Chicago's best picnic spots

Lake Michigan is the ultimate summer escape
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life for a scenic waterfront oasis, Chicago's lakefront.

Kids take the reigns at junior art shows
Whether it's setting up tables for an impromptu art fair in the neighborhood or exhibiting at a junior artist festival, creating art to sell can be a great summer project for families.

Illinois Holocaust Museum teaches kids to stand up
Teach your child how to take a stand with the help of virtual reality at the new Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center’s youth exhibition, Make a Difference.

Dance to the beat of flamenco
Milla Kerch may only be in kindergarten, but when flamenco music peals out of the dance studio's speakers, the pint-size Chicagoan is ready for action.

Homemade popsicles
Making your own popsicles not only saves money, it's a healthier alternative to other cool treats for steamy summer days.

Summer beach bag must-haves
When it's time to head to the beach or local pool, make sure you've got all the essentials in the bag.

Visit a little bit of Switzerland
Trips to Switzerland are likely just pipe dreams in today’s economy, but a trip to New Glarus, Wis., for its annual Heidi Festival can feel a little bit like hanging out in the Alps.

The sweet sound of the dulcimer
Lively music and activities found at the Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival.

Shedd's whale of an exhibit
Shedd Aquarium's newly remodeled Oceanarium opened May 22 with a Polar Play Zone, stimulating exhibits and a brand-new dolphin show.

Museum free days
Adler Planetarium
Free admission: June 7-12,

Titanic exhibit comes to town
Families can get a free look at some of the treasures from the Titanic when a mobile museum comes to the Chicago area this summer.

Fire truck tours are the hottest in town
Fire truck tours offer a different look at Chicago history.

Get your sea legs on Wacky Pirate Cruises
Wacky pirate cruises provide family fun and plenty of Chicago arrrchitecture

Dan Zanes going 'wild'
Dan Zanes, former frontman of the '80s garage-pop band the Del Fuegos, now heads the group Dan Zanes and Friends, recently he took some time to discuss his latest project with Chicago Parent.

Little Miss Ann's musical messages
In her folk-rock music CDs, Little Miss Ann promotes big messages for little ones about loving others and being true to yourself.

Paddle your own canoe
Paddle along the Chicago River with your family to see a different side of Chicago.

Road trip games for easy family travel
It’s that time of year again when long trips in the car are met with frequent choruses of "Are we there yet?" Cut down on road trip down time with some fun, inexpensive road trip games.

Dinosaurs come to life at the Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo's new dinosaur exhibit takes your family back in time.

Create your own butterfly-beckoning garden
All it takes is a little strategy to excite your child with visits from butterflies in your very own butterfly garden.

Indoor fun for rainy days
Rainy day? Let the kids burn off some excess energy at these indoor play places.

Savor the fruits of the season
Celebrate the sweets of summer at a fruit-focused festival.

Houseboats offer relaxing vacations for your family
Imagine secluded coves, colorful sunsets and a variety of water activities combined with the comforts of home, on a boat.

Oahu: A family paradise
Oahu, the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands, is the ideal starting point for family island adventures.

Train museum chugs along in Ohio
A visit to the "world's largest indoor train display" offers families plenty of enterTRAINment.