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12 Animal Encounters and Petting Zoos Near Chicago
Eclipse photo by Andrew Shirey. Courtesy of the National Park Service
20 Fun and FREE Things To Do in Chicago April 2024 With Kids
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
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Try an outdoor festival this spring in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Mole de Mayo Festival
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The lion cubs; Pesho, Lomelok and Sidai! Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo
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Teen performers. Photo courtesy of CircEsteem
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Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
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Three boys having fun at an arcade. Photo courtesy of Laser X in Addison
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St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
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Birthday Party fun! Photo courtesy of POW! Gym
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Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
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Rides, a children's museum, and more on Navy Pier. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
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Whether your kids are into theater, cooking, sports, or STEM, we've got you covered! Photo courtesy of Snapology Chicago
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Ride high on Maxx Force at Six Flags Great America.
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An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
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Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
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Butterfield Park is one of several great outdoor spots in Elmhurst. Photo courtesy of the Elmhurst Park District
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Starved Rock State Park
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Batter up! There are classes for kids of all ages and interests in Chicago.
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Checking out the exhibits at Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
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We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
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Chicago has many great swim schools in the area. Photo courtesy of Lakeside Swim School
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The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
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State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
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Checking out CAMP's new immersive experience in Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins
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There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
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Love Bug Dance photo courtesy of the Dupage Childrens Museum
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Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
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Try one of these Chicago salons for baby's first haircut. Photo courtesy of My Kids Place
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Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill
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Hit the spa with your kid for a spa party in Chicago. Photo by Lisa Gagne for Canva
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​Chicago History Museum located in Old Town. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
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Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
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Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
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Climb and play all day no matter the weather, at Present Place. Photo courtesy of Present Place
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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
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The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
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Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
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Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
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There are many popular bar and bat mitzvah venues in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Pinstripes
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Family-friendly and voted one of the top 5 escape rooms in the USA! Photo courtesy of Escape Factor in Forest Park
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Take pregnancy classes from a birth center or doula if you choose. Photo courtesy of Chicago Family Doulas
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Cooking classes for kids in Chicago. Photo courtesy of The Kid's Table
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Birthday parties at these indoor skydiving venues include a flight class, two flights per guest, and party room time. Photo courtesy of iFly
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Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago. Photo by @zoblue, Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
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The Zoo is one of the best things to do with kids in Lincoln Park. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
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Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
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Pancakes served all day long in Chicago's West Loop! Photo courtesy of The Little Goat, Facebook
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Chicago's museums are some of the top attractions in the city. Photo courtesy of the Art Institute of Chicago
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Semicolon is a Black-owned bookstore in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Semicolon
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Kids will have a hard time deciding between all the delicious treats at Dinkel's, the 100 year old Bavarian bakery
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The iconic ConAgra mural in Chicago, created by artist Jeff Zimmermann, is visible from the 606 elevated Bloomingdale Trail. Photo courtesy of jazim.com
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Spectacular city views of the Chicago Skyline in River North. Photo courtesy of Wendella Boat Tours.
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The Field Museum is home to some of the country's most complete dinosaur skeletons.
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See the elephants at the Milwaukee Zoo.
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Take your little one for a splash in the Crown Fountain. Photo by Sandor Weisz
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Dad and son having fun at the auto show. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Auto Show
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Delight in an outdoor rink across Chicago. The Skating Ribbon is a popular destination. Photo courtesy of Maggie Daley Park
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St Patricks Day parade in downtown Chicago. Photo by US Army Reserve photo by Sgt 1st Class Michel Sauret via Flickr.
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Earth Day Festivities and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

Earth Day. photo courtesy of the Forest Preserve of Cook County
Earth Day. photo courtesy of the Forest Preserve of Cook County
4/17/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for the best things to do in Chicago this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend!

All over the city and suburbs families are celebrating Earth Day this weekend. Participate by watching a movie about Earth in Oak Park, cleaning up a forest preserve in Cook County, or planting a tree in Westmont. Learn more about science and biology at the Let's Go Science Show in Naperville, the Reptile Day Event in North Riverside, or during Kids Fest at Oak Park Conservatory.  Or celebrate your health with YMCA Healthy Kids Day.

Check out the full line-up of spring festivals—we've rounded up 35 that are family-friendly. Sign up for one of our favorite Chicago summer camps in almost any category imaginable. Or plan ahead by making reservations for Mother's Day brunch!

Have a great spring weekend in Chicago!

More Things To Do in Chicago This Week With Kids

Earth Day. photo courtesy of Canva
Earth Day. photo courtesy of Canva

Best Things To Do This Weekend in Chicago With Kids

One Earth Film Festival

Oak Park - FREE
Wednesday, April 17-Wednesday, April 24
Kids can learn more about the environment and threats to it through films. The One Earth Film Fest includes both in-person and virtual offerings for kids ages 3 and up. Animated and live action films provide education and entertainment for families. READ MORE

Forest Preserve District of Cook County Earth Day Cleanup

Cook County Forest Preserves - FREE
Friday, April 19-Saturday, April 20
Do your part to celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up litter in Cook County Forest Preserves. Each preserve will have pick up supplies available for families. Some preserves will have activities for families. READ MORE

Once Upon a Symphony: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Downtown
Saturday, April 20
Chicago Symphony Orchestra presents Goldilocks and the Three Bears, a classic story of how young Goldilocks stumbles upon a quaint cottage and goes inside to explore. She has no idea it belongs to three bears who are on their way home! With this classic story as a guide, young audiences are invited to experience the wide and wonderful world of the forest through Goldilocks’ eyes and playfully explore some of the responsibilities that come along with growing older.  READ MORE

