Sláinte! The Best St. Patrick’s Day Family Events

by Maria ChambersFebruary 18, 2022

Now that you have kids, you may think celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago is a distant (and perhaps foggy) memory. Well, think again. From the northern ‘burbs to the far south side, there’s something for everyone looking to go green this month. Check out these family-friendly festivities and Erin Go Bragh (aka Ireland til the end of time)!

Seek Out a Sweet St. Patrick's Day Themed Treat

Charm'd Pop-Up. This magical pop-up is an enchanting, over-the-top, multi-room, multi-level Irish experience. Featuring wall-to-wall Irish decor, lucky charms, multiple bars, photo-ops and a whole lot of leprechaun mischief. Best news for parents? Kids are welcome during the day.

Open as of Feb. 10; 3505 N. Clark St., Lakeview. More info.

Jo Jo's Shake Bar's Candy Land. Life doesn't get any sweeter than at Jo Jo's Candy Land. In this immersive dining experience, you'll experience over-the-top shakes, biggie hot chocolates, signature cocktails and delicious diner fare.

Open through Apr. 24; 23 W. Hubbard, River North. More info.

Stans Donuts & Coffee. Satisfy sweet tooths with Chocolate Emerald Dipped, Chocolate Green Mint Dipped, Green River Glazed, Chocolate Milk Emerald and Irish Cream Bismark. Wash it all down with Green Mint Hot Chocolate.

Mar. 10-17; 16 Chicagoland locations. More info.

Watch Chicago Go Green

Chicago River Dyeing. The first Mayor Daley kicked off this tradition in 1962 and every year since the Chicago River has turned bright green to kick off the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Boats speed through dropping 40 pounds of eco-safe dye that starts orange and miraculously turns green for a spectacle that lasts for a few magical hours.

Mar. 12, 9 a.m.; Best viewed along the Riverwalk between Columbus & State, Loop. More Info.

Dress Head-to-Toe in Green & Find a Parade

Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Elmhurst's parade features over 80 floats, Irish Dancers, the Shannon Rovers, Benny the Bull, Southpaw, Tommy Hawk, Irish musical performers and the world's largest drum. But, the parade is only the beginning. Stay for a festive day of food, music and family activities.

Mar. 5, noon; Wilson St. & Spring Rd. & continues north on Spring Rd., Elmhurst. More info.

Downtown Parade. Rain, shine, snow or sleet, since 1956 our fair city has been hosting the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade starts at Balbo and Columbus and heads north in a procession chock-full of colorful floats, bagpipes, Irish dancers, marching bands and more.

Mar. 12, noon; Columbus Dr. between Balbo & Monroe, Grant Park. More info.

West Suburban Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade & 5K. A 5K chip-timed Race, Run or Walk will kick things off at a perky 8 a.m., followed by the parade at 10 a.m through historic downtown Naperville.

Mar. 12; 8 a.m. (5K) & 10 a.m. (Parade); Downtown Naperville. More info.

South Side Irish Parade. The South Side Irish Parade began in 1979 as a small neighborhood affair that eventually grew into one of the largest celebrations outside of Dublin. The two-hour shindig features more than 90 acts meandering up Western Ave. for a day of festive flair.

Mar. 13, noon; Western Ave. between 103rd & 115th Streets. More info.

Northwest Irish Parade. The Northwest Irish Organization (NWSI) kicks off its 19th annual parade to celebrate all things Irish. With a large group of parade participants, this is always a fun-filled hour and a half for the whole family.

Mar. 13, noon; 6633 W. Raven, Norwood Park. More info.

Cruise the River

Chicago Fireboat Tours. The fully restored 1937 Chicago Fireboat is kicking off its season on St. Patrick's Day. Book the 8 a.m. tour to watch the annual Chicago River dyeing or book a tour in the afternoon to see it in its green glory.

Mar. 12, 9 a.m., noon & 4 p.m.; DuSable Harbor, 111 N. Lake Shore Dr., Loop. More Info.

Intro Your Kids to St. Patrick's Day-Style Fun

Shamrock'n The Block. This family-friendly pop-up pub will include beverages, tasty pub fare, live music, Irish dancers and activities for kids.

Mar. 12, noon-6:30 p.m.; Adams & Desplaines St., West Loop. More info.

St. Patrick’s Festival. Immediately following the downtown parade, head over to the Irish American Heritage Center on the northwest side for the after-party. This family-oriented annual event will include traditional and contemporary Irish music, Irish dancers, food and drink, children’s activities and an arts-and-crafts fair with an Irish flair.

Mar. 12, immediately following the parade; 4626 N. Knox Ave., Irving Park. More info.

Gallagher Way. Immerse yourself in the celebratory spirit of St. Patrick's Day with Irish dancing, music by Old Town School of Folk Music, face painting, a wandering magician, balloon artists, crafts and games. The first 500 guests receive a free cake ball from West Town Bakery.

Mar. 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; 3635 N. Clark St., Lakeview. More info.

Chicago Gaelic Park. While Chicago Gaelic Park celebrates Irish culture all year round on its 62-acre Oak Forest campus, things really ramp up for South Side Irish Sunday. With live music, an Irish feast and kids activities you'll find something that’ll excite the Irish lover in you.

Mar. 13, 1 p.m.; 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest. More info.

Cantigny Park. If you’re in the mood for just a bit of shenanigans this year, gather your wee ones for a day of stories, crafts and Irish treats at Little Leprechauns.

Mar. 17, 10 a.m.; 1s151 N. Winfield Rd., Wheaton. More info.

Yorktown Center. Hit up the Yappy Hour event in the Dog Lounge that includes a St. Patrick's Day-themed selfie photo-opp, decorations and costumes along with a dog "beer" tasting and shamrock-shaped dog treats.

Mar. 17, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.; Yorktown Center, 203 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard. More info.

Feast on Traditional Irish Fare

If you’re going to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you’ve got to do it right. Wear green, learn the lyrics to The Unicorn and take your taste buds on a tour of Ireland. Chicago has no shortage of spots to sample the best of what Ireland has to offer. Here are our favorites:

Chief O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant. Chief O’Neill’s could not feel more authentic if it were in the heart of county Cork itself. Home to the Irish Music School of Chicago, Chief O’Neill’s serves up traditional dishes such as lamb stew, shepherd’s pie, and Guinness-infused meatloaf. With live traditional Irish music and a “little leprechauns” menu featuring more American than Irish fare, you can’t go wrong!

3471 N. Elston Ave., Avondale; chiefoneillspub.com

Mrs. Murphy & Sons Irish Bistro. The Chicago Tribune called Mrs. Murphy’s “one of Chicago’s most authentic Irish restaurants," and for good reason. The menu is vast, with everything from a traditional Irish breakfast to Guinness mac n’ cheese to award-winning barbecue—not to mention its intriguing collection of craft beers and vast whiskey selection.

3905 N. Lincoln Ave., North Center; irishbistro.com

Quigley’s Irish Pub. Talk about authentic… Quigley’s was designed and built in Ireland and then shipped to its current location in downtown Naperville. The interior includes an authentic antique fireplace and bookcases from Dublin and custom glass and Irish prints fill the walls. Of course, the menu is filled with traditional Irish favorites, such as corned beef, lamb stew and beef braised with Guinness.

43 E. Jefferson St., Naperville; quigleysirishpub.com

Irish Times Pub. The Irish Times is a unique combination of old-school tradition and new-school thinking. Inside this “cozy cottage” you’ll find genuine Irish whiskeys, ales and beers (and faces) behind the bar. If you could see the back office, you’d find a progressive recycling program, a commitment to efficient gas and electric usage and a dedication to sourcing as much local produce as possible, including beers from local craft breweries. These ingredients are used in classic, homemade favorites such as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and fish & chips, all from family recipes.

