Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am to 2:30pm, Nature Educators will provide activities for kids of all ages at our Budding Botanists station. These programs are drop in and no preregistration is required. You can stop by and interact with the materials at the station for as long as you want to. Budding Botanists station will...

This summer, join Corduroy on an uplifting journey! When his button goes missing, he must find it to go home with Lisa. Follow Corduroy through the department store as he searches everywhere, from escalators to towering store displays, in a fun and adventurous quest. This 60-minute tale of friendship and belonging had its world premiere...

Cantigny’s Jazz and Wine Fest returns with a touch of European flair! This entertainment-filled afternoon will feature multiple acts on two stages, and wine sampling stations with over a dozen varieties. The bands will perform on two stages in different areas of Cantigny Park, but not simultaneously, so you can enjoy all of them. No...

This summer, join Corduroy on an uplifting journey! When his button goes missing, he must find it to go home with Lisa. Follow Corduroy through the department store as he searches everywhere, from escalators to towering store displays, in a fun and adventurous quest. This 60-minute tale of friendship and belonging had its world premiere...

Chicago's famous Wiggleworms from the Old Town School of Folk Music are back with free performances at Gallagher Way.  There will be music, movement, bubbles, and plenty of fun for kids and parents! Each week will feature different performers and a different kids' movie will play after the performance. Performers: Julie Helenius & Karen Banks-Lubicz...

This summer, join Corduroy on an uplifting journey! When his button goes missing, he must find it to go home with Lisa. Follow Corduroy through the department store as he searches everywhere, from escalators to towering store displays, in a fun and adventurous quest. This 60-minute tale of friendship and belonging had its world premiere...

The Chicago Park District's Movies in the Parks returns this summer to present free outdoor screenings on our front lawn. There’s no better way to spend a fun summer night than watching a favorite movie outdoors. You'll enjoy the evening, framed by our historic building and beautiful Lake Michigan. Pack your picnic or lawn games, and come...

"Free Admission Days are the perfect opportunity for Illinois residents to explore our general admission exhibitions with your family or a group of science-loving friends. Or, use these days to check out special ticketed exhibitions or a 3D movie with a discounted Discovery or All-Access Pass. Tickets for Free Days are only available to Illinois...

Kids can explore the sights, smells, and textures of nature. Listen to stories, participate in arts and crafts, play in the sensory bin, and make music. Designed for children ages 1–5, Caregivers must stay with their children.

Get the buzz on the broods this summer with our Meet a Scientist Cicada series! This May and June, Illinois will experience a rare, double-emergence of cicada broods XIX and XIII - a phenomenon that occurs once every 221 years. In honor of these little critters, we are hosting a series of cicada-centric events to...

This summer, join Corduroy on an uplifting journey! When his button goes missing, he must find it to go home with Lisa. Follow Corduroy through the department store as he searches everywhere, from escalators to towering store displays, in a fun and adventurous quest. This 60-minute tale of friendship and belonging had its world premiere...

The team of skilled and friendly volunteers will be outside on the pier to teach both spin and fly casting every Wednesday this summer and fall through August 28. Participation is on a first come, first serve basis and the volunteers always do their best to accommodate everyone depending on demand.

This week, the Crown Family PlayLab will be hosting a PlayLab PlayDate featuring cicadas! Families with 2-6-year-olds are invited to this free, drop-in storytime and craft session exploring the cicada emergence taking place this spring and summer. Designed for children between two and six years old, the Crown Family PlayLab is an interactive, hands-on space that makes learning an...

Get ready to throw it back to the 90’s at the Navy Pier Summer Block Party, a classic Chicago tradition held along the South Dock, featuring live bands, DJs, and 90’s music pumping in the Beer Garden. Participate in free family-friendly activities like arts and crafts, video games, interactive spray paint murals, and friendly games...

Wild Wednesdays are back for the season at Garfield Park Conservatory! Join Family Programs staff outdoors in Play and Grow Garden for free, drop-in activities, such as fort building, bug hunts, chalk drawing, and more! Find us every Wednesday evening from 4:00-7:30 pm. Just head outside through our Desert House doors and follow the giant...

Back by popular demand, Celebrate Highwood is fired up to bring back Inferno Fest after a five-year hiatus, on Wednesday, June 26, from 4:30-9:30 PM in Everts Park (111 North Avenue). Showcasing a plethora of the hottest and spiciest foods and beverages, Inferno Fest will test the taste buds of the most fearless food enthusiasts....

"Calling all caped crusaders! Assemble at the Field Museum for a heroic evening of saving the world. Put on your best superhero gear and work together to thwart a mysterious supervillain’s nefarious plan before the end of the night. Learn about wildlife conservation and how you can become a friendly neighborhood hero. Plus, get to...

On select Wednesday nights, visit Gallagher Way for a free outdoor movie and enjoy the fresh air as you take in family-friendly classics, nostalgic comedies and more. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the movie begins at 7:30 p.m. Bring a blanket and watch the film for free on a first-come, first-served basis, or purchase...

This summer, join Corduroy on an uplifting journey! When his button goes missing, he must find it to go home with Lisa. Follow Corduroy through the department store as he searches everywhere, from escalators to towering store displays, in a fun and adventurous quest. This 60-minute tale of friendship and belonging had its world premiere...

Morning Glories is a free, drop-in program designed for kids ages 0-3 and their caregivers! The lessons will follow themes of science and nature with modifications to focus on motor skill development, sensory exploration, and social interactions between families. A typical Morning Glories session can be expected to include story times, a sensory bin, lots...

This summer, join Corduroy on an uplifting journey! When his button goes missing, he must find it to go home with Lisa. Follow Corduroy through the department store as he searches everywhere, from escalators to towering store displays, in a fun and adventurous quest. This 60-minute tale of friendship and belonging had its world premiere...

Abbott Laboratories' Women in STEM scientists visit the Grainger Science Hub to discuss glucose levels in our food, and how we measure the blood glucose levels in our bodies. Abbott's Women in STEM scientists will also share their educational and career journeys with those aspiring to study or work in the sciences. Scientists, researchers, and collections managers...

On select Wednesday nights, visit Gallagher Way for a free outdoor movie and enjoy the fresh air as you take in family-friendly classics, nostalgic comedies and more. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the movie begins at 7:30 p.m. Bring a blanket and watch the film for free on a first-come, first-served basis, or purchase...

Dog Day at Gallagher Way is back by popular demand on Saturday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring friends and family (and of course, your dog) out to Gallagher Way to enjoy: A pup cup station Agility activities Caricature artists Dog adoption courtesy of One Tail at a Time Dog treats and...

Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30am to 2:30pm, Nature Educators will provide activities for kids of all ages at our Budding Botanists station. These programs are drop in and no preregistration is required. You can stop by and interact with the materials at the station for as long as you want to. Budding Botanists station will...

This summer, join Corduroy on an uplifting journey! When his button goes missing, he must find it to go home with Lisa. Follow Corduroy through the department store as he searches everywhere, from escalators to towering store displays, in a fun and adventurous quest. This 60-minute tale of friendship and belonging had its world premiere...

Join us for the annual Navy Pier Pride celebration! This free, full-day event celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Festivities include live music, educational programs, performances from local LGBTQIA+ artists, on-site resources from community partners and more. Notable acts include: The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, The Lakeside Pride Marching Band, Ariana DJ...

Join us for the 3rd Annual Lemont Food Truck Festival, back by popular demand on Saturday, June 29th, hosted in partnership with Brew Avenue Events. Indulge in a culinary adventure as 12+ food trucks converge for a day of delicious bites, accompanied by live music, a vibrant array of vendors, and of course, adventure at...