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Everyone is welcome to add events to the Kidlist calendar, given that they are drop-in and/or free special events (no ongoing classes or camps that require registration) and are local to the west and/or southwest suburbs of Chicago. Click on the blue “Submit an Event” button and fill out the form.
Cantigny Park
The First Division Museum at Cantigny Park reopened to the public on Saturday, August 26, 2017 following an extensive 10-month renovation project. They opened with a traditional military ceremony honoring the 100-year history of the 1st Infantry Division and museum ribbon cutting at 11 am that day. Kidlist Contributor, Meghan was there to check it out firsthand with her kids.
Highlights of the thoroughly updated military museum include “Duty First,” an all-new gallery focusing on the more recent history of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division. The gallery’s new media and interactive exhibits provide a hands-on experience from a soldier’s perspective that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Admission to the museum is free with paid parking. Cantigny’s regular daily parking fee is $5 per car. On Saturdays and Sundays, May through September, parking is $10. The $10 rate also applies on Labor Day. Parking is free on the first Wednesday of every month.
More information, including a calendar of upcoming events, is available online at fdmuseum.org.
There are also many tanks outside that are pretty cool to see.
July 2020
Second Saturday: Family Program
July Theme: Watercolors We aren’t ready to have in-person programs yet, so we’ve created a kid-friendly packet of watercolor supplies—paint, paper and brushes—that you can take home to enjoy. The supplies will be given away on a first-come first-served basis. On the Second Saturday of each month, March through November, McCormick House staff presents a drop-in family program. No registration is needed. Locations and themes vary by the season. Free with admission.
Find out more »August 2020
Family Concert: Animal Farm
Animal Farm performs original music and educational comedy for children and families exploring themes of social and emotional learning, community, self-expression, and the environment through the eyes of our furry, feathered, scaly, and shell-dwelling friends. Blending music, educational comedy, and interactive storytelling, their interactive and energetic performances delight listeners of all ages. All concerts are outdoors and feature lawn seating. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and picnics are welcome. Concessions are available by Mamie’s Toffee &…
Find out more »Free Parking Day at Cantigny Park
From March through December, parking is free the first Wednesday of each month. Parking is also free as on select holidays, including Veteran’s Day. Admission is always free!
Find out more »Second Saturday: Family Program
July Theme: Watercolors We aren’t ready to have in-person programs yet, so we’ve created a kid-friendly packet of watercolor supplies—paint, paper and brushes—that you can take home to enjoy. The supplies will be given away on a first-come first-served basis. On the Second Saturday of each month, March through November, McCormick House staff presents a drop-in family program. No registration is needed. Locations and themes vary by the season. Free with admission.
Find out more »French Connection Day
One of the park’s signature events is back for its 12th year! Enjoy a French open-air market by Bensidoun, as well as can-can dancers, strolling mime, accordionist, a stilt walker, and live music. There will be a craft project for kids, storytime with Madeleine, and the French yard game pétanque (courtesy of Chicago Pétanque Club). For refreshments, there will be special French treats in Bertie’s Bistro as well as a beer and wine tent. Make sure to stop by the 23…
Find out more »West Chicago Library Storytimes
The West Chicago Public Library and Cantigny Gardens have partnered up: stories + nature = fun for kids (of all ages). Join library staff this summer for a special storytime with hands-on activities as well as great stories. Recommended for children birth to age 6 (with a favorite adult). Attendees should meet library staff at the Visitors Center before the start of the program. Prior to the storytime please pick up a parking pass at the West Chicago Public Library’s Youth…
Find out more »September 2020
Free Parking Day at Cantigny Park
From March through December, parking is free the first Wednesday of each month. Parking is also free as on select holidays, including Veteran’s Day. Admission is always free!
Find out more »Second Saturday: Family Program
July Theme: Watercolors We aren’t ready to have in-person programs yet, so we’ve created a kid-friendly packet of watercolor supplies—paint, paper and brushes—that you can take home to enjoy. The supplies will be given away on a first-come first-served basis. On the Second Saturday of each month, March through November, McCormick House staff presents a drop-in family program. No registration is needed. Locations and themes vary by the season. Free with admission.
Find out more »All events will be reviewed before publishing to the calendar. Event approval usually occurs on Wednesdays; if you need your event to be reviewed before then, please email Annie at annie@mykidlist.com.
We do our best to provide comprehensive, accurate and useful information about events and activities. This information (such as times and locations) is gathered from press releases, websites, signs around town and word of mouth. However, details change and people make mistakes, so please confirm the details before you go. Kidlist is not responsible for any problems that occur while participating in activities listed on this site.