Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Hitting up one of the fun, FREE Halloween events in Chicago for kids means your wallets can catch a break after all the cash spent on costumes, candy, and decorations. We've curated a list of the best free Halloween events in Chicago: Think trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating from Lincoln Square to Lemont, parades downtown and in the suburbs, and movies in Chicago and suburban venues.
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Chicago's baby and toddler classes give parents and little ones something enriching to do before preschool starts. Chicago parents can choose from dozens of mommy & me and parent & me classes for babies, from swimming lessons to yoga classes, dance classes, and outdoor activities. Many of these classes require parental involvement, but some have drop-off classes available as children get older. These classes provide great opportunities for the littlest of kids to learn lifelong skills.
Check our guide to the Best Classes for Kids in Chicago for more kids' activities and programs.
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Looking for the best Halloween events for Chicago kids? Read on for our top picks for the spooky season.
Little ghouls and goblins can get their costumes ready early to enjoy lots of fun Halloween happenings leading up to the big day. Even if you choose not to go trick-or-treating, there are plenty of fun Halloween events for Chicago kids.
We've got you covered with more than 60 kids' Halloween events in Chicago that get you into the scary spirit. From neighborhood trick-or-treating to parties to parades to movies, there's something for everybody this Halloween. When you're done going apple picking and visiting the pumpkin patch, you can find more must-do events in our Halloween Events and Activities Guide for Chicago Kids.
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Classes for preschoolers and toddlers are a step up from parent-tot classes. If your Chicago preschooler wants to pursue their interest, even if it's just for 30-45 minutes once a week, then this list is for you! We've found a variety of fun things for kids who aren't in kindergarten yet but could use a little more time away from their caregiver during the day. Whether they're interested in music, movement, swimming, or the arts, when it comes to preschool classes in Chicago, we've found a little something for everybody.
If your kid isn't big enough to be dropped off yet, check out our Best Baby Classes in Chicago. As your preschooler gets older, check out our Guide to the Best Classes for Kids in Chicago. And have fun with your child's newfound interests and hobbies!
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Looking for the best pumpkin patches near Chicago? Read on for our top picks.
Illinois is the number one pumpkin-growing state in the country, so it should come as no surprise that there are dozens of great pumpkin patches near Chicago for jack-o'-lantern enthusiasts and pie bakers alike. Even better, many pumpkin patches also offer an array of autumn-themed activities like apple picking, corn mazes, and after-dark experiences for older kids. Here are more than 20 of our favorite pumpkin patches near Chicago, all within a two-hour drive of the Loop!
For more seasonal fun, don't forget to check out our Fall Fun Guide. And if you're zeroing in on Halloween activities, check out our rundown on the best Chicago neighborhoods for trick-or-treating and other Halloween ideas in our Halloween Events & Activities Guide for Chicago Kids.
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off in September and lasts into October. Here we've assembled some Hispanic Heritage Month facts and activities for kids to celebrate and honor the Latin culture and roots of many Americans.
Beginning as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, Hispanic Heritage celebrations now encompass an entire month to celebrate the accomplishments and culture of people whose ancestors come from Latin America, Mexico, Spain, and the Caribbean. With more than 62 million Americans claiming Hispanic heritage, that's a lot to celebrate!
Read on for facts, foods, and fun that are perfect for kids and the whole family.
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
Chicago is full of kid-friendly fall festivals, and many of them are FREE. From neighborhood festivals honoring Chicago's diverse communities, like Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest or 79th Street Renaissance Festival, to kid-friendly festivals in Chicago that dig deep into our thriving food and art scenes, like the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts or Renegade Craft Fair, there's a celebration happening every weekend from now 'til Thanksgiving.
Even Oktoberfest celebrations in Chicago, which might make you think of boozy crowds, make room for families with kids' zones and activities. And of course, there's Halloween and all the fun that comes with it.
Bookmark this long list of the best fall festivals in Chicago to do with kids. And get your calendar and your favorite fall sweater ready!
Submitted by Maureen Wilkey on
We're headed back to school but there are still plenty of fun things to do in Chicago with kids in September. The last of the summer street festivals are wrapping up on Labor Day weekend, so check out Taste of Polonia or Naperville's Last Fling. Or embrace the feeling of fall with Printers Row Lit Fest, Septemberfest in Bloomingdale, or Oktoberfest in Lakeview.
Athletic families might enjoy a chance to Bike the Drive at the annual event that shuts down DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and nostalgia-loving families may enjoy the Throwback Music Fest or a Soap Box Derby in Naperville.
Looking for classes to satisfy kids' interests after school? Our Class Guide has lots of ideas for kids with all kinds of fun hobbies. And don't forget, our family-friendly calendar is filled with plenty of other things to see and do.
Read on to see the best events for kids in Chicago in September 2024...
