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Nycole | Chicago Travel + Lifestyle

@takingtripswnyk

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✈️Chicago finds + affordable travel
📍Hidden gems▪︎family fun▪︎aesthetic escapes
👩🏾Single Mom sharing real travel experiences from Midwest & beyond

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Chicago girls, who said our outings always have to involve brunch and shopping?! 🏒💅🏽

We switched things up for our FIRST hockey experience with the @chicagosteel, and listen… us girly girls LOVE a new experience!

Between the fast-paced hockey action, human bowling during intermission, hanging with the mascot, food options, and checking out the merchandise before leaving, this was definitely a different kind of family outing!

And that’s what I’m always looking for: experiences that give us something new to try, memories to make, and a reason to get out of our usual routine.

📍 Chicago Steel | 1801 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago

Chicago-area moms, add this one to your outing list! Save this Reel for later and SHARE it with a mom who’s always looking for something new to do with the kids.

Chicago Steel, we enjoyed switching things up! 👀🏒

Follow @takingtripswnyk for Chicago and Chicagoland finds worth the drive, time, and money.

#ChicagoMoms #ChicagoSteel #ThingsToDoInChicago #FamilyActivitiesChicago #Chicagoland taken in Chicago Steel Hockey Team by @takingtripswnyk

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13 hours ago

Chicago, I found another neighborhood gem! 🍪🎄📍

Influenced by @chiagogoodlife, we stopped at this cute Latino/Hispanic bakery in Belmont Cragin, Panaderia LSantana in Chicago, to check out the adorable holiday-decorated concha cookies—and I'm so glad we did!

We were early for the kids' cooking class at @chicagotab , only about 5 minutes away, so we made the most of our extra time with a sweet little neighborhood adventure. Because sometimes the best Chicago finds aren't a whole-day outing. They're the unexpected stops you discover along the way. ❤️

If you're searching for Chicago bakeries, Belmont Cragin local businesses, holiday cookies, Latino-owned businesses, or family-friendly things to do in Chicago, add this one to your list!

I'm always looking for places that are worth the time, money and drive—and I love shining a light on neighborhood businesses that deserve more attention.

📌 SAVE this Reel for your next Chicago bakery run.
📲 SHARE it with your fellow dessert lover.
💬 If you visit, come back and tell me what you tried!

Chicago neighborhood businesses: Let's introduce your spot to new customers. 🤝🏾

#ChicagoBakeries #BelmontCragin #ChicagoFoodie #LatinoOwnedBusiness #ChicagoFinds by @takingtripswnyk

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2 days ago

We're all filling our calendars for the last quarter of the year... and hopefully not bankrupting ourselves in the process! So if you're like me making sure traditions are upheld, you have to grab any and all discounts if they become available. So grab those tickets ASAP with the early bird special of 30% off! The tickets give you access to all the rides and ice skating!

#navypier #thingstodoinchicago #winterwonderland #winterwonderfest #december taken in Navy Pier by @takingtripswnyk

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3 days ago

Chicago moms, I FOUND the October list you’re going to want to screenshot. 👀🍂🎃

And the best part? FREE!🙌🏾

If you’re looking for **free things to do in Chicago with kids, Chicago family activities, Halloween events in Chicago, or budget-friendly weekend activities, I’ve got your calendar covered!

Here’s the lineup 👇🏾

🎨 Oct. 17 — Loop Arts Fest
Art, culture, live entertainment + activities in the Loop.

🎃 Now–Nov. 1 — Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Pumpkin carving, fall fun, music + rides. FREE admission!

👻 Oct. 17 — Lincoln Park Zoo Spooky Zoo
Costumes, scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating + kid-friendly entertainment.

🍂 Oct. 17 — North Park Fall Fest
Fall walks, scarecrow making, children’s crafts + seasonal fun.

🏙️ Oct. 17–18 — Open House Chicago
Explore some of Chicago’s coolest buildings and hidden spaces—FREE!

🌙 Oct. 24 — Arts in the Dark Parade
A nighttime Halloween parade that brings all the spooky, creative fun.

🎬Oct. 9 — Movie Night Under the Stars: Coco
FREE outdoor movie at Bosley Park. Bring the blankets + jackets!

🎃 Oct. 31 — Upside Down Halloween Parade
DJs, jugglers, performers, costumes + FREE Halloween fun!

Mom tip: Don’t wait until Saturday morning to figure out what you’re doing. 😂 Put these on the calendar NOW and give yourself some options when the inevitable "Mom, I’m bored” hits.

📌 SAVE this for your October Chicago plans
📲 SEND this to your Chicago mom friend
👇🏾 Which one are we adding to the calendar?

