Spotlight Chicago
Drift into Sleep with Little Amal at Maggie Daley Park. Photo courtesy of the event.
Oktoberfests, Little Amal, and More Fun Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend with Kids
Little Amal is visiting Chicago. Plus, festivals everywhere!
Boo at the Zoo is one of our favorite Halloween events in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Brookfield Zoo
Top Halloween Events in Chicago for Kids and Families: Pumpkins, Trick-or-Treat, Movies, and More
Your guide to the best Halloween events near Chicago for kids in 2023.
Pumpkin picking is a firm fall favorite. Photo courtesy of Keller's Farmstand
GUIDE
Fall Fun Guide for Chicago Kids
Discover the best things to do with kids in Chicago this fall, from hikes and day trips, to apple...
Trunk-or-Treat in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Winnetka Park District
Trunk-or-Treats in Chicago for Halloween 2023
These fun Halloween events offer many opportunities for toddlers and small children to show off...
It's apple season! Photo courtesy of Apple Holler Orchard
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 37 Things To Do in Chicago This Fall
Enjoy harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, farm fun, and more.
Chicago's affordable afterschool programs are located around the city. ​Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Chicago
Lower-cost educational programs to fill those awkward afterschool hours.
Batter up! There are classes for kids of all ages and interests in Chicago.
GUIDE
Guide to the Best Classes for Kids in Chicago
Have fun with great classes for kids in Chicago.
Explore our list of Chicago's best festivals this fall. Photo courtesy of the Printer's Row Lit Fest
Best Harvest & Pumpkin Festivals in Chicago for Fall Family Fun
There's a kid-friendly festival nearly every weekend this fall!
Starved Rock State Park
Visiting Starved Rock State Park With Kids: Things To Do, Places To Stay, and More
Get away from it all and hike with kids for a few days.
Photo courtesy of Enchanted Castle
The Best Indoor Birthday Party Spots for Chicago Kids
Play gyms, ninja training, and more: Chicago's birthday party options are hard to top.
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.
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Search background-checked caregivers in our directory
Try one of these fun Chicago mini golf courses. Photo courtesy of Diversey Driving Range and Mini Golf
17 Mini Golf Courses Near Chicago for Kid-Friendly Putt-Putt
Check out our picks for mini golf courses for some outdoor (or indoor!) family fun near Chicago.
Chicago has many great swim schools in the area. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Swim School
Best Swim Schools and Swimming Lessons in Chicago for Kids
Help your kids practice their swimming skills all year round.
Pool Day Birthday Party. Photo by @anjanettew, via Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Chicago's Best Parks & Playgrounds for Kids Birthday Parties
Chicago's parks and playgrounds are perfect for low-key birthday parties.
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?
The Thompson Strawberry Farm in Bristol, Wisconsin. Photo by the author
  VIDEO
Best Sunflower Fields Near Chicago for Pick-Your-Own Flowers
Some of these u-pick farms are already open for sunflower picking.
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.
Rides, a children's museum, and more on Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Things to Do with Kids on Navy Pier in Chicago
The top hits for kids on Chicago's Navy Pier.
White, sandy beaches line St. Joseph. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
St. Joseph with Kids: Best Things to Do in St. Joseph, MI
St. Joseph makes the perfect summer weekend getaway.
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Soak up nature in these forest preserves and parks near the Windy City.
The Royal Grocer is a Bucktown neighborhood family-friendly restaurant (with tiki torches)!
Best Outdoor Dining in Chicago at Family-Friendly Restaurants
Dine outdoors at these family-favorite spots.
GUIDE
Chicago Theme Parks & Water Parks Guide
Find the best theme parks, water parks, and amusement parks for families near Chicago, IL.
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.
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.
Try one of these Chicago salons for baby's first haircut. Photo courtesy of My Kids Place
Best Places for Kids Haircuts in Chicago For Baby or Toddler’s First Cut
Gentle places for that first haircut...and fun places for every haircut after that.
Ride high on Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America.
The Best Amusement Parks Near Chicago for Families
For when you feel the need for speed. (Or funnel cakes.)
Hit the spa with your kid for a spa party in Chicago. Photo by Lisa Gagne for Canva
Kid-Friendly Spas and Kid Spa Parties in Chicago
Treat your kid (and yourself!) at one of these Chicago spas and salons.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Best play spaces, bowling, obstacle courses, museums, and more NJ spots for when bad weather...
​Chicago History Museum located in Old Town. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Old Town with Kids: What to Do Just North of Downtown Chicago with Kids
Here's everything you need to know to plan a day or more in Old Town.
