My family asks our Alexa device to play music a lot or what the weather is, but the Alexa skills put to use most often in my household are Alexa games for kids. Whether they are launching "Animal Workout," a round of trivia, or a family-friendly "Would You Rather," these Alexa games have kept my brood highly entertained during lockdown and even in the before times. It's part virtual gym class, part tutor, and requires nearly zero effort on my part, which is a win for any multitasking parent.

Check out these Alexa games, storytimes, and other kid-friendly Alexa skills the next time your family needs a distraction during dinner or a diversion from the screens on a rainy day. When all else fails, launch Alexa jokes for kids...or just the fart application. There: we just bought you 20 minutes of me time!

Woo hoo! After 11 long months, playgrounds in Chicago have finally been given the go-ahead to reopen. Chicago Park District announced Tuesday that after closing in March of 2020, the city’s lakefront, playgrounds, and indoor aquatics centers are cleared to reopen. Which playgrounds? And when? Read on for all the details.

Poor parks, they're always getting ignored in favor of playgrounds. While there are amazing playgrounds in LA, sometimes you just want a vast field of green where kids can run forever, roll down a hill, or have the space to learn to hit or kick a ball. For those of us who don’t have an expanse of rolling green in the backyard (raises hand), these parks are places where you can bring kids to play without the organized activity of a hike or bike ride— and avoid the crowds that flock to high-touch playgrounds.

So bring balls, frisbees, and kites—or just a blanket, snacks, and books—and head out into nature to rest, recharge, and play. From hidden gems to well-known spots, here are our favorite parks in town.