Things to DoGuides

Best Things to Do with Chicagoland Kids in June

Plan ahead! We've rounded up some of the best activities and events to do with kids in Chicago and suburbs this month.

By Kari Zaffarano
Photo Credit: Navy Pier

When raising kids, you know life can get busy with school, sports practices, dance classes and other extracurricular activities. That’s why it’s sometimes helpful to plan ahead when searching for exciting events and attractions in Chicagoland. To make things easier for you, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with kids in June.

Be sure to check out the Pride Month events, Juneteenth events, Father’s Day events and the summer festivals happening this month. Also, be sure to check out the movies in the park and music in the park events.

Keep on scrolling to see our top picks of kid-friendly events in Chicago and the suburbs. You can also find more family events listed in our calendar.

City

Photo credit: Malibu Barbie Cafe

Do Division Street Fest

June 2-4, 2023

  • Address: Division St. from Ashland to Leavitt, Chicago
  • Cost: $10/suggested donation

The event features two live music stages, local designer runway shows, DJs, local retail and food vendors and a children’s area with family activities. The kid’s zone (from noon-6 p.m. Saturday) will have a mega slide, petting zoo and musical performers tailored towards kids.

Lincoln Park Greek Fest at St. George Greek Orthodox Church

June 2-4, 2023

Authentic Greek cuisine, music, dance performances and Greek culture and Hellenic pride are celebrated at this festival outside of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. There will also be a craft fair all weekend.

Archives Come Alive at Rogers Park Branch

June 3, 2023

Teens can learn about the history of LGBT communities in Chicago by exploring the historical archives of the Chicago Public Library with librarian, Alexis. Registration required.

Celebrate Juneteenth with Jewel-Osco!

June 3, 2023

Jewel-Osco will be celebrating Juneteenth in-store with product highlights and meal solutions from local, minority-owned brands like Best Chef, Captain Curt’s, Charboys, Tasty Delight and more. Also, live entertainment, face painting, giveaways and more.

Make/Believe 2023: A Short Play Festival for Young Audiences at NorthCenter Town Square

June 3-4, 2023

Ghostlight Ensemble will present Make/Believe play festival for young audience at the NorthCenter Town Square.

Rio de Bienvenida/River of Welcome at Canalport Riverwalk Park

June 3, 2023

Families can enjoy hands-on art and environmental activities for all ages at Canalport Riverwalk Park in Chicago. Register online.

The 76th Annual 57th Street Art Fair

June 3-4, 2023

  • Address: Between Woodlawn and Kenwood Avenues, Chicago
  • Cost: Free

This annual will feature nearly 200 artists, live music presented by Buddy Guy’s Legends and a Food Court presented by the Ray School PTA. It’s held on the streets of the historic Hyde Park neighborhood and offers art lovers a fantastic opportunity to view and shop original works of art from around the country.

Windy City Hot Dog Fest 

June 3-4, 2023

This hot dog festival will have live music, kid’s activities, arts and craft vendors and of course tons of hot dogs.

Afternoon Tea (Time) at Alma at Hotel Zachary

June 4, 2023

Join Alma for an Afternoon Tea (Time) in honor of their favorite female musician in town, Taylor Swift. They’ll be playing her music during afternoon tea and offering a selection of teas inspired by her best songs like Earl Too Well, You Need to Chamomile Down and more. Also, purchase vinyl selections, provided by a pop-up hosted by Val’s Halla Records. Advanced registration required.

Call Her By Name at Jay Pritzker Pavilion Stage in Millennium Park

June 4, 2023

“Call Her By Name” is a transformative performance that shows the profound impact of Black women in dance as they take center stage.

Drag Story Time at Independence Branch

June 4, 2023

Ages 0-5 can come out to Independence Branch to join a special Pride Month story time featuring a local drag artist.

150 Years of Queer Escape Game at Uptown Branch

June 5, 2023

Tweens ages 10-13 can enjoy solving clues to unravel 150 years of Queer in the family-friendly escape game.

Film Screening: Pride (2014) at Walker Branch

June 5, 2023

Teens can join the library for a screening of Pride (2014), which shows an unlikely friendship between a small community of miners in Wales and a team of London-based gay-and-lesbian activities.

Zine Making for Pride! at Dunning Branch

June 5, 2023

Ages 12 and up can stop by the library to make their own one-page zine while learning about the history between LGBTQ+ and zines.

Drag Story Time at Humboldt Park

June 6, 2023

Ages 0-5 can come out to Humboldt Park Branch to join a special Pride Month story time featuring a local drag artist.