#ChicagoWithKids #ChicagoFamilyActivities #FreeThingsToDoChicago #ChicagoEvents #ChicagoMoms by @takingtripswnyk

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4 days ago

Okay, Chicago… THIS is how I want my fall outings to look. 😂🎃

Jacks Pumpkin Pop-Up is definitely Instagram-worthy, but what I liked is that it’s not just a “take a few pictures and leave” type of place.

The kids have plenty to do with the carnival games and that mechanical pig race 🐷😂—and there’s even a **throw-the-tomato game** that I had never seen at a pumpkin pop-up before!

And moms… the adults aren't forgotten. 👏🏾

They have axe throwing, which immediately made me think this would be just as fun with a friend group or as a fall date night.

So my recommendation?

🎃 Come ready for the pictures
🎪 Let the kids get competitive with the games
🐷 Check out the pig races
🪓 And let the adults have their turn with axe throwing

I came with the kids, but I’m not gonna lie…I’d absolutely come back without them too.😂

This is exactly the kind of Chicago find I’m looking for—something that makes getting everyone out the door actually feel worth the time, drive, and money.

📌 SAVE this for your fall activity list
📲SHARE this with your fall activity buddy
👀 And if you check out Jacks Pumpkin Pop-Up, let me know what you thought!

#ChicagoFall #ChicagoEvents #ChicagoWithKids #ThingsToDoInChicago #ChicagoMoms by @takingtripswnyk

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5 days ago

“We LOVE APPLEFEST!” 😂🍎

And honestly… the kids said it best.

If you’re in Chicago and still trying to figure out what to do **TODAY**, Applefest in Lincoln Square is one to put on the list—but **today is your LAST CHANCE because it ends at 6 PM!** 🚨

There’s music, food, apples, and a fun kids’ play area with a bouncy house, so the kids have something to do while you walk around and enjoy the festival.

And if you go, here’s what we recommend:

🍩 **Bang Bang Pie donut with the pie slice** — DROOL-WORTHY
🥟 **Dum Sum baos** — because not everything needs to be apple-flavored 😂
🍎 **Apple cider** — DON'T skip it
🍏 **Apples** — already picked and ready to take home!

So if you needed a last-minute Chicago family activity, **this is your sign to GO TODAY.**

📌 SAVE this for your Chicago activity list
📲 SHARE this with someone who still has no plans today
👀 And if you make it to Applefest, **come back and let me know what you thought!**

#ChicagoEvents #ChicagoWithKids #LincolnSquareChicago #ThingsToDoInChicago #ChicagoMoms by @takingtripswnyk

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7 days ago

Okay, we definitely did NOT expect to get thrown around like this at Oktoberfest 😂🍺

I went thinking we were going to eat, have a drink, listen to some music and call it a night… but there was actually way more to do.

And let me tell you right now—DON’T just come for the beer. GET THE PRETZEL 🥨 and the bratwurst if that's your thing! It was one of those things you have to try for yourself.

Want to get festive? Grab one of the outfits and have some fun with it! 😂 And if you’re a mom wondering if this can be a family outing, I’d say yes. It’s a fun weekend or weeknight option when you want to get everybody out of the house and do something different.

Oh—and you’ll know those BIG beer glasses when you see them! 🍺😂

I’m always looking for Chicago spots and events that are actually worth the drive, time and money, especially when you can support local businesses while having a good time.

📌 SAVE this for your Chicago outing list
📲 SHARE it with your event buddy
👀 And if you check it out, come back and tell me what you thought!

#ChicagoEvents #ChicagoOktoberfest #ThingsToDoInChicago #ChicagoWithKids #ChicagoMoms by @takingtripswnyk

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8 days ago

Looking for something different to add to your Chicago fall calendar? 👻🍂

Haunted Hues at @colorfactoryco brings the fall vibes without requiring you to walk through a full-on haunted house.

🕷️ Friendly… or maybe not-so-friendly spiders
👻 Ghosts along the way
👾 Monster scavenger hunt
🎨 Interactive experiences
✨ And plenty of photo-worthy moments

If this is your first time at Color Factory like me, I’d say Haunted Hues is worth adding to the fall lineup—especially if you’re looking for something the kids can enjoy while you actually get to have fun too.

I’m always looking for experiences that are worth the time, money & drive, and this one definitely caught my attention.

📍 Color Factory Chicago

Save this for your fall plans + share it with a mom who needs something new to do with the kids.

And tell me—have you checked out Color Factory yet? 👇🏾

#ChicagoMoms #ChicagoKids #ChicagoThingsToDo #ChicagoFall #TakingTripsWNyk by @takingtripswnyk

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20 days ago

Mama deserves a night out (even if the kids have to tagalong!)

