It’s hard to imagine how you’re going to juggle all the things when you go back to work after having a baby. On top of your actual job, there’s the laundry and cooking and grocery shopping, the emails from school, the playdates, and your bigger kid’s sweatpants suddenly having holes in every knee. It’s a lot. So we asked 25 working moms to share their best piece of advice, and boy did they deliver—with tips on everything from streamlining your home life to actually, realistically carving out time for yourself.

The Juggle Is Real

Plan the week out in person
“Every Sunday evening, my husband and I sit down and review the week ahead (logistics, upcoming events, to-dos, etc.) and create a one-page document that we print out and leave in an easy-to-see spot. We reference it all week! This exercise helps me get a hold of the ongoing mental list heading into the week.”

Do the small things first
“The best piece of advice I ever got was to live by the one-minute rule. Essentially, you do any task that takes a minute or less immediately. Don’t microwave your coffee, don’t call a friend, don’t pass go and collect $200—just do it now. All those little distractions add up to some aggressively long to-do lists and as working moms, we simply don’t have time for that. So if you bring in the mail, don’t plop it down to deal with later—just go through it right away and throw out the junk. If you get an email from the school that requires an easy response, get it over with. By getting all these little things out of the way ASAP you’re making more time for the big stuff, and we all need more time for the big stuff.”

Go ahead, take the shortcut
“Working full-time with young kids is hard, no doubt about it. Do what you have to do to get through the day, because some days are harder than others. Grilled cheese (for the fourth time this week)? Why not! A little extra screen time so you can complete a task that can no longer wait? Go for it. Sometimes, it’s about survival. These don’t have to be the moments that define you as a mom. These are the moments that let you keep the ship afloat so you can be the mom you really want to be.”

Prep the night before
“Whether you need to leave the house to go to work daily or once a week, make that morning as streamlined as possible. Shower the night before if you can. Plan your outfit and the kids’ clothes. Pack lunches. The easier it is for you to get ready, the easier it is to get out the door, and the smoother your day will be.”

Take allll the help
“My advice is to take any help you can get. Don’t try to be a hero. It literally takes a village. Know who you can count on for carpools and when you can share responsibilities with people you trust.”

Divide and conquer (and reevaluate regularly)
“I was the primary parent for many years, and even though I am now working full-time, I’m the primary parent in many ways. There are times when this becomes too much and the anger can build. Why do I need to still take care of the stuff I did before? The answer is, I don’t. This may mean our house is messier for longer, or the kids don’t get as many playdates, but inevitably, we started new routines and new schedules to balance out the division of labor. And if it feels like it’s not working again, it’s back to the drawing board to figure out a new routine. Don’t expect to have it all figured out right away. You need to try things out for a bit, sit with it, and adjust as needed.”

Switch up nighttime routines
“When it comes to the daily routine, try not to have one parent do bath time and bedtime every night. We have always had one parent clean up after dinner and the other handle the bedtime routine. And then the next night we switch, although it can be hard if mom is nursing. My husband would do everything to get the baby ready for bed, and I would nurse as the final step. Then your baby gets used to both parents, not only mom, at bedtime.”

Take the Zumba class
“A co-worker of mine once told me when my kids were really young how important it is for moms to have a life outside of their kids. At the time I would rush from work to pick them up from daycare when what I really wanted to do was attend the Zumba class that was held at our office. She encouraged me to do that and it really was life-changing. Now, I regularly leave them to travel and they have developed so many great life skills from me not always being home. Plus they see me following my dreams even as an adult which I think is so important.”

Work Life

Never apologize
“Do not apologize for saying ‘I need to go pick up my kids.’ Anything having to do with caring for your kids does not need an apology. To anyone. Ever. Be gracious and polite and tactful as the situation calls for, but don’t tell anyone you’re sorry you need to be a parent.”

Talk about your littles
“When I first had my daughter, I was reluctant to talk about parenting with clients and colleagues. I didn’t want anyone to assume that motherhood would get in the way of my performance. But I’ve come to realize that commiserating about potty training is actually a great way to break the ice and forge relationships with the parents I work with. These days, if I know a client or colleague has kids, I make a point of asking about them. This approach might not be right for every workplace, but it’s been effective for me.”

