Villains like the Sanderson sisters always have a good time at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party! Photo courtesy WDW
Best Halloween Events in Orlando 2025 for Kids and Families: Theme Parks, Haunted Houses, and More
Visiting kid-friendly farms, especially those with fun attractions, is a great way to spend a fall afternoon. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in Orlando This Fall
Cowboy Adventure Park at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo treats visitors to fun attractions, including the mechanical bull! Photo by author
Dude Ranches and More Places for Kids to Play Cowboy in Florida
Enjoy fall fun at Santa's Farm in Eustis this weekend for opening day full of kid-friendly activities. Photo by author
Blippi, Oktoberfest, Fall Festivals, and More Things to Do in Orlando This Weekend With Kids
Wild Florida airboat rides allow passengers close-up experiences with Florida's native wildlife and vegetation. Photo courtesy Wild Florida
Swamp Boat Rides and Airboat Ride Adventures Near Orlando
Find the best pumpkin patches near Orlando with our guide to the best things to do this fall near Orlando with kids.
GUIDE
Orlando Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2025
With seating for five, families can take a swan boat ride together on Lake Eola. Photo courtesy of Visit Florida
Explore Orlando's Lake Eola with Kids
Enjoy a relaxing getaway in Celebration, Florida with tree-lined streets, unique restaurants, and fun spots like Celebration Farmers Market and Lake Rianhard.
Celebration, FL with Kids: 23 Things to Do in Disney’s Dream Town
Watch out for sneaky dinosaurs roaming the grounds of Jurassic Park at Universal Orlando Resort. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
Discover Dinosaurs in Orlando and More Prehistoric Fun for Kids
The Festival of the Lion King is an entertaining (and dry) place to wait out a rainy afternoon at Disney World. Photo by Ryan Wendler/Disney World
10 Ways to Survive Orlando Theme Parks When It Rains
With calm waters and soft sand, there are many beaches near Orlando ideal for toddlers to play safely. Photo courtesy Visit St. Pete/Clearwater
Best Beaches for Toddlers Near Orlando
The cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness are cozy, spacious, and sleep up to six guests.
Go Inside Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort for Woodsy Wonder
Nab a Gaylord Palms Resort Guess Pass and spend the day enjoying the water park, dining options, and other amenities. Photo courtesy of Marriott Gaylord Palms
Kissimmee with Kids: 22 Things to Do in Kissimmee, Florida
Disney Springs is bursting with FREE things to do in Orlando this summer, like splash pads and play areas. Photo courtesy WDW
Orlando Summer Fun: 50 Amazing FREE Activities for Kids
Spend a few hours exploring Orlando with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours. Photo courtesy of the company
3 Days in Orlando with Kids (Minus the Theme Parks): Itinerary From a Local Mom
Embark on a heartwarming, up-close encounter with playful dolphins at Discovery Cove. Photo courtesy of Discovery Cove
14 Best Hidden Gems in Orlando: Exploring Past the Big Theme Parks
Take to the skies and soar with dragons as you explore the Isle of Berk. Photo courtesy NBC Universal
Universal's Epic Universe: Epic Fun at Orlando's Newest Theme Park
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Guide
SEA LIFE Florida officially opened this summer, treating families to major aquatic fun. Photo courtesy SEA LIFE
