Recall Alert: Wilton Brand Recalls Sprinkle Products

by Erica LoopMarch 9, 2021

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced a voluntary recall for certain Wilton brand sprinkles due to an undeclared milk allergen.

Are you about to do some Easter or spring break baking? Before you spill a rainbow of sprinkles onto your cupcakes, cookies, donuts, or whatever else your kiddos are helping you to whip up in the kitchen, check out the details on this new recall.

According to the FDA, the recent voluntary recall includes all lots of six sprinkles products and one kit. The affected products are:

Tasty Coffee Shop Cookie Kit Item # 1900-0-0054
Holiday Home Assorted Treat Toppings Item # 710-0-0207
Valentine Chip Crunch Sprinkles Item # 710-4277
Rainbow Chip Crunch Sprinkles Item #710-5364
Holiday Mix Sprinkles Item # 710-7649
Rainbow Chip Crunch Sprinkles Item # 710-9704
Assorted Treat Toppings Sprinkles Item # 710-9722.

Find a full list of Wilton’s recalled products on the FDA’s website here.

The recall includes products sold under the brand names Wilton, Wilton/Tasty and Holiday Home. Wilton Brands recalled the sprinkles after one report of an allergic reaction. All products with a similar formulation were recalled.

If you bought the recalled sprinkles, return them to the place of purchase or throw them out. For more information on the products, contact Wilton’s Consumer Care Hotline at 1-800-794-5866, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., CT or Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CT. Customers can also email the company at productrecall@wilton.com.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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Recall Alert: Ready-to-Eat Corned Beef Recalled Due to Inspection Concerns

by Erica LoopMarch 2, 2021

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recently announced a recall for 297,715 pounds of Milky Way International Trading Corp.’s ready-to-eat corned beef products due to concerns about FSIS import reinspection.

The recall includes corned beef items imported between Jun. 6, 2020 and Jan. 21, 2021 and have the words “Australia Inspected” and the number “39” on the product’s package.

photo courtesy of USDA FSIS

There are no reports of illnesses or adverse reactions The recall was made after a tip from an industry representative indicated the corned beef didn’t undergo the required importation reinspection.

For a full list of the recalled products, with affected codes, visit the FSIS’s website here. If you think you may have the affected products, throw them out or return them to the place of purchase. Do not eat the corned beef. Contact MW Polar Consumer Relations Specialist at 562-921-288 ext. 160 or email info@mwpolar.com with any recall-related questions.

—Erica Loop

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Dr. Seuss-Inspired Recipes for Your Green Eggs and Ham Fan

by Susie ForesmanMarch 2, 2021

Pay homage to every kid’s favorite poet by celebrating his birthday and Read Across America Day on March 2! From The Lorax to Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, Dr. Seuss’ stories have a special place in our hearts (and our heads—we could probably recite The Cat in the Hat by heart by now!). Get the fun rolling and whip up one of these tasty Seuss-inspired treats your little bookworm is sure to love.

Cat in the Hat Tomato Stack
The Cat in the Hat might just be one of Dr. Seuss’ most iconic characters, and this snack from Anders Ruff is the perfect way to bring him to your plate. The mozzarella and tomato makes for a tasty twist on the classic caprese salad. Click here to get the recipe.

photo: Anders Ruff

I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today! Tiger Pops
Your kiddos might not be too enthusiastic about licking zoo animals, but they’ll definitely love noshing on these adorable pops from Play Eat Grow. They’re super easy to throw together using colorful candy wafers. Click here to find out how it’s done.

photo: Play Eat Grow

The Grinch Who Hash
Warm up with a big bowl of Who Hash (that’s corned beef hash to the citizens of Whoville) from Food in Literature and cross your fingers that the Grinch doesn’t come and try to swipe the whole stash. To get the recipe, along with a printable label to decorate your cans, click here.

photo: Food in Literature

A Pile of Cupcakes
Like one of Seuss’ topsy turvy stories, this stack of cupcakes from Easybaked will make the tots smile. Luckily, you won’t have to dig out your mini muffin tin—the mini cupcakes are just peanut butter cups with frosting on top. To snag the recipe, click here.

