31 Best Things to Do in Chicago August 2024 With Kids

Blue Angels flying in the Air & Water Show in Chicago. Photo by Lt j.g. Chelsea Dietlin for the US Navy
Blue Angels flying in the Air & Water Show in Chicago. Photo by Lt j.g. Chelsea Dietlin for the US Navy
7/28/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

Looking for things to do in August in Chicago? Here are some great things to do in Chicago with kids.

Summer is not over yet! August in Chicago is a great time to enjoy outdoor movies, concerts, and summer festivals, and it's perfect for enjoying the best beach days. This August is also full of races: Enjoy a duck race in the Chicago River, a kids' track race in Palatine, or a bike race in Pulaski Woods. Watch amazing dancing at the India Day Celebration in Naperville or learn to dance yourself at Chicago SummerDance. And don't forget the Bud Billiken Parade taking over Bronzeville to celebrate kids returning to school!

This is the last chance for many families to get outdoors on a weeknight, so outdoor movies and concerts are a must before we break out the books again. Try to attend one of the last neighborhood street festivals, too! If you need to beat the heat again this month, visit one of our favorite beaches or spraygrounds.

Here are the best things to do in August in Chicago with kids. 

Places featured in this article:


Various Parks around Chicago

Northbrook Metra Station Parking Lot

Museum of Contemporary Art

Parks Citywide

Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion & Great Lawn

Bristol Renaissance Faire

Naperville Central High School

31st Street Harbor Playground Splash Pad