Technology for Kids

12 Apps & Alerts Every Chicago Parent Should Have

Smartphones ready! There's an app to help you park, pay your dinner bill and even find a potty.

By Selena Kohng November 6, 2014

There are more and more Chicago-centric apps out there — which means family outings (like playground visits!) are more fun and everyday stuff (like finding parking!) is less hassle. We sifted through them to give you the 12 must-haves, including ones that help you park, pay your dinner bill and even find a potty. Flip through our photo album for the scoop.

Chicago Festival Finder

Between this party planner and Playground Pointers, you may never need to plan another summer outing ever again. Ok, maybe that’s a bit of a stretch, but count on your little ones being kept very, very busy. And happy, because many of the 80 or so events updated every year on this list have a kid-friendly component. Get the lowdown on famous fests like Lolla to hyperlocal favorites like the Ginza Festival. Essential info like location, cost, date and time and brief details (bounce house, face-painting) appear in each description. Free. For iPhone or Android. Download the app here.