The very best Chicago spots to find Instagram-worthy decorations, full-sized candy bars, and plenty of family fun on Halloween

Grab your biggest treat bag and get your bell-ringing fingers ready. Halloween is upon us. However, with All Hallows Eve falling on a Tuesday this year, trick-or-treating won’t likely start until the grown-ups are home from work. Considering that late timing—plus the ever-present threat of snow in October—it might make sense for parents of little kids to take their pint-size ghouls and goblins to one of the formally organized daytime events on the weekend prior.

Whatever your family decides to do, there are frights and delights from A to Z (or, rather, Andersonville to Lincoln Park Zoo)—so many, in fact, that you might need a second bag to carry your candy haul. We know which neighborhoods and events you should hit this Halloween to find the fewest tricks and the best treats. These 15 spots throughout Chicago are guaranteed to be well worth a costumed visit.

Related: The Best Local Costume Shops For Your Family’s Last-Minute Halloween Needs

Buena Park
Long before the pandemic inspired candy givers to get creative with their distribution tactics, the Booena Park Safe Trick-or-Treating event always went above and beyond to make trick-or-treating uniquely interactive. Case in point, the use of dryer hoses to send candy down from upper-level units. Since the pandemic they have only upped their game and have been encouraged to do so again this year with prizes for the scariest house and best overall house. Kenmore Avenue is closed from Irving Park to Montrose from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on the 31st. Insider Tip: If you head out towards the end, residents tend to offer candy by the handful!

Online: buenaparkneighbors.org

Edison Park
For a different spin on trick-or-treating, check out the Edison Park Trunk or Treat event taking place on Oct. 26th from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Collect candy from 60 different decorated vehicles at this free neighborhood event. The first 350 kids will receive a complimentary trick-or-treat bag, and each goodie bag will contain a dining coupon to a local restaurant to be used that night only. There will also be bounce houses, face-painting, a balloon artist, and Affy Tapples.

Online: edisonpark.org

Gold Coast
Visit the over-the-top, professionally decorated mansions on Goethe Street from Dearborn to Astor. Here you will find full-size candy bars and even plush toys as the generous treats being passed out.

Andersonville
At Aville-o-Ween, you can get a head-start on Halloween. On Oct. 28th from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. families can trick-or-treat all along the Andersonville Business District on Clark St. Businesses will had out a variety of regular candy, gluten-free candy, nut-free candy, and even small toys. Go online for a map of who is handing out what.

Online: andersonville.org

Hyde Park
Year-round, Hyde Park has that East Coast autumn vibe, and Halloween is when it really shines. The setting of hordes of kids going mansion door to mansion door of the tree-lined streets could be taken straight out of a Hollywood movie. Check out Harper Avenue between 57th and 59th Streets. Go early to avoid the crowds!

Lakeview
While Lakeview is another great area in which to trick-or-treat come Halloween night, there are two organized events before Old Hallow's Eve not to be missed. Trick-or-Treat on Southport will take place one day earlier on October 30th from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. In addition to trick-or-treating at local businesses, there will be other family-friendly activities including a DJ, inflatables, and a pumpkin patch. There's even a craft beer tent and lots of business discounts for the well-deserving parents!

Online: southportcorridorchicago.com

On Oct. 29th, from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. join The Little Monsters Crawl around the streets of Lakeview, (mostly Clark St. and Broadway), to collect candy and treats, for all ages, from local businesses.

Online: lakevieweast.com

Lincoln Park
Burling St., located between Fullerton and Diversey, blocks off party-style on Halloween night, offering visiting trick-or-treaters a night of fun and candy galore. Your best bet is to hop on a bus, or jump on the "L" as evening parking can be tricky. This is destination trick-or-treating at its finest; it's particularly fun to get a glimpse of the homes all open and welcoming to the sounds and little feet of kids on the spookiest, silliest night of the year.

On Oct. 21st from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (or while supplies last), the Lincoln Park Zoo will host a free Spooky Zoo event. This year’s event will offer trick-or-treating on zoo grounds and family-friendly entertainment.

Online: lpzoo.org

Related: Our Ultimate Guide to Chicago-Area Pumpkin Patches

Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
Ravenswood has become known for its "full-size chocolate bar houses." Even kids from neighboring Lincoln Square flock to the streets of Ravenswood to score these rare finds. Check the week's weather forecast, and if its not looking too good for Halloween night, head to Lincoln Scared Ravenswoooood on Sunday, Oct. 29th from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. when participating businesses in both Lincoln Square and Ravenswood will be passing out candy. Check the Chamber of Commerce's website for maps for both neighborhoods.

