Parenting & Childcare Blog | Children's Land

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Child reaching through a fence to pet a brown goat

Toddler

Farms to Visit With Kids Near Chicago’s North Suburbs

Farm visits are a hit with toddlers and preschoolers. Here are the best farms near Chicago's north suburbs, several of them free, from Historic Wagner Farm in Glenview to living history farms and fall pumpkin patches.

Young children in dresses performing together on a small stage

Pre-school

Park District Classes for Preschoolers in the North Suburbs

Park districts in Chicago's north suburbs run hundreds of low-cost classes for little ones, from parent-and-tot music to tumbling and preschool programs. Here is what to expect, how registration works and how to pick a first class.

Toddler

Toddler Swim Lessons: When to Start and What to Look For

Swim lessons can start around age 1, and the American Academy of Pediatrics says they can help lower drowning risk. Here is what toddler classes look like, how to choose one in the north suburbs, and the water safety habits that matter most.

Toddler in a red sweater sitting on the floor holding a picture book

Infants

Library Storytimes for Babies and Toddlers in the North Suburbs

Free library storytimes are one of the best weekly outings for babies and toddlers. Here is what happens at each type of storytime, how they help early language, where to find them in the north suburbs, and tips for a first visit.

Young girl walking on a wooden boardwalk in the woods

Pre-school

Nature Centers for Kids in Chicago’s North Suburbs

Nature centers are free, close by and made for curious little kids. Here are the best ones in Chicago's north and northwest suburbs, with live animals, nature play areas, toddler programs and easy trails for strollers and small legs.