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.
Laurie Berkner
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When: 11 a.m. Aug. 7
Where: Ravinia, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park
What: A pioneer in offering music geared to children and families, the singer will showcase an array of tunes that encourage everyone to get up and dance, including favorites such as “Waiting for the Elevator,” “We Are the Dinosaurs,” “Pig on Her Head” and “Superhero.” At Ravinia, 200 Ravinia Park Rd., Highland Park. Tickets: $10, $20.
More information: ravinia.org
Chicago World’s Fair of Money
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When: Aug. 10-14
Where: Donald A. Stephens Convention Center, Hall A, 5555 N. River Rd., Rosemont
What: Early American coins and historic money from around the world are the highlight of the Chicago World’s Fair of Money. Sponsored by the American Numismatic Association, the show features hundreds of dealers specializing in rare coins, paper money and gold and silver. Plus there are educational programs, family activities and free evaluations of old money. Admission: $10, $25 for a three-day pass, ages 12 and under free and free admission for all Aug. 14.
More information: worldsfairofmoney.com
Neighborhood festivals
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Celebrating all colors of the rainbow, Halsted Street Market Days offers music on six stages featuring DJs, live music and drag performers plus vendors selling arts, crafts and food. From Aug. 6-8, on Halsted from Belmont to Addison. Admission: $15. Visit northhalsted.com. … The music and craft beer festival Dancing in the Streets returns Aug. 6-8 with local bands, food trucks and more. On Hubbard from Paulina to Wood. Admission: $10. Visit westtownchamber.org. … The Printer’s Row Art Fest features art at all price points from a variety of artists. From Aug. 7-8, on Dearborn from Polk to Harrison. Admission is free. Visit amdurproductions.com. … Taste of Andersonville returns from 5-8 p.m. Aug. 11 from Edgewater to Carmen on Clark Street, where attendees can sample dinner, drink and dessert options. Tickets: $30-$65. For a list of participating restaurants, visit andersonville.org.
Chicago Fireboat Tours
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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
Merit School of Music
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When: To Aug. 28
Where: Various locations
What: In July and August, the music school hosts a family-friendly series of interactive pop-up events throughout Chicago neighborhoods from Pilsen to Lincoln Park. “Pop-ups in the Parks” offers free instrument tunings, demos and performances by students and faculty, “Music at the Markets” features performances and giveaways at outdoor markets and “Musical Storytimes” is filled with stories and activities.
More information: meritmusic.org
Adler Planetarium
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When: Ongoing
Where: 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr.
What: The planetarium has partially reopened with a selection of its award-winning sky shows. On weekends in July and August two shows will play twice daily: “Imagine the Moon” (10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m.) and “Skywatch Live” (11:30 am., 1:15 p.m.). The full museum won’t reopen until March 2022. Tickets: $15.
More information: adlerplanetarium.org
Tempel Lipizzans’ stallions
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When: Ongoing
Where: Tempel Farms, 17000 Wadsworth, Old Mill Creek.
What: The stallions return for a new season of equestrian dressage along with interactive, educational events. Performances feature synchronized movements set to classical music that show off the strength, beauty and intelligence of the Lipizzan horse. Following each event, there are self-guided tours through the stables to meet and pet the equine stars and ask questions of riders and trainers about how the Lipizzans are raised, trained and taught to “dance.” Tickets: $35, $25 for ages 4-14.
More information: tempelfarms.com
‘Par Excellence Redux’
When: “The Front 9” (to Sept. 16) and “The Back Nine” (Oct. 13-Jan. 2)
Where: Tee off at the Elmhurst Art Museum, 150 S. Cottage Hill, Elmhurst
What: A fun new 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.
‘Becoming Jane’
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When: To Sept. 6
Where: Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
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 Museum, “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.
Tickets: Admission: $18-$32
More information: fieldmuseum.org
‘Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago’s Greektown’
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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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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’
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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