What Should We Do This Weekend? Chicago, IL, July 19 – 21 2019
Looking for things to do in Chicagoland this weekend? Here are over 40 family-friendly events happening in Chicago, and the suburbs this weekend!
Family Friendly Events in Chicago, IL This Weekend:
FRIDAY
9:15 AM: Wiggleworms at Gorton Center
- Lake Forest, IL
- Old Town School of Folk Music presents an early childhood music program for young children and their families.
- Hands on exploration of rock, pop, folk, and fun!
- 5 mo – 4 years
9:30 AM: Nature Play Days
- Lincoln Marsh Natural Area in Wheaton
- Sing, fiddle, jiggle, and journey through self-guided stations that explore a new theme each session.
10:00 AM: Art Fest Michigan Avenue 2019
- Held in downtown Chicago at the base of the iconic Chicago Tribune Building, 435 N Michigan Avenue.
- Showcasing the work of 70 juried artists from across the country in a wide variety of mediums, this “all-art” show will be held Friday, July 19, and Saturday, July 20, from 10 am to 5 pm both days.
- Admission is FREE for all attendees!
10:00 AM: Mermaid and Pirate Adventure
- Join us for an adventure across the sea where we will hide treasure, walk the plank and help a mermaid with a special request: save the ocean creatures!
- Best suited for ages 2-6.
- Stop by and visit with Bubbles Academy before or after getting your picture taken with the mermaid at 900 North Michigan Shops.
12:00 PM: Kane County Fair 2019
- Friday – Saturday, noon – midnight
- $10.00 admission; $5.00 children 3-12; free 2 and under; $20.00 unlimited carnival rides from Noon to 5:00pm
- Daily fun for family and kids on the midway: daily unlimited carnival ride specials; sizzling food; 4-H animals; Bengal Tiger Show; Swift Swine racing pigs; Balster’s Sheer Magic Show; Friendly Farms petting zoo & more! Special appearance by Ozzie and Annie of the Kane County Cougars.
4:00 PM: Balloons Over Mukwonago
- Friday: 4 – 10 pm; Sat & Sun: 6 – 8 am & 4 – 10 pm
- Event will take place on the grounds between Parkview Middle School and Mukwonago School District Office.
- Hot air balloons will be seen in the sky during morning and evening flights, and on the ground for evening glow.
- Enjoy food from vendors and children’s activities and entertainment.
4:00 PM: Plainfield Fest 2019
- Family fun in historic downtown Plainfield
4:30 PM: Family Camp Out
- 8125 171st Street, Tinley Park
- Bring your tent and sleeping bags for a fun filled night under the stars. Planned activities include a late night movie on our giant blimp screen, campfire complete with s’mores, star gazing and more! White Water Canyon Water Park will be open until 8:00pm for everyone camping out. All campers will enjoy a continental breakfast in the morning.
- Register in advance!
5:00 PM: Taste of River North
- Friday, July 19th: 5PM-10PM
- Saturday, July 20th: 12PM-10PM
- Sunday, July 21st: 11AM-8PM
- Taste of River North takes place at Ward Park at the corner of N. Kingsbury and W. Erie
- Every season, 35,000-plus gather to taste some of River North’s most dynamic restaurants, sip on cold sudsy beer, and listen to the best party jams playout live on stage.
5:00 PM: Summer Nights Concerts – Rod Tuffcurls and The Bench Press
- Brookfield Zoo
- Enjoy Brookfield Zoo in a new light with cooler evening weather, enhanced dining, beer and wine garden, live music, roaming performers, Animal Ambassadors, and a new laser light show, all surrounded by wildlife and nature.
- Schedule:
• 5:00 pm – Games and Craft Activities
• 5:00 – 9:00 pm – Roaming Entertainers
• 6:00 – 7:00 pm – Animal Ambassadors
• 7:00 pm – Concert (see schedule listed below)
• 9:00 pm – Laser Light Show Finale
5:00 PM: Tacos y Tamales Festival
- Friday: 5 – 10 pm; Sat & Sun: Noon – 10 pm
- Modelo USA, Frida Kahlo Community Organization, and Green Curtain Events are proud to present the 4th Annual Tacos y Tamales Festival! This is a street affair based off a traditional Mexican market known as the Tianguis; where authenticity is at the forefront for our food, drink, music, shopping, & more.
5:00 PM: Food Truck Friday at Whalon Lake
- Naperville
- Yummy food from the food truck vendors while enjoying trails and activities!
- Check out binoculars, and field guides / bags to start exploring.
5:30 PM: Pajama Pizza Party
- Wonder Works in Oak Park
- Wear your favorite pajamas for a night of fun activities and games.
