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Jennifer Lane

Fun things to do in Chicago with kids

Family

8 Sep

As a Chicago native I have experienced a lot of what the city has to offer, and as a mom I want my daughter to get the most out of the city too! Every weekend my husband and I try and take Madeline somewhere that she’ll A. Have fun B. Get something out of, and C. Show her some culture!

I’m always looking for new experiences that are kid friendly, so I wanted to share our list of the some fun things to do with your little ones in the city!

botanic gardens

Mommy outfit: Sweater (similar) // Jeans // Shoes   Madeline’s outfit: Top // Leggings // Shoes // Bows

The Botanic Gardens

Over the weekend we took Madeline to The Botanic Gardens.  It’s located just north of the city and has 27 beautiful gardens full of the prettiest flowers, lily ponds, and acres of greenery.  She was having the time of her life running up and down the acres of grass (not something you can easily do in the city)! They also have a trolley ride that navigates the entire property.  It was a fun experience for her! I would highly recommend checking Botanic Gardens out before it gets chillier!

The Lincoln Park Zoo

We frequent the zoo often, as Madeline loves animals! Not only is it fun to see the monkeys and zebras, but there is also a petting farm and a barn house with different kid friendly activities.  Madeline sure got a kick out of it when the goat inside the petting farm started eating my draped blouse! I kid you not, the goat won! LOL!

Bixbee Imiginantion Station

So glad this fun little pop-up shop arrived in Chicago! Each room is a new, out-of-the-box experience! Madeline got a kick out of the life size mythical unicorn that we went on — and there was a selfie camera waiting to take her picture! Since she loves singing ‘Baby Shark’, she also loved that they had a shark that you could go in! They welcome and encourage pictures — and this is definitely the place to take them! Rumor has it that this pop-up is here to stay — I’m not certain, so don’t quote me, but I really hope that’s the case because I think Madeline will enjoy this even more when she’s a bit older.

Bixibee

Kohl Children’s Museum

Such a fun play land for kiddos! Although it’s located about 30 minutes north of the city, I would say it’s worth the drive! There are 17 permanent exhibits for your little one to explore.  Our favorite definitely was the kid size Whole Foods Market.  Madeline was able to pick out groceries, put them in her kid-size grocery cart, and then go through a check out line! It’s just adorable — and now I’m certain we need a play kitchen at home! She also loved the water works station, where she played with water falls and faucets and truly had a blast! (I would suggest bringing a change of clothes as she was soaked!)

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

An amazing experience to see your little ones eyes light up when they see the butterfly garden.  You are surrounded by hundreds of beautiful, colorful butterflies that get close to you! The museum also has hands-on exhibits to explore Illinois ecology and natural history. Although it sounds quite nerdy, it’s pretty cool to see!

Millennium Park

25 acres of beautiful greenery and the home of “The Bean” aka a three-story steel sculpture.  Go just to see your little ones reaction when they see its reflection of the Chicago skyline! There is always something to do in the park, whether it be a concert, movie or visiting the fabulous Crown Fountain.

botanic gardens

Mommy outfit: Sweater (similar) // Jeans // Shoes   Madeline’s outfit: Top // Leggings // Shoes // Bows

If you’re in Chicago and have kiddos, hope you check out our fav places! Also, if you haven’t already, feel free to check out my last post, Must have Items from birth to two! 

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« Must Have Items from Birth To 2-Years-Old
This Is 2! »

I was born a fashionista… you would think I was wearing a hot pink tulle skirt and a cropped lace blouse, size: newborn. That’s how far back my passion for all things fashion goes — for as long as I can remember. Ever since I was a little girl the creative fashionista fire in me has burned bright, and as I sit here today I have that same spark sizzling on and on….

I think of my style as romantic and feminine — but also creative and accessible. I like to be bold and creative with my outfit choices, styling pieces that one may not think would work with another piece. I believe that confidence comes not only from within, but also how you present yourself on a daily basis. When you walk out the house wearing a cute outfit that you feel good in, you are bound to smile! I hope to give you the confidence to put on that pleated skirt that’s been sitting in the back of your closet and feel like a million bucks prancing around in it!

I hope to instill that same confidence in my precious little princess, Madeline. Taking after her mommy, she already loves playing dress up – and you better believe that she always has a smile on her face!

I have had the pleasure of working with brands such as: Amazon, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, Christian Louboutin, Henri Bendel, Rent the Runway, and REVOLVE Clothing to name just a few. I have been featured in Crain’s Chicago Business, InStyle, and on WGN-TV.

If I give you just one idea for styling an outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks, then I will consider my work a success.

Read More…

Where I Shop

  • Nordstrom
  • Shopbop
  • Asos
  • Neiman Marcus
  • Revolve Clothing
  • Net-A-Porter
  • J.Crew

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