Online: lincolnsquare.org

Logan Square
Bernard Street between Fullerton and Wrightwood might as well be deemed the honorary Halloween-town. Families go all out in decorating their homes for the season. People travel in from far and wide on the 31st to admire the spectacle and get in on all that candy!

NorthCenter
On Oct. 28th, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., don your most creative costume and hit the streets of Lincoln, Damen, and Irving in NorthCenter to collect sweet treats and other prizes. Pick up your map, and drop of non-perishable food and toiletry donations for Common Pantry, at the NorthCenter Town Square. Be sure to return back to the square for the annual costume contests, refreshments, and free Halloween-themed crafts with Macaroni KID.

Online: northcenterchamber.com

River North
Visit Navy Pier on Oct. 28th from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. for a Slightly Spooky Saturday, including its free Trick-or-Treat Bonanza. Over 70 candy stations around the pier will be stocked with Ferrara Candy. There will be lots more family entertainment including live performances, arts and crafts, Halloween science experiments and more. You can ever enter your pet into its own costume contest.

Online: navypier.org

Rogers Park
Check out the free Family Full Moon Halloween Fest on Jarvis Square on Oct. 28th from 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Wear your costumes for a Halloween candy hunt, as well as family entertainment including a stilt walker, jugglers, drummers, a face painter, and a tarot card reader. There will also be LED "fire" throwing and free s'mores around a firepit. 

Online: jarvissquarechicago.org

Roscoe Village
One of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Chicago, Roscoe Village is the perfect place to spend Halloween night. Most blocks are lined with side-by-side, single-family homes, making it easy to earn a handsome loot without too much walking. You'll find the owners of said houses, gathered together by outdoor fire pits in this tight-knit community, enjoying the evening as much as the kids. If you want to get a head-start on the Trick-or-Treating, join the Roscoe Village Halloween Block Party on Sunday, Oct. 22nd from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Roscoe Street will be closed to traffic while businesses between Damen and Hoyne will be handing out candy to all the costumed creatures. You'll also find kid's activities in the center of the road.

Online: roscoevillage.org

Related: Field Day! Local Chicago Corn Mazes to Get Lost In

Wicker Park/Bucktown
Purchase tickets and reserve a time slot to trick-or-treat at The Bucktown Green (1714 N. Hoyne Ave.) on Oct. 30th from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. There will be 25 booths to visit.
Online: wickerparkbucktown.com

Wilmette
From near and far, people flock to Wilmette, specifically Lake Ave., east of Green Bay Rd., to see huge historic homes transformed into haunted houses with spider webs, ghosts, and goblins. The trick-or-treat theory of big houses equals big candy haul is certainly the case here. Trick-or-treat hours in Wilmette are 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on the 31st.
Online: wilmette.com

Make sure to capture all the fall fun—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

These should all make an appearance in future father-son talks

From simple, everyday interactions to more serious, big-picture issues, there are important life lessons we dads can—and should—share to help a young boy grow into a courageous, honorable, and kind adult. That said, we realize that not all families include fathers, so these words of wisdom for a father-son talk apply to any parent figure who wants to help their child stand a little taller and do good in the world.

I’ll always be here for you.
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. Reminding your son that you always are available to him and mindful of his needs will go a long way in establishing and building trust over time. Mindful parenting means being present in the moment and aware of what’s happening. Modeling positive, supportive behavior while your son is young will show him that good men are reliable and responsible.

Treat others with compassion and empathy.
The Golden Rule may be a simple principle to follow, but teaching empathy can provide a deeper framework for how people should behave regardless of circumstance. Fostering empathy can help young boys to find commonalities between themselves and others who are seemingly different—and encourages them to positively and proactively think about and care for others.

Related: Daughters (Who’ll Conquer the World) Need to Hear These 8 Things

father-son-talk-playing-basketball
iStock

Winning is great, but losing with grace and humility is just as important.
Good sportsmanship is a beneficial trait that goes well beyond what happens on the playing field. By teaching our sons how to win and lose with dignity, we’re giving them strong interpersonal relationship skills that will serve them well in many other aspects of their lives besides sports. Telling them that the main point of competition is to have fun will alleviate the feeling of needing to win at any cost, and allows them to enjoy themselves.

Surround yourself with people you admire.
Dads can’t always pick our son’s friends, but we can encourage them to choose their friendships wisely. Find out who your son admires and who his heroes are, and you’ll quickly discover the kinds of people he wants to emulate. Real friendships are fundamental in early childhood development, so teaching our sons how to find good friends and be good friends will help guide them in the right direction.

