Creator 1 by ZomeTool is the perfect building set for the creative and curious kid that is full of imagination. It invites kids to invent their own creations rather than follow general instructions. If your kids are ready to explore outside of Legos, try this very cool building set. Your child can explore structures in math, nature, art, science and architecture. Build domes, crystals, flowers

Looking for a natural mosquito repellant? Enjoy up to six hours of DEET-free protection from mosquitoes, deer ticks, and other biting insects with Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent. The active ingredient in Repel is the oil of lemon eucalyptus, a plant-based oil derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus citriodora tree. The oil, which offers natural repellent properties against b

The Artist Studio Draw like a Pro by Alex Toys is a fun and easy way to learn how to draw! Turn on the projector, pick your design, turn down the lights and your child can trace a fun new design from turtles to flowers! It is a fun introduction to drawing for kids age 6 – 10. It is also a toy you can take on the go whether you need an activity in the car, grandma’s house or on the plane! We really

For the kiddos, we always go with stainless steel water bottles for its ability to keep water cool for long periods of time as well as for its safety. Plastic water bottles have the risk of chemicals leaching into the water if it overheats. So, we definitely try to avoid plastic water bottles for that reason as most of the time, the kiddos are using it during outdoor play. The stainless steel wat

The Infant UV Playshade by Schylling is a must have summer accessory for trips to the beach or pool. After a dip in the pool or beach, you want to keep your kiddos safe from the sun while relaxing pool or beachside. This beach tent is equipped with pegs and sand pockets and features a go anywhere travel bag. Kiddos can relax in the beach tent as it has SPF 50+ protection. The waterproof polyester

Summer is almost here and sunny longer days also means more outdoor time. Keeping your baby and kiddos safe under the sun is a concern for many families. But, which sunscreen should a family choose? It can get quite overwhelming for any parent to choose the right sunscreen with so many options in the market. And, to add to that confusion, U.S. regulators do not review the safety of products befo

Love this for its adaptability! This award winning Micro Mini 3 in 1 by Micro Kickboard grows with your child! Start this off at age 1 and continue to use it till age 5. The scooter adjusts with age making it kid friendly and functional! Parents love the value it provides as it can be used for many years. It is basically 3 rides for 3 ages all in one scooter! Here is a breakdown of the scooter by

For new walkers or those babies learning to walk, this V Tech Learning Walker is a fun and exciting toy to help a baby go from a crawler to an active walker. Its adaptive technology with a barnyard of playful friends to cheer them on will leave your kiddos having endless fun as they learn to walk. Start out with the easy-to-remove activity panel for floor play or on-the-run fun, then step it up wi

Get baby's brain going and growing with the Pull & Learn Car Carrier by VTech! Your toddler will be fired up to find three vehicles and three fun characters that fit nicely in the car shaped carrier. The small cars actually recognize each character when they're snapped into the driver's seat. Plus, a proximity sensor recognizes vehicles as they drive by playing fun phrases for each passing vehicl

The Busy Poppin Pals by Playskool is a great colorful toy to build fine motor skills! The pop up activity toy introduces your child to different shapes and animals through pressing, turning and twists. A lever, beeper, key and switches are easy for little hands to activate. Love this toy for babies and toddlers as it keeps them busy and engaged. The toy also has a built in carry handle for on the

Your baby or toddler will love this play house, a perfect size for baby! Babies and Tots can explore two sides of the play house with a crawl through doorway and busy activities all around. There are tons of fun activities to keep them busy and engaged such as the lights on/off feature, sorting shapes, a cute mailbox to check for mail and so much more! The play home includes Smart Stages technolog

The first learning ride for baby revs up the fun with 50+ sing-along songs, tunes and phrases! Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Scooter helps get motor skills rolling. While scooting along, baby is rewarded with cute phrases, sound effects and song ditties. By pressing the working horn, baby is rewarded with more songs and sound effects. And pushing the 3 buttons on the dashboard teaches numbers, shapes

Tink, tink tink! The sound of wooden balls pounding down onto a musical xylophone is sure to delight and enchant your child’s curiosity! With the Pound and Tap Bench from Hape, there are so many different ways to play! Pound the wooden balls down onto the xylophone and listen as a musical scale plays aloud. Kids will love sliding out the xylophone to play on its own, and learning about the differe

The EverEarth Wooden Garden Activity Cube is a highly stimulating and creative learning cube. For kiddos who can stand, this toy provides tons of creative fun. It includes creative cubes, cogs, maze, counting blocks, abacus and shape sorter. It is a great toy for playing with other kiddos, sharing and developing fine motor skills. And, the toy was made using sustainable resources, water based pai

The ALEX Jr. Sound and Play Busy Table is a fun and engaging table activity that will keep your kiddos entertained. Up to three little kiddos can play at once making it a fun group activity. Kiddos can pound, slide peek, explore and make music! It includes a table with 6 fun activities such as a xylophone, drum, peek-a-boo doors, spinning gears, curvy bead maze, track sliders and a wooden mallet.

Frustrated by messy meal times with plates being tossed to the ground, Founder Lindsey Laurain, invented the EZPZ place mat and plate/bowl combo! The result is a chic, well designed silicone place mat with a built in plate or bowl that suction to the surface! With EZPZ, mealtime with kiddos are easier, calmer and hopefully less messy! No more plates getting thrown to the ground and easier clean up

Expanding your family means needing more space in transportation. As the kiddos get older, carpooling becomes part of the game and sometimes extra cargo space is also a necessity. KidTrail conducted a survey of 75 moms who own a SUV to learn more about what they liked/disliked about their SUV and if they would recommend it to other families. Based on the results, 9 SUVs consistently came out on t

Especially during the first year of life, babies need a soft and durable landing as they explore through play, crawling and walking. The Baby Care Play Mat is designed specifically for growing babies and also for older kids. We love the vibrant colors, characters and educational elements on each design of the play mat. The mat encourages crawling, rolling, sitting up and learning to walk. As your

With so many cosmetics, baby shampoos and body washes out in the marketplace, it can get quite overwhelming for a parent to determine what the best product is for their child. And, to add to that confusion, U.S. regulators do not review the safety of products before it is sold. Many parents are looking for safe and gentle choices for personal care products for their kids. Using the Environmental W

The instant we read about this portable booster seat and watched its demo video, we knew we wanted one! First, we were already fed up with the bulky large boosters and the amount of space it takes up. Mifold is not only the most advanced, compact and portable booster seat but it is just as safe as it has been tested and approved by US regulation. It is 10x smaller which means it takes up very litt

It seems that most kids these days are much more knowledgeable in high tech products than their parents and that includes the iPAD. Just look around and you will see 3 year olds and even 2 year olds playing and navigating the iPAD as if they are old pros at it. Is this good or bad, whether we like it or not, it is here to stay. What makes us cringe the most is when a kid drops an unprotected iP

We wish we had the WiFi baby 2.0 four years ago when our first child was born. Looking at the baby monitor we bought at that time, it seems so archaic compared to this super high tech and reliable baby monitor. Your baby is always at your side with the WiFi 2.0. You can watch and hear your child on your iPhone, iPad, Android phones or tablets. You can also check in from work using any browser

Chicco has recently introduced a much needed functionality to its KidFit Zip 2 in 1 Belt Positioning Booster Car Seat. This new feature is the removable seat pad, which can be machine washed. How awesome is this? This is something we needed a long time ago as we all know how dirty car seats get from the food and drinks the kiddos consume while on the go. Well, guess better late than never. So

With so many toys to choose from, finding something fun that also provides some cognitive enrichment can be a challenge. Well, look no further as these 2 toys definitely fit the bill! These 3 toys are some of our favorite educational and fun toys for the preschooler age group. They are affordable, educational and entertaining. What makes them so fun and educational? Well, read on and you will fin

With summer almost here, that means lots of outdoor time for the kiddos. And grownups too! This Step2 Cascading Cove Sand and Water Table is sure to keep the kiddos busy on a summer day, whether you have a sprawling backyard in the suburbs or on the balcony of your city apartment. Tots can build sand castles on one side and sail toy boats on the other. Great toy for imaginative play! They can set

Do you have a fussy eater in your household? Well, eating healthy food can be fun with this super fun, innovative Dinner Winner Plate by Fred and Friends! By turning mealtime into a board game, even the fussiest eater won’t know that they are eating healthy when they are too busy having fun! Who will be the next Dinner Winner? Find out with the Fred and Friends DINNER WINNER plate. The goal is to

These super cute and fun Fish Pop Molds by Zoku are sure to be a hit with your little ones. Unlike the Zoku Quick Pops, these molds take much longer to freeze as they are regular molds (About 8 hours plus). It is a much cheaper option then their Quick Pop Molds. The molds include a shark, clownfish, octopus, whale, puffer fish and even a Zoku scuba diver. The sticks contain drip guards and hav

Oh, how we wish we had this a long time ago but I guess better late than never. SipSnap is a simple, spill-proof, kid's drinking lid that fits any cup, anytime, anywhere. The company makes two types of lids: a snug spout lid, which is perfect for toddlers who need to drink from a spout and a snug straw lid for the big kids, which uses a straw to drink out of. The snug straw lid is great for adu

The stainless steel bento lunch box by PlanetBox will serve as your guide for what and how much to pack. It is perfectly proportioned for each of the food groups, eco-friendly as you no longer have a need to use plastic baggies and it is safe. Safe because it is non-toxic, non-leaching and safe from BPA, lead and phthalates. Finally, it is built to last as it is warrantied for 5 years! How cool

The Snap Circuits SC-300 Electronics Discovery Kit is great toy for the tween to teen set to help build cognitive and engineering skills. Snap Circuits makes learning electronics easy and fun. Follow the simple instructions with colorful pictures to build exciting projects such as AM radios, burglar alarms, doorbells and more. Play this alone or with friends and family. This is a great educati

Are your kiddos tired of sandwiches for lunch? Try one of these hot lunch thermal containers to carry hot lunches such a pasta, soups or rice. To make sure it stays warm by lunch time and not just lukewarm, try the following tips to ensure warmth. Yes, it does add an extra couple of steps in the morning to pack your kiddos lunch but it is definitely worth those steps to ensure a warm, yummy lun

LunchSkins are dishwasher safe fabric snack baggies designed to replace Ziploc bags. The bags are grease proof and moisture proof, making them ideal for messy sandwiches and snacks! LunchSkins are a great alternative to using plastic baggies making it better for the environment! Unfortunately, plastic is found everywhere filling up landfills. So, stay green and get your LunchSkins today! And, t

We love the bento style lunch box by Goodbyn for several reasons. One, no more plastic baggies. Each lunch box has several compartments to separate your food items so no need for separate plastic baggies. You save money while helping the environment. Two, the compartments allow for portion control so you can place the right amount of sweets and veggies without overindulging. Three, it is recy

