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Events and Activities for Kids in Chicago in May 2026

Mexico Fest at Navy Pier
Downtown - FREE
Friday, May 1-Sunday, May 3
Navy Pier is joining forces with the Consulado General de México en Chicago & The Governments of Chihuahua, Nayarit, and Querétaro to host Mexico Fest, a weekend-long event featuring a mercadito of artisans, performances by Mexican musicians and dancers, and workshops for kids. Mariachi and Ballet Folklorico will be featured in the Culture Corner and the Fifth Third Bank Family Pavilion. Website

Día de los niños: Stories, Culture and Celebration
West Lawn - FREE
Saturday, May 2
Celebrate the stories that shape families and generations, heritage and bilingual literacy through crafts, giant games, snacks and more! Families can enjoy games, arts and crafts, oral history recording, story time, and cultural preservation activities to celebrate the Day of the Children at the West Lawn Library Branch. Website

Polish Constitution Day Parade
Grant Park, Downtown - FREE
Saturday, May 2
Chicagoans of all ages are invited to attend the Chicago Polish Constitution Day Parade, in celebration of the Polish Constitution of 1791 and Poland's Independence. The theme for 2026 is "Happy Birthday, USA". Website

Go Fly a Kite at Graf Park
Wheaton - FREE
Saturday, May 2
Wheaton Park District invites families to Graf Park for its annual kite fly. Free kites will be available for the first 100 families. Kite performers will show off their tricks near Monroe Middle School, and there will be contests for most unique kite and highest flying kite. Website

Lilac Time
Lilacia Park, Lombard
Saturday, May 2-Sunday, May 17
The Village of Lombard celebrates spring and the blooming of the 700 lilacs and 25,000 tulips in Lilacia Park with this annual festival. The festival includes concerts, an arts and crafts fair, botanical tours, a 5K, a parade, and a father-daughter dance. Entry to the park is always free, but some events charge admission. Website

Mother's Day Strawberry Festival Bridgeview
7325 W 79th St, Bridgeview
Friday, May 8-Sunday, May 10
Kids and grown-ups can enjoy lots of different activities including a huge carnival and midway, strawberry themed treats, live music and entertainment, a petting zoo, and more in Bridgeview. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, including strawberry shortcakes, strawberry pierogis, and strawberry paczkis. Website

World Migratory Bird Day: Migration Madness
Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland - FREE
Saturday, May 9
The Forest Preserve District of Cook County invites families to celebrate birds at Sand Ridge Nature Center. Kids can enjoy crafts, go on a bird walk, and explore the preserves throughout the day. Website

Chicago River Day
Various locations - FREE
Saturday, May 9
Volunteer to help the Friends of the Chicago River create a litter-free environment. Dozens of sites throughout Cook County invite families to come pick up trash, paddle up and down the river, and be inspired by the animals, plants, and people around the river. Website

Mother Goose & the Cabinet of Wonder
Chicago Symphony Center, Downtown
Saturday, May 9
Join singer-songrwriter Natalie Merchant and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for a captivating program featuring nursery rhymes orchestrated for various instrumental groups. Be a part of this magical musical world of learning and imagination. Website

Switch on Summer with ComEd
Buckingham Fountainm 301 South Columbus Drive, Chicago
FREE
Saturday, May 9
The whole family can join ComEd and the Chicago Park District to watch the Buckingham Fountain officially switch on at 12pm and enjoy free family-friendly activities and live entertainment! Website

Glow Wild at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Brookfield
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

Movies at Gallagher Way
Wrigleyville - FREE
Wednesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 27
Visit Gallagher Way near Wrigley Field to see a variety of blockbusters on the big screen. Food trucks from local favorite restaurants like Big Star and West Town Bakery sell their goodies at the park. Website

Mayfest Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park
Friday, May 15-Sunday, May 17
End spring and kick off summer with live music and festival foods in Lincoln Park. Families can check out live music from family friendly entertainers early in the day. Website

