When it comes to traveling with kids, not all cities are created equal. Luckily, Chi-Town is one of our favorite kid-approved metropolises, offering loads of fun for the whole family. From the towering T-Rex at the Chicago Field Museum to the Penguin Cove exhibit at the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Windy City is a generous host to kid-friendly adventures. Keep reading for tips on planning your family … [Read more...]
Midwest road trip: Perfect family-friendly suites in Bloomington illinois
May 20, 2021 By
This summer, our family was fortunate enough to discover the Holiday Inn and Suites-Bloomington Airport, for an overnight in Bloomington, Illinois, while on our way to points north for vacation. We thought it was going to be a quick in-and-out, but we found there was quite a bit to do in Bloomington-Normal: a zoo, a wind farm viewing platform, a children’s museum, the Ewing cultural center, and … [Read more...]
Southern Illinois pit stop: Jeremy Rochman Memorial Park
May 10, 2017 By
Southern Illinois is an area with many beautiful natural parks, forests, and lakes to explore. Just south of Carbondale, Ill., home to Southern Illinois University, you’ll find a park you won't want to miss if you're traveling through the area. Online, you'll find it listed as "Dungeons and Dragons Park," or by its more official name, Jeremy 'Boo' Rochman Memorial Park. My kids, however, call it … [Read more...]
Exploring Garden of the Gods, Illinois
May 18, 2016 By
One of the prime attractions in the Shawnee National Forest, which covers 280,000 acres in Southern Illinois, is Garden of the Gods, a collection of fantastic rock formations that towers above a vast expanse of wilderness. The short hiking trail there makes this a great place to let the kids get up close and personal with nature. The most famous rock formation is called the camel, but there … [Read more...]
24-hour Chicago winter itinerary with kids
December 18, 2015 By
On a snowy November weekend, my youngest son and I found ourselves in Chicago. Our trip there was accidental; we had been en route to Savannah, Georgia when we became stranded at O’Hare during the first snowstorm of the season. After 30-plus hours trying to continue our planned itinerary, our flight was cancelled and rebooked two days later. Rather than sit around waiting to depart, we decided to … [Read more...]
All-American pit stop: shopping at American Girl Place Chicago
June 30, 2015 By
Francesca Mazurkiewicz is a Chicago-based travel blogger and working mom of two young children. Along with her family, Francesca is out to prove that she can have it all - a family, a career, and a travel lifestyle. I’m not a girly-girl and never have been. I never played with dolls as a little girl but there is something about American Girl dolls… As a traveler and a history enthusiast, I was … [Read more...]
Key Lime Cove, Gurnee Illinois
September 21, 2011 By
The following pit stop is submitted by Jessie Voigts of WanderingEducators.com. Heading to Wisconsin, north of Chicago, and stopping to shop at Gurnee? Or perhaps spending some time at Six Flags? We’ve got the perfect place to stay: Key Lime Cove, in Gurnee, Illinois. Key Lime Cove is a Key West-inspired waterpark and destination hotel. It includes a Key West-themed marketplace, restaurant, … [Read more...]
Starved Rock State Park
August 18, 2011 By
The following pit stop was submitted by Pit Stops for Kids reader Erica Smith. Starved Rock State Park is one of Illinois' most beautiful natural landmarks. Located in Utica, Illinois and filled with canyons and waterfalls, Starved Rock offers breathtaking hiking, biking, exploration, and lodging. Families can stop by for the day, or consider it a destination! Distance from the … [Read more...]