- This months theme is “Young Architects Day,” facilitated by Code Play Learn
6:00 PM: Family Fun Fest
- Inside Lisle High School due to the high temperatures
- Fun fair games, face painting, balloon artist, children’s entertainment, inflatables, prizes and more! Win prizes at more than 20 fun fair games that will entertain and challenge. Just $10 for a punch card of 25 punches.
6:00 PM: Vintage Rides
- Ford Night / Country in Downtown Wheaton
6:00 PM: Summer Nights Classic Car Show
- Downers Grove
- Chrysler Corp. / Mopar
6:05 PM: Joliet Slammers Superhero Night
- Join some of your favorite heroes for a SUPER fun night with the Joliet Slammers!
Characters in attendance:
-Spider Hero
-Wonder Hero
-Captain Hero
-Marvelous Hero
6:30 PM: LEGO Night & Fireworks
- Schaumburg Boomers vs. Windy City Thunderbolts
- LEGO Night presented by Legoland Discovery Center!
- LEGO stations and more in the Boomers Kids Zone! Plus prizes, ticket giveaways, and more!
- Post game fireworks
7:00 PM: Kids’ Party in the Park
- Crystal Lake Main Beach
- A free summer evening on the lake with lots of kid’s games and activities, entertainment and ice cream eating contest!
- Bring your blanket as you snuggle under the stars and watch the movie, LEGO 2!
7:30 PM: Paranormal Cirque
- 6170 West Grand Avenue, Gurnee IL
- Under this Clown Castle, Acrobats of the Air, Illusionists, freaks, and mysterious creatures await…
8:30 PM: Movie in the Park: Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse (PG)
- Cantigny Park in Wheaton
- All movies are outdoors and feature lawn seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and picnics are welcome.
- Concessions are available by Mamie’s Toffee & Treats.
- Movies take place at the Cantigny bandshell, except as noted, and are free with paid parking
SATURDAY
*Artfest Michigan Ave., Kane County Fair, Plainfield Fest, Balloons over Mukwonago, Taste of River North, and Tacos y Tamales continues…*
8:00 AM: Johnson’s Blueberry Festival 2019
- Northwest Indiana: 8960 East Ridge Rd, Hobart IN
- July 20th, 21st; 8 am – 6 pm
- Fun Farm filled with activities for the whole family as well as blueberry U-pick
- Admission is $8 pp
8:00 AM: Day Out With Thomas
- Illinois Railway Museum
- July 20th, and 21st
- Ride the train with Thomas and Percy
- Meet Sir Topham Hatt
- Enjoy kids activities and live entertainment
- Access to all museum exhibits
- Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center
- Free, family friendly event outside at the RLB Metra Station parking lot, next to the Civic Center. Kids of all ages are welcome to see, climb, and explore all kinds of vehicles! We’ll have Police and Emergency Vehicles, Fire Engines, Dump Trucks, Plow Trucks, Tractors, Service Vehicles, and more!
- Those with sensory issues and/or sensitive eyes and ears are welcome to join us between 10am-11am when the lights and horns will not be in use.
10:00 AM: Bristol Renaissance Faire
- Kenosha, WI off I-94 at the Wisconsin Border
- Saturdays and Sundays, July 6th – Sept 2nd, 10 am – 7 pm
- Children are free
- July 20th and 21st is Marketplace Weekend!
- Shop the wares of more than 175 merchants and artisans! If you spend $250 or more in a single day this weekend and then present your receipts at the Guest Services Gazebo, you will receive two complimentary tickets valid any 2019 operating day!
- Fun for all ages!
10:00 AM: Photos with The Mermaid
- 900 North Michigan Shops has partnered with Bubbles Academy, Mario Tricoci, and LVMH, to produce an underwater-inspired oasis of enchantment and engagement for mermaids and sailors of any age.
- Visitors can visit an ethereal mermaid, sign up to adventure across the sea in a Mermaid & Pirate Adventure drop-in class, to even getting a fish tail braid or fish scale face painting!
- Naperville
- Ultimate Fan Contest: The FIRST 200 to buy an ULTIMATE pass at the door will receive a FREE ACCESS FOR A YEAR! Must be in the first 200 customers in the wait-line at Urban Air on Grand Opening Day and purchase a Ultimate Pass at the door (one per person) to win FREE Jumping for a Year
11:00 AM: 16th Annual Disability Pride Parade
- The parade steps off promptly at 11AM with the parade starting at Plymouth Ct, and Van Buren. It moves west on Van Buren to Dearborn, then marches up the street to Daley Plaza. The after-parade celebration will be at Daley Plaza from 12 – 2.
11:30 AM: Milk Bar All You Can Treat Tour
- Two day stop at Big Star in Wicker Park
- “Fans will be able to get their hands on iconic Milk Bar goodies like cereal milk soft serve (as good as it sounds), birthday cake truffles and Milk Bar pie.”
- Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 at Old Orchard Mall West Lot in Skokie.