8869 Burlington Ave., Brookfield; irishtimespub.com

Ballydoyle Pub. Enjoy a special St. Pat’s Family Day at Ballydoyle! Take the kids to the pub, Mar. 12, 10 a.m (Aurora). & Mar. 13, 11 a.m. (Downers Grove) for Irish brunch featuring family activities, crafts, live music and dancing. The traditional pub menu is filled with Irish classics including boxty (a potato pancake folded over and filled with different meats and vegetables) and Irish bread pudding.

28 W. New York St., Aurora & 5157 Main St., Downers Grove; ballydoylepub.com

Bring Home the Grub

meal delivery services in Atlanta — iStock

Throwing a St. Paddy’s bash at your place? Get all the goods for your guests at these Irish import shops and markets:

Gaelic Imports. Since 1957, Gaelic Imports has carried the largest selection of Irish groceries in the Midwest, including freshly made sausage rolls, bridies, steak & kidney pies and soda bread to name a few. Oh, and if you’re looking for something to wear to a party or a vessel to serve the punch, they sell clothes and Galway crystal too.

6346 W. Gunnison, Portage Park; gaelicimportschicago.com

Jack & Pat’s Old Fashioned Butcher Shop. This is the epitome of a family-run business. Started by brothers Jack Powers and Kenneth Patrick Powers in 1972, the quaint and aptly named old-fashioned butcher shop is now run by three of Jack’s children. If you’re in the southwest suburbs, be sure to stop at Jack & Pat’s for every kind of meat you can imagine, or have them cater your corned beef and cabbage dinner.

10717 S. Ridgeland Ave, Chicago Ridge; jackandpats.com

Mariano's. Stock up on Irish from the international aisle to the bakery. Look for Green River Soda (local to Chicago), Guinness Chips (thick-cut, crisped and seasoned with barley and hops), Barry's Tea (an Irish household staple), Mariano's Soda Bread (baked fresh daily), Bailey's Irish Cream (needs no introduction), Reuben Sausages (handmade with corned beef and sauerkraut, Kerrygold Butter (use milk sourced from grass-fed cows) and Jameson Ginger Ale & Lime (ready-to-drink canned cocktail with ginger ale, lime and Jameson Irish Whiskey).

Locations throughout Chicago; marianos.com

— Maria Chambers

21 Easy St. Patrick’s Day Crafts That Kids Will Love

Pancake Spots That Need to Rule Your Breakfast World

12 Superfood Recipes That’ll Help Keep Kids Healthy

by Abigail MatsumotoFebruary 11, 2022

Ready to snuff out the sniffles? If you’re looking for a way to fight off those nasty colds and flu viruses, the food you eat is a good place to start. These kid-friendly recipes pack a punch with superfood ingredients that help prevent illness before it happens. And with recipes like chocolate chia seed pudding— these are the ones that will stick with you through the cold season and beyond.

photo: A Healthy Life for Me

Oatmeal Superfood Breakfast Bars
Here are the superfood stats on these breakfast bars from A Healthy Life for Me: The oats contain an immune and cholesterol-boosting fiber called beta-glucan. The pumpkin seeds are packed with protein, magnesium, potassium and zinc. And the bananas and blueberries offer a few vitamin bonuses. Plus, they’re pretty to look at and easy to whip up. Get the recipe here.

photo: My Fussy Eater

Carrot Orange Juice
Orange juice is a classic cold fighter because it contains a whole lot of vitamin C, which studies have shown can cut a cold’s duration by about a day if it’s taken at the first sign of illness. This O.J drink from My Fussy Eater also features carrots, which provide immune-boosting antioxidants and vitamins. For an extra antioxidant kick, you can also add ginger— a natural antihistamine and decongestant. Get the recipe here.

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup

photo: Life Made Sweeter

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
Oh, good gourd! This soup from Life Made Sweeter scores major points both for its use of the slow cooker (easy dinner for the win!) and the star ingredients: butternut squash and sweet potato. These superfoods are packed with things like potassium, fiber, and omega 3s. Their orange hue also means that they’re rich in carotenoids that boost bone health and fight asthma.

photo: Beauty & the Beard

Roasted Edamame 3 Ways
Edamame (a.k.a soybeans) isn’t just a Japanese restaurant staple. It’s also a fiber and protein powerhouse and its nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants do wonders for the immune system. That’s why we love these soy-tastic edamame snacks from Beauty & the Beard. They’re simple to make and have a big flavor and health payoff.

photo: Julia’s Album

Parmesan Zucchini and Garlic Pasta
Sure, pasta is a well-known kid-pleaser. But this dish from Julia’s Album has even more going for it thanks to its hefty dose of garlic. In addition to being a good source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C, garlic contains allicin, an amino acid that produces antioxidants when it’s broken down. That means that this easy four-ingredient dish is also superfood-rich.

photo: Out of the Box Food

Kid-Approved Kale and Walnut Pesto
Pesto with a superfood, kid-approved twist? Yes, please! Out of the Box Food sets up kale as the main green ingredient of the sauce you know and love. This leafy veggie provides lots of vitamins and minerals (like folate, vitamin C, and calcium) that give little immune systems a super boost. You only need minimal time and ingredients to make this pesto, so the only question is: what will you put it on?

photo: Averie Cooks

Kiwi Agua Fresca
Psst! Did you know that kiwis are antioxidant all-stars? They actually offer more vitamin C than an equivalent amount of orange, more potassium than the same amount of bananas, and are low in sugar. All of that, plus additional nutrients found in kiwis, adds up to serious perks for the immune system. Averie Cooks has a great idea for a refreshing kiwi drink that’s naturally sweet and easy to make.

photo: A Dash of Butter

Frozen Blueberry Yogurt Bark
Here’s the deal with Greek yogurt: it contains probiotics that help the body replenish good bacteria and lower the risk of upper respiratory tract infections. It’s also yummy, especially when paired with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich blueberries. For an easy team up of the two, Dash of Butter has you covered with this pretty-as-a-picture snack.

photo: Crème de la Crumb

Red Pepper Hummus
Good news for hummus lovers! Crème de la Crumb takes your favorite dip and gives it a big health benefit boost in the form of red peppers. These veggies contain high levels of cold-fighting vitamin C, which means you can supplement a morning glass of O.J with an after-school hummus snack. For bonus points, dunk bell pepper strips instead of chips.

photo: Minimalist Baker

Overnight Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
It looks like a decadent dessert and it tastes as good as one, too, but this pudding has secret agent superfood powers. Both chia seeds and cacao powder are loaded with immune-boosting antioxidants that can help fight the common cold and flu. Minimalist Baker combines both to create a dreamy creamy treat.

photo: Averie Cooks

Easy Salmon and Potato Foil Packets
The immune info on salmon is that it’s a great source of vitamin D and omega-3s, nutrients that help immune cells function and boost overall immune system strength. And you don’t have to get fancy to add more salmon to your dinner table. Averie Cooks has a great idea for easy-peasy salmon foil packets that also include citrus-y vitamin C.

photo: My Fussy Eater

Secret Veggie Green Rice
Go green! This rice is a true triple threat, with spinach, avocado, and cauliflower as its main ingredients. Together, these superfoods provide glutathione (a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off infection), along with vitamins A, C and E. The credit for this colorful and healthy concoction goes to My Fussy Eater, who guarantees that it’s super easy to make, too.

photo: One Lovely Life

Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie

This mega superfood smoothie is not only packed with healthy ingredients and no added sugar—but it’s also delicious. Thanks to this recipe from Emily over at One Lovely Life, your kids will be asking for seconds without realizing just how nutritious it really is. That’s a win/win.