SEA LIFE Florida Aquarium Opens at Legoland Florida Resort
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.
100 Free Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
See the world's largest Crayola crayon at Crayola Experience Orlando.
  VIDEO
Crayola Experience Orlando: The Amusement Park for Crafty Kids
The playground at Tucker Ranch Preserve sports a treehouse-feel, surrounded by nature.
22 Best Playgrounds in Orlando for Family Fun
Enjoy a refreshing stroll with the kids along the scenic boardwalk at Sweetwater Park.
Best Boardwalk Trails in Orlando and Central Florida for Families
Sleepover with the dinosaurs at the Orlando Science Center. Photo by Charlotte B
Spend the Night at the Museum: 9 Museums and Zoos that Host Sleepovers in Orlando
Tour the Florida Everglades aboard the coolest mode of transportation--airboat! Kids will LOVE getting close to nature on a Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures tour. Photo courtesy Visit Orlando
18 Cool Ways to Tour Orlando with Kids
Gideon's Handmade Cookies, at East End Market, are MASSIVE, like this drool-worthy pistachio toffee chocolate chip cookie. Photo courtesy Gideon's & East End Market
Best Food Halls in Orlando for Kids and Families
Stay cool and dry this summer while battling dinosaurs at an Orlando arcade! Photo by author
Best Arcades in Orlando for Kids & Teens
Toddlers and young kids can let loose with their prehistoric friends at Dinosaur World's cute playground. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
30 Fun Things to Do with Orlando Toddlers and Preschoolers in Summer
Obstacle courses are part of the water play at Island H2O Water Park.
Best Outdoor Water Parks in Orlando for Family Fun
Teens and tweens love the wet and wild fun at Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon. Photo by author
Best Things to Do at Walt Disney World with Teens and Tweens
Swim at the freshwater Juniper Springs in Silver Springs, Florida. US Forest Service photo by Susan Blake
Top 10 Natural Springs in Florida Near Orlando
Celebrate your child's birthday party at Gatorland. Photo courtesy of Gatorland
21 Top Orlando Birthday Party Venues for Kids to Celebrate
Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland makes the the perfect outdoor day trip.
100 Free Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
Create magical moments at Hollywood Studios, including those with Florida's only snowman, Olaf!
Secret Tips for Visiting Walt Disney World With Babies and Toddlers
SeaWorld Orlando theme park, zoo and aquarium offers exciting rides and roller coasters, up-close animal encounters. Photo by the author
100 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Before They Grow Up (Other than Theme Parks)
The Yardery is a fun Orlando restaurant for both kids and adults...and even dogs!
Best Orlando Restaurants with Play Spaces for Kids
Splash around in the water feature at Bok Tower's Hammock Hollow Children's Garden. Photo courtesy of Bok Tower Gardens
25 Secret Orlando Spots Kids Will Love
Check out our list of the best Orlando parks to host birthday parties!
Top Orlando Parks for Kids' Birthday Parties
Spend a few hours exploring Orlando with Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours. Photo courtesy of the company
3 Days in Orlando with Kids (Minus the Theme Parks): Itinerary From a Local Mom
Adventures await you and your little piggies at Rebecca Rabbit's Playground at Peppa Pig Theme Park. Photo courtesy of Legoland
30 Things To Do with Orlando Babies Before They Turn One

