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Windy City Hot Dog Fest is one of the many fun things to do with kids this June. Photo courtesy of Chicago Events
Windy City Hot Dog Fest is one of the many fun things to do with kids this June. Photo courtesy of Chicago Events
5/28/23 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for things to do in Chicago this June 2023? We have a list of festivals, outdoor movies, and more things to do with kids this June.

Summer festivals come in all colors and flavors here in Chicago, and there are literally dozens of them going on in different neighborhoods this month. Families can choose internationally themed fests in Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park, Andersonville, Itasca, or Chinatown. Try a food festival at Six Corners, or a music festival downtown or in Lakeview. Don't forget Juneteenth (June 19)  and Father's Day (June 18)! You can celebrate the former at a BBQ at DuSable Museum, and the latter in Westmont with fishing. 

Beat the heat with one of our favorite splash pads or swimming lakes in the Chicago area. Or, head out to the far suburbs or rural areas for a drive-in or to pick strawberries. We've got lists for both!

School's out and fun is in with our top things to do with kids in Chicago this June 2023.

Movies in the Park photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Movies in the Park photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District

Top Kid Friendly Events in Chicago in June

Summer Fireworks Saturdays at Navy Pier

Saturdays throughout June 2023—Downtown
Fireworks fans of all ages can enjoy a spectacular display, synchronized to music, for FREE every Saturday night at Navy Pier.  READ MORE

Uptown Art Week

June 1, 2023-June 4, 2023—Uptown
See some or all of the 27 new works of public art going up on buildings around the neighborhood starting June. Families may also enjoy scavenger hunts or Chicago Architecture Foundation-led tours of Graceland cemetery, a book exchange, live artists, and discussions with the artists who created murals and more throughout the week. Attendees can also watch artists create new murals in several Uptown locations and create their own art at several different activities. READ MORE

Mayfest Chicago

June 1, 2023- June 4, 2023—Lincoln Square
Families can don their dirndls and lederhosen and step out to Lincoln Square for German and American food, music, and gemuetlischkeit. The event features carnival games, the crowning of the Maifest Queen and decorating the May Pole. READ MORE

Lincoln Park Greek Fest

Friday, June 2, 2023- Sunday, June 4, 2023—Lincoln Park
Chicagoans can experience "filoxenia" or Greek hospitality at this annual event benefiting St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Lincoln Park. The event includes authentic Greek food, music, dancing, and fun. READ MORE

Movies in Cantigny Park

Fridays throughout June 2023—Wheaton
Cantigny Park hosts weekly movies at its bandshell every Friday at sunset throughout the summer. Seating is first come, first served and visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and bug spray. Concessions can be purchased at Mamie's Toffee and Treats. READ MORE

Movies at Gallagher Way

Wednesdays throughout June, 2023—Wrigleyville
Visit Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field to see a variety of blockbusters on the big screen. Food trucks from local favorite restaurants like Big Star and West Town Bakery sell their goodies at the park. READ MORE

Chicago Park District Movies in the Park

Tuesdays through Saturdays starting June 13, 2023—Citywide
Hollywood comes to Chicago this summer with hundreds of movies throughout city parks! Bring your own blanket or chairs for retro favorites, kids' classics, and recent box office hits. READ MORE

Arbor Evenings

Wednesdays throughout June 2023—Lisle
Families can enjoy an evening of music and activities at the Morton Arboretum's Frost Hill on Wednesday nights throughout the summer. A different local band and various food trucks will be featured each week. READ MORE

Cream of Wheaton

June 1, 2023-June 4, 2023—Wheaton
Celebrate the best parts of living in Wheaton at this annual summer festival. Enjoy live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, a carnival, kids activities, and a 5K or 10K race. Tower Mini Golf will also have buy one get one free admission. READ MORE

Cori's Kids Triathlon

June 4, 2023—Oak Brook
Kids ages 6-14 can participate in a triathlon sponsored by the Cori Sikich Foundation in Oak Brook. The race promotes exercise in a fun and energetic way. READ MORE

