# Things to Do in Chicago with Kids This Weekend \(Oct 16–18\)

Things to do in Chicago with kids this weekend, Oct 16–18: 7 dated events, family activities, kid-friendly restaurants and weekend ideas. Updated Oct 17.

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This weekend in Chicago: Fri, Oct 16 – Sun, Oct 18, 2026 · 7 dated events

Updated: Oct 17, 2026

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.

## Planning a family trip to Chicago?

This page is what's on now. These hold up any week of the year — written out in full, built from real, checked places.

- [5 Days in Chicago with Kids](https://wonderkit.app/itineraries/chicago-il/5-day-with-kids) — Family trip · 5 days

## Happening Today

Events and things to do tonight

### Illinois Product Expo at UIC Dorin Forum
Sample and shop local harvest pantry items, artisanal cheeses, honey, and baked goods from over 50 regional growers and food makers across the state.
- Venue: UIC Dorin Forum
- Location: University Village, Chicago
- Date: 2026-10-17 10:00 AM
- Cost: $
- Best for: Everyone
- Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/illinois-product-expochicago-event-is-free-chicago-illinois-10-17-2026/event/0400652EA1D8641A

### FITZGERALDS Fall Fair 5 on the Patio
A crisp afternoon courtyard gathering featuring local craft vendors, fresh smoked barbecue from BABYGOLD Barbecue, and live acoustic Americana sets.
- Venue: FITZGERALDS PATIO
- Location: Berwyn, Near West Suburbs
- Date: 2026-10-17 11:00 AM
- Cost: $
- Best for: Everyone
- Link: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/fitzgeralds-fall-fair-5-fitzgeralds-patio-tickets/14282324

### Waitress at James M. Nederlander Theatre
Sara Bareilles' warm, pie-scented Broadway musical takes over the historic Loop theatre stage for an intimate Saturday matinee performance.
- Venue: James M. Nederlander Theatre
- Location: The Loop, Chicago
- Date: 2026-10-17 2:00 PM
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Teens & Adults
- Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/waitress-chicago-chicago-illinois-10-17-2026/event/070064F88E982A10

## This Weekend in Chicago, IL

Top picks across the city through Sunday

### Balloon Museum: EmotionAir at The Fields Studios
Monumental inflatable contemporary art installations spanning 60,000 square feet, pairing kinetic sculptures with tactile light-and-sound rooms.
- Venue: The Fields Studios
- Location: Avondale, Chicago
- Address: 4120 W Diversey Ave
- Date: 2026-10-17 10:00 AM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Everyone
- Rating: 4.8
- Link: https://www.universe.com/events/balloon-museum-emotionair-art-you-can-feel-chicago-tickets-XZFMJ7?ref=ticketmaster

### Play On\! at Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Duke Ellington's vibrant jazz score fuels this rhythmic reimagining of Twelfth Night, staged right on the Navy Pier waterfront.
- Venue: Chicago Shakespeare Theater
- Location: Streeterville, Chicago
- Date: 2026-10-17 2:00 PM
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Everyone
- Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/Z7r9jZ1A7004b

### The Best of The Second City on the Mainstage
Legendary sharp improv and sketch comedy performed by the resident ensemble inside Old Town's iconic comedy landmark.
- Venue: Second City-Chicago: Mainstage
- Location: Old Town, Chicago
- Date: 2026-10-17 3:00 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Teens & Adults
- Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/Z7r9jZ1A7qy1p

### You Can't Fake the Funk at Black Ensemble Theater
A high-octane musical retrospective tracing the roots and golden eras of 1970s and 80s funk with a full live stage orchestra.
- Venue: Black Ensemble Theater
- Location: Uptown, Chicago
- Date: 2026-10-17 3:00 PM
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Everyone
- Link: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/Z7r9jZ1A7-wPK

## Eat & Drink

Warm neighborhood tables and seasonal menus

### Atelier
Christian Hunter's Michelin-starred folk cuisine workshop crafts intricate autumn tasting courses utilizing Midwestern heirloom root vegetables and wild game.
- Location: Lincoln Square, Chicago
- Cost: $$$$
- Best for: Adults
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Atelier%20Lincoln%20Square%2C%20Chicago

### Kasama
Grab a weekend morning counter pastry—like the roasted mushroom tart or ube brioche—before the acclaimed savory longanisa breakfast sandwich rush.
- Location: West Town, Chicago
- Cost: $
- Best for: Foodies
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Kasama%20West%20Town%2C%20Chicago

### Mariscos San Pedro
Coastal wood-fired Mexican seafood in a vibrant space, dishing out whole charcoal-grilled red snapper, octopus zarandeado, and chilled ceviches.
- Location: Pilsen, Chicago
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Everyone
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Mariscos%20San%20Pedro%20Pilsen%2C%20Chicago

## New & Notable

Limited-run culture and seasonal happenings

### 62nd Chicago International Film Festival
North America's longest-running competitive festival screens fall international contenders, documentary premieres, and director retrospectives across city indie cinema houses.
- Location: Lakeview & Downtown, Chicago
- Cost: $$
- Best for: Film Lovers
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=62nd%20Chicago%20International%20Film%20Festival%20Lakeview%20%26%20Downtown%2C%20Chicago

### Lincoln Park Conservatory Fall Flower Show
A glasshouse retreat glowing with hundreds of blooming chrysanthemums, ornamental peppers, and bronze coleus sheltered warmly from brisk lakefront gusts.
- Location: Lincoln Park, Chicago
- Cost: $
- Best for: Families & Couples
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Lincoln%20Park%20Conservatory%20Fall%20Flower%20Show%20Lincoln%20Park%2C%20Chicago

## Quick Escape

Foliage and lake getaways under three hours away

### Peak Foliage Along Geneva Lake Shore Path
An 85-mile drive north into southeastern Wisconsin for a crisp lakeside weekend: hike sections of the public 21-mile shoreline trail past Gilded Age summer mansions framed by brilliant amber oaks, then grab cider doughnuts at Pearce's Farm Stand.
- Location: Lake Geneva, WI \(1.5 hrs from Chicago\)
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Couples & Families
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Peak%20Foliage%20Along%20Geneva%20Lake%20Shore%20Path%20Lake%20Geneva%2C%20WI%20(1.5%20hrs%20from%20Chicago)

### Historic Driftless Hills in Galena
A scenic three-hour road trip west into Illinois unglaciated bluffs: browse 19th-century brick boutiques along Main Street, sample cold-hardy red wines at Massbach Ridge, and catch panoramic Mississippi River foliage at nearby Palisades State Park.
- Location: Galena, IL \(3 hrs from Chicago\)
- Cost: $$$
- Best for: Everyone
- Link: https://www.google.com/search?q=Historic%20Driftless%20Hills%20in%20Galena%20Galena%2C%20IL%20(3%20hrs%20from%20Chicago)

## More ready-made Chicago, IL itineraries

- [A Christmas Markets Weekend in Chicago](https://wonderkit.app/itineraries/chicago-il/christmas-markets-weekend)
- [All Chicago, IL itineraries](https://wonderkit.app/itineraries/chicago-il)

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