Chicago Parent

Dinosaurs, Oktoberfest and a million holiday lights — Brookfield Zoo's calendar is packed through January Photo credit: Brookfield Zoo Chicago Fall and winter at Brookfield Zoo Chicago are shaping up to be packed with family fun. From a jam-packed calendar of festivals, cultural celebrations and the return of Chicagoland's longest-running holiday lights festival, there's something for every member of the family through January.

As Chicago holds its first elections for a fully elected school board, candidates are split over a pledge to ban AI use in CPS classrooms for three years. Photo credit: iStock/Phynart Studio Sign up for Chalkbeat Chicago’s free daily newsletter to keep up with the latest news on Chicago Public Schools. This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

Explore Cook County leadership programs that help kids build confidence through conservation, civic engagement, mentoring and more. Photo credit: iStock/Monkeybusinessimages Sometimes, the most valuable lessons for kids go beyond just math, science, history and English. To prepare for their futures, it's also important for them to develop their personal, emotional and professional skills. And leadership programs are the perfect way for them to do just that.

Score your gourd at Chicago's best pumpkin patches! Enjoy a perfect fall outing with corn mazes and seasonal treats at our top spots. Pumpkin patch near mePhoto credit: Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch When fall rolls around, I'm always on the lookout for the perfect pumpkin patch near me. Whether you're in the city or the suburbs, our guide will help you find the best spots to pick your own pumpkins this fall.

Photo credit: Chicago City Day School Parents touring schools in Chicago usually come prepared with a list. They want to know about class sizes, teachers, academics, extracurriculars and where graduates go next. Then they walk onto the campus of Chicago City Day School and discover something they may not have expected.

Kick off the Halloween season with trick-or-treating, scavenger hunts, costume contests and more at Brookfield Zoo. Photo credit: Brookfield Zoo Chicago This year, Halloween gets a spooky twist at Brookfield Zoo with BOO! at the Zoo, a family-friendly month-long celebration filled with seasonal activities. Families can explore the zoo in costume, search for Halloween-themed treats and take part in activities throughout the park.

These apple orchards near Chicago offer apple picking, cider and lots of scrumptious sweets. Apple orchards near mePhoto credit: All Seasons Orchard Apple picking near Chicago is one of the best ways to celebrate fall with kids. From tractor rides and corn mazes to fresh cider and donuts, local orchards turn a simple harvest into a full day of family fun.

Find the best fall festivals near Naperville with food, music, family fun and lots of seasonal celebrations. All Hallows EvePhoto credit: All Hallows Eve As the leaves turn golden and the air turns crisp, fall in the Naperville area becomes something truly magical. From heritage celebrations and harvest fairs to scenic nature walks and spiced cider tastings, here's your ultimate guide to the best fall festivals near Naperville.

Photo credit: Bright Horizons Researching online can tell you a lot about a preschool, but visiting in person can help you imagine what your child’s days might actually look like. A preschool open house is an opportunity to experience the environment, meet educators, explore learning spaces, and gather the information you need to decide whether a program feels right for your family. Not sure what to expect? A little preparation can help you feel more confident and make the most of your visit.

Ferris wheel at a Labor Day carnival with colorful flags waving, kids and families riding high against a partly cloudy sky.Photo credit: Naperville's Last Fling Pretty soon, your kids will be going back to school, but that doesn't mean you can't get in one more summertime celebration before the school year gets too busy. What are your plans for Labor Day weekend?