Spotlight Chicago
Day Out With Thomas™, event photo courtesy of the Illinois Railway Museum
Carnivals, Big Trucks, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Peak festival season brings a lot of fun choices for the weekend.
Try one of these local businesses for a fun and unique birthday party. Photo courtesy of Ultimate Ninjas
Only in Chicago: Unique Birthday Party Ideas for Kids
Fun birthday party venues only found in Chicago.
Calm Waters is a sensory-friendly event at Shedd Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the Shedd Aquarium
Sensory-Friendly Events in Chicago for Kids
Events with lower levels of noise, lights, and crowds.
GUIDE
Chicago Kids Summer Guide: 413 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
The very best things to do with kids this summer in and around Chicago.
Rock and Roll Playhouse at Gallagher Way. Photo courtesy of the event.
Best Things to Do in Chicago July 2025 with Kids
Festivals, concerts, and fireworks sum up this fun month in Chicago.
The Sugar Hole is a pop-up ice cream shop in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Sugar Hole, courtesy of Color Club.
Best Ice Cream Near Chicago: 14 Ice Cream Parlors and Ice Cream Shops Kids Adore
Head to one of these ice cream shops for a tasty summer treat.
The Whizzer at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. Photo courtesy of Visit Illinois
Teen Chicago Summer Bucket List: Top Things for Teens To Do in the Chicago Area this Summer
A list of summer activities for when "there's nothing to do!"
Take in a free summer concert in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way
Chicago's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families Summer 2025
Pull up a lawn chair and a picnic for a free summer concert.
Find the best free and cheap activities in your city this summer with Mommy Poppins.
Summer of Savings 2025: Save Money on Kids Activities and Travel This Summer with Mommy Poppins
Get the scoop on savings, deals, free activities, and more!
Take a boat cruise this summer. Photo by Jason Lindsey, courtesy of Enjoy Illinois.
Our Epic Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Choose your summer activities wisely! It will be cold and rainy again before you know it.
Spend a weekend in Chicago without breaking the bank.
Chicago Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
A guide to weekend fun on the cheap.
There's a family-friendly festival for everyone this summer in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Last Fling in Naperville
85 Summer Festivals and Fairs in 2025 in Chicago for Families
Discover which summer fairs and fests are best for kids.
The Indianapolis Children's Museum is one of the nation's best. Photo by Valerie Everett via Flickr 2.0
Indianapolis with Kids: 20 Best Things To Do in Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is full of fun for families with kids of all ages.
Water comin' at you from all sides! Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
2025's Ultimate Guide to Chicago Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds
The fun is as wet as it gets at these nearby sprinkler parks.
Lincoln Park Zoo photo by Dice Sales courtesy of the Illinois Tourism Bureau
Awesome Self-Guided Walking Tours of Chicago with Kids
Take the kids on a walking tour of a new neighborhood with this handy itinerary guide.
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...
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...
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Belmont Avenue - 11:00 AM Pick
Hanover Park Cops Day
Hanover Park Park District - 5:00 PM Pick
Tacos y Tamales Festival
Pilsen - various times Pick
Grant Park Music Festival
Jay Pritzker Pavilion - various times Pick
Movies in Cantigny Park
Cantigny Park - various times Pick
Super Sensational Saturdays
Cortesi Veterans Memorial Park - 10:00 AM Pick
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Belmont Avenue - 11:00 AM Pick
Renegade Craft Fair Logan Square
- 11:00 AM Pick
Character Picnic: Cartoons & Mascots
Town Square Wheaton - 11:00 AM Pick
Tacos y Tamales Festival
Pilsen - various times Pick
Sensory-Friendly Day at Farm-in-the-Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - 10:00 AM Pick
Voyage en France
Cantigny Park - 10:00 AM Pick
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Belmont Avenue - 11:00 AM Pick
Renegade Craft Fair Logan Square
- 11:00 AM Pick
Oak Park Concerts in the Park
Scoville Park - 6:00 PM Pick
Millennium Park Summer Music Series
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion - 6:30 PM Pick
Chicago Park District Movies in the Park
Multiple parks citywide - various times Pick
Meet Baby Evie at Peppa Pig World of Play!
Peppa Pig World of Play - 10:00 AM
Orland Park Outdoor Movie Series
Centennial Park West - 9:00 PM
Night Out in the Parks Summer Concerts
Various Chicago Parks - various times
Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way
Gallagher Way - 10:00 AM Pick
Tuesdays on the Terrace
Museum of Contemporary Art - 5:30 PM Pick
Northbrook Tuesdays in the Park Summer Concert Series
Northbrook Village Green - 6:30 PM Pick
Kids Evening on the Riverwalk
Riverwalk Ampitheater - 7:00 PM Pick
Fishel Park Summer Concert Series
Fishel Park - 7:00 PM Pick
Grant Park Music Festival
Jay Pritzker Pavilion - various times Pick
Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier
Navy Pier - various times Pick
Burr Ridge Midweek Movies
Burr Ridge Village Center - various times Pick
Chicago Park District Movies in the Park
Multiple parks citywide - various times Pick
Book Up! Theater in the Parks
Various Chicago Parks - various times Pick
DuPage County Fair
DuPage County Fairgrounds - 8:00 AM Pick
Millennium Park Summer Music Series
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion - 6:30 PM Pick
CircEsteem Around Chicago Summer Tour
Various Parks around Chicago - 6:00 PM Pick
Wheaton Municipal Band Concerts
Memorial Park - 7:30 PM Pick
Chicago Park District Movies in the Park
Multiple parks citywide - various times Pick

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Babyproofing & Childproofing: The Top Hidden Home Hazards
Jessica Laird, Jul 17 - From heirloom cribs to corded blinds. READ MORE
Day Out With Thomas™, event photo courtesy of the Illinois Railway Museum
Carnivals, Big Trucks, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids
Maureen Wilkey, Jul 16 - Peak festival season brings a lot of fun choices for the weekend. READ MORE
Try one of these local businesses for a fun and unique birthday party. Photo courtesy of Ultimate Ninjas
Only in Chicago: Unique Birthday Party Ideas for Kids
Lauren Hill, Jul 13 - Fun birthday party venues only found in Chicago. READ MORE
Calm Waters is a sensory-friendly event at Shedd Aquarium. Photo courtesy of the Shedd Aquarium
Sensory-Friendly Events in Chicago for Kids
Maureen Wilkey, Jul 11 - Events with lower levels of noise, lights, and crowds. READ MORE
Spend the day with Mickey and Minnie. Photo courtesy of the Disneyland Resort
These Disneyland Tips Will Add Pixie Dust to Your Trip
Kylie Williams, Jul 11 - The Happiest Place on Earth feels a lot happier with a good game plan. READ MORE
Galit has a laidback interior and highchairs available. Photo courtesy of the Kinship Company.
Michelin Star Restaurants in Chicago Where You Can Dine with Kids
Lauren Hill, Jul 6 - What if we told you that you could eat at great restaurants as a family? READ MORE
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