Do Division Family Fun Fest

June 2, 2023- June 4, 2023—Wicker Park
As part of Do Division Fest, kids and their caregivers can enjoy this family-friendly section of the festival, including a petting zoo, mega slide, kids' music, and other fun activities!  READ MORE

Frontier Kite Fly Fest

June 4, 2023—Naperville
Families can go fly a kite or watch professionals perform kite stunts at this Naperville Park District event. The event includes live music, a bounce house, crafts, giveaways, and, of course, a family kite flying area and kite demonstrations. The skate park will also be open for demos and open skating. READ MORE

Windy City Hot Dog Fest

June 3, 2023- June 4, 2023—Portage Park
Taste all the hot dogs Chicago has to offer at this Six Corner festival. In addition to classic Chicago hot dogs from Byron's and Chicago Doghouse, families can taste internationally inspired hot dogs from Taqueria Le Ciudad and La Cebollita Grill, Indian hot dogs from Tikka Masala Dogs, and Asian inspired hot dogs from Lee Concessions. Live music rounds out the fun. READ MORE

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

June 3, 2023—Downtown
Music fans of all ages can enjoy free performances during the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, which features a range of gospel music, from traditional choirs to contemporary urban gospel mixed with hip-hop and house music. There will also be kids activities and vendors in Millennium Park on Saturday.  READ MORE

LaGrange Carnival

June 3, 2023- June 4, 2023—LaGrange
Rides, games, LED light displays, and concessions are the highlights of this family-friendly weekend in LaGrange. Families can also a pet parade on the Sunday of the festival. READ MORE

PorchFest Roscoe Village

June 4, 2023—Roscoe Village
More than 40 local musicians will perform on 15 front porches in the Roscoe Village neighborhood at this post-COVID annual festival. Buy a ticket on EventBrite to get a map, support local artists, and enjoy fun suggestions for things to do in the neighborhood before and after the festival. READ MORE

Old Canal Days

June 10, 2023- June 11, 2023—Lockport
Families can celebrate Lockport's past and present at this annual festival. A carnival, museum exhibits, food court, live music, magic show, car show and duck races will entertain families and bring out the region's heritage. Antique appraisers will give families a chance to find out what their antiques are worth, or families can travel on a trolley or go on a cemetery tour to learn more of the town's history. READ MORE

Midsommarfest

June 9, 2023-June 11, 2023—Andersonville
Visitors to traditionally Swedish Andersonville can enjoy Swedish traditions such as dancing around the May Pole, making floral crowns, and wearing viking hats. Kids can visit the Kids and Family area at Clark and Summerdale to enjoy activities such as coloring, dancing, music, and art. New to the fest in 2023: visitors can buy tickets to roller skate in Cheetah gym during the fest. READ MORE

Grant Park Music Festival

Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays starting June 14, 2023—Downtown
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy the Grant Park Music Festival, a 10-week celebration featuring world-class classical music concerts and community engagement—a Chicago tradition for more than 80 years. READ MORE

Scottish Festival and Highland Games in Aye-Tasca

June 16, 2023- June 17, 2023—Itasca
Illinois’ oldest non-profit is bringing back the beloved two-day Scottish extravaganza featuring cooking demonstrations by the National Chef of Scotland, North America’s largest and most prestigious pipe band competition, the crowd-pleasing heavy athletics, The Dogs of Scotland with a rescue dog agility show, and much more. READ MORE

Taste of Randolph Street

June 16, 2023-June 18, 2023—West Loop
Foodies of all ages can enjoy bites from over 16 local restaurants, as well as live music and a DJ at Taste of Randolph Street. Two stages of music will feature up-and-coming bands and DJs. READ MORE

Franklin Park Fest

June 8, 2023- June 11, 2023—Franklin Park
Franklin Park closes its downtown streets for live entertainment, food vendors, and a beer and wine garden from June 8-11. The event includes a carnival and five live bands throughout Friday and Saturday. Railroad Day will be on Saturday, June 10, and feature train-themed activities. READ MORE

Eldridge Adventure Day

June 11, 2023—Elmhurst
Adventure-loving kids and their parents can participate in bug hunts, a fishing derby, nature bingo, and balloon twisting in Elmhurst's Eldridge Park. Food trucks will serve lunch and treats. READ MORE

