Category: Other Destinations
Christkindlmarket Aurora 2025: Tips for Your Visit
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…
Guide to Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago 2025
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…
Guide to BOO! at the Zoo and Halloween at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
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…
How We Fit All Our Beach Gear in One Carry-on (Even a Tent!)
Anyone who has lugged beach gear down some cliff stairs or from a far-flung parking spot knows how obnoxiously bulky all that stuff can be. Now what if you are traveling from another state or country? How do you pack for a beach vacation when you are flying or need to pack light? What if…
5 Unexpected Things We Pack for Vacation
I have a master packing list saved in a spreadsheet. For each family vacation, I make a copy of the spreadsheet and adjust the items according to the duration and location of our trip. When we return from a trip, I fine tune the list and make notes for next time. The list is pretty…
UPDATE for Brookfield Zoo: See Tropical Forests Without a Reservation
We have been sharing updates about Bramsen Tropical Forests, the massive new outdoor primate habitat now open at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Today we have a new and exciting update to share. Timed entry tickets are no longer required to visit Tropical Forests. In the initial opening period for this brand new habitat, you needed to…
