Here comes another practically perfect summer weekend, and a full-to-bursting list of fun options for Chicago families. Let's start with the dinosaur in the room: Jurassic Quest at Navy Pier is your dino-obsessed kid's chance to interact with "living" specimens—watch out for those teeth. In other toothsome news, the Chicago Hot Dog Fest hits Lincoln Square, Veggie Fest in Lisle celebrates tasty plant-based eats, kids can race for donuts at the Stan's Donut 5K at Soldier Field, and there are two chances to observe National S'Mores Day this weekend around campfires in Arlington Heights and Montrose Beach.

The weekend sees the return of a beloved Chicago summertime tradition, too: The Bud Billiken Parade, or "The Bud," steps off in the South Side on Saturday morning with marching bands, floats, and performers, and is followed by a fair in Washington Park and another family fest at Oakwood Beach. High-flyers can let off some string at two kite festivals this weekend, one in Elmhurst and one at the Chicago Botanic Gardens. And music lovers can get their fill at the Thirsty Ears classical music festival in Ravenswood, with kid-friendly performances all weekend.

If your kids are into cars, trucks, and all things that go, the Retro on Roscoe street fair features a lineup of vintage cars and motorcycles. Train Day at the DuPage Children's Museum includes model trains and buildable tracks, or climb aboard real fire trucks and other big rigs at the FREE Touch-a-Truck fair in North Riverside (just bring a non-perishable food donation for admission).

For even more summertime fun, dig into our ever-expanding roundup of fairs and festivals around Chicago, or dive into one of our favorite pools, beaches, or splash parks. And remember there's always more to discover on the event calendar.