When we at KidTrail saw the Sip-N-Spoon Straw, we were thrilled! Who likes the sound of slurping milk or slurping ice cream. And how fun is this for your little kiddo to use the spoon to scoop up cereal or ice cream and then top it off by using the straw end of the spoon to drink the milk or melted ice cream. We couldn’t resist and bought a six pack set. Our little 4 year old was thrilled as h

This is the perfect little chair by Melissa and Doug for your kiddo! Use it in your backyard, beach or even transport it to watch a game on the sidelines. It is sturdy and colorful and even has a handy cup holder positioned at your child’s fingertips. The chair folds and fits tightly in a carrying case making it compact for transport. Perfect for outdoor use as well as indoors! The chair come

My First Mind Blowing Science kit by Scientific Explorer is the perfect gift to spark any child’s curiosity in science. It allows your young scientist to explore and learn the basics of science from chemical reactions to the use of basic science tools. It includes some very cool mind blowing experiments such as creating a sunset in a test tube and making a color changing volcano. Not only are t

The Paderno World Cuisine vegetable slicer is a super fun tool to make healthy food fun for the kiddos. The slicer creates spiral cuts and vegetable or fruit noodles in seconds. Your kiddos will love to watch you make it and then enjoy eating spirals of fruits or veggies. The easy to use tool can make zucchini spaghetti, cucumber ribbon strands, curly fries, apple strands and more. Make easy s

KEVA Brain Builders is a fun toy if you are looking for a challenging, educational gift. Players look at a 2D image on color cards and translate that to a 3D structure using KEVA wood planks. Train young brains to think in multiple dimensions by transferring 2D information to 3D reality! It is the perfect size for travel and makes a great gift for school aged kids who enjoy puzzles, blocks or L

Squigz is a fun and unique toy that encourages creativity and fine motor skills. Play alone or with others by connecting the pieces together by pressing the suction cups. It also makes for a fun bath toy as it sticks to bath tubs, tables, floors, windows and more. This suction style building set is perfect for the preschool age. Manufacturer recommends any age above 3, however, it works best f

A must have for your summer outdoor fun! Having a summer party or just a water playdate with the neighborhood kiddos? Well, this super cool summer tool is a must have for your summer outdoor fun! The Pumponator Balloon Pumping Station is used to create water balloons for hours of water play! It is designed to fill balloons with water. Where has this been all our lives? No more frustration wi

Looking for a fun, creative and thrilling toy to give a kindergarten age kid or older? Q-Ba-Maze is a unique system of colorful cubes that interlock to form an exciting marble run! What makes this marble run so unique is that you can create maze sculptures in the form of animals, geometric shapes or any other designs. And the marbles run through the maze in lightning speed that is sure to light

Fun and educational, the geography puzzles by GeoToys are a great way to get your kiddos started in learning geography. Started by a traveling dad who wanted his kids to learn about geography, the product line has expanded from Europe to now include Africa, Asia, the America’s, USA/Canada and finally the world. Our kiddo loves these puzzles and you will be amazed how easily they learn while havi

We love to hand out party favors that kids are actually excited about. Instead of a few junky items that usually get thrown out, why not buy a party favor that kids and parents will actually get excited about. So, with that said, we found these awesome “decorate your own” wooden trains and flower mirrors by Melissa & Doug. They are sturdy, will keep the kids entertained for a while and a toy tha

After playing with the Aerobie Flying Ring, your kiddos will wonder how they can ever go back to the Frisbee again! These patented high performance flying rings provide hours of thrilling games of catch. They fly twice as fast as conventional discs making outdoor fun thrilling! Aerobie makes two sizes for kids, the Pro Ring is larger in diameter and works best for 12 – 15 year olds. It even

This multi-purpose beach tool, Quut Triplet, is sure to keep your kiddos busy and entertained on the sand. They can dig, pack, smooth, etch, tunnel, sift, pour and decorate using one sand tool. Use the shovel side to dig in sand, use the rake prongs to spread sand evenly, use the flat base to press sand firmly into place, use the funnel to pour sand or water and use the scallops to create detail

Hape Toys is known for producing high quality toys made from sustainable materials. We could not resist these three kitchen toys. The wooden coffee maker, mixer and toaster will bring any toy kitchen to life with its fun, stylish design. And, the toys are likely to make any miniature budding chef brim with joy. Hape toys is a German company founded in 1986 with worldwide distribution. Check ou

littleBits is a library of electronic modules that snap together with tiny magnets for prototyping, learning, and fun. Each Bit has a specific function (light, sound, sensors, buttons, thresholds, pulse, motors, etc), and modules snap to make larger circuits. Circuits light up, vibrate and spin. This super cool product is likely to encourage creativity and hone your kiddos engineering skills!

Skip the princesses or Barbie. If you are interested in exposing your little girl to more challenging and problem solving toys, then this game may be for you. GoldieBlox and the Spinning Machine is a character driven game and after a few missions, it will get your little girl excited about mechanical engineering, a field that is currently dominated by men. The character Goldie, who is a kid in

Easy Translator by Ingenio is an exciting interactive learning toy that teaches children English/Spanish basic vocabulary, picture-word association and fine motor skills. It is designed to teach English to Spanish speaking children and Spanish to English speaking children. The game allows you to slide & learn 150 basic vocabulary words in English & Spanish. It is compact and portable, perfect f

For a unique, ultra stylish crib design, look no further than Numi Numi Design. The Wired crib collection is inspired by the great city of New York. The design itself resembles the concrete jungle of NY. Inspiration was drawn from the city, the subway and the space in between the skyscrapers. While the Funky Forest Collection is inspired by the asymmetry of the tree trunks and the spaces in th

If you are anything like most busy moms, having your baby’s pacifier always within reach is a must when on the go. Pacifiers get lost in diaper bags and rushing to find it while your baby is screaming only makes both momma and baby’s stress level rise. This must have accessory keeps baby’s pacifier clean and always within reach. Closure easily attaches to car seat, diaper bag, stroller and more

A custom birth wall art by Trendy Peas is sure to put a smile on any new parent. Wow your new mom friends and family by gifting them with this custom birth wall art. The personalization of this wall art will make the gift even more memorable and special. A piece that will be kept for a long time if not for a lifetime. Trendy Peas offers customization of the art based on your child’s birth deta

The Godee, by MeLuvKush, is the perfect newborn accessory. It allows parents, family and friends to carry your newborn in a safe and secure way while protecting the baby from germs. We have all done it, carried a newborn in an awkward way due to lack of experience and fear of the baby’s fragility. Well, the Godee makes carrying your baby much easier and no more worries about spreading germs as

Ok, so do you have a picky eater at home? Well, we at KidTrail know what that is like. For some reason, when we make food fun, our picky eater is much more eager to eat it. These sandwich cutters by Lunch Punch are so much fun that even adults will want to bite into it. Lunch Punch has a variety of shapes to choose from to make your picky eater or not so picky eater’s food fun! <font color=#00B

The Zoo Pack is the little kid backpack where fun meets function. Whimsical details and durable materials make this the perfect on-the-go backpack for kids on-the-go. When we saw the collection of Zoo Packs by Skip Hop, we got so excited to see the cute and cuddly animals. There are literally 15 different animals to choose from. We wanted each one! And the collection has matching items from lu

We love love the Zoku Quick Pop Maker for its versatility and uniqueness! You can make one of a kind ice cream pops. And, what's great is that it takes only seven minutes right on your countertop to make. Quickly impress your guests while providing a delicious and healthy snack or make it a decadent and sweet snack. You can make striped pops, yogurt pops or flavored core pops. To enjoy Qu

What an awesome idea for an infant bouncer! This mamaRoo bouncer by 4Moms has five unique motions. The mamaRoo bounces up and down and sways from side to side, just like parents do when comforting their babies. And, no need to download apps of soothing sounds as this bouncer already has built in nature sounds or you can connect to any mp3 player. And finally, the seat reclines to adjust to any

Glass baby bottles by LifeFactory are free from chemicals found in plastic baby bottles. These chemicals in plastic can leak into milk or juice. So, why not be safer and also help out the environment. Glass is recyclable and reusable, which is better for the environment. What about breakage you ask? Well, LifeFactory offers a solution by combining a sturdy glass bottle with a very cool, mo

Add some cool décor to your kids room while serving a function with the fabric growth chart wall decal from Petit Collage. What we love about these wall decals is that it is made out of adhesive fabric, not vinyl. It works on any non-porous flat surface and is removable and reusable! They do not wrinkle or rip. It is super easy to clean with a damp cloth. And the designs are super cute and st

Are you always in search of a sleep sack that is warm enough for the winter and one that is cool enough for the summer? And, what about the various sizes of the sleep sacks? How frustrating is it that in addition to the piles of baby gear we accumulate, we also have multiple sizes of sleep sacks. Well, look no further but Woolino has the perfect solution for you. We love the Woolino Sleep Sack

This product is so simple and such a necessity that we don’t know how we didn’t think of it ourselves. But, we are glad that someone else did. We have all been in that position while we are out and about or late at night when our screaming baby just can’t wait for us to measure out the formula and water to mix together. Well, rest assured, the Mixie Baby Bottle comes to the rescue. Basically,

What we love about this high chair by Joovy is that it looks amazing and sleek with clean lines and is also functional. Specifically, what we mean by functional is that it wipes down so easily and does the job. After going through a couple of high chairs that didn’t provide what we were looking for, the Joovy high chair met all our needs. It wipes down easily and you can take the entire seat co

Being a mother does not mean you need to sacrifice style. Although, we all know how hard it is to remain stylish and chic when you are running after the kiddos and cleaning up goop from their nose. But, when you have that much cherished opportunity to head out to a girl’s night out or brunch with old college friends or date night, try spicing up your outfit with this very cool tassel necklace fr

Reducing the chances of your baby getting SIDS is every new parent’s big concern. Research has shown that the standard crib bumper potentially traps carbon dioxide in an infant's crib, thereby increasing the risk that an infant will die of SIDS. Oliver B’s award winning ventilated slat bumper brings crib bedding to the basics by providing completely open air spaces around your mattress. This pr

Most plastic diaper pails do not absorb odors and leaves a lingering smell. The odors still linger even when the pail is empty. Plastic pails fail to control odors because they are poorly sealed allowing odors to leak. The Ubbi diaper pail is made of powder-coated steel which odors cannot penetrate and its innovative sliding lid design minimizes air disruption to prevent odors from escaping

Incredibly lush and soft bath for babies up to 6 months. This adorable Blooming Bath is handmade from incredibly soft, cuddly materials. Blooming Bath's petals hug any sink to create a safe, fun and convenient bath time experience for your little one. What we love about the Blooming Bath is that its plush materials cradle and cushion your baby. Especially at the fragile younger months, the hard