Ultimate Guide: 100 Free Things to Do with Kids in Chicago This Summer

CircEsteem Around Chicago Summer Tour. Photo courtesy of CircEsteem
CircEsteem Around Chicago Summer Tour. Photo courtesy of CircEsteem
6/8/25 - By Siobhan Adcock

Discover 100 unforgettable FREE summer activities for kids in Chicago!

From specific park events to hidden gems, find unique and fun things to do with your family this summer without spending a dime. You might be surprised how many summer activities for kids in Chicago cost absolutely nothing. Of course, the city's playgrounds and splash pads are always free, but it's in the summertime that free things to do in Chicago with kids really ramp up. 

Why Summer in Chicago is Perfect for Free Kid Activities

There's an abundance of free summer activities for families in Chicago throughout the summer. Part of this is because of the increased ability to be outside, so park districts, museums, libraries and municipalities can offer free outdoor activties. As you can see from this bursting-at-the-seams list, there's something fun and free to do almost every single day of the summer—so there's no excuse for anyone to be bored. Outdoor movies, summer festivals, street fairs, concerts and performances, public art, cultural celebrations, and picnics–and you can leave your wallet at home for all of it! (In theory, at least. There's always ice cream to buy...) Plus, the extra daylight hours and not needing to wake up early for school make it easier to let kids stay out late.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Summer Activities in Chicago

  • How do I find out about free events happening each week? That's easy, just check out our calendar or bookmark this list.
  • Are these activities suitable for all ages? Some are and some aren't. We've marked appropriate ages on each free summer event calendar listing so that you know!
  • What should I bring to a free outdoor event? Most venues allow you to bring in a water bottle. Bring or wear sunscreen, and maybe bug repellent if you're heading to a forest preserve or park. And, of course, bring a good summer attitude!
  • How early should I arrive for popular free events? Our list includes a combination of popular events and some hidden gems. We haven't included many things where you would need to arrive super early, but if you want specific seats for a parade or fireworks, we suggest arriving an hour before start time.

Looking for more? Our list of 100 Things to Do With Chicago Kids Before They Grow Up will do the trick, and find all the summer fun in our Ultimate Chicago Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way. Photo credit: Heidi Zeiger Photography
Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way. Photo credit: Heidi Zeiger Photography

Free Things To Do in Chicago All Summer

Art on the Mart

River North
Daily through September 7
Families can watch as works of art are projected on The Merchandise Mart, while listening to a variety of unique music. The show is about 30 minutes long at 9 pm each night. READ MORE

Wiggleworms at Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville
Tuesdays through September 30
Kids and parents can enjoy music together with a different teaching artist each week at Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field. Performances include original music, movement, and bubbles! After each class, a movie will play on the big screen. READ MORE

Summer Fireworks at Navy Pier

Navy Pier
Wednesdays & Saturdays through August 30
Fireworks fans of all ages can enjoy a spectacular display, synchronized to music, for FREE every Wednesday and Saturday night at Navy Pier.  READ MORE

Music at the Gazebo

Elmhurst
June 12 and 26, July 10, 24, and 31, and August 7
Families can bring lawn chairs and blankets to listen to music throughout the evening at the Gazebo at Spring Road and the Prairie Path. A different local band is featured each week. READ MORE

Cantigny Outdoor Concerts

Wheaton
Saturdays through August 30
Families can enjoy a series of tribute bands, military music, and bluegrass groups at the bandshell at Cantigny every Sunday at 3pm. READ MORE

Naperville Concerts in Your Park

Naperville
Sundays through July 27
Family-friendly music plays at parks all around Naperville on Sunday nights throughout the summer. Families can bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy music in a different park each week. READ MORE

Millennium Park Summer Music Series

Millennium Park
Mondays and Thursdays, June 26-August 7
The whole family can enjoy a free, world-class concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park! The music series features a wide variety of music from top local, national, and international artists. READ MORE

Kids Evening on the Riverwalk

Naperville
Tuesdays through August 5
The Naperville Public Library and Naperville Park District present stories, songs, and a puppet show each Tuesday evening through August 5 at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. READ MORE

Picnic on the Riverwalk

Naperville
Wednesdays through August 6
Enjoy an all-ages, family storytime and puppet show at the Riverwalk Amphitheater Wednesdays at 10:30am. Participants can bring lunch or a snack to enjoy during the show. READ MORE

Glen Ellyn Movies in the Park

Glen Ellyn
June 11, July 9 and August 6
Glen Ellyn Park District hosts a series of movies in various parks throughout the summer.   Movies begin between 8:30 and 9pm. READ MORE

Wednesday Nights Live

Elmhurst
Wednesdays through August 6
There's a block party every week in Elmhurst City Centre with a stage set up for local bands to play at North York Plaza. Cover bands will play tributes to the John Mayer, Fleetwood Mac, Lady Gaga, Tom Petty, and more. READ MORE

Naperville Municipal Band Concerts

Naperville
Thursdays through August 14
Families can enjoy concerts with a different theme each week, as well as take part in a raffle or buy treats from a bake sale sponsored by local charities and organizations. READ MORE