—Abigail Matsumoto

Featured image: Denis Tuksar via Unsplash

Kale, White Bean & Sausage Soup

Get Your Vitamins: 13 Recipes for Kid-Friendly (& Healthy!) Popsicles

The Best NYC-Themed Costume Ideas, Halloween 2021 Edition

by Mimi O'ConnorOctober 10, 2021

As most of us learned last year, you can’t stop Halloween in NYC—even if it means elaborate candy-delivery systems to keep things safe! (If you do decide to venture out this year, take precautions—like wearing a mask—to stay healthy.) Looking for some Halloween costume inspiration? We of course love a good New York City-themed costume, and have rounded up our favorite ideas for 2021. From family costumes to baby costumes and lots of easy costumes, this is how to show your NYC pride!

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Channeling your inner RBG is never a bad idea. The Supreme Court Justice hailed from Flatbush, Brooklyn, and it's easy enough to pull together a costume on your own, but you can also get the basics here. Of course, another option is to go the Notorious RBG route and add a slightly askew gold crown. And for the first-timer? Can't go wrong with this.

P.S. Let's not forget that Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor is also an NYC native, who was born and raised in the South Bronx—so you have your choice of impressive jurists!

King Kong Tableau

Have a few trick or treaters you need to outfit? A trio of the Empire State Building, King Kong and damsel in distress (or not) is a formidable ensemble. This particular iteration is the work of Ashley Bailey, the inspired Atlanta area photographer and mom behind the site "Stellaween." The month-long celebration of October's biggest day started with Bailey dressing and documenting daughter Stella in a new homemade costume each day, with a pair of twins joining in a few years ago. (You can see Bailey's shots of other people's kids at her site, September Morn Photography.)

Little Island

A little high concept and definitely not for the crafting-challenged? Sure, but we think a whole bunch of plastic funnels with some little trees and people on them would be instantly recognizable.

Ghostbuster

Genius sibling idea! Get a brown jumpsuit, a backpack, some hose and a DIY Ghostbusters patch and you're good to go. For a family costume, incorporate Slimer, the Stay-Puft Marshmallow man, Zuul, etc.

Fearless Girl

Even though it involves some potentially messy bronze face makeup and maybe spraypainting some clothes, we think it could be worth the trouble. We bet you know a fearless girl or two who could rock this costume hard. Bonus points if you do a family theme with other members taking on the roles of the Charging Bull, a tourist, stock trader, etc.

New York's Finest

We don't mean any disrespect. Of course cops don't just sit around eating donuts. But how cute is this costume? NYPD for the win!

Hipster

Another costume idea that's open to a lot of interpretation, the Hispter is a little more subtle. This is Bailey's take on it, and we think the mustache solution she came up with is genius.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Grace Fong-Smith (@gracefongsmith)

Subway Car

An MTA train car is a quintessential NYC choice for Halloween, and it's a project, but an easy one. Nice touches include personalizing with your neighborhood's main line, or with your child's initial. (Yes, there can be an "H" or "T" train.) Pizza Rat really takes this version over the top.

Statue of Liberty

Another costume that's simple, easy, instantly recognizable, and can be worn with absolutely anything underneath. An aqua-colored sheet, foam crown and torch and you're done.

Sesame Street

Why pick one character from the Street when you can be all of them and the Street itself?

Times Square Elmo

Another, more subversive take on the Sesame Street crowd, the Times Square Elmo is easy to achieve. You just need an Elmo costume that looks a little...wrong. Thrift stores are filled with Elmo costumes that have seen better days. Give your child a five-dollar bill and a bad attitude and you're all set.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by San Antonio Charter Moms (@sachartermoms)

iPhone

OK, obviously this is not a costume applicable to NYC alone, but we're going to claim it because A.) New Yorkers have to be some of the most phone-dependent beings and B.) this costume is so cute, easy, and a dream to get around.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stephanie Johnson (Schmeling) (@tonsandbunches)

Bagel et. al

This family went all-in with the NYC-themed costumes: Bagel with cream cheese, Metrocard, Statue of Liberty. (Click through to see the full ensemble.)

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

We're betting at least one kid in the Bronx or Queens steps out in this. (If you see them, please send photos.) A hard sell? Maybe. But maybe not—AOC is pretty inspiring. A nice companion to Fearless Girl, this is super easy to pull together (especially if your kid has long dark hair). Still, some bright red lipstick, a House of Representatives Seal or Green New Deal material, and you're good to go.

Naked Cowboy

Easy. Hilarious. Cute. What more could you ask for? Obviously an indoor costume only, this one is perfect for your diaper-wearing tot. Just scrawl "Naked Cowboy" on his (or her) butt, throw on some kiddie cowboy boots, a hat and ukulele and call it a night.

— Mimi O’Connor

RELATED STORIES:

NYC Fall Family Fun for 2021

Praise the Gourd: Where to Go Pumpkin Picking near NYC

Top Seeds: The Best Apple Picking Near NYC

Fall Day Trips You Still Have Time to Take

50 Ways Families Can Help Save the Planet

by Gabby CullenOctober 5, 2021

Teaching your kids about conservation and the environment is a lot more than just recycling, but it doesn’t have to drastically alter your lifestyle either. There are dozens of small things that families can do to go green, and many of them have the added bonus of saving you money! Read on for simple ways to help your crew help the planet.

1. Pick up trash. Bring along a spare plastic bag or two to pick up wayside recycling or garbage on walks around the neighborhood.

2. Carry reusable totes. Cut back on landfill-clogging plastic (and to save money if your city charges for bags!). Stash a few in your car and a folding one in your purse.

3. Veg out! You don't have to have a plant-based diet year round but cutting back on the consumption of meat does help conserve valuable resources. Try implementing Meatless Mondays or another meat-free meal one night a week. Check out these vegetarian recipes to get inspired.

4. Buy secondhand. You can find kids' clothing, furniture, home accessories and art from the antique market, from a Facebook marketplace, garage sales or Craigslist. Not only will you be consuming fewer new products, but your stuff will have a story.

5. Use washable containers. Plastic containers work great in lunch boxes.

6. Turn off the lights. Simply making the rounds and flipping the switch has a huge impact on energy usage.

7. Ditch the chemicals. Opt for some non-toxic homemade cleaners that are simple and inexpensive.

8. Wash, rinse, and reuse plastic bags.

9. Use smart bulbs. If your kid needs a night light, make sure to use an LED light. It can be on all night without taking nearly as much energy as a conventional light.

10. Dispose of old paint and electronics the responsible way. Check with your city's garbage pick-up provider to see if they have days or drop-off sites. Most Goodwill stores accept these items for recycling.

11. Use reusable/refillable water bottles all day, every day! You'll help decrease the amount of plastic clogging our oceans and landfills.

12. Buy rechargeable batteries. If you decide to go with regular batteries, make sure to recycle them properly.

13. Quit using paper towels to clean. Cut up old bath towels and tee shirts for cleaning instead.

14. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth.

15. Leave the car at home. Chose one trip a day to bike or use public transportation.

eco-friendly brands like BeesWrap are changing the world. — courtesy Bee's Wrap

16. Buy sustainable goods. Be a conscious consumer and make sure the products you buy have a minimal effect on the environment.

17. Buy in bulk. Buy from the market's bulk section to avoid unnecessary packaging. Do you really need individual containers of olives or cheese sticks when you can buy in bulk and pack it yourself?

18. Take an hour or less and switch all your bills to paperless.

19. Save plastic to-go containers and make mini-greenhouses for starting seeds.

20. Check the family car's tire pressure once a month. Having the right amount will increase gas mileage by three percent (woot!).

21. Put your computer to bed. Plan on stepping away from the keypad? Switch your computer to “sleep” mode to save energy.

