Memorial Day weekend is here, so the summer can go ahead and kick off already. Public beaches open this weekend in Chicago, and Memorial Day observances include the annual parade and wreath-laying ceremony in the Chicago Loop on Saturday, with more local parades on Monday in the suburbs. At Cantigny Park, families can pay tribute to our fallen soldiers.

This Saturday night also marks the first summer fireworks show at Navy Pier. Get there early to enjoy the opening weekend of Pixar Putt. Summer festival season launches this weekend too, with the Mole de Mayo on Saturday and Sunday in Pilsen, and the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival in Lakeview. The suburbs won't be left behind, with Westmont hosting its annual Spring Fling Red, White and BBQ and the inaugurual DuPage Community Arts Festival kicking off summer in Wheaton.

It's also getting hot this weekend, so now might be a great time to check out our list of favorite sprinkler parks and spraygrounds or our top 10 swimming lakes in and around Chicago. Here are our favorite things to do with kids this Memorial Day weekend in Chicago!