Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
35 Best Things to Do in Chicago December 2024 with Kids
The zoo is all aglow! Lincoln Park Zoo Lights photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the zoo.
31 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago for Kids
pexels-josh-willink
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families
Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago
Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Pictures with Santa in Chicago: From Museums to the Mall
The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago
Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near 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
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
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
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
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
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
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
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
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
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
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
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
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
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
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
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
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

56 Free Things To Do in Chicago This Summer With Kids

It's a block party on State Street with Sundays on State. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Loop Alliance
It's a block party on State Street with Sundays on State. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Loop Alliance
5/26/24 - By Siobhan Adcock

Having free things to do in Chicago will keep kids busy and happy throughout the summer without taxing your wallet. And you might be surprised at just how many family-friendly summer events in Chicago cost absolutely nothing. Of course, the city's playgrounds and splash pads are always free, but it's in the summertime that free things to do in Chicago really ramp up. 

As you can see from this bursting-at-the-seams list, there's almost something fun and free to do every single day of the summer—so there's no excuse for anyone to be bored. Outdoor movies, summer festivals, street fairs, concerts and performances, public art, cultural celebrations, and picnics–and you can leave your wallet at home for all of it! (In theory, at least. There's always ice cream to buy...)

Looking for more? Our list of 100 Things to Do With Chicago Kids Before They Grow Up will do the trick, and find all the summer fun in our Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

More Free Things To Do in Summer in Chicago

Free Concerts | Free Outdoor Movies

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Get your wiggles out with Wiggleworms. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way
Get your wiggles out with Wiggleworms. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way

Free Things To Do in Chicago All Summer

Art on the Mart

River North
Daily through September 11
Families can watch as works of art are projected on The Merchandise Mart, while listening to a variety of unique music. The show is about 30 minutes long and repeats at 7:30 and 8pm each night. READ MORE

Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville
Tuesdays, May 21-September 24
Kids and parents can enjoy music together with a different teaching artist each week at Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field. Performances include original music, movement, and bubbles! READ MORE

Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier

Navy Pier
Wednesdays & Saturdays, May 25-August 31
Fireworks fans of all ages can enjoy a spectacular display, synchronized to music, for FREE every Wednesday and Saturday night at Navy Pier.  READ MORE

Music at the Gazebo

Elmhurst
May 23, June 6 and 20, July 11 and 18, and August 1
Families can bring lawn chairs and blankets to listen to music throughout the evening at the Gazebo at Spring Road and the Prairie Path. A different local band is featured each week. READ MORE

Cantigny Outdoor Concerts

Wheaton
Sundays, May 26-September 1
Families can enjoy a series of tribute bands, military music, and bluegrass groups at the bandshell at Cantigny every Sunday at 3pm. READ MORE

Naperville Concerts in Your Park

Naperville
Sundays through July 28
Family-friendly music plays at parks all around Naperville on Sunday nights throughout the summer. Families can bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy music in a different park each week. READ MORE

Millennium Park Summer Music Series

Millennium Park
Mondays and Thursdays, June 1-August 8
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

Kids Evening on the Riverwalk

Naperville
Tuesdays, June 4 through August 6
The Naperville Public Library and Naperville Park District present stories, songs, and a puppet show each Tuesday evening through August 6 at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. READ MORE

Picnic on the Riverwalk

Naperville
Wednesdays, June 5 through August 7
Enjoy an all-ages, family storytime and puppet show at the Riverwalk Amphitheater Wednesdays at 10:30am. Participants can bring lunch or a snack to enjoy during the show. READ MORE

Glen Ellyn Movies in the Park

Glen Ellyn
June 5 and 19 and July 10
Glen Ellyn Park District hosts a series of movies in various parks throughout the summer.   Movies begin between 8:30 and 9pm. READ MORE

