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Chicago Parents
Win a 2-Night Stay at Getaway Starved Rock
We’re giving away a 2-night stay at Getaway Starved Rock in Ottawa. It’s only a 1 1/2 hour drive from Chicago. It’s nestled among mature trees, rolling hills and ridges on 251 private acres. It features a scenic pond onsite and picturesque views from the majestic Illinois River, which is just a short walk away.
Win Tickets to Malibu Barbie Cafe
Malibu Barbie Cafe is a Barbie-pink pop-up restaurant that features a tasty menu, an oversized Barbie doll box, ‘70s Malibu Beach photo ops and, of course, exclusive Barbie merchandise. The kid-friendly menu will include all-day brunch, desserts and drinks created by former Master Chef contestant Chef Becky Brown. Each ticket includes the guests main and side dish. Drinks, apps and desserts can all be purchased for an additional cost on site.
Win Five Passes to Noah’s Ark Waterpark
Families can win five passes to Noah’s Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells! There’s so much to do there – including their newest waterslide, Chameleon, which is the Dell’s first waterslide with vibrant light and dynamic sound!. Enter for your chance to win by Monday, July 31,...
Win a $100 Gift Card to Shake Shack in Chicagoland
Families can enjoy a meal on us at their nearest Shake Shack in Chicagoland. We’re giving away a lucky winner a $100 gift card. Not a meat eater, that’s OK! Shake Shack now offers a veggie burger and non-dairy shakes. Fill out the below form by Monday, Aug....
Win Tickets to Randolph Street Market Festival
Families can come check out Randolph Street Market Festival, which is celebrating its 20th year. Here, you’ll find artwork, jewelry, fashion, decor, music and more!. Fill out the below form by Tuesday, July 25, 2023, for your chance to win four tickets to Randolph Street Market Festival. Follow Chicago...
4 Ways to Keep Your Middle Schooler Engaged This Summer
For your middle school student, summer means downtime. Sleeping late, playing video games or scrolling social media while eating ice cream is what the typical kid has on their otherwise open summer schedule. But summer is a great opportunity to try activities your kid can’t fit in during the hectic school year, says Carla Pedersen, Regional Director at Academic Approach, a Chicago-based academic tutoring and test prep company. “Now is the time to schedule activities that your child is excited about doing,” Pedersen says.
Edwardsville Children’s Museum: Plan Your Trip Now
Watching your child’s face light up with wonder and delight is hands-down one of the best parts of being a parent. That’s why a trip to a great children’s museum ranks high on the list of memory-making activities to do while your child is young. All the better when you can make a museum visit the centerpiece of a family vacation, says Kristen Fries, Executive Director at the Edwardsville Children’s Museum.
My Mantra: Nobody’s Going to Do It for You
Ben Tatar is a dad of two and Highland Park native who has been filling Chicagoland with music and fun for all ages for 18 years. His band, Ben Tatar and the Tatar Tots, has two full-length, family-friendly albums (and they ONLY sing about food!). Watch his social media and check out BenTatarMusic.com to find one of his fun concerts this summer.
Watch This, Do That: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
“The Boy Who Lived” is the name of the first chapter of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series (and, spoiler alert, could also be the name of the last chapter of the last book), and thus starts a world of adventure. The seven books spawned a series of eight movies (the last book is split into two films) and a movement of enjoyable reading for kids who grew up with each new tome, as they made friends with the characters and learned age-appropriate life lessons.
Have Fun This Summer with Our Bingo Card
Summer is finally here and we know you want to have the best time with your kids. Why not make it an epic summer with a little challenge? Play our Summer Bingo Card — you might win some great prizes, too!. Chicago Parent’s Summer Bingo Card features 24 family...
How to Keep Your Chicagoland Teen Safe This Summer
After spending the dark and cold winter months hibernating — and eventually going stir crazy — it’s no secret that Chicagoans go wild for the warm summer months. With so much going on around the city and suburbs during the summer, it’s easy to find yourself out and about enjoying the weather on any sunny day.
Best Summer Food Festivals for Chicagoland Families
July 7-9 St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church, 525 Church Road, Elgin. Prepare your stomachs, foodie families! Authentic gyros, moussaka, baklava and more delicious Greek classics will be available at this three-day festival in the Northwest suburbs. Live bands and a DJ will play traditional Greek music with a performance from the church’s Agape Dancers.
Best Things to Do with Chicagoland Kids in July
When raising kids, you know life can get busy. That’s why it’s sometimes helpful to plan ahead when searching for exciting events and attractions in Chicagoland. To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with kids in July. Be...
Parents’ Top Concerns Sending Kids Back to School
At least once a week, my 11-year-old daughter asks me to explain why her junior high is totally resistant to school shootings. ‘Well,’ I tell her, trying to remember all the lies I told her the previous week, ‘Your school is completely bullet-proof, starting with the front door, which has a special coating that won’t let the bad guys inside.’
Magical Spots for Chicagoland Families
If your kids are fans of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, you’ve likely heard that Harry’s birthday on July 31 is a big deal in the wizarding world. We’ve compiled tons of positively magical family activities across Chicago that will bring joy to the witches and wizards in your house as you celebrate all summer long.
Mindful Monday Tips to Try at Home
Mindful Mondays are an on-trend way that teachers cultivate students’ sense of well-being during the school week. The idea is simple: on a Monday, in 10 minutes or less, they present a tangible activity, such as a breathing exercise or gratitude journaling. Then throughout the week, they provide opportunities for the students to practice.
Water Safety Tips for Kids
Runner-up to “are we there yet?” is “does the hotel have a pool?” when it comes to summer travel with kids. Water is a family favorite, but it should be respected. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4,000 children die due to accidental drowning and another 8,000 are injured every year. It’s sobering, but there are notes parents can take to help keep kids safe this summer and beyond. Robert McDonald, Foss Swim School training program manager, lifelong swimmer and former coach, shares his expertise.
Yummy After School Snack Recipes for Kids
We’ve all been there. Our kids charge through the door after school declaring that they are “STARVING.” They wolf down five bags of chips … only to idly pick at their dinner during mealtime (and of course, insisting on a bedtime snack). Here are a few...
Why Transgender Health Care Matters
Often, transgender individuals make appointments with a physician and hope that the doctor is knowledgeable, respectful and experienced in meeting their needs. Yet a 2015 study on the experiences of more than 27,000 transgender people in the U.S. found that one-third of transgender individuals reported being harassed or denied care from a health care professional in the previous year. One-quarter experienced problems with insurance and 23% said they avoided seeing a physician for fear of being mistreated.
How Old is Too Old to See a Pediatrician?
When your child is a baby or a toddler, there’s no better health care partner than a trusted primary care physician. Whether a pediatrician or a family physician, your child’s first doctor is essential for preventive care, well-child visits and help through ear infection season. As your child...
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