Free Fun in Chicago: TK Photography’s Picks from Rent.com’s Guide

Chicago is a city full of life, adventure, and stunning sights—and many of them are completely free! If you’re looking to explore the Windy City without breaking the bank, Rent.com has put together an amazing guide on free things to do in Chicago, and we at TK Photography are thrilled to be part of it!

This guide covers everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, making it perfect for families, visitors, and locals alike.

Table of Contents

Highlights from the Rent.com Guide

Here are just a few of the top spots you’ll find in the Rent.com blog post:

  • Millennium Park: Famous for The Bean, this park is also home to beautiful gardens, open spaces, and public art installations—ideal for a family day out.
  • Lincoln Park Zoo: As one of the few free zoos left in the U.S., this is a must-visit spot for families, offering incredible animal exhibits and fun learning opportunities.
  • Chicago Cultural Center: Enjoy free art exhibits, concerts, and one of the most stunning interiors in the city, including the world’s largest Tiffany glass dome.
  • Navy Pier: While many attractions at Navy Pier come with a price, the stunning lake views, outdoor spaces, and free seasonal events make it worth a visit.
  • Northerly Island: This nature lover’s paradise offers trails, open spaces, and stunning views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. It’s a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle and connect with nature—all for free!
  • Free Museum Days: Chicago’s world-class museums, such as the Art Institute and the Field Museum, offer free admission days—perfect for getting your culture fix.

Northerly Island

Northerly Island is one of our favorite hidden gems in Chicago. This nature lover’s paradise offers beautiful walking trails, open spaces for family fun, and breathtaking views of both the city skyline and Lake Michigan. It’s a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city, and best of all, it’s completely free!

Capture Your Adventures with TK Photography

As you explore these free attractions, don’t forget to capture those priceless family moments. Whether you’re snapping a photo in front of The Bean, enjoying a sunny day at Navy Pier, or soaking in the natural beauty of Northerly Island, TK Photography specializes in helping families capture these experiences in a natural, relaxed way.

Curious to discover our favorite spot in the city or want to learn more about our work? Reach out today and let’s create lasting memories together. And don’t forget to check out the full list of free things to do in Chicago in Rent.com’s guide here!

Glenview’s Best: Kohl Children’s Museum Family Touch A Truck 2024

TK Photography Chicago: Capturing the Joy at Kohl Children’s Museum’s Touch a Truck Family Festival

Hey there, parents! It’s TK Photography Chicago, your go-to Chicago event photography and Chicago family photography experts. We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be back photographing the Kohl Children’s Museum’s Touch a Truck Family Festival. As a leading Glenview family photographer, this event is one of our absolute favorites to capture, and we can’t wait to see the excitement and joy on the faces of your little ones.

Vibrant Scene at the Kohl Children's Museum Touch a Truck Event

As many of you know, Kohl Children’s Museum is not only a fantastic place for events like Touch a Truck, but they’re also one of our regular Chicago marketing photography clients. In fact, we had the privilege of photographing all the photos on their community outreach van seen in the image above. It was essential for us to feature kids from the community and have them interact with actual items from the museum. So, we reached out to our client families and held a casting call for those who love the museum. The results were incredible!

Families Engaging with Trucks at Kohl Children's Museum's Touch a Truck Event

Now, let’s talk about the upcoming Touch a Truck Family Festival. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 2 PM, with VIP access starting at 9:30 AM. The festival will take place at the Northeastern Illinois Public Safety Training Academy (NIPSTA) located at 2300 Patriot Blvd, Glenview, IL 60026.

Children Exploring a Fire Truck at Kohl Children's Museum's Touch a Truck Event

At Touch a Truck, children will have the opportunity to learn about trucks, cars, and other vehicles through hands-on experiences. They can look, climb, and play on over 40 different vehicles. Plus, there will be music, train rides, food trucks, and more at this incredible outdoor family festival.

Kids Enjoying a Thomas the Tank Engine Train Car at Kohl Children's Museum's Touch a Truck Event

Ticket prices vary depending on whether you’re a museum member and if you want VIP or general admission. VIP tickets are $50 for members and $60 for non-members. General admission tickets are $25 for members and $35 for non-members. Tickets are required for each adult and child over 12 months of age, and they include access to all activities, including concerts, face painting, and kiddie train rides. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.

Family Enjoying Food Trucks at Kohl Children's Museum's Touch a Truck Event

It’s important to note that tickets are non-refundable after purchase, and the event will occur rain or shine. You can purchase VIP tickets here and timed entry general admission tickets: 10:30am Entry, 11:00am Entry and, 11:30am Entry. General admission tickets include timed entry windows, so please select your preferred entry time.