Long Grove Chocolate Festival
Downtown Long Grove
Friday, May 15-Sunday, May 17
Celebrate chocolate with tastings and pairings, live music, and a carnival. Families can try chocolate donuts, chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate cupcakes, cake pops, cocoa bombs, chocolate truffles, chocolate croissants, chocolate eclairs, chocolate macarons, hand-dipped fine chocolates, chocolate-covered funnel cakes, chocolate popcorn, chocolate cotton candy, frozen hot chocolate, and much more. This kicks off the spring festival season in historic Long Grove. Website

Spring Fun Fest at Parkway Bank Park
Rosemont - FREE
Saturday, May 16
Spring Fun Fest features an exciting mix of free family-friendly activities including bounce houses, balloon sculptors, face painting, a petting zoo, and other fun local vendors. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment from award-winning children’s music group Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans. Website

Spring Roscoe Village Art and Craft Festival
Roscoe Village - FREE
Saturday, May 16-Sunday, May 17
This spring festival on Chicago's North Side includes fabulous paintings, sculptures, fiber pieces, décor, jewelry, and more, all made by local artists. Live music and kids' art activities add to the weekend's fun. Bring your old art to donate to Chicago Furniture Bank. Website

Skokie Festival of Cultures
Oakton Park, Skokie - FREE
Saturday, May 16-Sunday, May 17
Celebrate all the cultures of the world in the multi-cultural suburb of Skokie. The event in Oakton Park includes two stages of music and dancing, food and beverage vendors, children's games and activities, interactive cultural booths, and an amazing display of flags. Website

Spring Renegade Craft Fair Andersonville
Andersonville - FREE
Saturday, May 16-Sunday May 17
Arts and crafts fans can enjoy Renegade's new spring event featuring incredible makers and designers from all over the US, as well as live entertainment, local DJs, workshops, art installations, food trucks, nonprofits, cocktails, craft beers, and more. Website

Soap Box Derby 2026 Spring Rally
1695 Frontenac Road, Naperville
Saturday, May 17-Sunday, May 18
Build your own car or test run a pre-built car at the Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby's track. The track will be set up from 9am to 3pm on Frontenac between Diehl and Golfview in Naperville. Register for the official race by 7:30am or bring a lawn chair to watch the action. Kids ages 7 and up can test run cars after the race. Website

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
Lakeview
Friday, May 22-Sunday, May 24
Families can kick off summer with music, food, and drinks at this annual Lakeview street festival. Website

Chicago Memorial Day Parade
Downtown - FREE
Saturday, May 23
Chicagoans of all ages are invited to the annual Memorial Day Parade, in honor of all the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. The parade begins at noon, following a wreath laying ceremony at 11am in Daley Plaza, and proceeds from State and Lake to Van Buren Street. Website

Barrington Art Festival
Barrington - FREE
Saturday, May 23- Sunday, May 24
More than 120 artists fill the streets of downtown Barrington with their wares as restaurants, bars and ice cream shops treat customers to food at this annual festival. Live music and kids' art activities add to the weekend fun. Website

Windy City Hot Dog Fest
Portage Park
Friday, May 29- Sunday, May 31
Taste all the hot dogs Chicago has to offer at this Six Corner festival. In addition to classic Chicago hot dogs from Byron's and Chicago Doghouse, families can taste internationally inspired hot dogs from Baked Cheese Haus, Indian hot dogs from Tikka Masala Dogs, and Asian inspired hot dogs from Lee Concessions. Live music and a hot dog eating contest round out the fun. Website

Maifest Chicago
Lincoln Square
Friday, May 29- Sunday, May 31
Families can don their dirndls and lederhosen and step out to Lincoln Square for German and American food, music, and gemuetlischkeit. The event features carnival games, the crowning of the Maifest Queen and decorating the May Pole. Website

What's Blooming On Harrison
Oak Park Arts District - FREE
Saturday, May 30
Celebrate spring in Oak Park with an art fair, children's carnival, music stage, food and beer garden and more. Website