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

The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 08/13/2021 - 2:06pm

Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.

Children's outdoor birthday parties and parties at home are even more special this year. But even if you're just throwing a small backyard bash, you can still go big on the entertainment. The Chicago birthday party entertainers, artists, and rentals below will give your kid's home or outdoor birthday party a little something extra.

Fire truck rentals, video game trucks, magicians, puppets, princesses, special game setups...Chicago has everything you need for an exciting kids birthday party. And if you're up to the challenge of baking the cake yourself, we've got 10 great birthday cake ideas here.

For more great birthday party ideas, check out our lists for our favorite birthday party locations, virtual party ideas, and more.

Best Dance Classes for Kids in Chicago: Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, Online Dance

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sun, 08/08/2021 - 8:00am

Visceral Dance Studio. Photo by KT Miller Photography

From competition-level ballet to bitty baby movement classes, we’ve rounded up the best dance classes for kids in Chicago. The children's dance classes below range from baby and toddler classes all the way to pre-professional level dance courses. Dance is a great physical and creative activity for toddlers and kids. From ballet to break dancing, there’s no shortage of ways for your child to express themselves through movement.

30 Fun Things To Do in Madison with Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sat, 07/24/2021 - 8:38am

There's so much more to Madison than being the state capital. Though it also has a lovely State Capitol!

There’s a lot more to Madison than just being the capital of Wisconsin. Situated on two beautiful lakes sits the home of the University of Wisconsin, an epicenter of culture, great food, and (most importantly) so much family fun. From the children’s museum to the zoo and all the fun and festivities the university has to offer, you’ll find something for everyone in Madison. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway from Chicago or visiting the city as part of a Midwest tour that includes stops in Milwaukee and Minneapolis, here are our favorite things to do, places to eat, and outdoor activities in Madison.

For more weekend getaways check out our Family Friendly Weekend Getaway list and our Midwest Travel Guide.

10 Push-up Challenges for Kids That'll Make Everyone Sweat

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Tue, 07/13/2021 - 10:36am

These games make exercise feel like fun rather than work!

Sometimes you just need to get your kids moving. Push-ups are a great way to get the blood flowing, work on endurance, and help to build muscle strength. Of course with kids it's best to turn any kind of exercise into a game! From 'Pat-a-Cake' to the singing the ABCs, we've rounded up 10 push-up challenges and games that are anything but boring. Remember, the first one to fall or break from the push-up position is out.

For more active games to do with kids check out our monster exercise list.

12 Family-Friendly Summer Weekend Getaways near Chicago

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 07/02/2021 - 9:16am

See spectacular animals in a historic setting at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station.

Whether you need a beachside vacation or a cultural getaway in a (different) city, you don’t have to travel too far from Chicago to find it! All of the weekend getaways below are places you can drive to from Chicago— yet they feel like a world away. The trips include a hike under a waterfall, a boat ride through a city, an aquarium in a train station, and the water park capital of the world. From zoos to children’s museums to great nature escapes, we’ve highlighted several must-see attractions that make each getaway fun for the whole family.

Now, get the road trip snacks ready and enjoy the adventure. For more getaway ideas check out our Midwest Travel Guide and 20 Day Trips Near Chicago.

The 10 Best Campgrounds for Tent Camping near Chicago with Kids

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Fri, 06/25/2021 - 8:41am

Camping at Illinois State Beach Park. Photo courtesy of Illinois State Beach Park.

Nothing says summer like a camping trip. If your family is ready for a weekend sleeping under the stars, we've got you covered with a selection of nature escapes all within a couple of hours of Chicago. From beautiful forests to the shores of Lake Michigan, these serene retreats are the perfect places for roasting marshmallows and making family memories.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or this is your first time pitching a tent, we’ve rounded up some of the best campsites near Chicago for families. For more outdoor adventures, check out our picks for the best places to hike with kids and our Midwest Vacation Guide.

DuPage Children's Museum: An Insider's Guide

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Tue, 06/08/2021 - 11:44am

Everyone is happy that the DuPage Children's Museum is open again!

The DuPage Children's Museum is once again open to the public and accepting reservations! Since the weather in Chicago can be hit or miss all year round, indoor play options can be lifesavers. The DuPage Children’s Museum is one of my very favorite spots to bring my kids. It's a fun, safe, indoor play space that has some major educational bonus points. With hands-on experiences for kids of all ages, this museum was made for tinkering, exploring, and letting creativity flow. Read on for tips and ideas for how to get the most out of a visit to the DuPage Children’s Museum.

Amazing Lake Resorts in the Midwest for Family Summer Getaways

Submitted by Lauren LaRoche on Sat, 05/22/2021 - 7:11am

No need for castles in the air when you can build them in the sand at The Harbor Grand.

In the Midwest, there's nothing like summer on a lake. From kayaking to jumping off the swim pier, kids make memories that last a lifetime. To help plan a relaxed, sandy, summer vacation, we've rounded up our favorite family-friendly lake resorts. These resorts near Chicago range from lake resorts on nearby Geneva Lake or Green Lake to northern lake resorts in Door County, Wisconsin and Northern Michigan.

Each of these resorts features outdoor and indoor swimming options, water recreation, quaint nearby towns, and family-friendly suites, cottages, and accommodations. Parents can also enjoy nearby or on-site spas, golf, and plenty of lakeside sunsets.

Seeking even more inspiration for summer travel? Check out our Family Travel Guide for loads of family travel destinations, whether you're looking for day trip inspiration or you are ready to book a longer holiday at a family-friendly resort.