AUDITIONS (2/4 & 2/18) for Fall '24-American Youth Symphony Orchestra

Youth Orch & Chamber Music Auditions - ages 7-18, all orchestral instruments

E-Learning Insights from Digital Media Expert Nicole Dreiske

As local schools adopt remote learning strategies for the fall, Dreiske offers some helpful techniques to keep students on track.

5 Ways Families Can Avoid Overspending This Summer — And Beyond

Summer spending doesn't have to break the bank! Here are a few ways to cut back while still having some big fun all year.

Helpful Pregnancy Advice That Moms-To-Be Should Embrace

If you're pregnant, don't stress— a new book explains just what to do while making your baby, from healthy diets to the checklist you need.

Tidying Up: How To Declutter Our Lives As Parents

It's common to feel suffocated by all of our material objects. Luckily, there are some ways to simplify our lives as parents and people.

7 Expert Tips On Managing Your Picky Little Eaters

Every parent wants to crack the code on their picky eaters — without having to force-feed them. Here are some techniques that will help.

Traveling With A Toddler: Pro Tips And Avoidable Fails

Planning a getaway with a toddler? It might not be as sunny as you hoped, if you're not prepared. Here are some tips to remember!

7 Signs You Might Be Over-Parenting

A recent book suggests that over-parenting your child could be doing more harm than good — but how do you know when you're guilty of it?

What Is A Lawnmower Parent — And Are You One?

You've heard of the helicopter parent, but there’s a new term sweeping the playgrounds. Are you guilty of it?

6 Ways To Balance Parenthood And A Successful Career

With a little creative thinking, courage, and planning, you can find a modern-day workflow that actually works for you and your family.

How the YMCA Prevents Summer Learning Loss in Youth

Learn how providing children with an enriching summer experience can have a lasting impact on their lives.

Celebrate Healthy Kids Day, Jump Start Your Summer With the YMCA

Join us for a free family event at a YMCA of Metro Chicago near you.

Spring Break: Keep Your Child Active, Engaged at the Sage Y

When schools close, working parents can rely on YMCA of Metro Chicago's School Days Out to keep children active, engaged, and safe.

Keep Your Child Active, Engaged Over Spring Break at Your Local Y

When schools close, working parents can rely on YMCA of Metro Chicago’s School Days Out to keep children active, engaged, and safe.

8 Ways for Families to Have Fun in Chicago This August

Check out what fun events and activities are happening this month in the city!

Gay Community Center Seeks Cub Scouts Charter

If the Boy Scouts of America approves, Chicago would be home to the first LGBTQ organization to partner with the Scouts.

Top Towns to Raise a Family in Illinois

A total of 73 Illinois cities were ranked by Niche as the best places to start a family.

Do You Live in One of the 50 Safest Cities in Illinois?

Here are the top 50 safest cities in Illinois, according to ValuePenguin.

Beat the Heat and Try Something Sweet at One of These 59 Ice Cream Shops in Illinois

A list of 59 must-try ice cream shops throughout the state.

Take a dip with the family at these 43 water parks and pools in Illinois

Cool off at these 43 water parks and pools this summer.

Lottie's Hosts Petting Zoo at Bucktown GardenWalk

Featuring a half-price pizza party and more

FBI Looks for Young Victims in International Sexual Exploitation Case

VIDEO: A young woman shares her story of "sextortion" as a teen victim of Lucas Chansler. The FBI has released the screen names he used.

Family Grieves for a Son, Brother and Friend Murdered in Lake View

Kevin O'Malley was shot in a mugging on May 30.

25 Trips to Make with the Family this Summer

Sure, Chicago has a lot of fun things to do, but let us introduce you to what the rest of Illinois has to offer this summer.

The Best Brunch Spots Around Illinois

Warning: Do not read when hungry.

New Baby Snow Monkey Born at Lincoln Park Zoo

The little guy is the first of his kind to be born at the zoo.

Preschool Preparation Workshop: Bubbles Academy

Preschool Preparation Workshop: Bubbles Academy

Free Event for Fathers this Weekend at UIC Forum

'Fathers Helping Fathers' hosts Dad School, providing free legal and social support for Dads working to become closer to their kids.

Fathers Helping Fathers Addresses Sensitive Subject for Dads of Divorce and Domestic Discord

The national non-profit organization hosts ‘Dad School’, to provide Chicago area fathers with free legal advice, and support.

Abraham Lincoln's love for cats and other little-known facts about the 16th president

Honest Abe’s 206th birthday is Feb. 12. Celebrate by learning 20 new facts about the president from Illinois.

There are a lot of things for Illinoisans to be proud of, and here's the proof!

Lest we forget just how wonderful our state is, take a look at the Illinois Wall of Fame.

Frozen Chicago: The Windy City on Ice is Remarkable When Seen from the Air

Thanks to Colin Hinkle, you can see its beauty in a stunning YouTube video.

Fireballs in the Sky: Orionids Meteor Shower Peak on Tuesday

Halley's Comet says hello this week, and conditions in Illinois are good for viewing.

Fireballs in the Sky: Orionids Meteor Shower Peak on Tuesday

Halley's Comet says hello this week, and conditions in Illinois are good for viewing.

Mmmm, Want to Smell Chocolate? There's a Map for That

DNAinfo Chicago introduces you to Ian Petchenik, the man who built the Daily Chicago Chocolate Smell Map.

First Ailing Illinoisan Learns He'll Get a Medical Marijuana License

Army vet Jim Champion has multiple sclerosis.

Watch a Bucktown Siberian Husky Say 'I Love You'

You can find Damen at Miss Q's Framing and Home Decor in Bucktown.

11 Years After 'Heaven,' What Life is Like for the Burpo Family

The movie, in stores July 22, is about a real-life boy who says he went to Heaven and met Jesus during surgery. We spoke with the family behind the film about how it can help start a discussion in your town.

24 Amazing Ways Residents Inspire Their Communities

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

Everyday Inspirations: Incredible Ways People Give Back Locally

Patch readers told us who the "Everyday Inspirations" in their communities are, and we're sharing their stories and the work they've done locally.

'Coupon Queen' Gets $800 Grocery Bill Down to $7, Gives Savings Away

A New York woman is so good at bargain shopping that she's used her skills to donate groceries and other goods to charity. Learn how you can follow her lead locally.

826CHI Prom: Support Community Writing Programs with Sci-Fi Themed Party

Wicker Park’s nonprofit creative writing and tutoring center is hosting its annual prom fundraiser April 26 in Lincoln Park. The theme this year is "Prom 9 From Outer Space."

Charitable Children: 'No Matter What Age You May Be, You Can Change the Life of Another'

As a part of our "Everyday Inspirations" series, we look at how children across the country are making big impacts locally.

Harp Healing: Woman Uses Music Therapy to Help Hospital Patients

After losing three people close to her in eight months, Edie Elkan picked up a harp for the first time in 28 years. Now she runs a program training others to play the instrument for patients in hospitals.

Nominate 'Everyday Inspirations' in Your Town

Patch wants to share stories about people who work every day to change others' lives for the better.

7th Grader’s Effort to Help Teacher Inspires Big Donation

Also in this week's 'Good Reads,' a local cop has 50 parrots in his home and Patch readers have a bone to pick with the post office over missing mail.

Win Tickets to See Disney On Ice

Patch and Disney on Ice will give away five family packs of four tickets each to the show of your choice. Enter to win through Jan. 20.

2014 Resolution: Love Your Imperfections

These animals have it all figured out.