- We will have authentic and fusion Korean food, Korean merchandise for purchase, plenty of activities for all and cultural performances on stage.
- TOK Festival will host the International “Changwon World K-POP Festival” Competition for its second year. Two lucky finalists: one from the singing and one from the dance contest will have the opportunity to take the World Title in Korea!
- On Saturday, July 20 at 4 p.m. we will again commemorate our Korean War Veterans during the Opening Ceremony. Please join us to thank these brave soldiers.
12:00 PM: Bark in the Park
- Berwyn Park District invites the community to Bark in the Park at Proksa Park
- We will have local adoption agencies as well as pet treats, toys, dog hotels, groomers and more! We will have a look-a-like contest presented by Team Luis Ortiz and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place!
- Elgin
- Join the Museum at the beautiful Lords Park Zoo (inside Lords Park by the bison pen) for a great kids program! What does clothing from the past tell us about how people lived in that time period? Why did they wear some of the things they did? We will see examples of clothing and then kids will be able to craft their own large sun hat from tissue paper or make a paper bag vest complete with Elgin pocket watch.
3:00 PM: The Confluence
- Oak Creek, WI
- At The Confluence, Oak Creek’s Lake Vista Park will come alive with live music and entertainment, food trucks, an artist market, and a pop-up craft beer village. This free, family-friendly outdoor festival will feature live art and public art installations by local creators, which will remain on display in the park for several weeks after the event is over.
- Walk the paths overlooking Lake Michigan, take in breathtaking panoramic views, explore amazing sculptural installations, enjoy delicious craft beers, and support local artists and makers.
4:00 PM: Skip & Scoot Pop Up Fitness Playdate
- 456 W Eugenie St, Chicago (grassy area next to St. Mike’s church)
- Fitness play date for ages 2-6
- The playdate will end in the sprinklers so bring your swimsuit and towel!
5:00 PM: Summer Nights Concerts – Mr. Blotto
- Brookfield Zoo
- Enjoy Brookfield Zoo in a new light with cooler evening weather, enhanced dining, beer and wine garden, live music, roaming performers, Animal Ambassadors, and a new laser light show, all surrounded by wildlife and nature.
- Schedule:
• 5:00 pm – Games and Craft Activities
• 5:00 – 9:00 pm – Roaming Entertainers
• 6:00 – 7:00 pm – Animal Ambassadors
• 7:00 pm – Concert (see schedule listed below)
• 9:00 pm – Laser Light Show Finale
5:30 PM: Special Friends Presents: Cinderella
- 67 E. Algonquin Rd, South Barrington
- Each year, Special Friends at Willow Creek performs a musical for the Willow community, putting the kids & students incredible abilities on display. Join us on July 20 and 21 during our normal weekend service times for this year’s production, Cinderella! Admission is free!
5:30 PM: Chicago Water Lantern Festival
- South Lagoon within Lincoln Park. Across from the Ulysses S. Grant Monument, 2045 N Lincoln Park.
- As the sun begins to set on the evening sky, the Water Lantern Festival begins to shine with the launch of the lanterns onto the water as we Light The Water together. Watch your unique lantern drift out into the water as it joins other lanterns carrying hope, love, happiness, healing, peace, and connection. It’s a night that you’ll never forget.
5:30 PM: Family Camp Out
- Pack your tent, sleeping bag and flashlight for an evening of swimming and overnight camping at the Family Aquatic Center. Enjoy exclusive use of the Family Aquatic Center, a camp fire, smores, an outdoor movie “Holes”, and a Sunday pancake breakfast!
- Check-in at 5:30 pm on Saturday, check-out is 9:00 am on Sunday. Detailed camping information will be emailed to you after you register.
- “Hans Christian Andersen and his delightful and unexpected traveling companions are spirited to the woods to tell his most engaging stories. Through fast-paced action, the audience becomes part of an intimate, hilarious re-imagining of some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales. Rated G, suitable for all ages. There are a couple brief mentions of dealth. Hike is roughly a mile in distance.”
6:00 PM: Jersey Giveaway & Fireworks
- Schaumburg Boomers vs. Windy City Thunderbolts
- The first 1,000 fans receive a Replica Boomers Jersey thanks to Wintrust Community Banks.
- Post game fireworks
6:30 PM: Paranormal Cirque – Gurnee, IL 2019
- 6170 West Grand Avenue, Gurnee IL
- Under this Clown Castle, Acrobats of the Air, Illusionists, freaks, and mysterious creatures await…
SUNDAY
*Taste of River North, Tacos y Tamales Festival, Kane County Fair, Balloons Over Mukwonago, & Plainfield Fest continues…
8:00 AM: Johnson’s Blueberry Festival 2019
- Northwest Indiana: 8960 East Ridge Rd, Hobart IN
- July 20th, 21st; 8 am – 6 pm
- Fun Farm filled with activities for the whole family as well as blueberry U-pick
- Admission is $8 pp
8:00 AM: Day Out With Thomas
- Illinois Railway Museum
- July 20th, and 21st
- Ride the train with Thomas and Percy
- Meet Sir Topham Hatt
- Enjoy kids activities and live entertainment
- Access to all museum exhibits
9:00 AM & 11:15: Special Friends Presents: Cinderella
- 67 E. Algonquin Rd, South Barrington
- Each year, Special Friends at Willow Creek performs a musical for the Willow community, putting the kids & students incredible abilities on display. Join us on July 20 and 21 during our normal weekend service times for this year’s production, Cinderella! Admission is free!
