This weekend, we celebrate the incredible women in our families. Moms, grandmas, stepmoms, mother-in-laws, aunts, neighbors, coaches, and all other mother figures in our lives deserve unending recognition and praise for their dedication to our children. I know that I, like so many others, never realized how much my own mother did for me until I became a mom myself! Our list of family-friendly events below is filled with excitement, relaxation, and everything in between. No matter how you choose to thank and honor the women in your life, we hope it is a fun-filled weekend for you and your loved ones.
How are you staying active this weekend? Use our new hashtag #sharekidlist to share your ideas. We love to connect with you!
Fun Things To Do With Kids This Weekend and Beyond
Many events require registration to cap numbers. Click the event name to be taken directly to the host’s website. Weather causes cancelations, registration fills up, and details evolve, so get the most current and updated event information straight from the source through our curated list of family-friendly events in the western suburbs.
Friday
On Friday morning, you can find us at Little Free Library Grand Opening! Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Bring gently used books for Bernie’s Book Bank from 10:00am – 2:00pm, and receive free parking during your visit. In the evening, stop through First Fridays in downtown Aurora for music, shopping and delicious food. You can also register for a round of mini-golf at Stone Creek in Geneva as part of their Unplug and Play! Screen Free Week series.
Bike BINGO (St. Charles)
May 7, 2021 | all day
Hinsdale Book Walk (Burns Park)
May 7, 2021 | all day
Pickup Program: Whisk it Up! (Downers Grove Public Library)
May 7, 2021 | all day
Monthly Kids Craft Giveaway (Fashion Outlets of Rosemont)
May 7, 2021 | all day
Library Scavenger Hunt (Naperville Public Library)
May 7, 2021 | during open hours
Circus Vazquez (North Riverside Park Mall)
May 7, 2021 | times vary on weekdays and weekends
Going on a Gnome Hunt (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest)
May 7, 2021 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Best Mom Ever Take & Make Kits (Glen Ellyn)
May 7, 2021 | 9:00am – 5:00pm
Must register by April 30, 2021.
Little Free Library Grand Opening! (Cantigny Park, Wheaton)
May 7, 2021 | 10:00am
Barbara’s Bookstore Storytime (Burr Ridge Village Center)
May 7, 2021 | 10:30am – 11:00am
Open Nature Play Day (Trailside Nature Center, River Forest)
May 7, 2021 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Registration is required.
Preschool Playtime (Oak Park)
May 7, 2021 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm
The Progressive Farm: A Barnyard Tour (Kline Creek Farm)
May 7, 2021 | 1:30pm, 2:30pm or 3:30pm
First Fridays (Downtown Aurora)
May 7, 2021 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Unplug and Play! Screen Free Week (Geneva)
May 7, 2021 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Must register in advance.
Family Night Hike (Peck Farm, Geneva)
May 7, 2021 | 8:30pm – 9:30pm
Must register in advance.
Saturday
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s events page is always one of my first stops when planning our weekend fun. There you’ll find details about Saturday’s Nature Walk at Mallard Lake in Hanover Park, Archery: Families at Blackwell in Warrenville and The Progressive Farm: A Barnyard Tour at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago.
Library Scavenger Hunt (Naperville Public Library)
May 8, 2021 | during open hours
Bike BINGO (St. Charles)
May 8, 2021 | all day
Hinsdale Book Walk (Burns Park)
May 8, 2021 | all day
Monthly Kids Craft Giveaway (Fashion Outlets of Rosemont)
May 8, 2021 | all day
Circus Vazquez (North Riverside Park Mall)
May 8, 2021 | times vary on weekdays and weekends
Nature Walk (Mallard Lake, Hanover Park)
May 8, 2021 | 9:00am – 10:00am or 11:00am – 12:00pm
Must register in advance.
Going on a Gnome Hunt (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest)
May 8, 2021 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Growing Together: Mother’s Day Celebration (Berwyn)
May 8, 2021 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Virtual Author Visit: Joan Holub and Laurie Keller (Anderson’s Bookshop)
May 8, 2021 | 11:00am
Archery: Families (Blackwell, Warrenville)
May 8, 2021 | 11:00am – 12:30pm
Must register in advance.
Second Saturday: Family Program to Go (Cantigny Park, Wheaton)
May 8, 2021 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Downtown Naperville Chocolate Walk
May 8, 2021 | 12:30pm – 3:00pm
Purchase tickets online in advance.
Mother Daughter Tea Time (Roselle)
May 8, 2021 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Must register in advance.
