Free summer concerts in Chicago mean families can enjoy being outside and listening to everything from local children's musicians to cover bands and other acts. The Chicago Park District hosts free summer concerts almost daily in different parks throughout the city, or families can hear music at Navy Pier, Harper Court, or Gallagher Way. Suburban families don't have to hit the city limits to get in on the action—many suburban park districts host free weekly outdoor concerts and shows near Chicago for kids of all ages.

The shows on this list are family-friendly, but check the artists in advance to ensure your child(ren) will be interested enough in the music to sit through a whole set. Consider sitting farther back or bringing earplugs for sound-sensitive kids.

Here are some great free concerts in Chicago this summer, and don't forget to check out our Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide for more fun things to do.

Free concerts throughout Los Angeles in the summertime, where parents can pack up both a picnic and restless tots and spend an evening under the stars, is beautiful music to our ears. 

They say music soothes the savage beast, but it's also pretty good at entertaining the easily bored child. Lucky for us, free outdoor concert series fill Los Angeles and OC parks and open spaces all summer long. So the odds are you won't have to travel far to find an open-air event. Throw down a blanket, spread out the snacks, uncork the wine, and watch the kids boogie the evening away as you sway to breezy melodies. 

Looking for more entertainment in the great outdoors? Our roundup of the best free outdoor movies in Los Angeles this summer will help you find your favorite films, and there's plenty more summer fun in our Ultimate Los Angeles Kids Summer Vacation Guide. 

Summer offers up looser schedules and later bedtimes, and FREE outdoor movies in Westchester and the Hudson Valley are a great way to take advantage of those seasonal perks. 

We’ve rounded up an assortment of outdoor flicks for your family’s enjoyment—films both old and new, and for a range of ages, often with the added appeal of a Hudson River view or sand in your shoes. Some offer added amenities like pre-film entertainment (from live bands to magic shows and more), complimentary refreshments, or food for purchase. But all have one thing in common: FREE summer fun! 

For another way of enjoying outdoor movies, check out our roundup of drive-in movie theaters. And don't forget to consult our complete Summer Activity Guide or Family Activity Calendar.