Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

St. Joseph with Kids: Best Things to Do in St. Joseph, MI

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 06/11/2023 - 8:09am

White, sandy beaches line St. Joseph. Photo by Maureen Wilkey

Summer in the Chicago area is all about Lake Michigan. The Third Coast has lots of great beaches, but sometimes, it's fun to get out of the city and take your family somewhere more relaxing. We decide to try out St. Joseph, Michigan, and we loved it so much we ended up going back the next summer, too. The town has a beachy feel with a few less crowds than Lake Geneva. And it's less than two hours away, even from the western suburbs. Stay two nights for a quick getaway, or move up to three nights if you feel like a couple of relaxing beach days.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in St. Joseph and the surrounding areas! For beaches even closer to Chicago, try our Best Beaches in Chicago for Families article, and don't forget to plan a few more Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways this summer as well.

Chicago's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 06/09/2023 - 5:14pm

Take in a free summer concert in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way

Free outdoor concerts in Chicago mean that families can spend their summer listening to a wide array of colorful local children's musicians, cover bands, and other acts. The Chicago Park District hosts free concerts almost every day in different parks throughout the city, or families can hear music at Navy Pier, Harper Court, or Gallagher Way. Suburban families don't have to make it to city limits to get in on the action. Many suburban park districts host free weekly outdoor concerts and shows near Chicago for kids of all ages.

We recommend finding comfortable lawn chairs or a quality picnic blanket and a favorite grocer or restaurant to acquire a picnic dinner as these concerts could become a weekly or monthly staple for your kids! The shows on this list are family friendly, but be sure to check the artists ahead of time to ensure your child(ren) will be interested enough in the music to sit through a whole set. Consider sitting farther back or bringing earplugs for sound sensitive kids.

Here's some great free concerts in Chicago this summer, and don't forget to check out our Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more fun things to do.

34 Best Things to Do in Chicago June 2023 with Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 05/28/2023 - 11:30am

Windy City Hot Dog Fest is one of the many fun things to do with kids this June. Photo courtesy of Chicago Events

Looking for things to do in Chicago this June 2023? We have a list of festivals, outdoor movies, and more things to do with kids this June.

101 Summer Festivals and Fairs in Chicago for Families

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 05/26/2023 - 7:14am

There's a family-friendly festival for everyone this summer in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Last Fling in Naperville

Summer festivals in Chicago stretch across over three months of fun. The debut of warmer weather prompts a head-spinning number of fantastic fetes with so many different themes, cultures, and neighborhoods, it's easy to find a fair or festival near Chicago for everyone in the family.

So while your local playground or pool may beckon and your backyard grill may look lonely, you’ve simply got to sample a street fair or two this summer. Bookmark this list and get your calendar (and some comfy shoes) ready. And check out our Chicago Summer Fun Guide for even more great kid and family activities and outings.

39 Free Outdoor Movies in Chicago this Summer for Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 05/21/2023 - 6:20pm

Millennium Park Summer Film Series offers free outdoor movies in Chicago. Photo courtesy of chicago.gov

Free outdoor movies in Chicago and the suburbs celebrate the things that summer is made for: treats, the outdoors, and staying up past bedtime. In Chicago, you can go see a movie at a landmark destination, like Navy Pier or Millennium Park, or just enjoy a night out under the stars in your favorite neighborhood or suburban park.

Want to see a movie in your car? Check out one of our favorite drive-in destinations. Have kids that aren't big enough to stay up past dark on a long summer night? Try out our list of favorite toddler playgrounds or water parks for little ones that are just as good during the day.

Pack your blanket or chair, bag of popcorn, juice or soda, and head out to one of the more than 30 locations we've found to see an outdoor movie in Chicago this summer!

Best Strawberry Picking in Chicago and Summer Strawberry Festivals

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 05/19/2023 - 7:11am

Strawberries taste sweeter when you pick them yourself at one of these berry picking farms near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Olive Berry Acres

Pick-your-own strawberries always taste even better that usual! As summer arrives in the Midwest, families can visit local farms near Chicago and do some strawberry picking starting in June, with blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and even gooseberries (if you know what to do with those!) in July and August. We found 14 farms within 90 minutes of Chicago where kids can get some fresh air and go strawberry picking as they enjoy a summer day trip near Chicago. And don't miss the strawberry festivals happening in June.

The Best Amusement Parks Near Chicago for Families

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 05/14/2023 - 8:04am

Ride high on Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America.

With so many great amusement parks near Chicago, you can skip the trip to Orlando or Los Angeles this summer and save it for when you need to beat the cold. There are plenty of places to get a day of rides, games, and greasy foods right near Chicago. Whether your kids are thrill-seekers looking for big roller coaster drops or beginners just learning about going on rides, the Chicago area has the perfect amusement park for everyone in the family.

If your family is looking for more thrills and rides in the great outdoors, try zipping through the trees at one of Chicago's aerial adventure parks or riding down the Chicago River on a power or paddle boat. And be sure to keep an eye on our event calendar, which is rapidly filling up with more events every day.

Best Outdoor Dining in Chicago at Family-Friendly Restaurants

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 05/12/2023 - 11:03am

The Royal Grocer is a Bucktown neighborhood family-friendly restaurant (with tiki torches)!

Chicago restaurants with patios offer a way for families to enjoy a meal out without worrying about their kids making messes or noise. And it's the perfect time of year for outdoor dining in Chicago. Many restaurants vastly expanded their outdoor seating areas (and tricked them out!) during the pandemic, and now families can take advantage of the gorgeous weather and outdoor seating to dine out in style.

From grilled sausage to whole roasted duck and lazy coffee-fueled brunches to late afternoon pretzel-fueled beer breaks, these are our favorite Chicago-area outdoor restaurants where families can enjoy a delicious meal outside their own four walls. And don't forget to check our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurant Guide for more recommendations.