What a wicked summer it’s been for weather, Chicago! It’s been quite the roller coaster, but no complaints, we’ve been outside and taking advantage of our city being open. We have just a couple more months to enjoy boating season, so make a plan to get on the water. While there are several tour companies that narrate a memorable trip along our waterways and teach a bit of Chicago architectural history, sometimes you want to steer the course yourself. Read on to learn how Chicago Electric Boat hands over the captain’s hat and allows you to do just that.

About Chicago Electric Boats

Operating since 2012, Chicago Electric Boat Company is Chicago's largest self-guided river boat rental operator. They operate with safety as a core focus, as owner Ron Silvia is a member of the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee and President of Downtown Docks and is a driver in the city's exciting waterfront developments.

Boat Options Available

Their fleet includes eco-friendly private electric boats that create one-of-a-kind opportunities to explore our world-famous waterfront, history-making iconic skyscrapers and moveable bridges from a unique eye-level vantage point.

Renters will find five boat types: all-weather Duffy Boats with fully covered seating areas, Pontoon Boats with adjustable canopies, partially covered Donut Boats that offer 360-degree views of the city, a Vintage Yacht and refurbished 1950s-style Retro Boats for when you want to feel like a movie star.

Each dock has different options available, so which boat type you want to rent will determine the pick-up and drop-off location.

New This Year: Cycleboats

Enjoy a mashup of a boat ride and a bike cruise on a Chicago Cycleboat. Hop on a bike seat set around a table and cycle at your own pace with your friends. The whole boat works together to power the boat as a captain navigates the boat down Chicago River. No worries though, there is a back up electric motor in case you lose steam. 

Where to Rent

Chicago Electric Boat has four different docking stations, with different boating options available at each: Rockwell on the River (3057 N. Rockwell St., Avondale), Marina City (300 N. State St., Near North) or Chicago Riverwalk/City Winery (11 W. Riverwalk S., Loop) and Chicago Water Plaza/Sweet Home Gelato (151 W. Wacker, Loop).

Cost to Rent

The prices vary based on which boat you're interested in and which pick-up location, but prices start at $160/hour. Private cycleboats can be rented starting at $550.

Rather Relax and Drive?

If you'd rather be a back-seat driver vs captain the ship, you can choose to enlist the assistance of a licensed captain or accredited tour guide for an additional charge.

Extras for Kids

Kids receive complimentary activity books to keep them busy while cruising.

Other Helpful Bits

  • Required US Coast Guard safety gear is stocked on each vessel
  • The boating season runs April-November
  • Each boat is equipped with a radio and plug-in, so bring along a device to add a soundtrack to your day
  • You're encouraged to pack food and drinks to fully enjoy the experience
  • There is no age limited, but kids under the age of 13 must wear life vests that are provided at all times
  • To make the best use of your time on the boat, check out the recommended routes and decide which parts of the Chicago River you'd like to prioritize
  • Stops along the river are not permitted, other than the dock you retrieved your boat
  • Bathrooms, or heads, are not on board any of the boats but you are welcome to return to the dock to utilize the facilities
  • Online: chicagoelectricboats.com

    — Maria Chambers

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    Disney is celebrating the year of the mouse—Mickey Mouse, that is! Each month the Disney shop on Amazon will unveil new products perfect for fans of the epic mouse himself and this month is no exception.

    Even though Disney hasn’t revealed the full year in mouse merch, you can expect a year full of mouse magic. Keep scrolling to see a few picks from each month for the year so far!

    January

    Disney Year of the Mouse Golden Mickey T-Shirt

    $23

    Disney Year of the Mouse Golden Mickey January PopSockets Grip and Stand

    $17

    Disney Year of The Mouse Golden Mickey January Tank Top

    $21

    February

    Disney Year of the Mouse Band Concert Mickey February Raglan Baseball Tee

    Choose from black, white, gray, navy, red and royal blue color combos.

    $27.50

    Disney Year of the Mouse Band Concert Mickey February Sweatshirt

    $34.99

    Womens Disney Year of the Mouse Band Concert Mickey February V-Neck T-Shirt

    $23.50

     

    March

    Disney Year of the Mouse Engineer Mickey March Sweatshirt

    Available in black, gray, navy, blue and charcoal.

    $34.99

    Disney Year of the Mouse Engineer Mickey March Tank Top

    Pick from black, purple, navy, blue, white, gray and charcoal.

