Spotlight Chicago
Celebrate the fourth night of Hanukkah at Gallagher Way with ice skating, music, games, and more. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Christmas Shows and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend with Kids
Don't miss these Nutcracker performances and other great holiday events in Chicago.
Those eight crazy nights are approaching and we’ve got everything you need to celebrate Hanukkah with your family. Photo courtesy Cottonbro Studios
8 Ways to Celebrate Hanukkah with Kids: Hanukkah Gifts, Fun Crafts, and a Little History
Put on your yarmulkes, it's time for Hanukkah!
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GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families
Find everything that makes the season merry in Chicago!
Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Pictures with Santa Claus in Chicago
Share a pizza, cookies, or just a photo with Santa!
Lightscapes is a beautiful holiday lights event near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Lightscapes
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago
Brighten up your holiday nights with a visit to one of these elaborate lights displays and...
Winterland photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
43 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
The must-do holiday events for families in every corner of Chicago.
CTA is running its holiday trains and buses in 2023. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Loop Alliance
CTA Holiday Trains and Other Christmas Train Shows in Chicago
CTA Holiday Trains and buses are back for 2023!
Cut your own tree this year at one of these Christmas tree farms near Chicago. Photo courtesy of Comstock Images
Top Christmas Tree Farms Near Chicago
Grab some hot chocolate and create a special afternoon picking out your tree at one of these farms...
There are many beautiful Christmas lights in Chicago neighborhoods. Photo courtesy of Lights on Easton
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
Check out these neighborhoods near Chicago for the best lights displays in the area.
Breakfast with Santa at Drury Lane
Breakfast with Santa in Chicago
Get your pancakes and Santa photo all in one.
The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents The Nutcracker. Event photo courtesy of the Harris Theatre.
30 Performances of The Nutcracker Ballet for Kids in Chicago
Catch the classic holiday ballet this year at one of these excellent productions.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Best play spaces and more Chicago spots for when bad weather strikes.
Get sugared up at Museum of Ice Cream Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Museum of Ice Cream Chicago: Unlimited Ice Cream for All
Games, a train, a sprinkles pool, and of course, ice cream!
Polar Express train rides in Chicago are a popular holiday excursion. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Polar Express Facebook page
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Chicago
Where can you still get Polar Express tickets? Check here.
Now we can send you articles about things to do in your neighborhood that match your interests!
Mommy Poppins' New Web App and Notifications Are the Easiest Way To Find Fun Things To Do
Say goodbye to FOMO with our new notifications.
Photo courtesy of Enchanted Castle
The Best Indoor Birthday Party Spots for Chicago Kids
Play gyms, ninja training, and more: Chicago's birthday party options are hard to top.
Butterfield Park is one of several great outdoor spots in Elmhurst. Photo courtesy of the Elmhurst Park District
Elmhurst with Kids: The Best Things to Do in Elmhurst, Illinois
Elmhurst is just a train ride away and has tons of fun things to do with kids.
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
These state parks are the perfect weekend activity for your family.
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
Consider this your early childhood bucket list for raising a wee Chicagoan.
Starved Rock State Park
Visiting Starved Rock State Park With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay, and More
Get away from it all and hike with kids for a few days.
Checking out CAMP's new immersive experience in Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins
Doodles X CAMP: Chicago's Exciting New Immersive Experience for Kids
Check out the fun new immersive experience at CAMP Chicago.
Batter up! There are classes for kids of all ages and interests in Chicago.
GUIDE
Guide to the Best Classes for Kids in Chicago
Have fun with great classes for kids in Chicago.
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Search background-checked caregivers in our directory
Chicago has many great swim schools in the area. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Swim School
Best Swim Schools and Swimming Lessons in Chicago for Kids
Help your kids practice their swimming skills all year round.
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
This is our Windy City bucket list for kids. How many have you checked off?
Rides, a children's museum, and more on Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Things to Do with Kids on Navy Pier in Chicago
The top hits for kids on Chicago's Navy Pier.
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Soak up nature in these forest preserves and parks near the Windy City.
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
Plan a short trip away while keeping the cost down.
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
Never carry a toddler two miles back to the car again.
Try one of these Chicago salons for baby's first haircut. Photo courtesy of My Kids Place
Best Places for Kids Haircuts in Chicago For Baby or Toddler’s First Cut
Gentle places for that first haircut...and fun places for every haircut after that.
Ride high on Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America.
The Best Amusement Parks Near Chicago for Families
For when you feel the need for speed. (Or funnel cakes.)
Hit the spa with your kid for a spa party in Chicago. Photo by Lisa Gagne for Canva
Kid-Friendly Spas and Kid Spa Parties in Chicago
Treat your kid (and yourself!) at one of these Chicago spas and salons.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Best play spaces and more Chicago spots for when bad weather strikes.