Rockin' in the Park in Rosemont

Rosemont
Thursdays through August 28
Listen to a different local band every Thursday and select holidays throughout the summer at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont. Fireworks follow select shows. READ MORE

Movies in Cantigny Park

Wheaton
Fridays through August 29
Cantigny Park hosts weekly movies at its bandshell every Friday at sunset throughout the summer. Seating is first come, first served and visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and bug spray. Concessions can be purchased at Mamie's Toffee and Treats. READ MORE

Grant Park Music Festival

Grant Park
Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays from June 11-August 16
Chicagoans of all ages can enjoy the Grant Park Music Festival, a 10-week celebration featuring world-class classical music concerts and community engagement—a Chicago tradition for more than 80 years. READ MORE

Jazz in the Park

Glen Ellyn
June 18, July 16, and August 20
Music lovers can enjoy some free, outdoor big band tunes at various parks throughout Glen Ellyn over the summer. The Glen Ellyn Jazz Ensemble will perform at Lake Ellyn on June 18, at Newton Park on July 16, and at Maryknoll Park on August 20. Families are welcome to bring a picnic blanket and/or lawn chairs and a picnic dinner. READ MORE

Millennium Park Summer Film Series

Downtown
Tuesdays, July 1-August 19
Millennium Park hosts free movies in the park throughout July and August. Films are shown on a state-of-the-art 40-foot LED screen READ MORE

Naperville's A Night at the Movies

Naperville
July 25, August 8, 15, and 29, and September 12
Families can enjoy Friday night outdoor movies at alternating locations between Rotary Hill and 95th Street Community Plaza throughout the summer. When the movies are at Rotary Hill, the Riverwalk concession stand offers special movie snacks such as popcorn, hot dogs, pretzel bites, nachos, candy, and soda. READ MORE

Sounds of Summer Concert Series

Wood Dale
Fridays, July 11- August 15
The City of Wood Dale listens for the sounds of summer at this annual concert series in Community Square. Families can bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets and baskets to hear Chicago Tribute Anthology, GOOROO, Rocks Off, and more. READ MORE

'Go Run

Various Chicago Parks
Saturdays through November 15
Kids and grown-ups can try to set new PRs at these weekly free races sponsored by the Chicago Area Runners Association and the Chicago Park District. One mile and 5K courses are featured at a different park throughout the city each week. READ MORE

Free Tuesdays at the Museum of Contemporary Art

Streeterville
Tuesdays throughout summer
Illinois residents can enjoy all that the MCA has to offer, including world-class modern art exhibits (many featuring Chicago-based artists) for free on Tuesdays.  READ MORE

Donation Days for Illinois Residents at the Notebaert Nature Museum

Lincoln Park
Thursdays
Admission is free (suggested donation) for all Illinois residents every Thursday the museum is open. The Peggy Notebaert Museum has so much to offer families. Explore the Riverworks display, unlock the Mysteries of the Marsh, stroll through the Wilderness Walk, and have fun in the Hands-On Exhibit. The Butterfly Haven is a can't miss experience. Check with the museum for special hours on holidays. READ MORE

Chicago Park District Movies in the Park

Various Chicago Parks
Tuesday through Saturday through September 6
Hollywood comes to Chicago this summer with hundreds of movies throughout city parks! Bring your own blanket or chairs for retro favorites, kids' classics, and recent box office hits. READ MORE

Thursdays in the Park Concert and Movie Series Tinley Park

Tinley Park
Thursdays, June 19- August 7
Enjoy a concert or a movie every Thursday night this summer at the Band Shell on the east side of Bettehausen Recreation Center in Tinley Park. A concession stand will sell light refreshments. READ MORE

Live on the Lake!

