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.
‘The Secret Yes’
“The Secret Yes”Tom McGrath
When: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sept. 18, 25
Where: Portage Park, 4100 N. Long
What: Filament Theatre presents a free outdoor play in which small groups of families journey to the Land of No and explore themes of advocacy, resilience, community and changemaking. Advance registration required.
More information: For updated information regarding the theater’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit filamenttheatre.org.
Monster Jam
“Grave Digger” Monster TruckCourtesy of Monster Jam
When: 7 p.m. Sept. 17; 1, 7 p.m. Sept. 18, and 1, 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19.
Where: Allstate Arena, Rosemont
What: Expect gravity-defying feats as 12,000-pound trucks, in all their colorful glory, go head-to-head in competitions at the Allstate Arena. A Pit Party at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 18-19 features massive trucks up-close, live interviews and Q&As with drivers, autograph cards, photo ops and more. Tickets: $25-$100.
More information: For updated information regarding the venue’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit rosemont.com/allstate/.
Neighborhood festivals
There’s so much food to enjoy at the Lakeview Taco Fest.Chicago Events
Lakeview Taco Fest features a vast menu of tacos, a Lucha Libre-style Mexican wrestling match, live music and children’s activities. From 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sept. 18-19, on Southport from Addison to Roscoe. Admission: $10 suggested donation. Visit chicagoevents.com. … Start your Christmas shopping early at the Renegade Craft Fair from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 18-19. On Division, from Damen to Ashland. Visit renegadecraft.com. … A wide variety of art can be found at the West Loop Art Fest. From 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 18-19 at Washington and Halsted. Visit starevents.com. … The debut of the Englewood Music Fest includes performances by Syleena Johnson, Crucial Conflict, Jenipher Jones, J Lamar, Shawcy and more. From noon-7 p.m. Sept. 18 at West 63rd and Halsted. Admission is free. Visit englewoodmusicfest.com.
WPB Art Quest
“Butterfly Effect,” a mural by Ali SixPhoto by Garrett Karp
When: Ongoing
Where: Wicker Park, Bucktown
What: The WPB Art Quest offers free self-guided tours of Wicker Park and Bucktown, including sculptures, galleries and murals. Among the murals is a new creation by street artist Ali Six titled “Butterfly Effect,” which is a tribute to Olga Maria Calderon, who was killed a year ago in a stabbing at a nearby Walgreens. From Sept. 15-Oct. 15, registration is optional; anyone who purchases a $45 ticket will receive a limited-edition t-shirt featuring Ali Six’s new mural. A portion of the proceeds will go to charity.
More information: A map of murals and public art is available at wickerparkbucktown.com/muralspublicwork
Haunted houses
The spirits of the underworld emerge in “Spirit of Halloween.”13th Floor
When: Sept. 10-Nov. 13
Where: 5050 River Rd, Schiller Park
What: The haunted house season kicks off with two all-new shows from 13th Floor Chicago. “Bad Blood” revolves around an ancient feud between vampires and werewolves, and in “Spirit of Halloween,” a witch casts a spell to summon the spirits of the underworld. Tickets: $19.99+.
More information: For vaccination and/or mask policies, visit 13thfloorchicago.com.
Chicago Fireboat Tours
Chicago Fireboat Tours offer great views of Chicago’s waterways.Courtesy Chicago Fireboat Tours
When: Ongoing
Where: DuSable Harbors, 111 N. Lake Shore Dr.
What: Built in 1936, the Fred A. Busse was the largest, diesel-powered fireboat in the world at the time and served the Chicago Fire Department from 1937-1981. The current owners renovated the retired fireboat, which is now in its second season cruising Chicago waterways. Tickets: $35-$40, $19.50 ages 4-12.
More information: fireboattours.com
‘Par Excellence Redux’
When: “The Back Nine” (Oct. 13-Jan. 2)
Where: Tee off at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill, Elmhurst
What: A fun exhibit features a fully playable 18-hole mini-golf course created by more than 20 artists, designers and architects from Chicago and beyond. The family-friendly course pays homage to the School of the Art Institute’s wildly popular 1988 exhibition “Par Excellence.” Course themes range from social justice to the occult and include a fortune-telling hole that has the power to dramatically change scores as well as a hole that challenges players with an optical illusion. Admission is $5-$10 (online timed reservations); children 4 and under free.
More information: elmhurstartmuseum.org
Chicago Children’s Museum
Where: Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand
When: Ongoing
What: Fun and learning are on the agenda at the popular family gathering spot, offering a wide variety of exhibits aimed at improving children’s lives by creating a community where play and learning connect. Babies and toddlers can enjoy “Treehouse Trails” and “Kids Town” while “Tinker Lab” and “Dinosaur Expedition” will enthrall older children. Admission: $19.
More information: chicagochildrensmuseum.org.
‘Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago’s Greektown’
Detail view of James Mesple’s Sun and Moon Image featured in the “Hello Helios” exhibit in GreektownCourtesy 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
The Shedd Aquarium’s popular “Kayak for Conservation” program.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
‘Take Flight’
The Boeing 747 at “Take Flight.”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