Every parent of a small child will appreciate the benefit of Tottels towels. These super cute hand towels are designed for the vertically challenged. They are long so they are within reach of your small child and they stay attached with the adjustable snaps to the towel rod so they never end up on the ground. How clever is that! Created by a nurse and mom of three, Tottels towels unique design

Cubino by Monte Design is a cute and modern kid chair that you don’t need to hide when the guests come over. It is modern and stylish enough to flow with the current design of your home. No cartoon designs, princess theme or characters on the chair, just clean and simple design while providing comfort and relaxation! And the seat covers are completely removable and washable! Chairs are availab

Check out Sweet n Treats amazing edible cupcake toppers. They have hundreds of images to choose from or you can upload your own image for a custom topper. Make or buy your own cupcakes, use any type of icing and top it off with a fun and creative, edible topper. Your kiddo and guests are going to love these cupcakes! Best of all, these cupcake toppers contain no allergens and are Gluten Free, D

Entice your picky eater or even your non picky eater with some fun shaped foods! They won’t even realize they are eating healthy, nutritious foods when you offer it to them in cute bite-sized fun shapes. FunBites is a cool new kitchen tool that cuts kids food into bite-sized fun shapes. FunBites squares creates 12 perfect bite-sized squares. Each pack includes a curved blade cutter and matchin

With their tag line, art has never tasted so good, you can count on Edible Details to create delicious edible toppers for any event from birthdays to weddings. Choose from their current designs or commission a custom design. They all look way too pretty and cute to eat. But one taste, it will have you going back for more. And what a great way to top off your cakes or cupcakes with these delici

We totally love these super cute and super stylish upholstered beds by Monte Design. They are simple yet sophisticated. This is the perfect first bed for your child since it is comfortable and modern enough to work right through the teen years. Handcrafted and made in Canada, these beds are quick and easy to assemble. No tools required. Available in both full and twin sizes and also in contr

With the sheer volume of information and recipes on Pinterest and various recipe sites, it can get quite overwhelming to read through all the recipes on the Internet and to also pick what to make or not to make.  So, we did all the browsing for you and found 3 dinner ideas for this week. All these dishes are healthy and pleasing on the palate for both kiddos and adults alike! Enjoy and hope this l

We all need some adult drinks sometimes and with summer just around the corner, we have rounded up some of our favorite wine slushies! Why wine slushies you ask?  Because it is a fun, refreshing and cool summer drink! Not that you need summer to drink it but it is definitely easier to enjoy a wine slushy in the summer vs. a cold Chicago winter! So, check out this list and break out the ice, wine a

This Mediterranean style chicken burger is sure to satisfy both the adults and kiddos in your household.  The burgers come out so juice and full of flavor that even our one year old loves eating it in bites.  This is an easy and healthy family dinner idea.  The burgers are also great for barbecues and summer parties.  You can also substitute ground chicken with ground beef.  Enjoy! <font color=#F3

Pinterest can be quite overwhelming with its feed of thousands of recipes from everything from dinners to drinks to desserts! And, the question always arises: What is for dinner tonight? Why does it have to be so hard?  Well, we have scoured Pinterest and narrowed it down to 3 easy one pan dinners to make this week! Each of the meals listed below are sure to please the entire family! We love one p

This Tomato Basil Chicken Fettuccini is a favorite weeknight Italian dish to serve for the whole family.  It uses fresh and simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.  The key to this dish is the fresh tomatoes and fresh basil. So, if you don’t have these ingredients, it is worth a quick trip to your local grocery store. Delicious, fresh and oh so quick! Our favorite kind of meal

We love slow cooker dinners for its simplicity and ease of use! Slow cookers really are great for making the most of budget ingredients with little preparation. You can make it as healthy as you want with minimal effort.  With a busy household, who really has time to cook laborious meals! One of the main attractions of a slow cooker meal is that it really does not require a lot of prep work.  At l

Tired of the same old thing for dinner? Well, we are for sure!  We understand that planning dinners for the week for the whole family can become a chore.  And, coming up with fresh, appetizing meals for both the kiddos and adults can be a challenge.  So, check out our dinner picks for the week.  Each of the meals listed below are healthy, delicious, filling and quick! Something everyone will love

This potato and artichoke salad is perfect for a summer barbecue, pool party or potluck dinner.  It is super easy to make and oh so delicious.  It is filled with artichokes and peas in addition to potatoes to give you a well rounded veggie side dish.  You can make a light version of this dish by using light mayo. <font color=#F36523> INGREDIENTS </font> - 3 lbs. medium red-skinned potatoes, washe

This recipe is honestly one of the fastest and easiest way to make vegetable enchiladas for your family. It even has its own enchilada sauce recipe but trust us, it is super easy to make. And most importantly, it is very nutritious as it's packed with all sorts of vegetables. Feel free to swap out the veggies for your favorites and let us know how it turns out. <font color=#F36523>Yield: </f

Spice up your family dinner with delicious and flavorful Vegetable Korma. Vegetable Korma is a delicious combination of several vegetables in a creamy sauce.  It is a traditional Indian dish that is mild, not so spicy hot so that the whole family can eat, even the kiddos! It is often served in Indian restaurants. Korma can be served with any Indian bread or rice. <font color=#00B7BF>Serves 5</fon

A crisp and light side dish, the Orzo salad is a perfect complement to most dishes.  It is super easy to make and tastes and looks so fabulous!  This orzo recipe has an abundance of bell peppers and cherry tomatoes to make it a hearty veggie pasta salad.  If you want to get the kiddos involved, this is a perfect, easy dish to make together.  Feel free to add chopped cucumbers and olives to make it

These watermelon shaped cookies not only look good but oh, they taste so yummy too. Perfect for summer barbecues, parties or family gatherings.  They are so fun to make and also to just look at.  Aren’t they so pretty!  Your kiddos are sure to love biting into these cookies.  They are sugar cookies shaped like watermelons with icing and chocolate covered sunflower seeds.  To get the recipe and s

Lime juice is a classic drink served throughout India.  You can find it being hawked in the streets of Mumbai to the menus of high end luxury hotels.  It's refreshing with a mix of tangy and sweet.  But, most of all, it is oh so delicious!  Make sure to use fresh limes for optimal flavor.  This recipe is a simple and fast method to prepare fresh lime juice. <font color=#F36523>DIRECTIONS: </font

This is one of KidTrail's favorite apple pie recipes as it is pretty easy to make and oh so delicious!  If you are looking for a classic dessert to serve, this is it. It is perfect for a summer barbecue or holiday party! The recipe was adapted from a popular apple pie recipe found on AllRecipes.  We made some tweaks to it to make it the perfect apple pie! <font color=#F36523>Prep:</font> 30 Minut

This is a very simple recipe to make using Quaker Oats Quick 1 Minute Oatmeal.  However, the key to making this gourmet style is to simmer the oatmeal on a low boil for about 10 minutes instead of the 1 minute that Quaker suggests.  By simmering on a low boil for 10 minutes, the oatmeal really expands and becomes fluffy and delicious.  And adding cardamom to the mix, makes it a delicious way to st

This Mexican lasagna is truly a delicious comfort food that is also pretty healthy packed with protein, veggies and the right amount of carbs.  It can be a great hit for potlucks or game nights.  Not only will the whole family love this dish but so will your kiddos.  The recipe calls for beef but you can also substitute ground chicken.  Best of all, prep time is a short 15 minutes.  Enjoy! <font

This southwest chopped salad is super easy to make and oh so delicious.  Best of all, it is packed with veggies and protein.  The recipe calls for vegetarian but feel free to add some chopped chicken to the mix.  Cilantro Lime dressing from Trader Joes tastes amazing on this salad and highly recommended.  But, feel free to use another dressing of choice like Ranch.  Easy, healthy and delicious!  Y

This easy Cajun Chicken is super easy and fast to make.  Your whole family will be surprised and think you spent many more hours than you actually did in making it.  In fact, it really only takes about 5 minutes of prep time and about 15 minutes to actually sear/bake the chicken.  It has a little kick so you may want to lessen the spice for the kids. <font color=#F36523>INGREDIENTS:</font> - Bon

This weekend in Chicago calls for mild and sunny weather!  The perfect time to get out and engage in some active fun with the whole family! A few free concerts to choose from at Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Cultural Center and Garfield Park Conservatory.  Concerts are a great way to get the kiddos engaged in active fun and musical play. Other options include storytime, family fishing day or free craf

With Memorial Day weekend around the corner, it is time to start planning for some fun family outings in Chicago! There is plenty to choose from to please both the parents and kiddos in tow. Mole de Mayo Festival in historic Pilsen neighborhood is a great way to spend the weekend outdoors eating delicious food, music and shopping local businesses.  Of course you don’t want to miss the Memorial Day

With Chicago’s large and vibrant Irish community, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually with its annual downtown parade and river dying.  This is a must see for all families! The kiddos will love the enthusiasm, Irish dancers and festive environment! Make a day of it by coming early to downtown as it gets pretty crowded. Public transportation is highly recommended. The Parade will be broadcast

<div>With 2018 in full swing, check out the list of amazing Chicago and suburb museums that offer Free Museum Entry in 2018. It is a great opportunity to enrich your kiddos experiences without breaking the bank. Free museum days are for IL residents only.  The city and the suburbs offers some of the best places to visit from The Adler Planetarium in Chicago to the Morton Arboretum in the west subu

A day at Lincoln Park Zoo is filled with excitement and energy for parents and kiddos in tow! After your exploration at the zoo, many families choose to share a meal to cap off the day.  Some nearby places that are also kid friendly are listed below.  A variety of choices are listed from a pizzeria to a diner to even a mouthwatering French patisserie! Let us know what you think in the comments sec

School is out on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day! It is a day to observe, give back to the community and to also relax. Listed below are some activities in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for kiddos to learn about MLK and his legacy as well as some options for day off camps! Most of the museums listed below have FREE entry on MLK Day! Take a look below to see if there is something of intere

<div>With Christmas around the corner, you don't want to miss the opportunity to take pictures with Santa.  Whether you want professional shots or take your own, there is something here for everyone. Make holiday memories with priceless photo opportunities with Santa. If you are interested in breakfasts with Santa, look for that list in KidTrail picks.  This list is for meeting and taking pics wit

The festive Christmas season in Chicago means many fun opportunities to create lasting family memories.  Breakfast with Santa is a fun and delicious way to get into the holiday spirt with St. Nick! This list of Santa brunches offers a variety of options such as a glamorous and elegant Brunch with Santa at The Drake Hotel or a fun and adventurous Santa Cruise on the Spirit of Chicago. Enjoy and be

With Halloween soon approaching, you are probably wondering where to take the kiddos for some trick or treating in the city.  Well, take a look below for a list of free trick or treating events in the city.  This list has everything from trick or treating at the zoo to your local neighborhood. Don't miss out as it is both free to participate and guaranteed to create lots of memories. Let us know y

Why wait till the end of October to celebrate Halloween when you can celebrate the whole month of October?  And, that is exactly what Chicago is offering, a full month of fun, spooky, kid friendly Halloween events.  There is something for everyone here from haunted houses to ghost stories and of course some sweet treats.  Or maybe a haunted cruise on beautiful Lake Michigan, family friendly of cou

Fall is around the corner, which means time to do all things Fall Fun like apple picking!  Lucky for us, there are many wonderful apple orchards near Chicago that allow you to pick your own apples straight from the tree!  Make this a wonderful family tradition that your kiddos are sure to enjoy!  Take home those freshly picked apples and make your favorite apple pie, apple cobbler or simply eat it

With fall in the air, families start creating traditions with their annual trips to nearby pumpkin patches and fall festivals.  Well, if you are looking for a place that not only provides pumpkins to pick but also tons of kids activities to wear them out enough for an early bedtime, then look no further.  These 10 pumpkin patches near Chicago are filled with high octane fun such as corn mazes, kid

Oktoberfest is a traditional annual folk festival in Munich, Germany. Each year, the festival draws millions from around the world to engage in Oktoberfest beer, German foods, music and family fun! You don’t need to head to Germany to enjoy as this German tradition is celebrated across the globe, which occurs in mid-Sept to early Oct.  We have rounded up some of the most family friendly Oktoberfes

A hidden gem in the heart of the city, Lurie Garden in Millennium Park, is literally an urban oasis! Its ecology and landscape design makes you forget that you are in the middle of a vibrant and busy city! You can come to the garden on any day of the week to stroll leisurely on a beautiful day but what many don’t know is the vast number of enrichment programs they offer for kids and family.  Best

If you are looking for some fun activities to fill your July 4th weekend, then look no more. This list has plenty of fun and many free family friendly activities. Windy City Ribfest is a weekend full of eating, dancing and plain enjoying the Chicago summer. Or, head out to one of the many farmers markers in the city to support your local farmers.  And of course, you don’t want to miss the firework

Looking for a fun day trip close to Chicago?  White water rafting on the Vermillion River is just under 2 hours away from Chicago.  For kids 8 and over, this is a fun family activity to do in the summer.  Experience the thrill of white water rafting!  The river is just 4 miles south of Starved Rock State Park off Illinois Highway 178. This is a great experience for beginning rafters and fun for an

The Art Institute of Chicago has a striking presence on Michigan Avenue with its two lion statues flanking the Institute’s main entrance. It is a part of Chicago history and stands today as one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States. Its vast collection of art encompasses more than 5,000 years of human expression from cultures around the world and contains more than 300,000 wor

The Family Fun Festival at Millennium Park is FREE Family Fun all summer long! It is a great escape from the blistering heat as all events take place inside the cool tent. Take a break from your downtown and Millennium Park excursions and bring the kiddos to the Family Fun Festival for a cool down and fun, enriching activities. Families are invited to join the fun all summer long with activities s

Chicago's Lake Michigan offers miles of beaches for residents and visitors.  Not only is there swimming but lots of other activities as well such as sailing and biking with easy access to the parks that offer baseball, tennis, basketball and more! Chicago beaches are a great way to cool off and enjoy the sun. With so many beaches to choose from, one may wonder which ones are family friendly.  Some

This Mother’s Day 2017 in Chicago is going to be a beautiful day!  If you don’t have Mother’s Day plans yet, take a look at this list of things to do with your mom! Head to Lincoln Park Zoo for an indulgent Mother’s Day brunch, then spend the afternoon strolling through the zoo with the whole family.  Or, maybe you want to do something creative! Check out the many paint parties scheduled on Mother

With Mother’s Day around the corner, some mamas are looking to indulge in a manicure/pedicure with their little girls. The experience can be fun and give you some time to bond in a relaxing and soothing environment. There are lots of options here such as an eco-friendly and organic spa experience at Noktivo or maybe a luxurious experience with a scrub and fresh chocolate chip cookie at the Nomi Sp

There is no question about it, the technology workforce is constantly evolving.  And, the number of technology jobs is on the rise and the growth rate is expected to increase over the years.  So, in summary, those with skills in technology are in high demand.  To meet these demands, there are a number of companies in the Chicago area that provide classes introducing coding and technology skills to

Kickstart Chicago’s spring with some family fun.  Spring in Chicago can be unpredictable but family fun doesn’t have to be.  The city is known for its list of amazing activities and events and Spring is no different. There are plenty of FUNtastic Spring events in Chicago to prep you for a glorious Chicago summer! Take the kiddos for a fun and free kite flying adventure or watch the iconic Buckingh

Easter is around the corner which means time to make special family memories with Easter Egg Hunts, Breakfast with the Bunny and special photos with the Easter Bunny.  Chicago and the suburbs has so much to offer for Easter.  Take a look at this list of 29 fun activities for kids and families. From local park districts to neighborhood events, there is plenty to choose from. Bring your camera for p

Looks like it is going to be a gloomy and rainy weekend in Chicago.  Don’t fret!  There is still plenty of things to do with the kiddos and all the events on this list are indoors! And some are free too!  Get free entry at the Art Institute for kids under 18 or head to the Garfield Park Conservatory for a free nature adventure.  Or, maybe you feel like dancing this weekend, so check out the kids c

Chicago and the suburbs have plenty of fun family activities to celebrate Easter. Whether you are looking for an Easter Brunch, Easter Egg Hunt or fun and free family activity, there is something on this list for everyone. From local park districts to neighborhood events, there is plenty to choose from. Bring your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny! A few also offer professional Easter Bunn

The weekend is here and there is lots to do in the city with the entire family including many free events. Choose from free entry to a couple of the top museums/nature museums in the city such as the Art Institute of Chicago and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Or maybe head to a kiddo concert or kids improv show.  Top it off with an eye catching boat show that is sure to please the biggest truck/bo

School is out on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day! It is a day to observe, give back to the community and to also relax. Listed below are some activities in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for kiddos to learn about MLK and his legacy as well as some options for day off camps! Most of the museums listed below have FREE entry on MLK Day! Take a look below to see if there is something of intere

Each year, museums in Chicago and the suburbs offer FREE museum admission on select days for IL residents. It is a great opportunity to visit with minimal impact on your wallet, and don’t we all love that! The city and the suburbs offers some of the best places to visit from The Adler Planetarium in Chicago to the Morton Arboretum in the west suburbs. We have compiled a list of some of the popular

Chicago winter has officially arrived.  Stay warm by attending one of the many indoor events listed here. Head to the Art Institute for a day of culture, kids under 14 are free or maybe another free event at Chicago Architecture Foundation building a city out of blocks! If you plan to brave the cold, then maybe a festive gathering of caroling at Cloud Gate.  Whatever you choose to do, there is lot

Winter in Chicago is here which means there are plenty of options for outdoor activities for families in the Midwest.  The Midwest has many options for family skiing with kid friendly amenities.  We have compiled a list of 10 best ski resorts in the area that are family and kid friendly.  The list is broken into three categories: skiing in the Chicago suburbs, nearby ski resorts within 3 to 3.5 ho

The holiday season is in full swing and Chicago does not disappoint with a full array of family friendly events to get you in the spirit.  There are lots of fun and free with things to do in the city with the family.  You can start the weekend with caroling at Cloud Gate, head over to Lincoln Park Zoo to see their spectacular Zoo Lights, get a free Nutcracker dance lesson and finally top it off wi

Winter has arrived in Chicago with cold weather and chilling winds.  Yes, this does not sound like a pleasant description but there are many ways to enjoy long Chicago winters! In addition to the vast number of indoor fun in the Chicago area, the whole family has access to many of Chicago area’s ice skating rinks. So, grab the kiddos, your skates, and head out for a day of winter fun! This list pr

Halloween weekend in Chicago does not mean you have to wait till Monday the 31st to enjoy Halloween.  You can start this Friday and continue the celebration to Halloween day. Saturday calls for warm weather with a high around 70 so make sure to enjoy the weekend with lots of Halloween fun.  This list has everything from a not so spooky haunted house to Fall Fest to free trick or treating. Whatever

This weekend in Chicago entails lots of fall fun for families and their kiddos in tow. Whether you are looking for something indoors or out, this list has got you covered. Some outdoor options include a free telescope observatory at Adler Planetarium, outdoor kids concert at Millennium Park or maybe a haunted house at Sheridan Park.  Some indoor events include free entry at The Field Museum, free

Fall in Chicago is always a beautiful time of year with crisp sweater weather and the lovely changing of colors. And, what a great fall weekend it is going to be.  Many of the kids’ events listed here include outdoor events that the whole family can enjoy as well as many indoor events.  There is Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest filled with outdoor fall fun.  Fall Adventure Day at Northerly Island Park w

Fall is in the air which means Oktoberfest events have started lining up!  It’s not just for grownups as many of the events make it a family affair for everyone to enjoy!  Celebrate this traditional German festival with games, crafts, bounce houses, festival foods and of course some beer for the grownups!  Here is a list of Oktoberfest events in Chicago and the suburbs for the whole family to enjo

The Chicago Park District brings a little bit of country to the city with its annual Pumpkin Patches.  Not interested in the drive to the burbs this year or the crowds at the suburban pumpkin patch/mini amusement parks.  Well, there is no need to leave the city for some fall pumpkin fun!  The City of Chicago Park District plays host to its annual pumpkin patches across various Chicago parks.  Tons

Summer weather is still in the air so take a look below for a curated list of fun activities and events in Chicago for this weekend. There are lots of free events such as Movie Night at the Park, Peace Music Festival & Picnic, Free Storytime and free admission at two awesome Chicago Museums.  For a small fee, other activities include a family concert or fall apple fest! Take a look below for detai

Throw on a warm cozy sweater, grab the kiddos and head out to one of these fun Fall Harvest Festivals.  Enjoy apple pies, pumpkins, family activities, hay rides, contests, pony rides and more!  This list provides some of our favorite Fall Festivals in Chicago and the suburbs!  Enjoy and let us know what you think in the comments section below. <div> </div><div><b><font color=#F36523>Harvest Day at

The Chicago Park District has been bringing movies to the parks for sixteen years making summertime in Chicago even more special. Grab a blanket and picnic dinner and head over for a movie under the stars. It really does make you appreciate all the great things about Chicago summers! Movies in the park kicks off on June 4, 2016 and features more than 250 outdoor screenings of current and classic m

With summer in full swing, it is time to get outside and enjoy all the greenery and nature that Chicago has to offer. With long Chicago winters, you don’t want to miss the opportunity to explore nature through hikes, picnics, trails and more! There are many options here such as conservatories, nature preserves, and parks! KidTrail has come up with the 6 best nature places in Chicago for families!

