The Umbrella Sky Project has returned to downtown Elmhurst for its second year. The whimsical art installation features three colorful canopies that cover pedestrian walkways and green spaces.  Through mid-September, families can take a scenic (stroller-accessible) stroll through downtown Elmhurst and gaze up in wonder at the colorful displays. The route is just over half a mile and takes visitors through the charming downtown. Quick details about Umbrella Sky Project Photo credit: Nikki Roberts Locations: Schiller Court at Schiller and York Streets; Cultural Campus at 110 South Cottage ..read more

It’s a tough time to be in the market for a new house. But as peak homebuying season begins, homebuyers are starting to have at least some negotiating power—especially in markets that recorded large price growth over the last few years. The average 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rose above 7% at the start of November 2022, the highest level in more than a decade, as the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rates to combat inflation. Today, rates remain at historic highs; even half of a percentage point change can significantly affect the monthly payments required for a mortgage. Read More:  ..read more

Sando Street is one of the hottest new restaurants in Wicker Park. With a kid-friendly menu of Japanese and Korean-inspired sandwiches and snacks, Sando Street is a must-visit spot on any foodie family’s bucket list. Quick details about Sando Street Address: 1547 N Ashland Ave., Chicago Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Cost: $$ Sando Street’s main draw is its sandos — sandwiches made on fluffy Japanese milk bread called shokupan. Popular sandos include Korean BBQ or traditional Japanese flavors, but there are also sweet sandos with matcha or ube whipped cream and strawberries. Talk abo ..read more

Calling all Bluey fans! Bluey’s Big Play is coming back to Auditorium Theatre on May 3-5, 2024. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life. We’re giving away a pack of four tickets to the Bluey’s Big Play show on Friday, May 3 at 6 p.m. Fill out the below form by Wednesday May 1, 2024, for your chance to win Bluey’s Big Play tickets. No purchase necessary to win. Read our contest terms and conditions to learn more. Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram ..read more

Discovering inner talents and passions is one of life’s great rewards. By the time kids reach middle school, they probably are starting to identify some interests and exhibit certain strengths.  As parents, we want to help our kids along this path of discovery. The question is, how? “One of our taglines is ‘Explore. Discover. Excel.’,” says Dr. Susan Corwith, director of the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University. “You have to be open to exploration to eventually excel at something.” Here are some action steps you can take as you help your middle-schooler discover their ..read more

A family cruise vacation can be just as action-packed as your kids wish and as relaxing as parents and grandparents want when you set sail with Royal Caribbean. Their wow-worthy ships are packed with incredible entertainment options, plus you can seamlessly visit various amazing destinations with ease. My family recently sailed Wonder of the Seas on a Western Caribbean cruise, stopping at Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico to bounce on water inflatables; Roatan, Honduras to zipline through the jungle and Costa Maya, Mexico to swim in a ceno ..read more

Before having kids, my husband and I loved to travel. When our family grew, we agreed that we wanted to continue to prioritize exploring the world as much as we could. Unlike it may seem on Instagram, no one comes with a magic wand and whisks us away on vacation — we make sacrifices to design these experiences, and we work hard to make them happen. Now that we’re paying for four, credit cards play a major role in our ability to swing our travel, but perhaps not in the way you might think. We don’t rack up debt, and because we pay our bills in full each month, we don’t pay any interest. Instead ..read more

Chicago is home to stunning architecture, a massive lakefront, world-class cultural institutions and unique tourist attractions. Foodies, sports fans, photographers and avid travelers love Chicago for reasons that are diverse as the city’s 77 neighborhoods.  Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, getting to play tourist in Chicago is always exciting. On your next day out in the city, use this list of 101 kid-friendly things to do in Chicago to check off iconic bucket list items or discover a new-to-you hidden gem.  Check something off your Chicago bucket list Photo credit: N ..read more

Whether you’re in the midst of your child’s meltdown in the grocery aisle or managing your own crash and burn, it’s true what they say: Put the oxygen mask on yourself first. The answer to cultivating a healthier, happier, less stressed, more connected relationship with our kids is simple: It starts with self-compassion. Join Chicago Parent on May 1, 2024 at 3 p.m. CST, for this free ParentEd Talk with mindfulness mavens Yaffa Maritz and Kelly Moore, Ph.D., LICSW. Learn how to: Prioritize your well-being Regulate your nervous system Feel and process your emotions Unlock your wisest self  ..read more

Located close to Chicago in Caledonia, Wisconsin, Jellystone Park Camp-Resort offers a unique blend of outdoor excitement and cozy accommodations, making it an ideal getaway for families. From luxurious glamping cabins to traditional tent sites, Jellystone Park provides a variety of options. “We have so many ways to stay with us. There’s something for everyone!” says Cindy Grzyb, reservations manager.  Family-friendly glamping for a deluxe experience For those who love the idea of camping but prefer the comforts of home, Jellystone Park’s glamping cabins are a perfect choice. These cabins ..read more