22. Tote your own refillable coffee mug. Many coffee shops even charge less for patrons who bring their own mug.

23. Load up the dishwasher. Also, don’t worry about pre-rinsing. (Note: this doesn't work as well with old appliances!).

24. Avoid products with palm oil. Rainforests are still being destroyed in order to produce palm oil. It's found in everything from chocolate to shampoo. Read more here.

25. Use coffee grounds in a compost pile or under acidity-loving plants like azaleas.

26. Designate one glass per day. Instead of grabbing a new cup each time a kid needs a drink, assign everyone a cup each day.

27. And speaking of compost ... If you don't have space or yard to start your own, see if your city offers a composting program or try and start one at your kid's school.

28. Share your old magazines with friends or doctor’s offices. It's always a good idea to black out your address first. And if no one wants them, recycle them!

29. Use cloth napkins instead of paper. Not only will you save trees but you'll look extra fancy.

30. Buy reusable snack bags. You won't have to buy plastic bags for months, if not years.

31. Sell old cellphones. All they're doing is taking up space in your desk drawers. You can send them to usell.com for cash.

32. Add some green. Houseplants are natural air filters, so grow one in your kiddo's room!

33. Dry your clothes in the sunlight or air. Even if they still need to "finish" in the dryer, you'll save electricity and gas by letting natural elements do half the job.

34. Cut up plastic six-pack rings! You probably heard about this when you were a kid but it's still a problem and it's an easy thing to do.

35. Talk to your kids about why going green is so important. You'll be creating future conservationists!

36. Unplug appliances (like toasters, hair dryers and coffee makers) when you’re not using them.

37. Organize a local beach or park cleanup.

38. Plant a pollinator-friendly garden in your yard, school or neighborhood.

39. Consider the rain garden: a garden designed to help filter run-off from parking lots. Many schools are creating these in medians and edges of parking lots.

40. Use calendars and greeting cards to make cool art.

41. Reuse old toys in inventive ways.

42. Stop using plastic straws. Switch to paper, silicone or metal straws. Ask your local businesses to do the same.

43. Stop using bath and body products with synthetic microbead exfoliants and opt for either natural exfoliating ingredients like scrubs with nut/seed exfoliants like St. Ive’s, or sugar scrubs.

44. Consider swapping out plastic toothbrushes fort these bamboo toothbrushes. Use your old toothbrushes to clean grout and hard-to-reach places.

45. Create non-toxic crafts like this milk & vinegar plastic.

46. Stop using glitter. If you must use glitter, use this biodegradable brand, Today Glitter.

47. Use vinegar in place of glass cleaner.

48. Avoid food waste with these clever ideas.

49. Consolidate your Amazon orders, people! Yes, we know you can get it it one day. But if you order several items you can request they arrive in one shipment instead of multiple boxes.

50. Be kind to animals and all living things.

—Gabby Cullen, Amber Guetebier, Erin Feher, Kristina Moy, Chantal Lamers

Baby Trend Alert: Eco-Friendly and Fashionable Diapers

15 Earth-Friendly Websites You Need to Bookmark Today

Our Top 5 Picks for Reusable Snack Bags on Amazon

10 Healthy, Plant-Based Meal Delivery Services (& Coupons to Save You Money)

by Kate LowethAugust 8, 2021

With Earth Day on the horizon and swimsuit season around the corner, there’s no better time than now to revamp your family’s eating. Whether you want to try meatless Mondays or you’d like to get everyone on a plant-based diet, these meal delivery services are here to make the transition easy. They offer vegetarian, vegan and plant-based menus that you can have delivered to your house in no time. Go green and leave the cooking to the experts!

Mosaic

Mosaic has you covered whether you are looking to follow a vegan or vegetarian meal plan. Their meals arrive frozen to help preserve freshness/crunch and extend shelf life. They can be heated up in minutes, making it so easy for families who have to juggle different dining schedules due to work and extra-curricular activities. Mosaic removes all of the hard parts for plant-based beginners— learning new recipes, spending a lot of time cooking and at the grocery store, wasting fresh fruits and veggies, etc.

Deal: Use FIRSTBOX to get $15 off your first box.

Online: mosaicfoods.com

One Potato

This meal delivery service has been turning out kid-friendly meal kits for years and they recently added vegan options to their menu. Subscribers are able to pick from vegan versions of Classic Burger and Fries; Tacos with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo; and Slaw & Pizza with Greek Salad. Offered every week, the vegan One Potato meals featuring Miyoko’s Creamery products are a great way to introduce Meatless Mondays to your family.

Deal: Use code GET80 for a total of $80 off four boxes

Online: onepotato.com

Purple Carrot

Purple Carrot’s recipes are entirely plant-based, and their team chooses meals for you, eliminating the need for you to log in by a certain date to make your own choices (unless you wish to). Plus, they put an innovative spin on plant-based meals with dishes like Seitan Gyro with Shaved Artichoke Salad and Tahini Yogurt or Kale Caesar with Crispy Butter Beans and Everything Bagel Croutons. You can choose either meal kits that you prepare yourself, or prepared meals that you just heat and eat. Good news: most of their packaging is recyclable.

Deal: Use PURPLE20 to save $20 on your first order.

Online: purplecarrot.com

Veestro

How about 100% plant-based, organic, non-GMO, chef-prepared entrees, soups, and juices that just show up at your front door whenever you want them to? Then look no further than Veestro.

There are no, zero, zilch animal products of any kind, here, ever! Chick'n Nuggets with chipotle dipping sauce complete with veganaise will do the trick every time for your kiddos and no one will miss the meat. Veestro food is available a la carte and they also carry a surprisingly delicious weight loss menu plan. As with most vegetarian cuisine: most meals have nuts in them so be careful with a nut allergy, but all meals are completely dairy-free and don't contain other allergens.

Deal: 15% off your first order with code WELCOME or 30% orders of $200+ with code POWERPLANTS

Online: veestro.com

Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon

This cook-at-home food delivery service partnered with Martha Stewart to help harried families discover their inner Martha. The menu features 29 choices every week and the website tags meals as family-friendly, vegan, vegetarian and other categories. Favorites include: Tortelloni Florintine and Vegetable Enchiladas. The website provides big, colorful step-by-step photos for careless cooks and kids who want to help.

Deal: Total of $80 off your first four boxes when you click the link below

Online: marleyspoon.com

Thistle

best family meal delivery Los Angeles — Thistle

If you are looking to up your family's health quotient this year then Thistle is the meal delivery service for you. They offer fully-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner meals, as well as juices, snacks, wellness shots and more. Choose what option works best for you with the price per item decreasing the more items you select. Every week there's a new menu and everything that is available is gluten and dairy free. You can choose from vegan and non-vegan options.

Shipping: Thistle delivers locally to the San Francisco Bay Area, North Bay, Sacramento, Davis, Los Angeles, San Diego + Orange County, Las Vegas, Portland and Seattle. They ship across California and parts of Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

Deal: Use code WELCOME100 to save a total of $100 off your first four deliveries.

Online: thistle.co

Green Chef

meal delivery services in Dallas — iStock

Healthy eating at home is the name of the game with Green Chef. Choose from three plans: Keto + Paleo, Balanced Living and Plant-Powered. Set up your deliveries to come weekly or less frequently if you prefer. Menus change every week and if you go for the plant-powered menu you'll get vegan and vegetarian options like Green Pea Falafel with Tahini, and Butternut Squash Chili.

Deal: Save a total of $90 off your first 4 orders when you enter your email

Online: greenchef.com

Splendid Spoon

Splendid Spoon was founded by Nicole Centeno, a mom who realized how difficult it was to attain a healthy-minded lifestyle with a 9-5 job and demands of family life. With Splendid Spoon, she’s made it her mission to make vegan plant-based meals accessible, nutritious and a daily habit that’ll power your day (no need to reach for that protein bar to get you through the mid-morning hangries). All meals come ready-to-eat, which is ideal for families on-the-go or new moms who may not have the energy to even boil water for pasta. Bonus: All of Splendid Spoon’s packaging is 100% recyclable.

