The Soap Box Derby is a youth racing program which has run nationally since 1934. World Championship finals are held each July at Derby Downs in Akron, Ohio. The idea...

The lushly illustrated pages of Daniel Finds a Poem by Micha Archer come to life on large displays along a half-mile path that encourages children and their families to explore...

Glen Ellyn Farmers Market features a select group of vendors and live shows.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Farmer’s Markets.

Each year more vendors are drawn to the market because of its popularity.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Farmer’s Markets.

Tour the farmhouse to see how families worked together to get spring planting done, and then watch (weather permitting) as the farmers work in fields and gardens planting the year’s...

Elmhurst Art Museum and RGL Marketing for the Arts, Inc. announce their partnership and joint 25th anniversary celebrations for the 2022 edition of Art in Wilder Park. Art in Wilder...

Be part of the BIGGEST event of the season! 30+ trucks for kids to climb and explore – including the Batmobile, the Boilermaker Special (train), and the ABC-7 Chicago Storm Tracker, plus music, train rides, balloons, food trucks and more. The Touch a Truck Family Festival is the biggest family fundraiser of the year for...

Celebrate 90 years of nature education and springtime at Trailside Museum! Enjoy an ice cream social and participate in family-friendly historical activities. Enjoy animal encounters, kids’ tree climb, guided wildflower...

For ages 7 and up and their families. Is your family a Fan-mily? Bring your A-Game and your A- team down to IPPL to participate in a thrilling trivia event...

Celebrate Mother's Day a little early. Mom will surely enjoy a tea party she doesn't have to clean up afterward. Afternoon tea party dress-up preferred. Have those cameras ready, this...

Tickets are available for purchase at: Lisle Recreation Center (beginning April 14), At the Door (Cash Only).

The lushly illustrated pages of Daniel Finds a Poem by Micha Archer come to life on large displays along a half-mile path that encourages children and their families to explore...

Bring the family, and rest under the shade of a tree while a costumed interpreter shares lessons from the world of stories with different historic tales each week. Suggested admission donation of $5 per person ages 3 and up to enter the farm. All ages; under 18 with an adult. No registration. 

Tour the farmhouse to see how families worked together to get spring planting done, and then watch (weather permitting) as the farmers work in fields and gardens planting the year’s...

30-minute program of stories, songs and fun activities in the Wagner Pavilion for children of all ages with an adult caregiver. In the event of inclement weather, Family Storytime will be moved indoors to Meeting Room A/B.

Enjoy an all-ages, Family Storytime on the Riverwalk filled with songs, rhymes and stories. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be held inside Nichols Library.

Challenge yourself and your family to UNPLUG! Then, have a blast exploring other activities! May 2: Family Night at SCC May 4: Scavenger Hunt in the Parks at SCC May...

Whether your family prefers board games, card games, or anything in between, we’ve got something everyone will enjoy! Caregiver participation is required. Games vary from session to session. No registration...

The lushly illustrated pages of Daniel Finds a Poem by Micha Archer come to life on large displays along a half-mile path that encourages children and their families to explore their surroundings and their inspirations. As you follow the story, you’ll discover that nature and poetry are all around if you take the time to...

Illinois residents receive free admission on Tuesdays.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

The lushly illustrated pages of Daniel Finds a Poem by Micha Archer come to life on large displays along a half-mile path that encourages children and their families to explore their surroundings and their inspirations. As you follow the story, you’ll discover that nature and poetry are all around if you take the time to...

Parking at Cantigny is free the first Wednesday of every month, starting in March.

Ignite your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity as they become scientists! We will explore, experiment, and make discoveries while immersed in the natural world. Tools provided. Ages 4-5 with adult.

Bring your little one for open nature play time. Enjoy the Dan Ryan Woods Nature Play space while helping your children connect with nature. Enjoy stories, art and exploration each time.

Wednesdays are Free Admission Days sponsored by RBC Wealth Management.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

DuSable Museum of African-American history is free to Illinois residents to visit on Wednesdays. We also give free admission to military and to first responders. That means Police, Fire, EMT’s. With valid ID.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

Join the Learning Experiences Team at the Playscape for a fun story time sure to capture your child's imagination! Included with general admission.

