Sensational September: Family-Friendly Events This Month!

Family Festival: Swedish American Museum

Time:September 7th, 11am-4pm

Location:5201 N Ashland Ave

Cost:Free

About:This year marks the 50thanniversary of Swedish-American Buzz Aldrin landing on the moon. The festival will honor him and his culture, and will include face painting, crafts, games, raffles, and Swedish food. Some items will have a fee, but most is free!

Low-Sensory Early Exploration: Museum of Science and Industry

Time:September 8th, 8:30am-12pm

Location: 5700 S Lake Shore Dr

Cost:Free, preregistration required

About:The museum will offer the featured exhibits with additional accommodations for sensory needs: having fewer crowds and designated quiet spaces. It includes access to Farm Tech, the Idea Factory, and Circus exhibits.

Minecraft Party

Time:September 14th, 5:30pm-8pm

Location:Power Up Tech Academy, 2867 N Clybourn Ave

Cost:$25

About:An opportunity for kids ages 7-12 to meet other players and play on either private or public servers. The event includes supervision during the playing time.

Fall Fest: Lincoln Park Zoo

Time:Beginning September 27th

Location:2001 N Clark St

Cost: Free entry, attractions require tickets

About:A festival for the whole family, with attractions including a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, professional pumpkin carvers, animal chats, a Ferris wheel, and bounce houses.

Kristen McManus, MOT, OTR/L

Occupational Therapist

Photo Credit: Jugendweihebb via Pixabay

Awesome August: Events the Whole Family Will Love!

Make the most of summer in the city with these family-friendly events and activities!

Wiggleworms

Time: Friday, August 2ndfrom 10:00am-11:45am

Location: Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park, Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, 60611

Cost: Free and open to the public!

About: Come play along as Wiggleworms, the Old Town School of Folk Music’s celebrated early childhood music program, welcomes young children and their families to the world of music. Children sing, dance, learn finger plays and story songs, and explore rhythm instruments especially designed for little hands. Geared toward children ages newborn through four years.

Chicago Children’s Museum Free Day

Time: Sunday, August 4thfrom 10:00am-5:00pm

Location: Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, 60611

Cost: Free admission for children under 15 years of age

About: Explore the exhibits at the Chicago Children’s Museum with free admission for all children under 15 years of age on the first Sunday of the month.

Family Yoga

Time: Saturday, August 10thfrom 10:00am-11:00am

Location: Unity Park, 2636 N Kimball Ave, Chicago, 60647

Cost: Free!

About: Join in for a fun flow that will focus on breath, movement, and family. Yoga is taught using dance, story-telling, partner poses, and having fun together! All ages and levels welcome.

Air and Water Show

Date and time: Saturday, August 17th – Sunday, August 18thfrom 10:00am-3:00pm both days

Location: Officially located at North Avenue Beach, 1600 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, 60613, but viewable along the lakefront from Fullerton Ave to Oak Street

Cost: Free!

About: Watch the talented pilots of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Royal Air Force Red Arrows as they perform impressive stunts to wow the crowd.

Caitlin Chociej, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

Photo Credit: Yulianto Pointier via Pexels

Join In! July Activities for Families

Get out and enjoy the city this July with the following fun activities for the whole family!

Chicago Children’s Museum Free Day:

Time: July 7th10:00am-5:00pm.

Location: Chicago Children’s Museum 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, 60611

Cost: Admission is free for children under 15.

About: Check out the sights of the Chicago Children’s Museum with free admission for all children under 15 years old on the first Sunday of the month.

 

Play Days at the Farm:

Time:Every Tuesday and Saturday 10:00am-12:00pm.

Location: Lincoln Park Zoo 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, 60614

Cost: Free!

About: Children ages 1-5 and their caregivers join Play Assistants at the Farm-in-the-Zoo for a variety of nature-based activities.

 

Family Night: Mini Golf Build and Play:

Time:July 11th5:30pm-7:30pm

Location: Chicago Public Library (Lincoln Belmont Location) 1659 W. Melrose Street
Chicago, 60657

Cost: Free!

About: Help design, build, and play on a miniature golf course! Best for children 8 years and older, but younger children are welcome with adult help.

 

Family Swim Nights:

Time: July 19th, 20th, 26th, and 27th 6:30pm-8:00pm.

Location: Goldfish Swim School 2630 W Bradly Rd, Chicago, 60618

Cost: $10 per child, with a family maximum of $30.

About: Get the whole family swimming together! Register online beginning at 10:00am on the day of the event.

 

Natalie Machado, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist

Photo Credit: William Stadler from FreeImages