Seek out mother mentors
“Create a village at work to support you. Find mentors to help guide you as you make potentially new career decisions as a working mother. It’s great to engage women for your personal board of directors who are a few steps ahead of you in the working motherhood journey. That way they can share what they did in your shoes as you find new opportunities.”

Know your rights
“Know your rights as a mother and what the law says about maternity leave, time off to care for sick kids, time off for doctor visits, pumping and privacy, etc. No one can take advantage of you when you can back things up with the law.”

Dual Identities

Set work and socialization boundaries
“It can become awkward if your office environment is a more social one and you have to/want to/need to go home to your family. If you do feel tension around this, speak to your manager. Explain your boundaries – it’s better to be upfront and have everyone understand the expectations. Just be aware that you’ll have to stay and play sometimes (and that’s OK!).”

Work-life balance takes work
“Work-life balance isn’t a 50/50 daily split. It’s intentionally making the time for the things that you really care about, using boundaries, prioritizing, and planning your time over the long term. If you don’t have boundaries, everything is harder when it comes to finding time for what you care about. The easiest way to maintain boundaries after you define them is to use your calendar. Block off time to indicate when your work day ends. Put time on your calendar when you know you’ll be focused on family. Carve out time for things like exercise and self-care.”

Take time to switch from mom mode to work mode
“I usually feel a little frazzled from the adrenaline of the morning rush, so I give myself 25 minutes to shake it off and prepare myself to start my work day. I pop on a chatty, fun podcast (or put on some feel-good music if that’s more my mood), and do a quick sweep of the spaces I need to use. I remove all of the obvious kid debris and mess so that the space feels more calm and ordered. Then I change into an outfit I feel good in and do a two-minute glow-up to hide the tired eyes. I take a moment to make a coffee or eat something nourishing in my garden; just five minutes or so to myself outside in nature to reset. Then I head to my desk and get started–work mode activated!”

Focus on one thing at a time
“Avoid multitasking when it comes to childminding and working at the same time—it’s a poor result for everyone if you’re attempting to work while spending time with your children and vice-versa.”

Advancing In Your Career

Work advancements may mean less
“Once I had kids, I knew that work no longer took priority for me. And even though I went back to work eventually, I no longer felt like I needed the ‘cool’ job or the better title. I liked being able to work again, but also being able to shut my computer off and be with my family. I am a full-time project manager at home, I don’t need to be one at my job.”

Make deals on the playground
“You know the old cliché that business deals are made on the golf course? Well, they can be made on the playground too! I’ve found that parents, and moms in particular, are willing to help fellow parents reach career goals. Leveraging my network of fellow moms has led to valuable business relationships and even new clients.”

Work smarter and put yourself first
“Before kids I considered myself a hard worker, staying late at the office, taking on tasks for which I wasn’t recognized, agonizing over every word in an email. I no longer have that time as a working mom. Now I say no to tasks that don’t serve me, walk away from time-sucking clients, and yes, send a few emails with typos. I’ve dialed down my efforts at work and I’ve found that the work I produce is just as good.”

Put pumping on the cal
“If you’re planning to pump, put that time on your calendar so it doesn’t get eaten up by other meetings or requests. People will know that you’re unavailable.”

Mom Guilt and Expectations

No one has all the answers
“Don’t let anyone, especially social media influencers or experts, tell you what you can or can’t do. Don’t get hooked into the narrative of the burnt-out mom if it doesn’t serve you. We’ll all get overwhelmed, but it’s not written in the sky that you can’t have what you want in all aspects of your life. We’re just told, a lot, that, no, we can’t. And I don’t buy it.”

A little sorry goes a long way
“There may be moments when you lose your cool with your kid. Trying to get out the door in the morning when you’re already late for work is an opportune time for this. When you cool off later that day or even later that week, apologize and admit you made a mistake. Everyone will feel better for it.”

So does a little one-on-one time
“Try to carve out a little time each day to focus on your kids. Even just 10 minutes of ‘golden time’ as they call it. Makes me feel less guilty for the time I don’t get to spend with them and sometimes it actually helps their behavior.”

