Events and things to do in Chicago

The most comprehensive events calendar for this week — sourced from Meetup, Eventbrite, city listings, universities, museums, and more.

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Discover kids and family events, activities, and things to do for children, toddlers, and parents, including festivals, story times, crafts, outdoor fun, museum programs, and family-friendly community events.

TodayFriday
Nature Preschool at Garfield Park Morning Summer Session (3 - 5 years) - July 17, 2026
8:30-11:30am

Nature Preschool at Garfield Park Morning Summer Session (3 - 5 years) - July 17, 2026

This session is perfect for families looking for an in-depth summer experience for their preschooler. An extension of our highly popular...
10-10:30am

Books and Beats

Listen to an interactive book and dance to the beat of musical favorites. 

Free tickets will be given to those present starting...

Stay and Play
10am-12pm

Stay and Play

We have blocks, puzzles and other hands-on building and play activities allowing families time to read, discover and create together! This is...
LEGO® Play Day
10am-1pm

LEGO® Play Day

LEGO fans rejoice! Join other fans and enthusiasts as you create, challenge yourself and share ideas for your next creations made with our...
Story Time
10:30-11:15am

Story Time

Acoustic guitar story time led by Ms. Erica. We sing old songs, new songs and read a book or two together. Songs in English and Spanish...
Musical Play with ScribbleMonster
10:30-11:15am

Musical Play with ScribbleMonster

Using a mix of kindness, music and humor, ScribbleMonster encourages his audience to participate and think in creative ways. Jim’s...
Little Learners Story Time
10:30-11:30am

Little Learners Story Time

Join us Friday mornings for 30 minutes of songs and stories! Play time immediately follows...
Open Play Time
10:30-11:30am

Open Play Time

Join us for a drop-in open play time! We have fun, educational toys and books available for self-directed play...
Neighborhood Walking Tour Story Time
10:30-11:30am

Neighborhood Walking Tour Story Time

Celebrate Chicago with Librarian Megan this summer in a new family story time and walking tour, where the journey is the destination! Read,...
Music and Stories with The Music Playhouse of Chicago
11-11:45am

Music and Stories with The Music Playhouse of Chicago

The Music Playhouse of Chicago is excited to offer this special program in honor of Disability Pride Month. Their music programs are not only...
Summer at The NMH: Friday Myth and Story Time
11am-12pm

Summer at The NMH: Friday Myth and Story Time

Join us for a magical and creative Summer Story Time & Craft Series happening every Friday in June and July!
Beach Days Story Time
11am-12pm

Beach Days Story Time

Grab your sunglasses and have some fun in the sun as we take story time to the beach!..
Little Chicagoans Story Time
11:30am-12pm

Little Chicagoans Story Time

Join Miss Taylor for story time especially for our littlest Chicagoans! We’ll share themed songs, rhymes and books, plus suggestions for...
Story Time
11:30am-12:15pm

Story Time

Acoustic guitar story time led by Ms. Erica. We sing old songs, new songs and read a book or two together. Songs in English and Spanish...
Build It
12-1pm

Build It

Calling all budding engineers: join us as we design and build with various materials. Bring your ideas and create wonderful things. Meet us...
Free Summer Meals, Stories and Games for Kids and Teens/ Comidas de verano gratuitas, historias y juegos para niños y adolescentes
12-2pm

Free Summer Meals, Stories and Games for Kids and Teens/ Comidas de verano gratuitas, historias y juegos para niños y adolescentes

Enjoy a free boxed lunch for children and teens up to 18. Lunch is served on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last, and must be...
12:15-1pm

Summer Lunch for Kids and Teens

Free lunch is available for kids and teens age 18 and younger. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Lunches are provided...

Summer Meals for Kids and Teens
12:15-1:15pm

Summer Meals for Kids and Teens

Healthy, nutritious summer meals are available to all children 18 and younger, while supplies last, Monday through Friday, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m,...
Story Time
2-3pm

Story Time

Join us for interactive stories, songs and playtime!..
Camera Snapshots
3-4pm

Camera Snapshots

What have you been up to all summer? What do you love about summer in the city? This craft lets you capture it through art and imagination!..
4:30-5:30pm

Cardboard Creators

Transform ordinary cardboard and boxes into extraordinary creations inspired by your favorite books. 

Listen to a story and then...

Ice Cream & Painting at Chiquita Scoops!
5-6:30pm

Ice Cream & Painting at Chiquita Scoops!

Enjoy some tasty treats while painting a summer masterpiece! All art materials will be provided.