photo: Easybaked

The Lorax Lunch Plate
How cute is this creation by The Fantastic Five? With a Lorax face sandwich, broccoli grass, and cotton candy Truffula Trees, there’s no way a kid could resist this meal. Click here to get all the info on how to recreate it.

photo: The Fantastic Five

Dye-Free Green Eggs and Ham
Make the classic green eggs without using artificial food coloring. This genius recipe from The Food Charlatan makes use of spinach and a blender for a crazy quick and delicious (not to mention festive!) breakfast. Click here to get the full recipe.

photo: The Food Charlatan

The Lorax Fruit & Veggie Plate
Get inspired by Little Food Junction to create a whimsical Seussian plate using whatever fruits and vegetables you have on hand. An orange becomes a face, grapes are eyes, and leftover lettuce is facial hair—the sky’s the limit. Click here for more details.

photo: Little Food Junction

— Susie Foresman

Green Cheese Is Back at ALDI Just in Time for St. Patrick’s Day

by Karly WoodFebruary 26, 2021

ALDI fans already know about the holiday-themed cheese shoppers can find in the dairy section. Christmas and Valentine’s Day did not disappoint. Now, with St. Patrick’s Day on the horizon, there is a new seasonal collection.

The next batch of ALDI Finds have landed and it’s all about St. Patrick’s Day. Shop from the likes of corned beef Reuben Bites, sauerkraut and shepherds pie or you can do what we do––and just head for the cheese.

Six cheeses will land on Mar. 3 at ALDI stories and at just $3.99 each, you can afford to sample each one. Check out the Emporium Selection Irish Cheese Truckle Assortment as well as the Pesto Gouda, Sage Derby and Irish Porter options below.

Aged Irish Cheddar

Irish Cheddar with Beer

Irish Cheddar with Whiskey

Pesto Gouda

Sage Derby

Irish Porter

Each one of these savory cheeses is a part of the ALDI Finds program so it won’t be around for long.

—Karly Wood

All photos courtesy of ALDI

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8 Creative Cabbage Recipes to Bookmark Now

by Lucy BentonJuly 30, 2020

The humble cabbage is having a renaissance. There is more to this versatile veg than a sauerkraut recipe or a cabbage soup recipe. We’ve rounded up a bunch of cabbage recipes that range from coleslaw to a unique take on a kimchi recipe. See our favorite cabbage recipes below.

Save this list to your fave recipe Pinterest board.

Cabbage Steaks

This Cabbage Steak recipe from Well Plated is crispy on the outside and caramelized on the inside. It is the simple side dish you never knew you needed. Get the recipe here.

Cabbage Roll Soup

This delicious Cabbage Roll Soup recipe from One Lovely Life has all of the classic recipe elements with none of the agro. It is a one-pot dish, so it’ll even save you doing lots of dishes! Click here for the recipe.

Instant Pot Shredded Corned Beef and Cabbage

When you think of a hearty cabbage recipe, a variation of this meal comes to mind. The Salty Pot has adapted it for the instant pot. You get a lot of satisfaction with minimum effort! Win-win! Grab the recipe here.

Hot Pink Jalapeño Garlic Sauerkraut

Want a variation on a traditional Sauerkraut recipe? This Hot Pink version from Nourished Kitchen so-called due to the use of red cabbage instead of white packs a flavorful punch. Grab the recipe here.

Kimchi Soup

Looking for a unique kimchi recipe? Feasting at Home has come up with one in soup form. The combination of kimchi, shiitake mushrooms and kale is perfect served over noodles or rice. Click here for the recipe.

Indian Cabbage Potato Curry

What do you get when you slowly cook a little cabbage, potato and warming Indian spices? You get this delectable Indian curry from The Wholesome Fork. Get the recipe here.

Black Bean & Avocado Tostada with Cabbage Salad

The Wimpy Vegetarian has gone next-level with this Black Bean & Avocado Tostada with Cabbage salad. It is so colorful and delicious, and there when you need a quick meal. Grab the recipe here.

Easy Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Sometimes you just need to feel like you’ve ordered takeout. This Sesame Beef & Cabbage Stir-fry from Gimme Some Oven hits the spot. The bonus is that it’s good for you! Grab the recipe here.

