Events and Activities in Chicago for Kids This Weekend
Friday, September 18 - Sunday, September 20
Looking for family-friendly activities in Chicago this weekend? Here are some fun events to add to your list!
Best Things To Do This Weekend In and Near Chicago With Kids
Naperville's A Night at the Movies
Naperville - FREE
Friday, September 18
Families can enjoy Friday night outdoor movies at alternating locations between Rotary Hill and 95th Street Community Plaza throughout the summer. When the movies are at Rotary Hill, the Riverwalk concession stand offers special movie snacks such as popcorn, hot dogs, pretzel bites, nachos, candy, and soda. Website
Oak Park Movies in the Park
Oak Park - FREE
Friday, September 18 - FINAL WEEKEND
Families can bring a picnic dinner and enjoy a movie in Scoville Park on select Fridays during the summer. Check the website for rainout information. Website
Naperville Irish Fest
Naperville
Friday & Saturday, September 18 & 19
Catch the luck of the Irish at this annual festival at Naperville's Central Park. The event will include cultural activities like singing and dancing, games of hurling, a carnival, food vendors, and more. Kids can have their faces painted, learn an Irish jig, visit faeries, and more. Website
Retro on Roscoe
Roscoe Village
Friday - Sunday, September 18-20
Artisans, antique vendors, and merchants join three stages of entertainers at this North Side street festival. Local restaurants featuring street fest-friendly foods and classic cars round out the line-up for this old-fashioned family fun event. Website
Palatine Oktoberfest
Palatine
Friday - Sunday, September 18-20
This Oktoberfest is hosted by the Palatine Rotary Club and takes place in a heated tent. The event features live music, German and American food, and family activities. Kick off Family Day on Saturday, September 19 with a family bike ride at 11am. Website
Norwood Park Fall Fest
Norwood Park
Friday - Sunday, September 18-20
Celebrate fall with live entertainment, food and drink vendors, and kids' activities for all ages. Kids can enjoy carnival games, a magic show, tattoos and henna, an inflatable corn maze, and kids' music and dance performances. Website
Old Town Oktoberfest
Old Town
Friday - Sunday, September 18-20
Celebrate Oktoberfest in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood with live music from brass bands and local cover bands, stein holding contests, and a dog parade. German food vendors will be on hand to serve bratwursts, pretzels and more! Website
Saturday Storytime at the Book Stall: Meet & Greet with Dog Man!
Winnetka - FREE
Saturday, September 19
Join The Book Stall for a very special Saturday Storytime and a Meet & Greet with Dog Man! Everyone's favorite canine hero will be at the store from 10:30-11:30am to greet fans and take photos as part of his Bark to School tour! Along with the photo op, there will be an in-store scavenger hunt, fun activities, and copies of the Dog Man series for sale. Website
Fall Family Day - Harmony in the Park
Oak Brook - FREE
Saturday, September 19
Visit the Oaks Ampitheater for a day of community celebration with entertainment and activities for all ages. This event includes live music from family-friendly DJ Wade and School of Rock, a petting zoo, a touch-a-truck experience, a face painter, a bubble show, bounce houses, a balloon artist, a foam party, a photo booth, arts and crafts, and more. Website
Migrating Monarchs Celebration (at Sagawau Nature Center)
Lemont - FREE
Saturday, September 19
Learn how monarchs migrate to Mexico, how researchers tag them to track their movements, and see how they are raised and released. Kids' crafts and educational displays make this event fun for all ages. Website
Arlington Heights Heritage Fest
Arlington Heights - FREE
Saturday, September 19
Explore the cultural diversity within the Arlington Heights community and enjoy a variety of exhibits, demonstrations, and live performances. The Arlington Heights Farmers Market will be open before and during Heritage Fest! Website
Depot Days at Lisle Station Park
Lisle - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, September 19 & 20
Discover what life was like more than 100 years ago at Lisle Depot Days, where you'll be transported back in time as you tour the Depot Museum, Beaubien Tavern, Netzley/Yender House, and a working blacksmith shop. Website
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts
Lakeview - FREE
Saturday & Sunday, September 19 & 20
Lakeview East Festival of the Arts offers over 150 artists featuring paintings, sculptures, photography, furniture, jewelry, and more. In addition to live music on two stages, the festival includes live demonstrations, family activities, and a garden oasis. Website
Shimmering Summer Finale: Oktoberfest in the Garden
Glencoe
Saturday & Sunday, September 19 & 20
Visit Chicago Botanic Gardens for a family-friendly Oktoberfest featuring delicious food and drinks, live music, lawn games, hands-on activities, and more. Traditional German fare and Oktoberfest beers will be available for purchase throughout the weekend. Explore Evanescent, large “bubble” art installation, grab a stein and a pretzel, listen to a live polka band, and enjoy an afternoon outdoors with family and friends. Website
Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up
Goose Island
DAILY, September 19 - November 1
Jack's is one of Chicago's largest fall-themed festivals. With 10,000 pumpkins, fortune tellers, a corn maze with a secret bar, gem mining, photo opportunities, carnival games, and food trucks, Jack's provides unique experience for each guest that comes through the doors. It is also kid-friendly! Website