The Progressive Farm: A Barnyard Tour (Kline Creek Farm)
May 8, 2021 | 1:30pm, 2:30pm or 3:30pm
Pop Art! (Oak Park)
May 8, 2021 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Must register in advance.
Family Canoeing (Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton)
May 8, 2021 | 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Must register in advance.
Sunday
Celebrate all types of mothers in your life today! You’ll find excitement at Fishing: With Mom at Hidden Lake in Downers Grove) or enjoy a relaxing “Under the Umbrellas” Mother’s Day Tea in Oak Park. In the evening, you’ll find a moving display of luminaries at Lake Ellyn Park that honor those mothers no longer with us. You can find more details about ways to participate through empowerHER LUMINARIA.
Bike BINGO (St. Charles)
May 9, 2021 | all day
Hinsdale Book Walk (Burns Park)
May 9, 2021 | all day
Monthly Kids Craft Giveaway (Fashion Outlets of Rosemont)
May 9, 2021 | all day
Library Scavenger Hunt (Naperville Public Library)
May 9, 2021 | during open hours
Circus Vazquez (North Riverside Park Mall)
May 9, 2021 | times vary on weekdays and weekends
Haiku Walk (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest)
May 9, 2021 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Fishing: With Mom (Hidden Lake, Downers Grove)
May 9, 2021 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Must register in advance.
Mother’s Day Brunch (Lake Oliva, Bartlett)
May 9, 2021 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
“Under the Umbrellas” Mother’s Day Tea (Oak Park)
May 9, 2021 | 11:00am – 12:30pm
Must register in advance.
Mother’s Day Picnic on the Porch (Oak Park)
May 9, 2021 | 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Must register in advance.
Partner Painting- Mother’s Day (Oak Park)
May 9, 2021 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Must register in advance.
The Progressive Farm: A Barnyard Tour (Kline Creek Farm)
May 9, 2021 | 1:30pm, 2:30pm or 3:30pm
Sheep Shearing Day (Kline Creek Farm, Warrenville)
May 9, 2021 | 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Must register in advance.
empowerHER LUMINARIA (Lake Ellyn Park, Glen Ellyn)
May 9, 2021 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Next Week
Please check to be sure the event is still being offered before you go, as many organizations are still adapting to the new changes in COVID-19 restrictions.
Free Admission Day (Field Museum, Chicago)
May 10, 2021 | all day
Discovery Bag: Dice Games (Downers Grove Public Library)
May 10, 2021 | all day
Bike BINGO (St. Charles)
May 10, 2021 | all day
Hinsdale Book Walk (Burns Park)
May 10, 2021 | all day
Library Scavenger Hunt (Naperville Public Library)
May 10, 2021 | during open hours
Circus Vazquez (North Riverside Park Mall)
May 10, 2021 | times vary on weekdays and weekends
Family Storytime in the Park (95th Street Community Plaza, Naperville)
May 10, 2021 | 10:30am – 11:00am
Kids Fun in the Afternoon (North Berwyn)
May 10, 2021 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm
The Progressive Farm: A Barnyard Tour (Kline Creek Farm)
May 10, 2021 | 1:30pm, 2:30pm or 3:30pm
Museum Field Trip Mondays (Downers Grove Museum)
May 10, 2021 | 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Must register in advance.
Bike BINGO (St. Charles)
May 11, 2021 | all day
Hinsdale Book Walk (Burns Park)
May 11, 2021 | all day
Free Admission for Illinois Residents (Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago)
May 11, 2021 | all day
Library Scavenger Hunt (Naperville Public Library)
May 11, 2021 | during open hours
Circus Vazquez (North Riverside Park Mall)
May 11, 2021 | times vary on weekdays and weekends
Baby Storytime in the Park (95th Street Community Plaza, Naperville)
May 11, 2021 | 9:30am – 10:00am
STEAM To-Go Kits (Bellwood Library)
May 11, 2021 |starting at 12:00pm until supplies last
Storytime at the Riverwalk (Naperville Public Library)
May 11, 2021 | 4:00pm – 4:30pm
Weather permitting.
Illinois Resident Free Day (Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago)
May 12, 2021 | all day
Hinsdale Book Walk (Burns Park)
May 12, 2021 | all day
Bike BINGO (St. Charles)
May 12, 2021 | all day
Pickup Program: Bee-utiful Garden Decoration (Downers Grove Public Library)
May 12, 2021 | all day
Library Scavenger Hunt (Naperville Public Library)
May 12, 2021 | during open hours
Circus Vazquez (North Riverside Park Mall)
May 12, 2021 | times vary on weekdays and weekends
Bookworms (Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton)
May 12, 2021 | 9:30am – 10:00am
Must register in advance.
