Family Friendly Festivals Around Chicago

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

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

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:  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.

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

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:  Come out to Railroad Daze and enjoy carnival rides, live music, free entertainment, food vendors and more!

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Enjoy a trick or treat path (with registration), inflatables, giant yard and carnival games, face painting, temporary tattoos, food truck, music, disc golf, free fishing, and more!

10am-2pm

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

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

Yoli B said:  Three live bands take the stage for an evening of music, food and tons of fun, and young party goers can visit the face painter and balloon artist.

5pm-11pm

Erin P. said:  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.

10am-5pm

Lisa R said:  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 will take place at Ridgeville Park and Alexander Park, including music, food vendors, bike repair, bike decorating, bike accessory giveaways & more!

9am-1pm

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

12-6pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Erin P. said:  Enjoy live music, food and fun for the kids at the Norwood Park Chamber Fall Festival!

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest includes a pumpkin patch, live pumpkin carvers, a festive pop-up bar, animal viewing, musical entertainment and more! Admission is free but tickets are required for various experiences.

Yoli B said:  Buffalo Grove Days features a carnival, musical entertainment and more!

Gina I. said:  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

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!

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.

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

Mavra Jabbar said:  Explore the fascinating world of science at the second annual South Side Science Festival. This free festival will feature an afternoon and evening of fun science, inspiring exchanges, live experiments and demonstrations, food, and music!

11am–6pm

Ilise Angel said:  The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) today announced programming for this year’s Open House Chicago (OHC), a free festival that provides behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s most historically, culturally and architecturally important sites. The 2023 event, which will take place October 13-15, will feature 170+ locations across 20+ Chicago neighborhoods. Additionally, for the first time, the CAC will host two Friday events, including one exclusively for CAC members.

Fri: 5pm-9pm (for CAC members)

Sat & Sun: 10am-5pm

Carol Hoidahl said:  43rd Annual Festival celebrating the cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Featuring entertainment by Smörgåsbandet of New York - ABBA Dancing Queen - Mads Tolling-Grammy Award-Winning Violinist - 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.

10am-5:30pm

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

Mattiem said:  The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) caps off the 25th year of its popular Chicago SummerDance series with a daylong celebration of free performances and activities showcasing the richness and diversity of Chicago’s dance community Saturday, Sept. 17. This event also celebrates the 2022 Year of Chicago Dance.

Events include performances by Asian Improv aRts Midwest, Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council Ballet Folklorico, Lucky Plush Productions, M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Maritza Garcia, MOMENTA Dance Company, PARA.MAR, Polish Song & Dance Ensemble Lajkonik; workshops; introductory dance lessons by professional instructors followed by music and dancing and more. There will also be an OpenMike presented by SocialWorks with footwork by Open the Circle in the Teen Village.

12-8pm

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

Abby Regan said:  Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park entertainment district will kick off the fall season with the return of its annual “Family Fall Fest." The family-friendly event will feature a variety of free activities including bounce houses, face painting, a petting zoo, balloon sculptors and more! Families can also rock out to music about the seasons, food, love and more with family entertainment group, Jeanie B! and The Jelly Beans. Parking for “Family Fall Fest” is available at the Parkway Bank Park parking garage and is free with validation from any of the park’s venues.

1-5pm

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.

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

Shila said:  The kids area features interactive drum/percussion sessions for kids of all ages. The School of Rock will have an interactive "instrument petting zoo" where kids can come into the tent and play instruments.

11am-7pm

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

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

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

Yoli B said:  If you want costumes, walls of pumpkins, and plenty of family-friendly activities then head over to The Great Highwood Pumpkin 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.

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

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

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.

Erin P. said:  Visitors will enjoy Kite Fest traditions such as giant inflatable kites, dancing kites high up in the sky, and fun, seasonal activities. The popular Candy Drop activity will also take place, with delicious candy donated by Ferrara Candy Company raining down for all children to grab and enjoy. Food vendors will also be on site.

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.

11am-3:30pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Tim Mondl said:  Embrace the fall season with nature-based activities on and off the water. We will have individual and tandem kayaks, tandem and group canoes, guided hikes, youth and adult archery, pumpkin painting, instrument petting zoo, nature play, fall gardening, yard games, s’mores, cider, music and more! Food will also be available for purchase.

In partnership with BackYard Nature Center, Bach to Rock Music School, and University of Illinois-Extension. For group registration or further info, email timothy.mondl@cookcountyil.gov.

12-4pm

Rain Date 10/3/2021, 12-4pm

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Activities will include pony rides, petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, fall-themed make & take crafts and an area for photo ops including a visit with a horse.

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  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.

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

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

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

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

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

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:  Experience Italian music and food, while the kiddos enjoy kids activities and rides!

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

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

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.

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

Get your little one’s creative juices flowing at the Kids’ Tent, located across the street from the Holstein playground. Each year, they have Make & Take activities and art projects ready and waiting.

Kids' Tent, 11am-3pm

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.

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

Brigitte Nohra Miller said:  Enjoy traditional Irish food, music, dance, competitions and drinks.

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

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

10am-6pm

Alessandra Mafrici said:  Chicago’s popular Taste of Greektown festival returns for its 32nd year this summer with the city’s largest celebration of Hellenic cuisine and culture, Friday, August 26 through Sunday, August 28, along Halsted Street from Adams to Van Buren. The neighborhood’s acclaimed Greek restaurants are the stars of the show, along with Live music and entertainment, Greek dancing, unique shopping and retail, family-friendly activities and more. Opa!

Friday 4-10pm

Saturday & Sunday 12-10pm

Alexandra F. said:  This German-style family festival at the Central Athletic Complex in Wheaton features live bands, kids’ activities and plenty of beer!

Deutschland-themed food choices will include bratwurst, hot dogs, pretzels, burgers and dishes from the Pierogi Rig Food Truck and the Rainbow Cone Food Truck.

Kids will find rides, crafts with the DuPage County Historical Museum staff, face painting and pumpkin decorating.

4:30pm-10pm

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

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

10am-4pm

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.