—Lucy Benton

Featured photo: Good Eats YQR via Unsplash

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A Love Letter to Chicago: Things We Can’t Wait to Do Again

by Maria ChambersApril 30, 2020

The creativity of Chicago families—with the help of museums, playspaces and local business—with home-schooling solutions and stay-at-home adventuring has been quite impressive. But truth be told, we’re missing being hands-on with our city, a ton. Here are the things that top our agenda when the gates swing open and we can hit the city streets once again.

There are zero doubts to be had, we are a sports town. We've got massive spirit . . . and infinite amounts of patience. Soaking up the sun at the historic Wrigley Field, cheering on the south side at a Sox game, standing for the iconic National Anthem performed at a Hawks game (no one does it better), bundled up and shivering in the seats at a Bears game and sitting on the edge of our seats at a Bulls showdown—we want to do it all!

Imagine one of those Chicago summer days that are perfection—the ones we mentally hold on to all 6 months of winter.

Cruising Lake Shore Drive with the windows in the down position, music on as max as the kids will allow it, singing-along-ish to the lyrics we know well enough to butcher, legs sticking to the leather seats from the sweltering heat. Warm breeze tangling your hair made wretched by the humidity, sun's rays skipping off the lake, bikers, walkers and runners bringing life to the path, beach volleyball game in full swing, families with day camps set up in the sand, the city's flowers along the drive in full glory bringing vibrance to LSD. . . heaven at its best.

Such a simple pleasure, but we really just can't wait to sit outside on a patio and linger over a meal, sipping a cocktail at dinner or mimosa at brunch. People-watching, or boat-watching at the riverwalk restaurants, and in no hurry to be anywhere but in that exact moment.

Chicago has consistently been ranked as one of the most fun places to spend St. Patrick's Day, and deservedly so. Every single Chicagoan is Irish on March 17 (and many days before and after). Covid-19 robbed us of our celebrations this year, but we like to think the luck of the Irish is on our side and we'll be back at it next year with pop-up Irish bars, green beer, corned beef and cabbage, Irish festivals and parades, and our super fancy green river.

Hit up a local library, book store, museum or shop—wherever you prefer to get in touch with your literary side—for a storytime.

Raise your hand if you thought you'd ever see a day where parks were off-limits? Bueller? Bueller? No one? Necessary craziness, but, holy moly. Skip over to your favorite park, hop on a swing, squeal down the slide and cherish hearing your kid plead for just 5 more minutes as the sun sets on the day.

Netflix's Tiger King has us all appreciating the integrity of legit zoos, and we can't wait until our two favorites swing open the gates again. Brookfield Zoo welcomed two new male African lions, Brutus and Titus, that we can't wait to meet in person and meandering the Lincoln Park Zoo paths that sit in view of the city skyline and sing-a-longs with Mr. Singer are family-memory-making highlights.

Grab your highest-capacity reusable bag and head to your favorite neighborhood farmers market—or try a new one! Some favorites of farmers market connoisseur are the ones in Andersonville, Lincoln Square, Logan Square, Green City Market, Wicker Park and Chicago French Market. Try 'em all!

Chicago's culinary game is so dang strong. It rivals any city in the world for the quality and diversity of restaurants.

Never again will we take for granted physically eating in a restaurant. Having someone else prepare a meal enjoyed as a family—or on a date night. We'll even overlook the sibling arguments over which restaurant to go to and the noisiness and over-the-top-ness of the ones the kids typically prefer.

Space, dinosaurs, science, art, aquatic life—no matter your kid's interest, a day exploring at a Chicago museum is a day very well spent! The creative forces behind Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, MSI, Art Institute of Chicago and Shedd Aquarium give us access to so much coolness and we can't wait to get back at it!

Speaking of museums. We've seen a wave of experiential pop-up museums come through Chicago and they're oh, so fun for the family! We can't wait to visit a favorite that's made themselves a permanent fixture in the West Loop, wndr.

We're hoping for a sweltering hot summer where neighborhood pools and splash pads can welcome us for a much-needed cooldown.

