Category: Other Destinations
How to Reserve a Beach Cottage at Crystal Cove State Park in California
During our recent 2024 stay in a beach cottage at Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County California, numerous people asked me how I managed to reserve a cottage. I thought that I would share my own experience (in detail) with how to book a cottage. I am not in any way affiliated with Reserve…
Rides at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 3 Fun Attractions to Try
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…
Visit Brookfield Zoo Chicago for Free This Winter
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…
10 of Our Favorite Family Games for Screen-Free Fun
Hanukkah has arrived, Christmas is just a week away and Kwanza soon after. As the weather cools and the holidays roll-in, I am thinking about cozy games our family will enjoy over the coming cold months. In the spirit of this season, I am sharing favorite games our family loves and a few I am…
Bring This Easy Christmas Tradition Home on a Small Budget
Have you see those charming photos or window displays with model trains chugging around the base of a Christmas tree? A few years ago, we wanted to create one of those scenes in our own home. Our goal for any new Christmas traditions is to keep them easy and low cost, and there was one…
Christkindlmarket 2025, Opening Weekend in Aurora
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,…