Pride Prints for Teens at Independence Branch

June 6, 2023

Ages 13-18 can 3D print something using the Independence Branch’s rainbow filament, in honor of Pride Month.

Movies at Gallagher Way

June 7, 2023

Head out to Gallagher Way for their summer programming series. June 7 is Mitchells vs. The Machines.

The Malibu Barbie Cafe

June 7, 2023

Experience the groovy beachside of 1970s Malibu, California at this unique dining experience in Chicagoland. Take photos in the life-sized Barbie box, enjoy tasty food and shop exclusive Barbie merchandise at this pop-up. Tickets include a 90-minute reservation slot, an entree and a side item.

Andersonville Midsommarfest

June 9-11, 2023

Dance around the Maypole, test flavorful international food and enjoy live music, plus family friendly activities include a pet parade and face painting at this annual Sweetish celebration.

150 Years of Queer Escape Game at Douglass Branch

June 10, 2023

Tweens ages 10-13 can enjoy solving clues to unravel 150 years of Queer in the family-friendly escape game.

Wells Street Art Festival

June 10-11, 2023

  • Address: Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street, Chicago
  • Cost: $10/suggested donation

There will be 200 juried artists from both the region and across the nation. Other weekend highlights include the tasty cuisine from local restaurants, music stage acts and kids’ art activities.

Celebrate Juneteenth with Jewel-Osco!

June 11, 2023

Jewel-Osco will be celebrating Juneteenth in-store with product highlights and meal solutions from local, minority-owned brands like Mix Match, Moo & Oink, Mumbo BBQ Sauce, Riley’s Ribz and more. Also, live entertainment, face painting, giveaways and more.

Drag Story Time at West Lawn Branch

June 12, 2023

Ages 0-5 can come out to West Lawn Branch to join a special Pride Month story time featuring a local drag artist. Registration required.

Salvador Dalí: The Image Disappears at the Art Institute of Chicago

Through June 12, 2023

This exhibit focuses on the pivotal decade of the 1930s, when Salvador Dalí emerged as the inventor of his own personal brand of Surrealism. It features 25 paintings, drawings and surrealist objects.

Drag Story Time at Austin-Irving Branch

June 13, 2023

Ages 0-5 can come out to Austin-Irving Branch to join a special Pride Month story time featuring a local drag artist.

Drag Story Time at Beverly Branch

June 13, 2023

Ages 0-5 can come out to Beverly Branch to join a special Pride Month story time featuring a local drag artist.

150 Years of Queer Escape Game at Oriole Park Branch

June 14, 2023

Tweens ages 10-13 can enjoy solving clues to unravel 150 years of Queer in the family-friendly escape game.

DIY Flower Crowns at Gage Park Branch

June 14, 2023

Teens ages 13 and up can create their own flower crown and celebrate the life of Marsha P. Johnson. Registration required.

DIY Pride Accessories at West Lawn Branch

June 14, 2023

Teens ages 13 and up can make Shrinky Dink charms and Perler art to turn into magnets, charms or keychains.

Drag Story Time at Lozano Branch

June 14, 2023

Ages 0-5 can come out to Lozano Branch to join a special Pride Month story time featuring a local drag artist. 

Father’s Day Craft: Card Making at Humboldt Park Branch 

June 14, 2023

All ages can drop into the library to make an original card for Father’s Day. All supplied with be provided.

Tinkering Time: Pride Month Arts and Crafts at West Loop Branch

June 15, 2023

Ages 6-13 can drop in at West Loop Branch to make a rainbow “tambourine” project for Pride Month.

Drag Story Time at Merlo Branch

June 16, 2023

Ages 0-5 can come out to Merlo Branch to join a special Pride Month story time featuring a local drag artist.

Chicago Pride Fest

June 17-18, 2023

  • Address: Halsted from Addison to Grace, Chicago
  • Cost: $15/suggested donation

The festival features live music by popular artists, three stages, food and drink, more than 150 vendors, drag shows, pet parade, giveaways, games and more.

Drag Story Time at Kelly Branch

June 17, 2023

Ages 0-5 can come out to Kelly Branch to join a special Pride Month story time featuring a local drag artist.

Gold Coast Art Fair at Grant Park

June 17-18, 2023

The returns and welcomes 200 juried artists from across the country for its 65th year. Purchase jewelry, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media and more. There will be live music stages in various locations along with delicious food, beer, wine and sangria.

The Queer Fam Pride Jam at Salt Shed Fairgrounds

June 17, 2023

This new Pride event features House dance lessons, cultural performances, drag makeovers, yoga, skateboard school and an all-ages Slo ‘Mo dance party with a fab DJ lineup. RSVP for free tickets.