Featured photo: Maria Chambers

— Maria Chambers

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Easy Irish Recipes to Make for St. Patrick’s Day

by Gabby CullenMarch 2, 2020

Want to try your luck and get your kids to eat like the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day? From a warm, savory stew to sweet, soft snack bars, we found eight easy Irish food recipes you can enjoy with your little leprechauns. Sláinte!

Traditional Irish Potato Boxty

The perfect recipe for St. Patrick's Day breakfast, Grits & Pinecones Irish Potato Boxty will become a family fave. The savory breakfast is made from a combo of mashed potatoes, raw grated potatoes, eggs, milk, flour and baking powder and enjoyed piping hot. Don't forget the green onions! Get the recipe here.

Dublin Coddle

Though not a St. Patrick's Day-specific recipe, Dublin Coddle is still a tasty way to celebrate the day. The one-pot dish involves sausage, potatoes and onions and is a hearty meal for the entire fam. Get the recipe here.

Irish Lemon Pudding

A twist on what we Americans normally think of as pudding, Irish Lemon Pudding is a bit more like cake and baked custard––but no less delicious. Made with ingredients you probably have on hand, this citrus-flavored dessert is the perfect way to top off your St. Patrick's Day feast. Get the receipe here.

Colcannon

There's no need to skip the potatoes this St. Patrick's Day! Colcannon is an Irish mashed potato recipe that involves cooked cabbage and onion and is a great way to squeeze in some veggies while the kids aren't looking. Check out Eating Richly for an easy and tasty recipe.

Irish Soda Bread

St. Patrick’s Day wouldn’t be quite the same without Irish Soda Bread, and lucky for you, blogger Alexandra Hedin makes hers in the form of a super yummy scone. Serve one to your little leprechaun for breakfast, or do a batch up proper for an after-school tea party. Either way, these will be a favorite with your whole crew. Get the recipe here.

Hearty Irish Stew

Chock-full of carrots, potatoes, and tender meat: You really can't go wrong with a good Irish stew. Super satisfying no matter the weather, Recipe Girl has an easy version you can re-create at home.

Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage

When you think food on St. Patrick’s Day, you think corned beef and cabbage. This version is perfect for your busy life, because all you have to do is place the brisket in the slow cooker, top with the veggies and walk away. Bonus: this version swaps out carb-loaded potatoes for extra veggies! Here’s where you’ll find the ingredients.

Fine Fettle Flapjacks

In Ireland, flapjacks don’t come served with maple syrup and strawberries. Instead, they come in the form of a tasty, crunchy-yet-chewy oat bar. You can use any sort of oat or grain, from millet to chia seeds, and if you want to go dairy-free, opt for coconut oil instead of butter. We are drooling over the version Imen McDonnell features on her blog, Farmette, and in her Irish cookbook, The Farmette Cookbook.

Green Macaroni & Cheese

So, your picky eater won’t touch corned beef and cabbage with a four leaf clover. Well, whip up a batch of green mac ‘n’ cheese for a little St. Patrick’s Day cheer, instead. Filled with good stuff like spinach, peas and lots of cheese, when you serve up this dish, there’s still a chance to say Erin go Bragh! Get the recipe here.

—Gabby Cullen & Karly Wood

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The 10 Best (Non-Chain) Breakfast Places in Seattle

by Jeff ToteyJanuary 28, 2020

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but even if it wasn’t, who can resist fluffy pancakes drenched in maple syrup sitting next to two perfectly fried eggs? Of course, finding a good breakfast restaurant in Seattle that isn’t a usual run-of-the-mill chain restaurant can be hard enough, let alone one that caters to families and can put up with squirmy kids (not yours, of course!). Don’t worry! We’ve done the hard work for you. Here are some of the best locally-owned places for breakfast in Seattle.

Geraldine's Counter - Columbia City

Everyone raves about Geraldine’s pleasant atmosphere. What’s not to love with the bright colors, the airy space and the movie posters on the walls? Your kids will definitely want to eat at the counter, so this might make for a great space to take one child for a special morning out with mom or dad. This popular spot consistently gets rave reviews for its breakfast menu, and especially the French Toast. Breakfast is so important here that it's served all day long! From the simple House-Made Granola to Geraldine’s Casserole (full of pork sausage, hash browns and pepper jack cheese), there is something for everyone. Your kids might even want to break with tradition and go with the Peanut Butter & Jelly with Fries.

