As Muslims around the world observe Ramadan this month (March 10-April 9), some families in Chicagoland may be looking for some fun new ways to celebrate at home or around town.
Here, we’ve rounded up some local events, at-home activities and recipes to help you break fast so that you can put a new spin on your celebrations and teach your children why this holiday is so important to your family.
This article was updated on March 22, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. Her work included her research in finding Ramadan events for families to check out and providing things to do at home to celebrate, aligning with Chicago Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
Ramadan Events
Looking for a Ramadan event to take your kids to this year? Chicago and the suburbs are full of options for families. Check out some of our favorites this year.
Ramadan and Eid Storytime
April 9, 2024
- Address: Fountaindale Public Library District, 300 W. Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook
- Cost: Free
All ages can come out to Fountaindale Public Library District to celebrate Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr with a special storytime.
Eid al Fitr
April 13, 2024
- Address: Community Center, 4170 Morse Ave., Lincolnwood
- Cost: $10/resident, $15/non-resident
Celebrate Eid al Fitr with your family at the Community Center with arts and crafts and a variety of snacks and refreshments. For all ages.
Community Celebrates Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
April 14, 2024
- Address: Downers Grove Public Library, 1050 Curtiss St., Downers Grove
- Cost: Free
Families can come to Downers Grove Public Library to learn about Ramadan and its culminating celebration Eid al-Fitr. They’ll hear stories and take part in activities. Registration required.
Ramadan Crafts & Activities for Kids
Hands-on activities and crafts are a great way to teach kids about the holiday and the history behind it.
- Children’s Books That Celebrate Ramadan: These books are perfect to teach kids more about Ramadan and why it is celebrated.
- Ramadan Fasting Tracker for Kids: Fasting is a key part of Ramadan. Help your kids track their fast with this fun tracker from Inspiring the Love of Islam.
- Easy Ramadan Treat Boxes for Neighbors: Share your love of Ramadan with your neighbors by making these treat boxes from Happily Hafsa.
- Ramadan Quarantine Activity Ideas: Families at home can focus on Ramadan with these kids’ activities from A Crafty Arab.
Recipes to Break Fast
Ramadan calls for a fast that last from sunrise to sunset, and when it’s time to eat, you definitely need something filling to break it. Here are some delish recipes to try this year.
- Best Fried Appetizers to Break Fast: Take a look at one Muslim mom’s favorite fried appetizers for Ramadan.
- Snacks for Ramadan or Iftar: Find snacks, including baked chicken patties, erachi Pola and more, from Cooking with Thas.
- Ramadan Food Ideas for Serhi or Iftar: ZamZam.com offers 10 healthy recipes for families this Ramadan.
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