Deal: $25 off your first order

Online: splendidspoon.com

Sunbasket

Sunbasket focuses on organic, sustainably-sourced ingredients. All meal kit recipes are approved by in-house dietitians to comply with USDA dietary guidelines, and meals are typically between 500 and 800 calories. You can choose from a number of dietary restrictions including vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free.

All you need is salt, pepper and oil—the kit provides the rest, plus step-by-step instructions (and most meals take less than 30 minutes to prepare and cook). You can select 2-4 recipes per week to feed 2-4 people. You can also mix and match across meal categories, ensuring there’s something for everyone at your table.

Deal: Get a total of $90 off and 4 free gifts across your first four shipments.

Online: sunbasket.com

Freshology

Long for the microwave dinners of the old days—without the "Guess That Meat" flavor of your high school cafeteria? Freshology—also called Diet To Go—delivers chef-prepared meals, ready to heat and eat. Freshology drops tasty, calorie-controlled, already-prepared dishes (breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and snacks) onto your doorstep. They’re all about helping you discover nutritious and affordable meals that’ll help you support your healthy lifestyle. Choose the vegetarian menu if you want to go all plants, or the Balance menu if you want some meat added in.

Deal: Save 10% on your first week

Online: freshology.com

—Kate Loweth

20 Plant-Based Recipes That Kids Will Love

25 New Crock Pot Recipes You Have to Try

10 Vegetarian Mains You Can Serve for Thanksgiving

From Tree Farms to Lots: Where to Buy Your Christmas Tree in Phoenix

by Kate LowethNovember 20, 2020

If it just doesn’t seem like the holidays without the fresh scent of Christmas tree in your house, we have the list for you! These Christmas tree farms and nurseries around Phoenix, Arizona offer fresh-cut Christmas trees in all sizes from mini to 10-feet tall. Head on over to choose the perfect one!

Valley View Christmas Trees
For over 40 years, this farm has imported fresh-from-Oregon Christmas trees to the delight of families all over town. Stop by and pick out your tree to take home with you or have it delivered. You may even find Santa there when you visit! You can reserve your tree online to make sure you get the one you want.

3165 E Guadalupe Rd
Gilbert, AZ
Online: valleyviewchristmastrees.org

Tolmachoff Farms
Note: Website not yet updated for 2020. This four-generation family farm offers Douglas, Grand and Noble firs for purchase. You can make a day of it with chickens to visit, s'mores to eat and Santa to visit while you are there.

5726 N. 75th Ave.
Glendale, AZ
Dates: Open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. through Dec. 24 when they close at 5 p.m.
Online: tolmachoff-farms.com

Whitfill Nursery
With three locations to choose from, you are guaranteed to find the perfectly-sized tree to fit your home this holiday season. Buy one that's already cut or go green and choose a potted version to plant in your yard when the holidays are over.

2647 E. Southern Avenue
Phoenix, AZ

824 E. Glendale Avenue
Phoenix, AZ

820 N. Cooper Road
Gilbert, AZ
Online: whitfillnursery.com

Moon Valley Nurseries
This spot has a number of locations around Phoenix and typically has pre-cut as well as live, potted Christmas trees for purchase. If you have your heart set on a potted tree, order yours in advance online.

You can find all of their locations here.
Online: moonvalleynurseries.com

Seasonal Farms
You may know these spots as offering pumpkins in the fall months, they also offer Oregon and Wisconsin Christmas trees for sale in December. Varieties include Noble, Grand, Nordmann and Douglas Fir as well as Christmas wreaths for your front door.

1819 N 99th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ

700 N. Higley Rd.
Gilbert, AZ
Online: seasonalfarms.com

—Kate Loweth

Show Your Holiday Spirit with These Festive Face Masks

The USPS Online Shop Has New Ornaments & Toys (But You Better ‘Nab Them Quick)

The Top Holiday Gifts of 2020 for Every Age & Stage

15 Wicked-Awesome Costume Ideas for Boston Kids

by Kate LowethOctober 12, 2020

While Halloween 2020 might be a little (or a lot) different from past years, we can still get into the Halloween spirit by planning some awesome Halloween costumes for the kids. Scroll down for some great Boston-inspired Halloween costumes for kids and families that will put your DIY skills to good use. Which one can win your neighborhood costume contest?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maine C.R.A.P. (@mainecrap) on Jul 24, 2020 at 4:41pm PDT

Red Sox Fan

Deck your Rookie of the Year out in all their Red Sox gear and you've got the perfect (reusable) costume for Halloween. Pair it up with the costume below for the perfect sibling set.

Fenway's Green Monster

Dig out all those green clothes and deck the kids out from head to toe. This costume plays homage to the 37-foot-2-inch-high green wall in Fenway Park's left field.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Huckleberry (@im__your__huckleberry_) on Sep 24, 2020 at 12:04pm PDT

Boston Baked Beans

How cute would this be as a costume made out of one of the many, many Amazon boxes you have lying around?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by catrina whitehead (@divacat1213) on Oct 27, 2019 at 4:38pm PDT

New England Patriots Fan

You know you have drawers full of Pats gear so why not bust them out this Halloween for an easy, comfortable and reusable costume.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by South of Urban Shop (@southofurbanshop) on Aug 27, 2018 at 4:04pm PDT

Dunkin Donuts

Life is better with Dunkin and this too-cute costume is perfect for little ones who love those donuts.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sarah Ann Masse (@sarahannmasse) on Aug 18, 2020 at 8:58pm PDT

Abigail Adams

There are plenty of famous Bostonians that make for great Halloween costumes and we especially love Abigail Adams as an option. A powerful woman in American history, Abigail Adams was one of the founders of the United States, bearing the designations of second First Lady and first Second Lady. She is well known for her numerous letters to her husband John Adams that are filled with complex, political discussions.

The Citgo Sign

This is another Boston-inspired costume idea that you could totally make out an Amazon box. It pays homage to the iconic sign that has been displayed near Kenmore Square since 1940.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Arvelle🇵🇭 (@arvelle_16) on Oct 1, 2020 at 6:48pm PDT

Boston Celtics Fan

Go green and bust out all your Boston Celtics gear for this easy costume.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Haley Peterson (@haleyannaa) on Feb 2, 2014 at 9:16am PST

Benjamin Franklin

One of the founding fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston in 1706. A scientist and inventor, Franklin is most known for his discoveries relating to electricity.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Merrilee Liddiard (@mer_mag) on Oct 4, 2020 at 7:38pm PDT

Romeo & Juliet, the Boston Swans

These swans that make their home in the Boston Public Garden every summer are the perfect inspiration for a Halloween costume. If your little one is totally obsessed with visiting Romeo and Juliet, this is the DIY costume for you.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Un cuaderno en mi mochila (@uncuadernoenmimochila) on Feb 26, 2020 at 1:29pm PST

Make Way for Ducklings

Get all the neighborhood ducklings in on this one, it's too adorable to pass up. Get a mama duck for the front and little ducklings to follow along and everyone will know you are the famous bronze ducks created by Nancy Schön located in the Public Garden near the corner of Beacon Street and Charles Street.

@MBTA My 7 year old’s Halloween costume. He’s a map of the MBTA – bus, subway, and commuter rail routes! pic.twitter.com/821wr603vo

— Rachel (@rachelbarstow) October 26, 2019

The T

We love the creativity that went into this costume of everyone's favorite public transportation system, the T.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eddric Lee (@eddric) on Oct 31, 2012 at 2:23pm PDT

MBTA Tandem Bus

How totally cute is this idea for a Boston-inspired #boxtume? We especially love the tandem style as it will force your kids to work together while trick-or-treating. Win-win!

