Family Friendly Festivals Around Chicago

Biking enthusiasts grab your helmets for this family-friendly ride down Ridge Avenue from Howard Street to Church Street. Ridge Avenue will be closed to motorized traffic for the entirety of the event, leaving cyclists plenty of room to enjoy the views of the picturesque houses along the route. Cyclists are encouraged to decorate their bikes and dress festively. Additional activities include music, food vendors, bike repair, bike decorating, bike accessory giveaways & more!

9am-1pm

Annual festival celebrating the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, with activities for children, Scandinavian food & beverages, and Scandinavian vendors & displays.

Carol Hoidahl said:  45th Annual Festival celebrating the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Featuring entertainment by Libido Funk Circus, Songs from the Kingdom of Denmark by Anita Llerche & Bo Riemer, The Nordic Folk Dancers of Chicago, Leikarringen Heimhug Dancers, and story time by Elsa from Frozen. Morning church service, free pony rides and activities for children, Scandinavian food and beverages and Scandinavian vendors and displays. Admission $15.00 per person, children 12 and under free, free parking.

carolinae said:  Families are invited to Parkway Bank Park on Sunday, May 18, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for an afternoon of springtime fun with the return of its annual “Spring Fun Fest.” This year’s activities will include bounce houses, balloon sculptors, face painting, a petting zoo and live entertainment from award-winning children’s music group Jeanie B. and the Jelly Beans. Parking for Spring Fun Fest is available at the Parkway Bank Park parking garage and is free with validation from any of the park’s venues.

1pm-5pm

The family-friendly event will feature a variety of free activities including bounce houses, face painting, a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, balloon sculptors and more!

1-5pm

Yoli B said:  The festival includes live bands, food vendors, carnival, craft fair, Family Day, fireworks and many other family activities.

Kristy Pepping said:  Nostalgia Days offers a car show, food vendors, touch a truck, outdoor movies and more.

Shila said:  With live entertainment, food, music, drinks and a carnival there’s something for every member of the family!

Visitors will enjoy Kite Fest traditions such as giant inflatable kites, dancing kites high up in the sky, and fun, seasonal activities. All activities will take place near the Kiwanis Park Shelter, with adjacent free parking at Kiwanis and the Sports and Recreation Center, located at 1765 South 4th Street. Food vendors will also be on site.

11am-3:30pm

Yoli B said:  Mount Prospect's Fall Fest is a great kickoff for your kid's Halloween activities! The family festival is part of Mount Prospect's Oktoberfest, and will include free, fun family activities and entertainment.

1-4pm

Enjoy a trick or treat path (with registration), inflatables, crafts, games and activities, face painting, costume contest, live music and stage events, hayride, and more!

10am-2pm

The whole family will love spending time in the butterfly tent at Lake Katherine Nature Center at their annual monarch butterfly celebration. The kids will get a kick out of getting up close and personal with these beautiful creatures! The entrance fee includes 15 minutes in the butterfly tent, a visit with animal guests, a crafting area, and a hayride around the grounds. Children age 5 and older can release a butterfly into the tent for an additional $5.

9am-5pm

Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo features ticketed attractions throughout the zoo, including a Fun Slide, Ferris wheel, inflatable activities, and much more. While you stroll through the decorated gardens bursting with fall color, you’ll enjoy free musical entertainment, professional pumpkin carvers, a pumpkin patch, and fall-themed enrichment for the animals. Every weekend will offer something new!

UChicago presents a free science festival featuring over 100 hands-on demos led by faculty and students.

11am-6pm

Shila said:  Fiesta del Sol is a family-friendly festival that draws over 1 million visitors during the 4-day event. The festival will include: live entertainment, local art, a variety of food, carnival rides, a children’s area, educational resources for parents and youth, and much more.

