Budding Botanists
Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago
MSI Movies in the Park: Spy Kids
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry 5700 S Dusable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Casting on the Pier
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago
Meet a Scientist Cicada Series: Bruno de Medeiros
Field Museum 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
PlayLab Playdate: Cicadas Take Flight Storytime & Craft
Field Museum 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Wild Wednesdays
Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago
Free Admission at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum 2430 N Cannon Dr, Chicago
Meet a Scientist: Abbott Laboratories’ Women in STEM
Field Museum 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
Budding Botanists
Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago
Week of Events
Swedish Days in Geneva
Swedish Days in Geneva
Celebrates the Swedish heritage with a craft beer tent, a carnival, a Kids’ Day, nightly entertainment, and a parade are part of the festivities.
Rotary Grove Fest
Long Grove Strawberry Fest
Long Grove Strawberry Fest
Attendees of all ages can expect three days of strawberry-infused foods and drinks, carnival rides, family activities, and live music on three stages. As, the almighty strawberry is the star attraction at Strawberry Fest. Some of the area’s most popular restaurants, cooks, and vendors pop-up shop to serve unique strawberry-centric cuisine. A wide variety of...
Chicago Pride Fest
Chicago Pride Fest
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community at Chicago's Pride Fest! Pride Fest features live music on 3 stages, a Youth Pride Space for teens, best of Chicago drag performance, the Proud Pet Parade with prizes, dance exhibitions, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, guest speakers, and over 150 food and merchandise vendors A $15 suggested donation for entry helps...
Campout at the Zoo
Campout at the Zoo
Camp amongst the animals at the Lincoln Park Zoo! Enjoy the outdoors, the animals, animal activity stations, and a campfire with s’mores. There is an evening-only option for people who want to participate in the activities but prefer not to camp! Evening-only tickets are $50, overnight tickets are $75, and there are discounts for zoo...
Logan Square Arts Festival
Logan Square Arts Festival
Featuring 30 bands over three days and the work of 70 local artists, makers, and artisanal vendors. FREE with suggested donation that benefits local non-profits.
Millennium Art Festival
Millennium Art Festival
"This top-ranked three-day show, popping up in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant downtown, attracts locals and tourists alike, giving them plenty of time to enjoy the art of 120 juried artists from near and far. Located just a few blocks north of Millennium Park, guests will see an array of original artwork including paintings, ceramics,...
Naperville Fine Art Fair
Naperville Fine Art Fair
This art festival features juried artists and vendors selling one-of-a-kind goods. Attendees are invited to show their talent in an inter-active community mural project. Children can get their face painted or color with Kids Matter on Saturday. Or they can express their creativity painting at the Petite Picasso area on Sunday.  ​
Budding Botanists
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...
Corduroy
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...
Jazz and Wine Fest
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...
Corduroy
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...
Wiggleworms/Movie at Gallagher Way
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...
Corduroy
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...
MSI Movies in the Park: Spy Kids
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 Resident Day at the Field Museum
"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...
Play! at Farm-in-the-Zoo
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.
Casting on the Pier
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.
Meet a Scientist Cicada Series: Bruno de Medeiros
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...
PlayLab Playdate: Cicadas Take Flight Storytime & Craft
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...
Corduroy
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...
Summer Block Party
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
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...
Inferno Fest
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....
Field Family Night: Mightiest Heroes
"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...
Movie: Barbie at Gallagher Way
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...
Free Admission at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Illinois Residents can enjoy FREE admission to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. A $10 suggested donation per household is greatly appreciated.
Corduroy
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
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...
Corduroy
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...
Meet a Scientist: Abbott Laboratories’ Women in STEM
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...
Movie: Drop Dead Gorgeous at Gallagher Way
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
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...
Budding Botanists
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...
Corduroy
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...
Navy Pier Pride
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...
Lemont Food Truck Festival
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...