    $21

    Disney Year of the Mouse Engineer Mickey March Premium T-Shirt

    Colors available in gray, white, black, navy, baby blue and in youth, men's and women's sizes.

    $23.50

    April

     

    Disney Year of the Mouse: Floral Mickey Mouse

    April's collectable Mickey Mouse is made of soft velveteen fabric and pays homage to Disneyland's Welcome Gardens. The 16-inch plush features embroidered eyes, commemorative gold and satin foot patch and a certificate of authenticity. 

    May

    Disney Year of the Mouse: Movie Star Mickey

    Mickey is taking a trip through his epic career with the limited edition Movie Star-themed plush. Like months past, he will feature deluxe mixed materials, embroidery detail, commemorative gold and satin foot patch and a Certificate of Authenticity.

    June

    Year of the Mouse: Rainbow Mickey Mouse Plush

    June is Pride month and Mickey is getting in on the action! The limited-edition plush is covered in knitted, holographic rainbow fabric and a gold seal of authenticity. He comes in a window box and stands 16 inches tall.

    D23 members will get first access to the limited edition Mickey on Mon., Jun. 9 a.m. PST by visiting the D23 website. Be sure you are logged in as a D23 member so you can see the access link.

    August

    Year of the Mouse: Captain Mickey

    August has already set sail and so has Captain Mickey. The nautical-themed plush has as thinking of Steamboat Willie with his striped swimsuit, complete with gold buttons. 

    D23 members will get first access to the limited edition Mickey on Mon., Aug 10 a.m. PST by visiting the D23 website. Be sure you are logged in as a D23 member so you can see the access link.

    October

    Year of the Mouse: Mousketeer Plush

    The Mickey Mouse Club premiered in October of 1955 and this month's plush is a celebration of the fave show. Mickey's Mousketeer outfit is made of cotton jersey with embroidered buttons, and he stands 16 inches tall.

    D23 members will get first access to the limited edition Mickey on Mon., Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. PST by visiting the D23 website. Be sure you are logged in as a D23 member so you can see the access link.

    November

    Year of the Mouse: Fantasia Plush

    1940's Fantasia is a Disney fave and this month's plush is an homage to the classical-themed film. Mickey is covered in constellations, red satin shorts and gold gloves.

    D23 members will get first access to the limited edition Mickey on Mon. Nov. 9 at 9 a.m. PST by visiting the D23 website. Be sure you are logged in as a D23 member so you can see the access link.

    December

    December's plush is all about the holidays! Holiday Spirit Mickey Mouse is the final plush in the Year of the Mouse collection. He's made with flannel fabric with corduroy and Sherpa fabrics.

    D23 members will get first access to the limited edition Mickey on Mon. Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. PST by visiting the D23 website. Be sure you are logged in as a D23 member so you can see the access link.

     

    Limited Edition

    Limited Edition Disney Kaleidoscope of Color Mickey Mouse Plush

    Are you having a difficult time getting your hands on the Year of the Mouse merch? You could be in luck when it comes to the Special Edition Kaleidoscope of Color Mickey Mouse Plush that celebrates “Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color.” The colorful plush is available on Amazon, comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and in a window box with special packaging.

    Available only on Amazon, $29.99

    Limited Edition Disney Fantasy in the Sky Mickey Mouse Plush

    The second limited edition plush is the Fantasy in the Sky Mickey Mouse Plush that celebrates the Disney Parks’ tradition of fireworks. The adorable plush is made of thick polyester fabric with a fireworks print that comes with metallic detailing, embroidered buttons, and embroidered eyes.

    Find it on Amazon, $29.99

     

    —Erica Loop & Karly Wood

    Photos: Amazon

     

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    We’ve got a mom approved mini-getaway that doesn’t require tons of cash, hours in the car, a trip on a plane, or any planning on your part. So where is this magical place? Hollywood! Good ol’ Hollywood has come a long way, and is so much more than kitschy tourist traps. There are some real family friendly gems to be found from fanciful eats to star studded sites, so put on your “I love LA” t-shirt (or buy one there!) and welcome to Tinsel Town.  Here’s your itinerary:

    chinesetheater

    Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
    You pass it all the time, but have you ever visited? Check out Grauman’s Chinese Theatre for a taste of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Hundreds of stars as far back as Joan Crawford and as recently as Ben Stiller have put their hands and footprints in cement outside this national landmark. You really can’t make a trip without comparing your hands and feet to those of your favorite movie star. Seriously, what’s cuter than a tiny toddler tootsie next to a gigantic Indian Jones/Harrison Ford footprint? The Chinese inspired architecture is the perfect backdrop for a family photo opp. And if seeing it from the outside just won’t cut it, you can buy tickets for an interior tour at the theatre box office. (Or see the latest kid-tastic flick in IMAX.)

