The Brookfield Zoo's new Great Bear Wilderness puts you nose-to-nose, nose-to-beak, nose-to-snout, and nose-to-whatever-bison-have with North America's most iconic creatures.  Read more...

El trains and neighborhood dining: Knowing your way around both is the mark of a true Chicagoan. Take the kids along for an introductory ride that combines both.  Read more...

There are more than 100 county fairs in Illinois each year. So grab your straw hats and your appetite and hit the road!  Read more...

Kate Markgraf is a professional soccer player and three-time Olympic medalist - which seems like a piece of cake compared to playing mom to three boys under the age of 3.  Read more...

The Dragon Boat Festival in Chinatown is one of the city's best-kept secrets. It is also one of the most family-friendly neighborhood festivals in Chicago.  Read more...

Urban fishing? Yep, it's a real thing, and it's happening all over Chicago this summer. Get hooked!  Read more...

To give your children a gentle introduction to farm life in the Amish countryside, day camps at Suellen Thomson-Link's Kinkoona Farm, Brodhead, Wis., are just the ticket.  Read more...

The most important thing to bring out bug-hunting with your kids? An open mind.  Read more...

Warm weather is here, so consider taking your family out for a spin on a tour designed just for little ones.  Read more...

When the governor threatened to close Lowden State Park and Castle Rock State Park to shave the state budget deficit, the small community of Oregon responded in a huge way to save them and its own livelihood.  Read more...

St. Louis is one of those cities I always took for granted. But it's a charming city full of freebies.  Read more...

Soar over Hogwarts castle, travel by Floo powder, narrowly escape a dragon attack, and be drawn into a Quidditch match at Universal Studios.  Read more...

The Air Zoo, less than three hours from downtown Chicago, combines the thrilling history of air and space travel with fun amusement rides. A win all around.  Read more...

Twenty-six miles long with 31 beaches, the Chicago lakefront has a spot that should fit every family.  Read more...

Chicago can get pretty pricey for a family, but Millennium Park's free Family Fun Festival, June 9-Sept. 3, gives you the best of Chicago at minimal expense.  Read more...

Boys excited about a trip to the mall? It's possible, at Yorktown Mall's Magiquest, where kids can tap into their inner magician.  Read more...

If your family loves the River North location, the new Harry Caray’s Tavern at Navy Pier is sure to please.  Read more...

Next time your daughter threatens to run away and join the circus, encourage it! CircEsteem, aka Chicago Youth Circus, teaches children circus arts as a way to promote self-esteem, coordination, teamwork and learning.  Read more...

Start growing your kids' hair out now, and you'll have a mohawk-ready tresses by Augusts' Kidzapalooza.  Read more...

Talk about a room with a view—every room in The View Hotel faces the towering red rocks featured in old Hollywood westerns.  Read more...

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