Chicago weekend events for kids

There's a lot going on in this world-class city we live in, and the options can be overwhelming. So every week, we'll pick our not-to-miss events. Chances are, you'll see us there, kids in tow. If none of these suit your schedule, browse our full calendar to find events near you.

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Long Grove Strawberry FestivalFREE

Long Grove Strawberry Festival | Long Grove
June 21 - June 23 (Sunday,Friday,Saturday) , Visit website for schedule.

Enjoy plenty of food, shopping, entertainment and strawberry-related activities. Plus, face painting, kiddie rides and pony rides.

Free Family Workshop: Stories & Songs with Shana HarveyFREE

The Lurie Garden in Millennium Park | Chicago
June 23 - August 25, 11 a.m.-noon June 23, July 21 and Aug. 25

Chicago-based teacher and singer/songwriter Shana Harvey leadskids in an interactive sing-along with folk songs from all over the world. Snacks, blankets and music-makers welcome. Kids must be accompanied by an adult and pre-registration is required.

Green Music Fest

Green Music Fest | Chicago
June 22 - June 23 (Sunday,Saturday) , Noon-10 p.m.

Fest blends cutting edge, environmentally-conscious bands with green vendors and activities and demos. Includes dedicated children's area with music, entertainment and activities.

Kids’ Concert: Istvan and His Imaginary BandFREE

Cantigny Park | Wheaton
June 22, 2 p.m.

Istvan plays an irresistible mix of interactive rock & roll, country, pop punk and sing-alongs that kids love. Lawn seating; chairs and blankets welcome.

A Sight Unlike Any Other: The Civil War and the Colored SoldierFREE

DuSable Museum of African American History | Chicago
June 23, Noon-5 p.m.

A day-long family event, highlighted by two battle re-enactments celebrating the African American soldiers who bravely fought. Also includes a performance based on the speeches of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, horserides for children, museum tours, Civil War dress-up booth, a screening of "Glory," and more.

Stingray Touch

John G. Shedd Aquarium | Chicago
May 17 - September 2

Shedd staff members guide guests through the 15-minute touch experience, while providing interesting facts about stingrays, including information about how choosing sustainable seafood protects stingrays in global waters. The outdoor exhibit also allows visitors to see the cownose stingrays through various angles.

Civil War Railroad Days

Hesston Steam Museum | Hesston
June 22 - June 23

Uniformed soldiers, cannons, and cavalry on horseback will be part of the action. Re-enactors will be camped at the museum grounds, showing what life was like during the Civil War. Come on out to tour those camps, ride the three different railroads and have a treat from the newly restored 1930 vintage soda fountain and ice cream parlor.

Biz! Bam! Bugs! Family Program

Chicago Botanic Garden | Glencoe
June 22, 10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m.

Join award-winning children's author and educator, Patricia J. Murphy, for a hands-on reading, writing, art, and science exploration of the superheroes of nature: Bugs. Kids 4-10 and their families design a poster, take home a plant, and go on a tour of Butterflies & Blooms.

80 at 80

Museum of Science and Industry | Chicago
June 19 - February 2

Special exhibit showcases 80 rarely displayed artifacts from the museum's extensive collection in honor of the museum's 80th anniversary. These artifacts, carefully selected by MSI curators, will ignite guests' memories from past exhibits but many will be revealed for the first time.

Settlement Sundays

Naper Settlement | Naperville
June 16 - August 25 (Sunday) , 1-4 p.m.; ice cream 2-3:30 p.m. (except July 14)

Includes free sundaes with do-it-yourself toppings and a variety of hands-on family activities, games, demonstrations and tours of historic buildings.