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!

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!

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.

Like the majority of families, the influx of backyard toys that parents bought during 2020, was a list a mile-long. We definitely stocked up on what we could that year; and now, years later, our kids are still enjoying all of it!

Summertime around Chicago is truly the best! Between festivals, beaches, amusement parks or day trips, you will never be short of ideas of things to do with your kids! Check out my summer bucketlist!

Sometimes you really just want to sit outside and have a drink… or two. But what to do with the kids? Beer gardens or outdoor patios are the best places to let those kids run wild, while you can socialize with your spouse or friends.

It’s never too early to look at Summer Camps! Day camps that have a variety of activities, to camps that focus on specific interests, you are sure to find the perfect one that will fit your child’s personality, along with the flexibility you may or may not need from a camp.