Looking for a way to organize your family photos? Well, look no further! KidTrail has compiled a list of 6 awesome photobook printing apps! Users can easily create unique, high quality photo books that capture beautiful memories. Whether you’re creating a personalized photobook for your son’s birthday or an anniversary present for a loved one, this list will make it happen!  Also, since every site

With summer in full swing, there is never a lack of events or places to go with kids. Chicago is known for all the amazing events, festivals and programs offered during the summer.  That is probably because the winters tend to be long and cold so we make up for it with loads of fun and activities in the summer. Here is our top pick of awesome and fun family events in the city.  Lots to choose from

This weekend in Chicago is going to be fun filled with so many activities, festivals and events that both the kiddos and parents alike can enjoy! For the first time ever, Lake Michigan has been chosen as the first freshwater venue to host America’s Cup racing!  An event that will leave both the kiddos and adults in awe! Other events include super kid friendly street festival Andersonville Midsomma

Don't miss Toddler, Tunes & Turtles, a fun outdoor event by the Chicago Park District. Each summer, the Chicago Park District offers a fun outdoor nature program for families! Families and their little kids in tow have an opportunity to enjoy the park together. The Chicago Park District makes this event fun for the whole family by providing an enriching program that includes a variety of live anim

At the beginning of each year, Chicago area museums announce their free days for Chicago residents for the year.  With Chicago offering some of the best museums in the world, this is not something you want to miss out on. World class exhibits at these amazing institutions can get a bit pricey.  So, that is why it is a great idea to take advantage of museum FREE days. Many do not offer FREE days in

Don't let summer escape you before making a very short trek to one of these awesome pools and aquatic centers!  These suburban park district water play facilities are so nice, well-kept and loads of fun, you will wonder why you didn't go there sooner!  There is something for everyone at each of these pools/aquatic centers from babies to teenagers to grandparents. Whether it is a shallow toddler ar

If you are anything like us here at KidTrail, hiking is one of our favorite things to do.  It’s top on our agenda during our visits to Cali or Arizona and what amazing hikes they are!  But, just because you live in the Midwest doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun and challenging hike. Starved Rock is definitely one place to check out for 13 miles of well marked hiking trails filled with amazing cany

Chicago summers is what Chicagoans wait for all year! Not only for the warm weather after months of Chicago cold but really for all the fun and exciting events the city has to offer! Literally every Summer weekend in Chicago is filled with festivals, family events, street fests, concerts and more! Specifically, we love all the happenings at Millennium Park for family fun. And, we are excited to sh

Chicago's Lake Michigan offers miles of beaches for residents and visitors.  Not only is there swimming but lots of other activities as well such as sailing and biking with easy access to the parks that offer baseball, tennis, basketball and more! Chicago beaches are a great way to cool off and enjoy the sun. With so many beaches to choose from, one may wonder which ones are family friendly.  Some

The long Memorial Day weekend is a time to honor all those that died while serving in the armed forces. This list provides 15 activities for kiddos in Chicago during the long weekend. You don’t want to miss the Memorial Day parade on Saturday which kicks off with a wreath laying ceremony.  It is a wonderful parade to show support and honor those who served and died.  A great way to kickstart the l

Father's Day is around the corner and it is a day to appreciate the dad in your life! Of course a lovely breakfast in bed is sure to relax dad and get him started on the right foot. But, if you are looking for some fun and meaningful activities on Father’s Day then look no further! With Father’s Day in June, this list provide plenty of fun activities where you can also enjoy the outdoors.  Whether

Luckily for us, this weekend is going to be sunny and beautiful! There is lots to do in Chicago with the kiddos in tow. Start off the weekend with a fun cupcake decorating class at Give Me Some Sugar! Kiddos can learn how to decorate cupcakes, 6 cupcakes in all.  Best of all, it is yours to take home and devour! Or enjoy the lovely weather by checking out the Green City Farmers Market in Lincoln P

Chicago summers are filled with so many activities and events.  Every weekend is filled with street festivals, kids events, concerts, events at Millennium Park and much more.  There are enough fun and exciting events and activities to make you forget all about Chicago winters! Many of the street festivals are a great option for families as they cater to the little kids in tow.  The following 7 Chi

Parents have the best intentions when it comes to keeping a journal of their kiddos with photos and memories.  Unfortunately, for most, it takes a backseat and doesn’t get accomplished due to the busy schedules most families have.  This list of 7 best photo sharing apps makes it super easy to keep track of your baby or kiddos milestones with photos and memories.  Best of all, all of these are priv

Mother's Day weekend in Chicago is full of fun family events! There are so many options on this list to celebrate mom.  Start the weekend by dropping the kids off for playcare at popular kid’s play space SOD Room. The kiddos will love some play while you enjoy some me time.  Then, the weekend offers plenty of family events such as the annual Kids and Kites Festival, Mother’s Day Painting Workshop,

Chicago has so many hotels to choose from! Whether you are from out of town visiting Chicago with the family or a Chicago area local looking for a staycation in the Windy City, this list will provide some useful insight on the best Chicago hotels for families. This list of 7 Chicago hotels loves Kids and Family! They offer amenities to make every member of the family feel at home and some of these

This weekend is going to be a dreary, cold and rainy Chicago weekend!  That alone is enough to keep us inside! But, there is no need to be a couch potato as there are tons of fun indoor kids events this weekend! Listed below are 14 super fun and engaging kids events and 8 of the events are FREE! Some of the FREE events include a spring fling and concert with Miss. Jamie from the Farm, FREE Sing Al

Going out to eat with the kiddos can be a chore at times. To keep them entertained and quiet at the table is why many parents avoid the restaurant scene with kiddos!  Well, no need to leave the kiddos behind anymore as these 6 Chicago restaurants do a pretty good job with making their space kid friendly.  A couple of the restaurants have separate play rooms for the kids while you enjoy your glass

Mother's Day is soon approaching and it is an exciting day for the kiddos and family to spend the day appreciating mom.  Maybe Mom wants to sleep in and be catered to breakfast in bed or maybe she wants the morning off to herself for a spa day.  Or, maybe she wants to spend the day filled with activities with the family.  If you don’t know yet what to do on Mother’s Day, this list provides some fu

This weekend kicks off with Earth Day on Friday! Every day should be Earth Day but let’s remind ourselves the importance of taking care of our planet for ourselves as well as for future generations.  The link below provides a list of 10 Earth Day activities in Chicago and the suburbs.  In addition to Earth Day, other activities include Kids Night Out Cooking on Friday night where you can drop the

Who doesn't like trains or planes? And we all know that dining out with kiddos can become quite chaotic at times.  We love this list of train and plane themed restaurants in the Chicago area. It keeps kiddos entertained and engaged while offering a delicious meal. Many of these places offer healthy menu items or can accommodate dietary restrictions such as gluten free options and nut free options.

Earth Day should be every day but unfortunately it comes around only once per year.  Regardless, all citizens should practice Earth Day beliefs throughout the year to better protect our planet.  But, it can all start on Earth Day, which is celebrated on April 22. Events around the world are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It is now coordinated globally and celebrated in m

Some may say Chicago really does not have much of a Spring! Well, some days definitely feel like Spring while others don’t. But, despite the weather, there are plenty of FUNtastic Spring events in Chicago to prep you for a glorious Chicago summer! Take the kiddos for a fun and free kite flying adventure or watch the iconic Buckingham Fountain get turned on for summer or maybe participate at Bike t

No need to break the bank on kids clothes, seasonal kids items or even on bigger ticket kids gear such as strollers or car seats! Chicago and the suburbs has plenty of consignment sales where you can buy gently used kids items, some new items too. Whether you are a name brand shopper or looking for sports equipment, you are sure to find something at one of these sales at bargain prices. You can al

It is officially Spring in Chicago and the weather is starting to pick up! There is plenty of fun Chicago kids activities this weekend and some free too! Try a family Yoga class (drop in session) at Bloom Yoga or Tula Yoga. Or head to the Museum of Science & Industry for a super cool omnimax show on Humpback Whales or the National Parks.  Some free events include the much loved Neighborhoods of th

Don't let April showers get you down! There is still plenty of indoor things to do with kids this weekend in Chicago, many FREE. Get into the spirit of Spring by visiting one of the lovely Spring Flower Shows at either Garfield Park Conservatory or Lincoln Park Conservatory! Or head to Lincoln Park Zoo for a fun Earth Day inspired pinata making workshop! Sunday funday includes a fun brunch and kid

Mother's Day is a time to pamper all mothers, grandmothers, aunts and really any motherly figure! So, if you are looking for somewhere to take your mom for a special Mother’s Day Brunch, then look no further as this list has got you covered. Maybe you want casual and fun like brunch and bowling at Pinstripes or something more elegant and memorable like brunch at the Ritz Carlton! Or, maybe you wan

Is your kid an avid Lego builder and wants to try all the newest sets?  Well, save money and let your kiddos try out various Lego sets using Pley.  Pley aims to be the Netflix of Legos.  You can subscribe and create a wish list and as soon as the set becomes available, it arrives at your doorstep.  How cool is that?  Once your kid is done playing with the set, send it back in the prepaid box.  It

Whether you are hosting a baby shower, birthday party or a grand life celebration, Chicago has got you covered with its vast number of private room rentals.  Renting a private room at a restaurant is an ideal choice as you don’t need to worry about the space or the food!  No mess to clean up, use a beautifully crafted room with a scrumptious menu! Check out the list below.  It has everything from

The start of April is filled with lots of fun kid’s events in the city! Many are FREE such as the Neighborhoods of the World Celebration at Navy Pier and FREE Family Art Session at the Smart Museum at University of Chicago.  Others are a nominal fee like the Kids Concert at the Beat Kitchen for $6. There is lots to do this weekend so check out the curated list below.  For more events, check the ev

Easter weekend is full of family fun including egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny as well as many Chicago restaurants that offer Easter Sunday Brunch. Whether you are looking for a fun Easter activity or just a fun Chicago activity, this list has got you covered. Check out the Free music class at St. Nicholas Cathedral or head over to the Teen Learning Lab at Shedd Aquarium. And end the nig

It is inevitable that a day comes that your regular daycare, child care or nanny arrangements fall through. Or you may simply need a day to run errands or to recharge. Many back up care programs are employer sponsored provided as a benefit to their employees. These programs are great but not all companies offer it.  Listed below are 6 licensed Chicago daycares that provide drop in or emergency chi

This weekend is full of fun and festive events for the whole family.  Easter is soon approaching so if you are looking for a fun egg hunt, pictures with the Easter bunny or maybe breakfast with the bunny, this list has got you covered.  Or, maybe you want a low key, mellow weekend filled with story time and a family dinner, then this list will show you the way.  However you choose to spend the wee

Take a Break Playcare is a unique drop in playroom designed for children ages 3 months to 13 years of age.  This new Lakeview play care is part play space and part child care.  It is the perfect place to drop the kiddos off while mom and dad get some much needed date night! Or you can use the service as coworking with childcare. Use the service any time during the day or night as hours are availab

