjoy time together during a trying year. If you didn’t get a chance to visit some of the great spots on this list in 2021, these are all open for business and ready for exploration in 2022.

The Best Winter Day Trips Near Chicago for Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 12/17/2021 - 8:22am

Visit the Ice Castles in Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of Geneva National Resort

Winter in Chicago can feel long. Luckily, there’s no shortage of fun things to do both indoors and out. From museums to outdoor snow fun and nearby states to visit, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite winter day trips near Chicago to do with kids. These are perfect for that post-holiday stretch when you just need to get the kids out of the house and into a fun winter adventure, whether it's a short drive away or a local activity that takes most of the day.

For more travel guides and winter activities, check out our Chicago Family Travel Guide here.

20 Fun Christmas Games for the Whole Family: Start a New Holiday Tradition

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Tue, 12/14/2021 - 9:55am

First word, sounds like... Photo by Mommy Poppins

Christmas games are a great way to encourage a little fun and family teamwork (or friendly competition) at holiday gatherings. We’ve rounded up some free Christmas games you can make yourself, as well as some fun Christmas games you can buy. These games are great for Christmas at home—or any kid-friendly holiday event. Most of the games on this list are easy for kids and adults of all ages to enjoy, and when you find one your whole family adores, playing it can become a new family annual tradition. Read on below for our favorite Christmas games – family edition. Let the giggles and holiday fun begin!

Don't miss our Guide to Christmas Activities and Holiday Fun for Kids for more holiday-themed family fun from the Best Christmas Movies for the Whole Family to Christmas Cookies To Bake With Kids and more.

All Aboard the Holiday Santa Cruise in Lake Geneva

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Thu, 12/09/2021 - 10:58am

Photograph courtesy of Lake Geneva Cruise Lines.

The Santa Cruise is a festive experience for the entire family. This lake cruise is a fun way to see holiday lights, visit Santa, and experience a family Christmas outing on the beautiful Lake Geneva. Just a quick hour and a half from downtown Chicago, you’ll find the adorable town of Williams Bay, home to Pier 290 and Gage Marina which hosts their annual Santa Cruise from Thanksgiving weekend through December 30th. From how to buy tickets to what to wear, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the Santa Cruise Lake Geneva.

For more holiday travel ideas check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families.

Top 10 Christmas Tree Farms Near Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 11/12/2021 - 1:16pm

Find the perfect Christmas tree at one of these tree farms near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the author

If you’re looking to skip the Christmas tree lot this year, then check out this list of our favorite Christmas tree farms near Chicago. Whether you’re looking to grab one that’s pre-cut, fresh from the farm, or to cut-your-own Christmas tree, this list has them all. Many of these adorable Christmas tree farms near Chicago also have festive treats, gift shops, and hayrides out to the fields. While many farms on this list offer saws and twine to cut and transport your tree, you’re also welcome to bring your own. This can help you avoid the lines and keep the wait times with little ones to a minimum. A few farms, noted below are also pet friendly.

For more festive, holiday fun, check out our Holiday Guide for Kids.