Best Halloween Costume ever !!!! #MBTA pic.twitter.com/QzaUSqrDW3

— MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) October 30, 2017

MBTA Transit Police

The MBTA transit police are the inspiration for this awesome costume for a kid who loves everything about the MBTA.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nessa Marie (@little_miss_nessa_) on Apr 27, 2019 at 5:51pm PDT

Boston Bruins Fan

Hockey fans, we haven't forgotten about you. This totally cute costume is perfect for a last-minute option when you get invited to a neighborhood costume party.

—Kate Loweth

100 Things to Do in Chicago Before the Kids Turn 10

by Kelly AiglonAugust 18, 2020

Editor’s note: We’re making every effort to provide you with the most up-to-date information. However, the situation with COVID-19 is fluid and ever-changing. Please be sure to check with these businesses directly for any pandemic-specific closures, safety protocols, rules and procedures before paying a visit. Stay safe!

This could be the most big-on-fun checklist you’ve ever had. Before your kids turn 10, here are a whopping 100 ways to entertain them in Chicago and nearby. It has essential city experiences. It has hidden gems. And it has tons of to-do’s that will find a special place in your heart. Dive into the list anywhere, and take your time — but not too much. The wonder years whiz by!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Field Museum (@fieldmuseum) on Mar 22, 2020 at 5:20pm PDT

1. Got a kid who loves dinos? Visit Sue, the world’s largest T. Rex, and Máximo, a cast of the largest dinosaur ever found at The Field Museum.

2. Get leaned at a 30-degree angle 1,000 feet above the city at 360 CHICAGO’S TILT.

3. Fire up your imagination at a kid-friendly show performed at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. Until the curtain is lifted, stay connected with SHAKES@HOME.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mr. Singer (@mrsingersleithaus) on Apr 5, 2020 at 7:45pm PDT

4. See Mr. Singer perform a free musical story hour at Lincoln Park Zoo all year-round. Until restrictions are lifted, you can find keep up-to-date on his virtual performances via his Facebook page.

5. See the real 1966, 1989 and 2005 Batmobiles at the Volo Auto Museum. In 2021, they’ll be adding Jurassic Gardens, North America’s largest indoor animatronic Dinosaur Park.

6. Jam out at a Concerts for Kids kindie rock show or an all-ages show at Beat Kitchen. Right now they have an all-ages Bluegrass Brunch every Saturday at 11 a.m.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Scooters Frozen Custard (@scooterscustard) on Jul 26, 2020 at 6:15pm PDT

7. Devour a bowl of frozen custard that’s made right before your eyes at Scooters Frozen Custard.

8. Fly a kite on Cricket Hill at Montrose Harbor.

9. Be a beach bum at a vacation town on the Michigan shoreline (aka: the other side of the pond).

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Altitude Chicago (@altitudechicago) on May 22, 2020 at 11:03am PDT

10. Jump yourself into exhaustion at Altitude Trampoline Park, Chicago’s first and only trampoline playspace and activity center.

11. Take the water taxi from downtown to Chinatown.

12. Shake, sing and be silly at an Old Town School of Folk Music Wiggleworms music class. Right now you can experience the fun online, from the comforts of home. No mask required!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lindsey (@hearforemma) on Jun 29, 2020 at 12:05pm PDT

13. Gather berries at a U-Pick farm, like one from our story Get the Dirt on Veggie & Berry-Picking Season.

14. Make like a tourist and blaze through downtown on a Chicago Trolley.

15. Stroll the Naperville Riverwalk and stop to take a dip at Centennial Beach. This venue is closed for the 2020 season, but you can rent paddleboats and paddleboards at the neighboring Paddleboat Quarry.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Six Flags Great America (@sfgreat_america) on Sep 2, 2019 at 8:45am PDT

16. Appease your need for speed at Six Flags Great America. As of Jul. 27, the theme park hasn’t opened for the 2020 season, but the waterpark Hurricane Harbor is up and running.

17. Scoot around a faux road on a ride-on car in Little Beans Cafe.

18. Tackle the mega slides at Adventure Playground at Blackberry Farm in Aurora. (Be sure to keep tabs on their website for when they reopen after COVID-19 closures.)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Play Every Day (@playeverydayorg) on Jun 17, 2020 at 4:01pm PDT

19. Snuggle up at interactive storytime at Play toy store in Logan Square, Andersonville or Lincoln Park.

20. Have a birthday party at Purple Monkey Playroom.

21. Hike Starved Rock State Park and snap a picture in front of a waterfall. For more low-key nature strolls, read our story Discover the Not-So-Obvious Spots to Hike, Camp & Fish Near Chicago.

photo: Chicago White Sox

22. Run the bases at a Chicago White Sox Sunday Family Night. Until baseball welcomes fans again, fill your stomachs with ballpark favorites. Get your fix of some of the game’s most iconic bites via the team’s Home Plates recipe page.

23. Watch sharks dart overhead at the Wild Reef exhibit at Shedd Aquarium.

24. Run away and join the circus. . . or just watch family-owned and performed Circus in the Parks (that benefits the parks!).

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Danny Jr. (@babytorres181) on Apr 4, 2019 at 7:38pm PDT

25 Grab a swing seat at Molly’s Cupcakes and get a sugar high. There’s 5 Chicago locations!

26. Build sandcastle at Oak Street Beach.

27. Walk the quiet woodland trails of North Park Village Nature Center.

photo: Chicago Children’s Museum

28. Scoot around in the Kovler Family Climbing Schooner at Chicago Children’s Museum.

29. Go to a Broadway in Chicago show at a downtown theater.

30. Make your dream birthday gift list at Building Blocks Toy Shop.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Navy Pier (@navypierchicago) on May 29, 2020 at 12:57pm PDT

31. Take a spin on Navy Pier’s Centennial Wheel.

32. Take a youth improv class at The Second City.

33. Get sprayed with water at one of the many splash pads in the city and ‘burbs.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by A.M.A Photography Studios (@amastudioschicago) on Dec 13, 2019 at 2:01pm PST

34. Tiptoe through the hidden Shakespeare Garden at Northwestern University.

35. Play with the latest toys and kids’ gadgets at Chicago Toy & Game Fair. For 2020, the dates are Nov. 16-22.

36. Curl up with a book at Harold Washington Library.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chris Cobarde Aranas (@sweet_p_and_me) on Jul 23, 2020 at 6:00pm PDT

37. Order a Rainbow Cone (and take a selfie with it).

38. Rope fake cattle at Onesti’s Wild West Town in Union.

39. Have a blast after dark and shop Argyle Night Market in Uptown.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wisconsin Dells (@waterparkcapital) on Jun 20, 2020 at 11:50am PDT

40. Get drenched at the water park capital of the world, Wisconsin Dells (and don’t miss Paul Bunyan’s for dinner).

41. Meet chefs and local farmers at Green City Market and have the kids join Club Sprouts, which encourages young people to try new, locally grown sustainable foods.

42. Escape to Lake Geneva for the weekend and take the 2.5-hour narrated U.S. Mailboat Tour that includes a very unique mail delivery to lakeshore residents.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by REGENCY Luxury Pontoons (@regencyboats) on Jul 25, 2020 at 9:49am PDT

43. Plan a road trip to the Ozarks. Come on, you know Netflix’s Ozark has you curious!

44. Putt your way through 18 kitschy-fun mini-golf holes at Haunted Trails in Burbank.

45. Wander through aisles of wacky science-experiment stuff at American Science & Surplus.

photo: Adler Planetarium

46. Gaze through a telescope on the terrace of Adler Planetarium.

47. Visit the 14,000-square feet of painted wall at the Mile of Murals in Rogers Park and increase your family selfie game.