    6925 Hollywood Blvd.
    Hollywood

    Online: tclchinesetheatres.com

    beardedpapa

    Bearded Papa at Hollywood & Highland
    When walking around and saying “Hi” to Darth Vader and Hello Kitty tires you out, you need to energize.  Try a sweet treat at Bearded Papa. Take one taste of their cheesecake bars or signature cream puffs and you’ll know why this Japanese import has developed such a following. It’s a sugar fix for the kids, and a great caffeine break for the parents.  But, be sure to get there early. Some of the customer favorites sell out fast.

    6801 Hollywood Blvd.
    Hollywood

    Online: muginohointl.com

    waltdisneystar

    Hollywood Walk of Fame
    What do Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, and Michael Jackson have in common? They all have their own star on the Hollywood walk of fame. While you’re traveling about, be sure to take a look at what’s underneath your feet. You just might be walking across your favorite star. The Walk runs east-west along both sides of Hollywood Blvd, between Gower St and La Brea Ave. It also runs north-south along both sides of Vine Street, between Yucca St and Sunset Blvd.

    Good to know: What to see if your favorite celeb has a star on the walk of fame? Put their name into the City’s search engine to find out and get its exact coordinates.

    Online: walkoffame.com

    micelisciantibottles

    Miceli’s
    Mangia! This old school Italian eatery will whisk you back to the days of Sinatra and the rest of the Rat Pack. The menu hasn’t changed much since the restaurant opened in 1949 but, hey, why mess with perfection. Order up huge plates of pasta, or freshly baked pizza. Save room for the homemade cannoli or spumoni ice cream for dessert. Parents can order a carafe of Chianti. You can decorate it with markers once you’re done and your server will hang it on the ceiling with the others and you’ll instantly be a part of Miceli’s history.

    Good to know: The biggest draw is their ever-present piano player who delights in entertaining young and old with pitch perfect tunes. So ask to be seated in his section. Tip him a buck or two and he’ll play your favorite song. Watch him play one handed while he takes a sip of water or takes a bit of his sandwich. Waitresses have been known to get up and sing too! (Though not as often as at the Miceli’s in Universal City.)

    1646 N. Las Palmas Ave.
    Hollywood

    Online: www.micelisrestaurant.com

    elcapitan2

    El Capitan Theatre
    If it’s time to get out of the heat and into some place air conditioned, catch a flick at the historic El Capitan Theatre. Show times are staggered throughout the day and they offer a family friendly Disney movie every month. You can really get a bang for your buck with movie packages that include popcorn and goodies. And there’s always a themed pre-show before the start of the movie to get the crowd excited for what’s to come. Be sure to check out the behind the scenes display downstairs for a look at props and more from the movie you just saw. And check their website for popular “Throwback Thursday” screenings for a chance to see your favorite old Disney movie on the big screen.

    Good to know: Park at Hollywood and Highland and walk across the street to the El Capitan. The parking is safer, cheaper, and easier than paid lots or street parking.  And if you need a treat after the movie, the Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop is attached.

    6838 Hollywood Blvd.
    Hollywood

    Online: elcapitantickets.com

    amoebamusic

    Amoeba Music
    It’s never too early for a lesson in music appreciation. Take the family down to Amoeba music where you can spend the day going through stacks of vinyl. Queue, “Mommy, what’s a record?” and a subsequent eye roll and thorough explanation on your part. They’ve got everything from the Beatles to Bieber. And it’s okay to give it a listen before you buy. Most items are marked with special bar codes that allow you to hear a few tracks on the headphones provided around the store.

    Good to know: Teach the kiddos that it pays to recycle. Turn in your old music and get store credit for something new to jam to on the way home. Also, they often hold free in-store concerts at the shop. Check the website to see what’s happening.