Making Time For Yourself (Really Though)

Rise and shine
“I like to get up as early as I can muster to have some alone time before the rest of my family wakes up. I make coffee, read a few chapters of my book, and just generally let myself bask in the quiet. I find that when my kids do get up I’m more calm and prepared for whatever they throw my way (tantrums, fights, breakfast disasters). Some people call it the 5 a.m. club, but mine’s more 6 a.m. or later because I’m not a morning person at all. But I do go to bed as early as I can to make this work.”

Fresh air is your friend
“I like to go for a walk before work, even when I work from home, and I call it my commute. Alone time, fresh air, and steps make me feel more ready for the day.”

Hiking and relaxation, plus deep dish pizza and skyscrapers

When planning a family vacation to Illinois, the easy answer is to spend your time in Chicago. It’s full of amazing architecture and kid-friendly eats, plus the walkability cannot be beat. The only way to make your Illinois visit that much better is by renting a car and adding on a visit to Starved Rock State Park. You’ll be amazed what a few days in nature can do to restore your family’s zen.

We have the perfect itinerary that will keep even your picky teens happy as it includes a stop at an epic aerial adventure course (with ziplining!) along the way. So block off your long weekend—we have it all planned right here!

Best Things to Do in Chicago with Kids

view of Maggie Daley Park in Chicago
Adam Alexander/Illinois Office of Tourism

1. Head to Millennium Park. There’s so much to do in Chicago’s Millennium Park that you’ll definitely want to devote at least an afternoon to exploring. Kids will love finding their reflection in Cloud Gate aka “The Bean” and splashing in the water of the Crown Fountain as the interactive art entertains them. [Note: The area around The Bean will be under construction through spring 2024.] Walk a bit farther into the park and you’ll see Zumba classes and musical performances in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Maggie Daley Park is a kid highlight with tons of play structures and gardens to explore. We loved that there was plenty of seating and shade for tired parents to rest. There’s a spot for mini golf nearby as well as a climbing wall and skating loop. In winter, Millennium Park hosts an ice skating rink.

2. Snag a Chicago CityPASS® to check out many of the city’s main attractions. Traveling can get expensive but a great way to see many of Chicago’s top attractions is with a CityPASS. The Chicago CityPASS will get you access to both the Shedd Aquarium and Skydeck Chicago, along with your choice of three additional attractions (available options: Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Adler Planetarium, and Shoreline Sightseeing Architectural River Cruise). Some of the locations require advance reservations and you can use your CityPASS over the course of 9 days.

3. See all the architectural marvels from the Chicago River on an Architecture River Tour. Leaving from Navy Pier, this 75-minute tour is a must-do when you visit Chicago. We suggest you time your tour departure to leave close to sundown so that you’ll avoid the hot mid-day sun and you’ll get to see the city in all its glory as the lights turn on for the night. This tour is great for all ages as it gives some history of the city’s skyscrapers as you cruise by along the river.

4. While you’re at Navy Pier, ride the Centennial WheelSee the city from nearly 200 feet above as you ride these enclosed gondolas that are an iconic part of the city’s skyline. Below the wheel are a number of other rides that the kids will certainly want to try out. If you need to bribe the kids to get them to leave, there’s a stand nearby selling the Original Rainbow Cone.

@k8loweth

WNDR Museum Chicago #wndrmuseum #chicago #choosechicago #travel #traveltiktok #travelwithkids

♬ Funk Mozart – MC Nau

5. Visit the WNDR Museum for some interactive and immersive art. Located in the West Loop, the WNDR Museum is a spot that the whole family will love as you can walk through art, dance with your image on hundreds of screens, and even contribute your words to art exhibits.

6. Sports fans will want to swing by the Chicago Sports Museum. Showcasing loads of memorabilia, video and radio clips, and photographs from Chicago sports history, this small museum located next to Harry Caray’s in Water Tower Place is a fun spot to visit. Compare your wingspan to Scottie Pippen and then try on a replica of the Super Bowl ring worn by William “Refrigerator” Perry. Delve into famous Chicago sports curses and then try your luck at Defending the Goal against Patrick Kane in VR.