Drag Story Time at Rogers Park Branch

June 20, 2023

Ages 0-5 can come out to Rogers Park Branch to join a special Pride Month story time featuring a local drag artist. Registration required.

Drag Story Time at Sulzer Regional Branch

June 20, 2023

Ages 0-5 can come out to Sulzer Regional Branch to join a special Pride Month story time featuring a local drag artist.

Old Town School of Folk Music Happy Hour at Gallagher Way

June 20, 2023

Enjoy a summer concert featuring rock, pop and folk music, free dance lessons and other interactive music experiences. For all ages.

Drag Story Time at West Belmont Branch

June 21, 2023

Ages 0-5 can come out to West Belmont Branch to join a special Pride Month story time featuring a local drag artist.

Rainbow Story Time at Manning Branch

June 22, 2023

Ages 0-7 can come join Ms. Beronica for stories, songs and rhymes related to Pride Month. Registration required.

Logan Square Arts Festival at Logan Square Monument Park

June 23-25, 2023

This event features art installations across the neighborhood, great local music, craft beer, food from neighborhood restaurants and family fun.

Pride in the Park Chicago

June 23-24, 2023

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.

Navy Pier Pride

June 24, 2023

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.

Chicago Pride Parade

June 25, 2023

The 52nd annual Pride parade takes place through the city’s ‘Boystown’ neighborhood. It will begin at noon in the Montrose Ave. and Broadway.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Concert For Chicago in Millenium Park

June 27, 2023

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, directed by maestro Richard Mutti, will perform Andante moderato, written by Chicago resident Florence Price and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony.

3D Print A Rainbow Keychain at Lozano Branch

June 28, 2023

Ages 13 and up can drop in at Lozano Branch to create a keychain with rainbow filament, while supplies last.

150 Years of Queer Escape Game at Back of the Yards Branch

June 29, 2023

Tweens ages 10-13 can enjoy solving clues to unravel 150 years of Queer in the family-friendly escape game.

Celebrating Pride Month at Lincoln Belmont Branch

June 29, 2023

Ages 13 and up can join Lincoln Belmont Branch to discuss The Many Half-lived Lives of Sam Sylvester by Maya MacGregor.

Little Red Riding Hood at Mayfair Theatre

Through Aug. 4, 2023

Ages 2-10 can enjoy a one-hour musical adaptation based on the original fairy tale. Features plenty of audience participation.

Pinocchio at Beverly Arts Center

Through Aug. 4, 2023

Ages 2-10 can enjoy a one-hour musical adaptation which is based on the original fairy tale. Features plenty of audience participation.

Edra Soto: Destination/El Destino: A Decade of Graft at Hyde Park Art Center

Through Aug. 6, 2023

​ See Destination/El Destino, the largest solo exhibition to date of Puerto Rican artist, educator and community organizer Edra Soto.

Death: Life’s Greatest Mystery at Field Museum

Through Aug. 27, 2023

​ Explore perspectives of death and life through science, art and culture. You’ll see a life-sized ofrenda made by Norma Rios-Sierra, see interactive multimedia art and soundscapes and more.

Pompeii: The Exhibition at Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Through Sept. 4, 2023

See this immersive, educational museum exhibit, “Pompeii: The Exhibition.” You’ll be transported back in time to learn about Pompeii and see more than 150 historical artifacts.

Pixar Putt at Navy Pier

Through Sept. 10, 2023

  • Address: 600 E Grand Ave., Chicago 
  • Cost: $27-$32.50/adult, $22-$27.50/under 12, $102-$110/2 children and 2 adults (New this year is the $3.50 off discount for Illinois residents)| Get tickets

Pixar Putt is a pop-up, open-air mini-golf experience made up of 18 fun and interactive holes inspired by Pixar films. Advanced booking recommended.

Mold-A-Rama: Molded for the Future at Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Through Dec. 31, 2023

This exhibit features a collection of popular, rare and experimental Mold-A-Rama souvenirs from the past. Take home colorful souvenirs made by several machines featured in the exhibit and around the museum.

First Kings of Europe at Field Museum

Through Jan. 28, 2024

View this exhibit at the Field Museum that gathered more than 700 exquisite objects, such as jewelry, armor, weapons and more.

North/Northwest Suburbs

Photo credit: MajaPrgomet

Cirque du Soleil – Corteo at NOW Arena

June 1-4, 2023

This performance is guided through a timeless ceremony in which fantasy teases reality with music, which is both poetic and mischievous.

