
Go on an adventure
with your kids in tow.
Photo credit: crisologo.photography
Travel Itinerary Planning
Does the thought of planning
a family vacation overwhelm you?


I was featured in a Redfin article! Check it out here: Beyond Chicago: Embarking on Evanston’s
Exciting Bucket List

Hello.
My name is Kristel.

Welcome to On the Go with 4 Kids in Tow, where I share all the family adventures my husband and I do with….. (you guessed it!) 4 kids in tow.
This site will eventually be filled with all the family friendly indoor and outdoor activities you can think of in both the city and suburbs of Chicago, along with more specific ideas on birthday party venues, volunteer opportunities and special events going on each season. You will also find information on all our travel destinations, including detailed itineraries and food & lodging recommendations.
So, no matter if you have 1 child or 10, I hope to share our family adventures so it can help you plan your time with your own kids in tow!
From igloos to cabanas to greenhouses, check out all these restaurants that have continued the unique and fun option to enjoy a private dining experience outdoors, during the frigid winter months!
‘Tis the season for holiday markets and festive decor! But even better if you pair that with a local farm that sells fresh produce, baked goods or Christmas trees, or has a petting and feeding zoo.
Halloween season is a popular, fan-favorite amongst us Chicagoans— and for good reason: we’ve got some of the most festive and exciting events all over the area! Don't miss these amazing family-friendly special events, parades, fall festivals and jack-o-lantern displays.
Who’s ready for all the fall festivities?? Pumpkin patches, halloween events, fall festivals and fun on the farm, surrounds the city and suburbs. From no frills to high frills, to your favorite instagrammable photo ops and special spooky events, I've got a great list for you!
It's here! The fresh, crisp fall air! How can you not love this season?? And what better way to enjoy the fall weather, than at an apple orchard! From low frills orchards to orchards with family fun attractions and fall festivals, I’ve got a great list below of popular u-pick apple orchards outside of the Chicagoland area.
Are you looking for something truly unique to do with your kids? Take a trip on a Metra train! There are 11 different train lines to choose from, each with multiple stops that are sure to entertain your kids.
Head lice has a negative stigma to it, but there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of if someone in your household gets it! And if you are like me, and you have no idea what to do if someone gets lice, the last thing you want is to be in a huge pinch, if and when it does happen to you.
For those with older kids, sometimes they want more than a small aquatic center and swimming pool, and that’s ok! Good thing is, we have some very thrilling water amusement parks near us, that can feed those adventure-seekers of yours!
It’s so easy to plan a staycation when you live in or so close to such an amazing city as Chicago. Between the world-class museums, popular tourist attractions, outdoor parks and beaches, broadway theater and so much more, you will never come up short of ideas for the perfect staycation!
Splash pads are the best summer water activity to do with young kids! It doesn’t take as much work as it does going to a beach, and there’s no safety worries as there are with swimming pools. Instead, your child gets to run around the entire zero-depth splash pad, with lots of water play activities and spray features!
The perfect quick getaway for a long weekend is in and around Madison, Wisconsin! From poplar attractions such as Epic, Little Amerricka and The House on the Rock, to smaller hidden gems like the Henry Vilas Zoo and Ian’s Pizza, you will never be short of fun-filled activities to do with your kids!
No matter if you’re looking for thrill rides or rides geared towards kids or families, you’ll be sure to find a fun amusement park nearby Chicago! From outdoor amusement parks to indoor entertainment centers, we’ve also got theme parks for you that are worth the 2 hr drive.
I think many are surprised to learn how many amazing beaches we have in the city and Chicagoland area. Not just on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, but also on the suburban inland lakes and quarries. Read on for the best beaches around Chicago. Which ones will you be heading to this summer?
It’s Farmers Market season and boy, do we have some good ones all over the city of Chicago and around the Chicagoland suburbs! So get outside and support these local vendors for the freshest produce, handmade goods, artisan crafts & jewelry and so much more.
One of the best things to do during the long Chicago winters, is to take a quick trip to a hotel resort with an indoor waterpark! It’s no wonder then, as to why there are so many great waterpark resorts to choose from that are only a few hours driving distance from Chicago… including the Waterpark Capital of the World: Wisconsin Dells!