Join us at Kiwanis Park to run, laugh and play in this beautiful park! A member of the Parks and Rec staff will be there with frisbees for all children. Parents/caregivers stay and participate. This playdate may be cancelled due to inclement weather. There's no need to register, just join us at the park.

Children are infatuated with motors and wheels, so blow their minds by bringing their favorite vehicles to larger-than-life realities! Children will have a chance to explore many modes of transportation that exhilarate their senses. They can make the lights flash, honk the horn, sound the siren and uncover the mysteries of BIG vehicles at North...

For grades 1-6. Head over the Mid-Kids Lounge to play a fun Switch game on the big screen. This program is held indoors. Please note the library’s current mask policy at ippl.info/covid19.

The Adler is excited to announce that we will be free for Illinois residents (with proof of residency) every Wednesday evening from 4-10 pm (our new Wednesday hours.) Stop by after work or school, or for date night and enjoy everything the Adler has to offer at night, for free as part of our Illinois...

Challenge yourself and your family to UNPLUG! Then, have a blast exploring other activities! May 2: Family Night at SCC May 4: Scavenger Hunt in the Parks at SCC May 6: Family Mini Golf Night at Stone Creek

The Force will be strong in Downtown Naperville on May 4th, 6:30PM-7:30PM! Hope to see you for (FREE) photo opportunities with characters on Main Street!

Our award-winning fresh market is operational from 7am to 1pm on Thursdays from May through October. Local farmers and artisans provide a selection of fresh produce, meats, baked goods, confections, plants and more. Come enjoy the bountiful harvest from Midwest growers! Convenient free parking is located nearby.   For information on more events like this,...

The lushly illustrated pages of Daniel Finds a Poem by Micha Archer come to life on large displays along a half-mile path that encourages children and their families to explore their surroundings and their inspirations. As you follow the story, you’ll discover that nature and poetry are all around if you take the time to...

Tour the farmhouse to see how families worked together to get spring planting done, and then watch (weather permitting) as the farmers work in fields and gardens planting the year’s crops. You might even get to help plant seeds in our kitchen garden. House tours begin at the top of the hour. Suggested admission donation...

Join us for a workshop covering basic camping skills.

What can you make with our Legos, a theme, and your imagination? We’ll display your creations in the Kids Room. For children of all ages accompanied by an adult.

The lushly illustrated pages of Daniel Finds a Poem by Micha Archer come to life on large displays along a half-mile path that encourages children and their families to explore their surroundings and their inspirations. As you follow the story, you’ll discover that nature and poetry are all around if you take the time to...

Tour the farmhouse to see how families worked together to get spring planting done, and then watch (weather permitting) as the farmers work in fields and gardens planting the year’s crops. You might even get to help plant seeds in our kitchen garden. House tours begin at the top of the hour. Suggested admission donation...

Drop by on Friday each week for some fun crafts to take and make at home over the weekend!

Challenge yourself and your family to UNPLUG! Then, have a blast exploring other activities! May 2: Family Night at SCC May 4: Scavenger Hunt in the Parks at SCC May 6: Family Mini Golf Night at Stone Creek

Celebrate 60 years of Sand Ridge Nature Center’s conservation, recreation and educational work. Find more info about daily activities on Sand Ridge Nature Center’s Facebook page.

Free 1st Friday of every month!   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Museum Free Days.

Bugaboo gives modern parents an easy way to get great deals on gently used  kids items, clear closet space, earn cash and help others in the community. Reservations for shopping times can be made starting April 11, 2022.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Spring Resales.

From Arial to Belle, Spiderman to Batman, Snow White to Paw Patrol and more - this is the cutest, most fun storytime in town! May 6 - Elsa from Frozen SOLD OUT May 13 - Pepa from Encanto May 20 - Woody from Toy Story May 27 - Marshall from Paw Patrol SOLD OUT

First Fridays is a night of art, fun, music, dance, and community at local businesses and venues in downtown Aurora on the first Friday evening of the month. First Fridays in Downtown Aurora invites the community to enjoy art, music, food, theater, and more on the first Friday of the month. First Fridays runs through...