Navy Pier
Saturdays and Sundays through September 1
Every Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evening, Navy Pier presents local musical acts performing live for families. From cover bands to jazz to DJs to country music—there is something for everyone at the Navy Pier Beer Garden. READ MORE

Soundwalks: Guided Listening in Chicago Parks

Various Chicago Parks
June 7 and 15, July 12, August 10 and 23, September 6
Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology (MSAE) is excited to announce the 2025 Summer Soundwalks schedule, in partnership with Night Out In The Parks and Chicago Parks District.Throughout the summer, everyone is invited to explore soundwalking in 6 different public parks. Led by teaching artists and special guests, these soundwalks will guide our listening awareness across the natural and cultural dimensions of Chicago landscapes READ MORE

Astronomer in the Parks

Various Chicago Parks
May 30 and 31, June 3 and 7, July 7, and August 1
Join The Chicago Astronomer to look at the cosmos via telescope. The astronomer and his crew will provide instruction on how to look at the urban night sky. READ MORE

Wave Wall Wax

Navy Pier
Saturdays through August 30
Dance the summer away at Navy Pier with performances from Chicago's top DJs and house musicians at the Wave Wall at Navy Pier.  Each event is free and open to the public. READ MORE

Skyline Sessions

Navy Pier
Thursdays and Fridays through August 29
Enjoy free concerts and views of the skyline at Navy Pier's Wave Wall this summer. Soloists and small ensembles from a variety of musical genres will play every Thursday and Friday throughout summer. READ MORE

4th Friday Concert Series Elmhurst

Elmhurst
Fourth Friday of June, July, August and September
Join the Elmhurst History Museum for its first 4th Fridays Concert Series at the museum’s new outdoor performance space! From June - September, experience an eclectic line up of concerts, from Jazz and Blues to Bluegrass and Salsa and Cumbia music, on the fourth Friday of each month. READ MORE

Tuesdays Together at Smart Museum of Art

Hyde Park
June 17 and 24, July 1
Visit the Smart Museum of Art on June 17 or 24 or July 1 for a special activity just for families. On June 17, families will tour the museum's current exhibits. On June 24, join in a special family scavenger hunt. On July 1, enjoy a story time and craft. READ MORE

CircEsteem Around Chicago Summer Tour

Various Chicago Parks June 26 and 27, July 11, 17 and 24, August 1,7,14, and 15
The show features youth from across the country who come together to teach each other, create a show together, and perform together! Enjoy an evening of music and fantastic feats like juggling, trapeze, acrobatics, clowning, aerial arts, and more. READ MORE

Shakes in the City

Various Chicago Parks
Thursdays and Fridays, July 24- August 14
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s annual summer tradition Shakes in the City brings free pop-up performances of an original Shakespeare play to green spaces, neighborhood festivals, and events across the city, July 19–August 17, 2025. Enjoy this immersive 45-minute pop-up performance and interact with artists in hands-on activities inspired by play. This is Shakespeare at his most whimsical and fun! READ MORE

Book Up! Theater in the Parks

Various Chicago Parks
July 23-August 10
A traveling librarian rolls into town with their magical book cart, ready to spark big imaginations everywhere and beyond! With a little wiggle, a little giggle, and a whole lot of wonder, stories leap off the pages through juggling, tumbling, clowning and aerial acrobatics. Every book holds a new adventure—where will we go next? This wonderous outdoor circus spectacle invites little ones (and their grown-ups!) to move, play, and discover the magic of reading. READ MORE

Free Admission Days at the Art Institute of Chicago

Downtown
Thursday evenings through September 25
Admission to the Art Institute of Chicago is free for Illinois residents on Thurrsday evenings June 1- September 25. Residents must reserve admission online in advance. READ MORE

Free Illinois Resident Evenings at the Adler Planetarium

Museum Campus
Wednesday evenings
The Adler Planetarium provides free general admission for Illinois residents on Wednesday Evenings! A valid ID with an Illinois address is required at the box office. Illinois Resident Discount Days also allow Illinoisans to add special exhibits to their free pass for a discounted price. READ MORE

