Parenting & Childcare Blog | Children's Land

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Rows of empty seats in a warmly lit theater

Pre-school

Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences: A Parent’s Guide

Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences in Lincolnshire stages one-hour musicals for kids on weekday and Saturday mornings, and lap babies under 2 do not need a ticket. Here are the 2026-27 shows and tips for a first show.

Child reaching for holiday sugar cookies on a wooden board

Early Kindergarten

Breakfast With Santa 2026: Chicago North Suburbs Events

Santa events for babies, toddlers and preschoolers near Chicago's north and northwest suburbs in 2026, with dates from park districts and official sites, plus tips for a calm first visit with Santa.

Sandy dune path leading to a lake beach under a blue sky

Early Pre-school

Things to Do With Kids in Deerfield and Highland Park, IL

Deerfield and Highland Park have a newly renovated park next to the library, a sprayground and zero-depth wading pools, a Lake Michigan beach with a nature cove, an ice arena and a free sled hill. Here is a parent guide for young kids.

Small elk herd grazing in a meadow behind a wooden fence

Pre-school

Busse Woods With Kids: Elk, Trails and Boating

Busse Woods is a free 3,558-acre forest preserve near Elk Grove Village with an elk pasture, paved trails around Busse Lake and boat rentals from April to October. Here is how to plan a visit with babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Colorful indoor play area with a slide, tunnels and soft floor mats

Toddler

Things to Do With Kids in Skokie, IL

Skokie has the newly upgraded Exploritorium for toddlers through age 6, drop-in library storytimes for babies, ones, twos and preschoolers, a nature center, an indoor ice rink and a summer water park. Here is a parent guide.