Spend an evening at Ackerman SFC packed with bingo, pizza, and prizes. We’ll play several rounds starting at 5:30pm. Prizes, like gift cards and candy, will be awarded at the end of each round. Pre-registration is not required. Kids ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Drop in any time with the...

Join us to celebrate National Space Day with a viewing of the night sky while we discuss all the space achievements and discoveries of the year. Registration is required.

Register your kids for the ‘Parents Night Out Program’ at the Stephen D. Persinger Recreation Center for an evening full of games, snacks and fun! Our program will combine crafts, party games, movies and much more. Pre-registration is required.

Sponsored by the Indian Boundary YMCA and Village of Downers Grove, the Downtown Downers Grove Market has offered the community everything from fresh food to crafts and live entertainment. With more than 100 vendors, there's something for everyone!   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Farmer’s Markets.

The lushly illustrated pages of Daniel Finds a Poem by Micha Archer come to life on large displays along a half-mile path that encourages children and their families to explore their surroundings and their inspirations. As you follow the story, you’ll discover that nature and poetry are all around if you take the time to...

Runners and walkers of all ages will come together on Saturday, May 7, 2022, to support children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities through a partnership with the Ray Graham Association's Hanson Center, located in Burr Ridge.

Catch & Release, fish will not be weighed and measured and prizes will not be awarded. Cost is per person, pre-registration is required.

Help fight breast cancer in stride at the Oak Brook Park District Annual Pink 5k Run/Walk. 100% of the net profits from registration will be donated to the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation Open Arms Breast Cancer Outreach Fund. Enjoy this fun, family-friendly, scenic, chip-timed race through Central Park. Sponsored by AMITA Health, Evergreen Bank Group, and...

 All participants will have two hours to catch as many fish as they can. Prizes are then awarded in a variety of categories. All fishermen are required to register before the deadline, as registration will not take place at the event. This event is held whether rain or shine, but if weather is severe call...

This community treasure features fresh produce, plants, flowers, bakery items and more.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Farmer’s Markets.      

The Market will kick off its 2022 season in its temporary location while crews work to complete the new Downtown Streetscape pavilion on Liberty Drive. The temporary location will be on Liberty between Cross and Reber and on Reber between Liberty and Willow, in front of the old DuPage County Courthouse. Once the pavilion structure...

Home Depot kids workshops are back! Stop by your local shop on the first Saturday of the month from 9:00am - 12:00pm.  May 7 - Picket Fence Planter June 4 - Fish Tank July 2 - Constellation Viewer

Bring your mini-DIYer into Lowe’s at one of the select time slots. Workshops hosted by one of our experts are held from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Wasn’t able to sign up for one of the expert hosted workshops? Choose the 12:00pm – 8:00pm time slot to stop by to pick up a kit from Customer Service...

Get ready to build with your mini DIYer for this month's Bird Feeder Kit! Whether it lands hanging outside of your window, or packaged up for mom for Mother's Day, this Bird Feeder will make all the little birdies feel loved.

Stop by the lobby and the kid's room to pick up a free comic book. While supplies last.

Help us celebrate the visual magic of comics! Drop by the library all day to pick up a free comic book while supplies last.

Touch-A-Truck is your child’s chance to see their favorite big trucks and things on wheels, interact with the drivers, and take pictures. There will also be raffles and themed giveaways while supplies last. This free event is open to the public and all ages. Limited parking is available within Maryknoll Park. Overflow parking will be...

Whether you’re an avid kite flyer or taking the family out for the first time, this is a great event for the young and old. Watch kite demonstrations and participate in our Grand Launch.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Kite Flying Festivals and Events.

The Earth Day Color Run is an untimed 5k. At each kilometer mark, runners are doused from head to toe in a different colored powder. Runners wear white at the starting line and finish the race plastered in color. Once the race is over, the fun continues at the finish line festival.

Are you sick of being cooped up in the house all winter long? It's time to put down your devices, get off the couch, and get the whole family for our first ever Darien Field Day. Pre-registration for all family members 3 years old and up is required.