10:00 AM: Bristol Renaissance Faire
- Kenosha, WI off I-94 at the Wisconsin Border
- Saturdays and Sundays, July 6th – Sept 2nd, 10 am – 7 pm
- Children are free
- July 20th and 21st is Marketplace Weekend!
- Shop the wares of more than 175 merchants and artisans! If you spend $250 or more in a single day this weekend and then present your receipts at the Guest Services Gazebo, you will receive two complimentary tickets valid any 2019 operating day!
- Fun for all ages!
- Presented by Primrose School of Carol Stream at Cantigny Park
- “The Sun is out and we should be too! We’re having a party and inviting you!
Join us for a Family Picnic at Cantigny Park with a special presentation from CHICAGO BUBBLE SHOW! Hop over to the MILITARY TANKS – explore it, climb it, or pretend being a military officer! It’s a huge favorite of all children! Get your FACE PAINTED while watching Anastasia create smoky bubbles, bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles.”
10:30 AM: Art Institute Block Party
- “The Art Institute hosts its second annual Block Party on July 21—join us for a full day of performances, talks, storytelling, and art making in and around the entire museum. We invite you to take a close look at the lives of things and ask how the meaning of an artwork or an object changes over time—as it moves; changes hands, places, or functions; or when it becomes part of a collection. Explore, create, and enjoy at our biggest event of the summer.”
11:00 AM: Chalk Howard Street
- On Howard Street east of the Howard Red Line ‘L’ stop in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago
- “The surface of Howard Street will become a canvas for 3D chalk artists and local street artists at Chalk Howard Street, a festival devoted to art scrawled on pavement. Artists Anat Ronen and Nate Baranowski will reate murals that function as optical illusions, allowing guests to take photos with superheroes and characters that appear to be crawling out of the ground. The free one-day event in Rogers Park will also feature live music, entertainment, food and drinks, as well as plenty of opportunities to snap a mind-blowing shot for your Instagram feed.”
11:30 AM: Milk Bar All You Can Treat Tour
- Two day stop at Big Star in Wicker Park
- “Fans will be able to get their hands on iconic Milk Bar goodies like cereal milk soft serve (as good as it sounds), birthday cake truffles and Milk Bar pie.”
12:00 PM: Silver Room Block Party
- 53rd and Harper Court in Hyde Park
- “Art and culture lovers of all ages will be able to immerse themselves in a vendor marketplace, a high impact youth pavilion, three sound stages showcasing a broad playlist, food, and dancing.”
- The kids area appears to be chock full with activities that won’t disappoint!
12:00 PM: Boating In The Park
- Lake Ellyn Park
- “Row or pedal your way around Lake Ellyn! We will have kayaks, canoes, and a pedal boat available to rent from noon-4pm. Instructions are available on dry land before you venture out. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the shore and spend the afternoon enjoying the park. Rental fee: $5 per boat for 20 minutes. No pre-registration required.”
12:00 PM: Photos with The Mermaid
- 900 North Michigan Shops has partnered with Bubbles Academy, Mario Tricoci, and LVMH, to produce an underwater-inspired oasis of enchantment and engagement for mermaids and sailors of any age.
- Visitors can visit an ethereal mermaid, sign up to adventure across the sea in a Mermaid & Pirate Adventure drop-in class, to even getting a fish tail braid or fish scale face painting!
4:00 PM: Sing-along Wizard of Oz!
- Wesley UMC in Aurora, IL
- Costume Contest before the show!
4:00 PM: Willow Huntley Kids Carnival
- 38W133 Huntley Road Dundee, IL
- Join us for an afternoon of free fun, food and games!
5:30 PM & 8:30 PM: Paranormal Cirque
- 6170 West Grand Avenue, Gurnee IL
- Under this Clown Castle, Acrobats of the Air, Illusionists, freaks, and mysterious creatures await…
- “Hans Christian Andersen and his delightful and unexpected traveling companions are spirited to the woods to tell his most engaging stories. Through fast-paced action, the audience becomes part of an intimate, hilarious re-imagining of some of the world’s most beloved fairy tales. Rated G, suitable for all ages. There are a couple brief mentions of dealth. Hike is roughly a mile in distance.”
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