Children Running Towards Trucks at Kohl Children's Museum's Touch a Truck Event

We’re also excited to share that there will be a Horn-Free Hour from 1-2 PM. During this time, trucks will not turn on sirens, flashing lights, or beep horns, creating a sensory-friendly environment for children who are sensitive to loud noises and lights.

One of the things we love most about photographing this event is running into so many of the families we’ve had the pleasure of working with for Chicago family photography sessions. It’s always a joy to see familiar faces and watch as the children grow and explore year after year.

By participating in the Touch a Truck Family Festival, you’re not only giving your child an unforgettable experience, but you’re also supporting Kohl Children’s Museum’s mission to provide learning opportunities for kids. We can’t wait to see you there and capture all the magical moments!

If you are looking for event photography you can learn more about our work here.

Families Gathering Around Trucks at Kohl Children's Museum's Touch a Truck Event

Check out some more photos from previous Touch a Truck events:

Capture the Moments: Spring & Summer Mini Sessions with TK Photography Chicago

Our Spring & Summer Mini Sessions are ready to roll, and we’re beyond excited to get behind the lens with YOU! It’s the season of sunshine, smiles, and snapshots. Here’s what we’ve got lined up:

🌟 Mother’s Day Sessions with Thomas: 5/4 & 5/5

Motherhood is an adventure worthy of the most beautiful portraits. This Mother’s Day, join Thomas for a mini session that pays tribute to the love and strength of motherhood. It’s your chance to create timeless images that will be cherished forever. Gather the matriarchs, the new moms, and the grandmas too! It’s time to celebrate all the moms in your life. Reserve your Mother’s Day session now.

🌟Father’s Day Sessions with Thomas: 6/1

Fathers and father figures, step into the spotlight with your little ones. Thomas is ready to capture the high-fives, the cuddles, and every genuine moment of fatherhood. Make this Father’s Day unforgettable with images that tell your unique story. Book your Father’s Day session today.

🌟 Beach Sessions with Thomas: 7/20-21 & 7/23-24

Imagine the breeze, the laughter, and the relaxed vibes of a beach setting as your photo backdrop. That’s what our Beach Mini Sessions are all about. Take advantage of the golden summer light and Thomas’s eye for magical moments. Booking starts May 20th—don’t miss out!

🌟 Smash Cake Sessions: 5/4 & 6/9

Is your little one about to have a birthday bash? Book now for May & June and get ready for a session filled with laughter, cake, and adorable messy faces. It’s more than a photo op—it’s a rite of passage for your growing tot. Secure a spot for a Smash Cake session and let’s celebrate with some delectable fun! Book your Smash Cake session here.

For more details on Smash Cakes, Visit our Smash Cake Page.

🌟 Headshot Snapshots with Cameron: 4/11 & 5/23

Update your professional look with Cameron’s Headshot Snapshots. Whether it’s for your LinkedIn profile, your website, or just to have a polished image on hand, Cameron knows how to bring out your best. Grab your headshot slot here.

For more details on Headshots, visit our Headshots page

We’re on a mission to make this season unforgettable with stunning photos of you and your loved ones. We’re all smiles here and can’t wait to see yours!

Be a part of the #MiniSessionMadness. From Smash Cake fun for the kiddos to serene Beach Vibes and professional Headshot Goals, there’s something for everyone this season at TK Photography Chicago. #SmashCakeFun #FamilyPhotoFaves #BeachVibesOnly #HeadshotGoals #TKPhotographyChi

Looking forward to capturing your stories,

The TK Photography Team

Discover the Magic of Bubbles Academy’s Enchanting Bubble Egg Hunt!

This image shows a young child, who appears to be a toddler, crawling on the floor. The child is wearing a long-sleeved blue top and dark pants, with light-colored socks. They are reaching out towards what seems to be a toy egg or ball. In the background, there's a colorful play environment featuring toys, bricks, and a grassy area. The setting looks like it could be a children's indoor play area.\n\nThe image is in portrait orientation and captures a candid moment with soft focus on the child, while the background is slightly blurred but still recognizable as a play area. There are no visible texts on the image.

Egg-citing Fun at Bubbles Academy’s – Bubble Egg Hunt!

At TK Photography Chicago, we always look forward to capturing the joyful moments at Bubbles Academy’s events, and their Bubble Egg Hunt celebrating all things spring was no exception! As one of our longest-running partners, Bubbles Academy consistently puts on fantastic events that bring smiles to children’s faces, and this year’s egg hunt was a perfect example of their dedication to creating memorable experiences for families.