4872 Rainier Ave. S.
Seattle, WA 98118
206-723-2080
Online: geraldinescounter.com

Fat's Chicken and Waffles - Cherry Street

For families who are late risers or prefer to eat breakfast for lunch, Fat’s is your place. The New Orleans-influenced restaurant serves breakfast every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Here, you can enjoy the traditional Fat’s Breakfast, which includes two eggs, three sausage links or four slices of bacon, breakfast potatoes or grits and a waffle or a biscuit, but we suggest going for the Fried Chicken and Waffle plate where you can add a side of three eggs for $3. The chicken here is incredible. Your kids might like the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit Sandwich or split a plate with you … if you think you can share. Note: Fat’s is closed on Mondays.

Fat’s Chicken and Waffles
2726 E. Cherry St.
Seattle, WA 98122
206-602-6863
Online: fatschickenandwaffles.com

Bacon Breakfast Cafe - Marysville

This unassuming restaurant surprises everyone who gives it a try. It’s a small place, and chances are great that you’ll have to wait for a table on the weekends, but it’s totally worth it. Featuring over 50 breakfast items, the Bacon Breakfast Café will please everyone in the family with everything from vegetarian dishes to the incredible Bacon Omelette. The service here is quick and friendly, and the prices are reasonable too. The kids’ menu features dishes ranging from $2.99-$3.99 and includes Texas French Toast and a variety of pancake choices including chocolate chip, blueberry and banana. Rumor has it that they are hoping to expand. Let’s hope so.

3943 116^th St. NE Suite 113
Marysville, WA 98072
360.548.3252
Online: baconbreakfastcafe.com

Portage Bay Cafe - Four Seattle Locations

Brunch is a big deal at Portage Bay Café. It's served all day, seven days a week at the Portage Bay Ballard and 65^th Street locations. The other spots serve brunch all day on the weekends and until 11:30 a.m. during the week. What’s the big fuss? Well, for some, it’s the huge Breakfast Bar topping buffet. Here’s the deal—you order from a select list of items, and then you can load up from a huge selection of seasonal fruit, nuts and whipped cream. You can share with your kids, or they can order from their own menu, which includes scrambled eggs, French toast and pancakes. The menu also features plenty of other breakfast favorites.

900 N.E. 65th St.
Seattle, WA 98115
206-529-3252

4130 Roosevelt Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98105
206-547-8230

2821 N.W. Market
Seattle, WA 98107
206-783-1547

391 Terry Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-462-6400

Online: portagebaycafe.com

B3 Breakfast & Burger Bar - Lynnwood

If you like biscuits bigger than your head (and who doesn’t?), then you have got to experience B3 in Lynnwood. This unique restaurant offers upscale choices you won’t find at other restaurants alongside many favorite breakfast staples. Here you can enjoy Fried Chicken and Brioche French Toast, Lemon Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes or Gluten-Free Seeded Cinnamon Raisin French Toast. The young ones will just about die if they don’t get the Mickey Mouse pancakes with bacon or sausage and fruit.

4027 196^th St. SW
Lynnwood, WA 98036
425-672-3666
Online: b3wa.com

The Crumpet Shop - Pike Place Market

Located in Pike Place Market, this eatery first opened in 1976 and was originally called The United Metropolitan Improved Crumpet Baking & Punctual Delivery Company, but according to the founder Gary Lasater, “customers just nodded and smiled and called us The Crumpet Shop.” Either way, your family will enjoy these English griddle cakes which are cooked, then toasted and then topped with either sweet or savory toppings. Enjoy with a fresh espresso or freshly brewed cup of whole leaf tea.

