Check out these spring festivals in Chicago.
Best Spring Festivals in Chicago for Kids and Families
Explore artistic classics at the Chicago Art Institute. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
100 FREE Things to Do In Chicago with Kids
Spend Earth Day cleaning up a park. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Earth Day 2025: 13 Earth Day Activities in Chicago for Kids
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
GUIDE
Chicago Summer Camp Guide
The Indianapolis Children's Museum is one of the nation's best. Photo by Valerie Everett via Flickr 2.0
Best Things to Do with Kids in Indianapolis and Brown County, Indiana
Hello Baby is a free indoor playground in Woodlawn. Photo courtesy of Hello Baby
Best Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Chicago for Babies & Toddlers
Indoor golf is great for those cold or rainy days in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Scene 75
Indoor Golf Places in Chicago for Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Thinking of getting your kid's ears pierced? These ear piercing places in Chicago are clean and gentle.
Best Ear Piercing Places in Chicago for Kids
Photo courtesy of the CircEsteem Summer Circus Camp
Best Summer Day Camps in Chicago
Have your indoor birthday party at one of these fun Chicago venues. Photo courtesy of ©LEGOLAND Discovery Centers US LLC
Best Indoor Birthday Party Places in Chicago
Skokie Exploritorium is only $5 for residents. ©Skokie Park District
Best Indoor Playgrounds in Chicago
Chicago Park District offers financial assistance for their Summer camps. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Park District
Affordable and Free Summer Camps in Chicago
Photo courtesy of the CircEsteem Summer Circus Camp
Best Summer Day Camps in Chicago
IHOP Pancakes photo by Wendi Gratz via Flickr 2 0
Family-Friendly Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in Chicago
Visit the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago. Photo by Maureen Wilkey
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Tiny Picassos can enjoy different activities every day at the Art Institute’s Family Room. Photo by Maureen Wilkey, for Mommy Poppins
25 Free Things To Do Indoors in Chicago: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals

13 Things To Do to Celebrate Diwali in Chicago

Diwali celebration. Photo courtesy of Canva
Diwali celebration. Photo courtesy of Canva
10/13/24 - By Maureen Wilkey

In Chicago, there are multiple opportunities to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu holiday celebrating the victory of light over dark, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Sometimes Diwali events are more like a festival or a party, some are based on learning the legends and traditions surrounding the holiday, and some are unique events like cooking classes—but all of them will give kids the chance to experience and appreciate a different culture.

We've rounded up more than a dozen special Diwali events filled with music, dancing, food, and fun that kids in the Chicago area can attend to learn about and celebrate this colorful holiday.

Diwali event. Photo courtesy of the Elmhurst Public Library
Diwali event. Photo courtesy of the Elmhurst Public Library

Chicago Diwali Events for Kids

Chicagoland Diwali

Hoffman Estates
Sunday, October 13
Vchilli Events presents a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness at Bell Works in Hoffman Estates. Enjoy a fashion show, Bollywood dancing, celebrity appearances, traditional foods, and shopping stalls. READ MORE

Diwali in Willowbrook

Willowbrook
Friday, October 18
Uttarakhand Samaj of Greater Chicago hosts a Diwali Festival of Lights celebration at Ashton Place in Willowbrook. The event will include live performances, pahadi music, food, a raffle, and visits from Indian celebrities. READ MORE

Family Diwali Party

Elmhurst - FREE
Saturday, October 19
Celebrate Diwali at Elmhurst Public Library with stories and music. The Meher Dance Company will teach families traditional Indian dance moves. READ MORE

Experience Diwali: A Festival of Lights

Buffalo Grove - FREE
Sunday, October 20
Experience the festival of Diwali at Buffalo Grove's Community Arts Center. The event includes live music and dance performances, dance workshops, crafts, and traditional Indian food and beverages. READ MORE

Celebrate Diwali Festival of Lights in Lisle

Lisle
Friday, October 25
Visit the Science of Spirituality Center for a celebration of Diwali through a vibrant musical play from the center's young adults. This family-friendly event, inspired by the wisdom of saints and mystics, highlights the timeless message of living ethically and practicing meditation. READ MORE

Diwali: The Festival of Lights

Aurora
Saturday, October 26
Enjoy Indian culture, food, music, performances, clothing, jewelry, and more at Metea Valley High School. The event includes vendors, food, and live entertainment. READ MORE

Diwali Celebration Downers Grove

Downers Grove
Saturday, October 26
Uttarakhand Samaj of Greater Chicago invites families to celebrate Diwali at Ashyana Banquets in Downers Grove. See a Ramayana play and live dance performances, enjoy an Indian dinner, and dance to the music of a DJ on the open dance floor. READ MORE

Diwali Celebration for All Families at Independence Branch Library

Irving Park
Wednesday, October 30
Join bestselling author, Ajanta, for an exciting and engaging Diwali workshop that combines the vibrant energy of Indian dances with enchanting Indian cultural stories.This unique experience takes attendees on a journey through the five days of Diwali, bringing each day to life. Get ready to dance and have fun! READ MORE

Bubbles Academy Diwali Celebration

Bucktown
Saturday, November 2
Bubbles Academy teachers and guests celebrate Diwali with kids. Award-winning children’s author Ajanta Chakraborty, owner of Bollywood & Culture Groove will present dance and story sessions. Kids can also make crafts, eat snacks, and enjoy open play. READ MORE

Diwali Delights Family Dinner

Portage Park
Saturday, November 2
Celebrate the Hindu festival of Diwali with an Indian cooking class for families. Break into groups to make Aloo Matar Tiki a crispy appetizer made with potatoes and peas; Vegetable Biryani, a famous rice dish made with lots of veggies, and Diwali Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing. Then come together to enjoy the feast. READ MORE

EIAA's 3rd Diwali Party

Elmhurst
Saturday, November 9
Join Elmhurst Indian-American Association for an evening of celebration for Diwali! The event at the River Forest Country Club includes light bites and pizza for children, cash bar, music, dancing, and a short performance. READ MORE

Deepavali: A Celebration of Lights

South Loop
Saturday, November 9
Join Kalapriya, Chicago's southeast Asian arts community organization, for Deepavali at Chicago Women's Park and Garden. The celebration will include food, sparklers and art to commemorate the victory of Light over Darkness, Good over Evil, and Knowledge over Ignorance. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: