Busybeeburbs

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➡️Discovering indoor and outdoor gems for families in the Chicago Suburbs

06/13/2026

🚗 The perfect Midwest road trip does exist! If you're looking for a family getaway that's easy to reach from Chicago, I’ve got your answer. ad

✏️ Most people know Hocking Hills for the waterfalls, caves, and scenic hikes, but there are so many other family-friendly things to do beyond the trails. We stargazed through one of the largest telescopes in Ohio, visited the only pencil sharpener museum in the U.S., searched for butterflies along the butterfly trail, and spent time on the water at Lake Logan.

🌳 What I loved most is that you can make the trip your own. Whether your family wants to hike all day, mix in a few attractions, or just enjoy a slower pace, there are plenty of options (and many of them are free)!

📍Hocking Hills, OH

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Our Hocking Hills , Ohio family-friendly guide ⤵️ ad✨This Midwest gem is the perfect getaway for families. Just 6 hours ...
06/13/2026

Our Hocking Hills , Ohio family-friendly guide ⤵️ ad

✨This Midwest gem is the perfect getaway for families. Just 6 hours from Chicago, here are our recommendations for the best hikes, attractions, and restaurants in the area.

:: HIKES ::
• Ash Cave (1/2 mile, paved)
•Cedar Falls (1 mile)
•Old Man’s Cave (1 mile)
•Rockhouse (1 mile)
•Conkle’s Hollow Gorge Trail (1 mile, paved)

‼️Pro-tip: the trails are all one-way and distances are round trip! You can reach each of the namesake attractions within 10 minutes of the parking lots.

:: THINGS TO DO ::
• (the Dragonfly zipline course is for kids!)
• (free beach or rent a pontoon)
•Pencil Sharpener Museum (free at the Regional Welcome Center)
•Visitors’ Center (Regional and Old Man’s Cave)
•Butterfly Trail (free)

:: WHERE TO EAT ::
•
•Hocking Hills Donuts & Coffee
•Tammy’s Country Kitchen
•Laine's Dutch Country Store
•Old Man’s Cave General Store

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Lots of damage in Bartlett from a confirmed tornado on the ground😕59 & Stearns appears to have gotten the most damage ac...
06/12/2026

Lots of damage in Bartlett from a confirmed tornado on the ground😕59 & Stearns appears to have gotten the most damage according to reports. I hope everyone is ok.

📷Bartlett residents

06/11/2026

🫧TICKET GIVEAWAY! Let’s have a summer day at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Shimmering Summer just opened and it is SO neat. Located in 4 spots throughout the Gardens, large iridescent bubbles reflect the water, flowers, and sky in the coolest way.
The photos truly don't do them justice. And yes, there are bubble-themed summer treats too!

Beyond the art, there are family-friendly weekend activities throughout the summer at Festival Field, including music, performers, bubbles, games, and more. PLUS don’t sleep on the Children’s Garden, Butterflies & Blooms, and Model Railroad Garden - they’re all included in admission.

Shimmering Summer is open through September 20, and you can purchase tickets in my bio or at ChicagoBotanic.org/ShimmeringSummer!

✨:: GIVEAWAY ::

I’m giving away a pair of tickets + parking to 1 lucky follower! To enter:

1. Like this post
2. Follow &
3. Tag the person you’d bring to see Shimmering Summer!
4. For a bonus entry, share to your story!

(Giveaway ends 6/16 and is not sponsored by Meta. Winner will be contacted by me via DM!)

📍Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd. Glencoe, IL

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🫧We love FREE children’s entertainment and I’ve got the details on all of them throughout the suburbs - they’re perfect ...
06/07/2026

🫧We love FREE children’s entertainment and I’ve got the details on all of them throughout the suburbs - they’re perfect for family outings!

✍️Comment SUMMER and I’ll send you all info and links (I couldn’t fit everything on the slides)!

🎶If you’re looking for local summer entertainment for your toddler or early elementary kiddos, you’ll want to save this post! From music and concerts to bubbles and juggling, you can plan an outing for every day of the week.

🐝Share with a friend to plan a fun meet up, and follow along for more kid-friendly ideas!

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