Chicago has many options for an Easter Sunday brunch! Many on this list are prix-fixe menus with kids prices, while a few offer a la carte pricing.  Some of the restaurants below also have the Easter Bunny to greet your kiddos! So, skip the brunch at home and enjoy one of these delectable brunches below. Reservations are recommend as spots fill up fast.  Book online at Open Table or call the resta

The weekend is here and with so many activities to choose from, KidTrail has made it easier with a list of fun curated events for kids and families in Chicago. Whether you are looking for a cultural event such as the Neighborhoods of the World festival at Navy Pier or a kid’s concert such as the Sunday Kids Concert at Beat Kitchen, this list has got you covered. Of the 16 events listed below, 9 ar

Whether you are heading to the airport or taking a trip around Chicagoland, the last thing you want to do is lug your car seat or booster seat.  Especially if a car seat is not needed at your destination! Instead of trying your luck with a cab, check out one of these car service companies that cater to families with small children. Some offer free car seats while others charge a small fee. And som

<div>Summer may seem like so far away and with this cold Chicago winter, it seems like a distant memory. But, it will be here before we know it.  And, that means making sure your kids favorite summer camp activity is reserved.  Chicago has many camps to offer from sports to dance to language immersion. There is literally something here for everyone.  Take a look to find the perfect fit for your ki

We are blessed to be living in a world class city like Chicago that offers so many cultural and fun activities for both adults and kids. Being in a large city also means navigating the vast number of resources.  What to choose and where to look can be daunting.  So, here is a curated list of FUN and some FREE events in the city this weekend! Your kiddos will love it and so will you! Enjoy and have

AnyList is an awesome and simple way to create and share shopping lists with your spouse or roommate.  Any time you make changes to a list, it shows up instantly on everyone’s iPhone. It is a great way to quickly create organized lists.  You never have to worry again about making sure the list is communicated with your shopping buddy or making sure an item is purchased.  You can also organize reci

Lake Geneva is only a 90 minute drive from Chicago, yet it seems like a place far away with its quaint, picturesque town. It has been a resort community for decades now, lined with beautiful mansions along the lake. The Lake Geneva area will not leave you bored as it is filled with world class golf, relaxing spas, quaint B&Bs, indoor water park fun for the kiddos, boutique shopping, dining as well

With busy lives and busy families, cooking a healthy meal for your family can become a chore and take away from family time. Many meal delivery companies are popping up throughout Chicagoland.  These companies simplify one aspect of your life by delivering fresh, chef made meals. Whether you want vegan, organic or diet, there is something here for everyone.  And, most do not require a contract or

The first haircut can be a tormenting experience for both the kiddo and parents! We at Kidtrail do love the national chains like Super Cuts or Great Clips for kid’s haircuts for their affordability. They do a pretty good job and the price is very reasonable. However, if you are looking for some distractions to keep the kid at ease, you may want to look elsewhere.  The places below offer many distr

Three little kittens are on the hunt for their missing mittens, and they need your help finding them! Gather the clues and make new discoveries before Mother Cat comes home. With the promise of pie and the smell of a rat close by, this interactive spy story is the purr-fect way to introduce your little ones to the mystery and excitement of live theatre. Due to popular demand, the show has been ext

Filament brings an expansive, freewheeling, new folk musical adaptation of this beloved story to their Northwest side Chicago stage! Six actors playing a menagerie of instruments will lead you from Geppetto’s wood shop through the land of toys, into the belly of a shark, and home again on a journey to learn what it is to be real. Filament’s folk aesthetic will delight adults and children alike! Th

The Queen is jealous of Snow White’s Beauty!  So she runs off into the woods to live with seven crazy Dwarfs.  Will the Queen find her?  Will Prince Charming save the day?  You won’t want to miss this classic Fairy Tale presented by Chicago Kids Company.  There is nothing scary in this version of Snow White, just fun and silliness! Chicago Kids Company has brought to life the magic and wonder of t

A High Flying Furry Frenzy. Our favorite feline, Skippyjon Jones, canon-blasts into his imagination and discovers an extraordinary circus world. Upon reuniting with his Chihuahua chums, the gang takes turns performing circus stunts, with Skippyjon to perform the daring final act. Taken from the best-selling book series, this captivating tale of trapeze dreams and flying machines is cherished by al

Through unforgettable songs such as “Just a Bill” and “Conjunction Junction,” a nervous schoolteacher must discover how to charm his students through imagination and music on the first day of class. Based on the entertaining and educational Emmy Award-winning animated series, Schoolhouse Rock Live! brings the treasured Saturday-morning melodies of the ‘70s back in a hip new way.<div>Age: Best Suit

Ever wonder what happens to Cinderella after the Ball? Come witness her quest for happily ever after as she and her besties, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty, take matters into their own hands to save the kingdom from the villainous Pinocchio. Girl power abounds in this contemporary world premiere musical tale that is sure to delight children and adults alike with its toe tapping music and quick witte

Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the comical duo of Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob! See the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the Toy Story gang defy the dimensions of Andy’s toy box with the help of the green army men; and the spectacular stage debut of Rapunzel and Flyn

Based on the Best Selling Book Series by Mary Pope Osborne! A Ragtime Romp of a Musical. Beloved Magic Tree House characters, Jack and Annie, venture through the tuneful streets of 1915 New Orleans, where they discover 14-year-old Louis Armstrong and must set him on the trumpeting path to become the “King of Jazz.” This triumphant tale explores a world where possibilities are endless and stirs the

One terrible morning, Cousin Clara presents young Lester with the gift of a hand-knit sweater… and it is DREADFUL: shriveled yet saggy and smothered with pom-poms. Lester (who likes things just so) is mortified to wear it, but his parents insist and the kids at school tease him relentlessly. When he ruins the sweater “by accident,” Clara just makes others, each more ghastly than the last. To resto

Will the Princess Sleep for 100 years? Or can her true love save her with a Kiss? Don’t miss one of Chicago Kids Company’s most requested shows! Chicago Kids Company has brought to life the magic and wonder of theatre for young children for nearly 25 years. Our interactive storytelling engages the creativity and imagination of young minds while teaching valuable life lessons. But most importantly,

More fun than a muddy puddle! Peppa Pig, star of the top-rated TV series airing daily on Nick Jr., is hitting the road for her first-ever U.S. theatrical tour, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash! By popular demand, the live stage show will visit nearly 100 cities starting this November. Peppa Pig’s Big Splash! promises to be the perfect theatre show for all pre-schoolers! Showing at Rosemont Theatre, the venu

This is the story of Jabari, a hip, cool 10 year old boy who loves to paint, but does not love the lessons of the Civil Rights Movement. After being a part of a random accident while walking home from school with his friend Emmett, he starts to have nightmares about the accident and becomes afraid to leave the house for fear the accident and worse things he hears in the news will happen to him. Ja

The wildly popular PBS KIDS television show, WILD KRATTS, is coming to the live stage. Animated Kratt Brothers, Martin and Chris, come to real life in a classically Wild Kratts story.  In To the Creature Rescue!”, the Emmy nominated Kratt Brothers activate some fan favorite Creature Power Suits to confront a comic villain. Through hilarious pratfalls and amazing animal ‘wow facts’, the Wild Kratts

Meet Roxanne, Petunia, and Babe…three Sister Piggies who set out to build their own houses. Roxanne (the Rock’n Roll Pig) builds hers out of Sticks, Petunia (The Pretty Pig) builds hers out of Straw, and Babe (the sensible, smart Pig) builds hers out of bricks! Which house will the Big Bad Wolf Huff and Puff and blow down? Don’t miss Chicago Kids Company’s most popular show! Chicago Kids Company h

One woman plays 14 characters to tell the story of the founding and first year of a community garden in a gritty, immigrant neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio. Each character is from a different ethnic group, and describes the transformation of the empty lot into a vibrant garden. While doing so, each one of those characters experiences his or her own transformation. The play is produced by Chicago C

Valentine's Day is fast approaching!  It is a day to show your love and appreciation for not only your significant other but even your friends and family! Many restaurants in the city and burbs offer Valentine’s Day specials.  But, what about if you want do something casual with the whole family, kiddos in tow.  Well, check out one of these pizzerias that offer special heart shaped pizzas!  You ca

Who will win the race? The “slow and steady” Tortoise? Or the “fast and furious” Hare? This show features a cast of all silly animals, and travels quickly through the County Fair Race! Don’t miss out on the fun! Presented by Chicago Kids Company. Chicago Kids Company has brought to life the magic and wonder of theatre for young children for nearly 25 years. CKC's productions are original musicals

Join Belle and the Beast for one of the great musicals of the modern era. Adapted from the classic Disney animation, Beauty and the Beast has now been seen by over 35 million people worldwide since its premiere in 1994. Featuring all of the beloved songs from the original movie, including Be Our Guest and the title track, the show also includes additional numbers from original composer Alan Menken

After conquering tv and the silver screen, everyone's favourite sponge is headed to Chicago in his first ever musical! SpongeBob The Musical opens at the Oriental Theatre in June 2016 for a strictly limited month-long run, before transferring over to Broadway later in the year. The story follows Spongebob on a quest to save the day, with the help of his best fried Patrick and the rest of Bikini Bo

When three city council members mysteriously disappear from an important meeting, the audience must help Sherlock Holmes crack the case.  Audience members will travel by foot or on bicycle throughout Portage Park, interviewing witnesses and finding clues to recover the kidnapped city council members. It soon becomes clear that there is a greater plan afoot that puts the residents of Portage Park i

Getting back into a workout routine can be difficult after having kids.  And, it makes it harder if child care is an issue.  If your partner or babysitter is not available to watch the kiddos, then working out becomes less of a priority. But, we all know that working out makes for a healthy and happy mama.  So, before you sign up for a gym membership, check out all the fitness centers below that o

Looking for a fun Chicago experience with the kiddos or looking for a non-toy gift to give a child, well look no further as a sleepover at one of Chicago’s top museums will sure put a smile on your kiddos face. Choose from one of four participating museums to experience a night at the museum.  Sleep with the fishes, explore the dinosaurs, see amazing space shows or take part in a scientific scaven

<div>Exciting news for Bank of America credit or debit card holders!  A wonderful benefit for all card holders is being offered.  The Museums on Us program by Bank of America allows free general admission to 150 museums nationwide on the first full weekend of every month!  So, each card holder gets free entry, which means only the kiddos have to pay.  And, many museums have free entry for kids und

Yes, you read the title right! Happy Play is a new play space concept in Chicago. Happy Play is part rescue center for rabbits, part bird pet store and part indoor play center for children. The birds are all child friendly and kiddos are encouraged to interact with the birds. Instead of keeping the birds locked up in a cage, they are free to fly around in a designated room.  This open environment