    6200 Hollywood Blvd.
    Los Angeles

    Online: amoeba.com

    More Fun For Big Kids… And Coming Soon
    If you’ve got older kids or family members visiting, there are also tourist spots along Hollywood Blvd. that can be loads of fun to visit: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, The Hollywood Museum, and Madame Tussauds (and lunch at the Hard Rock on Hollywood).  For the under 8 crowd, these can be a bit boring or scary.  But keep your eye on Madam Tussauds, which will be opening a Marvel Superheroes 4D exhibit later this summer, and promises fun for superhero fans of all ages.  (And we have to admit that while it’s far from gourmet, we’re addicted to the spinach artichoke dip at the Hard Rock Cafe, and kids love their kid menu.)

    Did we miss any of your favorite family friendly spots in Hollywood? Tell us in the comments below.

    -Christina Fiedler

    Photo credits: Miceli’s photo courtesy of Yelp user Charles B. , El Capitan photos courtesy of El Capitan Facebook Page, Amoeba Records photo courtesy of Yelp User Erwin E. , Grauman’s Chinese Theater coutesy of Yelp user Candy R.,Hollywood Walk of Fame photo courtesy of Yelp user Robert G. and Bearded Papa photo courtesy of Bearded Papa.

    A Cincinnati, Ohio dad put his amazing snow fort-building skills to good use when he built a wheelchair-accessible snow fort for his nine kids—and we are in awe!

    Gregg Eichhorn has gone viral for his epic igloo, which allows easy access thanks to its enormous height and opening. Eichorn’s friend shared pictures of the incredible snow fort on reddit, where it quickly garnered praise from thousands of users.

    Eichhorn and his wife, Katie, have nine adopted children and all of them have special needs. “We adopt all medical and special needs kids because it seems like those are the kids where they have the hardest time finding homes for them,” Eichhorn told CBS News.

    The entire family—including the kids—pitched in to help build the igloo for Eichhorn’s 19-year-old daughter Zahara and her brother Elijah, both of whom use wheelchairs. Zahara is non-verbal, however her joy over the snow fort was beyonc obvious.

    “Her face lit up—she gets super excited,” Eichhorn said. “I think she felt like a movie star.”

    —Shahrzad Warkentin

    Featured photo: Victoria Borodinova via Pexels

     

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    The Easter Bunny may steal the spotlight around this time of year, but it’s worth noting he’s just one of an elite group of super celebs with big furry ears. From battery-operated bunnies who were big in the ’80s to big enduring screen stars like Roger and Bugs, we present a who’s who of rock star rabbits.

    Photo: Wikipedia 

    Peter Rabbit
    Created by English author and illustrator Beatrix Potter in 1902, this sweet and studious hare is still a kiddie favorite despite being more than 100 years old.

    Photo: Disney

    Thumper
    He’s the cutest supporting character in the woods and Bambi’s bestie.

    Photo: Amazon

    Pat the Bunny 
    Pat has been baby’s first bunny since 1940, when it was first released in 1940. The touch-and-feel book should be on every parents’ baby shower gift list.

    Photo: Wikipedia

    The White Rabbit 
    This perpetually late and always running rabbit is just one of the magical and memorable characters from Alice in Wonderland.

    Photo clip: Disney

    Br’er Rabbit
    This country bunny became a celeb when he starred in Walt Disney’s 1946 film, Song of the South.


    Photo: Wikipedia

    The Energizer Bunny
    This shade-sporting bunny ruled the commercial break throughout the 80s and 90s. HE just kept going and going and going and going…

    Photo: Wikipedia

    The Velveteen Rabbit 
    It chronicles the story of a stuffed rabbit and his desire to become real, through the love of his owner. The book was first published in 1922, making him the world’s oldest stuffy.

    Photo: IMDB

    Roger Rabbit
    Roger Rabbit hit the big screen back 1988 with the film Who Framed Roger Rabbit, starring alongside humans celebs and one sexy, redheaded toon.

    Photo: Wikipedia

    Bugs Bunny 
    This mega movie star actually has his own star on the Hollywood walk of fame. the Bugs brand includes TV series, musical recordings, comic books, video games, award shows, amusement park rides, commercials, and of course, movies—he has also appeared in more films than any other cartoon character.

    What are your favorite celeb bunnies? Let us know in the comments below! 

