Edgewater Music Fest
Over 35 local acts across two stages, local food vendors, and a vibrant neighborhood street celebration right along Broadway.
festivalneighborhoodlive-music
For familiesThings 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.
12 hand-picked things to do in Chicago, IL right now · 8 with confirmed dates
Photo: Ozzie Stern / Unsplash
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
Neighborhood fests and lakefront highlights for the end of August
Live on the Lake at Navy Pier
Catch free open-air weekend concerts right against the backdrop of Lake Michigan at the Beer Garden.
musiclakefrontbeer-garden
Chicago SummerDance in Grant Park
Free introductory dance lessons followed by social dancing under the open sky.
danceoutdoorfree
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.
🎉 Happening Today
Events and things to do across Chicago today
Chicago House Music Festival at Millennium Park
Catch heavyweight house sets on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion Stage all afternoon and evening, featuring Roy Davis Jr., Maurice Joshua, and more.
musicoutdoorfree
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds
A classic afternoon day game under the warm sun at the historic friendly confines.
sportsbaseballoutdoor
Organ Brunch on the Patio w/ Righteous Rooster
Enjoy live soul-jazz organ grooves on the breezy backyard patio paired with drinks and bites.
brunchlive-musicoutdoor
🌟 New & Notable
Fresh exhibitions and limited-run cultural experiences
Lee Miller: Fearless at The Art Institute
Opening this weekend, explore the expansive retrospective showcasing nearly 150 works spanning the remarkable life and photography of Lee Miller.
artexhibitionphotography
Balloon Museum | EmotionAir - Chicago
An immersive, tactile contemporary art exhibition filled with monumental inflatable sculptures and multi-sensory installations.
immersive-artpop-upfamily-friendly
🚗 Quick Escape
End-of-summer weekend trips within a short drive of Chicago
Lake Geneva Waterfront Weekend
Just a 90-minute drive north, stroll the historic 21-mile Shore Path winding past grand Gilded Age mansions, rent a boat on the clear waters, and dine downtown.
lake-townboatingweekend-trip
Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Parks
Head southwest for two hours to explore 18 sandstone canyons, seasonal waterfalls, and lush forested hiking trails right along the Illinois River.
hikingnaturestate-park
🍽️ Eat & Drink
Buzzy patios, fresh seafood, and neighborhood gems
avec West Loop
An iconic Mediterranean-inflected spot famous for its communal wood tables, chorizo-stuffed dates, and sunlit wood-clad room.
mediterraneanpatiowine-bar
Longman & Eagle
Logan Square staple serving inventive farm-to-table pub fare alongside an exceptional whiskey list and lively neighborhood atmosphere.
gastropubwhiskeyfarm-to-table
Ready-made Chicago, IL itineraries
Day-by-day plans for Chicago, IL, written out in full and built from real local spots — start from one instead of a blank page.
Frequently asked
What are the best things to do in Chicago, IL with kids?
Family-friendly highlights right now include Chicago House Music Festival at Millennium Park, Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds, and Organ Brunch on the Patio w/ Righteous Rooster. 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.