I can teach you how to throw a punch, but never start a fight… and always know when to walk away.
A parent should teach their son when to stand their ground and when to walk away. Establishing a baseline that it’s never appropriate to hurt others for no reason is a critical, essential first step.

Never make an important decision on an empty stomach.
Over the course of a young boy’s life, he’ll have to make many important decisions. These are just warm-ups to the big ones that he’ll have to make as an adult, and every dad knows that important decisions should never be made on an empty stomach. There’s a science to explain why people become grumpy or have poorer judgment when they are hungry. Remind your kid to have a full belly before making any major decisions.

It’s OK to play with dolls.
Or dress up as Beyoncé. Or sing like Beyoncé. Or dance like Beyoncé. By the time most boys are five years old, they’ve already learned lots of things that perpetuate toxic masculinity. Break the cycle by letting your son know that there are no such things as “girls-only toys” or “girls-only behaviors.” Instead, teach your son that there’s more than one way to be a man.

Honesty matters.
Whether it’s telling the truth about a broken window/bike/toy or speaking up against bullies, honestly is always the best policy.

What was the best part of your day?
At the end of a long day of work and school, many dads will simply ask their sons, “How was your day?” And the typical response is a bluntly delivered, “Fine.” Rather than try to start a conversation with a generic question, be specific. Avoid questions that can be answered with a single word. As our kids get older—particularly as they enter their tween and teen years—they may be less inclined to volunteer information about what’s happening in their lives. Asking pointed questions will help tease out what’s really going on and what’s really on their minds.

Let’s talk about sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
Because if you’re not the person who’s initiating conversations with your son about topics as important as these, then someone else inevitably will, and that someone else may not always have your kid’s best interests in mind. There are plenty of resources to help parents talk to their kids about sensitive and sometimes awkward topics. At the very least, make sure your son has a handle on the basics from the school of rock.

I’m so lucky that I get to be your dad.
And while you’re at it, tell your son that you love him every day, and give him lots of hugs and kisses, especially while he’s still young so that he gets used to receiving affection from (and giving it to) his old man.

It’s time to try defying gravity—here’s everything we know about the movie version of Wicked

Everyone deserves a chance to fly—and to see Wicked the musical. If you haven’t had a chance to experience the Broadway sensation, you won’t have to wait much longer forever. There’s a movie version of Wicked that’s coming to theaters—and its release is even sooner than we expected.

Part of the reason we’ll be able to return to Oz so soon is because Wicked is now being split into two movies. But the first installment has also been bumped up a month earlier than planned. Originally slated for a release around Christmas, Wicked part one is now set to open in theaters nationwide on Nov. 27, 2024. According to Variety, Universal thought a Thanksgiving release would give it a better chance of success since Christmas 2024 is already stacked with Avatar 3 and a new Sonic the Hedgehog movie.

Wicked will be directed by Jon M. Chu, who announced the new release date on Twitter.

What is Wicked about?

Wicked acts as a sort of prequel to The Wizard of Oz, telling the story of how green-skinned Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West, long before Dorothy and pals hit the Yellow Brick Road. The original Broadway production opened in 2003, with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in the iconic roles of the two witches, Elphaba and Glinda. The Broadway show is well known for hit songs like “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good,” and the movie version is expected to feature at least two new songs.

Who is starring in Wicked?

The leads in the movie version have some big (pointy) shoes to fill. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are set to star as Elphaba and Glinda. Also on board: Bridgerton‘s Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, Oscar winner(!) Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Ethan Slater as Boq.

Even if you missed the Mermaid Parade on June 18, there are still plenty of reasons to head to the seaside fun spot Coney Island. In addition to the Cyclone celebrating a landmark birthday (95!), you’ll also find new rides, new eats, new art — and all the old sun and sand favorites, too. Here’s what’s happening on, and along, the boardwalk. For more things to do with the kids, check out our Summer 2022 Bucket List, our favorite playgrounds with sprinklers and where to enjoy a meal outside with the kids.

Mimi O’Connor

Hit the Beach

Two centuries of beachgoers can’t be wrong: the surf and sand are the real reason to head out here. If you’re heading here on a weekend, it pays to know that the area in front of Luna Park and the spot around the Brighton Beach train station tend to be the most crowded. If you want a little wiggle room, aim for the stretch of sand between the two.

