Things to do with kids in and around ChicagoMary Houlihan – For the Sun-Timeson June 18, 2021 at 2:24 pm

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.

Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade

Sun-Times file

When: 2 p.m. June 19

Where: Division from Western to Sacramento

What: The first city parade since the pandemic changed everything will be this always lively event, once again featuring floats, marching bands, car clubs, motorcycle groups and, of course, an abundance of Puerto Rican flags. It’s sponsored by the Puerto Rican Cultural Center.

More information: prcc-chgo.org

Jayme Thornton

Laurie Berkner

When: 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. June 20

Where: Online

What: The children’s entertainer performs two live virtual Father’s Day concerts. The shows are interactive and families are encouraged to join in the live chat throughout the show. There are also pre-show music and videos, assorted games and a star-decorating activity. Tickets: $20.

More information: live.laurieberkner.com

The Great Galena Balloon Race

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa

When: June 18-20

Where: Eagle Ridge Resort, 444 Eagle Ridge, Galena

What: The race returns for a colorful, fun-filled weekend also featuring live music, a classic car show, an art show and an inflatable for kids. Proceeds benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Camp Hertko Hollow. Admission: $5.

More information: greatgalenaballoonrace.com

‘Becoming Jane’

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 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.

When: To Sept. 6

Where: Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.

Tickets: $18-$32. Visit fieldmuseum.org.

‘Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago’s Greektown’

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

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’

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

‘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

Read More