Tilt at 360CHICAGO
Illinois Office of Tourism

7. For a view of the city like no other, ride the elevator up to the 360 CHICAGO Observatory and Tilt. The former John Hancock Tower is home to this 360-degree observatory where you can see out to Lake Michigan, north to Lakeview, and beyond. Grab a drink at the bar to relax for a bit or opt for the adrenaline-fueled Tilt experience where you can lean out 30 degrees over the city below for some heart-pumping fun!

8. Topping our list of favorite things to do in Chicago is seeing a Blue Man Group performance. You’ll truly feel like you are part of the show the minute you take your seat as the performers combine music, humor, and art. Items that you never knew could be instruments are used to make music while you laugh at the performers’ crazy antics up on stage. If you really want to get in on all the action, choose seats in the aptly named “Poncho section” and prepare to get wet! No two shows are the same so you should definitely add this show to your list even if you’ve seen it in the past.

Where Should You Stay When Visiting Chicago?

@k8loweth

Loved our stay at the Loews Hotel Chicago #loewschicago #loewshotel #loewshotels #chicago #choosechicago #enjoyillinois #chicagotravel #travel #traveltiktok

♬ Little Things – Tiqta

We loved our stay at the Loews Chicago Hotel and know you will too. They eagerly welcome families with loads of conveniences available to make your stay perfect. Located just a short walk from the Chicago River, Mag Mile, and Navy Pier, this property is perfectly located for your Chicago stay. The Loews Loves Families program really takes into consideration everything you might need when traveling with little ones and offers baby bath kits, coloring books, iPads on loan, and even PS3s for when you really need some quiet time. We even saw board books behind the front desk.

The property has a large indoor pool where kids can play and adults can swim laps (ask at the front desk for pool toys!). They also have a coffee shop in the lobby along with a restaurant, and the rooftop Streeterville Social where you can order food for sharing alongside inventive cocktails with a view of the Chicago River and skyline.

Where to Eat in Chicago with Kids

You can’t visit Chicago without a taste of the iconic deep-dish pizza and we suggest you head to Giordano’s for the true experience. There are many locations in the Chicago area with one restaurant located just a block from Millennium Park. Here you can get the perfect cheese pull pic for Instagram as you enjoy this pizza that’s unlike the typical cheese-on-top creations. Insider tip: If you have room left after your meal, head to nearby Garrett Popcorn and try the “Garrett Mix,” a delicious combination of cheese and caramel corn. They also have a location at ORD if you need to take some home with you (you will).

Harry Caray’s is another Chicago dining establishment that you won’t want to miss when you visit. Dedicated to Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Caray, these restaurants are full of Chicago sports memorabilia and offer a menu full of kid-friendly options like burgers and pulled pork sandwiches, along with salads and a foot-long Chicago-style hot dog. We love the location on Navy Pier as it gives you an air-conditioned space to relax away from the crowds.

If breakfast is on the menu, swing by Lou Mitchell’s for some no-frills diner fare. Feeding hungry diners since 1923, Lou Mitchell’s starts your breakfast off with a donut hole and a sliced orange as you make your choice from the massive menu that includes every breakfast item you crave from pancakes to corned beef hash to huge, fluffy omelettes. Sit at the counter if you want the real diner experience and make note that the portions are HUGE so be sure to arrive hungry!

Related: Hot Diggity! Where to Find the Best Chicago-Style Hot Dogs

 

Have a Day of Adventure at The Forge at Lemont Quarries

people on a ropes course at The Forge Lemont Quarries

About an hour outside of Chicago, you’ll find this awesome aerial adventure course called The Forge at Lemont Quarries. Older kids (and parents!) can enjoy the Climb & Zipline experience where you’ll learn to clip and unclip your harness before you set out on your self-paced adventure. Choose the level of challenge you want and end your fun with a zipline over the lake. Rope bridges, spider webs, swinging platforms, and more will test your skills along the way.

