Pitchfork Music Festival
The annual indie-rock staple returns to Union Park with three days of cutting-edge sounds and local food vendors.
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Things to do in Chicago with kids
Family activities in Chicago 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 right now · 6 with confirmed dates
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
Curated picks for July 17-19
Southport Art Festival
Stroll down Southport Avenue to browse local fine arts, crafts, and family-friendly activities in a charming neighborhood setting.
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Lakefront Trail Cycling
Take advantage of the peak summer weather with a ride from the Museum Campus all the way to the beaches of Edgewater.
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Plan a family trip to Chicago
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Chicago trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.
☀️ Happening Today
Events and things to do tonight
Noah Kahan at Wrigley Field
The Great Divide Tour takes over the historic ballpark for an electric mid-summer night under the lights.
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Patio Jazz with the Lee Rothenberg Trio
An evening of smooth standards on the celebrated suburban patio, perfect for a breezy mid-week unwind.
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SUFFS at CIBC Theatre
Catch this powerful Broadway hit chronicling the women's suffrage movement during its Chicago run.
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✨ New & Notable
What's fresh in the city
Balloon Museum: EmotionAir
An immersive, tactile art experience featuring massive inflatable installations designed for sensory exploration.
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🚗 Quick Escape
Weekend getaways from the city
Saugatuck, Michigan
A two-hour drive brings you to the 'Art Coast of Michigan.' Enjoy Oval Beach, dune rides, and local galleries in this lakeside retreat.
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Starved Rock State Park
Just 90 minutes away, explore the dramatic sandstone canyons and waterfalls that make this the premier hiking spot near Chicago.
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🍽️ Eat & Drink
Fresh flavors and summer vibes
Lonesome Rose
Head to their rooftop for seasonal tacos and house-made margaritas—the perfect spot for a breezy summer sunset.
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Sun Lounger
A vibrant seasonal popup on the riverwalk serving refreshing fruit-forward cocktails and light Mediterranean bites.
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Frequently asked
What are the best things to do in Chicago with kids?
Family-friendly highlights right now include Noah Kahan at Wrigley Field, Patio Jazz with the Lee Rothenberg Trio, and SUFFS at CIBC Theatre. WonderKit refreshes this Chicago guide daily so the picks stay current.
Where can families eat in Chicago?
The "Eat & Drink" section above lists restaurants that work for families in Chicago, including spots that handle toddlers and offer kid-friendly menus.
What's happening in Chicago this weekend with kids?
Check the "This Weekend in Chicago" section above for current family-friendly events and weekend activities in Chicago. Updated daily.
Plan a family trip to Chicago
Tell us who's going and WonderKit drafts three Chicago trip ideas in about a minute — free, and you see them before creating an account.