Weekend & Monthly Events for Kids and Families, plus Summer Camp Guides:
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Spring Festivals in Chicago for Kids and Families
Fairs and Spring Festivals on Easter Weekend
Prospect Heights Park District Spring Fling
Gary Morava Recreation Center
110 West Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights, IL
Saturday, April 19
Children are invited to eat breakfast, meet the Easter Bunny, hunt for eggs, and take pictures with the Easter Bunny! Following the egg hunt, visit Lions Field to fly your kite compliments of the Prospect Heights Library, Lions Club & Park District. Visit the website here.
Spring Egg-Stravaganza
Lincoln Park Zoo
Saturday, April 19
Spring into action at Lincoln Park Zoo family favorite event, Spring Egg-Stravaganza! Make unforgettable memories as kids explore the zoo searching for hidden treasures. With six egg-hunting zones* to choose from, there's something for everyone, catering to different levels of difficulty, accessibility, and terrain. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for potential animal sightings along the way! Visit the website here.
The Forge Celebrates Easter
The Forge at Lemont Quarries, Lemont
Saturday, April 19
The Forge is planning an EGGstra fun day at the park with scavenger hunts, egg hunts, egg rolls, and more. Plus, meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy special activities for kids ages 14 and under! New this year: Kids can enjoy a petting zoo from A Zoo to You! or play croquet with the Queen of Hearts. Visit the website here.
The Great Easter Parade
Beginning Location: Jefferson School Field, 16th & Wenonah Ave., Berwyn
Saturday, April 19 - FREE
Look out for the Easter Bunny as he rides on a float down 16th Street from Jefferson Field to Prairie Oak Gym. Kids can then hunt for Easter eggs and visit with the Easter Bunny at the Easter Eggstravaganza. Visit the website here.
Unity Park Easter Egg Hunt
Logan Square - FREE
Saturday, April 19
The Unity Park Advisory Council, St. Luke's Lutheran Church, and Grace Church Logan Square host an egg hunt for kids of all ages at Unity Park. Four different sessions of the egg hunt will take place, one on each half-hour. Kids can trade in eggs for toys and candy. A special visit from the Easter Bunny is included. Visit the website here.
Ravenswood Manor Egg Hunt
Ravenswood Manor Park
4604 N. Manor Ave , Chicago, IL - FREE
Saturday, April 19
Ravenswood Manor Improvement Association hosts an Easter Egg Hunt for the whole family at Manor Park. Children will be divided into two age groups, and the youngest group will get a head start. Samples of Nothing Bundt Cakes will be available! Visit the website here.
Chicago Fairs and Festivals in April
The Other Art Fair Chicago
Artifact Events Center, Ravenswood (children under 12 FREE)
Thursday, March 27- Sunday, March 30
The Other Art Fair, a leading artist fair for discovering the most exciting artistic talent, is set to host its 6th Chicago edition at its new home, Artifact Events. The Other Art Fair Chicago will feature original works of art from 100+ emerging artists and kick off with an Opening Night event on Thursday, April 11, with Interactive Workshops, Guest Artists, DJ Sets, Kids' Activities, Unique Installations, and much more. Visit the website here.
Robot Block Party
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Hyde Park
Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5
The whole family can celebrate National Robotics Week during the Robot Block Party at the Museum of Science and Industry, featuring every kind of robot imaginable, and showcasing cool robots designed by Chicago-area student and amateur teams. Visit the website here.
Holi - The Festival of Colors at the Naperville Riverwalk
Naperville - FREE
Saturday, April 5
The Vedic Cultural Society invites visitors to celebrate spring, friendship, and forgiveness by throwing bags of colored flour at their friends at the Naperville Riverwalk. The event includes food, music, and shopping. Admission is free, and colored bags are available for $2.50. Visit the website here.
Arab American Month Celebration
Maple Lake Boating Center, Willow Springs - FREE
Sunday, April 6
Join Cook County Forest Preserves for a celebration of Arab American Heritage Month. Experience art making, cultural showcases, food and more honoring Arab American culture and contributions. Visit the website here.
Earth-A-Palooza
Linne Woods, Morton Grove - FREE
Sunday, April 6
At this eco-friendly family fun fest hosted by Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and community partners, join in an array of activities including guided walks, Junior Rangers program, bird watching, touch-a-truck, tree climb, crafts and visit from Brookfield Zoo. Visit the website here.
Earth Day Fair at Dvorak Park
Pilsen - FREE
Saturday, April 12
Dvorak Park hosts a special Earth Day event, where kids and their caregivers can learn how they can reduce their carbon footprint through interactive displays, demonstrations, and arts and crafts projects. Families can also sign up for Earth Day clean ups. Visit the website here.
