Pride goes big, bold and beautiful in June when Gay Pride Month kicks off, bringing together members of the LGBTQ community and allies to not only celebrate love for all people but to continue the push for equality and acceptance.
Yet, despite significant gains over the years, the community remains on guard. At a time when gender fluidity is garnering more discussion in mainstream media than ever before, gains the LGBTQ community has achieved are still at risk.
Sow seeds of greater acceptance in your kids — who already are the most accepting generation of LGBTQ issues to date — by supporting businesses and organizations that support the LGBTQ community, by attending Pride events and by flying that rainbow flag high.
Here, you’ll find events, crafts, books and more to celebrate Pride all month long.
Events
Chicago Pride Parade
June 25, 2023
- Address: Broadway Ave. & Montrose Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
The 52nd annual Pride parade takes place through the city’s ‘Boystown’ neighborhood. It will begin at noon at Montrose Avenue and Broadway.
Pride in the Park Chicago
June 23-24, 2023
- Address: Grant Park, 337 E. Monroe St., Chicago
- Cost: $45-plus; kids under 10 are free with paying adult
This fest in Grant Park celebrates gay pride and the LGBTQ+ community with national and local music acts running the gamut from EDM to hip hop/rap to ’80s hits to pop.
Drag Story Time at West Belmont Branch
June 21, 2023
- Address: 3104 N. Narragansett Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 0-5 can come out to West Belmont Branch to join a special Pride Month story time featuring a local drag artist.
Navy Pier Pride
June 24, 2023
- Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families with kids of all ages can enjoy this family-friendly event that spreads pier-wide. There will be a variety of performances all day long. Experience music, dance, storytelling and other activities.
Aurora Pride Parade
June 11, 2023
- Address: E. Benton Street & S. Broadway, Aurora
- Cost: Free
This annual parade is celebrating its 4th year. It begins at East Benton Street & Broadway and travels northeast to Downer, then left on Downer to end at North Middle Ave.
Crafts
DIY Pride Flags
Make your own Pride flags at home with Queer Kid Stuff and Drag Queen Story Hour. Your kids can also learn about different pride flags as well. Save your flags for a future Pride parade near you.
Get the tutorial at Queer Kid Stuff.
Rainbow Bracelet Craft
Kids will love to assemble these easy rainbow bracelets. They can wear one all month long to celebrate Pride.
Get the tutorial at A Crafty Life.
3D Heart Mobile
All you need is construction paper and some string to recreate this rainbow heart mobile. Maybe you can even hang a few by your window for neighbors to see! The kids can also make small signs like “Love is Love” and “Happy Pride Month” to encourage positive messages.
Get the tutorial at Twitchetts.
Books
My Two Moms and Me by Michael Joosten
Some families have two moms or two dads. This board book celebrates loving families by showing two busy moms doing everyday activities, like eating breakfast, going on a playdate and reading a book before bedtime.
Julián Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
When Julián sees women dressed up in mermaid costumes, he wants to recreate the costume at home with a curtain and potted fern. But what will his Abuela think of him? This book encourages kids to love themselves.
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders
Your whole family can learn more about LGBTQ history starting with this picture book. Pride takes you back to 1978 where you see how the Gay Pride Flag began with social activist Harvey Milk and designer Gilbert Baker, and how the flag impacts the world today.
Here are more LGBTQ children’s books to read with your family!
More Activities
The Legacy Walk
Head to the Lakeview neighborhood, also known as Boystown, to take in some LGBTQ history in this outdoor exhibit. Your family can walk down Halsted Street to find pylons sharing information about LGBTQ leaders such as Frida Kahlo, Keith Haring and Marsha P. Johnson.
Watch Out on Disney+
If you’re looking for a movie or TV show for kids of all ages to watch, start with this Disney short film, Out. Greg has a loving family, friends and dog, but he also has a secret. Follow along as a young gay man discovers the courage to come out to his parents. Families will find some great children’s TV shows featuring LGBTQ characters on Common Sense.
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