Family Activities for Summer

Free Museum Days in Chicago

https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/museums-art/free-museum-days-in-chicago/

Chicago Public School Summer Sports Skills Camp (5^th-12^th grade)

https://chicagopublicschools-ar.rschooltoday.com/

Grant Park Music Festival

Cost:  Free seating available with reservations

https://www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxKu47bnC8AIVb25vBB0HkgVfEAAYBCAAEgK8LPD_BwE

Remembering Dr. King: 1929-196

Chicago History Museum

1601 N. Clark St.

Chicago, IL 60614

The exhibition invites visitors to walk through a winding gallery that features over 25 photographs depicting key moments in Dr. King’s work and the Civil Rights movement, with a special focus on his time in Chicago. As visitors exit the gallery, a reflection space will prompt visitors to reflect on King’s impact and how his work for equality remains relevant today.Event Cost: Free with museum admission

Event times: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday

NOVEMBER 14, 2021 - JULY 04, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/remembering-dr-king-1929-1968/

Ice Age Giants at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield

Event cost: Free w/ general admission

Event time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; April 1-Oct. 1, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/ice-age-giants-at-brookfield-zoo-in-brookfield/

(Ghosttown) Spirit Simulator at Chicago Gamespace in Chicago

Event cost: $5/admission, free/kids 12 and under, veterans and service members

Event times: 1-5 p.m. Sundays June 5-July 31, 2022 (Free Opening Reception: 5-7 p.m. June 3rd, 2022)

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/ghosttown-spirit-simulator-at-chicago-gamespace-in-chicago/

Logan Square Arts Festival at Logan Square Monument Park in Chicago

The Logan Square Arts Festival features art installations across the neighborhood, great local music, craft beer, food from neighborhood restaurants and family fun. It's a celebration of diversity and vitality of the neighborhood and the perfect way to kick off the Summer!

Event Cost: Free; suggested donation at the gate

Event times: 5-10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday June 24-26, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/event-logan-square-arts-festival/

Taste of Chicago at Grant Park in Chicago

Event Cost: Free; fees for food

Event Times: July 8-10, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/event-taste-chicago/

Millennium Art Festival

Come out to this festival to try and vote for Chicago's Best Burger. In addition to food, there will be music, arts/crafts and a "Kids' Zone" for children and families to enjoy.

Event Cost: Free

Event Times: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 15-17, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/millennium-art-festival/

Chinatown Summer Fair

There will be a lion dance procession, Asian performances, Kung Fu demonstrations, food, arts & crafts exhibits, street vendors, children’s area, a breakdancing competition and a dumpling eating contest.

Event Cost: Free

Event times: Noon-10 p.m.. Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday July 30-31, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/chinatown-summer-fair/

Chicago Ducky Derby

Spectators cheer on more than 50,000 yellow rubber ducks during the annual Chicago Ducky Derby to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

Event Cost: Free; $5 to adopt a duck

Event Time: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Aug. 4, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/windy-city-rubber-ducky-derby/

Printer’s Row Art Fest

701 S. Dearborn St.

Chicago, IL 60605

Art at all price points by painters, street artists, jewelers, upcycling artists, photographers, mixed media artists and more. The local restaurants and bars will serve up their Chicago specialties.

Event Cost: Free

Event Times: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 13-14, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/printers-row-art-fest/

Taste of Polonia Festival at Copernicus Center in Chicago

Features four stages of music with more than 30 performances including Rock, Pop, Polka, Classical, 80s music and Top 40. They will offer carnival rides, games, inflatables, climbing wall, casino, tastings and cooking classes and more. Tickets available online and at the event.

Event Cost: $5/before 3 p.m., $10/after 3 p.m., free/kids 12 and under

Event times: 5-10:30 p.m. Friday, noon-10:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, noon-9:30 p.m. Monday (Polish Mass at 11 a.m. on Sunday); Sept. 2-5, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/taste-polonia-chicago/

Bulls Fest at United Center in Chicago

The two-day festival will feature a 3v3 basketball tournament, live music, art exhibitions, kid-friendly activities and food and drinks. The festival’s 3v3 basketball tournament, now open for registration with early-bird pricing through April 30 and it welcomes participants ages 8 and older. They welcome participants across all skill levels and includes a bracket for wheelchair basketball teams.

Event cost: Free

Event times: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 3-4, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/bulls-fest-at-united-center-in-chicago/

West Loop Summer Fest

See yacht-rock and tropical inspired tribute bands and enjoy tasty food and beverages at this annual festival in the West Loop.

Event cost: Contact for details

Event time: noon-10 p.m. July 9-10, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/west-loop-summer-fest/

Roscoe Village Burger Fest

Come out to this festival to try and vote for Chicago's Best Burger. In addition to food, there will be music, arts/crafts and a "Kids' Zone" for children and families to enjoy.

Event Cost: $10 suggested donation

Event times: 5-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday July 15-17, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/roscoe-village-burger-fest/

Taste of Lincoln Avenue

Enjoy a main stage with local and regional entertainment, food, arts and crafts and more.

Event Cost:

Event Times: Noon-10 p.m. July 22-24, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/taste-lincoln-avenue/

Lincolnwood Fest

This fest features live music, carnival rides, games, BINGO, classic car show, arts and crafts and more.

Event cost:

Event time: 5-10 p.m. Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday July 28-31, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/lincolnwood-fest/

Jeff Fest

This annual fest, also known as the Jefferson Park Arts and Music Festival, offers food, music and a kids zone with fun, family activities.

