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Things to Do for Kids in Chicago in April 2025
Best Things To Do in Chicago in April 2025
DinoWorks at Wonder Works
Oak Park
Daily throughout April 7
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. Visit the website here.
Robot Block Party
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Hyde Park
Friday, April 4 and Saturday, April 5
The whole family can celebrate National Robotics Week during the Robot Block Party at the Museum of Science and Industry, featuring every kind of robot imaginable, and showcasing cool robots designed by Chicago-area student and amateur teams. Visit the website here.
Lincoln Park Conservatory Spring Flower Show: Spectrum of Spring
Lincoln Park - FREE
Daily throughout April
From the end of February to Mother's Day, see this flower show that highlights the color families of plants and flowers and offers a unique design and color scheme. Marvel at the robust color blocking of bulbs such as ‘Delft Blue’ Hyacinth, ‘Red Impression’ Tulip, and ‘GoldenYellow’ Crocus. Visit the website here.
Earth-A-Palooza
Linne Woods, Morton Grove
Saturday, April 6
At this eco-friendly family fun fest hosted by Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and community partners, join in an array of activities including guided walks, Junior Rangers program, bird watching, touch-a-truck, tree climb, crafts and visit from Brookfield Zoo. Visit the website here.
FORTS: Build Your Own Adventure at Writers Theatre
Glenview
Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6
Chicago’s Filament Theatre returns with its hit immersive play experience for families FORTS: Build Your Own Adventure, in which Writers Theatre transforms into a play space for children and parents to build new worlds using cardboard boxes, sheets, clotheslines and more. Visit the website here.
Holi - The Festival of Colors at the Naperville Riverwalk
Naperville
Saturday, April 5
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. Visit the website here.
Abrakadoodle at South Shore Cultural Center
South Shore- FREE
Saturday, April 5
Abrakadoodle is going to take the participants through an educational journey of an art style that art projects are then created and replicated. Let your inner artist come through! Abrakadoodle is an immersive art educational program made for ages 5-12. It's totally free, but spots are limited! Sign up today! Visit the website here.
Paw Patrol Live! A Mighty Adventure at the Chicago Theatre
Downtown
Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6
This all-new live stage show picks up where the PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie left off, promising a high-stakes super-powered adventure for fans of all ages. Audiences will join the “PAW-some” pack in Adventure City and witness the pups charged up like never before, as they work together to super-save the day. With heroic action, catchy tunes, and “bark-loads” of interactive fun, this electrifying new experience is sure to leave tails wagging and audiences cheering! Visit the website here.
Easter Bunny Tea
Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook
Saturdays, April 5, 12 and 19
Easter Bunny Tea is a whimsical event that brings the spirit of Easter to life with a variety of teas, bites, and festive activities, including Easter-themed crafts and entertainment. With a special appearance by the Easter Bunny, guests of all ages can enjoy a magical experience filled with joy, laughter, and plenty of Easter cheer. Whether you're relaxing with a cup of tea or sipping a glass of bubbly, this delightful gathering promises a memorable celebration. Visit the website here.
Leaf at the Lifeline Theatre
Rogers Park
Saturday, April 6-Sunday, April 7
This debut picture book by author and illustrator Sandra Dieckmann is adapted by ensemble member Amanda Link. Featuring a polar bear on their quest to return home, and the young crow who finds it within herself to help them, Leaf centers on the importance of compassion for each other and our planet, cooperation with others, and sharing one’s story. Visit the website here.
CHICKEN LITTLE at Chicago Kids Company
Wright College, Lincoln Park
Opens Thursday, April 10
The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling! Join Chicken Little and her friends --Ducky Lucky, Goosey Loosey, Turkey Lurkey and others-- as she journeys to tell The King the news! Visit the website here.
Triton Troupers Circus
Triton College Gymnasium, River Grove
Thursday, April 10-Sunday, April 13
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. Visit the website here.
Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt Skate Party
Family Fun Zone, Crest Hill
Friday, April 11
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. Visit the website here.
C2E2: Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo at McCormick Place
McCormick Place
Friday, April 11-Sunday, April 13
Get geeky at C2E2, Chicago's annual comic and pop culture convention at McCormick Place. Kids might be the most interested in the Family Play Zone, where they can play interactive games, learn to draw their favorite characters, and have fun in the free play zone. Favorite characterswill be there to meet and greet with kids. Visit the website here.
Smart Museum of Art Family Day
Hyde Park - FREE
Saturday, April 12
Kids and their caregivers can drop in for a new Family Days centered around creating art related to the exhibits on display at the Smart Museum of Art. With new projects every month, Family Days offer opportunities for kids and their caregivers to create together and connect with one another. Visit the website here.
Earth Day Fair at Dvorak Park
Pilsen - FREE
Saturday, April 12
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. Visit the website here.
Brookfield Zoo Chicago Spring Fest
Brookfield
Saturday, April 12- Sunday April 13
Celebrate Earth Month and the arrival of spring at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Enjoy live performances, savor seasonal food and drinks, shop from art vendors, and explore family-friendly activities for all ages. The event includes concerts from local performers like Wild Daisy and Are You Ready for It? as well as an art fair, a tree doctor clinic, and the opening of Rainbow Cone at the Zoo! Enjoy a free birding tour or make a craft at the Hamill Family Play Zoo. Visit the website here.
Aqua Egg Hunt Oak Brook
Family Aquatic Center, Oak Brook
Thursday, April 17 and Friday, April 18
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. Visit the website here.
Filament Theatre's Heart Strings
Portage Park
Saturdays through April 19
On a little island in the middle of the Pacific, two girls face a big storm, a clash of cultures, and the knots of sibling rivalry. Following the treasured Hawaiian tradition of adoption, the hanai children untangle what it means to be family and learn the commitments and responsibilities that come with loving someone. Set in a Hawaii before statehood, the story is told using the simple and beautiful hei, Hawaiian string figures which are like Cat’s Cradle. Audiences will be invited to learn these string figures and collaborate in the story telling through this traditional art form. Visit the website here.
The Forge Celebrates Easter
The Forge at Lemont Quarries
Saturday, April 19
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! New this year: Kids can enjoy a petting zoo from A Zoo to You! or play croquet with the Queen of Hearts. Visit the website here.
Forest Preserve District of Cook County Earth Day Cleanup
Schiller Woods-East, Forest Preserves throughout Cook County - FREE
Saturday, April 19
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. Visit the website here.
Spring Egg-Stravaganza at Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park
Saturday, April 19
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. Visit the website here.
One Earth Film Festival
Various locations
Tuesday, April 22- Sunday, April 28
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. Visit the website here.
Imagine U: A Tale of Peter Rabbit
Mussetter-Struble Theater
1949 Campus Drive
Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts
on the Evanston Campus of Northwestern University
Opens Friday, April 25
Award-winning writer Trista Baldwin gives Beatrix Potter’s timeless tale of Peter Rabbit a modern twist. What does it mean to be a good bunny? If everyone thinks you’re a bad bunny, can you ever be good? In this moving and adventurous re-imagining of Beatrix Potter’s classic tale, Peter Rabbit and his three sisters come together to tell a story of their very own. Visit the website here.
Local Author Fest
Wheaton Public Library - FREE
Saturday, April 26
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. Visit the website here.
Oak Park Conservatory Kids' Fest
Oak Park - FREE
Sunday, April 27
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. Visit the website here.
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