Northbrook Symphony Orchestra Presents a Rare Performance featuring Violins of Hope at Sheely Center for the Performing Arts

June 4, 2023

All ages can enjoy this special performance played on some violins from a private collection of string instruments owned by Jewish musicians before the Holocaust and during that era.

Clayson’s Kids Days at Clayson House Museum

June 11, 2023

Ages 4-12 can enjoy a drop-in craft and visit with their mascot, Clayson, the Family Dog.

Kids Concert Series-Ben Tater at North School Park 

June 13, 2023

Enjoy a kid-friendly concert at North School Park featuring Ben Tatar and the Tatar Tots.

Long Grove Strawberry Fest in Historic Downtown Long Grove

June 23-25, 2023

Attendees of the annual festival will experience everything from strawberry-infused food and drinks, live music and family entertainment.

Movies Under the Stars at Willow Stream Park

June 23, 2023

Bring blankets, chairs and snacks for an outdoor movie screening this summer at Willow Stream Park. Concessions will be available for purchase. See Sing 2 on June 23.

Ralph’s World at Ravinia 

June 24, 2023

See Ralph’s World in concert at the pavilion at Ravinia. This kid’s concert has a pop/rock genre.

Kids Concert Series-Miss Jamie’s Farm at North School Park

June 27, 2023

Enjoy a kid-friendly concert at North School Park featuring the popular music show for young kids with Miss Jamie’s Farm.

The Girl in the Diary: Searching for Rywka from the Łódz Ghetto at Illinois Holocaust Museum

Through Sept. 24, 2023

This exhibit explores a 14-year-old named Rywka Lipszyc’s diary that was discovered in the ashes of a destroyed crematorium at Auschwitz-Bikenau camp.

South Suburbs

Photo credit: Amdur Productions

Homewood’s Artisan Street Fair in Downtown Homewood

June 2-3, 2023

This two-day event features unique artisans, live entertainment, food, children’s activities and more.

Movie Nights at Village Commons Lawn

June 7, 14, 21, 28, 2023

Families can enjoy a movie night at Village Commons on the lawn. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. For all ages. June 7 is Lightyear, June 14 is Lyle Lyle Crocodile, June 21 is Monsters University and June 28 is DC League of Superpets.

Celebrate Juneteenth with Jewel-Osco!

June 17, 2023

Jewel-Osco will be celebrating Juneteenth in-store with product highlights and meal solutions from local, minority-owned brands like like Special Taste Seasoning, Solomon’s, Milo’s Tea, Uncle Jerry’s, BLK & Bold and more. Also, live entertainment, face painting, giveaways and more.

Homewood-Flossmoor Juneteenth Festival

June 17, 2023

The HF Juneteenth Festival is a celebration of African American culture as expressed through food, music, dance and arts.

Movie in the Park: Grease Sing-a-Long at Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center Band Shell

June 22, 2023

Families can see the classic film, Grease Sing-a-Long at Tinley Park District’s Thursdays in the Park summer series. Bring your own blanket and chairs. A small concession stand will be available.

Burr Ridge Art Fair at Burr Ridge Village Center

June 24-25, 2023

Art aficionados and leisurely shoppers alike may find unique pieces spanning a wide variety of art mediums including paintings, flat arts, jewelry, furniture, ceramics, wearables, fashion, accessories, 3D art pieces, sculptures and more. Also enjoy food vendors and live music.

Concert in the Park: Midnight at Tinley Park-Park District 

June 29, 2023

Families can enjoy live musical entertainment from Midnight at Tinley Park District’s Thursdays in the Park summer series. Bring your own blanket and chairs.

Western Suburbs

Photo credit: Bounce the Mall

Moonlit Movies in the Park at Parade Field at Cantigny Park

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023

Bring the family and watch a movie on their 40-foot inflatable screen. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and snacks. June 2 is A League of Their Own, June 9 is DC League of Super-Pets, June 16 is Singin in the Rain, June 23 is Twilight and June 30 is National Treasure. 

Moose Lodge Cruise Nights and Friday Night Live in Downtown Downers Grove

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023

Enjoy a family-friendly night of classic cars, live entertainment, shopping and dining in downtown Downers Grove. It will feature a different band every week at the Main Street Train Station.

Movies & Food Trucks on the Center Green at Geneva Commons

June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2023

Families can enjoy a movie and food trucks at Geneva Commons this summer. Bring a blanket or chair and some snacks. June 2 is Minions the Rise of Gru, June 9 is DC League of Super-Pets, June 16 is Princess Diaries, June 23 is Thor Love & Thunder and June 30 is Moana.

Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop at Cleve Carney Museum of Art

Opens June 3, 2023

Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop allows visitors to experience Andy Warhol’s life through interactive exhibits, recreations and videos created exclusively for this exhibition.