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.
Play inside again at places like Present Place. Photo courtesy of Present Place
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago
When the weather's at its worst, these indoor play spaces are a wish come true.
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.
Have some fun in the water even in the winter at one of these indoor water parks near Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Kalahari Resort
Best Indoor Water Parks Near Chicago
Enjoy the water all year long at one of these Chicago-area water parks.
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.
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.
Head to the free Artist's Studio on cold and rainy days. ​Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
21 Free Things To Do in Chicago on Cold and Rainy Days: Indoor Places To Play
These 21 places keep kids (and parents) happy and warm in Chicago's frigid winters.
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Find the best FREE activities for kids in Chicago.
​Photo courtesy of Kido
Local Baby Stores in Chicago For Gifts, Gear, and More
Shop all things baby at these local stores.
There are many popular bar and bat mitzvah venues in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Pinstripes
Top Bat and Bar Mitzvah Venues in Chicago
Planning a bar or bat mitzvah? Try one of these venues.
Family-friendly and voted one of the top 5 escape rooms in the USA! Photo courtesy of Escape Factor in Forest Park
Best Kid-Friendly Escape Rooms in Chicago
Escape rooms are a great activity for the entire family.
Top 10 Best Hotdogs in Chicago to Try with Kids
There are so many hotdogs for kids to try in Chicago!
Checking out the exhibits at Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Chicago's Adler Planetarium with Kids: Top Things to See and Do
Chicago's Museum Campus is the perfect place to visit more than one museum in a day, and the Adler...
Take pregnancy classes from a birth center or doula if you choose. Photo courtesy of Chicago Family Doulas
Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Chicago
Learn more about pregnancy and parenting with other parents-to-be in Chicago.
Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
Cooking Classes for Kids in Chicago: A Baker's Dozen of the Best Culinary Experiences in the City and Suburbs
Little chefs will love these cooking classes.
Bright Horizons operates more than 1,000 nurturing, enriching, and convenient early education centers across the globe.
How to Find the Right Chicago Daycare or Preschool for Your Kid
The experts at Bright Horizons share what to look for.
Birthday parties at these indoor skydiving venues include a flight class, two flights per guest, and party room time. Photo courtesy of iFly
Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Chicago: 18 Cool Party Places for Teens
Need a birthday party idea for your teen or tween? Check out this list.
Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. Photo by @zoblue, Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
Check out this Chicago gem all year round.
The Zoo is one of the best things to do with kids in Lincoln Park. Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo
Best Things to Do in Chicago's Lincoln Park Neighborhood with Kids
Explore Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood with these kid-friendly options.
Best Things to See and Do at the Shedd Aquarium with Kids
Headed to the Shedd? Here's what you can't miss.
Get packing and check out this list of hotels in Chicago for a family vacation.
10 Kid-Friendly Hotels in Chicago for a Family Vacation
We managed to pick 10 great kid-friendly hotels out of the hundreds in Chicago.
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
Children's outdoor birthday parties and parties at home are even more special this year. But even...
There are plenty of fishing lakes in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Fishing Lakes Near Chicago and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
You can go fishing with kids without even leaving the city.
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
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.
Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook
Things to do with Kids in Chicago's West Loop
Rediscover or explore the West Loop for the first time with these kid-friendly recommendations.
Dine with a view at any Chicago riverfront restaurant. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Restaurants on the River: Chicago River Dining for Families
Interested in dining on the Chicago riverfront with kids? Try on of these favorites.
Chicago's museums are some of the top attractions in the city. Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
Top Attractions in Chicago: Best Things to See and Do With Kids
It may be called The Second City, but Chicago is second to none when it comes to urban vacation...
Semicolon is a Black-owned bookstore in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Semicolon
Black-Owned Businesses to Discover in Chicago
Check out a Black-owned business for Black History Month and all year long.
Kids will have a hard time deciding between all the delicious treats at Dinkel's, the 100 year old Bavarian bakery
Favorite Things To Do with Kids in Roscoe Village and North Center
Our favorite things to do with kids in two of Chicago's unique neighborhoods.
The iconic ConAgra mural in Chicago, created by artist Jeff Zimmermann, is visible from the 606 elevated Bloomingdale Trail. Photo courtesy of jazim.com
Our Favorite Things to Do with Kids in Bucktown and Wicker Park
Kid-friendly things to do and places to eat in Bucktown and Wicker Park.
Spectacular city views of the Chicago Skyline in River North. Photo courtesy of Wendella Boat Tours.