C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place
McCormick Place
Friday, April 11- Sunday, April 13
Get geeky at C2E2, Chicago's annual comic and pop culture convention at McCormick Place. Kids might be the most interested in the Family Play Zone, where they can play interactive games, learn to draw their favorite characters, and have fun in the free play zone. Favorite characters will be there to meet and greet with kids. Visit the website here.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago Spring Fest
Brookfield
Saturday, April 12- Sunday, April 13
Celebrate Earth Month and the arrival of spring at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Enjoy live performances, savor seasonal food and drinks, shop from art vendors, and explore family-friendly activities for all ages. The event includes concerts from local performers like Wild Daisy and Are You Ready for It? as well as an art fair, a tree doctor clinic, and the opening of Rainbow Cone at the Zoo! Enjoy a free birding tour or make a craft at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. Visit the website here.
Local Author Fest
Wheaton Public Library - FREE
Sunday, April 26
Families can come see their favorite local authors at Wheaton Public Library as they read and sign their works. Various authors will read their books aloud at the cafe area on the main floor. Visit the website here.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Various Chicago area locations
Saturday, April 26
YMCAs around the country host free community events aimed to inspire kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer months and beyond. Check the YMCA website to find one in your area that is participating. Visit the website here.
One Earth Film Festival
Various Locations
Tuesday, April 22- Monday, April 28
Kids can learn more about the environment and threats to it through films. The One Earth Film Fest includes both in-person and virtual offerings for kids ages 3 and up. Animated and live action films provide education and entertainment for families. Visit the website here.
Earth Day Clean Up at Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park Cultural Center - FREE
Saturday, April 26
Spend the morning cleaning up Lincoln Park and celebrate Earth Day. Visit the website here.
Oak Park Conservatory Kids' Fest
Oak Park - FREE
Sunday, April 27
Kids can learn more about plants and bees at the Oak Park Conservatory's annual Kids Fest. The event includes a celebration of bees and bee keeping, hands-on educational activities, a scavenger hunt, and crafts. See presentations form partners Trailside Museum, the University of Illinois Extension, Brookfield Zoo, and the Oak Park Public Library. Plus, interact with raptors from the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education. Visit the website here.
Wheeling Earth Day Celebration
Heritage Park, Wheeling - FREE
Sunday, April 27
Celebrate Earth Day in Wheeling's Heritage Park. Take a nature walk, see what outdoor settings Wheeling has to offer, and see animals up close. Exhibitors will include Chicago Kite, JG's Reptile Show and more. Visit the website here.
Chicago Fairs and Spring Festivals in May
Mexico Fest at Navy Pier
Downtown
Friday, May 2- Sunday, May 4
Navy Pier is joining forces with the Consulado General de México en Chicago & The Governments of Chihuahua, Nayarit, and Querétaro to host Mexico Fest, a weekend-long event featuring a mercadito of artisans, performances by Mexican musicians and dancers, and workshops for kids. Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico will be featured in the Culture Corner and the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion. Visit the website here.
Lilac Time
Lilacia Park, Lombard - FREE
Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 18
The Village of Lombard celebrates spring and the blooming of the 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips in Lilacia Park with this annual festival. The festival includes concerts, an arts and crafts fair, botanical tours, a 5K, a parade, and a father-daughter dance. Entry to the park is always free, but some events charge admission. Visit the website here.
Polish Constitution Day Parade
Grant Park - FREE
Saturday, May 3
Chicagoans of all ages are invited to attend the Chicago Polish Constitution Day Parade, in celebration of the Polish Constitution of 1791 and Poland's Independence. The theme for 2025 is "1000 years of the Polish Kingdom." Visit the website here.
Go Fly A Kite
Graf Park, Wheaton - FREE
Saturday, May 3
Go Fly a Kite is a free event held in Wheaton’s Graf Park that encourages the community to come out and enjoy spring and fly kites! This event is a great opportunity for local companies and organizations to promote and showcase their business to families within the community. This event brings over 1,000 participants of all ages each year. The grand launch takes place at 11am and is followed by kids’ activities and a kite demonstration. Visit the website here.
Art in Wilder Park
Elmhurst - FREE
Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4
Families can enjoy a beautiful day in the park along with the artwork of more than 100 artists, food, music, and children's activities. A wide variety of artwork will be for sale including jewelry, glass, ceramics, painting, photography, and sculpture. Live music will play and Pilot Pete's Coffee & Treats will be on hand at Wilder Mansion providing coffee, pastries, and lunch. Visit the website here.
Cook County Forest Preserves Kite Fest
Carl R. Hansen Woods, Schaumburg - FREE
Saturday, May 10
In honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, participate in all things kites. The event includes kite demonstrations, crafts, and more. Visit the website here.
