Looking for something to do with your family? Check out our highlights of current events and activities for kids.
Welcome to our highlights of events and entertainment in Chicago for kids and families to enjoy. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on the latest activities.
Field Museum
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Hugo van Lawick/National Geographic
What: Generations have been inspired by the work of primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall who has not only shown the urgent need to protect chimpanzees but also redefined species conservation to include the needs of local people and the environments. A new exhibit at the Field Museu, “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Jane Goodall,” follows her journey from a curious young child in England to a passionate scientist studying chimpanzees in Africa. Included in the exhibit are a recreation of her field research tent, a hologram-like projection of Goodall who shares her fieldwork memories, augmented reality activities and a projection of Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park.
When: To Sept. 6
Where: Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Tickets: $18-$32. Visit fieldmuseum.org.
Old Town Art Fair
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Courtesy Old Town Art Fair
When: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 12 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 13
Where: Around the Old Town Triangle Association building, 1763 N. North Park
What: The fair returns with hundreds of artists displaying their creations including paintings, sculpture, jewelry, digital art, prints, photography and mixed media. Live music is provided by, among others, Donna Herula Trio, Soulbillys and Zydeco Voodoo. There’s also a garden walk courtesy of Old Town residents, which features more than 50 quaint green spaces; a children’s area offers a chance for the younger set to get creative with face painting, music and arts and crafts. Pre-registration required. Admission: $12 donation.
More information: oldtownartfair.org
‘Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago’s Greektown’
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Courtesy Greektown Chicago
When: Through spring 2022
Where: Halsted from Monroe to Van Buren
What: Welcome summer with a new outdoor exhibit celebrating the start of summer with 24 artworks inspired by the sun and related mythologies from Greek, Aztec, Yoruba, Japanese and Native American cultures.
More information: greektownchicago.org
Kayak for Conservation
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Shedd Aquarium
When: Ongoing
Where: Kayak Chicago: 1220 W LeMoyne,
What: Get close to nature via the Shedd Aquarium’s popular Kayak for Conservation program, which features a variety of socially distant kayaking experiences on the Chicago River. Participants learn about the river’s environmental history and discover wildlife living in its ecosystem. Sessions are open to all levels of kayakers (including newbies) and are led by Shedd’s wildlife conservation experts. The cost is pay-what-you-can ranging from $20–$100 per participant, with a recommended $40, the base cost of the program.
More information: sheddaquarium.org/kayak
‘Make/Believe’
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Ghostlight Ensemble
When: On demand to July 4
Where: Online
What: Ghostlight Theatre’s annual festival for young audiences takes place virtually this year. Featured are six new short plays that run the gamut from “Sunshine and the Sea of Lost Things,” about a child with no memory lost at sea, to “It’s Poppin’,” about a balloon afraid of soaring through the clouds, to “Splash of Magic,” about a girl trying to conquer her fear of swimming. Tickets: $1-$10.
More information: ghostlightensemble.com
‘Hansel & Gretel’ in the Park
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Lyric Opera
When: Through June 18
Where: North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski
What: The Lyric Opera, Chicago Park District and the Greater Chicago Food Depository team up to present free, live performances of Engelbert Humperdinck’s 1893 opera based on the fairy tale. This is a new production conceived and directed by Matthew Ozawa and sung in English.
More information: lyricopera.org/hanselandgretel
‘Take Flight’
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Museum of Science and Industry
When: Permanent
Where: Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr.
What: The MSI’s Boeing 747 reopens with a reimagined exhibit that explores modern aviation and the science of flight. The plane’s interior has been restored and new interactive elements have been added. Tickets: $12.95, $21.95.
More information: msichicago.org