Wednesday Nights Live

Elmhurst
Wednesdays, June 5-August 7
There's a block party every week in Elmhurst City Centre with a stage set up for local bands to play at North York Plaza. Cover bands will play tributes to the Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Tom Petty. READ MORE

Naperville Municipal Band Concerts

Naperville
Thursdays, June 6 through August 15
Families can enjoy concerts with a different theme each week, as well as take part in a raffle or buy treats from a bake sale sponsored by local charities and organizations. READ MORE

Rockin' in the Park in Rosemont

Rosemont
Thursdays, June 6-August 29
Listen to a different local band every Thursday and select holidays throughout the summer at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont. Fireworks follow select shows. READ MORE

Movies in Cantigny Park

Wheaton
Fridays, June 7-August 30
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

Grant Park Music Festival

Grant Park
Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays from June 12-August 17
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

Sundays on State

State Street
June 16 and July 14
Chicago's State Street is closed from Madison to Lake for a block party full of surprises. Families can enjoy art, culture, active recreation, food, and specials from local retailers. READ MORE

Jazz in the Park

Glen Ellyn
June 19, July 17, and August 21
Music lovers can enjoy some free, outdoor big band tunes at various parks throughout Glen Ellyn over the summer. The Glen Ellyn Jazz Ensemble will perform at Maryknoll Park on June 19, at Newton Park on July 17, and at Lake Ellyn Park on August 21. Families are welcome to bring a picnic blanket and/or lawn chairs and a picnic dinner. READ MORE

Water Flicks at Navy Pier

Navy Pier
Mondays, July 8 through August 26
Navy Pier hosts "Water Flicks"—free, outdoor screenings of favorite family movies in Polk Bros Park. August 28 will be a viewers choice week in which families vote on Instagram for which movie they would like to see. READ MORE

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

Downtown
Tuesdays, July 16-August 20
Millennium Park hosts free movies in the park throughout July and August. Films are shown on a state-of-the-art 40-foot LED screen READ MORE

Naperville's A Night at the Movies

Naperville
July 26, August 9 and 23, September 4 and 20
Families can enjoy Friday night outdoor movies at alternating locations between Rotary Hill and 95th Street Community Plaza throughout the summer. When the movies are at Rotary Hill, the Riverwalk concession stand offers special movie snacks such as popcorn, hot dogs, pretzel bites, nachos, candy, and soda. READ MORE

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Wood Dale
June 7, July 5, August 16 and 30
The City of Wood Dale listens for the sounds of summer at this annual concert series in Community Square. Families can bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets and baskets to hear Arra, Local Band Night, Ginger Road, and more. READ MORE
Celebrate Pride at the Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of navypier.org
Celebrate Pride at the Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of navypier.org

Free Things to Do in Chicago in June

LaGrange Carnival

LaGrange
May 31-June 2
Rides, games, LED light displays, and concessions are highlights of this family-friendly weekend in LaGrange. Families can also participate in a pet parade on the Sunday of the festival. READ MORE

57th Street Art Fair

Hyde Park
Saturday, June 1-Sunday, June 2
The 57th Street Art Fair is a two-day outdoor celebration of the visual arts in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, featuring the work of up to 200 exhibitors. The 57th Street Art Fair provides a venue for creators of quality fine art and fine craft to meet with the art-buying public. Music, food, and children's activities round out the fun. READ MORE

Vintage Baseball Game

Elmhurst
Sunday, June 4
Grandma and Grandpa may remember how baseball looked in 1958, but at this baseball game on the Elmhurst College Mall, families can see a game as it might have been played in 1858. Local celebrities will face off in this matchup that features vastly different rules and Victorian taunts and jeers from the crowd. Huzzah! READ MORE

Old Canal Days

Lockport
Saturday, June 8-Sunday, June 9
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

Chi Soul Fest

Navy Pier
Saturday, June 15-Sunday, June 16
Navy Pier hosts Chi-Soul Fest, an intergenerational soul music festival in honor of Black Music Appreciation Month. Music fans of all ages can learn about Chicago’s rich history of soul and enjoy tributes to legendary soul artists throughout the decades. READ MORE

