From the freshest threads to the best play spaces, your kiddos will learn valuable life skills and have tons of fun at these top Chicago-area businesses.
Best Kids Clothing (City)
The Red Balloon
1940 N Damen Ave.
Kiddos outgrown everything in their closet? This Chicago favorite has the coolest clothes for babies, kids and tweens.
Best Kids Clothing (Suburbs)
Sprout Kids
644 Central Ave., Highland Park
For over eight years this children’s clothing and gift boutique has been providing the best quality layette and children’s clothing for boys and girls.
Best Toy Store (City)
Timeless Toys
4749 N Lincoln Ave.
Timeless Toys Ltd. was established in 1993 and offers a creative selection of toys, puzzles and games for all ages.
Best Toy Store (Suburbs)
The Wild Child
The goal of The Wild Child is to get kids unplugged and engaged in pretend play and interactive activities.
Best Kids Haircut
Kidsnips
Various locations
Make your child’s haircut experience fun with a visit to this salon featuring video games and car-shaped cutting chairs.
Best Kids/Family Photographer (City)
Wildwood Photography
2138 W Roscoe St.
This repeat winner is all about capturing those precious, fleeting moments your family will treasure for years to come.
Best Kids/Family Photographer (Suburbs)
Nicole Thomas Photography
1942 Lehigh Ave., Ste D, Glenview
Nicole Thomas Photography has been serving Chicago and the North Shore for nineteen years. They specialize in kids, family, actors/models as well as professional headshots and work both in studio and on location.
Best Swim School
Big Blue Swim School
4207 N Western Ave.
Big Blue offers swimming lessons for kids ages 3 months to 12 years, teaching them how to be safe, happy, and confident swimmers. Their unique approach of hiring highly trained, adult swim instructors guarantees kids have fun while learning from caring professionals.
Best Indoor Playspace
Little Beans Café
430 Asbury Ave., Evanston
Little Beans is an imaginative and active playspace and family cafe for kids 0-12 years. They offer drop-in play, camps, preschool programs, classes, parties, and food/drink in their full-service cafe.
Best Day Camp
Apachi Day Camp
300 Revere Dr., Northbrook
Summer at Apachi is filled with camp traditions, day after day of fun, and programming in alignment with health and safety guidelines. Expansive campuses, caring counselors, and connection with friends are hallmarks of every Apachi summer.
Best Overnight Camp
Camp Chi
300 Revere Dr., Northbrook
For nearly 100 years, Camp Chi has transformed children’s summers. Campers unplug from daily life and connect to life-changing moments filled with a sense of community, kindness and respect. Campers see opportunities for adventure and fun, while growing and gaining independence.
