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

Our Favorite Things to Do with Kids in Bucktown and Wicker Park

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 10/24/2021 - 8:02am

The iconic ConAgra mural in Chicago, created by artist Jeff Zimmermann, is visible from the 606 elevated Bloomingdale Trail. Photo courtesy of jazim.com

With their funky vibe, cool art scene, great parks, and the 606 trail, there’s no shortage of things to do in the sister neighborhoods of Bucktown and Wicker Park in Chicago. From the trail to the treats, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite kid-friendly places the whole family will enjoy. We’re talking some of the best burgers in town, one-of-a-kind murals, indoor play spaces, an elevated train trail, and more — all in one area of Chicago.

The Best Christmas Towns in the Midwest

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 10/22/2021 - 8:01am

Visit Santa at the Midwestern Christmas town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, photo courtesy of cedarburgfestival.org

Transport your family to an idyllic Christmas town right out of A Christmas Carol. With cobblestone streets and picturesque brick storefronts, a visit to a Christmas town is a magical place to Christmas shop, visit Santa, and get into the holiday spirit. From Santa Claus, Indiana to Duluth, Minnesota, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas towns in the Midwest for shopping, sleigh rides, Santa sightings, Christmas caroling, tree lightings, and more.

For a full list of Christmas towns across the country, check out the Top Christmas Towns and Villages to Visit in the U.S. And for more holiday ideas, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families.

The Ultimate List of Cute and Unique Grandparent Names

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Thu, 10/07/2021 - 10:30am

Pick out a grandparent name befitting their special relationship with the grandkids. Photo by André Sala

Grandparents often have a special bond with their grandkids—and that unique relationship calls for an extra special name. Many grandparent names have cultural or family significance while others are made up by the first grandchild...possibly whatever they can pronounce at that age! From grandpa to pawpaw ,and all the adorable names in between, we’ve rounded up the ultimate list of grandparent names, including both traditional and unique options.

Best Kids Art Classes in Chicago: Painting, Yarn, Pottery, Toddler, and More

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 09/26/2021 - 10:04pm

Kids can try knitting or crochet classes at Sisters Art Studio.

If you have a little artist looking to master their skills, you’ve come to the right place. From sculpting and pottery to knitting and drawing, we’ve rounded up the best kids’ art classes in Chicago. Our list includes everything from creative, fun art classes for toddlers to more advanced fine arts programs for big kids. Plus, there's a class in Chicago for every schedule: reoccurring weekly classes, camps, after-school classes, and virtual on-demand options.

25 Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Thu, 09/23/2021 - 10:49am

Breakfast burritos are healthy, filling, and an be made ahead.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but breakfast ideas are hard to come by, and it's easy to fall into a rut. A good breakfast gives kids the fuel they need to take on school, play, and everything in between, so healthy breakfast ideas (that kids will actually eat!) are as valuable as gold.

We even have easy breakfast ideas you can make in just a few minutes on a busy weekday morning—your kids will take longer to find their missing shoe than it will take for you to make some of these recipes! From protein-packed pancakes to two-minute muffins, these breakfast ideas are sure to get your kids off to a great start. For more meal ideas (including 100 School Lunch Ideas for Kids), check out our Easy Recipes for Kids Guide.

The Best Things to Do In Chicago's River North and Gold Coast Neighborhoods with Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 09/10/2021 - 6:01pm

Spectacular city views of the Chicago Skyline in River North. Photo courtesy of Wendella Boat Tours.

Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, there are plenty of things to do in River North and Gold Coast, two of Chicago's most-visited neighborhoods. Out of town visitors and Chicago locals looking for a fun family staycation, will find it all here. To help you plan the ultimate day or weekend in River North and the Gold Coast, we’ve rounded up our favorite things to do with kids in those neighborhoods. Plus, we have the most kid-friendly places to eat and stay in Chicago.

From amazing hotel pools and in-room ice cream service to shopping and sightseeing, this is your go-to guide to visiting River North and the Gold Coast with kids. Let’s get started planning your big Chicago trip.

If you want to venture into other Chicago neighborhoods, check out our 100 Things To Do in Chicago with Kids post. For more neighborhood guides, day trip ideas, and things to do with kids, check out the Mommy Poppins Travel Section.

50 Fun Activities for Grandparents To Do with Kids: For Grandparents' Day and Every Day

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Tue, 09/07/2021 - 12:10pm

The best gift on Grandparents' Day is just more time with grandkids! Photo by Rodnae Productions, Pexels.

National Grandparents' Day is the Sunday after Labor Day, and to honor the occasion we’ve put together the ultimate list of fun things for grandparents to do with kids. Whether they have a weekend sleepover planned or just an afternoon visit, this list is sure to keep kids (and grandparents) entertained and making marvelous memories. Because let’s face it, while kids never get enough time with grandma and grandpa, sometimes the generation gap can make it hard to think of things to do together.

If grandparents live far away or you’re keeping things virtual, check out our list of activities you can do with grandparents on Zoom. And remember, the best gift for grandparents on Grandparents' Day is simply more time with grandkids!

Things To Do in Wrigleyville with Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 08/15/2021 - 2:41pm

Calling all Chicago Cubs fans! Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville is the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs. Located just west of Lake Michigan in the center of Lakeview, Wrigleyville is a neighborhood all its own. Since its post-World Series makeover in 2016, Wrigley Field and Wrigleyville have undergone a massive facelift.

If you’re planning on taking the kids to a game or just to walk around the neighborhood, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about exploring Wrigleyville with kids. From where to stay and what to eat, this guide has the details to family fun in Wrigleyville.