Family-friendly picks in Chicago: 216 verified events and places that welcome kids, from library storytimes to parks and museums.
Updated · every listing links to its official source.
📍 Chicago · Chicago North Side · Merlo
Bring the family to these fun-filled and lively story times. For kids 0 to 5 years with a participating adult. How to Attend In order to provide a fun and safe program, Family Story Time is limited to 40 participants (kids and adults combined). Attendance is first-come, first-served. Please look for the sign on the wall and wait in line. Doors open 5 to 10 minutes before the program begins. Access
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · West Lawn
Join the Field Museum at the branch as we explore nature together! Look at specimens from the Field Museum, make crafts and eat snacks. For families with kids 3 to 13. ¡Únete al Museo Field en la sucursal para explorar juntos la naturaleza! Veremos especímenes del Museo Field, hacemos manualidades y comer bocadillos. Para familias con niños de 3 a 13 años. How to Attend Register by the start of th
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago South Side · Chinatown
Got a board game as a gift or purchase, but don't know how to play it? Join the Chinatown Branch in collaboration with the Chicago Tabletop and Board Game Meetup Group to learn to play that gifted or purchased game or the ones that the group has on hand. Adults and teens of all levels are welcome! For ages 13 and up. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · West Loop
Join Miss Evelyn to discuss See the Cat by David LaRochelle while enjoying milk and cookies. This book club is for beginning readers at a K to 2 reading level. Pick up the book at the children's reference desk. For kids 4 to 7. How to Attend This event takes place in person. Register by 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6. If your child has any dietary restrictions, please email us. Chicago Public Library cann
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago North Side · Bezazian
Join our 30-minute story time especially for our littlest patrons! We share songs, lap sit rhymes, books and developmental exercises. We'll also learn simple American Sign Language signs in each session. Stay for half an hour of open play time afterwards. For children 0 to 2 and their caregivers. How to Attend Register by the start of the event. Registration is recommended but not required. Chicag
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago West Side · Austin
Start your Saturday with stories, songs, rhymes and play! Babies and young children their parents or caregivers are invited to join us for a warm, welcoming story time designed especially for our littlest library visitors. For ages 0 to 5. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to re
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Near North
Get ready to unleash your creativity with the magical art of origami! If you’ve ever wanted to fold up a cute animal, a mighty dinosaur, beautiful blooms or decorative boxes, this is your chance to dive in. Whether you're an adult or a child (7+), this fun and fascinating activity lets you transform a simple sheet of paper into amazing 3D creations-think swans, boats, flowers, hats, even jumping f
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Albany Park
Calling all preschoolers! Catch WTTW Kids Learn & Play featuring your favorite WTTW Kids characters. Participate in fun, guided learning while developing school readiness skills. Presented in partnership with WTTW. For kids 3 to 5 with an adult. ¡Llamando a todos los preescolares! Disfruta de WTTW Kids Learn & Play con tus personajes favoritos de PBS Kids. Participa en un aprendizaje divertido y g
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Edgebrook
Do you enjoy browsing through cookbooks? Do you love trying new dishes? Are you looking for recipe inspiration? For November's discussion, attendees will discuss Stacey Mei Yan Fong's 50 Pies, 50 States . Browse the book and select a recipe or two to make at home. Serve it to your family and friends and ask them for honest feedback about the dish. What worked? What didn't work? Would you change an
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago North Side · Rogers Park
The Mad Hatters are coming! Join us for a fun-filled program of books, poems and songs by the Mad Hatters of Chicago. Hear some all-time favorite books performed using hats and props. Drop in and join the fun with your whole family! For kids 3 to 12 and their families. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or em
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Beverly
Join Ms. Izabel and Love on a Leash for an hour of reading fun! Build reading fluency and confidence by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. This program is part of Chicago Public Library's Jump Into Reading initiative. For kids in grades K and up and their caregivers. How to Attend Register to receive an email reminder. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from ki
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Legler Regional
Join our story time for the whole family! We share songs, rhymes and books, plus suggestions for at-home activities. For kids 2 to 8 and their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the even
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Ryan Learning Center
A, B, C Librarian Megan at the Art Institute of Chicago to celebrate the museum’s new book, ABCs at the Art Institute of Chicago . Share songs, rhymes and stories as children and their caregivers explore the world of art and words in this interactive story time. Copies will also be available at your local Chicago Public Library, visit any of our 82 branch locations. Destination Discovery Story Tim
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Avalon
Please join us for a discussion of The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan. The crumbling Victorian had been abandoned long before Jane ever discovered it as a child. It was painted a sweet violet color, and the gingerbread trim was blue and green, but inside was shambles--broken glass, a dollhouse ravaged by mice, bedsheets twisted as though someone had left in a hurry. Still, the house became a hidea
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · West Lawn
Learn the basics of a lifelong skill! In this interactive workshop, kids will learn how to program on Scratch, a beginner coding platform. Whether you use it to create a game, make an animation or just learn something new, you'll be developing an amazing skill that will improve your critical thinking and problem solving. No prior knowledge or experience needed, just bring your creativity and desir
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Obama Presidential Center
Use LEGO® bricks to design and build your own version of a towering structure inspired by the Obama Presidential Center. Builders can get creative, experiment with different designs and enjoy a fun STEM-focused activity while learning about architecture and construction. Children may build independently or work with family members and friends. At the end of the program, participants will have an o
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Sulzer Regional
Touch down for a very special young readers book club celebrating One Book One Chicago featuring Lion Of Mars by Jennifer Holm. Join us as we discuss the book and enjoy fun space-themed activities! For kids 9 to 13 years How to Attend Register by Friday November 6, 2026. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from kids 0 to 13. A parent or guardian’s email address must b
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Harold Washington Library Center
This program invites teens to explore Pulitzer Prize-winning poetry and music through a creative, hands-on art workshop led by artist and musician Antonia Lucas-Ruppert. Teen participants will reflect on powerful works of music utilizing a playlist curated by Ruppert. Using these works as inspiration, participants will create their own original music translating ideas, emotions, and their own stor
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Sulzer Regional
Interested in other roleplaying and wargaming tabletop games? Join us for open shop where we play Warhammer 40k, Age of Sigmar, Necromundo, Kill Team and alternative RPGs like Mork Borg, Black Crusade (40k), Call of Cthulhu, Deadlands and more! We change it up as we go. Want to work on assembling/painting miniatures and talking Warhammer lore? We do that too. Open to teens, ages 13-19 Accessibilit
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Scottsdale
Come in for a fun afternoon of crafting and hanging out with friends. Each month there is a new seasonal craft. This month we're making paper craft turkeys. For kids 6 to 13. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Douglass
Build your own design or try out a design challenge. We supply the LEGO bricks; you supply the imagination! For families with kids 6 and up. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · North Pulaski
Join us for Weekend LEGO® Club! We have LEGO® and DUPLO® bricks each session as well as additional building materials and activities to test out your engineering skills. We provide all the supplies; just bring your imagination! For kids 4 and up. How to Attend Registration is requested but walk-ins are welcome to attend. Please register by 24 hours before the event. Chicago Public Library cannot c
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Canaryville
Join us for a screening of Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) "Luke Skywalker begins a journey that will change the galaxy. Nineteen years after the formation of the Empire, Luke is thrust into the struggle of the Rebel Alliance when he meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, who has lived for years in seclusion on the desert planet of Tatooine. Obi-Wan begins Luke's Jedi training as Luke joins him on a daring mission to
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Northwest Side · Jefferson Park
Try out different ways you can make something in 3D. Check out our 3D printer, design with 3D pens and color in 3D-printed crafts to take home. All materials for various activities will be provided. For ages 10 to 13. How to Attend Register by 2:30 p.m. the day before the event. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from kids 0 to 13. A parent or guardian’s email addres
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Whitney M. Young, Jr.
Looking for a fun way to move your body and relax your mind? Step right up and into Strike a Pose, where we will explore different poses that promote personal wellness! Be there or be square! For teens 13 to 19. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Reques
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Walker
Come join us for chess with Dave. Learn to play, improve your game and start your journey to becoming a master of chess! The game has been around for centuries. Come see what the deal is. Once you start playing, you will never stop! For teens and kids 10 and up. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email acc
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago West Side · Humboldt Park
YOUmedia Advisory Board (YAB) is a chance for students to help make YOUmedia their own. Students will have the opportunity to: Help plan YOUmedia programming Offer suggestions for book orders Create book displays Earn volunteer hours Make new friends Develop leadership skills and more! We will meet once a month and plan programming for teens in the community. Snacks and crafts will be available. J
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago North Side · Lincoln Belmont
Kids who are interested in playing tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are invited to join us. We run entry-level campaigns that are easy to join with any level of Dungeons & Dragons knowledge. This session is with Dungeon Master Zacchaeus! For ages 10 to 13. How to Attend Register by 4:30 p.m. the day before the event. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from kids 0
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Scottsdale
Welcome to Weekend Cinema. Join us for a screening of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (2009) An inventor and a weather-reporter intern try to discover why the sky is raining food instead of water in this adaptation of the children's book by Ron and Judi Barrett. © Columbia Pictures Industries Inc.- 89 minutes - PG Community Cinema is at a branch near you! Check out hundreds of other screenings a
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago North Side · Merlo
Beat the Sunday Scaries with a fun and relaxing craft. Create a stress ball in October and sculpt with clay in November. All materials are provided. For adults and kids 7 years and up (children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult). How to Attend Space is limited to 15 participants. Attendance is first-come, first-served. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility a
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · West Belmont
A local artist and teacher from BrentArt will lead attendees in a galaxy-themed art workshop using acrylic paint on canvas. Supplies will be provided and beginners are welcome. For adults and teens ages 13 and up. How to Attend Space and supplies are limited - registration is required. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (31
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · West Lawn
Join us at the West Lawn branch for Sunday matinee movies for the whole family. Movies will be shown in English with Spanish subtitles. Únete a nosotros en la sucursal de West Lawn los domingos por la tarde para ver películas para toda la familia. Las películas se proyectarán en inglés con subtítulos en español. Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Goo
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Near North
Jeff Kruse, Director of Operations of Edgar Miller Legacy and scriptwriter for the newly published graphic novel A Total Work of Art , will present on the life and times of the prolific, twentieth century Near North Side Chicago artist Edgar Miller, as well as give a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the fully illustrated biography of the artist. Appropriate and educational for teenage reade
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Harold Washington Library Center
Join an occupational therapist and speech language pathologist from The Little Duck Collective for movement and sensory activities that engage motor skills and developmentally appropriate speech and communication. Includes information and instruction on coordination, sensory regulation, language and feeding strategies. For kids 3 to 5 of all abilities, but especially supportive of kids with develo
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Independence
Visit the library for open, unstructured play time. Bring a friend or make a new one. For kids of all ages with their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago North Side · Edgewater
Join Miss Ruby for a 30-minute class full of silly songs, scarves, fingerplays and more for little musicians. Miss Ruby is a teaching artist and children's musician who has taught young artists at Chicago Children's Theatre, PlayMakers Laboratory and more. For ages 0 to 3 with caregivers. This program is made possible with the generous support of the Friends of the Edgewater Library. Accessibility
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Garfield Ridge
Join us as we create a take home sensory bottle using a clear plastic bottle: just add water, soap, glitter, sequins or pom poms to create a unique and fun craft. Shake your sensory bottle and feel the calming effects. For ages 2 and up with a caregiver. How to Attend Register by the start of the event. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from kids 0 to 13. A parent o
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago North Side · Lincoln Park
Drop in any time for an open play time, especially for our littlest patrons! Miss Rebecca has a wide variety of educational toys available for self-directed play, ending the time with bubbles and parachute songs. This is also a great time to meet other parents and caregivers in the neighborhood. Please note that families are encouraged to sign up for only one early childhood program (play group or
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Albany Park
Join us for stories, songs and movement activities. For children 0 to 5 with a caregiver. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Pullman
Join us each week for story time at the library! Bring your little ones for a fun mix of books, songs and early learning activities. It’s a great way to spark imagination, build early literacy skills and enjoy time together in a welcoming space. All families are invited—come make story time part of your weekly routine! For ages 3 to 5 and their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpre
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Roden
Join us for an engaging and interactive story time! This series is designed to support neurodivergent children and their sensory processing needs; however, children of all abilities are welcome. Following story time, enjoy half an hour of free play and socializing. Available supports include fidgets, noise-quieting headphones and low lighting. The library is wheelchair-accessible from the front en
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Hegewisch
Come and enjoy stories, songs and rhymes for toddlers and their caregivers. We are so excited to share some of our favorite tales and songs with you. For children 18 to 36 months and their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Brainerd
Join Ms. Carlynn for a fun-filled fall story time especially for our littlest patrons! We’ll share songs, rhymes and books, plus suggestions for at-home activities. For kids 0 to 3 and their caregivers. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must b
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago North Side · Uptown
Come giggle, wiggle and explore with Ms. My! Enjoy charming stories, cheerful songs, playful rhymes, bouncy fun and bubbles that brighten your baby’s morning and support early learning. After story time, stay for cozy play time in our children’s area. For babies 0 to 18 months and their caregivers. How to Attend Register by the start of the event. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal inf
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago South Side · Daley, Richard J.-Bridgeport
Join Cruelty Free You + Me for their Compassionate Children's Programming. During each session we focus on different animals, the environment and kindness towards one another. We believe in learning through literature, art and hands-on experiences. For ages 3 to 5 with a caregiver. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 7
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Gage Park
Join us for a story time full of books, songs and rhymes for our littlest patrons. For ages 2 to 8. Accessibility Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event. Acompáñanos en una hora de cuentos con libros, canci
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago West Side · Little Village
Want to learn English? This twice-a-week course will help you with: Talking to your supervisors, your children’s teachers, neighbors, doctors and more. Writing Listening Conversation Vocabulary Grammar Cultural understanding Classes are taught in small groups. This class meets every Monday and Wednesday starting September 9 - December 16 . Space is limited. Participants are encouraged to attend ev
Details Official page ↗📍 Chicago · Chicago Central · Toman
Make a set of paper cups decorated as rockets. They launch with rubber bands. Great for families! How To Attend Space and supplies are limited. Chicago Public Library cannot collect personal information online from kids 0 to 13. A parent or guardian’s email address must be used to register. As a reminder, school email addresses may block external emails such as those from CPL. Accessibility Need s
Details Official page ↗Coming up first: Family Story Time (Sat, Nov 7, 10:00 AM, Chicago), Field Adventures (Sat, Nov 7, 10:00 AM, Chicago), Game On: Board Game Play (Sat, Nov 7, 10:00 AM, Chicago) and Milk and Cookies Book Club: See the Cat (Sat, Nov 7, 10:00 AM, Chicago). Places you can visit on your own schedule include Museums for All - Free Admission for SNAP EBT Cardholders in Free (for SNAP EBT cardholders; up to four free general admission tickets with card and ID; parking and attractions not included), American Girl Place Chicago in Streeterville, Centennial Wheel in Navy Pier and Chicago Children's Museum in Navy Pier.
Of the 216 verified listings for with kids in Chicago, 186 are free and 30 are paid; 153 are dated events and 63 are places you can visit any open day. The most common kinds are library (147), family (34), learning (11), outdoors (8) and festival (4). The most listings are in Chicago (153), Lincoln Park (4), Streeterville (3), Tinley Park (3) and Avalon Park (2).
216 kid- and family-friendly listings are here. Age ranges, when the organizer posts them, are on the official page.
186 of the 216 listings are free to attend or enter; the other 30 show the price from the official site.
Right now: Chicago (153), Lincoln Park (4), Streeterville (3), Tinley Park (3) and Avalon Park (2).
It is rebuilt from verified listings on every visit and was last updated Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 7:11 AM CST. Ended, cancelled and removed listings drop off automatically.
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