Artists of the Wall Festival

Loyola Beach
Saturday, June 15-Sunday, June 16
Watch as more than 150 artists paint sections of the 600-foot retaining wall along the lakefront from Farwell Avenue to Morse Avenue. Musical performances and food and drink vendors add to the family-friendly fun. READ MORE

DuSable Museum of African American History's Juneteenth Celebrating Freedom

Hyde Park
Wednesday, June 19
Visit the DuSable Museum of African American History to celebrate Juneteenth. The event will include food, vendors, musical entertainment and children's activities. READ MORE

Swedish Days

Geneva
Wednesday, June 19-Sunday, June 23
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, children 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

Rotary Grove Fest

Downers Grove
Thursday, June 20 Sunday, June 23
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

Make Music Chicago

Citywide
Thursday, June 21
All Chicagoans can celebrate their ability to make music at venues throughout the city on June 21 every year. Visit parks, plazas, and porches throughout the city to participate with friends and neighbors to create and/or listen to a variety of music from amateur to professional. READ MORE

Dragon Boat Race for Literacy

Chinatown
Saturday, June 22
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

Summer Fest Glenview

Glenview
Saturday, June 22
Experience the best of summer in Glenview at this perennial favorite street festival. Families can enjoy live entertainment, a balloon artist, magician, bubble station, local artists, and food and drinks from local vendors. READ MORE

Villa Park Summerfest

Villa Park
Saturday, June 22
Family-friendly music, interactive activities, a bags tournament, face-painting, magic, and balloon animals provide entertainment for kids and families at this annual west suburban street festival. Families can also enjoy food and beverages from local vendors. READ MORE

Eldridge Adventure Day

Elmhurst
Sunday, June 23
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

Logan Square Arts Festival

Logan Square
Friday, June 28-Sunday, June 30
The whole family can enjoy the Logan Square Arts Festival, a three-day celebration of the creativity, diversity, and vitality of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, featuring two stages of live music, visual art, performance art, dance, and food and drinks from local vendors. READ MORE

Navy Pier Pride

Navy Pier
Saturday, June 29
Everyone is welcome at Navy Pier Pride, featuring family-friendly festivities in honor of the LGBTQ+ community, such as story times with drag queens, DJs, dancing, and of course, fireworks!  READ MORE

Taste of Grayslake Family Picnic and Fireworks

Grayslake
Saturday, June 29
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
Free festivals in July for the win! Photo courtesy of Wicker Park Fest
Free festivals in July for the win! Photo courtesy of Wicker Park Fest

Free Things To Do in Chicago in July

Hometown Fest

Palatine
Wednesday, July 3-Sunday, July 7
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 5. READ MORE

Taste of Westmont

Westmont
Thursday, July 11-Sunday, July 14
West Suburban families don't have to travel to the city for the Taste as Westmont hosts its own Taste of Westmont event. Local food vendors sell treats while live music plays. Kids can enjoy a carnival with wristbands for unlimited rides for sale. READ MORE

Fresh Fest!

Downtown
Thursday, July 11 & Friday, July 12
Youth performers play and sing music, dance, and perform spoken word art at Navy Pier's Wave Wall at this free two-day festival. READ MORE

Southport Art Festival

Southport
Saturday, July 13-Sunday, July 14
Visitors can peruse and purchase many various kinds of art on tree-lined Southport Avenue at this West Lakeview street festival. A kids' area includes interactive games and activities. READ MORE

Jazz Up Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn
Saturday, July 13
Musically inclined families can take to the streets of Glen Ellyn to enjoy live music and food from local vendors. Jazz duos and trios will be featured at local restaurants and musicians can take part in a jazz master class. READ MORE

Bucktown Neighborhood and Garden Walk

Bucktown
Saturday, July 13-Sunda,y July 14
Bring the family to Bucktown for the  annual garden walk and neighborhood celebration READ MORE