Food: There are no concessions in the immediate area so pack a picnic or be prepared to flag down the vendors who will come by selling cotton candy, ice cream, cocktails, and more. (Also: if you’ve got a beach umbrella, bring it.) Beaches are open with lifeguards on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bathrooms: If you forgot the sunscreen, look for free sunscreen stations scattered around the boardwalk before you head out onto the sand. There are plenty of accessible bathrooms available but plan ahead: They’re all located by the boardwalk, which means you’ll likely be trekking back across the sand to get to them. You’ll also be able to wash off the sand at one of the outdoor sprinkler/shower stations — these tend to have a line but it goes quickly and people are  generally courteous of each others’ time.

Coney Island: Take the D, Q, N or F train to Stillwell Avenue

Brighton Beach: Take the B or Q to Brighton Beach

Bike the Boardwalk

If you and the kids are early risers, then gear up and bring your bikes to the beach. Riding bicycles on the boardwalk is permitted from 6 to 10 a.m. daily. The boardwalk is a wide, flat, and mostly even surface (with some renovated areas that make for a super smooth ride) that’s a good option for little bikers. Keep in mind that it doesn’t loop, so you’ll either ride to a certain point and back or exit at any of the ramps at intervals and catch the train from there. I don’t recommend going further than Luna Park, as that marks the last train station, making getting back more difficult if your budding bikers get tired feet.

Monkey Around in the Playgrounds

You might be going to the beach for the sun and surf, but what child can resist a good playground? The sprawling Brighton Playground on Brighton 2nd is a popular option with kids of all ages for its large variety of playground equipment. The playground’s been there since the 1950s but renovations in the late 1990s added handicap-accessible areas and structures so kids of all abilities can enjoy the playground, as well. For something fun to do, send your kids on a scavenger hunt of all the marine life and Coney Island motifs that adorn the playground structures, fences and even ground.

Besides this large playground, there are also two little playgrounds right on the sand, one near Luna Park and one near the Brighton Beach train station. These don’t have much shade so be careful of little feet getting too hot on steamy summer days.

For a more active playtime, there are several volleyball nets strung up every few blocks right in the sand, as well as handball courts on West 5th Street (by the bandshell) but these tend to be taken over by older people playing. Don’t miss the tiny marine rock “playground” on the boardwalk right where the Aquarium wall begins, where kids can climb around on the rocks, complete a challenge to find all the marine life on the rocks, and have a chance to look through binoculars (with steps for shorter visitors).

Brighton Playground: Brighton 2nd St. & Brightwater Ct. (just off the boardwalk)

Get Your Thrills on New Rides at Deno’s Wonder Wheel and  Luna Park

Luna Park is open for the summer and ready to thrill and excite visitors of all ages. The more daring of your group can tackle the legendary Cyclone roller coaster (for a preview, listen out to the period screams of delight that can be heard all the way from the boardwalk) and the newer gravity-defying Thunderbolt. There are plenty of choices for smaller and less thrill-seeking family members, too, like the classic teapot ride, some high-flying options, and even a firefighting ride.

The Luna Park website has all its rides categorized by thrill level, so you can plan ahead.

This year, look out for two brand new additions to the Luna Park ride family: Tony’s Express and Leti’s Treasure. Named after the grandparents of Luna Park’s CEO, Alessandra Zamperla, these two rides will pay homage to the Switchback Railway (the first-ever rollercoaster on Coney Island from 1884) and Shoot the Chutes (a semi-aquatic ride from the early 1900s), respectively. Tony’s Express will be a family-friendly rollercoaster with over 1,200 feet of track and Leti’s Treasure will have 12 6-seater boats that will rise over 40 feet high the drop into water with a splash. Both are planned to open this summer so keep your eyes open for them.

Deno’s Wonder Wheel (The park home to the eponymous ride in between the two sections of Luna Park) also recently debuted a new ride. The Phoenix Rollercoaster (shown above), a family thrill roller coaster that join’s Deno’s healthy collection of tamer kiddie rides.)

Hours vary by day (see schedule here)
1000 Surf Ave.
Online: lunaparknyc.com

Travel Back to the Past with the Coney Island History Project

The Coney Island History Project isn’t a very big place — it’s just two rooms — but it’s filled wall to wall with the history of the boardwalk and its many attractions. Plus: it’s free!The History Project is full of pieces from the area’s past, like Coney Island’s oldest relic (a toll house sign from 1823), and reminders of the darker rides that used to greet visitors at the amusement park (including a skull that looks stripped of its skin. Yikes).

This year’s special exhibit focuses on Barbara Rosenberg’s street photography. Taken over the course of 50 years, these photographs cover Steeplechase Park, the Polar Bear Club, Boardwalk attractions from the 1970s, and more glimpses into the history of Coney Island.