Free Illinois Resident Admission at Chicago History Museum

Old Town
June 19, 21 and 28, July 4, 24 and 30, August 13 and 28
Illinois residents can learn more about Chicago history at free holidays and select dates during the year. Juneteenth and Independence Day are both free. READ MORE

Free Days at the DuSable Museum of African American History

Hyde Park
Wednesdays throughout Summer
The DuSable Museum of African American History has free admission on Wednesdays. READ MORE

Cantigny's Feast of the Senses

Wheaton
Free on Wednesdays
Summer 2025 brings a new interactive art installation, featuring swings and murals, and events bursting with music, movement, and flavor to create a multi-sensory experience. Visit the Musical Swings, Optical Pathway, and Tree Swings throughout the park. READ MORE
Fresh Fest! Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Fresh Fest! Photo courtesy of Navy Pier

Free Things To Do in Chicago in July

Hometown Fest

Palatine
Wednesday, July 2-Sunday, July 6
Palatine Jaycees hosts its annual Fourth of July festival with live bands, food vendors, carnival rides, a craft fair, and family days. Fireworks will light up the sky on July 3. READ MORE

Taste of Westmont

Westmont
Thursday, July 10-Sunday, July 13
West Suburban families don't have to travel to the city for the Taste as Westmont hosts its own Taste of Westmont event. Local food vendors sell treats while live music plays. Kids can enjoy a carnival with wristbands for unlimited rides for sale. READ MORE

Fresh Fest!

Downtown
Friday, July 11
Youth performers play and sing music, dance, and perform spoken word art at Navy Pier's Wave Wall at this free two-day festival. READ MORE

Southport Art Festival

Southport
Saturday, July 12-Sunday, July 13
Visitors can peruse and purchase many various kinds of art on tree-lined Southport Avenue at this West Lakeview street festival. Browse unique, high-quality art, savor the food of local restaurants, and explore charming boutique shops and theaters. Kids Art Zone, face painting, personalized poems, and tons of other activities for the whole family. READ MORE

Jazz Up Glen Ellyn

Glen Ellyn
Saturday, July 12
Musically inclined families can take to the streets of Glen Ellyn to enjoy live music and food from local vendors. Jazz duos and trios will be featured at local restaurants and musicians can take part in a jazz master class. READ MORE

Bucktown Neighborhood and Garden Walk

Bucktown
Saturday, July 12-Sunday, July 13
Bring the family to Bucktown for the  annual garden walk and neighborhood celebration READ MORE

Tacos y Tamales Festival

Pilsen
Friday, July 18-Sunday, July 20
Families can enjoy some authentic Mexican food at the Annual Tacos y Tamales Festival, a street fair based on a traditional Mexican market known as the Tianguis. READ MORE

Butterfield Park District Family Fun Fest

Lombard
Saturday, July 12
Kids can set sail for some summer fun at this nautical-themed family party. Activities include games, crafts, raffles, giveaways, and food. Admission to the pool is free during the event.  READ MORE

Fiesta Del Sol

Pilsen
Thursday, July 31-Sunday, August 3
Fiesta del Sol is an annual family-friendly event to celebrate and support the Pilsen neighborhood, featuring live entertainment, local art, a variety of food, carnival rides, a designated children’s area, educational resources for parents and youth, soccer games, and more. READ MORE

Wicker Park Fest

Wicker Park
Friday, July 25-Sunday, July 27
The 17th annual Wicker Park Fest will take place along Milwaukee Avenue from North Avenue to Division Street, featuring restaurant vendors and musical entertainment for the whole family, including a dedicated "Kids Fest" stage and kids' activities on Saturday and Sunday, such as balloon animals, face painting, and games! New this year will be a pet fest with paw paintings, pet portraits, musical sits and a dog ice cream eating contest. READ MORE