Millennium Park Summer Music Series

June 22, 2023, June 26, 2023 and June 29, 2023—Downtown
The whole family can enjoy a free, world-class concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park! The music series features a wide variety of music from top local, national, and international artists. READ MORE

Swedish Days

June 21, 2023-June 25, 2023—Geneva
Geneva's "Swede" annual summer festival began in 1949. It includes music, food vendors, carnival rides, and a Swedish celebration called a Vast that hosts traditions such stories, dancing around the Maypole, and a festival queen. On Kids' Day, June 23, kids can watch a parade, play in a basketball or dodgeball tournament, participate in a music contest, and visit a display of fire trucks and ladders. READ MORE

Take Me Fishing!

June 17, 2023—Westmont
Teach a kid to fish at Bernas Park in Westmont for a special Father's Day weekend outing. Prizes and giveaways available while supplies last. READ MORE

Dragon Boat Race for Literacy

June 24, 2023—Chinatown
The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Dragon Boat Race for Literacy in Ping Tom Memorial Park, featuring a lion dance opening ceremony, dragon boat races, cultural performances, exhibition booths, and children's activities. READ MORE

Juneteenth BBQ at DuSable Museum

June 19, 2023—Bronzeville
Bring your own grill to the DuSable Museum of African American History to celebrate Juneteenth with a barbecue. The event will include food, vendors, live entertainment, a bouncy house, table games, and horseback riding. This year's celebration also celebrates the 50th anniversary of hip hop with music from Kool Mo Dee. READ MORE

Long Grove Strawberry Fest

June 23, 2023- June 25, 2023—Long Grove
Enjoy strawberries in a variety of recipes at this annual festival celebrating the fruit. Loads of food, live entertainment, children's games and activities, and a classic carnival complete the strawberry-themed fun. READ MORE

Rotary Grove Fest

June 22, 2023-June 25, 2023—Downers Grove
Downers Grove celebrates summer with live music and entertainment, a carnival, a food and business expo, craft beer fest, and car show in its downtown. The festival is free, but a $5 cover charge applies to those 16 and over entering the entertainment area. READ MORE

Frontier Days

June 30, 2023-July 4, 2023—Arlington Heights
Arlington Heights' annual Fourth of July fun fest returns in full force in 2022 with live entertainment, a carnival, a 5k race, food vendors, a Fourth of July parade, and fireworks. READ MORE

Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks

June 24, 2023—Grayslake
Live music, local food vendors, and carnival rides lead up to the annual fireworks display in Grayslake. This kicks off the Fourth of July fireworks season in Chicago READ MORE

Mount Prospect Lions Club Annual Fourth of July Festival

June 30, 2023- July 4, 2023—Mount Prospect
A carnival, live entertainment, food, and beer & wine are available at this annual festival. Fireworks shows light up the sky on June 30 and July 4. READ MORE

Hometown Fest

June 30, 2023-July 4,2023—Palatine
Palatine Jaycees hosts its annual Fourth of July festival with live bands, food vendors, carnival rides, a craft fair, and family days. Fireworks will light up the sky on July 3. READ MORE
It's beach time in Chicago! Photo courtesy of Centennial Beach in Naperville
It's beach time in Chicago! Photo courtesy of Centennial Beach in Naperville

Other Fun Summer Activities for Chicago Kids

Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Chicago

The fun is as wet as it gets at these nearby sprinkler parks. READ MORE

10 Swimming Lakes near Chicago You Need To Discover

Take a trip to one of these swimming lakes and cool off this summer. READ MORE

Drive-In Movie Theaters In and Around Chicago for Outdoor Movie Nights with Kids

Head outside and see a movie this summer. READ MORE

Best Water Parks and Amusement Parks for Toddlers Near Chicago

If you have a toddler, don't miss out on one of these fun amusement parks this summer. READ MORE

Best Strawberry Picking in Chicago and Summer Strawberry Festivals

Pick-your-own berries taste even sweeter! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Multiple parks citywide
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
DuSable Museum of African American History
31st Street Harbor Playground Splash Pad