Younger kids can grab the Kids Adventure Pass which includes climbing through a netted obstacle course that’s the ideal size for them. There’s also an inflatable obstacle course and a traditional bounce house. This pass also includes access to the water tag experience—perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

Those looking for a lower-adrenaline activity can check out the archery, kayaking, axe-throwing, mountain biking , and laser tag activities. Parking is free and it’s free to get on the property so supervising grown-ups don’t have to pay. They also have live music and other events throughout the season.

 

Head to Starved Rock for Some Outdoor Time

After the hustle and bustle of your time in the city, you’ll be craving some nature and Starved Rock State Park is ready to deliver. It’s just under two hours drive from Chicago (just an hour from The Forge) and you’ll want to book your stay at the Starved Rock Lodge so that you can spend a few days there. With just 90 private accommodations on the property, Starved Rock Lodge offers a quiet environment where you can relax as a family. We stayed in a historic lodge room that gave us easy access to the indoor swimming pool that’s the perfect way to chill after a day of hiking. There’s a mini fridge and microwave in these rooms, making it extra convenient for families. Other accommodations include private cabins and traditional hotel wing rooms.

You’ll love that Starved Rock Lodge offers many different dining options so you don’t have to drive off the property for meals. The Lodge Restaurant offers a traditional dining room setting with delicious options like fried chicken, walleye, and steak. If the weather is cooperating, head to The Veranda where you can dine outdoors. Live music is available on select Fridays and Saturdays. Don’t miss out on the treats offered at The Cafe, located just off the front desk. Here you’ll find homemade ice cream and fudge, Illinois beers and wines, along with breakfast sandwiches and coffee. This is the spot to go to purchase forgotten items like swimwear and first aid supplies.

Things to Do at Starved Rock Lodge

people on the viewing platform at Starved Rock State Park

There are plenty of outdoor adventures to keep you busy while you stay at the Lodge. Head down to the Visitor Center to learn about the history of Starved Rock State Park and find out what park activities might be offered during your stay.

Illinois Office of Tourism

Hike up to Starved Rock for a view of the Illinois River and then check out the hiking trails through French Canyon to make your way to the other overlooks where you can get a great view of the dam and the river beyond.

cruise on the Illinois River at Starve Rock State Park

If you want to get out on the water, sign up for a trolley tour and boat cruise. The tour begins with lunch followed by a narrated trolley ride and pontoon boat cruise along the Illinois River. It’s a great way to spot waterfowl and learn some history along the way.

two people standing in front of Cascade Falls at Matthiessen State Park

Just a short drive away is Matthiessen State Park where you’ll find waterfalls (during the wet season) along with hiking trails, rock formations, and picnic areas. Take the Dells entrance to visit the impressive Cascade Falls, especially after a rain. This entrance will also take you by the sunflower field (visit in early July for the best experience).

view of Lone Buffalo Brewery from above

Looking for a dining option off-property? We really enjoyed our meal at the Lone Buffalo by Tangled Roots Brewing Company in Ottawa, IL. The town is also home to their hops and barley farm, the crop of which is used to create their “farm to foam beers” served on-site. Breweries tend to be great for families because the buzzing, jovial atmosphere means that your kids won’t be heard above the low-level din. The Lone Buffalo proved this to be true and we really felt welcomed by the whole staff during our visit.

Start with a flight of your choice of beers if you don’t want to choose just one. Definitely try the Blueberry YUM if it’s on the menu when you visit. The lunch and dinner menu offers shareable options like the Bavarian pretzel which we require you to order. Bison chili will fill you up with slow-simmered goodness and the chicken schnitzel with white cheddar mashed potatoes was a meal we could eat again and again. You’re going to be full but we recommend you push through it to try the skillet cookie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Yum yum yum.

If we have piqued your interest in a visit to Illinois, check out the following pages for more information on booking your trip!

Enjoy Illinois: enjoyillinois.com
Choose Chicago: choosechicago.com
Starved Rock Lodge: starvedrocklodge.com

—photos by the author

Editor’s note: This trip was paid for by Enjoy Illinois, Choose Chicago, and Starved Rock Lodge but all opinions belong to the writer.