Don’t miss out on Evanston! 👀

If you’re a solo mom or traveling with kids and want a Friday night that feels like an EXPERIENCE—not just another dinner—save this two-stop itinerary.

🍝Trattoria D.O.C. — authentic Italian dinner, pizza, pasta, seafood + rotating daily specials. We loved the mussels and the craccotini dessert! It was like ice cream with crumbled toffee!

🍷The Wine Goddess— a cozy nightcap just steps away, with curated wines and Friday/Saturday tastings.

And the best part? You can enjoy both without turning the evening into a whole production.

📍 Evanston, IL

This is exactly the kind of local find I’m looking for: worth the drive, money & time.

Save this for your next Friday night + share it with someone who needs a new Evanston plan.

Have you checked out either spot? Let me know! 👇🏾

#EvanstonIL #ChicagoMoms #ChicagoSuburbs #ChicagoThingsToDo #TakingTripsWNyk by @takingtripswnyk

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23 days ago

Chicago brunch lovers, add THIS one to your list! 👀🍽️

I finally made my way to Brûlée, a Black-owned restaurant in Chicago, and the food did NOT disappoint! 🔥

The food definitely had my attention 👀🔥

🍴 Mac & Cheese — cheesy, savory & comforting
🍞 Brûlée French Toast — sweet without being too much
🥑 Avocado Croast + Sunny-Side Eggs — seasoned with just enough spice
🍤 Creole Grits & Shrimp — creamy, flavorful & packed with seafood goodness
🍹 And that Hurricane-style drink? One sip had me mentally back on Bourbon Street!

If you’re looking for a brunch spot that can accommodate different tastes, especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan, this menu has plenty to work with. 🙌🏾 As someone with New Orleans roots, the Creole flavors definitely gave me a little taste of home—and that's always a win.

But @bruleechicago isn't just about the food — they also had live musical entertainment, which made the brunch experience feel like more than just grabbing a bite. 🎶

I’m always looking for Chicago spots that are actually worth the time, money & drive, and this one definitely gave me something to talk about!
Because sometimes you want more than just a pretty brunch spot—you want good food, a good atmosphere, and an experience that feels worth getting dressed and leaving the house for.

📍 Brûlée | Chicago, IL
🖤 Black-owned

Save this for your next Chicago brunch outing & send it to someone who’s always asking, Where should we eat?” 😂

Have you been to Brûlée? What would you order? 👇🏾

#ChicagoBrunch #ChicagoEats #BlackOwnedChicago #ChicagoRestaurants #TakingTripsWNyk
Chicago moms, THIS is your sign to put Brûlée on your brunch list. 🍽️✨ by @takingtripswnyk

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24 days ago

🍪FREE COOKIE ALERT!! Put on your PJs & head on Tuesday September 15th at @insomniacookies Cookies for a seriously sweet PJ party! 🥱🌛

From 8pm until close, anyone who stops by wearing PJs can snag a FREE warm Classic Cookie- no purchase or rewards membership needed!! 🤞🏾

🏆Select locations will have extra giveaways like totes, koozies,stickers, pens & more!
🍧 25% off ice cream cups & pints
🍪 Buy 6 cookies, get 2 free

#pajamas #cookies #giveaway by @takingtripswnyk

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a month ago

POV: Your daughter wants a celebrity-level birthday experience…but your budget and your sanity have entered the group chat. 😂🎀

This is why I love finding Chicagoland businesses that make the experience worth the time, drive AND money.

We checked out My Party Princess in Schaumburg and the birthday girls chose K͓̽A͓̽T͓̽S͓̽E͓̽Y͓̽E͓̽ as their theme—and honestly…they understood the assignment! 👏🏾

The experience can include:

💄 Makeup sessions
💅🏾 Nail polish
👗 Costume changes
🎤 Interactive entertainment
🎶 A special performance for the birthday crew
🎂 Pizza + cake
🎀 And even a serenade for the parents!

The BIG win for moms? You can customize the party experience and choose a package that fits what you actually want instead of trying to coordinate entertainment, activities and everything else separately.

Example package: build around the birthday girl's theme with beauty activities + character/performer entertainment + pizza and cake for a complete birthday experience.

Because sometimes “budget-friendly” doesn't have to mean basic. 😉

📌 SAVE this for your next birthday-party search.
↗️ SHARE this with a Chicagoland mom planning a birthday.
👇🏾 And tell me: Would your birthday girl choose KATSEYE—or another theme?

Pretty Princess Schaumburg, if you're looking for a creator who can put your experience in front of solo moms and Chicagoland parents actively searching for their next celebration, let's collaborate. 👋🏾

#ChicagoMoms #ChicagolandMoms #ChicagoKids #ChicagoBirthdayParties #Schaumburg taken in My Party Princess by @takingtripswnyk

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a month ago