As the school year comes to a close, it's time to start planning adventure-packed days with the little ones in tow. We have just the thing to keep your schedules busy: a roundup of the very best kid-friendly events happening around Chicago this month. Ready, set, play!
No matter where you live, chances are there's a movie playing in a park near you this month. Grab a blanket, pack dinner and treat the kids to a movie alfresco, with options like The Secret Life of Pets, The LEGO Batman Movie and Jumanji playing all month long. (Various dates and times throughout the city. See the full lineup here.)
2. Forts
The age-old tradition of building forts is amplified at this summer exhibit, which allows children to construct hideouts with unexpected building materials. Hosted at the Chicago Children's museum, Forts puts the fundamental childhood experience on display and encourages young ones to work together to create special spaces. The best part: You don't have to worry about the cleanup. (Chicago Children's Museum, 700 E Grand Ave, through Sept 17. Free with admission, $14 for children and adults)
Widely considered the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest, Printers Row Lit Fest ropes in 100-plus booksellers and more than 200 authors for panels and discussions. The two-day extravaganza also boasts a slew of kid-friendly activities, like parent and tot yoga, in Lil' Lit Park. (Dearborn Street between Congress Parkway and Polk Street, June 10 & 11 at 10am. Free)
This day-long celebration of the Bloomingdale Trail includes music on two stages, a street festival and activities for the kiddos. (Multiple locations along the 606, June 3, 10am–9pm. Free)
5. Eyes to the Skies Balloon Festival
Hit the road and head to Lisle, Illinois, for an event the kids won't soon forget. Hot air balloons take to the sky, while a carnival, live music and food vendors hold things down on the ground. (Lisle Community Park, 1825 Short St, June 30–July 2 at various times. $10 general admission for adults and children, kids under 8 free)
6. AWEsome 30th Birthday Splash
Help DuPage Children's Museum celebrate 30 years in Naperville, Illinois, with two days worth of festivities, including the grand opening of AWEsome Water. The schedule includes face painting, bubble painting, ice chalk, a messy sensory room and lots more. (DuPage Children's Museum, 301 N Washington St, June 24 & 25 at various times. Adults and children over 1 $12)
Get the kids outside for a heavy dose of art. This Hyde Park fair hosts the work of 200 exhibitors, who specialize in everything from photography and digital arts to wood and ceramics. (57th Street and Kimbark Avenue, June 3, 11am & June 5, 10 am. Free)
Nursery rhymes are brought to life at the Little Theatre in Lakeview. Young ones are invited to join Jack and Jill as they search for Mother Goose and meet other fantastical characters along the way. (Little Theatre, 2933 N Southport Ave, through Aug 27 at various times. $14)
Chicago Kids Company's bilingual musical tells the story of Sophia, a new duckling at Lucky Duck School who isn't the same as her classmates. The hourlong production celebrates our differences and welcomes English and Spanish speakers. (Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W Belmont Ave, through Jun 30 at various times. $12)
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