Photo: Gustavo Torres via Unsplash

I remember the first day I walked into the office carrying a pair of hand weights and a little under-the-desk bicycle. None of my co-workers said a word, but the expressions on their collective faces made it clear that they thought I had gone a bit daft.

I’ll admit, I do have my quirks, and my passion for physical exercise leads me to do things that occasionally draw funny looks. Over the years, I’ve learned not to concern myself with what others think. Besides, no one would look at me curiously for stepping outside even in the most inclement of weather to smoke a cancer-stick, so why should they find it odd that I spend my lunch break power walking around the building in the snow?

Being a mom of two tiny little ladies means that not only do I want to be in shape for myself, but also to provide a stellar example to my two daughters. So I had to get over myself!

Overcoming My Fear of Looking Silly

Like everyone, I hate when people stare at me curiously. For most of my life, I got fit like everyone else — I went to the gym, hit some weights, rode the elliptical machine and took a few Tabata and Zumba classes each week. But once I gave birth to my first child, and especially after I returned to work, I found squeezing in an hour-long workout most days of the week a feat on par with scaling Mt. Everest.

Working out only on weekends when my left me physically and psychologically miserable. My energy lagged. Looking in the mirror, let alone trying to squeeze my lower half back into my pre-pregnancy jeans, brought me to tears. I had to make a change before my ability to juggle a career and child-rearing dissipated from despair.

Since there are only so many hours in a day, I started researching ways to include regular exercise via sneaky means. And you know what? It proved far easier than I thought!

Still, my fear of judgment held me back. The thought of changing into workout clothes at the office intimidated me, even though my lunch break provided the perfect time to fit in a quick workout.

I started small, beginning with performing calf raises while waiting for the copier to spit out the handouts for the weekly staff meeting. I did butt squeezes discreetly at my work desk. While grocery shopping, I pretended to gaze at items on the bottom shelves when I was really performing a deep squat.

Making Room for Healthy Habits During the Workday

As time passed, though, I grew a bit bolder by bringing little fitness gadgets to work, starting with a fitness ball. I claimed the ball was to prevent me from slumping in my chair. In reality, bouncing away at my desk while I typed toned my thighs.

The first time I changed into my running gear in the office bathroom, I felt quizzical eyes on me when I emerged. But then, I thought to myself, “Hey, no one would look twice if I sat down at my desk with a cholesterol-laden Big Mac.” Why should I feel awkward for taking care of my health, instead of harming it?

Eventually, my lunchtime presto-change-o became commonplace. Sure, I still felt a bit off jogging past the smoking bench where several co-workers lounged, but I kept reminding myself that if they didn’t feel ashamed of unhealthy behavior, I shouldn’t feel embarrassed over my healthy habits.

Whenever the weather permitted, I got outside to run or power walk during lunch. I discovered a nearby park that helped me expand my outdoor exercise routine with monkey bar pull-ups and picnic table triceps dips. I’d climb the jungle gym, utterly oblivious to the parents no doubt wondering why I was acting like the world’s biggest kid.

I began to notice an interesting side effect. Previously, I’d always suffered from the 3 p.m. slump, especially on days when my little bundle of joy kept me awake into the wee hours. After incorporating exercise into my workday, I found I had much more energy to power through my afternoons.

Rainy days posed a problem, as did the winter months. It wasn’t long before I ended up having to take at least some of my workouts inside. I invested in a subscription to an online fitness website and started streaming workouts in my cubicle.

At first, my co-workers raised a few eyebrows, but after the first week, I let their puzzled glances roll off my back. During the second week, my workmate two cubicles down asked if I minded her joining me, which admittedly helped me feel less peculiar.

I started squeezing in mini-workouts outside the workplace as well. While standing in line at the bank, I’d do leg lifts and isometric exercises. I went from sneaky squats at the grocery to adding biceps curls with canned goods.

I found ways to fit more exercise into my social life, as well. Like many moms, opportunities for getting together with friends happen once in a blue moon. When I did get a kid-free evening, I’d suggest going bowling or dancing instead of sitting around a bar.

