10 reasons Lollapalooza is more fun with the whole family

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Every year we journey out of the suburbs into downtown Chicago for music, food and all that is Lollapalooza. To the surprise of many who walk with us through the gates into Grant Park, we always bring our kids. It’s true, and what many people don’t realize is that its fest within a fest is an even cooler experience for children.

Kidzapalooza is a gem tucked away inside the Lollapalooza festival gates. It’s just beyond Buckingham Fountain, past the bubble blowers, and through brightly colored gates. It’s an oasis of wonder, and far more than music and food. It’s an interactive rock-and-roll experience that makes every kid feel like a VIP rockstar.

Here are 10 reasons you should take the kids to Kidzapalooza this year, and every year.

It’s free for kids.

Kids 10 and under get into the festival free with each paying adult. Not only is admission free, so is most of the gear, services, food samples and activities inside. Kidzapalooza is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Aug. 2-5.

The music.

While adult headliners Bruno Mars and The Weeknd are heating up Lolla, kindie rock stars are grabbing the attention on the kid front. Justin Roberts, the Not Ready for Naptime Players, Mister G, the Jazz Cats and more are making little booties move and shake.

It’s one big happy circus.

The Strolling Summer Circus’ stilters, magicians, jugglers and bubblers stroll among the little people, providing epic visuals.

Mohawk, anyone?

They can wear their hair like a rockstar. Snippets mini-cuts hosts a portable salon where they’re braiding hair, spiking mohawks and spraying washable hair colors.

Get inked.

Tattooz is airbrushing temporary tattoos, perfectly fitting with their new rockstar ‘do!

Stuff of dreams.

What’s better than catching a good dream? Easel Art Studio is teaching kids to make their very own mini dream catcher key chains, a perfect keepsake to remember the day.

Gear up.

Kids can get their names printed on Psychobaby drawstring tote, grab a cute T-shirt, water bottle, a CD, earmuffs or ear plugs to protect their ears.

Make a music video.

Kids can play instruments, just like their favorite rockstar. They can have a say in the colored lighting on the LED stage, and star in their very own music video with The Berklee Popular Music Institute.

It’s extremely baby-friendly.

Babyganics is hosting a space for new, expectant and nursing mamas and their babies. Parents can use Babyganics products to change diapers, apply sunscreen, insect repellant and hand sanitizer.

Kidza Lounge

When the adults get tired and overstimulated we sit on dirt. Kidz kick up their feet in The Kidzapalooza lounge. Kids can get away from the noise, color and get energy for the next musical performance.

This is much more than a festival. It’s one of the most unique experiences your kids will ever have. Kids and adults alike will find themselves in center of the city, under skyscrapers, with larger than life artwork, people, and moments.

* Ticket prices will vary, but might run you anywhere from $150-300 for a single day pass, and $400-$600 for a 4-day pass. VIP/premium tickets available also at Lollapalooza.com

If you go, tag us at @ChicagoMomGoesSuburban and @ChicagoParent!

5 reasons to do Milwaukee for Spring Break

A lot has changed since the last time you visited Milwaukee. In the past few years, Milwaukee has had a culture and development boom, making it the fifth fastest growing city in the U.S. 2017. We went back with our kids a couple of weeks ago, after almost a decade-long hiatus, and we almost couldn’t believe it was the same Milwaukee.

The city remains beautifully artistic, with a uniquely charming historical character. We strolled through the Milwaukee Public Market on our way to The Children’s Museum, while passing dozens of bars, shops and restaurants, all so inviting that it was difficult to pass up each new place. It has all the character and buzz that we love about Chicago, but it was so much easier to maneuver with three little ones in tow.

Milwaukee is refreshingly manageable and accessible, which it makes it a wonderful place for Chicagoans to go to unwind. Our entire experience blew us away. Driving less than an hour and a half from Chicago is enough to make you feel like you’re on Spring Break, but it eliminates the hassle and expense of boarding a plane.

Leave the car seats buckled in, and your bags right where you can see them, because your family is road tripping to Milwaukee for Spring Break 2018.

Here’s your cheat sheet on how to get the most from your trip:

Where to sleep: The Kimpton Journeyman. This award-winning hotel makes you feel like you’re on vacation, with all the comfort and coziness of your home. A complimentary happy hour is served with gourmet pizza and board games in the lobby. You are going to want to walk everywhere, but to see more attractions, take them up on the complimentary bicycles.

Where to learn: The Milwaukee Art Museum for older kids, Discovery World for elementary-aged kids, and the Betty Brinn Children's Museum for the little ones are within a mile of your hotel, the Milwaukee Public Market, and the RiverWalk. Our kids love learning through play, and depending on the age of your littles, one of these places is sure to be perfect for your entire family.

