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

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

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.

Timeless Tots Unveils Wall Art of Local Children by Jookie

Children's Clothing Boutique Remains Current with Photographs that Tell a Unique Story of it's Young Customers

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?

Timeless Toys Releases Top Holiday Toys for 2018

Lincoln Square store announces their first annual top Holiday Gifts for 2018 for Children

Share Thanksgiving with Family at Senior Care Communities

Try these ways to include loved ones who live in senior care communities in your Thanksgiving festivities.

JCYS Opening New Center in Lincoln Square Ravenswood

Two-Story Early Childhood Education Center to Open 2019

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.

Fundraiser Launched For West Ridge Nature Preserve Play Area

The group of people who started the fundraiser said they hope to offer North Side kids more "unstructured creative play."

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

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

Bistro Campagne Welcomes Families to Celebrate Mom with Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday, May 8 Starting at 10 a.m.

Brunch Hours Extended for the Holiday Honoring all Mothers

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.

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.

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.

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 North Side 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.

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.

'Seductive' Cabbie Calendar Raises Money for Lawsuit

The cabbies pose against the hoods of their cars, mostly fully dressed, to raise money for a lawsuit against the City of Chicago.

Cardinal Francis George Marks 50 Years as a Catholic Priest

Leader of the Chicago Archdiocese reflects on his life and his service to the church.

High School Student Teams Up with Harlem Globetrotters for Anti-Bullying Efforts

When the Harlem Globetrotters organization learned about Camille Paddock's anti-bullying crusade via a Patch article, they invited her to join them to encourage kids.