Chinatown Summer Fair

Chinatown
Saturday, July 26-Sunday July 27
The whole family can enjoy the annual Chinatown Summer Fair, featuring a Dragon & Lion Dance Procession, artisan booths, delicious neighborhood cuisine, and activities for families and children. READ MORE

Mount Prospect Lions Club Annual Fourth of July Festival

Mount Prospect
Wednesday, July 2- Sunday, July 6
A carnival, live entertainment, food, and beer & wine are available at this annual festival. Fireworks shows light up the sky on July 2 and July 4. READ MORE

Wilmette Fun & Fireworks

Wilmette
Thursday, July 3
Gillson Park hosts food, live music, and fireworks to celebrate Independence Day. Performances from United Wil' Rock and One Night Band will precede the fireworks. READ MORE

Orland Park Fourth of July Celebration

Orland Park
Friday, July 4
Celebrate Independence Day with live music and fireworks at Centennial Park. The celebration is the conclusion of a weekend festival that includes a 5k run, concerts, and more. Concessions, wine, and beer are available for purchase. READ MORE

Bensenville LibertyFest

Bensenville
Friday, July 4
Visit Redmond Recreational Complex for live music performances and food and drink vendors. Fireworks will follow the performances at 9:30pm. READ MORE

Westmont Independence Day Celebration

Westmont
Friday, July 4
Westmont celebrates Independence Day at this annual event featuring food trucks, concessions, beer, crafts, games, and music. The day concludes with fireworks at Ty Warner Park. READ MORE

Chicago Gospel Music Festival

Downtown
Saturday, July 12
Music fans of all ages can enjoy free performances during the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, which features a range of gospel music, from traditional choirs to contemporary urban gospel mixed with hip-hop and house music. There will also be kids activities and vendors in Millennium Park on Saturday.  READ MORE

Unplug Illinois Day

Various locations across the Chicago area
Saturday, July 12
Parks and Recreation departments are encouraging Illinois families to put down electronic devices and spend a day in nature. More than 20 cities and towns are offering events like camping, miniature Olympics, and improv entertainment to help families get outside and get moving. READ MORE

Long Grove Vintage Days

Long Grove
Saturday, July 26-Sunday, July 27
Take a trip back in time to this curated street fair in downtown Long Grove. Street vendors will sell upcycled goods, and kids can enjoy a penny carnival, pony rides, mini golf, and music. READ MORE

Bastille Day at Navy Pier

Nave Pier
Sunday, July 13
Celebrate Bastille Day with open air dining (a Pique Nique) at Navy Pier. The Committee of French Speaking Societies will host this event on the Lake Lawn with French cuisine and performances. Families can also learn to play the French game of Petanque and kids can have their faces painted, decorate cupcakes, and enjoy a bubble show. READ MORE

Kids Fest at Wampum Lake

Thorton
Saturday, July 12
Families can get to know the Forest Preserves of Cook County at this kid-friendly event that includes nature exploration, outdoor activities, creative crafts, and an adventure zone featuring archery and canoes. READ MORE

Insect Fest

River Forest
Thursday, July 17
Kids can go on a bug hunt, explore insects through dance, and follow the migratory pattern of insects at this family friendly event. Kids can also create a make your own bug craft. READ MORE

Elmhurst Family Farm Fest

Elmhurst
Sunday, July 18
Join the Elmhurst History Museum for a family-friendly visit back in time to the early days of Elmhurst. Enjoy live music from Bluegrass band Bourbon Aristocracy, meet chickens, goats, and llamas at the petting zoo, touch a historic tractor, learn about harvesting honey from a beekeeper, try your hand at old fashioned farm chores, and more! READ MORE

