Finding things to do in August is tricky—my mom brain is exhausted and already 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 activities. Maximize your family fun by checking out this list of 31 ideas to help you enjoy the rest of summer with your family!
Thursday, August 1: Car Show
Have you gone to a car show yet this summer? There are several going on tonight, including the Lemont Classic Car Club Cruise Night, Geneva Classic Car Show, Wheaton Cruise Nights, and Westmont’s Cruisin Nights.
Friday, August 2: Outdoor Concert
Enjoy the music at a local outdoor concert! Our list of local summer concerts has a ton of options for you to choose from, including Wheaton’s Summer Entertainment Series, Downers Grove’s Friday Night Live, Glen Ellyn’s Friday Summer Concert Series, and Palatine’s Sounds of Summer.
Saturday, August 3: Touch-a-Truck
Truck lovers rejoice! Today features touch-a-truck events in Addison, North Aurora, Barrington, and Streamwood. Check out the full list of touch-a-truck events for other date options, too.
Sunday, August 4: Boating in the Park
The Glen Ellyn Park District’s Boating in the Park event lets you rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboat for 20 minutes for a $10 fee. We’ve also rounded up plenty of other local spots to rent boats and get out on the water.
Monday, August 5: Library Program
Local libraries offer amazing programs to educate and entertain all ages. Some of today’s programs include DuPage Children’s Museum Early Learners: It’s a Zoo (Wheaton), Summer Bingo (Aurora), Fan Fest – Taylor’s Version (Geneva), Drop-in Gaming Days (Elmwood Park), Family Game Night (Naperville), and Cuentos en Espanol (Bolingbrook).
Tuesday, August 6: National Night Out
National Night Out, which aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities where they work, is on August 6, 2024. Check out the events calendar to find a NNO event near you.
Wednesday, August 7: Museum Free Days
Check out a museum free day to learn something new while saving money. The Field Museum (Chicago), Cantigny Park (Wheaton), Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art (Oak Brook), DuSable Museum of African American History (Chicago), and Adler Planetarium (Chicago) are all free to visit today!
Thursday, August 8: LEGO Play
Do you have a LEGO-loving kid? The Massive LEGO Play event at the Downers Grove Public Library looks like a great time; they’re bringing their entire collection out to play. The Wheaton Public Library has a LEGO Free-Build event today, too.
Friday, August 9: Summer Carnival
Taste of Elmwood Park, Darien Fest, and Willow Fest (Willow Springs), are all happening this weekend. Our summer festival guide has options for other dates, too.
Saturday, August 10: Chicago Air and Water Show + Fireworks
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. In the evening, Navy Pier’s fireworks begin at 10pm.
Sunday, August 11: Blueberry Festival
The Blueberry Festival at Windy Acres Farm in Geneva is going on this weekend and next. If you didn’t make it out blueberry picking this season, this is a great way to enjoy a taste of local produce.
Monday, August 12: Sunflower Field
August is a great month for exploring a sunflower field. Check with the destination you have in mind to be sure that blooms are available.
Tuesday, August 13: Safety Town
Visiting a safety town is a fun way for little ones to practice being safe while walking or riding a bike. Tonight, Naperville is hosting an Open Bike Night, where kids practice riding the streets of Safety Town for $5. During the day, you could also check out Elmhurst’s Safety Town; it’s open to the public and free to visit.
Wednesday, August 14: Catch a Movie
Many local theaters have summer movie deals, where you can get tickets to see a matinee for as low as $1.75. In the evening, bring a picnic blanket or chairs to watch a movie in the park. Oak Brook has two different outdoor movies playing tonight; check out Wish at Central Park or Wonka at Oak Brook Shopping Center.
Thursday, August 15: Nature Center
Knoch Knolls Nature Center (Naperville) has a free, self-guided Dinosaur Discovery activity today, and Creek Bend Nature Center’s (St. Charles) Little Saplings program encourages 3-5 year-olds to explore nature through various activities. Even without additional programming scheduled, nature centers are awesome places to visit.
Friday, August 16: Storytime
Check out a local storytime today! You’ve got your pick of events like Picnic in the Park in La Grange Park, Storytime in the Garden in Berwyn, or Scales-N-Tales Storytime in Franklin Park.
Saturday, August 17: Cosley Zoo
Today is Cosley Zoo’s Anniversary Celebration Day, marking the 50th anniversary of its opening! Visit this Wheaton attraction today to take part in a scavenger hunt, giveaways, treats, and more.
Sunday, August 18: Nature Scavenger Hunt
This free nature scavenger hunt at The Forge (Lemont) is fun for families, with a team, or by yourself. You’ll be given a list of nature items and activities you have to do or collect before meeting up with other groups to share your discoveries. If you’re interested in staying, The Forge has many exciting activities that Annie explains in an article about her visit there.
Monday, August 19: 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.
Tuesday, August 20: Indoor Play Place
Today, Chick-fil-A (Bolingbrook) is hosting a preschool storytime. Many McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A locations have indoor play places (scroll to the bottom of the linked article for a list of locations). If you aren’t in need of a meal, Forest the Fox’s Playbox in Westchester is a great spot for kids ages 2-6.
Wednesday, August 21: Go Fishing
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s Casting on the Pier experience helps teach visitors how to spin and fly cast. Use your newfound knowledge to check out some of the best local fishing spots.
Thursday, August 22: Thursday Night Out
Head to downtown Oak Park this evening to enjoy their Thursday Night Out dine-around series. Restaurants feature special menu options that can be purchased to eat inside or carried out; you can also enjoy live music as you dine al fresco.
Friday, August 23: Sensory Play
Get into hands-on learning with your kids at Geneva Library’s Exploration Station, Batavia Library’s Sensory Play: Farmyard Friends, Wood Dale Library’s Friday Fun Day or Crafternoon, or Indian Trails Library’s Family Craft Friday (Prospect Heights).
Saturday, August 24: Farmers Market
Farmers markets are still in full swing, and there are a dozen of them happening around the suburbs today! Check out our Events Calendar for info on where you can get fresh produce, flowers, and tasty treats.
Sunday, August 25: Water Park
While most water parks will be closed during the week at this point in the summer, many will open on weekends until Labor Day if weather permits.
Monday, August 26: Nature Walk or Hike
Today’s Nature Walk in Wheaton pairs a walk around Adams Park with an activity. Our list of forest preserve trails for families has ideas for easier hikes that get the kids out and about in the great outdoors.
Tuesday, August 27: Playground
Take a drive to explore a playground that’s outside of your usual favorites. I’m personally looking forward to checking out one of these mulch-free playgrounds!
Wednesday, August 28: Bubble Play
Head to the Helen Plum Library in Lombard for Pop-in Bubble Play with your 3-5 year old. The last half hour of the event will be adapted to be more sensory-friendly.
Thursday, August 29: Visit a Farm
Kline Creek Farm’s (West Chicago) Time To Go Chorin’ event teaches kids about different historical household or barnyard chores around a farm – and it can get messy! We’ve also rounded up other local farms that are open to the public.
Friday, August 30: Baseball Game
Cheer on the Kane County Cougars as they play Fargo-Moorhead in this 6:30pm game. Use Kidlist’s promo code KIDLIST for buy one, get one free reserved seats!
Saturday, August 31: Visit Naperville
With the Naperville Farmers Market and Naperville’s Last Fling happening today, you’ll find plenty of entertainment in this bustling town.
If you want more options for a specific date in August, our Events Calendar is an incredible, searchable 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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