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Things to do in Chicago, IL with kids

Family activities in Chicago, IL right now: kid-friendly events the whole family will like, restaurants that can handle a toddler, and weekend ideas that work around nap windows.

11 hand-picked things to do in Chicago, IL right now · 7 with confirmed dates

Updated: Sun, Jul 19, 2026

How we pick family-friendly spots

  • Stroller- and toddler-friendly venues with room to move
  • Weekend and daytime timing that works around nap windows
  • Kids-eat-here restaurants over date-night-only rooms

📅 This Weekend in Chicago, IL

Making the most of the July heat

Balloon Museum: EmotionAir

Sun, Jul 19, 2026 · 06:00 PM · The Fields Studios · $$ · Best for Families and art lovers

An immersive art experience featuring monumental inflatable installations. It’s colorful, tactile, and a total sensory reset.

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artimmersiveexhibit

Sunday Daydream: Celebrating the Grateful Dead

Sun, Jul 19, 2026 · 4:00 PM · FITZGERALDS PATIO · $$ · Best for Music fans

Head to the patio for an afternoon of improvisational jams. A perfect, laid-back way to close out the weekend under the sun.

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musicoutdoorsummer

SUFFS (Chicago)

Sun, Jul 19, 2026 · 1:00 PM · CIBC Theatre · $$$ · Best for Theater goers

Catch the acclaimed musical exploring the fight for women's voting rights. The storytelling is sharp, timely, and powerful.

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theatermusicalperformance

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☀️ Happening Today

Events and things to do tonight

Big Band Brunch w/ Shout Section Big Band

Sun, Jul 19, 2026 · 12:00 PM · FITZGERALDS NIGHTCLUB · $$ · Best for Everyone

Start your Sunday with a lively brass-heavy set. Grab a mimosa and enjoy the high-energy sounds at this classic Berwyn spot.

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musicbrunchlive

Chicago Cubs vs. Minnesota Twins

Sun, Jul 19, 2026 · 1:20 PM · Wrigley Field · $$$ · Best for Everyone

Nothing beats a mid-July afternoon in the bleachers. Soak up the sun at the Friendly Confines as the Cubs take on the Twins.

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sportsoutdoorsummer

Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago

Sun, Jul 19, 2026 · 10:00 AM · The Fields Studios · $$ · Best for Everyone

Live at The Fields Studios.

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miscellaneousfamily

✨ New & Notable

Current buzz and seasonal happenings

Spain vs Argentina - World Cup Final Screening

Sun, Jul 19, 2026 · 2:00 PM · Thalia Hall · $ · Best for Sports fans

The electric atmosphere of Thalia Hall makes this the spot to catch the final. Grab a beer and join the crowd for the game.

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sportscommunitysocial

🚗 Quick Escape

Weekend trips within 3 hours

Saugatuck, Michigan

Saugatuck, MI · $$$ · Best for Couples and families

Just a two-hour drive for a total change of pace. Hike the dunes at Saugatuck Dunes State Park, browse the galleries on Butler Street, and end the day at Oval Beach.

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naturebeachgetaway

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva, WI · $$$ · Best for Everyone

Classic lakeside relaxation. Walk the 21-mile Shore Path to see historic estates, take a boat cruise on the clear water, or enjoy a sunset dinner by the docks.

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lakerelaxationscenic

🍽️ Eat & Drink

Local flavors for the summer weekend

avec

West Loop, Chicago · $$ · Best for Friends

The quintessential West Loop patio experience. Go for the chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates and a crisp glass of white wine.

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mediterraneanpatiobuzzy

Lula Cafe

Logan Square, Chicago · $$ · Best for Casual foodies

A Logan Square institution that defines farm-to-table brunch. The menu changes daily based on what's fresh at the Green City Market.

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farm-to-tablebrunchlocal

Frequently asked

What are the best things to do in Chicago, IL with kids?

Family-friendly highlights right now include Big Band Brunch w/ Shout Section Big Band, Chicago Cubs vs. Minnesota Twins, and Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Art You Can Feel - Chicago. WonderKit refreshes this Chicago, IL guide daily so the picks stay current.

Where can families eat in Chicago, IL?

The "Eat & Drink" section above lists restaurants that work for families in Chicago, IL, including spots that handle toddlers and offer kid-friendly menus.

What's happening in Chicago, IL this weekend with kids?

Check the "This Weekend in Chicago, IL" section above for current family-friendly events and weekend activities in Chicago, IL. Updated daily.

Plan a family trip to Chicago, IL

Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Chicago, IL trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.

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