48. Take a soccer class at Lil’ Kickers.

photo: LEGOLAND Discovery Center

49. Go bonkers for bricks at LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

50. Explore a natural paradise at Garfield Park Conservatory.

51. Take the family out for a Chicago Fire soccer game or sign up for one of their youth camps.

photo: Codeverse

52. Learn a foreign language—coding!—at Codeverse, the world’s first fully interactive coding studio designed for kids ages 6-12

53. Bask in a Japanese-inspired paradise at Garden of the Phoenix in Jackson Park.

54. Get doused at Crown Fountain in Millennium Park.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jamie (@missjamiesfarm) on Jul 17, 2020 at 9:34am PDT

55. Be a Miss Jamie’s Farm groupie and follow her around to Mariano’s stores and festivals (or book your own private show).

56. Watch as hundreds of butterflies are released daily at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

57. Go indoor skydiving at iFly in Lincoln Park, Rosemont or Naperville.

photo: Brookfield Zoo’s Hamill Family Wild Encounters via Maria Chambers

58. Feed the goats or play with the parakeets at Brookfield Zoo’s Hamill Family Wild Encounters.

59. Sip bubble tea at one of Joy Yee’s 7 Chicagoland locations.

60. Once it opens back up, have a family campout designed for the novice on Northerly Island.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chicago Fireboat Tours 🆕 (@chicagofireboattours) on Jun 30, 2020 at 5:05pm PDT

61. Once the largest diesel-powered Fireboat in the world, the Fred A. Busse is now set to share a bit of history with its passengers on a Chicago Fireboat Tour.

62. Party like its 1499 at Bristol Renaissance Faire, just over the Wisconsin border.

63. Get tickets—better yet, a season pass—to shows at Chicago Children’s Theatre.

photo: Bellaboo’s by TK Photography

64. Drive to Indiana for the worth-the-trip Bellaboo’s play space.

65. Visit the smallest shop in the U.S.—Little Popcorn Shop in Wheaton.

66. Get your scream on with these low key thrills and chills.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chicago Botanic Garden (@chicagobotanic) on Jul 15, 2020 at 11:10am PDT

67. Get lost amongst the blooms at Chicago Botanic Garden.

68. Explore one of the 17 permanent exhibits at Kohl Children’s Museum.

69. Go glamping in the Illinois wilderness.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Santa’s Village IL (@santasvillageil) on Jul 22, 2020 at 7:44am PDT

70. Fight real fire on the firetruck ride or cool off at the waterpark at the old-school Santa’s Village Azoosement & Water Park.

71. Bike the Fox River Valley Trail, making sure to stop at Batavia, Geneva or St. Charles for postcard-perfect views.

72. Inhale a stack of pancakes at Lulu Belle’s on Southport Avenue or in Franklin Park.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kyra Lopez ◇ Lifestyle (@kyra_lopez_23) on Aug 29, 2019 at 10:12am PDT

73. Run, climb and explore at the Children’s Garden at Morton Arboretum.

74. Get artsy at Hyde Park Art Center.

75. Travel to Springfield for a lesson in President Lincoln history.

76. See the bald blue dudes drum, paint and surprise you at Blue Man Group.

77. Get fancy for family tea at The Peninsula Chicago.

78. Have a slimy, gooey good time doing experiments at Kids Science Labs.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Skydeck Chicago (@skydeckchicago) on Jun 21, 2020 at 10:39am PDT

79. Walk over the city and onto The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago (and dare yourself not to freak out).

80. Put on your suit and take a dip in a community pool.

81. Play frisbee golf at Oak Brook’s Central Park.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by REALGOOD STUFF Co. (@realgoodstuffco) on Jul 25, 2020 at 5:54am PDT

82. Go green and get juice at Real Good Stuff Co. that’ll have the kids begging for their veggies (they also do FroYo!).

83. Go roller skating under strobe lights at Aurora Skate Center.

84. Watch the old-fashioned flipping of the historic scoreboard at a Chicago Cubs game.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Gene & Jude’s Hot Dogs (@geneandjudeschicago) on Sep 8, 2019 at 11:27am PDT

85. Show the kids how hot-dog-eating is done (hold the ketchup) at one of our favorite hot dog joints.

86. Sign the kids up for a Hi-Five Sports Camp that’s focus is about so much more than winning or losing, it’s about teamwork, playing hard and fair, making new friends, learning the power of camaraderie and FUN.

87. Go on a Chicago-themed family scavenger hunt.

photo: The Forge

88. Have a family fun day the new The Forge: Lemont Quarries (aka The Forge), a 300-acre adventure park with ziplines, hiking trails, mountain biking, paddlesports, and a dedicated kids’ zone.

89. Race slot cars at Dads Slot Cars in Des Plaines.

90. Tour a farm and pet animals at Green Meadows Petting Farm.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by B L Ä Ï R Ë (@blaire.moments) on Feb 19, 2020 at 4:04pm PST

91. Glow in the dark at cosmic bowling at Waveland Bowl.

92. Take a whirlwind tour of some of Chicago’s most iconic attractions by buying a CityPass.

93. Spend time examining every detail in the Thorne Miniature Rooms at The Art Institute.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alex Dorn (@justdorn) on Jun 7, 2020 at 12:09pm PDT

94. Chase down the Toasty Cheese grilled cheese truck for a mmm-worthy meal.

95. Learn dance from pros this fall at a family program at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

96. Eat chocolates—and watch them being made!—at Long Grove Confectionery.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by James Crowder Jr (@crowdemout) on Feb 8, 2020 at 12:17pm PST

97. Partake in sugary goodness at the end-all-be-all of vintage ice cream shops, Margie’s Candies.

98. Build your own robot at Robot City Workshop.

99. Have a staycation at one of Chicago’s kid-friendly hotels with amenities that will make it so you never want to leave!

100. Take lots of pictures and seize the moment. . . again and again and again.

— Maria Chambers & Kelly Aiglon

Featured photo: Pixabay via Pexels

Low-Key Thrill Seek as a Family at The Forge: Lemont Quarries

It’s Not Just an Addictive Netflix Series: Road Trip to the Ozarks

The Easiest & Most Entertaining At-Home Activities—According to Real LA Moms

by Shannan RoussApril 12, 2020

While I love the idea of turning a cereal box into a guitar and making a race car out of a toilet paper roll, sometimes the best kids projects are the simplest ones. To that end, I checked in with real LA moms to find out which at-home ideas and activities actually worked for them—plus I’m revealing my own biggest #MomWin. Read on for all the sanity-saving tips.

At the Carwash

After attempting DIY spin art with a salad spinner (5 minutes of entertainment, 25 minutes of cleanup) and various other art projects involving spray starch, coffee filters and more, I took a break from forcing crafting on my 3 year old. Ultimately, the activity that kept him occupied the longest was a 'car wash.' Just a bucket of soapy water, some rags, a few dirty outdoor trucks and a towel for drying.

Chalk It Up

With a little painters tape, you can create graphic chalk art on the driveway, a wall or fence, like mom Bekki Herzon. The activity kept her two kids, ages 5 and 7, busy for more than an hour!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Heather Taylor Home (@heathertaylorhome) on Mar 25, 2020 at 10:41am PDT

Soup's On

This "nature soup" project is the "gift that keeps giving," according to Heather Taylor, founder of linen shop Heather Taylor Home. The idea comes from Meri Cherry. Simply gather sticks, petals, leaves and more on a walk or in your backyard. Put in a pot, add water (colored for more fun), and stir.