Event Cost:

Event Times: 5-10 p.m. Friday, 2-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, July 29-31, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/jeff-fest/

Chicago Hot Dog Fest

This three-day festival offers hot dogs and other various foods, activities for kids, live music shows and much more. Organized by The Chicago History Museum.

Event Cost: $5/suggested donation or $20/family suggested donation; fees for food

Event Times: Aug. 5-7, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/chicago-hot-dog-fest-lincoln-park/

Retro on Roscoe

This 25th annual event is a great time for families, music enthusiasts and Gen X'ers to celebrate. There will be live music on three stages, antique vendors and merchants and a family area. The family area features inflatables, face painting, balloon artists, rides, crafts and more.

Event Cost: $10 suggested donation

Event times: 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Aug. 12-14, 2002

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/retro-on-roscoe-chicago/

Ribfest Chicago

Enjoy ribs and other food and listen to bands while the kids hang out at "Kids Square" featuring entertainment, inflatables and games. Plus, celebrity-judged "Best Ribs" award and amateur and professional rib-eating competitions.

Event Cost:

Event Times: 5-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Aug. 19-21, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/ribfest-chicago/

Taste of Greektown

This annual event returns for its 31st year. It features Greek food, music and entertainment, including Greek bands, artisans and games for both kids and families.

Event Cost:

Event Times: 4-10 p.m. Friday and noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Aug. 26-28, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/event-taste-greektown/

Lakeview Taco Fest

The taco gets the spotlight treatment at this fest in the heart of the Southport Corridor. In addition to tacos and music, features beer and taco pairings, Mexican wrestlers, a kids' activity area and arts/crafts.

Event Cost: $10 suggested donation

Event Times: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 17-18, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/lakeview-taco-fest/

Evanston Art Fest

Shop from over 130 juried artists from around the country at this annual event. For three days, art lovers will have the opportunity to see the masters at work with live art demonstrations along with one-on-one booth chats.

Event Cost: Free

Event times: Noon-5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Aug. 19-21, 2022

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/evanston-art-big-fork-festival/

Chicago Park District

Offers Virtual Programs, In-person Activities, Day Camps, Nights out in the Park, and more

https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/

Chicago Summer Guide:  Things to Do Around the City This Season

Cost:  Varies

https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/bucket-list/summer-guide-to-chicago/

Mommy Poppins In-person Summer Camps for Kids in Chicago/Suburbs:

https://mommypoppins.com/chicago-kids/camps/top-chicago-summer-day-camps

Chicago Parent

Get your FREE Chicago Parent Summer Camp Guide!: 

https://www.chicagoparent.com/parenting/camps/summer-camps-for-chicago-kids/

Chicago Kids Summer Camps Guide

https://www.chicagokids.com/resources/category/133/summer-camps

Oaklee’s Family Guide for Chicago and Suburbs Summer Programs

https://oakleesguide.com/category/things-to-do/camps/

2022 Summer Camp Guide

https://camps.chalkbeat.org/

2022 Summer Camps for Kids in the Western Suburbs:

https://mykidlist.com/summer-camps-kids-western-suburbs/

2022 North Suburban Camp Guide:

https://openy-nsymca.y.org/sites/1839-openy-nsymca.y.org/files/2022-01/2022_summer_camp_guide-web5.pdf

Evanston

Northwestern Center for Talent Development Summer Programs

https://www.ctd.northwestern.edu/summer-programs

Evanston Summer Programs

https://www.cityofevanston.org/government/departments/parks-recreation-community-services/summer-camps

Chicago Early Learning

Chicago PrE-Learning:

Chicago PrE-Learning features at-home educational activities that will be updated regularly.
Cost:  Free

https://www.chicagoprelearning.org/

Tuesday’s Child

https://mailchi.mp/tuesdayschildchicago/last-call-for-summer-camp-registration?e=a6a8b8bac2

Virtual ComedySportz

Event Cost: Free.

Event Times: 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.

https://www.chicagoparent.com/events/virtual-comedysportz/

Art with Ms. Choate

Ms. Choate is a Chicago art teacher who is hosting a free daily online art class. New story times are posted daily and can be watched any time.

Time: Any time

Cost:  Free

Ages: All ages

https://www.youtube.com/user/marisachoate/videos

Miss Katie Sings

Miss Katie is an early childhood music teacher creating fun videos for your little ones during quarantine.

Time: Any time

Cost: FREE

Ages: All ages

https://www.youtube.com/c/MissKatieSings/videos

Philly Zoo at 2 (1pm CST)

Get an insider’s look at the Zoo during our Philly Zoo at 2 Facebook Live series and virtually meet and interact with our amazing animals and dedicated staff every weekday at 2:00 p.m./1pm CST.

Time: 1pm CST

Cost: FREE

Ages: All ages

https://philadelphiazoo.org/philly-zoo-at-2-live-videos/

Chicago Parent

Virtual Camp Fair

Looking for a kids camp in Chicagoland — and beyond? You’ve come to the right place! Chicago Parent’s first-ever FREE Virtual Camp Fair is packed with top-notch overnight camps, day camps and specialty camps ready to give your kids a safe, memorable and fun summer. Discover what camps offer, explore our Official Camp Planning Guide, and check out the camp chat videos. Happy camping!

https://www.chicagoparent.com/virtual-camp-fair/

Summer Camps with Minecraft and Roblox

Planning ahead for summer activities? Enrollment is live for our accelerated summer classes and our brand-new virtual summer camps!

https://www.codewizardshq.com/summer/

Mr. Dave Music

Virtual Online Music Classes

http://www.mrdavemusic.com/classes/

Chicago Kids

Virtual Classes

https://www.chicagokids.com/resources/category/1196/virtual-classes