Wisconsin Dells, also known as the Water Capital of the World, is a short drive from Chicago, making it a fun weekend getaway for Midwest families. Over the years, it has grown in popularity for its many activities.  In addition to water parks (both indoor and outdoor), the Dells offers something for everyone from Fawn Creek Winery to outdoor activities such as zip lining and horseback riding. The

Leona's is a family-friendly, traditional Italian pizzeria and restaurant. The restaurant features a classic Italian menu emphasizing homemade, fresh cuisine that is easy on the wallet. Kids receive 50% off their bill on Tuesdays and Sundays, all day.  This is limited to kids age 12 and under. Leona’s has several locations throughout the city and suburbs. This review is specifically for the locati

Barn & Company is a Lincoln Park BBQ spot.  They refer to their menu as true Low Slow hickory smoked barbecue, bringing the traditional goodness of Memphis, Kansas City and Texas-style barbecue to Chicago. The menu is sourced from regional farm fresh ingredients and top-quality meats. In addition to BBQ, Barn & Company also offers a rotating selection of seasonal salads, innovative sandwiches, ste

Serving brunch daily, yes, you read the right! And, who doesn’t love brunch! Hutch Chicago offers a take on American classics including appetizers like the Hutch board (cured meats, Wisconsin cheese curds, jumbo corn nuts, house pickles and seasonal garnish), skillet shrimp and tomato soup with grilled cheese croutons. Brunch is daily from 10 AM to 3 PM. It is a warm and inviting place for familie

Inspired by the pizzaiolos that immigrated to America from Italy and opened the first Pizzerias in NYC, Pizzeria Serio offers a similar style pizza known to many as either New York style or New Haven style pizza. Whatever you call it, it's instantly recognizable to anyone familiar with East Coast Pizza.  Pizzeria Serio offers a warm cozy atmosphere with great pizza.  And for kids, all day on Sunda

Pork Shoppe is an American BBQ restaurant located in Andersonville. In addition to exceptional food, they also provide local draft beer and homemade cocktails. Menu items include salads, corn fritter, pulled pork and chopped brisket to name a few. In addition to lunch and dinner, weekend brunch is offered from 10 AM to 2 PM as well as on Mondays. Kids eat FREE is offered in their Andersonville loc

Benny's Chop House is a steak house where kids are always welcome.  In fact, they specifically state that kids are welcome on their website.  It may look like a stuffy steak house but with an accommodating attitude and a full kids menu in tow, kids of all ages are welcome at Benny’s. In addition to steak, they offer seafood, fresh vegetables, sandwiches, flat breads and side dishes.  And, let’s no

Mia Figlia is an Italian dining restaurant with a home cooked meal atmosphere. Customers are treated like friends and family and always greeted with a warm smile. From homemade pastas to market fresh fish and meats, Mia Figlia’s extensive menu has something for everyone. And of course don't forget about their scrumptious desserts like the espresso crème brulee and lava cake.<div> </div><div><font

Wilde is an upscale Irish bar and restaurant located in the heart of Lakeview. The space is made up of rich leathers in comfy booths and tables.  Cozy up in a booth with the family in tow and you are sure to feel at home. The space offers two antique Brunswick bars, comfortable leather booths and a fireplace in the grand library. It will definitely make you feel like you are at home with its cozy

Riverview Tavern in Roscoe Village offers elevated American fare; two full service bars; a forever changing and expanding beer list featuring local, American, and Belgian craft beers; and a spacious, relaxing, and fun atmosphere. True to a neighborhood establishment, their goal is to get to know you, treat you like a regular, and have you back time and time again. Their open space and kids menu ma

Hollywood Grill opened its doors in 1995 and since then has been providing an all American restaurant experience. It is an American grill providing delicious comfort food.  They offer a variety selections for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night from pancakes, omelets and egg breakfast to burgers, chicken, and steak. There literally is something here for everyone. It is open 24 hours a day, 36

Shaw's Crab House is two restaurants in one, a jazzy, sophisticated, seafood restaurant and a carefree, lively oyster bar. Weekend brunch at Shaw’s is a grand affair. Brunch is a decadent multi station experience with shellfish and seafood station, traditional breakfast station, omelet/waffle station, surf and turf station and finally a decadent sweets table. Brunch includes freshly brewed coffee,

Dunlays on Clark is a neighborhood restaurant and bar featuring an eclectic menu such as wood-grilled artichokes, sashimi tuna, Wrightwood salad, lobster deviled eggs, and their renowned skillet chocolate chip cookie dessert. In addition to delicious food, they offer a variety of martinis featuring fresh-squeezed juices, as well as draft beers, microbrews and a unique variety of wines by the glass

Dunlays on on the Square in an inviting Logan Square bar and grill. In the summers, you can enjoy their airy outdoor patio. According to Dunlays, they have the best veggie burgers in Chicago!  That claim was enough to prompt us to visit. Their menu features delicious fare such as BBQ baby back ribs, the now famous Wrightwood Salad, a variety of martinis featuring fresh-squeezed juices, as well as

Frasca is a neighborhood Italian restaurant that is very kid friendly.  Their specialties include pizzas, hearty pastas and an extensive selection of wine. The main dining room is open and inviting with comfortable leather banquets, wood tables and large retractable windows, perfect for a cozy winter’s night or family dining. <div> </div><div>The menu includes a kids menu for dinner and brunch.  K

This super family friendly restaurant serving American comfort food offers kids eat free daily from 4 – 6pm. So, bring in your kiddos and enjoy an evening of good food. No worries here as the whole place seems like it was designed with families in mind. There is a section to park your strollers as well as stools in the bathrooms for the little ones. Top it off with some delicious do it yourself ic

Wishbone, located in the West Loop, is the go to place for southern cooking since the early 90s.  It is southern comfort food at its best!  Some delicious favorites include the shrimp and grits, jambalaya omelet and their signature crunchy French toast.  Kids get a chance to eat for free every Tuesday night from 5 – 9pm.  To make it even more kid friendly, cartoons play on their big screen.  How f

Every Sunday from 5 – 7pm, kids can make their own pizza for free.  It is an awesome deal as they offer three free kids meals for every adult meal purchased.  Each kiddo can design his or her own pizza, baked by a Foodlife chef.  To top it off, they can eat their creations while enjoying a classic kids movie on the big screen.  How cool is that!?  And, adults can purchase a meal from any of the ki

Southport & Irving is a neighborhood restaurant serving globally-inspired American cuisine paired with handcrafted cocktails, craft beers and an international wine list. Menus are seasonally-driven and change frequently to capture the best of the season. The restaurant is located in the Southport Corridor in Chicago’s bustling Lakeview neighborhood. In addition to dinner, brunch is offered on Satu

Rocks Lakeview is the corner place that has something for everyone. Great food, awesome beers, big drinks, crazy burgers and signature cocktails. During the summer, you can enjoy their outdoor patio, which is perfect for people watching. They offer classic bar food with an upscale twist such as fish n’ chips, pork tacos, The Bourbon Street burger and a kids menu to name a few. Brunch is served exc

Britax, the manufacturer of B-Safe 35 and B-Safe 35 Elite infant car seats has issued a recall of certain models. The company has decided that a defect exists in the handles of certain B-Safe 35 and B-Safe 35 Elite infant car seat models. This recall involves a defect within the carry handle on certain infant car seats manufactured between October 1, 2014 and July 1, 2015. These models were sold i

School is out on Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day! It is a day to observe, give back to the community and to also relax. Here are some activities in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs for kiddos to learn about MLK and his legacy as well as some options for relaxing and having fun! Most of the museums listed below have FREE entry on MLK Day! Take a look below to see if there is something of inte

Royal baby and super cutie,  Prince George, has started preschool today! According to Kensington Palace, Prince George arrived for his first day at Westacre Montessori School nursery in Norfolk, England earlier today. Only two years old and the world is already watching his every move! I’m sure he is going to do great at Montessori school! Seems he did not have any separation anxiety at all on his

Did you know that almost every year, approximately 90 children drown inside the home? This statistic provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is a scary one!  And, two-thirds of these deaths occur in the bathtub. A child can drown in as little as 2 inches of water, and it happens quickly and silently. It is so easy to prevent a tragedy like this.  As a result, CPSC has created a v

Our ward winner customer care organization delivers phone support to millions of customers, deepening relationships while efficiently finding creative solutions to meet customers’ needs. Working as a Part Time Virtual Customer Care Professional, you can work from home and build a career, delivering on our brand promise and providing world-class service to our customers, while we support you with f

SRO Chicago, aka Standing Room Only, located in Printers Row is sure to please not only your little kiddos but also your hubby.  SRO is frequented by Richard Daley as well as a heavy list of celebrity SRO supporters, including White Sox players.  There is a reason why!  Because it is just plain good.  We at KidTrail with the help of our little ones voted SRO as having the best grilled cheese in al

Chicago is known for amazing and delicious brunch spots. Just because we have our adorable kids in tow does not mean we need to sacrifice taste for comfort. So, skip the McDonalds or your favorite chain and check out these 3 kid friendly brunch spots that will not only satisfy your palette but make the whole process much easier and calmer…hopefully! All 3 of these spots have great kids menus, col

Who says New Year's Eve is just for adults? Get the kiddos excited about the New Year by attending one of these kid friendly New Year’s Eve bashes.  Most of these events are during the day allowing for an early countdown to 2016!  Whether you are looking for an event in the City or the Suburbs, there is something here for everyone. Enjoy some arts and crafts, dancing, yummy treats and of course an

Interested in a part time job in social media? Hydro, Inc. is a global industrial pump reengineering company located in the West Loop in Chicago.  As the largest independent pump rebuilder in the world, Hydro's provided engineering expertise, pump repair and support services to the industry since 1969. Great opportunity for the right individual with Social Media skills to join an entrepreneurial,

<div>The super slinky and curvy Maggie Daley Ice Skating Ribbon is scheduled to open on Saturday, November 14 at 10am.  This definitely has to be the coolest ice skating rink in town with the city’s skyline in the backdrop. Located in the heart of downtown, the sloped quarter mile loop can hold up to 700 skaters at any given time and skating is free if you bring your own skates.  Otherwise, you ca

Thanksgiving is just a few days away.  And, yes, it is a day to spend time with family and friends while enjoying a delicious home cooked meal! If you are looking to be out and about before or after your meal, there is plenty of things to do from watching the annual Thanksgiving parade to volunteering or burning off some calories in the 5 K Turkey run.  Take a look below and let us know what your

Pottery Barn Kids has issued a recall of its stainless steel water bottles, specifically the Avengers and Darth Vader themes with images of Thor, The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man.  The water bottles are gray with a blue or black plastic top, a vacuum-valve stopper and are 5 ½ inches tall by 2 ¾ inches in diameter. SKU number 7939721 (Avengers) or 7939721 (Darth Vader) is printed on the price stick