Storytime at Creek Bend Nature Center (St. Charles)
May 12, 2021 | 10:00am
Must register in advance.
Wee Wonders: Baby Animals (Sand Ridge Nature Center, South Holland)
May 12, 2021 | 10:00am
Must register in advance.
Storytime at the Conservatory (Oak Park Conservatory)
May 12, 2021 | 10:00am or 11:00am
Must register in advance.
Open Nature Play Day (Trailside Nature Center, River Forest)
May 12, 2021 | 10:00am – 2:00pm
Registration is required.
Preschool Playtime (Oak Park)
May 12, 2021 | 10:15am – 11:45am
Storytime at the Riverwalk (Naperville Public Library)
May 12, 2021 | 10:30am – 11:00am
Weather permitting.
Frog Jumping Day (Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton)
May 12, 2021 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Must register in advance.
Free Admission Day (Field Museum, Chicago)
May 13, 2021 | all day
Hinsdale Book Walk (Burns Park)
May 13, 2021 | all day
Bike BINGO (St. Charles)
May 13, 2021 | all day
Library Scavenger Hunt (Naperville Public Library)
May 13, 2021 | during open hours
Circus Vazquez (North Riverside Park Mall)
May 13, 2021 | times vary on weekdays and weekends
Community Garage Sale (Montgomery)
May 13, 2021 | 8:00am – 4:00pm
The Progressive Farm: A Barnyard Tour (Kline Creek Farm)
May 13, 2021 | 1:30pm, 2:30pm or 3:30pm
Monarch Thursdays (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest)
May 13, 2021 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Must register in advance.
Pickup Program: Bookworm Wreath (Downers Grove Public Library)
May 14, 2021 | all day
Hinsdale Book Walk (Burns Park)
May 14, 2021 | all day
Bike BINGO (St. Charles)
May 14, 2021 | all day
Library Scavenger Hunt (Naperville Public Library)
May 14, 2021 | during open hours
Community Garage Sale (Montgomery)
May 14, 2021 | 8:00am – 4:00pm
Haiku Walk (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest)
May 14, 2021 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Touch-A-Truck Day (Batavia)
May 14, 2021 | 10:00am – 12:00pm
Open Nature Play Day (Trailside Nature Center, River Forest)
May 14, 2021 | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Registration is required.
Preschool Playtime (Oak Park)
May 14, 2021 | 1:00pm – 2:30pm
The Progressive Farm: A Barnyard Tour (Kline Creek Farm)
May 14, 2021 | 1:30pm, 2:30pm or 3:30pm
Second Friday (Downtown Batavia)
May 14, 2021 | 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Beep Bingo & Tailgating (Oswego)
May 14, 2021 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Must register in advance.
Parents’ Night Out (Geneva)
May 14, 2021 | 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Must register in advance.
Under the Stars Scavenger Hunt & Trivia (Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien)
May 14, 2021 | 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Spring Park Pride (Addison)
May 15, 2021 | all day
16th Annual Lilac Mutt Strut 5k Run and Walk (Lombard)
May 15, 2021 | times tba
Discovery Bag: Dice Games (Downers Grove Public Library)
May 15, 2021 | all day
Hinsdale Book Walk (Burns Park)
May 15, 2021 | all day
Bike BINGO (St. Charles)
May 15, 2021 | all day
Library Scavenger Hunt (Naperville Public Library)
May 15, 2021 | during open hours
Circus Vazquez (North Riverside Park Mall)
May 15, 2021 | times vary on weekdays and weekends
Trout Derby (York Center Park District, Lombard)
May 15, 2021 | 8:00am – 11:00am
May Soap Box Derby Rally (Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby, Naperville)
May 15, 2021 | 8:00am – 3:00pm
Community Garage Sale (Montgomery)
May 15, 2021 | 8:00am – 4:00pm
Disc Golf Ace Race (Glen Ellyn)
May 15, 2021 | 9:00am – 10:00am, 10:00am – 11:00am or 11:00am – 12:00pm
Must register in advance.
Pay it Forward (Berwyn)
May 15, 2021 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Great Western Prairie Volunteer Day (Elmhurst)
May 15, 2021 | 9:00am – 12:00pm
Creative Cooking (Oak Park)
May 15, 2021 | 9:00am – 12:00pm or 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Must register in advance.