The Best Things to Do In Chicago's River North and Gold Coast Neighborhoods with Kids
Whether you’re in town for a day or a week, there are plenty of things to do in River North and...
The Field Museum is home to some of the country's most complete dinosaur skeletons.
The Land Before Time: How to Do Chicago's Field Museum with Kids
The Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago is one of the country's favorites. Read our tips and...
Calling all Chicago Cubs fans! Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Things To Do in Wrigleyville with Kids
Check out our tips for what to eat, see, and do near Wrigley Field with kids.
See the elephants at the Milwaukee Zoo.
The Best Zoos and Aquariums for Chicago Kids
Get up close and personal with animals from around the world.
Take your little one for a splash in the Crown Fountain. Photo by Sandor Weisz
20 Things To Do with Chicago Babies Before They Turn One
Start your urban parenting journey with these fun outings.

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Fall Fest - Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - various times
Scarecrow Trail
Morton Arboretum - various times
Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest
Lincoln Park Zoo - various times
Skeletober
Downtown LaGrange - various times
Free Days at the Field Museum
Field Museum - 9:00 AM
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Free Tuesdays at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art - 10:00 AM
LEGO Club at Harold Washington Library
Harold Washington Library - 3:00 PM
Fall Fest - Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - various times
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Free Days at the DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American Art - 10:00 AM
Open Nature Play Day at Dan Ryan Woods
Dan Ryan Woods - 10:00 AM
Free Illinois Resident Evenings at the Adler Planetarium
The Adler Planetarium - 4:00 PM
Fall Fest - Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - various times
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Free Days at the DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American Art - 10:00 AM
Donation Days for Illinois Residents at the Notebaert Nature Museum
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum - various times
Fall Fest - Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo - various times
Scarecrow Trail
Morton Arboretum - various times
Halloween Hoot 'n Howl
Trailside Museum of Natural History - 5:00 PM Pick
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
Lincoln Park St. Charles - various times Pick
Lucha Teotl
Goodman Theatre - various times Pick
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Free Days at the DuSable Museum of African American History
The DuSable Museum of African American Art - 10:00 AM
Family Fall Fest
Wild Meadows Trace - 9:00 AM Pick
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
Lincoln Park St. Charles - various times Pick
Awe of Nature Festival
Midlothian Meadows - various times Pick
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
'Go Run
Various Chicago Parks - 9:00 AM
St. Charles Scarecrow Festival
Lincoln Park St. Charles - various times Pick
Cosley Zoo Pumpkin Fest
Cosley Zoo - 9:00 AM
Glenwood Sunday Market in Rogers Park
Glenwood Avenue and Morse Avenue - 9:00 AM
Chicago Food Truck Festival
LaBagh Woods - 11:00 AM
Family Fun Fest
Harold Washington Library Center - 1:00 PM

Latest Articles

Lincoln Park Spooktacular is one of the most popular free Halloween events in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the event
Top Free Halloween Events In Chicago: Trick-or-Treating, Outdoor Movies, and More
Maureen Wilkey, Oct 1 - Halloween can get expensive! Luckily, we've got a long list of free Halloween events for kids. READ MORE
Climb
Cleveland with Kids: 30 Best Things to Do in Cleveland, Ohio
Jackie Jones, Sep 30 - The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, fantastic museums, an aquarium and zoo, and more make Cleveland a... READ MORE
Try one of Schaumburg's outdoor activities. Photo courtesy of the Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm
Schaumburg with Kids: Best Things to Do in Schaumburg, Illinois
Lauren LaRoche, Sep 30 - Head to this Chicago suburb for Medieval Times, LEGOLAND, and more. READ MORE
Drift into Sleep with Little Amal at Maggie Daley Park. Photo courtesy of the event.
Oktoberfests, Little Amal, and More Fun Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend with Kids
Maureen Wilkey, Sep 27 - Little Amal is visiting Chicago. Plus, festivals everywhere! READ MORE
Cooperative games like Castle Panic are perfect for family game night.
100 Best Board Games for Kids and Family Game Night
Amelia Eigerman, Sep 26 - Have the ultimate family game night with this list of great board games for kids of all ages. READ MORE
Boo at the Zoo is one of our favorite Halloween events in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Brookfield Zoo
Top Halloween Events in Chicago for Kids and Families: Pumpkins, Trick-or-Treat, Movies, and More
Maureen Wilkey, Sep 24 - Your guide to the best Halloween events near Chicago for kids in 2023. READ MORE
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