Paint the Town

This might be the ultimate simple-but-oh-so-entertaining activity: "My daughter spent almost an hour 'painting' our fence and everything in the backyard today with water!" says mom Julia R.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Emily (@emilyvanvoorhis) on Mar 25, 2020 at 12:37pm PDT

Paint the Toys

"Today’s quarantine activity. Painted some toys with washable paint and then transferred everything to the bath to wash everything off," writes Emily V. in her Instagram post. The whole thing took over an hour and involved a lot of independent play, so score.

Stick to It

"Here’s an idea I came up with that lasted for 45 minutes using stickers from Melissa and Doug," says mom Ellen Gringberg, who did this activity with her three year old. "Do a quick and simple drawing of the sea, a farm, etc., then have kids put the stickers in the right setting."

Slicing & Dicing

"I got my daughter toddler knives that protect from cutting fingers off," says mom Zoe DiStefano. "She's obsessed with cutting veggies and helping me with dinner. Which is great because not only does it keep her busy so I can cook, but it gets her excited to eat her veggies!"

Go Green

"We made a huge calendar and are having theme days," mom Lisa Perilstein tells us of the routine she's found most helpful. "For example, we have a rainbow day, a Philadelphia Eagles day, a Frozen Or Daniel Tiger Day. We add activities based on the themes (like we made green play dough on green day)." Your day, solved.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Formerly Yan (@formerlyyan) on Mar 25, 2020 at 1:27pm PDT

Blast Off!

Amanda Schechter, creator of the maternity collection Formerly Yan, shared this DIY rocket ship, perfect for older kids and aspiring astronauts. "We produced a 🚀 100% handmade of sustainable materials (used plastic water bottle, reusable wine cork, and used printer paper) powered by organic ingredients (1/4c vinegar and 1tbs baking soda)," she shared in her Instragram post. And we have lift off! (Note: This project definitely requires parental supervision, but you'll be as wowed by it as your kids.)

–Shannan Rouss

How to Keep Your Routine When the Kids Are at Home

Theme Park Attractions Your Kids Can Ride Virtually

The Best Programs to Recycle & Donate Clothes

by Shahrzad WarkentinApril 5, 2020

Kids seem to grow literally overnight, and they outgrow their clothing just as quickly. So what do you do with all those adorable duds they (or you, if you’re cleaning out your own closet) no longer need? There are a lot of companies and services that will help you clean out your closet and donate clothing. Not only can you put those clothes to good use, but you’ll also help the planet by reducing waste. That’s a definite mom win. Keep reading to see our favorite spots to recycle and donate clothes below.

**Editor’s Note: Due to the COVID-19 crisis, we suggest checking to make sure any retail locations listed below are currently accepting donations.

H&M

This Swedish retailer is well-known for its discount prices and stylish fashions, but it has also become recognized for its leading role in sustainability practices among the retail industry. Not only does H&M sell garments that are made with eco-conscious sustainable materials and recycled textiles, but it also allows shoppers to donate clothing for recycling. All you have to do is bag up your items and bring them to any location worldwide. H&M will accept any textiles, from mismatched socks to old sheets. For each bag of textiles you drop off, you'll earn a discount card for 15% off your next in-store purchase.

Gap

Gap, Inc. has partnered with resale company thredUP to make it easy for customers to donate and recycle clothing. At select Gap brand stores, including Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta and Janie and Jack you can pick up a free thredUP kit, which includes a Clean Out bag or a mailing label. Pack up your unwanted items, and send them in. If any items are accepted for resale, you can receive cash or store credit. If you opt to receive store credit and use it at any Gap Inc. brands you’ll receive an additional 15% off your purchase. Any items that aren’t accepted for resale can either be sent back to you for a fee or recycled.

Patagonia

Considering Patagonia’s mission statement is “in business to save our home planet,” it should come as no big surprise that the company offers a recycling program for all of its products. You can either drop off your used Patagonia products in-store at your nearest location or you can mail them to the address below:

Patagonia Service Center
8550 White Fir Street
Reno, NV 89523-8939

The North Face

With the Clothes the Loop program, The North Face invites customers to bring in unwanted clothing or shoes of any brand to help keep those items out of landfills. All items are then sent to the company’s nonprofit partner Soles4Souls whose mission is to create sustainable jobs. The organization repurposes and redistributes donated items. When you make an in-store donation you’ll earn a $10 rebate on your next purchase of $100 or more at The North Face. Check here to find the nearest The North Face location.

Blue Jeans Go Green

Denim is made from cotton which can be recycled and repurposed, which is good news for all those too-small pairs of jeans in your drawers. The American Cotton Producers and Importers are behind the Blue Jeans Go Green program, which allows you to donate your old jeans. Donated jeans are repurposed into housing insulation to be used in buildings constructed by Habitats for Humanity. While you can drop your jeans off at specific retailers for recycling, thanks to Zappos for Good, you can also mail them in for free. Just box up your jeans, print a free mailing label here, and they’ll take care of the rest.

Levi’s

The godfather of jeans also offers an easy way to recycle those dungarees, along with everything else in the closet. Levi’s will accept all clothing and shoe donations at any of its retail locations throughout the United States. All items donated will be repurposed or recycled through Levi’s partnership with I:CO. You’ll also score a voucher with your donation for 20% off a single, regular-priced item purchased in-store at Levi’s.

Pact

This sustainable fashion company is all about offering eco-friendly, organic alternatives for the whole family. It also wants to ensure that its products are long lasting and don’t end up in a landfill, which is why Pact has partnered with Give Back Box to help you easily donate any unwanted items instead of discarding them. Reuse the Pact box your items came in, and pack it up with any clothing, shoes or accessories you no longer want. You can print a prepaid label here and mail the box in for donation.

Give Back Box

You can also go straight to the source and reuse any retailer box you have at home to make a donation through Give Back Box directly. Simply pack up the box with clothing or household items, print the free label and send it off. When you make your donation through the Give Back Box site, you also have the option to choose a specific charity to receive your donation. You will pay a $15 fee to print the mailing label, rather than printing one for free.

Salvation Army

You’re likely already familiar with this organization to drop off donations, but did you know they also provide pick-ups, so you can add one less thing to your to-do list? Simply bag up your items and visit the Salvation Army online to schedule a pick up time.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: iStock

This Teen Created a Pantry Full of Clothes and School Supplies to Help His Classmates

12 Clothing Subscription Services Just for Kids

Seek Out a Sweet St. Patrick's Day Themed Treat

Watch Chicago Go Green

Dress Head-to-Toe in Green & Find a Parade

Cruise the River

Intro Your Kids to St. Patrick's Day-Style Fun

Feast on Traditional Irish Fare

Bring Home the Grub

Related reads

Related reads

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

King Kong Tableau

Little Island

Ghostbuster

Fearless Girl

New York's Finest

Hipster

Subway Car

Statue of Liberty

Sesame Street

Times Square Elmo

iPhone

Bagel et. al

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Naked Cowboy

Related reads

Related reads

Mosaic

One Potato

Purple Carrot

Veestro

Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon

Thistle

Green Chef

Splendid Spoon

Sunbasket

Freshology

Related reads

Related reads

Red Sox Fan

Fenway's Green Monster

Boston Baked Beans

New England Patriots Fan

Dunkin Donuts

Abigail Adams

The Citgo Sign

Boston Celtics Fan

Benjamin Franklin

Romeo & Juliet, the Boston Swans

Make Way for Ducklings

The T

MBTA Tandem Bus

MBTA Transit Police

Boston Bruins Fan

Related reads

Related reads

At the Carwash

Chalk It Up

Soup's On

Paint the Town

Paint the Toys

Stick to It

Slicing & Dicing

Go Green

Blast Off!

Related reads

H&M

Gap

Patagonia

The North Face

Blue Jeans Go Green

Levi’s

Pact

Give Back Box

Salvation Army

Related reads