Carol Hoidahl said:  Norwegian Constitution Day Parade with pre-parade festivities in Hodges Park beginning at 11:00 AM will include scholarship presentation, entertainment by The Norwegian Bachelor Farmers, vendors, refreshments and activities for children. Parade steps off at 1:00 PM at Talcott & Cumberland ending in Hodges Park. The parade will feature local marching bands, singing societies, folk dancers and Scandinavian organizations in ethnic costumes.

11am-3pm

This classic Chicagoland festival has activities for families and kids within the heart of the outdoor programming.

10am-6pm

Gina I. said:  Hosted by the Midwest Buddhist Temple, located in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood, The Ginza Holiday Festival has been a Chicago tradition for more than 60 years. Festival-goers will enjoy Japanese food and culture, as well as beautifully crafted items made by The Waza, traditional Japanese artisans. Entertainment includes martial arts demonstrations, Minyo Japanese folk dancing, Taiko drumming, and more.

VIRTUAL for 2020

Kristy Pepping said:  Lake Forest Day celebrates the community and patriotism with a parade, carnival, music, games, fun for the kids and a raffle.

Gina I. said:  Celebrate German culture Chicago-style at St. Alphonsus Oktoberfest! Attendees will enjoy authentic German food, including handmade bratwursts, a variety of craft beers, live music, polka dancing, and more! They'll also have excellent activities for kids at their Kinderfest, available Saturday and Sunday until 5:00 PM

Shila said:  Pick up fresh apple pie, hot apple cider, or even a whole bushel of apples. Kids can also enjoy crafts and games.

Gina I. said:  Experience the blues live in Millennium Park. The Blues Festival is iconic within Chicago and will offer fans performances by the genres’ leading artists, as well as a wonderful experience in the city’s premier outdoor music venue.

Shila said:  In addition to food, music & carnival rides, the kids area includes a family stage, playground, and a play area with inflatables, obstacle course & fire engine slide.

Erin P. said:  The Huntley Fall Fest features kids entertainment and kids activities as well as a full carnival and a spectacular fireworks display!

Erin P. said:  Homer Community Fest offers music, carnival rides, food and fireworks!

Shila said:  Cream of Wheaton features entertainment, food vendors, arts & crafts, and a kids carnival.

Erin P. said:  There is something for everyone from carnival rides to main stage entertainment, to walking tacos and funnel cakes.

Gina I. said:  An outdoor family festival featuring entertainment on three stages, a carnival, arts & crafts show, craft beer & wine area, Taste of Schaumburg, bingo, free pony rides on Saturday, fireworks on Sunday evening, and a Labor Day parade on Monday.

In addition to traditional German food and drink, add to your entertainment with a visit to the amusement section of the fest and enjoy the many carnival games.

The Murphysboro Apple Festival is the oldest and largest alcohol-free festival in southern Illinois! During the multi-day festival, there are numerous activities and events drawing large crowds such as live music, a carnival with concessions, many contests featuring everything from apple pie eating to the crowning of Appletime Royalty, marching bands, arts & crafts fair, car show, 5K races and much more.

Located in the Historic Downtown Main Street and held every year the weekend after Labor Day, the Arcola Broom Corn Festival celebrates the city's position as a center of broom corn production in the nineteenth century. Visitors can see broom activities, arts/crafts, free entertainment, great food, and a gigantic parade with the famous Lawn Rangers.

Enjoy traditional Irish food, music, dance, competitions and drinks.

Molly Weber said:  Airplanes, vendors, food, drinks, and fun for the entire family!

10am-4pm

Shila said:  The Libertyville Days Festival includes food & drink vendors, live entertainment, music, art & crafts fair, parade, and carnival rides.

Kristy Pepping said:  Enjoy access to all of the UPICK fields, tram rides to the fields as well as their fun farm activities.

Shila said:  This 4-day festival includes carnival rides, games and, of course, tacos!

Shila said:  The festival includes carnival rides, games, food, live entertainment & 4-H exhibitors.

Gina I. said:  The Village of Highland Park Fourth of July Festival features a children's bike and pet parade, rides, games, inflatables, and more!