You can also check out the History Project’s podcast, Coney Island Stories, which aims to record an oral history of the area. The newest episode, “Growing Up in the 1940s,” interviews residents of the neighborhood about the hardships and delights of living in Coney Island in the 1940s.

Free
Sat., Sun., and holidays 1-7 p.m.
3059 West 12th St. (under Deno’s Wonder Wheel)
Online: Coney Island History Project:

Revisit the Nabe’s Golden Age at the Coney Island Museum

The Coney Island Museum is a tribute to the history of the neighborhood, full of vintage, authentic funhouse mirrors, rare postcards, shooting gallery targets, and more. The museum also highlights all the innovations that the neighborhood’s brought to the world: Sure you might know of Nathan’s hot dog, but did you know that Coney Island introduced the first baby incubators, originally as a sideshow? Discover more interesting and historic facts, trinkets, photos, and more in the historic building.

This summer, the museum is hosting a new exhibit in collaboration with New York Transit Museum: Five Cents to Dreamland. This special exhibit brings together artifacts from both museums to paint a picture of the way transportation to the beach contributed to making Coney Island and its attractions such a great success.

$5/adult, $3/seniors, kids under 12 and residents of zipcode 11224
Sat. and Sun., 12-5 p.m.
1208 Surf Ave.
Online: Coney Island Museum

Get Your Fill of American, Ukrainian, and Russian Food

Hungry? Head to the Luna Park side of the boardwalk for your pick of beachside classics like funnel cakes and cheese fries, or more traditional sit-down restaurants. There are some excellent family-friendly options by the Stillwell train station, like the classic Nathan’s, iHop, and Applebees. Head to It’s Sugar for a treat after the meal, or check out the newly opened Coney Waffle, across from the Cyclone.

But the Luna Park fare isn’t the only place to get something to earth. On the Brighton Beach train side of the boardwalk, Tatiana Restaurant and adjoining grill is a solid pick for an evening meal, and it’s especially nice if you can get an outdoor seat. Steps off the boardwalk on Brighton Beach proper (under the train), in what’s commonly known as Little Odessa, there are many ethnic Eastern European and Russian food options, whether you want to sit down and enjoy your meal or grab a treat for the road — I highly recommend potato or chicken piroshkis, which are fried bread with delicious hand-made fillings.

It’s important to note, considering current events, that although the neighborhood houses a mix of residets from Russia, Ukraine and adjoining countries, there’s been a outpouring of support and solidarity for Ukraine in the neighborhood. If you want to support Ukrainian-owned businesses, or Russian businesses that stand with Ukraine, look for Ukrainian flags hanging in storefonts. To name just two, the aforementioned Tatiana is a Ukraine supporter, as is Taste of Russia at 219 Brighton Beach Ave, which has recently rebranded as “International Food” to be more inclusive.

family visiting New York Aquarium in Coney Island
Julie Larsen Maher

Meet the Fishies at the New York Aquarium

Now’s a great time to see the aquatic residents of the New York Aquarium: For the first time in about 10 years, the aquarium will be completely, fully open! All the repairs from Hurricane Sandy are complete and the areas closed due to covid are reopened, so visitors can finally see the aquarium in all its glory.

To celebrate, the aquarium has opened a number of new interactive exhibits, from PlayQuarium’s touch pool to a new space that lets you watch sea lions, harbor seals, penguins, and otters frolic underwater. Learn about the impact of climate change, enjoy crafts, music, and trivia, or watch some performances at the Wildlife Theater. Don’t miss the giant octopus mural and tentacles photo-op!

NY Aquarium
Prices differ off- and on-peak, check them out and buy tickets here
 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
602 Surf Ave.
Online: nyaquarium.com

https://www.instagram.com/p/CfEux8nrVPP/?hidecaption=true

Keep an Eye Out for New Murals

The Coney Island art walls might be gone, but the artistic spirit of the community lives on. Keep an eye out for newly completed murals around the neighborhood and boardwalk.

Here are two to get you started: Danielle Mastrion’s tribute to Coney Island on Gargiulos Restaurant’s back wall (on Stillwell Ave.), and Ledania’s gorgeous and colorful artwork on Tom’s Coney Island (by Luna Park). Catch more here or keep an eye on the Coney Island Facebook for more unveilings.