    —Erin Feher

    Living in the dream factory is never more exciting than when it’s Oscar time (the Oscars take place this year on February 22). Hollywood Boulevard is closed, parties take over favorite restaurants, and viewing parties are where we’re at on Oscar Sunday.  While we don’t have an invitation to the Vanity Fair party for you, we do have something even better—three free ways to go behind the scenes of the Oscars that parents and kids will enjoy.

    photo credit: Hollywood & Highland’s facebook page

    See the Red Carpet: Yes, That Red Carpet.
    Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither are the Oscars.  It takes a lot of workers bees buzzing for weeks leading up to the ceremony to get everything in place.  And the night before the show it all has to come together.  So if you take the kids to Hollywood & Highland on Oscar Eve (Saturday, February 21), you can watch the last minute flurry.  Watch them roll out and tack down the red carpet.  Watch the lights get hung, the flowers and palm trees get rolled into place, and camera crews doing sound checks.  The golden man himself, guarding the doorway, is in place and all is in readiness for movie stars tomorrow.  Head up to the 3rd floor, where you get a birds eye view behind the scenes.  Then on Sunday, kids get a kick out of watching the arrivals on TV and knowing they were right there.

    Need a snack?  Hard Rock Café is perfect family fun and lets you get a little rock and roll as well as movie star glamor this weekend, or for a sweet treat, there’s nothing sweeter than Sweet!

    On Saturday, February 21 the Hollywood & Highland Center is open and accessible to the public (except the red carpet area where they’re setting up) from 10 a.m.–10 p.m.  It is closed to the public on Oscar Sunday.

    Dolby Theater
    Hollywood & Highland, Hollywood
    Phone: 323-467-6412
    Online: hollywoodandhighland.com

    photo credit: FIDM

    Visit the Costume Department: The FIDM Exhibit
    The Art of Motion Picture Costume Design exhibit is the perfect way for mini-fashionistas to celebrate Oscar Weekend. Actually, it’s a fun exhibit for the whole family, since the costumes are from movies kids will recognize, too.  This year you can check out last year’s winner of Best Costume Design: The Great Gatsby.  You can also see costumes from all of this year’s nominated films: Maleficent, Into the Woods, Mr. Turner, The Grand Budapest Hotel and Inherent Vice.  In addition to seeing the wicked queens capes and horns and the fairy tale costumes from the Sondheim flick, kids will love seeing the costumes from The Boxtrolls, Guardians of the Galaxy, The Night at the Museum and X-Men.

    While they dream super hero or fairy tale dreams, you can marvel over the tiny waists and beautiful gowns and do a little dreaming yourself. (Like dreaming that this is your closet… )

    photo credit: Meghan Rose

    When they get tired of looking-but-not-touching, right in front of the museum is a big grassy lawn where kids can run and play (and ride the brass dogs that dot the landscape).  Also sharing the square is an urban playground, complete with bouncy bugs, slides and shaded climbers.  Then a tiny walk up the street and everyone can be relaxing with wood-fired pizzas and perfectly sweet macaroons at Bottega Louie, a family favorite spot downtown.

    The exhibit runs February 10-April 25, and the FIDM Museum is open Tuesday- Saturday from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

    FIDM Museum and Gallery
    919 S. Grand Ave.,Downtown LA
    Phone: 213-623-5821
    Online: fidmmuseum.org/exhibitions/current

    photo credit: Shoshana via Creative Commons

    Go On Location: Paramount Ranch
    Get out and celebrate what the Oscars are really about—making movies!  At Paramount Ranch you can take part in “Oscar Goes Outdoors,” a celebration of the Oscar nominated and award winning films connected to Hollywood’s movie mountains (the Santa Monica Mountains).  See where and how early Hollywood pioneer filmmakers transformed the SoCal mountains into Africa, China, Germany and even the South Seas.  There will be presentations, photo displays and more.

    Today, kids can still play wild west with the amazing “ghost town” left behind from those movie frontier days.  Bring a picnic (and costumes) and after exploring, you can set up your own craft services and have a photo shoot that will make your kids feel like they’re in the movies.

    photo credit: Meghan Rose

    The celebration takes place from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, February 15.

    Paramount Ranch
    2903 Cornell Rd., Agoura Hills
    Phone: 805-370-2301
    Online: nps.gov/paramountranch.htm

    How do you celebrate the Oscars – in style, ignore ’em, or TV time?

    -Meghan Rose