Come learn to pot a plant as a gift for someone special this Mother's Day.

Celebrate the wonders of our planet and explore various ways you and your family can get involved in conservation initiatives. Whether conserving water, buying and using sustainable products, or supporting organizations like Cosley zoo and their project to project the Illinois endangered Blanding's turtle, you can make a difference! Live animal interactions will take place...

Live Music, BBQ, Sweet Treats, Local Artisans. Every 1st Saturday of the Month.

Tour the farmhouse to see how families worked together to get spring planting done, and then watch (weather permitting) as the farmers work in fields and gardens planting the year’s crops. You might even get to help plant seeds in our kitchen garden. House tours begin at the top of the hour. Suggested admission donation...

During this movie, the lights will be up and the sound will be down! You can get up, dance, sing, play, and watch a fun movie in the way that works best for you. We will have some sensory/fidget items available, but feel free to bring your own. This program is intended for those with...

Pleasant Dale Park District is coordinating with the Illinois Association of Park Districts in the annual Flying 4 Kids Statewide Kite Fly. This is a FREE event; however, registration is required and you will have an option to purchase a kite kit to decorate and fly. The children will get to fly their own kites...

Fun adventure activities for the whole family, featuring the 1st EVER Dash4Cash Race.

Spend a spring day at Country in the Park – part of the annual Downers Grove Founders Day celebration sponsored by The Grove Foundation. Families will visit with farm animals, play 1850’s pioneer-era games, view blacksmithing demonstrations and more! Pre-registration not required.

Join us for Spring Fling, a Mother’s Day Celebration! Featuring live music by Luis Alfredo, Mariachi Singer. Dance performance by La Academia Folkloric Dancers. First 200 kids will receive a free DIY Flower Pot for Mom! While supplies last!

Naperville Education Foundation (NEF) and the Downtown Naperville Alliance are excited to offer the 7th Annual Downtown Naperville Chocolate Walk on Saturday, May 7th! Join us this Mother’s Day Weekend for a safe and fun Downtown Event! This fun event is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth! Each participant receives a bag for gathering all...

Put on your prettiest dress and get ready for a wonderful girly good time. Spend some quality mother-daughter time while sipping tea, eating delicious treats, and putting a craft together.

Wildlife mothers fill specific and important roles in caring for their young. Hear how birds, mammals, and reptiles care for their babies, and then work on a wildlife-themed Mother’s Day craft. Ages 8 and up; under 18 with an adult. $5 per person. Register online or at 630-942-6200.

Bugaboo gives modern parents an easy way to get great deals on gently used  kids items, clear closet space, earn cash and help others in the community. Reservations for shopping times can be made starting April 11, 2022.   For information on more events like this, check out our roundup of Spring Resales.

Bring the whole family and enjoy a Victorian Tea Party held in a historic parlour. Tea with an assortment of finger sandwiches and pastries will be served. FREE PARKING is available in the lot in front of the Beaubien Tavern and at Village Hall and in the commuter parking lots.

Calling all Foodies! The Naperville Food Truck Festival is returning to Naper Settlement, in the heart of downtown Naperville, to bring you the 3rd Annual Naperville Food Truck Festival. Featuring 25+ of the area's best food trucks, live DJ entertainment, face painter, beer garden, bubble artist and a vendor village featuring local businesses. This years...

Elizabeth Thielen is a rockhound with over 4 decades digging, examining, collecting, and otherwise enjoying all found things! Born and raised in Central New York, prospecting for Herkimer Diamonds has remained the most rewarding of all her rockhounding endeavors. This interactive lecture will include hands-on exploration of the wonder that is the Herkimer Diamond!

Bring a blanket and pillow to enjoy a movie on our giant screen! Closed Captioning is provided. May 7: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (PG) May 28: Clifford the Big Red Dog (PG)

Paddle and explore the scenic Northside Park Lagoon. Participants will receive dry-land instruction on basic canoeing techniques from an experienced instructor. Then we'll take to the water for a staff-led exploration and discussion about the local natural history. Max of 3 people per canoe. Recommended for ages 6 and older.