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...

"Calling all bug enthusiasts – Bugapalooza is back! Stop by the bug zoo to get up close and personal with native insects and spiders – don’t forget to visit the petting zoo while you’re there! Nerd out with our entomologist, watch insect pinning demonstrations, and learn to dance like a bee. Then grab a net...

Navy Pier's popular "Water Flicks" is returning this year with FREE outdoor movie showings. Bring a picnic, a blanket, and enjoy! Movies are shown at Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park, just before the pier. All films are presented in English with closed captioning.  

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: Shanta Nurullah & Mars Caulton...

Illinois Residents receive FREE admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Usual Rates: Adults: $22 Students, teachers, and anyone 65+: $14 Note: Anyone under 18 is always FREE   The following Discounts always apply as well: $3 tickets for up to six individuals when visitors present their LINK (EBT) Card as part of the Museums...

"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.

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.

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...

The Adler Planetarium is open late on Wednesdays from 4:00 pm–10:00 pm (last admission 9:00 pm). Every Wednesday is free Museum Entry for Illinois residents with proof of residency! To show proof of residency, you can use a valid Illinois driver’s license or photo ID, Illinois student ID with photo, or a photo ID plus a...

Illinois Residents can enjoy FREE admission to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. A $10 suggested donation per household is greatly appreciated.

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...

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...

Celebrate the start of the school year with hands-on activities that highlight everyone’s favorite subjects from A-Z. Explore your creative side with professional artists and musicians, flex your mind and muscles at recess, and step up onto a school bus! DCM is here to make sure everyone’s back-to-school season is a delight. Special Activities  Art | Express...

Head to the Lincoln Park Zoo for educational chats, animal enrichment, and special activities!

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...