​Chicago History Museum located in Old Town. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Old Town with Kids: What to Do Just North of Downtown Chicago with Kids
Here's everything you need to know to plan a day or more in Old Town.
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Great for a special occasion, or just to keep the family entertained for a few hours.
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
Ninja and climbing gyms are a great way for older kids to get out those winter wiggles.
Play inside again at places like Present Place. Photo courtesy of Present Place
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago
When the weather's at its worst, these indoor play spaces are a wish come true.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
Museums abound in the Chicago area. Here are the most entertaining ones for kids.
Have some fun in the water even in the winter at one of these indoor water parks near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Kalahari Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks Near Chicago
Enjoy the water all year long at one of these Chicago-area water parks.
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
It's hard to see Chicago in just three days, but here are some can't-miss suggestions.
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
Fun and safe indoor spots for teens and tweens in Chicago.
Head to the free Artist's Studio on cold and rainy days. ​Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
21 Free Things To Do in Chicago on Cold and Rainy Days: Indoor Places To Play
These 21 places keep kids (and parents) happy and warm in Chicago's frigid winters.
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Find the best FREE activities for kids in Chicago.
There are many popular bar and bat mitzvah venues in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Pinstripes
Top Bat and Bar Mitzvah Venues in Chicago
Planning a bar or bat mitzvah? Try one of these venues.
Family-friendly and voted one of the top 5 escape rooms in the USA! Photo courtesy of Escape Factor in Forest Park
Best Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Chicago
Escape rooms are a great activity for the entire family.
Top 10 Best Hotdogs in Chicago to Try with Kids
There are so many hotdogs for kids to try in Chicago!
Checking out the exhibits at Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Chicago's Adler Planetarium with Kids: Top Things to See and Do
Chicago's Museum Campus is the perfect place to visit more than one museum in a day, and the Adler...
Take pregnancy classes from a birth center or doula if you choose. Photo courtesy of Chicago Family Doulas
Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Chicago
Learn more about pregnancy and parenting with other parents-to-be in Chicago.
Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
Cooking Classes for Kids in Chicago: A Baker's Dozen of the Best Culinary Experiences in the City and Suburbs
Little chefs will love these cooking classes.
Bright Horizons operates more than 1,000 nurturing, enriching, and convenient early education centers across the globe.
How to Find the Right Chicago Daycare or Preschool for Your Kid
The experts at Bright Horizons share what to look for.
Birthday parties at these indoor skydiving venues include a flight class, two flights per guest, and party room time. Photo courtesy of iFly
Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Chicago: 18 Cool Party Places for Teens
Need a birthday party idea for your teen or tween? Check out this list.
Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. Photo by @zoblue, Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
Check out this Chicago gem all year round.
The Zoo is one of the best things to do with kids in Lincoln Park. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Best Things to Do in Chicago's Lincoln Park Neighborhood with Kids
Explore Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood with these kid-friendly options.
Best Things to See and Do at the Shedd Aquarium with Kids
Headed to the Shedd? Here's what you can't miss.
Get packing and check out this list of hotels in Chicago for a family vacation.
10 Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago for a Family Vacation
We managed to pick 10 great kid-friendly hotels out of the hundreds in Chicago.
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals
Children's outdoor birthday parties and parties at home are even more special this year. But even...
There are plenty of fishing lakes in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Fishing Lakes Near Chicago and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
You can go fishing with kids without even leaving the city.
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
How to see Chicago's best museums and other attractions on a budget with kids.
Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook
Things to do with Kids in Chicago's West Loop
Rediscover or explore the West Loop for the first time with these kid-friendly recommendations.
Chicago's museums are some of the top attractions in the city. Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
Top Attractions in Chicago: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
It may be called The Second City, but Chicago is second to none when it comes to urban vacation...
Semicolon is a Black-owned bookstore in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Semicolon
Black-Owned Businesses to Discover in Chicago
Check out a Black-owned business for Black History Month and all year long.
Kids will have a hard time deciding between all the delicious treats at Dinkel's, the 100 year old Bavarian bakery
Favorite Things To Do with Kids in Roscoe Village and North Center
Our favorite things to do with kids in two of Chicago's unique neighborhoods.
The iconic ConAgra mural in Chicago, created by artist Jeff Zimmermann, is visible from the 606 elevated Bloomingdale Trail. Photo courtesy of jazim.com
Our Favorite Things to Do with Kids in Bucktown and Wicker Park
Kid-friendly things to do and places to eat in Bucktown and Wicker Park.
Spectacular city views of the Chicago Skyline in River North. Photo courtesy of Wendella Boat Tours.
The Best Things to Do In Chicago's River North and Gold Coast Neighborhoods with Kids
Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, there are plenty of things to do in River North and...
The Field Museum is home to some of the country's most complete dinosaur skeletons.