The Crumpet Shop
1503 1^st Ave.
Seattle, WA 98117
Online: thecrumpetshop.com

Glo's - East Olive Way

Glo’s considers itself as “an original coffee shop,” but a quick glance at their website of the photos posted on Yelp say otherwise. Since 1987, Gloreen Raineri has been serving up warmth and hospitality with her delicious breakfast combinations. The different variations of Glo’s Eggs Benedict is the restaurant’s pride and joy, but “honorable mentions also go to our home-style corned beef hash, fresh-made buttermilk biscuits and creamy vegetarian mushroom gravy,” she says on her website. Your kid might enjoy a One Egg Breakfast (with hash browns and toast) or a Belgian Waffle topped with fruit (ask for a to-go box to take the rest home!) They are popular, so expect a wait on the weekends, but they will offer you a cup of coffee while you wait.

Glo’s
1621 East Olive Way
Seattle, WA 98102
Online: gloscafe.com

Chace's Pancake Corral - Bellevue

With a name like Chace’s Pancake Corral, you have a pretty good idea of what you are going to find here. Nothing fancy, this Bellevue hangout has been a favorite of the locals since it opened in 1958, and not much has changed over the years. They are still serving up their famous pancakes (buttermilk, Swedish, Banana and potato) and waffles (pecan, strawberry, chocolate and sour cream) to the applause of many. What kid would refuse a plate of dollar-sized pancakes? If it is good enough for Seattle Mariners’ Felix Hernandez, it is good enough for us!

Chace’s Pancake Corral
1606 Bellevue Way SE
Bellevue, WA 98004
Online: facebook.com/Pancake-Corral
425-454-8888

5 Spot - Queen Anne

“We make a concerted effort to offer your child as wholesome a meal as they are likely to eat in a restaurant setting,” says 5 Spot. “Please note that we develop and offer a seasonal menu item on our children's menu, so they too can enjoy our seasonal picks as well!” 5 Spot isn't kidding. They offer a pretty extensive kid’s menu, including fun items like the 5 Spot Waffle Stomper, Eaton-Wright Ham Scram and Better’N Mom’s Oatmeal. Serving breakfast all day, parents might enjoy items like the Red Flannel Hash, Pan Rumbles or settle in for a Fat Cat’s Head Cinnamon Roll. Of course, you’ll find a lot of traditional breakfast faves as well here.

5 Spot
1502 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98109
206-285-7768
Online: chowfoods.com/5-spot

Chantrelle - Edmonds

Located in a historic building in historic Edmonds, you’ll find the beautiful and popular bistro, Chanterelle. While the service and food are top notch, the prices are a lot more affordable than you would expect. Mom and dad will appreciate the breakfast choices like the Crab Avocado Omelette, the Portobello Benedict and the Orange Cornmeal Waffle as well as the freshly made Orange Cranberry Muffins and Sour Cream Walnut Coffee Cake. Fresh espresso beverages are available in addition to the regular Joe too. The kids' menu features mix-and-match items such as Cinnamon-Raisin French Toast, Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Muffins and more. Located just three blocks away from Puget Sound, consider taking a short walk after eating.

316 Main St.
Edmonds, WA 98020
425-774-0650
Online: chanterellewa.com

—Jeff Totey

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Universal Studios’ Green Eggs & Ham Cafe Is Back for the Holidays

by Shahrzad WarkentinDecember 19, 2019

Just in time to give fans a green Christmas, Universal Studios’ Green Eggs & Ham Café has re-opened.

Located at Seuss Landing in Universal Studios Orlando, the Green Eggs & Ham Café is now serving visitors a new holiday-inspired menu. Delight your palates with treats even the Grinch would love, like Who Hash, which is actually an adorable can of tater tots with peppers, onions, corned beef and cheddar.

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Fans can also try Green Eggs and Ham tots, which is made up of green eggs, diced ham and cheddar cheese on top of tots . Other menu options include a variety of tater tot-topped selections, like Pizza Tots and Buffalo Chicken Tots.

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This is the first time the cafe has been open since 2015. No word yet on whether this is just a temporary set up for the holiday season or if it will remain open in the New Year.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: ukadventuresinorlando via Instagram

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The Family Survival Guide for Chicago Airports

by Maria ChambersOctober 31, 2019

The holiday season is upon us and that can sometimes equal family travel, and killing time at the airport with kids isn’t always a smooth-sailing joyride. But it can be tolerable—and even fun (ish)—if you know where to go. Here are the best places to eat, play and “go potty” while you’re hanging out at O’Hare and Midway.

photo: O’Hare Airport via Maria Chambers

O’Hare International Airport

Love it or hate it, traveling through O’Hare is necessary for most Chicagoans. Make the most of your time there by visiting the hidden-gem family attractions.

