1. Family Fun Festival. Every day through August 21, you can bring the kids to Millennium Park for all kinds of free activities, including mainstays like story time, sing-alongs and crafts. (Millennium Park, 55 N Michigan Ave, Daily. Free)
2. Dancin Sprouts. All summer long, the kids can boogie down with tunes from some of the city’s best “kiddie rockers” in a beautiful garden setting that parents are sure to enjoy, too. (Chicago Botanic Garden, through Aug. 31. Free)
3. See SpongeBob. See SpongeBob the Musical while you still can. Our favorite underwater sponge comes to life on the Chicago stage in this long-awaited production, complete with a diverse musical score from the likes of Cyndi Lauper, Panic! At the Disco and others. (Oriental Theatre, 24 W Randolph St, Through July 10. $35–$97)
4. CumbiaSazo! Family Fest at Ping Tom Park. You can have a picnic, lounge in a kayak or just sit back and take in the live art and music at this free family festival that’s great for all ages in Chinatown. (Ping Tom Memorial Park, July 2, 300 W 19th St. Free)
5. The Jungle Book. After a morning spent exploring at the Morton Arboretum, check out the Theatre-Hikes production of Rudyard Kipling’s famed story at the North Park Village Nature Center. (Morton Arboretum, North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N Pulaski Rd, July 2 & 3, 1pm. Free)
6. Movies in the Parks. Tons of movies are playing in parks across the city in July—so many that you could almost do nothing else if you wanted. These are just a few of our favorites.
Jurassic World (Wednesday, July 6, 8:30pm, Brainerd Park)
The Peanuts Movie (Thursday, July 7, 8pm, Normandy Park)
Hotel Transylvania 2 (Thursday, July 7, 8:30pm, Riis Park)
The Sandlot (Friday, July 8, 8:30pm, Eugene Field Park)
All Dogs Go to Heaven (Sunday, July 31, 8:15pm, Churchill Field Playlot Park)
7. Thursday Family Nights at Morton Arboretum. Enjoy live music, kid-friendly snacks and entertainment after-hours in the Children’s Garden. Be sure to explore the Children’s Garden, Maze Garden and Tree House Tales. No registration required. (Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois 53, Lisle, Thursdays in July and August, 5-8 p.m. $5)
8. The Velveteen Rabbit. A musical version of this timeless tale is sure to delight young audiences as they follow the story of a little boy and his missing toy. The one-hour show will be followed by a special question-and-answer session with the cast. (Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, 10 Marriott Drive, July 8–August 14, $17)
9. Ice Cream Social. Sure, the kids might not love shopping for clothes, but everyone loves an ice cream party. For two days in July, an ice cream truck will park outside both locations of the Red Balloon. Stop inside the adorable kids’ clothing store for a ticket for a free treat. (The Red Balloon, July 9 & July 16, noon. Free)
10. Roscoe Village Burger Fest. Check out the arts and crafts area, play at the Kids Zone and, of course, save room for some burgers at this popular summer festival. (2800 N Clybourn Ave, July 9 & 10. $8 suggested donation)
11. Bastille Day. Celebrate the French holiday with the whole family—from the beach. Montrose Beach will transform into a French fairytale land in the evening, with free sorbet, a photo booth, a juggler and children’s corner, games and an outdoor movie screening of French film (English subtitles) The Rabbi’s Cat at 8:30pm, good for all ages. (Montrose Beach, 4400 N Lake Shore Drive, July 14, 5:30pm. Free)
12. BenFest. This family-friendly street festival offers up plenty of activities for the kids, including a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Plus, everyone can enjoy the live music and, if you're really lucky, you'll walk away from the event with $10,000 in your pocket after the grand prize drawing. (St. Benedict’s Parish, 2215 W Irving Park Rd, July 15–17. $5 suggested donation)
13. Junior Architects: Designing and Building My New Home. The kids will love making masterpieces out of materials found just lying around in this imaginative workshop. Who knows, maybe they’ll turn out to be the next Frank Lloyd Wright. (Robie House, 5757 S Woodlawn Ave, July 21, 10–11:30am. $5)
14. Newberry Library Book Fair. Calling all bookworms! Everyone in the family can find a new read at this expansive fair with more than 100,000 used books across categories, including art and children’s literature. Oh, and it’ll barely cost you a thing, as most of the titles go for less than $3 and the event itself is free. All proceeds benefit the library. (60 W Walton St, July 28–31. Free)
15. Fiesta del Sol. One of the largest Latino festivals in the Midwest takes place right here in Pilsen, and it’s loved by both the young and the young at heart. Spend a day riding amusement park rides, filling up on tacos or listening to live music. (Cermak Road and Loomis Street, July 28–31. Free).