Our talented photographer, Cameron, had a wonderful time photographing the excitement and laughter at the event. The Bubbles Academy team transformed their space into a colorful, festive wonderland filled with hidden eggs, cheerful decorations, and plenty of fun activities for the little ones.

The image depicts a lively indoor scene, likely at an event or gathering. In the foreground, there is a colorful play area with several children engaging in play activities. On the right side of the play area, adults and children are standing and interacting. There is a variety of play elements such as soft seating, a slide, and building blocks.

The children were thrilled as they searched high and low for the colorful eggs, their baskets filling up with their prized findings. It was heartwarming to see the determination and excitement on their faces as they navigated the egg hunt, encouraged by their parents and the supportive Bubbles Academy staff.

This image shows a young child, who appears to be a toddler, crawling on the floor. The child is wearing a long-sleeved blue top and dark pants, with light-colored socks. They are reaching out towards what seems to be a toy egg or ball.

In addition to the egg hunt, the event featured engaging activities that kept the children entertained and smiling from ear to ear. From arts and crafts, and live music performances to fun games, there was no shortage of laughter and joy throughout the day.

This is a color photograph featuring two young children, presumably girls, engaged in an activity. The child on the left appears to be wearing a pair of glasses or goggles that have a paper bunny glued to them, suggesting a craft project. She also has a red and white polka dot patterned bib around her neck. Her sibling on the right is holding a small toy with one hand while the other seems to be touching or adjusting something not clearly visible. Both children are focused on their activities.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team at Bubbles Academy for organizing yet another unforgettable event. Your dedication to creating magical experiences for children and families is truly inspiring, and we are honored to be your long-term photography partner.

The image shows a group of six individuals standing in front of a colorful display that includes a child's play area and a banner with various themed elements. They are positioned against a vibrant, pastel-colored wall. All six people appear to be posing for the photo; two women are in the foreground on the left side of the frame, smiling towards the camera. The remaining four individuals are slightly behind and to their right, also smiling at the camera.

To all the families who attended the Bubble Egg Hunt, thank you for allowing us to capture these precious moments for you. We hope that the photos we’ve taken will serve as a beautiful reminder of the joy and wonder your children experienced at this special event.

If you’re looking for a talented family event photographer in the Chicago area, we’d love to work with you! Contact TK Photography Chicago today to discuss capturing your own family’s special moments.

Once again, a huge thank you to Bubbles Academy for your partnership and for creating such a memorable celebration of all things spring for the children and families in our community. See you at the next event!

Event Details:

Bubbles Academy

Address:
Bubbles Academy Arts-Integrated Preschool
2184 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Website: https://bubblesacademy.com/

Event Name: Bubbles Egg Hunt!

Event Date: March 23, 2024

Photographer: Cameron

Photography Type: Event Photography

Gallery

Contact Us to Book Your Event

Ready to capture your own special moments? Use the contact form below to get in touch with us and book your event photography today!

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Unveiling the Magic: Designing Unforgettable Smash Cakes

Elevating the Smash Cake Experience: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Our Design Process

Smash Cake Session

At TK Photography Chicago, we’re constantly seeking ways to enhance our clients’ experiences and provide them with the most memorable smash cake sessions possible. We’ve recently created an in-depth guide that delves into the heart of our design process, giving parents a behind-the-scenes look at how we craft these unforgettable moments.

Our new “How We Design Our Smash Cake Mini Sessions” page is a testament to the thought and care we put into every aspect of these sessions. From the initial consultation to the final photograph, we walk you through the steps we take to ensure that your child’s smash cake experience is nothing short of extraordinary.

We believe that every child is unique, and their smash cake session should reflect their individual personality. That’s why we work closely with parents to understand their vision and preferences, tailoring every detail to create a personalized celebration that showcases their little one’s charm.

Our guide explores the art of crafting the perfect backdrop, coordinating decorations for a cohesive look, and collaborating with the acclaimed West Town Bakery to design a smash cake that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. We also discuss how we simplify the outfit selection process by aligning our backdrops to match your chosen outfit, ensuring that every photograph is a perfect blend of style and joy.

Beyond the aesthetics, our new page emphasizes the emotional significance of these sessions. We understand that a child’s first birthday is a precious milestone, and we strive to capture the laughter, delight, and adorable messiness that comes with this special day, creating cherished keepsakes that families will treasure for years to come.