PLAY
In Terminal 2, you’ll find a restored F3F-4 fighter plane flown by World War II hero, Lt. Commander Edward “Butch” O’Hare. It’s a great photo opp and older kids will get a kick out of learning about the pilot’s life.

If your flight schedule doesn’t allow time to head over to Terminal 2, check out the small play area in Terminal 5 near Gate M12. There you will find “Play It Safe,” an educational exhibit sponsored by the Chicago Fire Department. It teaches kids about the importance of safety and the proper way to respond in emergencies.

A little-known fact about O’Hare is that one of the largest mounted dinosaurs in the world, a Brachiosaurus, can be found on the upper level of Terminal 1 in Concourse B. The four-story-high, 72-foot-long skeleton model is on loan from The Field Museum.

Lastly, put some razzle-dazzle into your wait with a walk through a light sculpture. “The Sky’s The Limit” is a 744-foot-long kinetic neon whirl of light and sound, and it can be found in the underground walkway between Concourses B and C in Terminal 1.

EAT
There’s no shortage of restaurants at O’Hare, but some are more kid-friendly then others. They’ve certainly upped their game the last several years, with familiar names like Publican Tavern, Frontera and Summer House Santa Monica. If your sweet tooth is kicking in, Garrett’s Popcorn and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory both have shops in Terminals 1 and 3 and TCBY calls the Rotunda in Terminal 3 home. For kid-favorite juice spots, Jamba Juice is located in Terminal 1 by Gate B7 and Smoothie King is in Terminal 1 by Gate B6. For healthy choices, head to Argo Tea Café in Terminals 2 and 3. In addition to selling coffee and tea, Argo offers vegan food options, parfaits, panini and salads. If you’re flying internationally, Goddess and the Grocer has fresh pre-packaged meals, including vegan options, that are quite good.

For more of a true Chicago restaurant experience, go to Tortas Frontera, a Rick Bayless joint in Terminals 1, 3 and 5. Share a griddle-baked torta with your little one, and don’t miss the fresh guacamole. If you have a morning flight, do yourself a favor and order a breakfast bowl (a.k.a cazuelas). You won’t believe it’s airport food. Another good bet is Wicker Park Sushi Bar in Terminal 2. Order the kids the California rolls and banana rolls (a great dessert) while you indulge in fresh nigiri as the last blast before you have airplane-food coma.

POTTY
Those of us who have tried to cram into an airport bathroom stall with a toddler know how uncomfy it can get. Problem solved at O’Hare’s family-friendly bathrooms, which offer more space and amenities than the average johns. There are 22 family bathrooms at O’Hare. Eight are in Terminal 1, four in Terminal 2, eight in Terminal 3 and two in Terminal 5. The bathrooms are all equipped with plastic seat covers and they are roomy enough to accommodate strollers and have space to set down luggage and diaper bags. If you’re in a bind, the Travelers’ Aid office located in Terminal 2 sometimes has extra diapers and wipes on hand.

NURSING MOTHERS
To find quiet and privacy when nursing, look for Mother’s Rooms in Terminal 1 at Gate B10, Terminal 2 at the crossover between Gates E5 and F9, in Terminal 3 in the Rotunda near the Yoga Room and Urban Garden, in Terminal 5 near Gate M14, and in the newly opened multi-modal facility on Lower Level (2).

photo: The Sky’s the Limit via Maria Chambers

BEST VIEWS IN THE HOUSE
Now pay close attention here because this is really all the kids care about . . . watching the planes do their thing. For restaurants with great views of planes landing and taking off, check out Berghoff Cafe at Gate C26 in Terminal 1, the Food Court at Gate C26 in Terminal 1 and Chili’s Too in Terminal 3 near Gate G10. To see planes grounded, hit up Tuscany Restaurant at Gate B18 in Terminal 1, Goose Island in Terminal 1 at Gate C10 and Terminal 3 at Gate K4, Argo Tea at Gate E5 in Terminal 2, Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi in Terminal 2 Main Hall, Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill in Terminal 3’s Rotunda and Macaroni Grill at Gate K2 in Terminal 3.

