Finding things to do in August is tricky—my mom brain is jumping into back-to-school mode, but my kids are still in a full-on summer mindset. Fortunately, August is full of local events and fun activities. Maximize your family fun by checking out this list of 31 ideas to help you enjoy the rest of summer with your family!
31 Days of August
We put together a day-by-day itinerary so you can make the most out of the last month of summer! There are a lot more ideas in the Kidlist calendar, so you can check that out, too.
Saturday, August 1: Touch a Truck (Addison)
Join Addison Park District in the parking lot at Centennial Recreation Center, 1776 W. Centennial Place, to honk horns and step inside some amazing trucks! This is the perfect event for kids 10 and under, and you’ll want to take lots of photos. This free event is rain or shine, and registration is not required.
For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Touch-A-Truck Events.
Sunday, August 2: Bark in the Park (La Grange Park)
Let the dogs out at Bark in the Park, an event fully dedicated to dogs and dog lovers at Memorial Park. Pups will enjoy a dog agility course, photobooth, splash pad and ice cones! Dogs MUST be well socialized and remain on leash for the entire event. This is a free, drop-in event from 10-11am.
Monday, August 3: McCollum Park (Downers Grove) Grand Opening
Join Downers Grove Park District for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at McCollum Park, remarks and free activities to celebrate the new and improved McCoullum Park. From 4:15-5:30pm, enjoy free ice cream, bottled water, music, a special giveaway, free mini-golf, lawn games, and fun at the playground and sprayground.
Tuesday, August 4: National Night Out
August 4 is National Night Out, which means that the police departments of various towns offer fun events, some with giveaways, food trucks, live music, and other perks, which aim to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities where they work. You can find these events in: Westchester, Oak Park, Lisle, Glen Ellyn, Prospect Heights, Itasca, Bartlett, La Grange Park, Oswego, Des Plaines, Bloomingdale, Schaumburg, Rolling Meadows, Burr Ridge, Glendale Heights, Schiller Park and more
Wednesday, August 5: Outdoor Movie Night (Oak Brook)
Bring your chairs and blankets and head to Oaks Ampitheater in Oak Brook’s Central Park at 6pm to enjoy Zootopia 2 under the stars! Concessions will be available, sponsored by Oak Brook Park District.
For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Movies in the Park.
Thursday, August 6: Stars & Stripes In The Park (Wheaton)
Head to Rathje Park in Wheaton for a patriotic picnic in the park. There will be popsicles, crafts, games and more!
Friday, August 7: Blueberry Festival (Geneva)
Enjoy the day at Windy Acres Farm tasting all things blueberry, at Blueberry Festival. Enjoy games, music and festivities along with blueberry-themed desserts. Find tickets on their website.
For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Summer Festivals.
Saturday, August 8: Veggie Fest (Lisle)
Celebrate health and wellness with two days of demonstrations, kids activities, international foods, and live music at Veggie Fest. Held at Danada South Park in Lisle, its also near the very popular Sensory Garden Playground.
Sunday, August 9: Princess and Hero Walk (Lemont)
Celebrate the perfect summer day meeting your favorite princesses, superheroes and other favorite characters in Downtown Lemont. This event will coincide with a bonus ‘Market on Canal’ that offers 50 + market vendors, live music and additional characters for a $5 admission fee for adults, kids are free.
Monday, August 10: Explore a Nature Park
Ditch the rulebook, skip the plastic slide, and let your kids build a fort out of actual sticks at one of these local nature parks.
Looking for more ways to get outside this season? Check out our full Nature Guide
Tuesday, August 11: Back to School Bash (Morton Grove)
Head to Harrer Park and Pool for the annual free back to school event. The evening will be filled with live entertainment, kids’ activities, vendors, and more.
Wednesday, August 12: Connect with Nature (Naperville)
Head to McDowell Grove Forest Preserve in Naperville and discover techniques for fishing in rivers and streams at this intermediate clinic. Equipment and bait are provided, but feel free to bring your own gear. Ages 12 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. Register on ActiveNet or at 630-933-7248.
Thursday, August 13: Bouncetopia (Willowbrook)
Celebrate the end of summer at this evening community event. Inflatables, face painting, balloon creations, food vendors, and upbeat music- the ultimate family send-off to summer.