Pianos in the Parks

Six Chicago Parks
July 21-31
Pianos in the Parks offers everyone the opportunity to play piano outdoors this summer! Six pianos will be placed in parks across the city on June 21st as part of Make Music Chicago—the day-long, citywide, DIY celebration of the musician in us all—and are available for anyone to play until July 31st. If you’ve never played before but want to try it out, you can stop by for a free introductory lesson during one of the scheduled times. READ MORE

Rock and Roll Playhouse at Gallagher Way

Wrigleyville
Sunday, July 27
Kids can rock out to various genres of music with Rock and Roll Playhouse shows featuring movement and stories. Shows at Gallagher Way give kids a chance to look into the window rock history. On July 27, families are invited to listen and groove to the music of Phish. READ MORE
Photo credit: Lieutenant JG Chelsea Dietlin for the US Navy
Photo credit: Lieutenant JG Chelsea Dietlin for the US Navy

Free Things to Do in Chicago in August

Northbrook Days

Northbrook
Wednesday, July 30-Sunday, August 3
North Suburban residents and visitors can enjoy rides, games, live music, food, beer, and wine at this annual festival in Northbrook's Metra Commuter Lot West. Special Friends morning is Saturday, August 2nd, from 9:30am - 11:30am. READ MORE

Latinxt Music Festival at Navy Pier

Downtown
Saturday, August 9-Sunday, August 10
Navy Pier hosts LatiNxt, a two-day Latin music and art festival featuring performances from Latin artists around the globe, as well as art, crafts, and plenty of dancing! READ MORE

Edison Park Fest

Edison Park
Friday, August 22-Sunday, August 24
Since 1972, Chicago families have enjoyed shopping from local vendors at Edison Park Fest. Since then, the festival has grown to include music from local bands, street festival food, and kids' entertainment. READ MORE

Bud Billiken Parade

South Side
Saturday, August 9
The Bud Billiken Parade is the oldest and largest African American parade in the United States, and this year marks its 94th anniversary! Guests of all ages can enjoy a procession of bands, dance groups, and floats marching down King Drive, commemorating the community's past and celebrating its future. READ MORE

Air and Water Show

Lakeshore
Saturday, August 16-Sunday, August 17
Chicago hosts its annual Air and Water Show featuring the US Navy Blue Angels. This is the largest free show of its kind in the United States. The event is located at North Avenue Beach, but viewable all along the coast of Lake Michigan. READ MORE

Chalk Howard Street

Rogers Park
Saturday, August 23
Food, live music, outdoor chalk art gallery, and a creative space for aspiring chalk artists are all at Chalk Howard Street. READ MORE

Chicago SummerDance

Grant Park
Thursdays through Saturdays, August 7- August 23
Grant Park hosts Chicago SummerDance, where kids of all ages can enjoy music in the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park and dance to the sounds of different live bands and DJs all summer long!  READ MORE

Craftapalooza at National Grove- South

North Riverside
Friday, August 8
Presented by the North Riverside Public Library, kids, get creative! Help decorate a large canvas with stamps, paint and markers. READ MORE

Hummingbird Fest

Lemont
Saturday, August 16
Celebrate hummingbirds with viewings and activities at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center. Hummingbirds will be banded for tracking and research. READ MORE

Festival of Arts Through Nature

Beecher
Saturday, August 23
Find your nature’s muse at this celebratory day connecting nature with art in all its forms. This event will feature nature-inspired activities for all to express themselves through audio, visually and with movement and culinary arts. Learn about animal communication through musical interpretations. Add your personal artistic touch to community art pieces. Shop the artist’s row and indulge in culinary delights. Stop in the nature center to view the “Prairie Reverie” exhibit by artist Carrie Carlson. Carlson will be onsite during the event to share her creative process and... READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Naperville Parks
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Naperville Community Concert Center
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion & Great Lawn
Various Chicago Parks
Multiple parks citywide
Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center
Graver Park
Various Parks around Chicago
The DuSable Museum of African American Art
Redmond Recreational Complex
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Northbrook Metra Station Parking Lot
Grant Park
Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve