Best Activities for Kids in Chicago in April 2026

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Stahl Family Theater, Belmont Cragin
Wednesday through Fridays throughout May 1
The Queen is jealous of Snow White’s Beauty! So she runs off into the woods to live with seven crazy Dwarfs. Will the Queen find her? Will Prince Charming save the day? You won’t want to miss this classic Fairy Tale presented by CKC. There is nothing scary in our version, just fun and silliness! Website

Aqua Egg Hunt Oak Brook
Family Aquatic Center, Oak Brook
Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3
Kids who prefer swimming to hopping can join the Easter bunny at the Aqua Egg Hunt at the Family Aquatic Center in Oak Brook. Kids dive for eggs that contain prizes and slips that can be redeemed for special prizes that might not fit in eggs. The egg hunt will be divided by age and by appropriate swimming area for ability. Participants should arrive 15 minutes early to make sure they are in the correct area and age group. Website

Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt Skate Party
Family Fun Zone, Crest Hill
Friday, April 3
Bring your own basket to hunt for glow-in-the-dark Easter eggs on roller skates. Then, have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny. Website

The Forge Celebrates Easter
The Forge at Lemont Quarries
Saturday, April 4
The Forge is planning an EGGstra fun day at the park with scavenger hunts, egg hunts, egg rolls, and more. Plus, meet the Easter Bunny and enjoy special activities for kids ages 14 and under! Kids can enjoy a petting zoo from A Zoo to You! or play croquet with the Queen of Hearts. Website

Spring Egg-Stravaganza at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park
Saturday, April 4
The hunt is on: Spring Egg-Stravaganza is back at Lincoln Park Zoo! Children ages 1–8 can “chick” out the zoo, fill their baskets with eggs, get photos with the Easter Bunny, chat with zoo experts, and enjoy plenty of “egg”-citing activities. Website

Sensory Sorting Workshop with Redemptive Plastics
Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens
Saturday, April 4
Join Jordan Campbell and Cody Norman from Redemptive Plastics as they delve into their innovative work in recycling plastic. They transform materials into various products, including bus benches, stools, plastic sheets, 2x4s, keychains, and much more.Families will get the opportunity to experience sorting the materials, see the before and are then invited to return to the conservatory to see the final product in our very own Play and Grow Garden as we unveil the installation of new benches made from the plastics they sorted! Website

Holi - The Festival of Colors at the Naperville Riverwalk
500 W. Jackson Street, Naperville - FREE
Saturday, April 4
The Vedic Cultural Society invites visitors to celebrate spring, friendship, and forgiveness by throwing bags of colored flour at their friends at the Naperville Riverwalk. The event includes food, music, and shopping. Admission is free, and colored bags are available for $2.50. Website

HAPPY DANCE! Big Moves. Bigger Laughs.
e.t.c. Theater, 230 W North Avenue - 2nd Floor, Chicago
Saturdays, April 4, 18, and 25
A high-energy laugh-riot for ages 5 to 95. Comedy Dance Chicago’s joyful mashup of sketch comedy, physical humor, music, and dance is sure to have you smiling, laughing, and bopping in your seats! These dancin’ fools bring relatable situations to life… anything from the importance of hugs to a good old-fashioned staring contest. And who knows, you might even find yourself on stage! Don’t miss this joy-filled experience, perfect for anyone in need of a laughter boost. Website

The Other Art Fair Chicago
Artifact Events Center, Ravenswood
Thursday, April 9- Sunday, April 12
The Other Art Fair, a leading artist fair for discovering the most exciting artistic talent, is set to host its 7th Chicago edition at its new home, Artifact Events. The Other Art Fair Chicago will feature original works of art from 100+ emerging artists and kick off with an Opening Night event on Thursday, April 9, with Interactive Workshops, Guest Artists, DJ Sets, Kids' Activities, Unique Installations, and much more. Website

Earth Day Fair at Dvorak Park
Pilsen - FREE
Saturday, April 11
Dvorak Park hosts a special Earth Day event, where kids and their caregivers can learn how they can reduce their carbon footprint through interactive displays, demonstrations, and arts and crafts projects. Families can also sign up for Earth Day clean ups. Website

90-Second Newbery Film Festival - Chicago Screening
Harold Washington Library Center, 400 South State Street, Chicago
FREE
Sunday, April 12
The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is an annual video contest in which kid filmmakers create short movies that tell the entire stories of Newbery award-winning books in just a few minutes. Creative takes are encouraged: think Charlotte's Web as a horror movie, or The Tale of Desperaux as a musical! Website

DinoWorks at Wonder Works Children's Museum
Oak Park
Daily throughout April 13
Celebrate dinosaurs during spring break at Wonder Works Children's Museum. Little paleontologists can enjoy giant footprints, dinosaur bone blocks, dressing up as a dinosaur, starting a fossil collection, and making a dinosaur nest in the art room. New this year are a few items on loan from the Field Museum including a life size T-rex skull and paleontologist dig kits. Website

World Ballet Company's Cinderella
Joliet-April 16
Waukegan- April 19
The beloved fairy tale comes to life in this visually spectacular production. Magical, funny and irresistibly enchanting, this is a Broadway-style show that delights all ages, blending humor, grace and just the right amount of Happily Ever After.World Ballet Company’s Cinderella features a dazzling cast of 40 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, exquisite hand-crafted sets, and enchanting choreography by Marina Kesler. From the mischievous evil stepsisters to the breathtaking ballroom scenes, every moment is filled with charm, wonder and all the things you’ve loved about this story for years. Website

Triton Troupers Circus
Triton College Gymnasium
2000 5th Ave, River Grove
Thursday, April 16-Sunday, April 19
Local residents learn and perform various circus acrobatics and clowning acts to entertain their friends and neighbors. The Triton Troupers are back in action with stilts, trampoline, swinging trapeze, teeterboard, tightrope, and unicycle, and features several legacy Troupers. Website

YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Various Chicago Area Locations - FREE
Saturday, April 18
YMCAs around the country host free community events aimed to inspire kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer months and beyond. Check the YMCA website to find one in your area that is participating. Website

Forest Preserve District of Cook County Earth Day Cleanup
Forest Preserves throughout Cook County - FREE
Saturday, April 18, Wednesday, April 22, and Saturday, April 25
Do your part to celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up litter in Cook County Forest Preserves. Each preserve will have pick up supplies available for families. Some preserves will have activities for families. Website

One Earth Film Festival
Variouslocations - FREE
Saturday, April 18- Sunday, April 26
Kids can learn more about the environment and threats to it through films. The One Earth Film Fest includes both in-person and virtual offerings for kids ages 3 and up. Animated and live action films provide education and entertainment for families. Website

Chicago Children's Museum: A Day of Yes!
Navy Pier
Sunday, April 19
Join Chicago Children's Museum on Sunday, April 19, 2026 for A Day of Yes!, a joyful, all-ages, family-friendly fundraiser at Chicago Children’s Museum celebrating imagination, generosity, and the power of play. Enjoy full museum access with a lively mix of special programming and hands-on activities, food and drink stations, and sensory experiences. Support playful learning for children of all backgrounds and abilities while saying “yes!” to a day of unforgettable family fun! Website

Elmhurst Children's Theatre's Mary Poppins
Blackhawk Middle school, 250 S Church Rd, Bensenville
Friday, April 24-Sunday, April 26
One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney's Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Elmhurst Children's Theatre presents the musical performed by its 5th through 8th grade students. Website

Glow Wild at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield
Daily through May 10
The Glow Wild lantern festival transforms the night into a glowing celebration of art, culture, and conservation. Wander illuminated pathways surrounded by handcrafted lanterns inspired by wildlife global traditions and mythical worlds. This breathtaking outdoor experience is perfect for families couples and anyone who loves immersive nighttime events. Website

Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl
Various Chicago Locations - FREE
Saturday, April 25
Chicagoland proves itself to be the dream destination for book lovers and readers of all ages! More than 50 independent bookstores in the greater Chicago area—from Lake Forest to Beverly, and Libertyville to the Loop—are collaborating on our annual Chicagoland Bookstore Crawl, which encourages book lovers to indulge in bookstore tourism by visiting 10 or more stores in a single day. Website

Local Author Fest
Wheaton Public Library - FREE
Saturday, April 25
Families can come see their favorite local authors at Wheaton Public Library as they read and sign their works. Various authors will read their books aloud at the cafe area on the main floor. Website

Oak Park Conservatory Kids' Fest
Oak Park - FREE
Sunday, April 26
Kids can learn more about plants and bees at the Oak Park Conservatory's annual Kids Fest. The event includes a celebration of bees and bee keeping, hands-on educational activities, a scavenger hunt, and crafts. See presentations form partners Trailside Museum, the University of Illinois Extension, Brookfield Zoo, and the Oak Park Public Library. Plus, interact with raptors from the Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education. Website

Itasca Arbor Day Celebration
Springbrook Nature Center, Itasca - FREE
Saturday, April 25
Celebrate trees in Springbrook Nature Center with the official Arbor Day proclamation and tree dedication from the Itasca Mayor. Families can also watch a tree climbing demonstration from Davey Tree Experts, help plant wildflowers, and enjoy additional crafts and giveaways. Wings & Talons will display birds of prey. Website

Earth-A-Palooza
Linne Woods, W Dempster St, east of Lehigh Ave, Morton Grove
FREE
Sunday, April 26
Enjoy guided walks, touch-a-truck, tree climbs, crafts and a visit from Brookfield Zoo Chicago during this eco-friendly family fun fest. Website

Wheeling Earth Day Celebration
Wheeling's Heritage Park - FREE
Sunday, April 26
Celebrate Earth Day in Wheeling's Heritage Park. Take a nature walk, see what outdoor settings Wheeling has to offer, and see animals up close. Exhibitors will include Chicago Kite, JG's Reptile Show and more. Website