Tacos y Tamales Festival

Pilsen
Friday, July 19-Sunday, July 21
Families can enjoy some authentic Mexican food at the Annual Tacos y Tamales Festival, a street fair based on a traditional Mexican market known as the Tianguis. READ MORE

Butterfield Park District Family Fun Fest

Lombard
Saturday, July 20
Kids can set sail for some summer fun at this nautical-themed family party. Activities include games, crafts, raffles, giveaways, and food. Admission to the pool is free during the event.  READ MORE

Fiesta Del Sol

Pilsen
Thursday, July 25-Sunday, July 28
Fiesta del Sol is an annual family-friendly event to celebrate and support the Pilsen neighborhood, featuring live entertainment, local art, a variety of food, carnival rides, a designated children’s area, educational resources for parents and youth, soccer games, and more. READ MORE

Wicker Park Fest

Wicker Park
Friday, July 26-Sunday, July 28
The 17th annual Wicker Park Fest will take place along Milwaukee Avenue from North Avenue to Division Street, featuring restaurant vendors and musical entertainment for the whole family, including a dedicated "Kids Fest" stage and kids' activities on Saturday and Sunday, such as balloon animals, face painting, and games!  READ MORE

Chinatown Summer Fair

Chinatown
Saturday, July 27-Sunday July 28
The whole family can enjoy the annual Chinatown Summer Fair, featuring a Dragon & Lion Dance Procession, artisan booths, delicious neighborhood cuisine, and activities for families and children. READ MORE
Anyone remember American Gladiators? Photo courtesy of Retro on Roscoe
Anyone remember American Gladiators? Photo courtesy of Retro on Roscoe

Free Things to Do in Chicago in August

Northbrook Days

Northbrook
Wednesday, July 31-Sunday, August 4
North Suburban residents and visitors can enjoy rides, games, live music, food, beer, and wine at this annual festival in Northbrook's Metra Commuter Lot West. Special Friends morning is Saturday, August 3rd, from 9:30am - 11:30am. READ MORE

Latinxt Music Festival at Navy Pier

Downtown
Saturday, August 24-Sunday, August 25
Navy Pier hosts LatiNxt, a two-day Latin music and art festival featuring performances from Latin artists around the globe, as well as art, crafts, and plenty of dancing! READ MORE

Retro on Roscoe

Roscoe Village
Friday, August 9-Sunday, August 11
Artisans, antique vendors, and merchants join three stages of entertainers at this North Side street festival. Local restaurants featuring street fest-friendly foods and classic cars round out the line-up for this old-fashioned family fun event. READ MORE

Edison Park Fest

Edison Park
Friday, August 2-Sunday, August 4
Since 1972, Chicago families have enjoyed shopping from local vendors at Edison Park Fest. Since then, the festival has grown to include music from local bands, street festival food, and kids' entertainment. READ MORE

Bud Billiken Parade

South Side
Saturday, August 10
The Bud Billiken Parade is the oldest and largest African American parade in the United States, and this year marks its 94th anniversary! Guests of all ages can enjoy a procession of bands, dance groups, and floats marching down King Drive, commemorating the community's past and celebrating its future. READ MORE

Air and Water Show

Lakeshore
Saturday, August 10-Sunday, August 11
Chicago hosts its annual Air and Water Show featuring the US Navy Blue Angels. This is the largest free show of its kind in the United States. The event is located at North Avenue Beach, but viewable all along the coast of Lake Michigan. READ MORE

Chalk Howard Street

Rogers Park
Saturday, August 24
Food, live music, outdoor chalk art gallery, and a creative space for aspiring chalk artists are all at Chalk Howard Street. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Naperville Parks
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Naperville Community Concert Center
State Street from Madison to Lake
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion & Great Lawn
DuSable Museum of African American History
Northbrook Metra Station Parking Lot