Friday, August 14: Roselle Cruise Nights
Friday nights, visitors can find classic cars at Roselle Cruise Night, happening at the American Legion in Roselle. This annual event runs all summer long, and is one of the many great classic car shows happening throughout the western and northwest suburbs.
Saturday, August 15: Chicago Air and Water Show
Head downtown today to take in the amazing sights in the sky and water. During the day, the Chicago Air and Water Show features impressive stunts that are best viewed between Oak Street and Fullerton Beaches.
Sunday, August 16: Foam Fun Fest (Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Oak Park)
This rescheduled event is a full day of foam and bubble fun. Steve’s Spectacular Bubble Show will fill the sky with bubbles for 30 minutes at the start of every hour.Between bubble shows, the Foam Daddy cannon will create a large foam pit for the children to play. Tickets are $5 per person for non-members and free for members. Tickets and registration for Foam Fun Fest are separate from museum admission, and are required for entry.
Monday, August 17: Motion Explosion (Woodridge)
This unique FREE mid-day event combines a variety of children’s activities and Touch-a-Truck components into one big Motion Explosion. Food trucks will also be present.
Tuesday, August 18: Safety Town
Ride bikes and scooters at Elmhurst’s Safety Town; it’s open to the public and free to visit.
Wednesday, August 19: Pawsome Rescue Adventure (Aurora)
Enjoy a free rescue-themed event at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum with crafts, activities, and a character meet-and-greet as part of Kids Krew, Aurora’s newest community programming.
Thursday, August 20: Glen Ellyn Carnival
Music, food, and carnival rides are back for Glen Ellyn’s annual summer festival held in the heart of downtown Glen Ellyn.
Friday, August 21: Back to School Campfire (Schaumburg)
Drop-in to this cozy campfire with treats.
Saturday, August 22: Evanston Art and Big Fork Festival
This two-day art fair includes paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry, furniture, and more. Witness live art demonstrations and explore kids’ activities.
For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Art Festivals.
Sunday, August 23: Last Splash Bash (Mount Prospect)
Entrance is free for the Last Splash Bash, an end-of-summer celebration at Woodland Trails Pool. Enjoy inflatables, foam party, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Momday, August 24: Free Admission to Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
GMSI offers museum free days for Illinois residents with ID throughout the year. Dates subject to change, so please check their website before heading to the city.
Our guide of Museum Free Days has information about all the other free offerings at museums throughout the area.
Tuesday, August 25: Mini Golf
With dozens of mini golf locations in the Chicago suburbs, you’re sure to find a great spot to practice your putting. We’ve rounded up all the locations; if the weather isn’t cooperating, be sure to check out one of the indoor options.
Wednesday, August 26: Enjoy Cantigny Park for Free (Wheaton)
Every Wednesday is Free Parking Wednesday at Cantigny Park. Please note that advanced reservations are required for free admission. They have a great playground that has been featured in past editions of our list of the Best Playgrounds for All Ages.
Thursday, August 27: Visit a Farm
Check out these local farms that are open to the public where you can explore working farms and also farms with alpacas, sheep, and more. Some require reservations, so be sure to scroll through the list ahead of time.
Friday, August 28: Movie in the Park (Lombard)
Visit Lilicia Park tonight and throughout the summer for outdoor entertainment. Tonight’s movie is Super Mario Brothers Galaxy.
For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Outdoor Movies.
Saturday, August 29: Independence Day Celebration 2.0 (North Aurora)
Visit North Aurora Riverfront Park for one last weekend of summer festive fun that was rescheduled due to severe weather over 4th of July weekend.
Sunday, August 30: Run a Race
Join the fun at Bartlett Lions Day Dash, with 5K, 10K, and non-competitive youth races that support the Bartlett Lions.
For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of 5K Races and Kids’ Fun Runs.
Monday, August 31: Explore on a Kayak
Rent a kayak or bring your own to one of these local spots.
If you want more options, our summer guide is an incredible resource. Check it out!
2 Comments. Leave new
There is a closer kite festival on 8/11. Elmhurst Kite Fest in Behrens Park from 11am-2pm. Food trucks also will be on site so families can have a picnic lunch.
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