See the Brooklyn Cyclones in Action

Catching a baseball game at the stadium on Coney is a timeless treat, so don’t miss out! Catch the legendary Brooklyn Cyclones in action at the diamond. Tuesdays have special family deals: For just $20, you get a ticket, a cyclones hat, hot dog or chicken tenders, fries, and drinks. Events typically include fun extras like giveaways, fireworks, and shows.

Maimonedes Park Baseball Field: 1904 Surf Ave.

Watch Movies on the Beach

Coney Flicks is back this year, so you can once again enjoy a movie under the stars on the beach. Catch three free screenings every Monday in the summer, starting with “Encanto” on June 27. Other movies include “Spiderman No Way Home,” “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,” “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” and more.

The movies will be shown on a giant inflated screen, with the colorful nighttime Luna Park acting as ambient light. Screenings will begin at sundown, so times vary. Bring a towel and snacks for an evening picnic.

Free
Monday nights
West 12th St. on the beach (near Luna Park)
Online: Coney Island Flicks on the Beach

Catch Weekly Free Fireworks

If the Fourth of July celebrations left you wanting more fireworks, you can get your fix every Friday night.

Friday Night Fireworks: Fridays starting June 24, 9:45 p.m. By Deno’s Wonder Wheel

Annual Coney Island Sand Sculpting Contest

Check out the annual sand-sculpting contest, to be held sometime in August (exact date to be announced). After being postponed in 2021 due to rising coronavirus cases in the area, the 30th contest is set to happen this year. Every year, the event brings in expert sand sculptors for some incredible sand works of art. Check out the winners of the 2019 contest for a taste of what to expect

Appreciate the Beauty of Classic Cars

Come explore some classic old cars lined up along West 12th Street. Vote for your favorite, watch performances from the Coney Island sideshow and more.

Free
July 9, 1-5 p.m.
West 12th St.
Online: Classic Car Show

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Are your littles major LOL fans? Well, get ready for the biggest virtual concert ever!

MGA Entertainment, the makers of L.O.L Surprise Dolls, wants to give a big thank to all its fans with the ultimate immersive experience. Complete with dancing, trivia and tons of surprises throughout, the event will also announce the biggest U.S. fans!

Pressley Hosbach, TikTok star, will host the event with That Girl Lay Lay and other special guests like Big Will and his crew. In addition to awesome trivia and surprises, 100 Superfans will get $500 to support a cause of their choosing.

The free event is happening on Jul. 7 at 9 a.m. PST/12 p.m. EST. You can register for free tickets at LOLSurprise.com/LOLDay to receive a one-use link to watch on-demand.

––Karly Wood

All photo: Courtesy of MGA Entertainment

 

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Being socially aware as an adult is tough enough. But for kids? Well, as a parent, I can say that it’s even harder for them.

That doesn’t mean they’ll necessarily let you know if they’re struggling with all that’s going on right now. My children exhibit very different (sometimes deceptively nonchalant) responses to everything happening in the world. When one’s concerned, the other isn’t—and vice versa. Yet, I know they’re affected even if they don’t say so.

Statistics support my “momtuition.” According to research from C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, almost half of parents said their teen’s mental health had been negatively impacted since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. And last year brought more stress than a life-changing pandemic—we also faced social and political unrest.

So how can you balance the need to help your kids consider the perspectives of others and remain socially aware while also protecting them from some of the stressors of modern life? As the saying goes, it ain’t easy. However, I’ve found that boosting my girls’ social awareness, compassion, and empathy boils down to embracing a few practices:

1. Talk about TikTok (& Other Social Media Platforms)
Is TikTok your favorite social platform? No? Guess what: It’s time to get TikTok-savvy anyway. (No dancing required, thank goodness.)

Your kids are learning about current events and building their values not only from what they hear at home but also from the messaging they soak up through social media. The information pushed to them by influencers on TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and (to a lesser extent) Facebook informs their beliefs.

Help your kids realize that just because four or five million people are “liking” things doesn’t mean your children have to share those same values. They should acknowledge and think about those values, but they can still come to their own conclusions. Critical thinking is a skill that’s hard to hone when you’re bombarded by social media, but kids can practice it with your help.

2. Stress That Language Matters
Speaking of social media, what your kids post can haunt or help them. Although I don’t want to censor my kids’ musical leanings or opinions, I do remind them that the words in the songs they choose (and the videos they film) can have repercussions later.

Again, I’m not suggesting that you take a heavy-handed approach. Be understanding. We were all young once, and being young means seeing things with fresh eyes. At the same time, it can also mean not realizing how much power one viral Instagram Reel can have.

