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Guides

Where your little one can send off their letter to Santa around Chicagoland

Jenna Dolch -
0
Sending a letter to Santa is one of the sweetest holiday traditions, and Chicago makes it easy for kids to get their wish lists...
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Indoors

Your guide to 15 great toy stores around Chicago for gifts kids will love

Lori Orlinsky - 0
Shop local at these kid-approved, independent toy stores.
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Guides

Where can you see the best neighborhood Christmas lights in Chicagoland?

Chicago Parent Staff -
0
Take a drive around town to see these amazing, decorated homes in the city and suburbs.
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Guides

Where to find the most Instagram-worthy holiday treats in Chicago

Emily Hedrick -
0
One of the highlights of any holiday celebration is the wide array of gorgeous and delicious treats. If you’re looking for the best options...
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Guides

Find one-of-a-kind gifts at Chicagoland’s holiday markets

Andreas Mørk-Barrett - 0
Get your shopping done in a fun way this year at these holiday markets.
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Guides

Chicagoland’s must-see holiday light shows to spark your season

Andreas Mørk-Barrett - 0
Brought to you by Adler Planetarium
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Things to Do

Guides

All Aboard! CTA holiday train and bus return for 2025

Katina Beniaris -
0
Families are welcomed to ride the festive train and bus.
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Chicago Parent Events

Hit the holidays at full speed with Santa Hustle Chicago co-owner and parent Randi Schooley

Grace Schwartz -
0
For many Chicago families, the holidays seem to race by. For parents Randi and Graham Schooley, this saying takes on a more literal meaning....
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Outdoors

7 epic snow tubing adventures just a short drive from Chicago

Nikki Roberts - 0
Looking for winter thrills? Check out these kid-friendly snow tubing spots near Chicagoland for an unforgettable day of snowy fun.
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Guides

Essential tips for attending a Chicago Blackhawks game with kids

Nikki Roberts - 0
Have the Best Day Ever at a Blackhawks game with these insider tips, deals on tickets and more.
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Guides

13 ways your family can give back with these Chicago toy drives

Chicago Parent Staff -
0
Give back this holiday season by donating some toys for kids in need.
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Indoors

12 ‘Nutcracker’ performances in Chicagoland your family won’t want to miss

Kari Zaffarano - 0
This holiday classic offers something for everyone.
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Food

These are some of Chicago’s lesser known, but insanely delicious popcorn shops your family should try

Emily Hedrick -
0
When it comes to Chicago-style popcorn, (a common holiday treat!) this city knows how to do it right. Beyond the big-name brands, metro Chicago is...
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At Home

8 Thanksgiving Books for Kids of All Ages

Sarah Robertson -
0
Celebrate Turkey Day with these fun books for kids.
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At Home

Gobble Up These Classic Thanksgiving Films for the Holiday

Jody Ellis -
0
From heartfelt reunions to family feasts, check out the top Thanksgiving movies to watch this holiday season, ranked by IMDb ratings.
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Guides

Easy no-carve pumpkin ideas to make with your kids

Katie Adams -
0
No knives (or mess!) needed for this fun craft.
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Outdoors

Where to see stunning Fall colors near Chicago with the family

Natalie Dal Pra - 0
Take a drive and snap some photos of this beautiful fall foliage this autumn.
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Guides

Where to Find the Best Burgers in Chicago

Lori Orlinsky -
0
These are just a few of our favorite burgers in Chicagoland.
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BEST CHICAGOLAND SCHOOLS

Whether you're just starting your school search or planning ahead for the next step, our e-edition makes it easy (and fun!) to find the right fit for your child.

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Parenting

Education

Your guide to the best school-based support and resources for special needs in Chicago

Jenna Dolch -
0
When families seek extra support beyond the classroom, resource and advocacy centers can bridge gaps, amplify voices and connect to school services. This guide...
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Special Needs

Where Chicagoland Families Find the Best Special Education Support

Amanda Rahn - 0
Explore top special education schools in Chicago to find the right support and environment for your child's needs.
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Advice

These are the 10 best places to raise a family in Chicagoland

Katina Beniaris - 0
Explore the top family-friendly suburbs in Chicagoland with great schools, low crime rates and affordable housing.
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Advice

7 Differences Between What Millennials and Boomers Look for in a Home

Michael Letendre for NewHomeSource -
0
Boomers and Millennials want homes in the same areas—but for very different reasons. See how their priorities differ.
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You

Chicago Ranks as America’s Hotspot for Food and Fashion Trends

Melissa Lavigne-Delville for Hers -
0
Chicago leads the nation in food and fashion influence with locals driving trends that shape the social media scene.
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Advice

These Are The Top 10 Safest Places to Live in Chicagoland

Amanda Rahn - 0
Looking for safety? These 10 Chicago suburbs rank highest for low crime, great schools and family-friendly living.
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Advice

4 Moms Share Back-to-School Shopping Tips That Actually Work

Elizabeth Ayoola -
0
Learn practical back-to-school shopping tips from moms to manage budgets effectively, from prioritizing needs to sustainable clothing choices.
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Parenting

These Illinois Small Cities Are Among the Best in the Nation

Amanda Rahn - 0
For many families, the slower pace of a smaller city outweighs the benefits of a larger one. Families looking for a small city to settle...
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Education

Private Schools

Best Chicagoland private schools every parent should know about

Amanda Rahn - 0
Explore the best private schools in Chicagoland, where academic excellence and global learning take center stage.
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Education

Your guide to the best school-based support and resources for special needs in Chicago

Jenna Dolch -
0
When families seek extra support beyond the classroom, resource and advocacy centers can bridge gaps, amplify voices and connect to school services. This guide...
Read more
Special Needs

Where Chicagoland Families Find the Best Special Education Support

Amanda Rahn - 0
Explore top special education schools in Chicago to find the right support and environment for your child's needs.
Read more
Private Schools

Lake County’s best private schools for 2025

Amanda Rahn - 0
Explore Lake County’s top private schools offering STEM, global learning, and scholarships for families with financial need.
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Private Schools

DuPage County’s Best Private Schools for 2025

Amanda Rahn - 0
Explore DuPage County's top private schools offering college prep, global focus and financial aid for qualifying families.
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Private Schools

Cook County’s Best Private Schools for 2025

Amanda Rahn - 0
Explore Cook County’s top private schools offering global learning, college prep and financial aid for qualifying families.
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Public Schools

Cook County’s best public elementary schools for 2025

Amanda Rahn - 0
Explore the best public elementary schools in Cook County based on academic data, community input and school culture.
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Public Schools

See the Chicago Public Schools 2025-26 Calendar: Key Dates and Holidays

Chicago Parent Editorial Team - 0
See the full 2024-2025 CPS calendar, including key dates for the first day of school, winter break, spring break and more.
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