Set out on the river captaining your own boat, check out the butterflies at Chicago Botanic Garden or participate in a delicious donut-themed run and kids’ dash. This weekend is all about staying local and showing love to our sweet home, Chicago. Read on and start planning a weekend to remember!
photo: Stan’s Donuts
Go on a Run . . . Eat a Donut: Perfect Combo
A donut-themed run? Uh, yes, please. Head to Montrose Harbor for a 5K and a kids dash that benefits Great Chicago Food Depository, hosted by Stan’s Donuts. Sat. Event details.
Captain Your Own Boat
Gather your family and take advantage of a Chicago summer day spent on the water, with you helming the boat. Fri.-Sun. Event details.
Only a Couple More Weeks! Outdoor Play at Kohl Children’s Museum
For just a bit longer you can experience SummerBurst: An EXPLORsion of Outdoor Fun’s interactive STEAM-focused activities. Fri.-Sun. Event details.
Watch a Virtual Chalk Art Fest
Acclaimed Chicago 3D chalk artist Nate Baranowski will demonstrate the creation of his you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it 3D chalk art. Fri. Event details.
Pick Your Favorite Dino at Brookfield Zoo’s Dinos Everywhere
Nearly 45 animatronic dinosaurs that are BIGGER and BADDER than any dinos you’ve ever met are visiting Brookfield Zoo. Look for these earth-shakers throughout the park. Fri.-Sun. Event details.
Get Lost in a Sea of Butterflies at Chicago Botanic Garden
Hundreds of winged beautifies and pretty petals are waiting to greet you at Butterflies and Blooms. Fri.-Sun. Event details.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors and the Human + Nature Sculptures
Five massive sculptures rise above the natural landscape at Morton Arboretum. The thought-provoking human forms paired with elements of nature bring attention to the deep connection between people and nature. Fri.-Sun. Event details.
Not Many More Weekends! A Day Well Spent at Raging Waves
Have silly kid-like fun at Illinois’ largest waterpark playing on their 32 slides or cooling off in their massive wave pool. Fri.-Sun. Event details.
Live Music and Family Time at Naper Nights
Naper Settlements invites you enjoy family time while listening to John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Beach Boys and John Mellancamp tribute bands. Fri. & Sat. Event details.
Party Likes it’s 1499 at Bristol Renaissance Faire
Transport yourself to Elizabethan England and enjoy the costumed characters, period music, jousting tournaments, acrobatic and comedy acts, rides, games and more! Sat. & Sun. Event details.
Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Luck is on your side because we have loads more to-dos on our calendar—even lots of virtual activities to connect with people, museums and businesses all over the country. Check it out!
— Maria Chambers
RELATED STORIES:
100 Things to Do with Kids in Chicago
Get the Dirt on Veggie & Berry-Picking Season
A Stunning New Exhibit & Other Fab Reasons to Visit The Morton Arboretum
Find Your Path to Summer Fun on These Chicago Bike Trails
Get to Know Your City with This Chicago-Themed Scavenger Hunt