Great Midwestern Train Show
DuPage County Fairgrounds, Wheaton (kids under 12 FREE)
Sunday, May 4
Train enthusiasts can visit with more than 180 exhibitors at the world's largest monthly train show at the DuPage County Fairgrounds. The show hosts more than 550 tables of trains in five buildings. Exhibitors sell, repair, and display model trains for fans of all ages. Visit the website here.
Spring Festival at the Trailside Museum of Natural History
River Forest - FREE
Sunday, May 4
Spring in Chicago has (finally) sprung and kids can celebrate with animal encounters, tree climbing, guided spring wildflower walks, bird banding, dip netting, seed planting, birdhouse building, and more. The free event will take place at River Forest's Trailside Museum of Natural History. Visit the website here.
Chicago River Day
Various locations along the Chicago River - FREE
Saturday, May 10
Volunteer to help the Friends of the Chicago River create a litter-free environment. Dozens of sites throughout Cook County invite families to come pick up trash, paddle up and down the river, and be inspired by the animals, plants, and people around the river. Visit the website here.
Northbrook Art in the Park
Village Green Park, Northbrook
Saturday, May 10-Sunday, May 11
More than 80 artists fill Village Green Park with their wares as restaurants, bars, and ice cream shops treat customers to food at this annual festival. Live music and kids' art activities add to the weekend fun. Visit the website here.
Mayfest Lincoln Park
1000 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago
Friday, May 16-Sunday, May 18
End spring and kick off summer with live music and festival foods in Lincoln Park. Families can check out live music from family friendly entertainers early in the day. Visit the website here.
Spring Roscoe Village Art and Craft Festival
Roscoe Village - FREE
Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18
This spring festival on Chicago's North Side includes fabulous paintings, sculptures, fiber pieces, décor, jewelry, and more, all made by local artists. Live music and kids' art activities add to the weekend's fun. Bring your old art to donate to Chicago Furniture Bank. Visit the website here.
Skokie Festival of Cultures
Oakton Park, Skokie - FREE
Saturday, May 18-Sunday, May 19
Celebrate all the cultures of the world in the multi-cultural suburb of Skokie. The event in Oakton Park includes two stages of music and dancing, food and beverage vendors, children's games and activities, interactive cultural booths, and an amazing display of flags. Visit the website here.
Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
Lakeview
Friday, May 23-Sunday, May 25
Families can kick off summer with music, food, and drinks at this annual Lakeview street festival. Visit the website here.
Chicago Memorial Day Parade
State Street from Lake St. to Van Buren St. at 12 p.m. - FREE
Saturday, May 24
Chicagoans of all ages are invited to the annual Memorial Day Parade, in honor of all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. The parade begins at noon, following a wreath laying ceremony at 11am in Daley Plaza, and proceeds from State and Lake to Van Buren Street. Visit the website here.
Barrington Art Festival
Barrington Metra Station - FREE
Saturday, May 24-Sunday, May 25
More than 120 artists fill the streets of downtown Barrington with their wares as restaurants, bars and ice cream shops treat customers to food at this annual festival. Live music and kids' art activities add to the weekend fun.Visit the website here.
Maifest Chicago
Lincoln Square
Thursday, May 29- Sunday, June 1
Families can don their dirndls and lederhosen and step out to Lincoln Square for German and American food, music, and gemuetlischkeit. The event features carnival games, the crowning of the Maifest Queen and decorating the May Pole. Visit the website here.
Windy City Hot Dog Fest
Six Corners, Portage Park
Friday, May 30- Sunday, June 1
Taste all the hot dogs Chicago has to offer at this Six Corner festival. In addition to classic Chicago hot dogs from Byron's and Chicago Doghouse, families can taste internationally inspired hot dogs from Baked Cheese Haus, Indian hot dogs from Tikka Masala Dogs, and Asian inspired hot dogs from Lee Concessions. Live music and a hot dog eating contest round out the fun. Visit the website here.
Chicago Steampunk Exhibition
Hyatt Regency Schaumburg
Friday, May 30- Sunday, June 1
This year, the family-friendly steampunk exhibition takes guests back to the 1893 Exposition and the Curse of Cthulu. Kids can find a variety of activities themed around the spooky theme at this unique exhibition throughout the weekend. Enjoy a live action role playing game, foam fighting, and a Victorian tea time. Visit the website here.
Umbrella Arts Festival
Fountain Square, Evanston - FREE
Saturday, May 31
Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander culture and art in downtown Evanston. This event is designed to increase visibility and representation of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, create shared experiences, and dispel myths. The umbrella symbolizes the ASPA diaspora which includes a diversity of ethnicities from over 40 countries around the world. Visit the website here.