The long weekend is almost here and we plan to take advantage of everything our favorite city has to offer! We’re also chiming in on what to do in my hometown of Kansas City, which boasts so many fantastic places to visit. We don’t know which spot we’re looking forward to most!

This post on Glitter and Bubbles features kids activities in Chicago and Kansas City.

Photo Credit: Redtri, Chicago Tribune, Eataly, Jump Shell, Chicago Parent & Genimi Bistro.

Bubbles and Music at Monica & Andy: Zelda and I always have so much fun at Monica + Andy and this Tuesday, September 6th they’re bringing in the crew from Bubbles Academy for a morning of dancing! The concert kicks off at 10:30am and lasts a half an hour (naptime calls!). It’s totally worth the $10 entry fee and we love that their full calendar is available here.

Skate by the Lake at Navy Pier: Thanks to Navy Pier, we don’t need to wait for the temperatures to drop to go ice skating! Their summertime ice rink is accessible through the end of October, and we are totally taking advantage. It’s open from 12pm to 10pm, and admission is $15 if we bring our own skates and $10 if we forget them at home.

Kids Pizzas at Eataly: Sometimes it can be challenging convicing Zelda to sit down and eat. Thankfully on Sundays Eataly comes to the rescue! They make a ton of special pizzas that feature cute shapes and whatever toppings Zelda’s little tummy desires. Spiro and I love sitting in the restaurant while Zelda enjoys her special ‘za (the pizza is not available for carryout and only caters to the 10 and under crowd).

Illinois Resident Discount Day at the Shedd Aquarium: The long weekend can’t come soon enough and we were so pumped to find out that Monday, September 5th is one of the designated Illinois Resident Discount Days at the Shedd Aquarium. With free general admission (with a valid State ID) and upgrades available at the discounted rate, this is one day we don’t want to miss.

Fish ’N Kids at Northerly Island: While Zelda has a few years before she can dive into this fishing activity (it’s for ages 8 and up) we couldn’t resist putting it on our list. The free hour and a half long class (which kicks off at 8am and takes place rain or shine) covers the basics of fishing and includes equipment. It requires a reservation by phone (find the number here).

Dinner at Gemini Bistro: When we found out this adorable little restaurant had a children’s menu that was just as delicious as the adults AND a Chicago Dog flatbread we immediately put it on our restaurant bucket list. It’s closed on Monday but opens every other day at 5pm. We can’t wait to check it out!

KANSAS CITY

My hometown of Kansas City is little friendly, which only adds to my love for it. I love taking Zelda there for visits, there’s so much to do and each time we find something new going on. Last time we did a few street style shoots in West Bottoms Art Alley, which is the largest area of graffiti walls in the Midwest, pretty rad!

This post on Glitter and Bubbles features kids activities in Chicago and Kansas City.

Photo Credit: Kansas Travel, Crown Center & Kawneer

Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead: It’s been a while since Zelda has been here, but it’s a favorite for our crew! Located in Overland Park, this space is designed so children can see what a farm is like, complete with animals, activities and so much more. It’s open through the end of October, and very worth the trip!

Kaleidoscope: Zelda loves flexing her creative muscles at this awesome art center! Complete with free sessions for families, with no reservations required, it’s a great way to take a break from city exploration. The schedule is available here (which we recommend taking a peek at before visiting). It’s also near Legoland and when we’re feeling really ambitious we make a pit stop at both spots!

Museum at Prairiefire: This KC treasure is another Zelda fave. The museum has exhibits and events that encompass so many fields. Zelda’s curiosity runs wild when exploring this awesome space and the tiny scientist in her digs The Brain Exhibit!