My fitness-on-the-fly practice has now grown to the point where I slip into yoga poses or perform a few squat repetitions regardless of whether I’m at the farmers’ market or my living room. My commitment to health matters more to me than what random strangers may think about my admittedly oddball routine.

Inspiring Others

My penchant for fitness has encouraged some of my co-workers to follow suit. Now, instead of kickboxing alone in my cubicle, I’m leading a group of regulars who gather in the conference room to get our lunchtime workout groove on. As a result, I share a much stronger bond with my colleagues as we challenge each other to stay fit and celebrate our fitness successes, like losing five pounds or going a full day without a smoke.

My advice? Never let fear of other people’s opinions hold you back from getting in a quick workout anywhere and everywhere. Once people get used to your quirky fitness habits, they will applaud you for your commitment to staying in shape. You may end up inspiring others to join you! And most importantly, your kids will have an awesome mama to look up to!

Jennifer Landis is a mom, wife, freelance writer, and blogger. She enjoys long naps on the couch, sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter when her kid's not looking, and binge watching Doctor Who while her kid's asleep.  She really does like her kid, though, she promises. Find her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.

photo: Aaron Fulkerson via Flickr

Oh, mamas: Don’t feel guilty if you can’t make it to the gym (like, ever). You’re working out plenty considering all the baby-lifting, toy-clearing and stroller-pushing you probably do in a day. Ever wonder how many calories you burn just doing that magical mom (or dad) thing? Here’s an idea:

Pushing a stroller (60 min): 158 calories.

Picking up toys/ cleaning the house (30 min): 78 calories

Dancing with your kids (20 min): 93 calories

Carrying a 15-pound baby (60 minutes): 217 calories

Walking up and down stairs (10 minutes): 83 calories

Cooking dinner (60 minutes): 124 calories

Playing an outdoor game with your kids, like handball: (15 minutes): 186 calories

Total for the day: 939 calories burned. (Take that, Zumba class!)

Note: Calorie counts are calculated using a 130-pound woman as a reference. If you weigh more, you’ll burn slightly more; if you weigh less, you’ll burn slightly less. 

Source: Mathews Calorie Counter

Do you feel like you get a workout just being a parent? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below. 

Take off your shoes and join the world of re-imagined play—the kind where creativity flourishes and hands-on learning through exploration blossoms into new art forms. After four years of dreaming up an open play space for all ages, Twirl founder Sabrina Cazarez made her dreams a reality in Alameda last year. If you haven’t been to Twirl you’ll want to stop in ASAP.

Creativity Zones
Instead of throwing a bunch of toys in different rooms (or even corners of the room), Twirl takes a much cleaner and inventive approach to playtime for kids under 10 in the play gallery. There’s a super fun main play structure in the center of the room with creative learning spaces surrounding it on each wall and little wall nooks offer a variety of play spaces in the open floor plan. One corner of the room is home to a bookshelf and seating area with some toddler floor toys, while other nooks are painted their own unique color and have a different imagination activity within them — Like a giant piano, LEGO build wall, astronaut ship and costume, hanging chair, restaurant, or shop. The play exhibits (as Twirl calls them) rotate out each quarter so the kiddos will never get bored. Drop-in is just $12 per kiddo (adults are free) and you can stay as long as you’d like during that time seven days a week!

The paint studio offers kids of all ages different art activities at each table, as well as a reusable materials and art supply center for kids to try their hand at anything they comes up with! The fun is fairly limitless at Twirl.

Ongoing Activities for Kids and Parents
During a normal day of Open Play, Twirl leaders periodically come out to lead Twirl Time, where they sing and dance as a group! Twirl also offers 6-week long after-school art classes for kids in grades TK-Second Grade where Twirl staff help with homework then lead an afternoon art project and offer snacks. Looking for a little time alone? Twirl has some amazing Kids Night Out happenings on Fridays with themes like Earth Day and Space. For just $35 you get to drop the kiddo off at Twirl from 5:30-8 p.m. to create, snack and play — Not bad! Twirl even has you covered from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. over Spring Break and Summer Vacation! Sabrina says they typically have about one counselor to six kids (more depending on the age of the children), and they keep the groups relatively small (awesome!). There are even drop-off weekday Zumba classes available for ages 3-8 and Baby Workshops where Twirl will help you get a fabulous baby handprint or footprint.

