Spotlight Chicago
Spring Fun Fest. Event photo courtesy of Parkway Bank Park
Best Things to Do in Chicago May 2025 with Kids
May in Chicago is full of festivals, parades, and more ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Explore artistic classics at the Chicago Art Institute. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
100 FREE Things to Do In Chicago with Kids
Want to have fun in Chicago with the kids without busting your wallet? Here are 100 great...
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
GUIDE
Chicago Summer Camp Guide
Find a summer camp for every age and interest around Chicagoland!
Check out these spring festivals in Chicago.
Best Spring Festivals in Chicago for Kids and Families
Get ready for spring fun with our roundup of fairs, festivals, and parades around town.
The Indianapolis Children's Museum is one of the nation's best. Photo by Valerie Everett via Flickr 2.0
Best Things to Do with Kids in Indianapolis and Brown County, Indiana
Indianapolis is the perfect weekend trip location from Chicago and has tons of things to do.
Hello Baby is a free indoor playground in Woodlawn. Photo courtesy of Hello Baby
Best Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Chicago for Babies & Toddlers
The perfect play areas for stir-crazy toddlers.
Indoor golf is great for those cold or rainy days in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Scene 75
Indoor Golf Places in Chicago for Kids
if you're having a subpar day, gather up your little birdies and swing out to one of these fun...
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Best play spaces and more Chicago spots for when bad weather strikes.
Thinking of getting your kid's ears pierced? These ear piercing places in Chicago are clean and gentle.
Best Ear Piercing Places in Chicago for Kids
Our picks for kids getting their ears pierced for the first time.
Photo courtesy of the CircEsteem Summer Circus Camp
Best Summer Day Camps in Chicago
We've rounded up the best day camp options throughout Chicagoland.
Have your indoor birthday party at one of these fun Chicago venues. Photo courtesy of ©LEGOLAND Discovery Centers US LLC
Best Indoor Birthday Party Places in Chicago
Play gyms, ninja training, and more: Chicago's indoor birthday party options are hard to top.
Skokie Exploritorium is only $5 for residents. ©Skokie Park District
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago
When the weather's at its worst, these indoor play spaces are a wish come true.
Chicago Park District offers financial assistance for their Summer camps. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Affordable and Free Summer Camps in Chicago
No need to break the bank this summer to keep kids happy and occupied.
Photo courtesy of the CircEsteem Summer Circus Camp
Best Summer Day Camps in Chicago
We've rounded up the best day camp options throughout Chicagoland.
IHOP Pancakes photo by Wendi Gratz via Flickr 2 0
Family-Friendly Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in Chicago
Here are 15 Chicago restaurants where grown-ups can have a great meal and kids can eat for FREE.
Visit the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
How to see Chicago's best museums and other attractions on a budget with kids.
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Soak up nature in these forest preserves and parks near the Windy City.
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
Consider this your early childhood bucket list for raising a wee Chicagoan.
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Find the best FREE activities for kids in Chicago.
Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
25 Free Things To Do Indoors in Chicago: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
These great destinations are sure to keep kids (and parents) happy and warm!
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
Fun and safe indoor spots for teens and tweens in Chicago.
The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
Everything you need to know before you go.
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
Museums abound in the Chicago area. Here are the most entertaining ones for kids.
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
Plan a short trip away while keeping the cost down.
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
This is our Windy City bucket list for kids. How many have you checked off?
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
These state parks are the perfect weekend activity for your family.
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
It's hard to see Chicago in just three days, but here are some can't-miss suggestions.
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
Never carry a toddler two miles back to the car again.
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Great for a special occasion, or just to keep the family entertained for a few hours.
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
Ninja and climbing gyms are a great way for older kids to get out those winter wiggles.
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals
Having birthday party entertainers come to your home is a great way to host your kiddo's friends...
Celebrate May the Fourth at Color Factory. Photo courtesy of Color Factory Chicago
Cultural Festivals, Free Comic Book Day, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Head to a cultural festival, a festival to celebrate spring, or one for books and donuts!

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Lilac Time
Lilacia Park - various times Pick
The Escape Game Chicago
The Escape Room Chicago - various times
Lilac Time
Lilacia Park - various times Pick
Free Tuesdays at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art - 10:00 AM
The Escape Game Chicago
The Escape Room Chicago - various times
Lilac Time
Lilacia Park - various times Pick
CHICKEN LITTLE at Chicago Kids Company
Apollo Theater - 10:30 AM
The Escape Game Chicago
The Escape Room Chicago - various times
Lilac Time
Lilacia Park - various times Pick
Hershey Super Sweet Adventure
Water Tower Place - 10:00 AM
CHICKEN LITTLE at Chicago Kids Company
Apollo Theater - 10:30 AM
Donation Days for Illinois Residents at the Notebaert Nature Museum
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum - various times
The Escape Game Chicago
The Escape Room Chicago - various times
Lilac Time
Lilacia Park - various times Pick
Long Grove Chocolate Festival
Downtown Long Grove - various times Pick
Hershey Super Sweet Adventure
Water Tower Place - 10:00 AM
CHICKEN LITTLE at Chicago Kids Company
Apollo Theater - 10:30 AM
Breaking the Mold: A Zany Show on Change and Transformation
CircEsteem - 6:00 PM
Lakeshore Learning's The Magic of Science
Lakeshore Learning Palatine - 11:00 AM Pick
Lakeshore Learning's The Magic of Science
- 11:00 AM Pick
Skokie Festival of Cultures
Oakton Park - 11:00 AM Pick
Lakeshore Learning's The Magic of Science
Lakeshore Learning Orland Park - 11:00 AM Pick
Spring Renegade Craft Fair Andersonville
Andersonville - 11:00 AM Pick
Skokie Festival of Cultures
Oakton Park - 11:00 AM Pick
Spring Renegade Craft Fair Andersonville
Andersonville - 11:00 AM Pick
Parkway Bank Park's "Spring Fun Fest"
Parkway Bank Park - 1:00 PM Pick
Lilac Time
Lilacia Park - various times Pick
Long Grove Chocolate Festival
Downtown Long Grove - various times Pick

Latest Articles

Lincoln Park Zoo photo by Dice Sales courtesy of the Illinois Tourism Bureau
Awesome Self-Guided Walking Tours of Chicago with Kids
Lauren Hill, May 11 - Take the kids on a walking tour of a new neighborhood with this handy itinerary guide. READ MORE
Hold baby animals at Enjoy Pioneer Farm. Photo courtesy of Pioneer Farm, Facebook
Farms with Animal Encounters and Petting Zoos Near Chicago
Lauren LaRoche, May 9 - The best places near Chicago for kids to cuddle animals. READ MORE
Celebrate Mom with one of these fun things to do on Mother's Day in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Odyssey at Navy Pier
Mother’s Day Weekend 2025 in Chicago: Brunches and More Things To Do With Kids
Maureen Wilkey, May 7 - Things to do on Mother's Day to celebrate every mom. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Free Outdoor Movies in Chicago This Summer for Kids
Maureen Wilkey, May 4 - Pull up a chair or blanket and take in a movie this summer. READ MORE
The Mommy Poppins travel guide has insider tricks and hacks for traveling with toddlers and kids. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
Best Family Vacation Websites and Travel Blogs
Nicole O'Donnell, May 3 - These sites will help you make sure your family vacation feels like a vacation. READ MORE
Photo by Nan Ross for Mommy Poppins
Best Strawberry Picking in Chicago and Summer Strawberry Festivals
Maureen Wilkey, May 2 - Pick-your-own berries taste even sweeter! READ MORE
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