As if it isn’t already tough (and expensive) enough to fly with kids, the airlines are making it worse by charging us to check our bags. Luckily, my kids are old enough to be responsible for their own luggage, so they each get one carry-on bag and that’s it. But when they were smaller—why is it that the younger they are, the more stuff they need?—that never would have worked. (For a new take on this bag check fiasco, check out this blog posting at www.travelingmom.com and get really angry over one woman’s tale of *** pump woe.)
Anyway, if the airline charges and aggravation are enough to keep your feet on the ground this summer, consider checking out these closer-to-home festivals, both within driving distance of Chicago:
Luminato in Toronto is in its second year and there are myriad offerings for kids and families, including an appearance by the incomparable Dan Zanes, a Fred Koch favorite. Although you need to buy tickets to Zanes, the majority of the programming is free. Check out the entire schedule here, which includes a handy “families” tab at the tip. And Toronto is only about 450 miles from Chicago, about a 10-hour trip with kids.
If that’s too far, try Bloomin’ Days in Kenosha, the charming little town just north of the Wisconsin border. Also in its second year, the festival is June 6-7 and includes live outdoor music, art and flowers, at 54th Street & 6th Avenue in downtown Kenosha. Hours are Friday 5-10 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Find out more here.