Oh, and you might want to recommend that they get back to offline education in order to boost their language. My younger daughter’s teacher makes a point of selecting books written by people of color for the class to read. I love the idea of challenging kids by improving their self-awareness and the awareness of others by immersing themselves in stories told by authors from diverse backgrounds.

3. Be Transparent about Current Issues 
I don’t love talking about some of the things that are happening in our world right now, particularly at home. Shouldn’t home be a place of peace and a respite from the turmoil outside? However, it’s not fair to ignore what’s going on, especially when your kids already know bits and pieces from the aforementioned social sites.

When I was a kid, I read the paper or watched the news with my family. We often learned what was happening at the same time. Now, children often know of major events before you do. So it’s critical that you stay on top of what they’ve heard and try to piece it all together as a family.

As you know (and have probably experienced firsthand), your family members won’t always agree on solutions to the world’s problems. However, by listening to your kids and asking them about their own beliefs, you’ll help them become more thoughtful in their intentions.

4. Showcase Your Own Social Awareness
Kids are tremendously perceptive. If you aren’t socially aware, they’ll notice. Therefore, if you want to raise socially aware young people, you need to be a role model.

In our house, I make a point of talking about people in need and how we have an obligation to help one another. This isn’t just because I care about giving back—which I do. It’s also because I’m the owner of a business. As the kids of a CEO, my daughters shouldn’t feel like they’re “better” than someone else. We’re very blessed and fortunate. Nonetheless, my job title doesn’t make our family entitled. It just means that we have the opportunity (and obligation) to serve the public in substantial ways.

Thought your kids weren’t ready for conversations about race, gender identity, sexual orientation, disabilities, and even the pandemic? They’re having them with each other and online. The sooner you get into the mix, the better. That way, you and your kids can find out together that despite all the differences in the world, we’re all surprisingly—and gloriously—alike.

RELATED:
9 Essential Books to Inspire Young Activists
How to Educate your Children on Riots & Protests

Alison Gutterman is the president and CEO of Jelmar, the family-owned cleaning products manufacturer of CLR and Tarn-X products. She began her career at Jelmar in 1993 without a title or a desk, and she was named president in 2007. She balances work with parenthood as a single mother of two children.

There is always something fun happening at ALDI. Now there are new ice cream varieties to excite kids and adults!

Starting Jun. 16, the Sundae Shop brand’s new Unicorn Cones and Galactic Cones will be available for a limited time. 

Unicorn Cones

The colorful Unicorn-themed ice cream confections are made up of raspberry and vanilla-flavored frozen dessert. The wafer cones appear to be lined with chocolate and the ice cream swirl is topped with raspberry flavored topping and rainbow sprinkles. 

Galactic Cones
The Galactic cones are chocolate filled and feature a chocolate and vanilla flavored frozen dessert. The ice cream swirl is covered in raspberry topping and space-themed sprinkles. 

Each box consists of four ready-to-eat cones and retail for $3.49.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of ALDI

 

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Alex Trebek left some big shoes to fill, but all may not be lost when it comes to finding the next Jeopardy guest host. Ever the beacon of knowledge, LeVar Burton stepped up to the plate earlier this month as a potential host for the show––and now it’s happening!

In a tweet on Wednesday, the Reading Rainbow host shared the exciting news from Jeopardy that he would be hosting an upcoming episode of season 37. If you recall, Joshua Sanders started a change.org petition a few months back to make Burton the host. As of publication, the petition has over 248,000 signatures!

 

Now that Burton is heading to the driver’s seat, many fans hope it will be come a long-time gig. Regardless, his episode is sure to be a great one!

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

 

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In-home discos are the new way to celebrate! According to stats from L.O.L. Surprise!, 65 percent of American households are staging impromptu dance parties in their kitchens.

L.O.L. Surprise is celebrating its new Dance Dance Dance toy line with a few fun facts about family dance parties. Along with the number of fams turning their eating areas into makeshift discos, the brand’s survey also found that 42 percent of kiddos think dad’s dances are totally embarrassing—but only 37 percent believe mom’s moves are equally as bad.

photo courtesy of MGA Entertainment

Isaac Larian, CEO and Founder of MGA Entertainment, conducted the research as part of the L.O.L. Surprise! Dance Dance Dance toy launch, said in a press release, “Dancing is always something that has brought people together from around the globe.  We love that our toys have inspired our fans, parents and children, to find escape and joy together in kitchen disco parties, and that they have embraced dance as a way to connect no matter what is happening in the world around them.”

