MouseBrief · Chicagoland & Beyond
Family fun close to home, and beyond.
Practical tips from our visits to zoos, museums, farms and playgrounds around Chicago, plus the beach in California and a few road trips.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago 11 GUIDES
Guide to BOO! at the Zoo and Halloween at Brookfield Zoo Chicago 2026
Top Tips for Visiting the Dinosaurs at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Rides at Brookfield Zoo Chicago: 3 Fun Attractions to Try
Visit Brookfield Zoo Chicago for Free This Winter20267 minGuide to Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo Chicago 2025202510 minUPDATE for Brookfield Zoo: See Tropical Forests Without a Reservation20252 minOur Visit to the Brand New Tropical Forests at Brookfield Zoo Chicago202511 minSee Brookfield Zoo Chicago Primates in Their New Outdoor Habitat20252 minHow to See Huge New Tropical Forests at Brookfield Zoo Chicago20254 minBig Guide to Brookfield Zoo Chicago202522 minWildly Fun Tips for the Play Zoo at Brookfield Zoo Chicago20255 min
Museums & aquariums 9 GUIDES
UPDATED: Chicago Area’s CLIMB Network for Children’s Museums
Stingray Touch Now Open at Shedd Aquarium, Chicago
T-Rex in Chicago: 5 Tips for Visiting the Field Museum with Kids
Fun for Kids at the Art Institute of Chicago202511 minIllinois Railway Museum: All-Aboard For Our Top Train Time Tips!20258 minWhy The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is Great for Kids20258 minDon’t Miss Thomas and Friends at Kohl Children’s Museum20246 minNew Shedd Aquarium Exhibit Dazzles: Wonder of Water20242 minTop 5 Tips for Visiting Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium20245 min
Holidays & seasonal 3 GUIDES
Bring This Easy Christmas Tradition Home on a Small Budget
Christkindlmarket 2025, Opening Weekend in Aurora
Christkindlmarket Aurora 2025: Tips for Your Visit
Farms, nature & playgrounds 7 GUIDES
California & the beach 15 GUIDES
How to Reserve a Beach Cottage at Crystal Cove State Park in California
Kids’ Travel Essentials: What to Pack For Your Family Trip
How We Fit All Our Beach Gear in One Carry-on (Even a Tent!)
More Amazon Prime Days Deals from Mouse Brief, Disney Deals20252 minAmazon Prime Days Deals from Mouse Brief Posts20256 minTravel Fun for Kids on the Road and in the Sky, Travel Essentials20257 minWhat to Bring to the Beach: Packing Advice for Visiting the Coast20256 minWhat To Pack For A Beach Vacation at Crystal Cove State Park202510 minChoosing a Crystal Cove Cottage: Tips for the Best Cottage for You202511 minLong Beach Airport: Our Favorite Airport for Flying with Kids20254 min5 Tips for Flying on Airplanes with Kids20244 minWhy I am Thankful for Disneyland20242 minHow We Spent Our Time in Our Crystal Cove Cottage20242 minFun Questions for Connection While Waiting in Disneyland20243 minOur Stay in a Crystal Cove Beach Cottage: Arrival & Check-in Tips20249 min