We invite you to explore our “How We Design Our Smash Cake Mini Sessions” page to gain a deeper understanding of the passion and dedication we bring to every smash cake session. This comprehensive guide serves as a powerful companion to our main smash cake page, providing parents with the knowledge and inspiration they need to embark on this unforgettable journey with confidence.

Book your child’s smash cake session today and allow us to create a joyful, stress-free experience that preserves this precious chapter in your family’s story.

To learn more about our smash cake sessions and how we design them, visit: https://www.tkphotographychicago.com/smash-cake-minis/how-we-design-our-smash-cake-mini-sessions/

For more information on our smash cake mini sessions, visit our main page: https://www.tkphotographychicago.com/smash-cake-minis/

Elevate Your Image: The Power of Professional Headshot Editing

Business woman having her headshot taken in a photography studio

Elevate Your Image: The Power of Professional Headshot Editing

Chicago Studio Headshot

At TK Photography Chicago, we understand the importance of making a lasting impression with your professional headshots. That’s why we’ve recently unveiled a new page dedicated to the art of professional headshot editing, providing an in-depth look at how our expert editors work to capture the very best version of you.

Our “Professional Headshot Editing: Capturing Your Best Self” page is a testament to the care and precision we bring to every headshot session. From skin tone correction and background retouching to lighting adjustments and temporary blemish removal, we walk you through the various aspects of our editing process, showcasing how we elevate your images while maintaining your authentic essence.

We believe that your headshots should represent you at your best, which is why our skilled editors meticulously assess and refine each image. By subtly enhancing your features and creating a polished, professional look, we ensure that your headshots leave a lasting impression for all the right reasons.

Our new page also emphasizes the importance of authenticity in editing. While we strive to bring out the best in every image, we understand that preserving your natural appearance is crucial. Our goal is to create headshots that genuinely capture who you are, allowing your unique personality and character to shine through.

We invite you to explore our “Professional Headshot Editing: Capturing Your Best Self” page to gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and expertise we bring to every headshot session. This comprehensive guide serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to elevate their professional image and make a lasting impression.

Don’t put off enhancing your professional image any longer. When you’re ready to take your headshots to the next level, TK Photography Chicago is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your session and experience the power of professional headshot editing firsthand.

To learn more about our professional headshot editing services, visit: https://www.tkphotographychicago.com/headshots/professional-headshot-editing-capturing-your-best-self/

When you’re ready to book your personal headshot session or a day of headshots for your team of 200, simply visit our contact page: https://www.tkphotographychicago.com/contact-page/

Headshot Snapshots

Chicago headshot photographer. Headshots for linkedin

in partnership with the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce

In 2020, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce partnered with us to offer affordable headshot snapshots for small business owners, entrepreneurs and hard-working individuals. We are excited to re-establish this partnership and provide more people access to fresh, new headshots!

we understand that sometimes quick new headshots can mean a lot. We love photographing small businesses and doing longer sessions with multiple looks, but we also recognize the importance of getting a quality headshot quickly. When you need to update your business profile or website right away, we’ve got you covered!

Our next event is Tuesday, January 24th 10-12pm. More dates to come!

Need something more, want us to photograph your team, or on location?

Check out our TK for Your Business section to see what we can do for you!

Smash Cake and Birthday Photo Options 2023

A collection of the best Smash Cake images from Chicago portrait studio. Cake Smash birthday photos

Booking Options

What is the TK Photography Smash Cake Style?

Simple and Fun! Our signature style of banner, cake, and balloons is a nod to classic birthday style but with a modern twist that allows our Smash Cakes to match any theme. We combine colors and elements to give parents the freedom to dress their birthday kid however they want, while keeping the background as a supporting character to the main star- Your Child.

Do we use props?

Our general studio style is to use props as a minimum. We focus on connecting with children and anything that is used as a prop should support that interaction. Anything that pulls their attention away from the people in the room, is pulling their attention away from the photographs and experience in the moment.

How do we choose the cake, banner, balloons, and backdrops?

After booking, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the questionnaire. There you upload the outfit your child will be wearing and can choose all the elements OR let us choose for you.

Cake Texture options

Cake colors are fairly endless but we do suggest that you lean towards lighter colors too keep fingers from Staining

Background Colors

Banners

Note: We are working on updating our catalog of banners. We constantly have new banners but have to update the questionnaire! So, if you don’t see something here, you can always send us a photo of the outfit for a recommendation based on what we have in studio. You can also check our facebook galleries for images of past Smash Cakes to get ideas!

Balloons!

We recommend 2-3 Balloon Colors. We usually like for one of those colors to be a neutral color like silver, white, black, or gold.

We are excited to celebrate with you!!