Where to eat: Sabrosa Cafe and Gallery stole our hearts for breakfast, while Tre Rivaligave us an afternoon coffee fix and insanely delicious pizzas. The Outsider has an outstanding rooftop dinner experience, and there were even games for the kids to play. For snacks, the best lobster hoagie sandwich around, wine and chocolate, the Milwaukee Public Market is an experience not to pass up.

Where to play (or watch someone else play): Miller Park is the home of the Brewers Major League Baseball team, and they play the Cubs on April 5-8! The Northwestern Mutual Children’s Theater & Playzone and Festival Park are located on the lakefront, and are the home of Milwaukee's famous Summerfest.

Where to explore: The Milwaukee RiverWalk is a two-mile path right along the water, tying together three riverfront neighborhoods. It's strewn with art, waterfront bars and restaurants, and rich historic architecture. The RiverWalk is a great place to start and finish your Milwaukee adventure!

Go big or go home for your next girls' night out

Getting together with the girls should happen often. Monthly, if possible, though I realize that is rarely the case. It’s good to maintain a social life outside of your life with kids, and nights out with the girls are like tune-ups for your own sanity. 

Still, even these few and far between nights out can become same-old, same-old; you space out thinking about the work week, you wonder if the kids got to bed OK, and you kick yourself for wearing the 19th outfit you tried on when the third was totally acceptable. 

Where's the drama? The spark? The giggling whispers that made up the most memorable nights out in your college days? 

You are in need of an epic night out with the ladies. I’m talking one for the record books, one for the diary you're meaning to start, and one worthy of your yearly profile picture overhaul. 

Here are five ways to ensure your next GNO will leave you texting your crew highlight reel memories for years to come. 

Start with the venue

I don’t know about you, but mundane bar seating leaves me feeling uninspired. For an epic night out, a beautiful venue is key. The “Rosé all day” neon sign at Hampton Social is on point, and so is the rest of the decor. The Flamingo Rum Club not only has a beautiful flamingo mural on the side of the building, but the decor inside is perfection. Cindy’s, the rooftop at the Chicago Athletic Center, has unobstructed views of Millennium Park, and I also have Apogee, the rooftop at The Dana Hotel, on my summer bucket list.

Pick an outfit theme

No, I'm not talking about a bachelorette LBD that you can’t breath in, accompanied by male member hats. I'm talking something fun that is a good conversation piece, and will unite the group everywhere you go. Pick a color theme (jewel tones, metallics, or (gasp!) a color that will compliment your destination, such as shades of pink for the Flamingo Rum Club), a genre (can’t beat an ‘80s MTV-inspired night), or when all else fails, unite in hair. Have a friend fishtail braids, or get real creative and build flower crowns while you pre-game. There’s also a Chicago based company that will help you build the perfect crown for your bad ass group of queen b’s. In the same way bachelorette themes unite a group, this is an exciting way to bond in preparation for your night out.

Play an ongoing game of Truth or Dare

You may think I'm going to recommend a drinking game. You'd be correct. But this is even better. An ongoing game of Truth or Dare will keep you giggling and entertained all. night. long. First, pick a word commonly used with your group. “Literally” works on almost every level. Each time it is used during the night, that person is in the hot seat for Truth or Dare. Truth: What’s the funniest thing you ever got busted doing -- and where? Dare: Seek out the man in the skinniest jeans in the bar and ask him the brand (because you'd totally love to be twinsies!) 

Plan a group photo

Something that captures the theme of the night perfectly. ‘80s theme? You'll all need to get your highest of high kicks, and boomerang ‘80s dance moves on camera. Human pyramids rarely fail (bahahaha!), and props from around the bar (hammocks, neon signs or specialty drinks in coconuts) can take the usual duck face group default photo to a level one only thought was possible in T. Swift’s music video for “Bad Blood.”

Relocate for dessert

The dessert at the restaurant might be tempting, but take your squad somewhere else to get a change of scenery. Relocate to grab unicorn milkshakes, banana splits for six or cookies as big as your head. Places like Margie’s Candies are open until midnight, so check the times before you head out for a sugar fix! This is a fun way to recap the night and plan your next epic girls' night out.

Revamp your wardrobe with these Pantone Color of the Year 2018 picks

When Prince first sang Purple Rain, it was hard for many to understand why he chose that particular color in the first place. However, we can all agree that the energy it omits is as mysterious and magnetic as the universe itself. Pantone must have felt the same pull to the shade when they officially named Ultra Violet their 2018 Color of the Year. 

Pantone's website introduces the color as "a dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future." 

Purple symbolizes something greater, counterculture, unconventionality and artistic brilliance that we are all going to need to contribute more of to move us forward in 2018. Here are uber chic ways to radiate Ultra Violet from local bloggers who have fully embraced the 2018 Pantone Color of the Year.

 OPI Purpetual Emotion

 Packed Party confetti tote

 Fashaholic's purple trench

Sanem's tassel earrings