9:30am-10pm

Erin P. said:  This Chicagoland festival features live music & entertainment, carnival games & rides, a KidZone with crafts, shows and more!

Gina I. said:  Explore the diverse cultures of Asia through music, dance, food, and trees.

Shila said:  Featured items usually include things like strawberry BBQ sauces, deep fried strawberries on a stick, chocolate strawberry popcorn, strawberry kabobs, strawberry jams, strawberry fudge, funnel cakes with strawberries, strawberry smoothies, strawberry blintz, strawberry banana Nutella crepes, chocolate covered strawberries, strawberry donuts, strawberry shakes, strawberry ice cream, chocolate strawberry sundaes, and much more.

Be sure to check out the Sunnyside Kid Zone for live music for kids and more family fun!

Gina I. said:  Tickets include all-you-can-eat goulash & entertainment! The festival also includes a great children's area featuring games, face painting, a balloon artist, and other fun activities to keep the kids entertained.

Gina I. said:  Experience Italian music and food, while the kiddos enjoy kids activities and rides!

This free, family-oriented event includes both indoor and outdoor activities, including hayrides, ice skating, sledding, a snow vehicles Touch-a-Truck, snowman bowling, snow volcanoes, ice treasure-digging and crafts inside tne Hopkins Community Center. There will also be hot chocolate and other sweet treats.

12pm-3pm

Gina I. said:  Carnival rides and games, concessions, pony rides, petting zoo, live music and entertainment - Frontier Days is fun for the whole family!

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  This festival has gained a big reputation and gathered several awards as it combines several cultures under one roof. More then 30 different countries represent their cultures through food, music and lots of different activities. Don't forget to check out their international games for children and the mini train ride!

11am-7pm

This family festival offers kid-friendly entertainment, including carnival rides, face painters, balloon artists, art activities and live music on three stages.

Scarecrow Weekend offers a large arts and crafts show, a scarecrow stroll, a family zone and more!

Erin P. said:  The festival includes live bands, food vendors, carnival, business expo and craft fair, Family Day, fireworks and many other family activities.

Lisa R said:  The annual Morton Grove Days Festival includes multiple days of carnival rides, music, and children's activities, culminating in a parade and fireworks display.

Say farewell to summer while enjoying music, food and beverage, a Family Fun area, a carnival, a parade and more!

Molly Weber said:  Rides, games, concessions, and live music will all be in the lineup for the La Grange Carnival this year! As always, one of their main events will be the pet parade which steps off on Saturday at 9:30 AM before the carnival opens so be sure to find a spot to get a good view of all of La Grange lovable pets. The event will take place on Harris Street between La Grange Road and Ashland Avenue.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Scottish Festival & Highland Games features an extravaganza of activities and attractions - from the Caber Toss to Highland Dancing to the Dogs of Scotland.

Erin P. said:  They'll have lots of family friendly activities including live entertainers (clowns, magicians), a lumberjack showcase, carnival rides, petting farm & more!

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  This popular annual cultural celebration on the grounds of St. George Greek Orthodox Church will serve up authentic flavorful food, great music, dancing and pure fun.

Shila said:  Enjoy music, rides, games and more at Skokie's Backlot Bash.

Yoli B said:  This fun festival for families has bounce inflatables, a climbing wall, face painting, clowns, Disney characters, tasting & cooking classes, and kids carnival rides & games.

Shila said:  Carnival rides, entertainment, food vendors, a beer & wine garden for parents, live music, and fireworks!

Shila said:  Live music will play oldies and throwbacks along with some popular hits! After eating some small bites make sure to head over to the family area that offers prime inflatables, delectable crafts, balloon artists, face painting, music, rides and more.

12pm-10pm

Shila said:  Enjoy more than 40 thrilling carnival rides and an activity zone packed with family-friendly activities. Ride tickets available for purchase at the festival.