Community Focused
Sabrina lives in Alameda with her family, so she made sure that Twirl is a hub for community, not just another business. She features local artists throughout the studio, sells local goods in the Twirl shop, offers adult crafting classes, and is also open to collaborating on events like parent meetups . Kids will adore having the back party room all to themselves then letting loose on the play floor and art gallery area for their birthday, too. Twirl offers a variety of birthday party packages and add-ons. Be sure to check out the Twirl calendar for all of the upcoming community events.

Twirl
1424 Park St.
Alameda, CA
Drop-In Hours: Sunday-Monday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (but check their website for early closures due to private parties)
Cost: $12/child
Online: twirlalameda.com

Have you been to Twirl yet? What’s the first thing you’d do when you go?

–Shari Wargo Stamps

We live in one of the country’s fittest cities, so it’s no surprise our kiddos are following suit of their get-up and go grown-ups. Just look at all the My Gym and Little Gym locations in the D.C. metro area. (That would be 15 and 17, respectively, within a 100-mile radius of Capitol Hill.) But dance, gymnastics, soccer and tee-ball aren’t the only ways to get kids moving. Here are six places outside the (sand)box.

Photo: Lil Omm via Facebook

Stretch Limits at Lil Omm
Founded in 2008 by a local mom, this yoga studio focuses on community, encouraging budding yogis to have fun while being healthy. Classes include Family Yoga, 45-minute sessions broken down by age that give parents and kids a chance to get centered together. Other options are kids-only. Babies can get in on the action, too, through Itsy Bitsy Yoga.

Cost: Range from $20 for drop-in classes to $300 for a 20-class pass
4708 Wisconsin Ave., N.W.
Online: lilomm.com

Playing Outside the Box at Blue Box Sports
Got a sports enthusiast? No need to wait until he or she can join a league sport. Kids from 18 months to 6 years have been getting a leg up through Blue Box’s developmental basketball, baseball and soccer classes since 2006. Classes meet in 12 locations around Virginia and D.C. Sessions typically run eight weeks.

Cost: starting at about $12 per class
Online: blueboxsports.com

Photo: The Lab DC via Facebook

Breaking it Down at The Lab DC
Ballet, tap and jazz—been there, signed up for that. But breakdancing? That’s a new spin. The Lab DC is the first in the area to specialize in the format popularized in the 1970s and ’80s. Lil Breakers is for kiddos 2.5 to 4 years and focuses on fundamental techniques and skills that build strength, coordination and gross motor skills in addition to fostering teamwork.

6925 Willow St., N.W.
Online: thelabdc.com

Shimmy Your Sillies Out at My Gym
Turns out the popular Latin American dance-based Zumba classes aren’t just for adults. Boys and girls ages 4 through 12 can work their way through movements step by step before putting them all together during the 45-minute Kids Zumba classes.

Cost: $40 for four weeks
9566 Burke Rd. (Burke, Va)
Online: mygym.com

Photo: The N Zone via Facebook

Variety is the Spice of Life at the nZone
Can’t pick just one? Get a Kids Fitness Membership here and try Animal Yoga (ages 2-5), Tough Kids Bootcamp (ages 6-12) or Cardio Craze (2-5 years). Bonus: Adults can burn their calories here, too, at yoga, Pilates and Zumba classes.

Cost:  $30/month or $20/month with an adult membership
14550 Lee Rd. (Chantilly Va)
Online: thenzone.com

Self-defense, Israeli Style at Roundhouse Krav Maga
Developed for the Israeli military, “contact combat,” as krav maga translates to, pulls from boxing, judo and other forms. Kids Krav Maga teaches kids how to protect themselves against unwanted physical contact by other kids and adults.

9190 Red Branch Rd. (Columbia, Md)
Online: roundhousekravmaga.com

Do you have any favorite kids workout spots? Tell us in the comments. 

–Stephanie Kanowitz