It seems like teens and tweens are always looking for something fun to do, especially now that school is out for the summer. Since your older kids will still want to hang out with their friends outside of the classroom, you’ll want to find some activities that you approve of, too. We’ve compiled a list of fun (and safe) events that are sure to be a hit!
Check out our online calendar for even more family events and things to do with teens.
This article was recently updated on July 10, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Audience Development Coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding Chicagoland teen needs events to the ChicagoParent.com‘s calendar, aligning Chicago Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to kari@chicagoparent.com.
Glendale Heights Fest at Camera Park
July 11-14, 2024
- Address: 101 E. Fullerton Ave., Glendale Heights
- Cost: Free
This event features games, carnival rides, live music and delicious food. Also, a fireworks display on Sunday evening.
Forge Fest at The Forge: Lemont Quarries
July 13, 2024
- Address: 1001 Main St., Lemont
- Cost: Free
Celebrate the 4th Annual Forge Fest, which features workshops and activities for all ages, vendor village, performances and more. Fireworks will take place at 9:15 p.m.
Millennium Park Summer Film Series at Jay Pritzker Pavilion
July 16-Aug. 20, 2024 (Tuesdays)
- Address: 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Families can head to Millennium Park for a summer film series. Sit in the pavilion or on the lawn.
Movies in the Parks at Ward (A. Montgomery) Park
July 16 and Aug. 13, 2024
- Address: 630 N. Kingsbury St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Head to Ward (A. Montgomery) Park for a movie. Begins at dusk. My Big Fat Greek Weeding 3 (PG-13) is on July 16 and Wonka (PG) is on Aug. 13.
Movies in the Park at Scoville Park
July 19, Aug. 16 and Sept. 13, 2024
- Address: 800 W. Lake St., Oak Park
- Cost: Free
Grab a blanket and snacks to watch movies at Scoville Park. Watch Wonka (PG) on July 19, Barbie (PG-13) on Aug. 16 and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (PG-13) on Sept. 13.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
July 19-21, 2024
- Address: 2000 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $10/suggested donation
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 more.
Lincolnwood Fest at Henry A. Proesel Park
July 25-28, 2024
- Address: 6915 Kostner Ave., Lincolnwood
- Cost: Free
This summer fest features live music, carnival rides, games, BINGO, classic car show, arts and crafts and more.
Movies in the Parks at Juneway Beach Park
July 25, 2024
- Address: 7751 N. Eastlake Terrace, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Come out to Juneway Beach Park to see a showing of Back to the Future (PG). The movie begins at dusk.
Taste of Lincoln Avenue
July 26-28, 2024
- Address: 2500 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $10/suggested donation
Enjoy a main stage with local and regional entertainment, food, arts and crafts and more.
Wicker Park Fest
July 26-28, 2024
- Address: Milwaukee Ave. from Damen Ave. to Paulina St., Chicago
- Cost: $10/suggested donation
This event returns to Wicker Park and features over 50 local bands, over 200 participating small businesses, local food vendors and more.
Chinatown Summer Fair
July 27-28, 2024
- Address: Wentworth Ave. and Cermak Road, Chicago
- Cost: Free
There will be a lion dance procession, Asian performances, Kung Fu demonstrations, food, arts & crafts exhibits, street vendors, a breakdancing competition and more.
Summer Block Party at Navy Pier
July 31, 2024
- Address: 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Throw it back to the 90s with a block party, which features DJs, live bands and 90s music in the Beer Garden. Other activities include interactive spray paint murals, arts and crafts, video games, corn hole, hopscotch and more. There will also be a free firework show at the end of the night.
Movies in the Parks at Berger Park Cultural Center
Aug. 14, 2024
- Address: 6205 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Come out to Berger Park Cultural Center for a showing of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny(PG-13). Movie begins at dusk.
Naperville Last Fling
Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2024
- Address: 100 W. Jackson Ave., Naperville
- Cost: Free admission; fees for activities
The festival will include an entertainment stage, food vendors, business expo vendors, Labor Day parade and a carnival.
Taste of Polonia Festival at Copernicus Center
Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2024
- Address: 5216 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $10-plus
Features live music, authentic Polish food, carnival rides and games, inflatables, vendors, a climbing wall and more.
Bike the Drive at Grant Park’s Butler Field
Sept. 1, 2024
- Address: 235 S. Columbus Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $68/ages 18-plus, $18/ages 17 and under
This annual event shuts down DuSable Lake Shore Drive so riders of all ages can bike down the expressway. Helmets are required.
Wonder Woods Mini Golf at The Morton Arboretum
Through Sept. 2, 2024
- Address: 4100 Illinois Rt. 53., Lisle
- Cost: $10/adult non-members, $8/ages 4-17 non-members, (must purchase general admission to the museum, as well)
This summertime attraction was created by the Arboretum’s in-house exhibitions and design teams along with the science and conservation staff. The nine-hole pop-up course tells a story about trees and Illinois ecosystems while being a fun and interactive experience.
007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond at Museum of Science and Industry
Through Oct. 27, 2024
- Address: 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $18 (this exhibit requires an additional ticket in addition to general admission)
See the new spy-themed exhibit that reveals the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running movie franchise. It features some of the cars, gadgets and props that were used in the films, including a prototype jetpack from “Thunderball” and the modern Gravity Industries Jet Suit.
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