May brings warmer weather and with that there are plenty of outdoor attractions and activities for families to do together. Check out some of the kid-friendly summer festivals happening this weekend.
If you’re feeling adventurous, explore these places where you can try food flights or one of these unique dessert spots. If you want some water fun, but the weather isn’t there, head to one of these indoor waterparks in Chicagoland.
Looking for more things to do with kids in Chicagoland? We’ve got you covered to make it a great weekend with kid-friendly events, what’s going around town and even at-home activities.
Note: We’re updating our website as quickly as we can, but changes may occur due to COVID-19. Please double check before heading out for the most updated information on safety precautions, vaccine requirements and any last-minute cancellations.
Events
The city and suburbs continue to offer excellent options for family-friendly events. We picked some of our favorites going on this weekend below. Find more events on our calendar.
Carmela Full of Wishes at Chicago Children’s Theatre
Now-May 22, 2022
- Address: 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $32
Based on the book, the play is about a little girl named Carmela. She is celebrating her birthday by running errands with her brother when she spots a lone dandelion and must make a wish. Recommended for all ages.
Long Grove Chocolate Festival
May 20-22, 2022
- Address: 308 Old McHenry Road, Long Grove
- Cost: $5/admission
The fest is known for its chocolate dipped treats like strawberries, donuts, cupcakes, cake pops, truffles, croissants, eclairs, funnel cakes and more. There will also be tons of live entertainment on multiple stages throughout the town.
Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories at the Field Museum
Opens May 20, 2022
- Address: 400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
- Cost: Free w/ museum admission
Hear from Native Americans and Indigenous people about their music, dance, art and stories at the Field Museum’s newest permanent exhibit. Great for all ages.
Adaptive Play Time at DuPage Children’s Museum
May 21, 2022
- Address: 301 N. Washington St., Naperville
- Cost: $15/admission, $14/senior, free/under one
Adaptive Play Time provides a modified environment for play and learning for children and their caregivers. This program is indented for families with disabilities, on the autism spectrum, and/or sensory processing disorders. Pre-registration required.
Art in the Park in Northbrook Village Green Park
May 21-22, 2022
- Address: 1810 Walters Ave., Northbrook
- Cost: Free
Come out to Northbrook Village Green Park to see more than 85 artists showing paintings, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and more. The event features live music in the gazebo, youth art activities and festival food.
Lincoln Roscoe Spring Art & Craft Fair
May 21-22, 2022
- Address: Lincoln Avenue from Roscoe to School, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Shop original art and handmade crafts from 60 artists. Also, live music, art activities for kids, festival food and more.
Nature Block Party at Eggers Grove
May 21, 2022
- Address: E 112th St & S Ave E Chicago, Chicago
- Cost: Free
Explore nature and all the fun things you can do outdoors. Kids will also create art at this nature-filled event.
Skokie Festival of Cultures at Oakton Park
May 21-22, 2022
- Address: 4701 Oakton St., Skokie
- Cost: Free
Enjoy two days of ethnic folk music and dance on two stages, a wide range of food and beverages, interactive cultural booths, children’s games and activities, flag display and more.
Turtle Takeover at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
May 21, 2022
- Address: 2430 N. Cannon Drive, Chicago
- Cost: $15/child, $20/adult
Get up close and personal with all of their resident turtles as well as several special guest species. Also, make your own turtle-y awesome craft to take home. For ages 2-10.
What’s Blooming on Harrison Street Festival
May 21, 2022
- Address: Oak Park Arts District, 144 Harrison, Oak Park
- Cost: Free admission; fees for kiddie carnival, art raffle and beer garden (cash only)
A family-friendly festival that features an art fair, music stage, children’s carnival, beer garden, food, makers booth and more. Fun for all ages.
Greek Independence Day Celebration
May 22, 2022
- Address: Greektown Chicago neighborhood, 401 N. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
The parade will return to Halsted Street after last year’s virtual celebration and will begin at 2:30 p.m. The marketplace will run from noon-6 p.m. and will have Greek vendors selling art, crafts, jewelry and other gifts. The Orpheus Dance Troupe dancers will perform traditional Greek dance at 5 p.m. at Elysian Field.
Around town
Spend the weekend exploring Chicagoland with your family with these ideas. Find more things to do on our website.
- Check out these food flight
- Enjoy a kid-friendly summer festival.
- Explore these outdoor attractions in Chicagoland.
- Head to an indoor waterpark with the family.
- Try a unique dessert at one of these spots.
At-home activities
If your family wants to stay home this weekend, you can try the following activities with your kids.
- Impress your family with one of these air fryer recipes.
- Share one of your favorite ’80s movies with your kids.
- Try an easy smoothie recipe on those busy mornings.
- Create your own cherry blossom art.
- Check out these books to remind kids about mindfulness.
This post is updated weekly.
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