When it comes to the time and the tunes, the survey stats show that Saturday at 6:00 pm and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” are the most popular picks. Following Queen’s iconic anthem are Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” and Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

So what’s with all the dance parties? The data shows spending time together and the mood boosting effects of dance may have more than just something to do with the sudden uptick in at-home disco activities. Two-thirds of parents surveyed reported that dancing with their littles lifted their spirits and 82 percent said it always improves their mood. Fifty-five percent of parents also said they use family dance parties to let off some steam.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: gradyreese via iStock

 

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Photo: Photo via Depositphotos

I was one of the lucky moms who got to work from home. I got to contribute financially to my family, and at the same time spend precious time with my baby. A dream come true, right? Well, it was much harder than it sounds. What most people don’t understand, is that working from home meant my baby controlled my schedule.

The other day, I had a conference call at 9:30 a.m. for 30 minutes. Perfect! That was just in time for my daughter’s first nap, so I could take the conference call without her cooing in the background. I woke up that morning confident that I could tire her out in time for the call and that I could give everyone my undivided attention during the meeting.

Here were the events that pursued:

9:20 AM: I received a text from my manager that the meeting was delayed 15 minutes. Okay, not the end of the world. My daughter was already sleepy so I was in the process of putting her down for her nap, but perhaps she could still sleep through the whole meeting. 45-minute naps are not unheard of, right?

9:43 AM: Another text. They needed another 10 minutes. All right, no worries.

9:55 AM: Yet another text. The meeting was delayed to 10:15 a.m. Most likely Zoe would be awake by then, but that’s okay. She might be playing and cooing in the background during the call, but my coworkers were pretty used to hearing baby noises by now.

10:15 AM: The meeting finally started, but surprisingly, my daughter had not woken up yet. I anxiously looked at the baby monitor like it was a ticking bomb, hoping that she would by miracle sleep another 30 minutes. But 5 minutes into the meeting, she woke up screaming like someone was about to take her hostage. I put myself on mute, threw the phone on the ground, and ran to grab her. With my baby still in a bad mood and howling in my ear, I sprinted back to get my phone and tried to listen to my coworkers as much as I could.

Man did my daughter wake up on the wrong side of the bed. I tried distracting her with different toys, laying her down on the ground, walking her around the room…nope, she was not having it. I strained to hear my call and prayed that nobody would need me or ask me a question. Taking myself off mute would be a horrible idea right now.

However, I knew that I would have to speak eventually. There were topics on the agenda that needed my input, so my plan of action was to get my baby to be quiet immediately. I whipped out the magical boobs…or at least, they were magical when my son was an infant. It didn’t matter what was bothering him, as soon as I popped him on my breast, the world was a better place.

My daughter, unfortunately, does not share the same sentiments toward my milk jugs. I tried nursing her, and she just seemed to get angrier. Panicking, I started walking around the room again with her while trying to nurse her at the same time.

Wait, there was hope! She finally latched on and seemed to have quieted down for a few seconds!

Luckily, I was able to speak a few sentences while frantically pacing around the room feeding my daughter. Just as I spoke my last words, I could feel my let-down reflex happening, so I quickly pressed the mute button again just as my daughter pulled off my breast, angrier than ever.

For those of you who do not breastfeed, let-down is essentially when you turn on the faucet and the milk really starts to flow. Unfortunately for my daughter, my let-down was quite forceful, so instead of a faucet, think of the Hoover Dam opening its gates and all the water flowing out. My daughter quickly pulled off so she wouldn’t choke on my milk, which left my boob uncovered, shooting milk everywhere. I was holding my baby with both arms and had the phone wedged between my ear and my shoulder, so there was no way to somehow pull up my bra.

Just when this was all happening, our dog walked into the room. She got sprayed in the face by my breast milk and she got excited thinking I was playing with her. She chased me around the room, jumping and licking at my breast milk as it sprinkled the carpet, the sofa, everything. My coworkers, clueless about what was happening, continued their deep discussion, and all I could do was listen and try to remember what was being discussed as much as I could over my daughter’s cries.

I was sweating as if I had run a marathon, and my arms were burning from holding my baby for the past 20 minutes. Finally, my let-down stopped and my dog calmed down (though she continued to lick the carpet whenever she found a spot with milk on it). 

At least, there was peace and quiet. My daughter popped back on my boob and started nursing again, and I could sit down on the sofa and relax. I turned my attention back to the call and I heard, “Okay good call everyone, let’s get back together again after lunch.”

Seriously?

Betty Boiron is a mother of two who strives to inspire other moms to embrace motherhood as the hot mess it is. When she is not busy chasing after her kids or digging herself out of piles of laundry, you can find her writing on her blog Mombrite.