We purchased this book for our daughter a couple months ago and leave it on the shelf behind the toilet. It's a great way to quickly distract her before any fear kicks in about sitting on the potty. Now she will immediately request the book and sit on the potty for a few minutes while she looks through the different flaps and points out all the pictures there are to see.

Get your kids and entire family immersed in science, nature, and trees at one of the many hands-on programs at The Morton Arboretum. They offer sensory-based and even baking classes for little ones and their caregivers.

Bring your own tent and gather your family for a camp out at the Morton Arboretum. There will be snacks, activities, night hikes, and story time! In the morning you will be provided a light breakfast and the opportunity to explore the Children's Garden before it opens to the public. Feel free to pack your own snacks to bring along as well.

Sign the whole family up for this fall race located at the Morton Arboretum. They have a special 'Kids Dash' which is designed for children as young as 2. The kids are broken up by age and the race distance ranges from 50 yards to half a mile. Jogging strollers are also permitted in the full 5K for those that want to run with their little ones!

Enjoy nine miles of paved, vehicle free roads while taking in the beautiful scenery the Morton Arboretum has to offer. You will have plenty of shade during your ride thanks to the gorgeous trees along the path. This is a perfect path for families looking to enjoy a relaxing bike ride together. Bring your own bike or rent one from the Arboretum.

This activity at Morton Arboretum gives families the tools they need to embark on their own self-guided exploration to maximize their visit! The backpack rental will include science tools, guides, and fun props to be used throughout the day as you learn together. One backpack is all you need for a family of up to 5 people.

Ages: kids 2 - 6 and their families

Cost: admission, $15 for adults and $10 for children, + $4 - $5 per backpack

Everyone is welcome to build a 'tree' out of recycled materials at this hands-on and self guided activity. The materials will vary by day so bring your imagination and get building! This is a great way to practice creativity and explore everything Morton Arboretum has to offer once you've completed the activity.

Cost: Included with admission price ($15 adults/$10 children and free for children 1 and under).

My daughter loves story time but not as much as she loves being outside. This event combines those two things, allowing children to soak up the beautiful summer weather while enjoying an entertaining story! This event is weather permitting.

Family fun at the Tinley Park Block Party includes live music, rides, inflatables, a giant slide, a zipline, nine-hold mini golf, a giant carousel, a bean bag tournament, oversized yard games and much more!

Rides, games, concessions, and live music will all be in the lineup for the La Grange Carnival this year! As always, one of their main events will be the pet parade which steps off on Saturday at 9:30 AM before the carnival opens so be sure to find a spot to get a good view of all of La Grange lovable pets. The event will take place on Harris Street between La Grange Road and Ashland Avenue.

Airplanes, vendors, food, drinks, and fun for the entire family!

Adults and children alike will enjoy this annual outdoor family event. It takes place in a beautiful park and will have a wide variety of vehicles to climb inside and test out the horn while checking out all of the equipment.

Kids can find out which Hogwarts house they would be assigned to with this sorting hat puppet. The size is adjustable to create a great fit. Keep your fingers crossed that you're not assigned to Slytherin, am I right?

My daughter has recently discovered how much fun it is to jump on the couch cushions. In an effort to corral her to a safer jumping zone, I purchased this mini trampoline with a handle bar. She LOVES it. I don't even understand how she has a drop of energy left in her after spending an hour going back and forth to jump on it between playing with other toys. It was easy to set up and also has a higher weight capacity than other trampolines I looked at.