Almost all of Chicago's 500-plus parks have slides, swings and climbing structures. But a handful have something more: delightful and whimsical play structures envisioned by the community and created by artists.  Read more...

Every kid I know collects more Halloween candy than he or she could (or should) possibly eat. So rather than tossing those goodies, try these alternate uses for all that hard-earned Halloween haul.  Read more...

Every fall, kids can grab their kazoos and toy drums for the chance to march with the Northwestern University band as part of the university's Kids Fare concert series.  Read more...

My daughters ran, rolled and bounced down the sandy face of the dune all the way to the beach, then climbed back up so they could roll down again. “I could do this all day!” the oldest exclaimed.  Read more...

The jumble of old and new, bold and subdued, treasure and trinkets that is Chicago's Chinatown will fascinate kids, and the untamed, "what'll-I-find-today," street-bazaar feel ensures no two trips will be alike.  Read more...

Lila Newman spends her days in the dark abyss of a coal mine as a tour guide for the Museum of Science and Industry. We sat down for a Q&A with this Chicagoan.  Read more...

A Metra trip to Naperville and Lisle is scalable: All-day, if you include stops at the DuPage Children's Museum, Naper Settlement and Museum at Lisle Station Park. Shorter, if you cut one or two of those destinations out.  Read more...

Every kid I know collects more Halloween candy than he or she could (or should) possibly eat. So rather than tossing those goodies, try these alternate uses for all that hard-earned Halloween haul.  Read more...

You've hit every last house in your ZIP code, and as you watch your kids dump their bounty on the kitchen table, your mind flashes forward to three months of sugar highs. Never fear: With these ideas, you'll burn through that candy just in time for Christmas cookies.  Read more...

Volo Auto Museum's exhibits go well beyond its name. In addition to cars of all shapes and styles dominate, visitors will find Hollywood memorabilia, military history and ample space to run and play.  Read more...

There are more than 70 free days at Chicago's biggest museums this fall. Mark your calendars!  Read more...

When it comes to cooking, kids love to get in on the action. Why let that stop outside your own kitchen? Here are three places where kids are encouraged to make and eat their own culinary creations.  Read more...

Although Kim & Scott's Gourmet Pretzels have been around for 15 years, for the first time, owners Kim and Scott Holstein have opened a stand-alone café. Located in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, Kim & Scott's Cafe Twist offers a new twist on sandwiches, salads and soups.  Read more...

Travel is inherently un-green. We drive or fly hundreds of miles and we luxuriate in having someone else make the bed, clean the room and leave fresh towels every day. But travel can be greener, by following these tips.  Read more...

There’s something inherently hilarious about watching grown people (men, mostly) shoot pumpkins out of cannons. But that’s what they do at the annual Punkin’ Chuckin’ Contest outside Peoria in Morton, scheduled this year for Oct. 16-17.  Read more...

From VIK (Very Important Kids) check-in to themed suites, Swissôtel maximizes luxury for adults and fun for kids.  Read more...

When in southern California with kids, it’s easy to get caught up in the lure of LEGOLAND and Disneyland. But my daughter and I discovered several stops worth a visit beyond those two famous attractions.  Read more...

The Abbey is a conference center, but also bills itself as a family-friendly resort. It offers a year-round schedule of kid-friendly activities, ranging from lawn games (horseshoes, ping pong, badminton and Frisbee, among others) to s'mores around the campfire, craft-making and (much to my chagrin) an arcade.  Read more...

The Dearborn Telescope and its 18.5-inch refracting lens may date back to the Civil War, but every Friday night, families can visit the observatory at Northwestern University to watch the ancient mechanism sweep across the sky.  Read more...

The stretch of Taylor Street near UIC has changed a lot since its days as a thriving Italian neighborhood, but still makes for a fun afternoon with the kids, especially ones who love sports.  Read more...

Pretty much everyone knows about Buckingham Fountain at Columbus Drive and Congress Parkway, overlooking Lake Michigan. It's one of the great, free, visual spectacles for families (though the parking meters are pricey). And when the wind is blowing in your direction, you get a free shower.  Read more...