Shila said:  With 25 food vendors, carnival, kids zone, and headline entertainment, the Taste of Joliet is a highlight of the summer. The Kids Zone will include inflatables, face painting & more.

Shila said:  Ribfest offers a wide variety of food, desserts and festival fare. They host carnival rides & games for kids, as well as live music with big headliners taking the main stage.

Shila said:  Homewood’s favorite fall time festival will feature live entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown, games, craft vendors, a pumpkin patch, children’s crafts, and scrumptious cuisine prepared by local eateries. The event will take place on the tree-lined Martin Avenue from Hickory Road to Ridge Road. Making a return this year - the Chili Cook-off! If you've got a chili recipe that can't be beat, head to the Homewood website to register!

12 am - 9 pm

Kristy Pepping said:  Kiddos will love the balloon artist, pony rides, petting zoo, face painter and more!

Yoli B said:  Families can look forward to live music in a variety of genres, arts, crafts, games and an eclectic mix of culinary samples from around the world!

Shila said:  The Mount Prospect Lions Club is an outdoor festival featuring carnival rides, games, food, & live music, and fireworks.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  This 3-day Irish Festival is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors on Memorial weekend. Full of entertainment and activities for kids and families, don't miss out on learning more about Celtic culture and exploring it with your family. The children's entertainment tent is renowned for its unique magic shows and music, so don't miss a visit!

Shila said:  In addition to tasty ribs & live music, this popular Chicagoland festival will be featuring Kids Square with plenty of live entertainment, inflatables, free activities and kids carnival games.

Shila said:  Do-Division Family Fun Fest features a petting zoo, mega slide, rocking kids' music, and more!

12-6pm

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Swedish Days includes face painting, balloon artists, mini golf and more.

If you want costumes, walls of pumpkins, and plenty of family-friendly activities then head over to The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival!

Alexandra F. said:  Wizards and Muggles of all ages can enjoy free wizard and Harry Potter-inspired entertainment, activities, crafts, shopping & dining at the Historic Woodstock Square. Don't miss real-life Quidditch!

Noon-4pm

Every Halloween, zombies and ghouls take over Great America for this terrifyingly fun fest! You'll enjoy all of the park's thrilling rides and attractions, but with a Halloween twist. Check out the haunted houses and designated Scare Zones throughout the park, where spooky creatures are there to "greet" you! The park gets spookier as the sun goes down, so if you're going to bring the little kids go during the day and avoid the Scare Zones. They also offer Kids Boo Fest on weekends, which features spooky fun for all ages.

Select dates

Enjoy live music, food and fun for the kids at the Norwood Park Chamber Fall Festival!

Buffalo Grove Days features a carnival, musical entertainment and more!

Don't miss the Kids’ Root Beer Garden on Saturday afternoon, with plenty of active and artistic activities, and of course, root beer!

Erin P. said:  The Pottawatomie Park 4th of July Celebration goes from dawn until dusk and includes fireworks, music, golf, and swimming.

Yoli B said:  The St. Nectarios Greek Fest offers authentic Greek food, wine and beer, Greek music and dancing as well as kids' activities.

Molly Weber said:  Family fun at the Tinley Park Block Party includes live music, rides, inflatables, a giant slide, a zipline, nine-hold mini golf, a giant carousel, a bean bag tournament, oversized yard games and much more!

Alexandra F. said:  This uniquely-Chicago summertime tradition returns with an impressive array of eateries showcasing the city’s culinary excellence and diversity.

Alexandra F. said:  This spectacular annual show is a favorite among Chicago families, featuring awe-inspiring aerial feats by military and civilian aircraft and performers. The show can be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the focal point. Note, the show is as loud as it is spectacular, so prepare accordingly if any kiddos are sensitive to loud noises.

10am-2pm

This family friendly festival on the Southport Corridor has tacos from a wide variety of local eateries, music, kids activities and Mexican wrestling!

11am-10pm

Shila said:  Windmill City Festival offers food, a carnival and family activities all weekend long.