17 Podcasts and Audiobooks That Will Make Family Road Trips Fly By

Road trips — like all travel with kids — can be both joyous and maddening. On one such trip, I’ll admit that I began answering the age-old “Are we there yet?” question with “Yes” no matter where we actually were. I told my kids “Yep, we’re smack-dab in the middle of bustling Nashville,” as we traveled down a […]

15 Must-See Plays in Chicago for the Holiday Season

’Tis the season to be jolly, spread holiday cheer — and, of course, join loved ones for theater classics like “A Christmas Carol” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” But while the perennial favorites are indeed returning to local stages, the wise men and women of Chicago’s theatrical community have other gifts in store, too. So, […]

5 Things to Do: Nov. 3-5

Ready or not, the holidays are almost here. Start checking items off your shopping list with a few shows this weekend featuring the best in antiques, sculpture, crafts and more. Plus, don’t miss two author events. And learn more about the Chicagoland Holiday Chocolate Show, taking place Nov. 4-5 in Northbrook. SOFA CHICAGO Nov. 2-5 […]

9 New Must-Read Parenting Books

Kids may not come with handbooks, but this fall brings a new crop of wise and witty parenting books that can help parents with the daunting task of raising great kids while keeping both their perspective and sense of humor intact. 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do: Raising Self-Assured Children and Training Their Brains […]

5 Things to Do: Oct. 27-29

Get the Halloween festivities started early this weekend with two ways to celebrate high above the city. Plus, don’t miss the latest Chicago Humanities Festival and a groundbreaking new exhibit at the Illinois Holocaust Museum. It’s also not too late to #BeScaryGood this Halloween and Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. Learn more about how you can make your […]

5 Reasons the New Navy Pier is Thriving

Since becoming a nonprofit in 2011, Navy Pier has embarked on a total transformation both outside and in: not only is its physical space undergoing a makeover, but it’s quickly becoming one of the city’s hottest cultural scenes. In this case, change is a good thing — a very good thing — and it’s safe […]

5 Things to Do: Oct. 20-22

If you just can’t wait for Halloween, you’re in luck — this weekend will be filled with spooky fun at Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Botanic Garden and North Suburban YMCA. Plus, don’t miss the latest production from Joffrey Ballet. Arts in the Dark Oct. 21 Chicago LUMA8, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and […]

5 Things to Do: Oct. 13-15

Halloween isn’t here quite yet, but you can start celebrating this weekend with a murder mystery at Oil Lamp Theater and a harvest festival (complete with a pumpkin patch that gives back) in Chicago. You can also attend a healthy living and parenting conference, see a world premiere play at Black Ensemble Theater, or explore […]

Actors Training Center Celebrates 10 Years of Student Success

What seems like a simple internet search for “Chicago acting classes” can turn into an overwhelming task — especially if you’re not sure what exactly you’re looking for. There are many places where young actors can train in the Chicagoland area, some specializing in just musical theater, some only on performance, and others that merely […]