Bounce The Mall at Chicago Premium Outlets

June 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 2023

All ages can enjoy this immersive family attraction that contains eight different interactive inflatables, including a 600-plus feet long obstacle course, a bottomless ball pit, a silent disco dome with live DJs, lights and special effects, a customized sports Arena, tons of selfie stations and so much more!

11th Annual Viking Challenge for MG! at Berens Park

June 4, 2023

Walkers and volunteers can participate in this live and virtual event to bring attention to Myasthenia Gravis. Registration required.

DIY Pride Flags at Eola Road Branch

June 7, 2023

Ages 12 and up can join the library to create a Pride flag, just in time for Aurora’s annual Pride Parade happening on June 11. They will be providing small flags that can be decorated.

DIY Pride Flags at Santori Library

June 8, 2023

Teens and tweens can join the library to create a Pride flag, just in time for Aurora’s annual Pride Parade happening on June 11. They will be providing small flags that can be decorated.

Lunchtime Live – Miss Liz Music at Cerny Park

June 8, 2023

Pack a lunch and join Cerny Park for a lunchtime concert with live entertainment for children happening in the summertime.

Pride Storytime at Eola Road Branch

June 8, 2023

Ages 0-5 can enjoy a storytime about love, acceptance and being proud of who you are, in honor of Pride Month. Wear your best rainbow gear.

Pride Storytime at Santori Library

June 10, 2023

Ages 0-5 can enjoy a storytime about love, acceptance and being proud of who you are, in honor of Pride Month. Wear your best rainbow gear.

Adaptive Play Time at DuPage Children’s Museum

June 11, 2023

This monthly event provides a modified environment for play and learning for children and their caregivers. It is intended for families with disabilities, on the autism spectrum and/or with sensory processing disorders. Pre-registration is required.

Aurora Pride Parade

June 11, 2023

This annual parade is celebrating its 4th year. It begins at E. Benton Street & Broadway and travels northeast to Downer, then left on Downer to end at N. Middle Ave.

Summer Movies in the Park at Cerny Park 

June 15, 2023

Families can enjoy a movie night at Cerny Park. Movies begin at dusk. There will be concessions available for purchase. See Minions: Rise of Gru on June 15.

Movie in the Park at Wilder Park

June 16, 2023

Grab a picnic blanket and join the fun at Wilder Park for a showing of Sing 2. Movie begins at dusk. The food truck there will be Serna’s Grill.

The Scottish Festival & Highland Games at Hamilton Lakes 

June 16-17, 2023

This annual festival is celebrating its 37th year and will feature an extravaganza of activities and attractions – from a Celtic rock stage to Highland Dancing to the Dogs of Scotland.

Father’s Day Family Nature Walk at Trailside Museum of Natural History

June 18, 2023

Families are invited to a relaxing guided walk by the pond and through the woods, to learn about wildlife fathers. Registration is required by calling 708-366-6530.

Lunchtime Live – Wendy & DB at Cerny Park

June 22, 2023

Pack a lunch and join Cerny Park for a lunchtime concert with live entertainment for children happening in the summertime.

Minions: The Rise of Gru at Venue 1012

June 22, 2023

Join the Village of Oswego for a free showing of Minions: The Rise of Gru Bring a chair or blanket, buy a snack and enjoy lawn games.

Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

Attractions

Experience Fall Magic at Jack O’ Lantern World in Lemont

Nikki Roberts - 0
Take an incredible walk through thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns at Jack O’ Lantern World in Lemont!
Read more
Travel

Dive into a Chocoholic’s Dream This Halloween

Steffy McCourt - 0
Head to Hersheypark for an extra sweet fall road trip.
Read more
Sponsored Content

How School Green Spaces Help Urban Students Thrive

Jennifer Kales -
0
Brought to you by Chicago City Day School
Read more
At Home

Native American Books for Kids

Lori Orlinsky - 0
Check out these Children's Books about Native Americans and Indigenous Peoples to read for Native American Heritage Month.
Read more


- Advertisement -
Chicago Parent Logo

About us

Chicago Parent is Chicagoland’s trusted parenting hub since 1984. We connect families with the best local resources, advice, stories, things to do with kids and much more.

Follow us

Chicago Parent, as a Zoe Communications Group company, is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation’s largest third-party certifier of businesses owned and operated by women. Ask how we can add diversity to your supply chain.

© 2023 Zoe Communications Group | 332 S. Michigan Ave., Suite #LL-M974, Chicago, IL 60604 | 708.386.5555 | Website by Web Publisher PRO