Chicago

23 Best Things to Do in Chicago May 2024 with Kids

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 04/28/2024 - 11:16am

Lilac Time in Lombard. Photo credit: Canva

Looking for things to do with kids in Chicago this May? Here are our favorite kid-friendly things to do in Chicago in May 2024.

Let's be honest. With so many things to do this time of year, how can you possibly decide between them all? This best-of-May guide should do the trick! Parades are back and there are two big ones downtown this month: The Polish Constitution Day Parade and the Memorial Day Parade. Has being outside again got you thinking about nature? Check out environmentally-themed fun at Chicago River Day or World Migratory Bird Day. Animal-themed music is also big this month, with a Broadway in Chicago presenting Bluey's Big Play and Once Upon a Symphony performing Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Festivals celebrating flowers are blooming in Lombard, West Chicago, and Oak Park this month as well.

There's still time to book a reservation at one of more than 25 destinations for Mother's Day brunch or to plan another activity for Mother's Day. Check out one of our favorite tot lots and toddler playgrounds to get your littlest kids out and moving. Or get away from it all with a hike in or around the Windy City.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in May 2024 with kids in Chicago.

30 Things to Do on Mother's Day 2024 in Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 04/21/2024 - 9:17am

Celebrate Mom with one of these fun things to do on Mother's Day in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Odyssey at Navy Pier

Planning fun things to do on Mother's Day doesn't have to be stressful. It's actually quite easy—treat her like a queen and don't let her lift a finger. Whether she wants a break from cooking or would love quality time with her kiddos, this list of things to do on Mother's Day has something for every mom. If you combine one of these activities with brunch or dinner, you have a perfect Mother's Day 2024.

Springfield with Kids: Best Things to Do in Springfield, IL

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Fri, 04/19/2024 - 12:05pm

Kids at the Lincoln Museum in Springfield. Photo by Maureen Wilkey for Mommy Poppins

Springfield, IL is just three hours south of Chicago, and while you might know it as the home of Abraham Lincoln, there are tons of other exciting and fun family things to do in Springfield. Wander the halls of the State Capitol, check out the inspiring street art and murals, and check out the latest exhibits at the Kidzeum of Health & Science. Visit just a few places on this list, and your kids will impress you with their new-found knowledge all the way home!

Springfield can be a great educational and fun weekend trip for Chicago kids looking to learn more about history. It can be a fun stop on an excursion to St. Louis or even play a part in a full tour of historic Route 66. If you're looking for other easy trips, check out this guide to family day trips and weekend getaways for Chicago kids.

27 of the Best Mother’s Day Brunches in Chicago

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 04/14/2024 - 10:00am

Make this Mother's Day a special celebration!

Mother's Day brunch is a great way to celebrate Mom, who deserves the finest food in Chicago. Plus, moms always need a break from thinking about food, shopping for food, preparing food, and cleaning up after meals. So take her out! We have a list of Mother's Day brunches at a variety of price points, and you can always check our Kid-Friendly Chicago Restaurant Guide for more ideas all year round.

And, don't forget to add a little personal touch to the spread with a special handcrafted Mother's Day card or tackle one of these other 100 awesome crafts for kids to create a homemade gift sure to melt mom's heart.

Popular Preschool Summer Camps Near Chicago for Your First Time Camper

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 04/07/2024 - 8:34am

Pedalheads uses summer camp to teach preschoolers how to ride a bike. Photo courtesy of Pedalheads Bike Camps

Summer camps near Chicago are essential for parents. They keep kids engaged and give parents much-needed time for work or a break from the daily summer grind. And while there are plenty of summer camps near Chicago for school-aged kiddos, what about preschoolers?

Whether they're about to head to a classroom for the first time or need something to break up their day, preschoolers benefit from summer camps, too. They'll meet new friends, explore a new skill or sport, and spend time with grown-ups who aren't related to them—something that'll happen frequently once they head to school.

We've rounded up popular summer camp options throughout the city and suburbs that offer academic enrichment and physical activities to build endurance and encourage active play. If you need other fun things to do with preschoolers in the summer, check out the best indoor playspaces for kids, 25 of the best things to do with kids in Chicago before they turn five, and the best parks and playgrounds in Chicago for kids.

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

Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on Sun, 03/31/2024 - 10:29am

Eclipse photo by Andrew Shirey. Courtesy of the National Park Service

Spring has sprung and our favorite things to do in Chicago include being outdoors. One thing to look at this month is the solar eclipse, which will reach 93% totality in some parts of the Chicago area. Check out eclipse-related events at the Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, or Pullman Park.

Get outside for Earth Day; you can help clean up litter in Cook County's forest preserves, make a recycled craft at D vorak Park, or go for a run in Brookfield.

For indoor activities, check out some great kids' theater this month, like Cloud Man at the Filament Theatre, Skunk and Badger at Lifeline Theater, or Beauty and the Beast at the Beverly Arts Center.

April weekends are the perfect time to play tourist in your city with our top 25 Chicago tourist attractions or get out of the city for a family hike. And don't forget to book those summer camps, which are filling up fast in the city and suburbs.

Here are our top things to do in Chicago with kids this April!

35 Spring Festivals and Fairs in Chicago for Families

Submitted by Nicole Farrell on Fri, 03/29/2024 - 9:08am

Try an outdoor festival this spring in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the Mole de Mayo Festival

Congrats, parents! You've survived another winter with the kids, it's probably safe to stash your cold weather gear, and the best part? It's time for spring festivals and fairs in Chicago. From Easter to Holi to Earth Day, and from kites to a rt, Chicago kids have no shortage of spring festivals to make the most of warmer weather on the way... and most of them are FREE. Plus, there are can't-miss cultural festivals in Chicago like the U mbrella Arts Festival, the Polish Parade, and the Festival Mole de Mayo. Get your calendars out and start making plans—spring is here!

Easter Weekend 2024: 20+ Things To Do in Chicago With Kids

Submitted by Siobhan Adcock on Wed, 03/27/2024 - 9:00am

Spring Egg-Stravaganza. Photo courtesy of the Lincoln Park Zoo

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

Happy Easter weekend! It's the end of spring break in Chicago, so if you haven't gotten a chance yet, take part in an Easter egg hunt. There are big ones in Elmhurst, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Unity Park. Or you can see the Easter Bunny at a parade in Berwyn, a fun run in Durkin Park , or a brunch in the W alnut Room. Not celebrating a holiday this weekend? Visit Navy Pier for fun spring break activities or enjoy hands-on nature experiences at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum.

Many malls have one last chance to get a picture with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, so check our list if you are still hoping to get one. Visit one of Chicago's zoos to see what's new (spoiler alert: the dolphins are back)! Or finalize your summer camp plans from our Summer Camp Guide.

Here are our favorite choices for things to do in Chicago with kids this Easter weekend!