In Terminal 1, between concourses B ad C, you’ll find an extraordinary light show called The Sky’s the Limit that will keep even the most hard-to-entertain kids and parents mesmerized for at least several minutes.

STAY
If you have an early-morning flight you’re afraid of missing or a long haul to get there, consider staying at Hilton Chicago O’Hare. On top of being directly connected to the domestic terminals thru underground walkways, so you don’t have to deal with iffy Chicago weather, you also get spacious studio suites with a large sitting area, king bed and sofa bed, 42-inch HDTV, mini-bar, WiFi and on-demand movies and video games. Worried about trying to catch some ZZZs so close to the runway? Sound-resistant windows and blackout drapes will help with all that, so you can arrive bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at your final destination.

The newly built Rose Hotel Chicago O’Hare is the closest off-airport hotel to the airport and they just announced a Park and Go guestroom package. Starting at $129/night, guests can get overnight accommodations with complimentary parking for up to seven nights and free shuttle to and from the airport.

Midway International Airport

O’Hare’s quieter sister is less crowded. As a result, there isn’t as much to see and do there. Still, families will find enough good food and fun to bide the time before takeoff.

PLAY
In Concourse A, check out the exhibit about the WWII Battle of Midway. You’ll see 15 different videos about the war and how planes and pilots were battle-tested off the shores of Lake Michigan. A number of aircraft were lost to the Great Lake including the small SBD Dauntless dive-bomber hanging overhead; it plummeted in 1944 and was recovered and restored 50 years later.

Additionally, Kids Works near Gate B1 is a fun store for the whole family, and provides some entertainment with a wide selection of toys and games. You may not escape without having to buy your kids a little something, but at least this store will at least keep you busy for a bit.

EAT
The best options for food can be found along Concourse B. Nuts on Clark is a good choice for healthy snacks like dried fruit (perfect for when plane munchies strike). If you’re passing through Concourse A, head to Manny’s. This outpost of the South Loop deli has a kids’ menu including favorites such as grilled cheese and spaghetti, and a delicious corned beef sandwich for grownups.

Midway partnered with Premiere restaurant group and launched the Healthy Fare for Kids program. You’ll find antibiotic-free meats, whole grain breads, smaller portion sizes, lower salt, no deep-fried anything, local ingredients and non-sugared beverages in all Healthy Fare for Kids meals. The Healthy Fare for Kids logo can be spotted on the tops of grab-and-go containers in most restaurant coolers, primarily in Concourses A and B and near baggage claim.

POTTY
The bathrooms are equipped with changing stations and are roomy enough to accommodate large families and their luggage and family restrooms are available in all the Concourses

NURSING MOTHERS
For a tranquil, private space to breastfeed baby, head to Concourse C, next to the Yoga Room. You’ll find comfortable seating with a sink, wash area and a wall-mounted TV.

TIPS, NO MATTER THE AIRPORT

Be sure to double-check the bags your kids pack. Items even remotely resembling a banned item can hold you up in security. So, no toy guns, for instance.
According to TSA, formula, breast milk, juice, baby food and liquid medications greater than 3.4 ounces are exempt to the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Baby bottles and sippy cups are allowed, just be sure to remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened.
When looking for snacks to pack, consider dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, crackers, pretzels and cookies as opposed to creamy items, such as jams, peanut butter and yogurt, as those items are subject to the 3.4 ounce or less rule.
All strollers and car seats will be subject to the screening process, so be prepared to unbuckle the kids to send those items through the x-ray.
Kids under the age of 12 do not need to remove their shoes.
For the ultimate family travel hack, invest your time and money in TSA Pre✓. The amount of time saved in security lines is well worth the minimal hassle of setting yourself up.

Happy travels! And don’t forget, for updates on Chicago’s airports, go to flychicago.com.

— Maria Chambers & Angie Berthelsen

Featured photo: Porapak Apichodilok via Pexels

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