From peeking at pangolins to talking with tapirs, our family loves visiting Brookfield Zoo Chicago. The almost 3500 animal residents are the highlights of our visits, but we also enjoy the three rides at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. All three rides connect us to both the animals and the history of the zoo. We want to…

Chicago-area families have a world-class zoo in Brookfield, Illinois. Located just west of the city of Chicago, Brookfield Zoo Chicago has over 3000 animals from all over the world. The animals’ indoor and outdoor habitats are nestled among lush landscaping and wide walkways. With plenty of interactive and interesting exhibits, an all-day visit for all…

The Christkindlmarket in Aurora, Illinois is now open for the 2025 holiday season! We have created a guide for this perennial Chicagoland favorite. You can find that guide here: Christkindlmarket Aurora 2025: Tips for Your Visit. While that guide has lots of tips pulled together over our many family visits to Christkindlmarket in years past,…

Our family has embraced the tradition of the Christkindlmarket that has become so beloved in the Chicago area. For the last few Decembers (and Novembers) we have been celebrating at the Christkindlmarket at River Edge Park in Aurora, Illinois. We have visited Christmas markets in Germany and Poland, and more recently in Daley Plaza in…

Our family visits Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago every year. We love the spectacular light displays (over 3.5 million lights for 2025) and festive holiday spirit. We want to help make this part of your holiday tradition with our top 5 tips for a great visit and information about dates and how to reserve…

Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s BOO! at the Zoo! has begun for 2025! It started Saturday, October 4 and continues through October 31, 2025. I originally wrote this post in anticipation of this fun seasonal event, and I am updating it now that we are halfway through October. We are sharing information and tips based on our…