Haiku Walk (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest)
May 15, 2021 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Frog Walk (Hidden Lakes, Bolingbrook)
May 15, 2021 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Must register in advance.
Pop-Up Workshop: Maywood (Elmhurst Art Museum)
May 15, 2021 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Armed Forces Day (Burr Ridge Veterans Memorial)
May 15, 2021 | 10:00am
Journey from the Heart: Native American Songs & Stories (Indian Prairie Public Library, Darien)
May 15, 2021 | 10:00am – 11:00am
Kids Garage Sale (Bolingbrook)
May 15, 2021 | 10:00am – 1:00pm
Sidewalk Art Contest (Westmont)
May 15, 2021 | 11:00am – 1:00pm
Day-of registration is allowed as long as there is space!
The Sweet and Secret History of Beekeeping at Lyman Woods (Downers Grove)
May 15, 2021 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Register in advance.
Go Fly a Kite (Peck Farm, Geneva)
May 15, 2021 | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
The Progressive Farm: A Barnyard Tour (Kline Creek Farm)
May 15, 2021 | 1:30pm, 2:30pm or 3:30pm
Train Saturday (DuPage County Historical Museum, Wheaton)
May 15, 2021 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Reservations strongly encouraged.
Pony Bead Sun Catchers (Oak Park)
May 15, 2021 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Must register in advance.
Swing Into Summer Barnyard Dance (St. Charles)
May 15, 2021 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Must register in advance.
Froggy Went a Courtin’ Night Hike (Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton)
May 15, 2021 | 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Must register in advance.
Bike BINGO (St. Charles)
May 16, 2021 | all day
Hinsdale Book Walk (Burns Park)
May 16, 2021 | all day
Library Scavenger Hunt (Naperville Public Library)
May 16, 2021 | during open hours
Circus Vazquez (North Riverside Park Mall)
May 16, 2021 | times vary on weekdays and weekends
Tails on the Trails (Morton Arboretum, Lisle)
May 16, 2021 | 7:00am – sunset
May Soap Box Derby Rally (Greater Chicago Soap Box Derby, Naperville)
May 16, 2021 | 8:00am – 3:00pm
Haiku Walk (Trailside Museum of Natural History, River Forest)
May 16, 2021 | 9:00am – 4:00pm
Families Building Gardens Together to Help Others (Inside Out Club, Aurora)
May 16, 2021 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Must register in advance.
Moms, Muffins & Magic (Pleasant Dale Park District, Burr Ridge)
May 16, 2021 | 10:00am – 11:30am
Pre-registration is required.
Wading and Scooping (Lincoln Marsh, Wheaton)
May 16, 2021 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Must register in advance.
The Progressive Farm: A Barnyard Tour (Kline Creek Farm)
May 16, 2021 | 1:30pm, 2:30pm or 3:30pm
Sheep Shearing Day (Kline Creek Farm, Warrenville)
May 16, 2021 | 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Must register in advance.
If you have feedback for us, please email Annie at annie@mykidlist.com. We strive to be the most helpful, comprehensive resource for families in the western suburbs!
Looking Ahead…
Find even more family-friendly events in our full list of May 2021 events.
You might also be interested in…
Map of Fun Outdoor Places to Go with Kids
Start Planning Your Summer with Our 2021 Summer Camp Guide
Your One-Stop Spot to Find Local Kids Classes and Teams
Updated Guide to the Best Kids Birthday Party Places, Ideas, Entertainment, Decor
Preschool and Daycare Guide
Your Local Guide to Kids Eat Free
We hope you found some family-friendly fun in our list of weekend events in the western suburbs of Chicago! This list is updated every week and sent out in the Kidlist emails. (Click here to sign up if you haven’t already.)
We love local businesses, libraries, park districts, villages, and organizations- they plan great events for all of us to enjoy. If you are hosting an event or know of an event that should be on our list, click here to submit it to the Kidlist calendar!
We strive to be the most comprehensive source for family fun, which is why you’ll always see so many weekend events listed instead of just picking what our family likes or only including what sponsors want us to. It would definitely be easier to just list the details for a few events and call them “the best weekend events for families”, but we recognize that everyone has different interests. Not to mention, sometimes I’m in the mood to go to a huge festival and sometimes I’d rather go to a low key storytime at the library. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way. That’s why we work hard and spend a lot of time to find everything going on in our area so you don’t have to! We hope you find it helpful and we are open to suggestions. The Kidlist Team always talks about how we can improve and evolve to meet your needs, so let us know!
Wanted to let you know Naperville Park District Table Tennis Tournament on January 18 has been cancelled.