The Land Before Time: How to Do Chicago's Field Museum with Kids
The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is one of the country's favorites. Read our tips and...
Calling all Chicago Cubs fans! Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Things To Do in Wrigleyville with Kids
Check out our tips for what to eat, see, and do near Wrigley Field with kids.
See the elephants at the Milwaukee Zoo.
The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids
Get up close and personal with animals from around the world.
Take your little one for a splash in the Crown Fountain. Photo by Sandor Weisz
20 Things To Do with Chicago Babies Before They Turn One
Start your urban parenting journey with these fun outings.

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Maggiano's Schaumburg Morning with Santa!
Maggiano's Schaumburg - 9:00 AM Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
4th Night 4th Light at Gallagher Way
Gallagher Way - 3:00 PM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Kohlights
Kohl's Children's Museum - 4:30 PM Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Winter Flower Show: Celebrating Silver at Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory - 9:00 AM
Cosley Zoo Festival of Lights and Christmas Tree Sales
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
Daley Plaza - 11:00 AM
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Chicago Polar Express Train Ride
Chicago Union Station - various times Pick
Free Days at the Field Museum
Field Museum - 9:00 AM
Winter Flower Show: Celebrating Silver at Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Conservatory - 9:00 AM
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
St. Lucia Celebration
Swedish American Museum - 12:00 PM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Chicago Polar Express Train Ride
Chicago Union Station - various times Pick
Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas
Studebaker Theater - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Rollin' with Frosty
Lake Shore Park - 6:00 PM Pick
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Lyric Opera - various times Pick
Chicago Polar Express Train Ride
Chicago Union Station - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Millennium Park Holiday Sing-Along
Millennium Park - 6:00 PM Pick
Rollin' with Frosty
Lake Shore Park - 6:00 PM Pick
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Lyric Opera - various times Pick
Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light
Museum of Science and Industry - 9:30 AM Pick
ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 4:00 PM Pick
Kohlights
Kohl's Children's Museum - 4:30 PM Pick
The Joffrey Ballet's Nutcracker
Lyric Opera - various times Pick
Chicago Polar Express Train Ride
Chicago Union Station - various times Pick

Latest Articles

The artfully decorated Peninsula is a wonderful venue for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dining, Holiday decorations by Kehoe Designs, photography by Mark Segal
Kid-Friendly Local Restaurants Open on Christmas in Chicago
Lauren LaRoche, Dec 10 - Because there's no time to cook when you're busy assembling toys... READ MORE
Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill
Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families
Meghan Rose, Dec 8 - Hit these slopes near Chicago for family-friendly snow tubing this winter season. READ MORE
A smartwatch is just one of the many cool tech gifts available for kids of all ages. Photo courtesy of Canva
Cool Tech Gifts for Kids
Amelia Eigerman, Dec 7 - These fun gadgets will please any young tech lover in your life. READ MORE
Celebrate the fourth night of Hanukkah at Gallagher Way with ice skating, music, games, and more. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Christmas Shows and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend with Kids
Maureen Wilkey, Dec 6 - Don't miss these Nutcracker performances and other great holiday events in Chicago. READ MORE
Put on a holiday sweater—ugly or not!—and strike a pose!
Best Family Christmas Card Photo Ideas
Vanessa Leigh, Dec 5 - Want to make your family Christmas photo cards stand out this year? Here's how! We're making... READ MORE
The zoo is all aglow! Lincoln Park Zoo Lights photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the zoo.
35 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago for Kids
Siobhan Adcock, Dec 3 - Get ready for a season full of holiday fun—all of it FREE. READ MORE
More Latest

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Crafts and Recipes for Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Execute mind-blowing science experiments with stuff you have around the house. READ MORE 
Alphabet Soup. Photo courtesy of foodwithfeeling
100 Top Easy Recipes for Kids: Kid-Friendly Recipes for Every Meal
Look no further for breakfast, lunch, or dinner inspiration. READ MORE 
The internet is full of coding programs for kids, but which are the best? We tested them all. Photo courtesy of Kodable
Best Free Coding for Kids Websites and Apps to Learn Programming Skills
These programs teach kids how to code, build websites and apps, and more. READ MORE 
Playing card games is not only fun, social, and educational; it gets kids off screens!
25 Card Games Every Kid Should Know
Spit, Spoon, Snap ... and even some games that don't start with "S." READ MORE 
Create a colorful, texturized world with a DIY sensory bin. Photo by Emma Graig
10 Sensory Bin Ideas for Busy Toddlers
Turn a cheap container bin into a magical indoor play item. READ MORE 
Hot chocolate bombs are a tasty winter treat for kids!
How to Make Hot Chocolate Bombs in 5 Easy Steps
Trendy cocoa bombs deliver a sweet winter treat. READ MORE