Chicago has so much to offer for both kids and adults.  But, what about free events.  Well, there are plenty of those events as well.  So, no need to break the bank as we all know how expensive raising our lovely kiddos can be.  Below is a list of some free kids events for this week. <b><font color=#F36523>Monday, Oct 19, 2015</font></b> <font color=#F36523>Free Scavenger Hunt at Garfield Park C

You may see some Teal Pumpkins as you and your kiddos go trick or treating this Halloween.  What does it all mean?  Developed by FARE (Food Allergy and Research Education), the Teal Pumpkin Project promotes safety, inclusion and respect of individuals managing food allergies.  This national campaign offers kids with food allergies an alternative to candy, and keeps Halloween a fun and positive exp

Popular applesauce brand, GoGo squeeZ, has reported finding mold in some recent production of their applesauce pouches.  An independent lab tested the mold and it was determined that it poses no known health risk, which is great to hear!  “We know mold is gross and unpleasant to look at or taste, and this is simply not the kind of experience we want you to have,” stated CEO Michel Larroche on thei

So many games and learning tools to choose from, we at KidTrail have picked 5 of our favorite learning games for first graders.  How did they make the list?  The games are in fact educational and your kiddos do learn!  Learning while enjoying was another criteria while providing a great and easy interface.  Check it out, let us know what you think. <b><font color=#F36523> Barefoot World Atlas</fon

Wood Decor Highchairs by Safety 1st in three models: HC144BZF (Casablanca), HC229CZF (Gentle Lace) and HC229CYG (Black Lace) are being recalled due to a fall hazard. The model numbers are printed under the highchair seat. These A-frame black wood highchairs have a removable fabric, black and white print seat pad with a blue or pink border on the top and bottom of the seat pad. The highchairs have

Bexco Expands Recall of DaVinci Brand Cribs Due to Entrapment, Fall and Laceration Hazards.  A metal bracket that connects the mattress support to the crib can break, creating an uneven sleeping surface or a gap. If this occurs, a baby can become entrapped in the crib, fall or suffer lacerations from the broken metal bracket. <b><font color=#F36523>Description:</font></b> The recall includes DaV

On October 24, 2015, the Chicago Cultural Mile Association plans to launch one of Chicago’s most exciting, new initiatives - The Halloween Gathering.  This event is an all day festival gathering Chicago’s vast and talented creative communities for a day of dramatic display of Halloween along Chicago’s cultural mile.  Check out the schedule for this super kid friendly family festival below. <b><f

Loved by many parents and non-parents alike, the Wunderlist app allows you to organize and share your to do, work, grocery, movies and household lists. It doesn’t matter what you are planning as this app is super easy to get stuff done.  You can set due dates, reminders as well as assign to-dos.  It also allows you to share your lists and work collaboratively with others.  And finally, it is acces

Britax recently announced a recall of certain models of their ClickTight car seats manufactured between August 1, 2014 to July 29, 2015. Specifically, the recalls are for the Advocate ClickTight, Boulevard ClickTight and Marathon ClickTight car seat models. The defect arises with the harness adjuster button. The harness adjuster button may remain down in the release position after the harness is t

Don't let the summer escape you before making a very short trek to these awesome pools and aquatic centers!  These suburban park district water play facilities are so nice, well maintained and loads of fun, you will wonder why you didn't go there sooner!  There is something for everyone at each of these pools/aquatic centers from babies to teenagers to grandparents. Also, each location has a conce

So, in most Eastern and/or Asian cultures, people do not walk around their homes with shoes on.  And, they most definitely expect the same of their guests.  This is probably an important thing to do in Western cultures as well, especially if you have kids that play or crawl on the ground, according to ABC News. In addition, ABC News reported that Good Morning America did a test of people’s shoes a

July 4th weekend is almost here and there are so many fun, family events in the city for the whole family to enjoy! So, grab the kiddos, pack the sunblock and let's celebrate America. Here are some fun activities in Chicago that the whole family can enjoy: <font color=#F36523><b> WINDY CITY RIBFEST </b></font> Start the weekend by attending the Windy City Ribfest! The festival dates are Friday,

Presented by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Night Out in the Parks provides world-class performances in Chicago’s neighborhood parks throughout the summer. With hundreds of Movies in the Parks, live concerts, festivals and theatrical shows, there’s something for everyone. And now, Chicago Park District has created a mobile app to get the summer’s schedule for Night Out in the Parks.  How easy is that? You ha

This fun education app by Hien Ton teaches toddlers and young kids visually and vocally how to count with animated animals and touch screen interactions. Knowing how to read is not necessary for this game. The game is voice and audio driven by design. You can adjust the level to fit your child's skill level. It is a great teaching tool that makes learning how to count fun and entertaining. Our kid

Although we all love Dora and Diego here at KidTrail, that does not mean we need to plaster our kids rooms in cartoon character decor regardless of how cute the characters are.  Enter Avalisa Design.  We love Avalisa Design for their quality modern wall art and hand-tufted New Zealand wool rugs.  Their designs are colorful, fun and aesthetically pleasing.  The great thing is your kiddos are not li

Pop & Lolli, a playful and cheery design company offers fun and funky wall art.  Use one of their wall stickers or wallpapers to spice up your kids bedroom.  The designs are fabulous and flexible enough to grow with your child.  Wall stickers are very chic over-sized wall art, rich in detail designed to transform any room into a world of imagination and play.  Each wall sticker and wallpaper is ma

WallCandy Arts designs, manufactures and distributes stylish, peel and stick, removable and reusable, wall stickers, chalkboards, whiteboards and temporary wallpaper.  It can be removed and reused without leaving any marks on the wall.  We love this product just for that and let’s not forget the super stylish designs.  Love the fact the designs are super kid chic and do not look like Fisher Price

Wall Decals are a super easy, stylish and affordable way to decorate your kid’s room.  And, many wall decals are also reusable.  Wall decals can add lots of color and character to a room without breaking the bank; that is what we love about them.  We love the website whatisblik.com for their variety of designs and affordable prices.  All of the kid’s wall decals are priced between $20 - $75.  And

If you are looking for a fairytale, whimsical décor for your little girl’s room, then look no further.  Addison’s Wonderland is all that and more.  It is a dreamy wonderland of décor from bedding to headboards to rugs all full of color, patterns and details.  Their collection is filled with colorful whimsy, perfect for your little princess.  Styles can be mixed and matched or purchased as a comple

If you are looking for a unique selection of contemporary wall decals, wall art, mobiles, wallpapers, paper goods and other items for kids, then Trendy Peas may be the answer.  Trendy Peas is an online source to meet all your needs.  The designs are kid-friendly, modern and elegant.  It will add a touch of modern flair to any kid’s room.   <font color=#F36523>Buy online at:</font> <font color=#7

We love the website WeDreamInColour.com for unique and intricate jewelry.  The jewelry is a collection of hand made adornments designed by Jade Gedeon.  By looking at the jewelry, you can see the designs have a global influence.  The designer has lived a nomadic lifestyle growing up and was exposed to a multitude of nations and cultures growing up. This international upbringing is clearly visible

We see them in the magazines and out on the streets.  The hipster mom with heels and the latest fashion with their baby in tow.  We wish we could look like them and sometimes we are able to pull it off but not always.  This site is for those moms that never compromises their fashion for motherhood.  Filled with the most coveted designer brands from around the world, this site is perfect for the mo

We recently discovered a kids clothing site, teacollection.com, which has become our new favorite. It has actually been around since 2003 but we recently started noticing how cool their kid’s clothes are.  Not only are they super cool but also quite affordable!  The words that come to mind to describe their kids clothes are rich and vibrant colors, beautiful prints, high quality and oh so stylish!

European based Bodenusa.com is a clothing website that caters not only to kids but to also adults.  Their collection of kids clothes is fun, bright and will make your kid the talk of the playground.  What really caught our attention was the enormous collection, over 45 designs, of boys graphic tees. So, start your little boy’s summer clothing shopping here at Bodenusa.com.  We are sure you won’t b

Three moms who love their kids and fashion started Wunway.com, a super stylish, hip clothing website for ages 1+.  Their motto is style starts young where they focus on girls in their formative years to foster an inspired sense of style as they learn to dress and express themselves.  The clothes on this site are not only super cool but also oozes confidence.  We love what it represents - confidenc

Bitty Birdie Boutique is your neighborhood boutique online.  Not just one neighborhood boutique but many from all over the world.  That is why we love this site.  Boutiques from all over the world have the opportunity to sell their excess inventory online at Bitty Birdie.  So, you have the chance to find a unique piece on one site without shopping each store separately.  Live in Chicago and need a

Ready for some monkey math fun!  Monkey Math School Sunshine is a fun math educational game set in a beach themed world.  Our preschooler loves this app and plays it often on his iPAD.  It will help your child build fundamental math skills while being entertained. Your kiddo won’t even know he is learning because it is so much fun to play!  Main features of the app is that it will teach your child

Wow your guests with some fun and exotic treats and sweets from Mexico.  Dulcelandia Del Sol is Chicago’s local source for over 1,000 Mexican and American candy.  They also offer a huge selection of pinatas.  The kiddos will love the variety of treats and pinatas at this candy and piñata paradise.  So, skip your local discount or party store and go a little exotic this year and fill up those goodi

Baby Jogger, has recalled its car seat adapter due to a fall hazard.  Consumer should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed.  This product was sold at retailers nationwide in both the United States and Canada.  This product was also sold at online retailers.  Please share with family and friends. <font color=#F36523>Name of product:</font> Baby Jogger Car Seat Adaptor for Strollers

Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed.  Please share this recall with your friends and family to ensure the safety of all kids and their families.  Circo Sitting Stool was sold nationwide at Target stores.  Details of this product recall below. <font color=#F36523> Name of product:</font> Circo-brand Chloe and Conner Sitting Stools <font color=#F36523>Hazard:</font>

Getting children to bed on time can be a struggle at times.  But, the effects of regular bedtimes is actually very good for their health.  According to researchers reporting in the journal Pediatrics, kids with irregular bedtimes have a higher risk of behavior problems.  The study included kids as young as toddlers.  According to the study, irregular bedtimes are similar to the effects of jet lag

Want to stimulate your child’s brain development?  Music training is possibly one answer.  According to researchers from MIT, Harvard and Beijing University, learning music at a very young age was linked with brain neural maturation.  Specifically, in the brain regions responsible for language and executive function in adulthood.  A young age meaning those children who started learning to play an

So, you have a preschooler or older kid that has a birthday in the middle of summer?  Well, let’s forget about the usual bouncy houses or playspaces and enjoy the hot Chicago summer with a pool birthday party!  Oasis Fun Center in Niles, IL is a short drive from the city(only 10 miles).  Located in the near north suburbs, Oasis Fun Center is loads of fun for a summer birthday party.  It’s perfect