Maureen Wilkey

Latest posts by Maureen

21 Free Things To Do in Chicago on Cold and Rainy Days: Indoor Places To Play

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 01/08/2023 - 10:53pm

Head to the free Artist's Studio on cold and rainy days. Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago

Looking for free things to do indoors in Chicago? Check out our list of free indoor playgrounds and more.

With winter comes the inevitable cabin fever of having small children cooped up inside a house or apartment. Whether your kids enjoy exploring nature, climbing, shopping, or curling up with a good book, we’ve got more than 20 suggestions of FREE things to do so that you can get them out of the house. Check out free events like seasonal flower shows at the Garfield Park Conservatory or story times at Chicago Public Libraries.

We recommend checking the website of each venue for hours and potential weather-related closings before taking a trip outdoors—nothing is worse than spending 20 minutes getting little hats and mittens on only to discover that the place you were hoping to go is closed. Also, brief yourself on parking availability or public transportation delays before you hit the road. Then, have fun!

Looking for more free stuff to do? Check out our free museum days all year round or our favorite outdoor skating rinks or sledding hills for winter fun.

Igloos, Carhops, and Greenhouses: Fun Chicago Outdoor Restaurants for Winter Family Dining

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 01/06/2023 - 10:30am

Try outdoor winter dining in an igloo. Photo courtesy of the Lakefront Restaurant's Facebook page

One idea that became extremely popular during the pandemic is outdoor dining and private dining experiences. From igloos to greenhouses, and heated outdoor patios, we've rounded up some of our favorite outdoor dining experiences. When you're in need of a fun outdoor gathering without freezing in the cold, these restaurants have you covered.

For more family-friendly restaurants check out our picks for the best family-friendly restaurants in Chicago. Any of these spots pair nicely with one of our kid-friendly winter activities.

Best of January: 18 Top Things To Do In Chicago With Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 12/30/2022 - 8:44am

Photo courtesy of the Chicago International Puppet Theatre Festival

2022 brought the coldest Chistmas in recent memory, but that means kids can look forward to a variety of frozen winter things to do in Chicago in January 2023 as days get longer. Start off with one of the handful of light shows still hanging around after the holidays, like Illumination at the Morton Arboretum (it's been extended to January 7), or Winter Lights at Central Park in Oak Brook. Move on to some cold weather nature activities, including Polar Adventure Days on Northerly Island or Snow Trekking in the nature sancturary at Burnham Park. Puppets are also taking over Chicago at the Chopin Theater's Icicle Picnic and the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival.

The end of winter break and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day provide long weekend opportunities for families to take one of our favorite winter day trips from Chicago. We also have lists for the best places to skate, snow tube, and sled. Check out our Winter Fun Guide for even more ideas of what to do if it gets cold or snowy,

Here are our best ideas for things to do in January in Chicago with kids.

23 New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other Chicago Celebrations for Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 12/23/2022 - 8:03am

Bubble Bash New Year's Celebration. Photo by Rick Beato for the Dupage Children's Museum

Looking for New Year's Eve celebrations in Chicago without the late night? Most kids and some adults can't make it up until midnight in typical New Year's Eve celebrations. That's why lots of Chicago area kids' venues have put together events to celebrate Noon Year's on the last midday of the year. Many have even created New Year's Eve celebrations with multiple time slots to avoid crowding and maximize fun. Celebrate with bubbles at DuPage Children's Museum, enjoy roller skating in Mundelein or on the South Side, or bowl or play bocce to end 2022 at Pinstripes locations in Streeterville, Oak Brook, South Barrington or Northbrook.

Here's What's Open on Christmas Day in Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Tue, 12/13/2022 - 11:43am

Photo courtesy of the Garfield Park Conservatory, open on Christmas in Chicago.

Searching for places open on Christmas Day in Chicago? Here are 10 things to do on Christmas Day in Chicago.

On Christmas morning, kids run downstairs, tear through the presents, eat a sweet breakfast... and then what? For families who want special things to do on Christmas Day after the dust settles, or for those looking to get out at the least crowded times, there are still several places open on Christmas Day in Chicago to enjoy with your loved ones. Many outdoor venues, like the Morton Arboretum and Chicago Botanic Garden, would be a fantastic place for a White Christmas, while Willis Tower's SkyDeck provides a unique opportunity to view the city's holiday lights from above. Take in a holiday favorite movie at ChiTown Drive-in or warm up with some tropical flowers at Garfield Park Conservatory or Wilder Park Conservatory.

We've rounded up 10 fun things to do on Christmas Day in Chicago for families who want to get out of the house. Be sure to also check out our guide to holiday and Christmas activities for more fun on or around the holidays.

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping Ideas Kids Can Do: Holiday and Christmas Gift Wrap with Less Waste

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Thu, 12/08/2022 - 12:00pm

The Furoshiki method is a practical way to wrap gifts using pieces of cloth. Photo courtesy of Invaluable

Every year, Americans use about 4.6 million pounds of birthday, holiday, and Christmas gift wrap... and only about half of that wrapping paper gets recycled. That's 2.3 million pounds of glittery, inky, foiled paper going into landfills around the country. But there are loads of gift wrapping ideas that cut back on waste. These eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas involve using cloth, reused paper, metal, wood, or cardboard to wrap gifts; in addition to that, they add a personal touch from your kids.

Here are 13 eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas that will help put less holiday and Christmas gift wrap into landfills this holiday season. For more ways to help save the planet, check out our Earth Kids Guide, and sign up for our Earth Kids newsletter.

Best of December: Top Things To Do in Chicago with Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 12/02/2022 - 5:57pm

Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza

The holidays are here, and December 2022 brings the return of indoor holiday events, concerts, and shows. Enjoy some Chicago favorite sing-along traditions in Millennium Park and at the Music Box Theater, bringing cheer to the holiday season as carolers sing among the beautifully decorated park or along with their favorite films. Live performances, including perennial favorites like the Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker and the Goodman Theater's A Christmas Carol are joined by the adorable visiting Bluey's Big Play. Celebrate the holidays in another culture with events at the Irish American Cultural Center, Swedish American Museum, or DANK Haus.

Santas are ready for kids to return to their sets for Santa pictures at malls across the city and suburbs. There are at least 20 places to go see The Nutcracker in the city or within an hour drive. And opening this month are plenty of outdoor skating rinks to glide across. But don't forget, your Elf on the Shelf is watching!

Don't forget to sign up for our free monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest news and events. From all of us at Mommy Poppins, Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!

Pictures with Santa in Chicago: Where to See Santa in Chicagoland

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 11/25/2022 - 11:00am

Take your pictures with Santa at the 900 N Michigan Shops. Photo courtesy of the shops

Ready for some classic pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus this holiday season? You can get pictures with Santa in Chicago at Wrigley Field or catch a movie with him in Woodridge. If you prefer the traditional mall Santa pictures, you can find him at Water Tower Place, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, and so many more spots (see below for our favorites!). City dwellers seem to love getting their pictures with Santa taken at Macy's, while suburbanites flock to Bass Pro Shop for their Santa photos experience.

While you're making your holiday schedule, don't forget to check out one of our favorite light shows or Nutcracker performances throughout the city and suburbs. There are plenty of free ways to celebrate the holidays in and around Chicago, and lots of other seasonal ideas in our Guide to Holidays and Christmas Activities.