YMCA Healthy Kids Day

YMCAs around Chicago - FREE
Saturday, April 20
YMCAs around the country host free community events aimed to inspire kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer months and beyond. Check the YMCA website to find one in your area that is participating. READ MORE

Earth Day Clean Up and Celebration at Commercial Club

West Loop - FREE
Saturday, April 20
Spend the morning cleaning up Commercial Park and celebrate Earth Day. READ MORE

Kids' Earth Day Celebration at Standard Market

Westmont
Saturday, April 20
Visit Standard Market to celebrate Earth Day with painting pots, planting oak trees a snack and story time about the planet and the environment. Registration is required. READ MORE

Topsy Turvy Tea Party

Lombard
Saturday, April 20
Follow the White Rabbit to this Alice in Wonderland themed tea party in Lombard. Dress in your tea party best for mini sandwiches and other tea snacks, a craft, games, and a special visitor. READ MORE

Reptile Party Event

North Riverside - FREE
Saturday, April 20
Bugs, reptiles, and snakes are back. Visit North Riverside Park Mall for a fun and educational time with a cast of scaly creatures! Crosstown Exotics returns with their crew of prehistoric amphibians and reptiles for an up-close encounter with all kinds of animals that have survived since the dinosaur ages.  READ MORE

Earth Day Celebration at White Oak Park

Wood Dale - FREE
Saturday, April 20
Celebrate Earth Day at White Oaks Park with a FREE family friendly celebration filled with interactive activities, giveaways, and education to deepen your connection with planet Earth. READ MORE

Fairytale Princess Ball

Carol Stream
Saturday, April 20
Favorite princesses will be in attendance for a lovely royal affair filled with dancing, activities, meet and greets, photo ops and more. Spend time with your favorite characters at Fountain View Fitness. READ MORE

Main-Dempster Mile Earth Day Clean-up

Evanston - FREE
Saturday, April 20
Help clean up the southeast Evanston area with Main-Dempster Mile businesses. Check in at the Village Farmstand to pick up garbage bags, gloves, and a wristband. After you help clean up, you can use the wristband to pick up prizes at local businesses. READ MORE

Rangla Punjab 2024

Portage Park
Saturday, April 20
The Punjabi Society of Chicago hosts Rangla Punjab 2024 at the Copernicus Center. This family event features colorful dancing, songs, skits and more. VIP tickets include dinner. READ MORE

The Let's Go Science Show

Naperville
Saturday, April 20
Since 1982, Todd Victor and Lizette Guy have been together entertaining families, first as jugglers and physical comedians performing throughout the world. They have now combined their theater skills with their love of science and teaching to create this fun-filled science show. READ MORE

Purple Crayon Players' Playground Festival

Evanston - FREE
Saturday, April 20
Northwestern University's Purple Crayon Players present a trio of new plays for young audiences at the Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts. See "The Golden Loc" or "Fly Away Home" on Saturday. "Hannah and the Hollow Challah" plays on Sunday. READ MORE

Earth Day Nature Play

Barrington - FREE
Saturday, April 20
Celebrate Earth Day at Crabtree Nature Center. Play, plant, paint, and pretend with family-fun activities. READ MORE

Brookfield Zoo Earth Day 2.2 Mile

Brookfield
Sunday, April 21
This non-competitive 2.2-mile run around Brookfield Zoo is geared toward runners and walkers of all ages. Celebrate Earth Day during the pre-opening hours to see the animals at the zoo. READ MORE

Oak Park Conservatory Kids' Fest

Oak Park - FREE
Sunday, April 21
Kids can learn more about plants and bees at the Oak Park Conservatory's annual Kids Fest. The event includes a celebration of bees and bee keeping, hands-on educational activities, a scavenger hunt, and crafts. This year's theme, Life Under a Log, will be highlighted by a visit from The Frog Lady, as well as partners from Trailside Museum, Field Museum, and Illinois Master Naturalists. READ MORE

Wheeling Earth Day Celebration

Wheeling - FREE
Sunday, April 21
Celebrate Earth Day in Wheeling's Heritage Park. Take a nature walk, see what outdoor settings Wheeling has to offer, and see animals up close. Exhibitors will include Chicago Kite, Cook County Farm Bureau, Heller Nature Center, and the Wheeling Garden Club. READ MORE

Spring Family Festival at Kohl Children's Museum

Glenview
Sunday, April 21
Celebrate springwith outdoor exhibits and activities at Kohl Children's Museum. Kids can enjoy a petting farm, meeting unusual animals like snakes and amphibians, bubble play, a visit from Rapunzel, and an outdoor car painting activity. READ MORE

Build-a-palooza + LEGO Drive at Pollyanna

Roselle
Sunday, April 21
Visit Pollyanna Brewing and bring along some LEGOs for kids in need. The brewery will have LEGO free build for all ages along with beer and food. Families should bring a new LEGO set or two to donate to Bricks of Hope - a local nonprofit creating play and inspiring imagination in sick kids in Illinois with the simple gift of LEGO! READ MORE
Try an outdoor festival this spring in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Mole de Mayo Festival
Try an outdoor festival this spring in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Mole de Mayo Festival

More Fun Things To Do in Chicago Right Now

20 Fun and FREE Things To Do in Chicago April 2024 With Kids

Eclipse events, Earth Day, and more. READ MORE

35 Spring Festivals and Fairs in Chicago for Families

Get ready for spring fun with our roundup of fairs, festivals, and parades around town. READ MORE

12 Animal Encounters and Petting Zoos Near Chicago

The best places near Chicago for kids to cuddle animals. READ MORE

27 of the Best Mother’s Day Brunches in Chicago

Spoil mom with these Mother's Day meals around Chicago. READ MORE

Chicago Summer Camp Guide

Find a summer camp for every age and interest around Chicagoland! READ MORE

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